Time to Share
Hey everyone,
One of the great things about having a blog is being able to write out what I’m feeling or thinking without having a camera on me.
Having a camera on you when you’re about to let someone in on a secret or something personal is pretty terrifying. It’s one thing to do a weather forecast, joke around with the anchors or do a silly dance when the moment is right (and you know how I love to bust a move! HA!) It’s another to go on camera and let the world see a piece of your real-life. I’ve always been a fairly open person on television when the opportunity presented itself. (You may have seen pictures of my wedding, honeymoon, and a makeup free, soapy, wet- bathtub head picture up for all the world to see on TV), but why do I do this? Because I’m a real person that for a minute or two wants people to know what I look like without all the fancy lights, hair product and spackle.
Having said that, I also think it is important being a broadcaster to be able to use the bright lights, the microphone and the written word to communicate and lead by example. I find nowadays, there hasn’t been enough of that. Media has (lately) been used to show the mean and sad side of the world today. The focus has shifted to celebrities-gone-wild, and their downward spiral to presidential candidates who will do or say anything to make themselves look better than their running mates. It’s depressing, and maybe one of the things that has motivated me to do better. Luckily, some of us can still use those bright lights, a microphone and my laptop for a better purpose.
So here it is – no fancy lights or flashy graphics: I have Multiple Sclerosis.
I join about 400,000 Americans that are diagnosed with this strange and scary disease every year (the MS Society says a person is diagnosed once every hour). I have been pretty open around family and friends about this since I first became aware of it 2-1/2 years ago, but I was always a fearful to let anyone else in on my deep, dark secret. You can imagine why this might terrify me to go public because of the stigma it carries and the uncertainty of how this disease may affect me in the future. It was much easier just being called “Janice Dean the Weather Machine” instead of possibly “the lady that has MS”
But I’m fine with that now. Instead of remaining silent, I would like to be a voice for those who don’t have one. Maybe even give someone hope that they too can have this disease and still fulfill their dreams.
So what the heck is MS anyway? Here’s the definition from the MS Society website, which has all sorts of great information:
MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses. In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken.Myelin not only protects nerve fibers, but makes their job possible. When myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.
So how did I find out I had this disease? I’m sure I’ve had it for years as I look back at some of the weird symptoms I’ve had but ignored over the last few years, but the one big red flag was the one morning I woke up and realized I couldn’t feel the bottoms of my feet! After several tests, it was obvious to the doctors what I had.
Luckily, there are many MS trail-blazers before me that have spoken up and lead by example. My dear friend Neil Cavuto who held my hand and let me cry on his shoulder two years ago, kept telling me I would get through it and it might even make me stronger. He was right.
Here is a link a link to Neil’s story on the MS Society website:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOM_LIVE_neil_cavuto
When I was first “diagnosed”, all I wanted to do was find people who had the illness and be able to talk to them and see how they were doing. I also picked up as many books as I could find by people I recognized. Richard Cohen, an award winning journalist and author, is a huge advocate of people with MS and chronic illnesses. He has spent much of his life speaking out and putting a “face on disease” that we are so scared to look at. The day I met Richard I felt that I was meeting a rock star. He has no idea how much book comforted me and kept me company when I felt so alone. You do not need an illness to be inspired by his books Blindsided and his latest, Strong at the Broken Places. He opened up his life to me, and told me if I ever needed to call him “just to talk” he was there for me. I adore that man.
Here is a link to Richard’s bio:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOM_LIVE_richard_cohen
Teri Garr, the Oscar-nominated actress, is another famous person that has gone public with her MS. She was featured in my MS Awareness Week report that aired on Fox & Friends and the Fox Report this Sunday. I dove into her book Speedbumps to find out how she was diagnosed and how she managed, especially in a world like Hollywood where people are so concerned with outer beauty and being perfect. I think she is incredibly brave for telling her story and helping others. And I think she is more gorgeous for showing her true self for the world to see and inspire others.
This is her bio on the MS Society website:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOM_LIVE_spotlight_garr
After reading countless books and articles, and talking to many people, including Neil, Teri and Richard, I have decided it’s time to join those in the public forum who wish to educate, and make more aware, with this disease that affects so many people. I also want to stress that we can survive, even thrive, with this illness.
MS Society website:
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx
If you or someone you know struggles with this illness, please know that you are not alone. As one of my heros Richard Cohen says “I know the journey”.
Love,
Janice
Dear Janice,
I just watched your segment this morning on Fox & Friends about your struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. Your story was very moving for me and deeply touched my heart.
My mother lost her battle with this disease just three days after Thanksgiving in 1996. She was diagnosed in 1978.
Medicine has come a long way since 1978 and I am so thankful that you were correctly diagnosed and early enough in the disease’s onset that your doctors have found an effective therapy to treat you. Such was not the case with my mother.
I have always thought you were a lovely individual with a truly delightful personality. Seeing your courageous story this morning made we wish my mother were still alive to see how well you are coping. My mother was a very brave woman throughout her life and she certainly was her very bravest when she learned she had MS.
I will keep you in my heart always with prayers and best wishes. You closed the segment with the words, “I’ll keep dancing until I can’t dance anymore.” My mother did the same thing and when she couldn’t dance anymore her heart took over the dance. She always had a smile for me and endless love.
I tell everyone, “I have diabetes, diabetes doesn’t have me.” Don’t let MS “have you.” God bless you, Janice. May God bless your lovely family as well. Take care.
Best personal regards,
Carol Hall
A friend of Fox & Friends
Janice, I wrote a thread for you at my blog.
Janice,
I admire you for having the courage to share this very personal issue with us. More than ever, I consider you a Goddess. A silly crush has evolved into awe. You are truly a role model.
Luis
Prayers and warm thoughts.
Don’t ever let fear be the deciding factor in anything you do…
Dawn
Dear Janice,
I DVR Fox and Friends Weekend so I don’t miss a minute of it when I wake up. I just watched your segment a few minutes ago. My son is 5 1/2 years old and he has Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. Anyway, listening to you speak about living a normal life gives me hope for my son. I worry every day about what will happen to him and how he will manage when he gets older. He was diagnosed at 21 months so like you said aboout your diagnosis, we know early on what is wrong with him so we can make sure he gets all the necessary therapies he needs along with the proper medical treatment. People also often mistake his MD for MS. Living a somewhat normal life is all I wish for my son and listening to others like you talk about your life and your accomplishments make me feel like it is possible. Thank you for sharing your story.
Krissy
Loyal Fox and Friends Listener
Janice, you’re awesome. We love you.
Dearest Janice,
Thank you for sharing this with us. I love watching you and enjoy your candid nature on the show. It’s real people like you that make the world go ’round! I have never met you, but I’m willing to bet that you are one of those people that lights up the room when you enter. There’s nothing like a warm, lovely weather girl on a cold New England day.
Hugs,
Steve
Janice,
I was diagnosed with MS in 1992. As with others, you can relate to symptoms from years earlier, but for one reason or another, didn’t pursue it or was misdiagnosed. In the mid 90’s I was feeling a little depressed. I was raising two teen boys (wife passed away years earlier) and traveling around the country at a moments notice and incurring the wrath of self injections of the disease modifying drugs. A “co-worker” I did not know came to visit me and informed me that he also had MS. After telling each other many MS related anecdotes he said to me before he left, “there is really no sense in having this crap if you can’t laugh about it.” I have been laughing ever since and doing great. Also, I believe stress plays an important facctor. I was seeing the neurologist every 3 or 6 months. My last visit I was told “see you in a year.” Retirement a year ago has done wonders. No stress. After 34 years with the FBI I can do alot more laughing. God bless and keep laughing.
Chris
Krissy…
Warm and peaceful thoughts and prayers to your son and the rest of your family…I know your love and support for him will help him deal with whatever challenges he may face in his life….
Warmly
Dawn
Janice,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that you
will laugh and dance your way through this disease.
You are a blessing to all and I love the way
you tell it like it is.
All the best.
Cindy
Janice,
I thought I did DVR Fox and Friends this morning …but the show I recorded started at 8AM and I missed your appearance
(hope to catch it later).
So I read the blog and just found out about your courageous fight against Multiple Sclerosis.
Of course, I didn’t expect it and don’t know much about the disease but in a way, given the fact you are one of the most incredibly positive and genuine personality on TV, I’m sure it is somehow a blessing for all the persons who have MS to have you to speak on their behalf now to all the rest of us and to inform us better.
And I’m actually going to read now the links you posted in your message.
Love you Janice,
you’re so meaningful…
you’re the best!
Guillaume
Janice,
My thoughts are with you and your family. I too have MS I was diaognosed when I was 24, six months after the birth of my first/only son. I’m now 26 and living life one day at a time. My son has been the best cure for me. My husband and Mom bought me my dream farm a year ago. I now live on four acres and have my horses and other animals to keep me very busy. My son and I spend every day enjoying what life has given us. My horses seem to be one of the best therapies for me right now. There calmness and never ending love just lets my body feel free. I don’t feel so alone anymore when I here that there are stories silmilar to mine. Take care and thanks for your strength.
Warmest thoughts,
Erin
Janice,
It takes a truly special person to be able to share something like this with everyone, even folks that you don’t personally know. I always knew that you were a sweet and special woman, and this just further proves that point. You will most certainly be in my thoughts and prayers, and I have no doubt that I speak for everyone when I say I love you. There’s no question in my mind that you will make it through this.
Justin
Janice,
Thanks for sharing a very personal and difficult challenge in your life. I, too, have MS; I was diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 24. I have found that talking to others about MS not only educates them but I draw strength from their responses, as well.
Laughter is a big part of dealing with the good times and the bad news, so never lose your sense of humor
I wish you an abundance of happiness and strength as you face this challenge. Be open and flexible, and always listen to what your body is telling you; you may not like what it says, but it will make your life a little easier if you do.
You are in my prayers,
Kelly
Hey, Janice:
I saw your segment this morning. First, you will always be known as a lady and as the Weather Machine, and NOT AS “that lady with MS.” So, don’t worry about that.
It is always brave to admit to having illnesses, especially when you broadcast it. All I can say is, yes, indeed, you can strive and survive with MS as you put it.
I think that illnesses (in general) are like fear, it is something that you have to put in its proper perspective and the results can (hopefully) do wonders for you.
That’s it. There is nothing more I can say about this, especially since everyone else here says it much better than I can.
Janice-you RAVISHING, RED HOT BABE!
Sal
BTW-I am flattered that you missed my presence here. I did not have a chance to visit the site because I have been taking care of my own issues. No, no improvement on the love life here (you asked me once about it)…being a Fox news watcher is like being a nice guy…we sleep alone.
NYC is a very difficult town when it comes to dating.
In any event, the name of the game is for you to continue doing what you do, Janice and for us to constantly watch your broadcasts since we do love you.
Janice, I am saddened to hear that you have been diagnosed with MS, the same disease that Teri Garr and Alan Osmond were diagnosed with. As a fan of yours (and from the Christmas Day 2005 dancing episode to the day you announced your engagement to your husband-to-be Sean [I really loved the Christmas 2006 episode where you modeled the rings], my major crush-now I see why Sean married you), I know that you are very brave and can fight this, and you have the support of your husband Sean (who helped with the NYFD in America’s most tragic time) and us. We love you Janice Dean. Get Well Soon!
Dear Janice; Inasmuch as 3/10-3/17 is MS Awareness Week it seems fitting to add some comments to your blog site. Your attitude re. MS puts you in the drivers seat from the get go. As you evaluate your ongoing response to the vagaries of the disease and the medications you may be recieving be aware that your options now include a truly disease-modifying biological which markedly diminishes the number of relapses and improves quality of life. The choice of treatment options,of course, is a totally individual matter. The most significant factor to stress is that the days of despair re. therapy for this disease are over, and I feel certain that you can find the best treatment regimen available so that all of us can continue to enjoy you at your very optomistic best. All the best—Rey
Janice..
I got up early to watch you this morning..and was broken hearted with your news.. I could see and feel your deep emotions..along with that super inner strength that I know you have. I know I may appear to be a nut-case with my silly southern words sometimes…but I care deeply about people and their pain.. I am glad you shared this…and if anybody can make something good from it, you can..I really admire you Janice,you are beautiful on the inside and out…the world is a better place, because you are in it…and I am proud to be your blog friend…
Love,Deb
Hi Janice,
I was born in Watertown NY and my cousin Marcia Fields now resides in Dexter turned me on to the Newsjunky. I read your blog off the NewsJunky and want you to know I too have MS. I now reside in Henrietta, NY. For years my disease was never diagnosed my earliest symptoms of this disease started when I was about 12 or 13 years old, I would lay in bed flat on my back and my arms and legs would be numb like they had fallen asleep, I was told by doctors that “it was growing pains” or “well your a women”. When I turned 40 years old I had a problem with vertical double vision and went to an eye doctor who told me “Well you need bifocals”. The following year in 2000 I suffered sever double vision horizontally and went back to the same eye doctor who leaped out of his chair, and the very next day I was back to see the neuro-opthamologist in this office who leaped out of his chair and the next day I went for an MRI some people in the office waiting had an appointment one or two months prior, so I knew something was strange. Needless to say I was diagnosed with a severe form of this disease. I work with the most wonderful Neurologist in Rochester Dr. David N. Smith. One thing Janice is never let this disease stop you or anyone with it. Keep the faith. Years ago there were not many drugs if any drugs to treat this disease, but now there are so many. I was on most of the ABC drugs and IV steroids to no avail, but now I go once a month for IV treatment of Tysabri and I have not had what I call an attack for one year, which is a miracle for me, each attack I had caused me perment damage. My right arm feels like a tree limb, but it did feel like a concrete block wall, so I will take the tree limb my vision, bladder, bowels, balance and the ability to walk for very short periods with Canadian crutches. Thanks to my friends were I worked for 24 years when I did not qualify for a scooter through my HMO the people at work took up a private collection amongst themselves and raised $2000.00 to purchase a brand new scooter for me.
My message is hang in there and keep passing that message on, each person seems to have MS in different degrees of MS and some people may never experience what I have and I know I don’t have MS as bad off as others do. Keep praying for better drugs, which are in phase one and two and three drug trials all the time. Develop a great relationship don’t be afraid to ask questions of your doctors talk to them and get their opinions or feelings on what you are saying. WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT! LAUGH IT’S THE BEST MEDICINE.
Jefferson County has a chapter of the MS society and I am sure they would love any assistance in meetings of the local chapter and the MS walk held in April or May.
Take care Janice keep the faith
Trudy Taylor
Henrietta NY
Janice,
I had missed your segment this morning, but did DVR F&F. I have just now watched your segment and am deeply moved by your story and your courage. You are now permanently added to my daily prayer list of those I love and want to lift up for God’s mercy, strength, comfort, healing, or whatever it may be that you need on a particular day.
Please know that your many fans love you so dearly and hope to continue watching you dance for years to come.
My very best thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Gwen Walton
Collinsville, MS
Janice,
Like the many others who posted before me, I was so touched to see you share your very personal story this morning. I am sure it must have been very difficult for you, but what a blessing your story has been to so many.
Thank you for letting us in, in a very personal way. Thank you for sharing your struggle and putting yourself out there, with no pretenses.
Jenn
Apex, NC
Janice,
The definition of courage is to be scared out of your mind and do something anyway. Revealing that you have a serious illness like MS, whether you did it here on the blog or on the air, shows that you have courage. You rock, lady!
Scarlet Termite
Janice,
You will always be known as The Weather Machine. It is good to have the support from your coworkers and fans and especially Neil, who has lived with the disease for years. Stay strong and don’t lose your sense of humor.
Tim
Janice,
You’re truly a ‘calm’, on many a days when there are ’storms’.
I was dx’ed in 03′. I’ve had 19 infusions, with my choice of a DMD.(Disease Modifying Drug) Like you, no one would ever know I have MS. I’m still dx’ed mild, after 5 years and I’m 54 yrs old. Laughter is truly one of the best medicines, along with a-lot of love and support from close friends and family. I also add huge doses of:
Diet, excercise, supplements, and prayer. This is good a good regiment, even if you’re ‘normal’!
Loved the day you became engaged, the wedding photos and just your ‘true’ daily appearance, on FOX.
Wishing you and yours, well!
Beth
Hi Janice,
I admire you for posting this information about yourself.
You are a strong girl and no doubt you will fight this disease and you will gain victory.
There are many treatments that you should be worry…..If it is not too personal, would you mind share what treatment are you taking at this time?
We all love you and hope to see you strong on your feet as usual.
PJ
Janice - You are a great inspiration to members of the Fox audience. You have so many people pulling for you! It’s been a delight watching you lighten things up over the years. I know we’ll be watching you for many, many years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It’s just a matter of time before the breakthrough that will lead to resolving MS once and for all! Much love….
Kevin
Janice
Thanks for sharing. I too have MS, I was diagnoses 3 yrs ago, as a single parent I worried what would happen. I felt alone, wanting to know why me, what had I done to deserve this. A friend of mine introduced me to someone who also had MS and after long discussions and support. I started living again. I take one day at a time, I have destress my life as much as I could, which is difficult to do and doing things that I’ve always wanted to do.
warmest thought
Janice, I’ll keep this brief. Thank you for being honest. You are an inspiration to many. We love you and are praying for you!
I’m on dialysis after losing my kidneys to another autoimmune disease, Wegener’s granulomatosis. The disease is different, but we have some circumstances in common.
You have a huge asset working for you. You are a naturally joyful person. That positive attitude will serve you well.
Maybe you should put together an album of Janice Dean’s favorite dance tunes to benefit the MS Society! Throw in a DVD of your best moves, and you’d have a big seller on your hands!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many comments on your blog before. I was at church this morning so missed the segment! Is it online anywhere? Would love to see it!
I know this had to be a very scary decision for you to make. I hope that you’ll only receive positive and supportive responses, but you never know with people. I have a dear friend who has MS. She’s such an amazing person and always seems to push forward no matter what. MS seems to be one of those conditions that people know so little about. It could be because it effects each person so differently. There isn’t a list of stages that everyone goes through. What you’re doing by coming out and letting everyone know that you’re going through this, it will help people to understand what it is better and that life does go on and you can face each day as it comes.
Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers so much. And I REALLY want to see the segment so please tell me it’s online somewhere!!!!!!!
Dear Janice,(Weather Machine,Dancing Girl)
You are so courageous and brave to share with us about your MS;I love watching you on
Fox and reading your blog and the cartoons;you are a blessing to manyof us with your cheerful attitude;praying for you.
Betty
(Lynn…Not sure if Janice is going to post the segment on the blog…I know you can see it here…)
(Hope you dont mind my posting a link to the segment Janice…Feel free to remove if you would rather not ….Which ever makes you feel comfortable)
http://homepage.mac.com/mkoldys/blog/qtb226768915.html
Awww, Janice, bless you and Neil Cavuto! I love you both!
Dear Janice,
Thank you so much for allowing the rest of us in on what is an extremely personal issue. I have had MS for over 20 years and although I am extraordinarily lucky in that I am still so well, it does sometimes scare me. Why does it make me feel better to have someone share his or her story? I am not sure - but thank you! Thanks also to Neil Cavuto for sharing his story with us as well. I wish you and Neil the very best.
Sincerely,
Dianne Wells
Janice,
I am surprised the story wasn’t about this treatment for MS as CBS just did this story in Florida and all of us taking this drug for MS, Parkinson’s and myself for cancer know it is ability to halt disease.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Low+dose+naltrexone&search_type=
Those taking Low dose Naltrexone for MS can’t say enough about it:
http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/
Instead of giving into the disease and doing a program about “awareness” , we recommend you do your research and look into helping all those people who would benefit.
I know it has kept me alive with terminal cancer.
Dee
http://www.ldn4cancer.com
Hi…a Gretawire poster shared your information over there and just wanted to stop by and wish you the best. I have a friend who has had the disease for some 15 years now–she is in her early 50’s and she is doing great! Your attitude is everything and looks like you have chosen some fabulous people for support in Richard and Neil. Truly wish you the best of health and thank you for the good work you do on Fox. And I salute you for coming out, so-to-speak, re having the disease as I am certain you are helping more people than you will ever know…
Janice, you are in my prayers. One day they will find cures for all these diseases. Hope it’s soon.
Neil is a great person, too. Wish you both the very best. I think God picks the cream of the crop to bring things into the open. You, girl, are the cream of the crop!
Janice: You have surrounded yourself with some mighty fine people (Richard and Neil) as mentors! I have a friend who has had MS for 15+ years and she is doing just fine! Thank you for “coming out” as I am sure you are helping more people than you’ll ever know. The importance of a positive attitude can never be denied. God Bless and take care.
Hello,
I admire your strength and your courage to speak about your battles with MS. I was diagnosed September 2004. After struggling through some really depressing times I finally stopped feeling sorry for myself and used the experience as a positive one also. I went back to school and will have an MBA this September. Woo Hoo
I admire your courage to speak out because I still am not comfortable letting people know about this illness. In fact, I know I have hurt some close friends and relatives because they want to show how much they care about me by getting everyone they know involved with the MS walks and I get very irritated with them for putting the spotlight on me. It’s getting better little by little but still very unsettling.
MSWatch used to have chat rooms for people with MS and their caregivers to talk about things. In the newly diagnosed chat room there was a lady named Cindy A.K.A. “HostMom”. This woman helped me and I believe several other individuals through very difficult times. I attribute some of my recent successes to her because she was always so strong, nuturing, and kept me focused on my goals. SHe also has MS.
Unfortunately, MSWatch does not provide this service anymore. I wish there was another site that would offer these chats because it provides some comfort to MS patients when they do not want to unload on their caregivers, friends, and family.
Stay strong
Warmest Regards,
Dani
Hey Janice,
I was just telling my husband 2 days ago that your face is one of my favorite faces on t.v. You are so open-faced. Now, I know you are an open-soul. How brave of you to announce your personal struggles in such a public way. My prayers are with you. Bless your sweet soul, Donna
Dear Janice-
I am a big fan of Fox and also a big fan of yours.
I always thought of you as a very pretty woman, but I know now that you are beautiful inside.
Thanks for sharing your personal story and I will include you in my prayers.
Warmest Regards,
Angelo
Hi Janice
As other’s, I have seen, an enjoyed your weather segiment, you are a brave person, an I’m sure
your husband is very proud of you.
There are many people who can relate too your problem, an doing so creates a real support team.
Just reading through the comments makes one tear-up and realizing how MS effect so many people.
God Bless both you and Neil.
Charlie
Hey Janice, was soo shocked to hear of your illness. I am soo very sorry to hear this but seeing the kind of girl you are, you are sure to get better ! I just want you to know that I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers ! Just keep being the lively,bubbly great person that we all have come to admire & love !!
Hugs & loads of prayers,
Lurlene in La.
Janice…
You obviously have considered today’s announcement for a long time and I applaud you for determining that publicly acknowledging your disease may benefit others. May the attention you draw have a great impact on continued research and, to that end, a positive effect on you.
God bless,
Terry in Indiana
Janice,
A good attitude and a sense of humor are a must when dealing with chronic illnesses. I have long looked to others for encouragement when dealing with my own MS, and I am glad to hear you are doing the same thing.
I believe each of us has our own cross to bear. Ours is a disease which may make our lives more difficult at times, but it can only beat us if we allow it to. My way of fighting is much like yours; I inject myself every day, take the good days with gratitude and the bad days with a sense of humor, and keep on going. There are no other choices.
Good luck to you. I am glad you have joined the ranks of celebrities who are speaking out. You really do inspire the rest of us.
Joanne
Wishing you well, literally…Stay strong
Janice,here’s wishing you well you are a brave person I am sure your husband and family
are proud of you,as you are a sweet and caring person,you are in my prayers and on my
church’s prayer list,also Neil–I wish you both the very best,love and ((HUGS)) Joyce…..
I can save your life, period. You DO NOT HAVE MS. If you want to live a normal life you would contact me. I have spoken to Mr. Bird a long time ago. I have been Nation wide with my Knowledge. Contact me.
Janice
Thanks for your honesty and courage. You are an inspiration. Love seeing you on FOX and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara
Janice,
Why do bad things happen to good people? Be strong and stay positive.
Janice, I am so proud of you, keep dancing and making snow angles~
I was diagnosed August 1981 with MS effecting my eyes and my right leg with numbness that I still have but my eyes are fine~
Your attitude will keep you going, don’t ever give up on anything, I haven’t~
God Bless you and Neal~
Mary in Arkansas
I have a couple of good friends with MS. One of them, I work with every day. For 13 years, I have ridden in the MS-150 Bike Tour…a 150 mile bicycle ride to benefit the National MS Society. This year will be number 14. There’s a place on the number I pin to my jersey where I can write in the names of people I want to say I’m riding for. This year, in addition to my two friends, I’m going to write in your name.
God Bless.
Janice,
My sweet husband just saw Lori Dhue mention that you had MS. I don’t know how we missed your segment this morning,but he came and asked me if I had heard that you had MS. I kept asking him if he was sure he heard her correctly. (I, too, share this uninvited guest. I was diagnosed in 1997 after just waking up completely blind one morning.) The very next thing he said was at least she is willing and able to put a beautiful face and a voice behind this disease. And we thank you for that. We just had our very first grandchild and life just couldn’t be any more fun! She is the absolute joy and love of our lives. I think part of the fight is being around positive people, and you are one of the most uplifting women-with the best attitude I have ever seen. That will help you with those days you have to fight a little harder. Again, we thank you for sharing what I know personally is rather difficult to do. We might have MS, but we just can’t let MS have us! We will keep you and your husband in our thoughts and prayers. Bonnie & Donald
Thank you for sharing the other side of your life with us. I’m sure countless people will benefit from your willingness to share your personal story.
Thanks for the links you included.
Recommend you obtain a detailed mineral analysis of your own hair to provide additional clues for your condition. MS can be worsened by chronic low levels of toxic metals (especially mercury)stored in the body that normally are not discovered in routine blood or urine tests. The hair analysis will reveal if you have a toxic metal problem. If so; you possibly may need chelation IVs and replacement of all dental amalgams, and nicklel bridges from your teeth. I will provide you some good web links to read if you desire.
dear janice, i did not know you had your own blog until today and i will visit often. just wanted to let you know that you will be in my prayers as you deal with the ms. i have a couple of friends that are in the same game with you and have been for several years and they are doing very well. keep your faith and know that we love you and were here with you.
janice you are in my prayers and my thoughts. your an awesome lady and i love seeing you on fox. i have a couple of friends that have ms too and they are doing very well one who lives in nc has had it for years and continues to do well. ill check in from time to time just know that we love you and have your back
Janice,
Thanks for sharing your life with us. It may seem silly but through these words we type each day we all have become a type of family. I am sure others feel this way but I feel as if I ‘know’ you and you in a way ‘know’ me.
Now with me I do not have MS I have contracted inactive tuberculosis. Apparently I got it while in Iraq last year. Inactive is different from active. Active is what Doc Holiday had in Tombstone. Inactive lies dormant in your cells and usually never causes any problems, but as I get older and my immune system starts to weaken then signs of TB could become evident. Right now I am on a 9month 2 pills a day regiment to help fight off most of the TB. Now I am not comparing MS to TB. I am just comparing how we feel when that type of news is given to us. We feel alone. But as you found out sharing with others builds your strength.
Just remember Janice you have tons of people all over the country thinking about you.
Take care,
David
I wish you the best, and hope you stay strong and maintain that great sense of humor you have.
My best to Neil Cavuto, also.
Hi, Janice…I’m a long-time fan of Janice Dean the Weather Machine, and just learned of your MS diagnosis. Bless your heart, I don’t want you sick with ANYTHING, but I know your inner spirit and soul will enable you to forge ahead and live a full and happy life. You surely must feel all the love and support that comes through from your viewing audience, and these e-mails are just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of support that is yours!
God bless you for your courage, stamina, and the most amazing gift of humor on the planet! You are a joy to watch - who else can tell us it is 20 below and makes us feel like we’re gonna be alright anyway, because her smile is as warm as a summer day? Nobody but Janice Dean the Weather Machine, and she is loved and prayed for 24/7.
A big hug to you and God bless,
Bobbie
Janice,
You are one of the few…the endearing, open, fun, delightful people in the media. You warm my heart, regardless of the temperature outside. To whom much is given, much is required. You are handling your public life and as much of your private life as you choose to share with dignity, honor, and grace. You are an inspiration to me.
Blessings,
Lynne
Hi Janice,
This is a lot harder than it sounds, but please don’t get discouraged. I remember the first time I heard the MS diagnosis, it felt like getting hit in the chest with a sledgehammer. I was diagnosed with relapsing / remitting MS 21 years ago. I did have some minor flare-ups during the first few years, but then I attended two healing services at church and began taking Betaseron injections. The flare-ups stopped right away, but after 8 years I had some liver problems caused by the Betaseron and they switched me to Copaxon. I’ve been on it ever since and the MS has been totally quiet for over 15 years now. I do have some residual numbness, but no visible signs of the disease and lead a normal active life. Once you get past the panic attacks caused by the fear of what lies ahead, it’s just an annoying handicap.
I will add you to my prayer list,
Regards,
Jim
Kodak, TN
You are a smart, funny and brilliant woman.
I can now add “brave” to that list of modifiers.
God bless you, Janice.
Janice,
Man oh man take a break from this and find out about the MS. All I can tell you Man to Woman is keep your chin up dont let the disease run your life. I personally dont know anyone with MS but my Uncle has a friend whos wife has this disease and she has had it for quite a long time and from what I hear about her from my Uncle and Aunt is she is probably the strongest friend they have. I always have my family and friends in my prayers and you may bet you just earned a spot there. Letting the public know takes a lot of guts. And I wish nothing but the best for you and your husband
Janice,
I found it heart warming that you shared this with others..even if we do not have the same illness
it helped me.After being a sober Alcoholic for 28 years i found myself in a severe depression.After seeing Doctors for a few years now i finally have hope.Hope is great after feeling so hopeless for years.
My prayers are with you and your wonderful new husband,Janice so many men would have run.God bless him for staying with you,i love you and think you are so funny and laughter really is the best medicine!!!!!!Keep smiling and being our weather machine.I laughed so when Sheppard started calling you that…………Blessed in Austin
Janice,
I don’t watch Fox, except for Greta, but I just heard about your diagnosis. I wish you well.
I enjoyed you so much when you were on Imus in the Morning, but I can see where those guys can be a bit much.
Stay strong.
Janice,
I don’t watch Fox, so I didn’t see you this morning. I loved you when you were on Imus in the Morning.
I wish you all the best. Hang in there.