By the grace of God and with so much love, support, encouragement from my husband Jon, family, community and YOU my friends...I'm CANCER FREE! Words can't describe how thankful I am. I weeped as I reread all 311 encouraging comments that were posted on FB a year ago and again, was overwhelmed by your love! Thank you!
Today, I'm healthy and getting back to my high energy self. I'm loving my new role as CEO of our household. It is such an honor, pleasure and privilege to have this new role, but also the time to concentrate on blending two beautiful families. I will continue to see my oncologist every three months for the next two years to make sure my bloodwork is normal. My final reconstruction surgery (new tatas) is January 21 with a six week recovery.
Whatever season you are going through - whether it's a loss of a loved one, sickness, financial struggles, divorce, betrayal, depression, loneliness, loss of a job, addition...please be encouraged. GOD is BIGGER than any of your problems and He has armed you with strength for the battle! Stay in faith & keep believing for the BEST! He will give you the power to not only endure, but to enjoy the season you're in. Yes, we have had a year full of joy!
I wanted to share with you my favorite parable...The Parable of the Palm Tree. "The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree..." Psalm 92:12
God designed the Palm tree to withstand torrential rains, winds, extreme heat and the most severe storms. Where other trees would snap under pressure, Palm tress have deep root systems to handle inclement weather. Pushed over only temporarily, they straighten right back up and are even stronger and healthier than before. Palm trees are even able to produce fruit in different seasons and weather conditions. In times of severe drought or dry seasons, Palm trees are able to tap into deep sources of water that exist deep within the ground.
With all these amazing characteristics about Palm trees, It's no wonder that Palm branches were used to symbolize VICTORY (prosperity) in the bible!
Next time you see a Palm tree learn to appreciate the season you are in, even if it's a stormy one! God is using that storm for your good and the benefit of others, all for His Glory! Stay encouraged!
Merry Christmas and cheers to a beautiful and blessed 2015.
Forever grateful, thank you!
We love you,
Jen, Jon and family
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Home stretch...second to last surgery!
Wow, what a great summer it's been! Monday, August 18, Jon and I just got back from five days at Venice Island, Florida. We had an absolute blast. Lots of yummy meals, fishing, boating and biking. It was the perfect mini get-a-way before my second to last surgery, but we were glad to get home to our kids. We joked and said it was our honeymoon...every day is a honeymoon with my amazing husband!
Today, I had my doctor's "marker" appt. for tomorrow's (Wednesday, August 20) surgery. Dr. Hammond got out the Sharpie pens and did a little pre-surgery artwork. Jon said it looked like a henna tattoo. I so appreciated Dr. Hammond's confidence and attitude today when he said "let's get this going in the right direction!" Tomorrow, they will be taking out the right expander and putting in two new expanders and then I'll be getting saline fills every two weeks. I will have four weeks of "downtime" with healing/recovering. My final reconstruction will be about five months from now...around January. I know that I'm in good hands with such a reputable and outstanding surgeon.
With two new expanders, it's time for me to say good-bye to my left "foob" fake boob. I had several family members and friends that had questions and asked what it looked like. Keeping it real, here's a picture. You just slide it in a bra, bathing suit top, etc. I've had several occasions where it went MIA. One time I found it in the car between the seats ~ I remembered having a hot flash while driving and decided it had to go! Thank you to the person/company that created "foobs" artificial breast forms.
The golf scramble fundraiser was awesome. Thank you to my sister Jody, Jordan @ Terre Verde, all the volunteers (including my daughters and nieces visiting from Texas), donators and participants! We were able to make a very large donation to www.areyoudense.org and help bring awareness to the significance of dense breast...Educating and saving lives! Yet another blessing in this journey...thank you God!
Prayer request:
Seamless surgery with no infections and my body doesn't reject the expanders!
Additional opportunities to share my story, faith and educate others about dense breast.
For friends that are going through their cancer journey...Janet, Jana, Jodi, Brian, Lori, Alyssa
Thank you for your continued support, love and prayers! We are so touched, blessed and honored!
We love you!
Today, I had my doctor's "marker" appt. for tomorrow's (Wednesday, August 20) surgery. Dr. Hammond got out the Sharpie pens and did a little pre-surgery artwork. Jon said it looked like a henna tattoo. I so appreciated Dr. Hammond's confidence and attitude today when he said "let's get this going in the right direction!" Tomorrow, they will be taking out the right expander and putting in two new expanders and then I'll be getting saline fills every two weeks. I will have four weeks of "downtime" with healing/recovering. My final reconstruction will be about five months from now...around January. I know that I'm in good hands with such a reputable and outstanding surgeon.
With two new expanders, it's time for me to say good-bye to my left "foob" fake boob. I had several family members and friends that had questions and asked what it looked like. Keeping it real, here's a picture. You just slide it in a bra, bathing suit top, etc. I've had several occasions where it went MIA. One time I found it in the car between the seats ~ I remembered having a hot flash while driving and decided it had to go! Thank you to the person/company that created "foobs" artificial breast forms.
The golf scramble fundraiser was awesome. Thank you to my sister Jody, Jordan @ Terre Verde, all the volunteers (including my daughters and nieces visiting from Texas), donators and participants! We were able to make a very large donation to www.areyoudense.org and help bring awareness to the significance of dense breast...Educating and saving lives! Yet another blessing in this journey...thank you God!
Prayer request:
Seamless surgery with no infections and my body doesn't reject the expanders!
Additional opportunities to share my story, faith and educate others about dense breast.
For friends that are going through their cancer journey...Janet, Jana, Jodi, Brian, Lori, Alyssa
Thank you for your continued support, love and prayers! We are so touched, blessed and honored!
We love you!
Monday, July 14, 2014
OKAY CANCER AND CHEMO, TIME TO GIVE ME MY BODY BACK!
I'm so sorry that it's taken this long to update the blog. It's been a busy 7 weeks with school being out, all the kids getting jobs, Young Life, birthday celebrations, driver's training, sport camps, boating, company, moving completely out of my condo, Sorberpalooza.
My last chemo treatment was Friday, June 13th.
A couple weeks prior, Jon and I had gone to Saugatuck and after dinner decided to visit a couple of the cool shops. We stumbled across a really fun store named Hoopdee Scootee. Let's just say that we ignored the signs that said "no pictures please" while Jon snapped away as I tried on lots of funny wigs. We were having entirely too much fun and laughing hysterically, until we were politely asked to leave. I think we may have been a little over the top. The next morning we woke up and decided to head back to the store for damage control...actually, to try on more wigs and take more pics! We were the first ones to get there when the store opened and were greeted by the owners (husband/wife). We explained what had happened the night before and apologized and the owners were so sweet...the wife shared how her mother was also a breast cancer survivor and that we could try on as many hats/wigs and take as many pictures as we wanted!
After lots of great wig options, we decided to go with the hot pink ROCKSTAR wig:
We had so many laughs at my last chemo treatment. I even had another patient ask for my autograph.
My biggest hurdle since the last treatment has been the recurring c-diff (Clostridium Difficile) which I've had two additional bouts. Evidently, it is common to have c-diff return especially during chemo since your immune system is weak and compromised. Thankfully, not requiring a hospital visit/stay, but had me in bed several days. I am currently on a new medicine and I'm praying that the c-diff is in the past and won't return.
The surgeon consultation went well with Dr. Hammond. He was confident that once my body had time to recover and heal from chemo, that he would be able to help me with the next phase of my GI-JEN journey...tatas. What I wasn't expecting to hear is that he would need to remove and replace my right tissue expander (left expander was removed in March due to an infection). Basically, starting over. At first, a tough pill to swallow until he explained that the right tissue expander had capsuleture (scar tissue build up) and that it would have to be replaced in order to heal properly and effectively for final reconstruction. My next appt. is this morning (Monday) where we will hopefully schedule the first surgery for the right expander to be removed and two new expanders put in. Welcome back drain tubes! Then it's "fills" until my tissue has expanded to the breast size that I'm comfortable with...sorry honey, no double DD's for this chickaroo! Then it will be time to schedule the final reconstruction surgery...woohoo!
Other than the bouts with c-diff, I feel better every day. I'm slowly starting to workout again. It's hard to believe that other than a few times, it's been almost 10 months. I'm feeling very out of shape, but trying to be gentle, forgiving and patient on my body. Boy, do I look forward to getting back to a regular workout regimen.
My hair is also starting to grow...ever so slowly. I kind of look like a freshly hatched baby chicken...my new hair is very fuzzy and soft. I've been told that it could come back a different color (usually grey) and curlier and will take about a year for it to be similar to my old hair color/texture. It's odd, but I was actually more comfortable with being completely bald than with this next phase. I am quickly reminded that it could be so much worse, so I will embrace this "baby chicken-like" hair style!
I continue to pray that God uses me to share my story so that I can help and educate others about the issues related to dense breast, but even more importantly, to share my faith.
Words cannot express the gratitude that my family and I feel for your continued prayers, support and love! Thank you so very much!
If anyone is interested in a fun day of golf, I would love to see you at this fundraiser to support Are You Dense, Inc, an organization dedicated to early breast cancer detection. Thanks to my sister, Jody, for putting this together!!
Prayer request:
C-Diff does not return
Scheduled date for first of two surgeries
Oncology appt. goes well with lab work
Opportunities to share my story
We love you,
Jen, Jon and family
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My last chemo treatment was Friday, June 13th.
A couple weeks prior, Jon and I had gone to Saugatuck and after dinner decided to visit a couple of the cool shops. We stumbled across a really fun store named Hoopdee Scootee. Let's just say that we ignored the signs that said "no pictures please" while Jon snapped away as I tried on lots of funny wigs. We were having entirely too much fun and laughing hysterically, until we were politely asked to leave. I think we may have been a little over the top. The next morning we woke up and decided to head back to the store for damage control...actually, to try on more wigs and take more pics! We were the first ones to get there when the store opened and were greeted by the owners (husband/wife). We explained what had happened the night before and apologized and the owners were so sweet...the wife shared how her mother was also a breast cancer survivor and that we could try on as many hats/wigs and take as many pictures as we wanted!
After lots of great wig options, we decided to go with the hot pink ROCKSTAR wig:
and Jon dared me to wear the wig for my last chemo treatment...except I had to wear it from when I woke up 'till when I went to bed. Hmmm...my sweet husband lost another bet. That morning I came down to make breakfast for the kids before school and you better believe I was sportin the new do.
We had so many laughs at my last chemo treatment. I even had another patient ask for my autograph.
Ok, I had some funny looks out to dinner at Old Boys!
The side effects with my last treatment were worse than the three before, but again nothing too crazy. Mainly muscle/bone aches from the white blood cell count shot. My next oncology appt. is this Friday. I will go every 3 months for the first year, then every 6 months the second and third year and then once a year my fourth and fifth year to make sure that my lab work is good and that there are no signs of the cancer returning.
My biggest hurdle since the last treatment has been the recurring c-diff (Clostridium Difficile) which I've had two additional bouts. Evidently, it is common to have c-diff return especially during chemo since your immune system is weak and compromised. Thankfully, not requiring a hospital visit/stay, but had me in bed several days. I am currently on a new medicine and I'm praying that the c-diff is in the past and won't return.
The surgeon consultation went well with Dr. Hammond. He was confident that once my body had time to recover and heal from chemo, that he would be able to help me with the next phase of my GI-JEN journey...tatas. What I wasn't expecting to hear is that he would need to remove and replace my right tissue expander (left expander was removed in March due to an infection). Basically, starting over. At first, a tough pill to swallow until he explained that the right tissue expander had capsuleture (scar tissue build up) and that it would have to be replaced in order to heal properly and effectively for final reconstruction. My next appt. is this morning (Monday) where we will hopefully schedule the first surgery for the right expander to be removed and two new expanders put in. Welcome back drain tubes! Then it's "fills" until my tissue has expanded to the breast size that I'm comfortable with...sorry honey, no double DD's for this chickaroo! Then it will be time to schedule the final reconstruction surgery...woohoo!
Other than the bouts with c-diff, I feel better every day. I'm slowly starting to workout again. It's hard to believe that other than a few times, it's been almost 10 months. I'm feeling very out of shape, but trying to be gentle, forgiving and patient on my body. Boy, do I look forward to getting back to a regular workout regimen.
My hair is also starting to grow...ever so slowly. I kind of look like a freshly hatched baby chicken...my new hair is very fuzzy and soft. I've been told that it could come back a different color (usually grey) and curlier and will take about a year for it to be similar to my old hair color/texture. It's odd, but I was actually more comfortable with being completely bald than with this next phase. I am quickly reminded that it could be so much worse, so I will embrace this "baby chicken-like" hair style!
I continue to pray that God uses me to share my story so that I can help and educate others about the issues related to dense breast, but even more importantly, to share my faith.
Words cannot express the gratitude that my family and I feel for your continued prayers, support and love! Thank you so very much!
If anyone is interested in a fun day of golf, I would love to see you at this fundraiser to support Are You Dense, Inc, an organization dedicated to early breast cancer detection. Thanks to my sister, Jody, for putting this together!!
Prayer request:
C-Diff does not return
Scheduled date for first of two surgeries
Oncology appt. goes well with lab work
Opportunities to share my story
We love you,
Jen, Jon and family
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Oh, those nasty infections...Three down, One to Go!
Whew, that was a crazy couple weeks with two ER visits and a 3 day hospital stay. The downside to chemo is the infections that can occur when your immune system isn't at its strongest. Unfortunately, I was hit with two infections. The first was the infection to my port, resulting in my port needing to be removed. We will never know for certain what caused it, however, we think it may have been from the initial stiches that they had difficulty removing since my body healed so quickly. It never felt quite right, but I thought it was part of my "new norm". Antibiotics were prescribed to clear up the infection and the antibiotics in turn caused the C-Diff. Let's just say I lost 8 lbs. during the hospital visit. I do not recommend this for a "quick fix" way to lose a few pounds. C-Diff...Yucky, eeewww, nasty, gross! It didn't take me long to gain the 8 lbs. back...I'm back to my hardy appetite. My third chemo treatment/cycle was scheduled for Friday, May 9th, but was pushed out a week to give my body time to rest and heal. I was very grateful for the extra time. Any setback while you're going through cancer/chemo is emotionally and physically draining, disappointing and brings moments of sadness, fear, doubts and anxiousness. Another opportunity to grow in my faith and surrender being in control. Let Go, Let God!
My third chemo treatment was this past Friday and was given through an IV and took about 6 hours. The first attempt wasn't very fun, but the second attempt was a success. Again, Jon & I packed our picnic, electronics and reading stuff, but spent most of the time visiting with others that were getting their infusion. Lots of laughs, memories and friends made. My next and last treatment is scheduled for Friday, June 6th - woohoo! I continue to get my tummy shot (to bring up my white blood cell count) on the Saturday following my Friday chemo treatment. The chemo/shot side effects are still minimal/tolerable, but each treatment increases the fatigue, nausea, bone and muscle aches. Since I was "pre-menopausal" before my diagnosis, the chemo also kicks you into FULL menopause...yup, I'm a hot mess ;) Lots of prayers for my incredibly loving, understanding, supportive and patient ROCKSTAR husband! ONE MORE TO GO!!!!!
Prayer Request:
NO MORE INFECTIONS :)
Consultation with Dr. Hammond goes well and we feel confident
Last chemo treatment goes smooth
Prayers for so many people that are being diagnosed and/or battling cancer!
God will continue to use me/my story to bring others encouragement, hope, faith and knowledge!
Major Praises: (prayer request)
I was asked to be the speaker for the Relay For Life Survivor Ceremony in Grand Rapids on Friday, June 6th. Ironically, I was captain of a team that I put together 5 years ago to support three friends that were battling breast cancer, as well as, my mother who was battling colon cancer. Our team was "Team Peace" and we did some crazy cool fundraisers including euchre' tournament, selling tshirts and McCulla & Macie (with their friends) made and sold necklaces/pendants made from pressing clay on the soles of their shoes. They called the finished pendants "Sole Mates". We raised over $12,000 for the American Cancer Society. If you feel compelled, please consider joining a team or making a donation so we can finish the fight against this disease. I am completely honored and humbled for this opportunity, as well as, a little nervous. Since this falls on the day of my last chemo treatment, I will be heading there right after my treatment. Prayers that I feel good and that I can deliver a message that would inspire, educate and bring peace and hope!
I am truly in awe by all the support, love and encouragement that all of you continue to give to our family! Thank you so much!
We love you,
Jen, Jon and Family
My third chemo treatment was this past Friday and was given through an IV and took about 6 hours. The first attempt wasn't very fun, but the second attempt was a success. Again, Jon & I packed our picnic, electronics and reading stuff, but spent most of the time visiting with others that were getting their infusion. Lots of laughs, memories and friends made. My next and last treatment is scheduled for Friday, June 6th - woohoo! I continue to get my tummy shot (to bring up my white blood cell count) on the Saturday following my Friday chemo treatment. The chemo/shot side effects are still minimal/tolerable, but each treatment increases the fatigue, nausea, bone and muscle aches. Since I was "pre-menopausal" before my diagnosis, the chemo also kicks you into FULL menopause...yup, I'm a hot mess ;) Lots of prayers for my incredibly loving, understanding, supportive and patient ROCKSTAR husband! ONE MORE TO GO!!!!!
Chemo #3!
Jon and I have a consultation appt. with a plastic surgeon (Dr. Hammond-GR) at the end of the month. Dr. Hammond is one of the best and has had experience with reconstruction with expanders that have been removed due to an infection. I will have two more surgeries that need to be scheduled. The first one will be scheduled six weeks after my last chemo treatment to have the expander inserted in my left breast and then the final reconstruction surgery about 3 months afterwards. I will continue to have "expander fills" during the three months prior to the final surgery. By the end of the year, I will have new tatas and a healthy new hairdo!
Prayer Request:
NO MORE INFECTIONS :)
Consultation with Dr. Hammond goes well and we feel confident
Last chemo treatment goes smooth
Prayers for so many people that are being diagnosed and/or battling cancer!
God will continue to use me/my story to bring others encouragement, hope, faith and knowledge!
Major Praises: (prayer request)
I was asked to be the speaker for the Relay For Life Survivor Ceremony in Grand Rapids on Friday, June 6th. Ironically, I was captain of a team that I put together 5 years ago to support three friends that were battling breast cancer, as well as, my mother who was battling colon cancer. Our team was "Team Peace" and we did some crazy cool fundraisers including euchre' tournament, selling tshirts and McCulla & Macie (with their friends) made and sold necklaces/pendants made from pressing clay on the soles of their shoes. They called the finished pendants "Sole Mates". We raised over $12,000 for the American Cancer Society. If you feel compelled, please consider joining a team or making a donation so we can finish the fight against this disease. I am completely honored and humbled for this opportunity, as well as, a little nervous. Since this falls on the day of my last chemo treatment, I will be heading there right after my treatment. Prayers that I feel good and that I can deliver a message that would inspire, educate and bring peace and hope!
I am truly in awe by all the support, love and encouragement that all of you continue to give to our family! Thank you so much!
We serve a God that is SO worthy of our praises!
We love you,
Jen, Jon and Family
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Staying positive. "IT's NOT IN HER LYMPH NODES!"
Hi everyone!
Some of you may have known that Jennifer has been fighting a superficial infection on her port incision. She went into emergency last Monday, was given IV antibiotic, then an oral antibiotic for the next 10 days. She has had a lot of discharge from the incision, but it seemed to be clearing up so we thought she was good to go.
Last night at about 9:30, she started getting a fever. It went up to 101.7 in 45 minutes. She also has muscle and back aches. So, we took her to emergency, in Grand Rapids, last night and they gave her much more antibiotic and transferred her up to Lacks Cancer Center where we stayed over night.
Today the docs decided to remove the port because it is apparently seeping bacteria into her blood stream causing her fever. They will remove the port at 3:00 today. Though no fun for our beautiful Jenny, infected ports and their removal/replacement is fairly common.
The oncologist said she will not replace the port since Jenny only has 2 chemos left.
I am back home now but will be heading back in a little while.
Jennifer is one tough chick. She's got this.
Thanks, Jamie, for taking the girls.
Prayer requests:
That her surgery will be flawless today
Her fever will quickly go away.
All infections will quickly be healed.
Thanks!!
Love Jon
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Some of you may have known that Jennifer has been fighting a superficial infection on her port incision. She went into emergency last Monday, was given IV antibiotic, then an oral antibiotic for the next 10 days. She has had a lot of discharge from the incision, but it seemed to be clearing up so we thought she was good to go.
Last night at about 9:30, she started getting a fever. It went up to 101.7 in 45 minutes. She also has muscle and back aches. So, we took her to emergency, in Grand Rapids, last night and they gave her much more antibiotic and transferred her up to Lacks Cancer Center where we stayed over night.
Today the docs decided to remove the port because it is apparently seeping bacteria into her blood stream causing her fever. They will remove the port at 3:00 today. Though no fun for our beautiful Jenny, infected ports and their removal/replacement is fairly common.
The oncologist said she will not replace the port since Jenny only has 2 chemos left.
I am back home now but will be heading back in a little while.
Jennifer is one tough chick. She's got this.
Thanks, Jamie, for taking the girls.
Prayer requests:
That her surgery will be flawless today
Her fever will quickly go away.
All infections will quickly be healed.
Thanks!!
Love Jon
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Venice ~ Came with hair, left it there/2nd Chemo treatment
Whew...It's been a very busy three weeks since the last blog
posting. Doctor appts., Birthdays (Jon,
Austin's and Mine), softball/soccer/lacrosse for three of the kids, packing from one house, unpacking/organizing
in the new house and spring break in Venice, FL.
Being bald just over a week,
I've had lots of funny "bald" moments and revelations. The first time Jon and I took a picture together
he had a lot of hair product (gel) in
his hair (high maintenance..ha,ha) and we put our heads together to pose for
the pic, our heads got stuck together and when we pulled apart, it made a loud
suction cup sound. While grocery
shopping with my daughters, I discovered that sticking your head in the cooler
for milk/eggs and frozen items feels like a "brain
freeze"...brrrr. I sometimes scare
small children. As with everything in
life, you can look for the "blessings" and there have been many with
being bald. My typical routine with shower, hair, make-up would take
20-30 minutes. I now have it down to 10 minutes. I don't have to worry about bad hair
days. Instead of options like curling,
straightening, pulling hair back in a ponytail, I can go with bald or so many
scarf/hat options. I love the feel of
raindrops hitting my head. I love the
feel of the hot sun hitting it....yes, I'm using 50 spf. The biggest blessing is that I've been stopped by women that have been diagnosed with cancer and know they are going to go
through chemo and share that they are inspired and encouraged by seeing me openly
bold and brave about being bald. For
that reason alone, my favorite style and preferred choice is going without a
scarf/hat and embracing the beauty of being bald.
As we are celebrating Good Friday today and Easter this weekend, I
can't help but to be overwhelmed with gratitude!!! Every day, we are faced with choices on how
we react or respond to a person or situation.
We can be negative, bitter or angry or we can choose to be positive,
loving and grateful. Today and always,
I'm choosing to look for the silver lining,
blessing, and goodness in people and all situation/seasons and giving
thanks for a Heavenly Father that sent his Son, Jesus Christ, that through his
death, burial, and resurrection, He paid the penalty for our sin, so that
whoever believed in him, would have eternal life!
Thank you so very much for being so loving, supportive and your
continued prayers. We have one soccer
game, two softball games and two lacrosse games tomorrow, so I'm praying I feel
well enough to go and cheer on our awesome kids!
It's neither hair nor there! ;-)
Don't hurl, just keeping it real!
Shaving party with Jon, Riley and Dylan!
Bald in Venice!!
Surprise! My dad shaved his head too!!
My beautiful, ROCKSTAR (Country Star), Chemo Nurse, Sara!!
Two down, two to go!!!!
Love and blessings to all of you!!! Have a beautiful and blessed Easter weekend.
Jen, Jon and our family
Monday, March 24, 2014
First chemo treatment update
Good day! Four days after my first chemo treatment and I'm so grateful that the side effects have been minimal and nothing unbearable at this point. Mainly fatigue, headache, mouth is sore, some tummy issues, but all in all feeling pretty good.
Thankful that Lacks offered the chemo training class and went over the possibilities of the many side effects, as well as gave a tour of the chemo room. Thanks to my sister, Kim, and my good friend, Sandi, for taking me. The day of my training/tour, it was an exceptionally busy - "standing room only" in the chemo room and I was hit with an unexpected wave of sadness and had a mini meltdown. I had to leave the room quickly and felt bad and hoped that none of the other cancer patients saw me crying. It was the reality of the next phase of this journey where I would eventually lose my hair and look "sick" and not be able to deny that I was battling cancer. I had a week where I continually prayed for God to not only give me peace, but to continue to use Jon and I to offer light, healing, hope, laughter and mostly love to everyone that we came in contact with for each chemo treatment. I woke up Friday morning and had my quiet time and this was my daily devotion:
"Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. Think what it means to have Me as your Strength. I spoke the universe into existence; My power is absolutely unlimited. Human weakness, consecrated to Me, is like a magnet, drawing My Power into you. Instead of trying to fight your fears, concentrate on trusting Me. When you relate to Me in confident trust, there is no limit to how much I can strengthen you.
Remember that I am also your Song. I want you to share My Joy, living in conscious awareness of My Presence. Rejoice as we journey together toward heaven; join Me in singing My Song".
God is so faithful and His timing is ALWAYS perfect!
When you first arrive at Lacks, you check in and then you're called back for blood work, then a brief visit with the oncologist to make sure your blood work looks good and in the meantime, the pharmacy (located outside of the chemo room) is mixing your custom chemo concoction. My treatment is two kinds of chemo medicines, Taxotere & Cytoxan. There are three sections to the chemo room ~ private rooms (first come basis), Lounge area with refrig./microwave, T.V., work space area and then the main room has leather recliners with a chair for your guest. You're assigned to your nurse and mine happened to be Sara, who thanks to our dear friend Kris Grek, who works at Lacks, hand picked Sara and told her about Jon and I before our first treatment and Kris shared with us that she was a tall, country girl that was fun and sarcastic and that we would be a good fit. It was a perfect match! We had to be in the main room for our first time since they want to keep a close eye on you. We picked a recliner next to the window. Next Sara accessed my port (located below my clavicle on my right side) and put the first IV with anti-nausea medicine then followed with my two chemo meds. The whole process was about six hours. During our time, we met three other chemo peeps with their partner/guest. The first person that we met was a woman that was probably in her late 60's who sat next to us and asked me "what I was in for?" We thought that was kind of funny. She was super sweet and she shared that she had Stage 4 Ovarian cancer. She later moved to a private room that became available and sent our nurse a message that Jon and I could join her and her husband back in the private room. The next person we met was a gentlemen from GR who was also in his 60's and shared that he had tonsil cancer. He was actually done with his chemo/radiation treatments, but was there because he was dehydrated and they were replenishing his fluids. They were boaters so it was fun getting to know him and his wife. Another gentlemen had throat cancer and was in his mid 50's and we were bantering with his wife who was sportin' a U of M sweatshirt. There were many more beautiful people visiting with their guest and walking freely around accompanying their IV pole. There was actually a sense of community in the room. If there is one thing that can build community, it's vulnerability. We were also visited by a sweet doggie, Chaz and
his handler, a lovely volunteer Irene. They made the chemo room as comfortable as possible; warm colors, lots of windows over a beautiful court yard and tan leather recliners. Jon and I packed a picnic with lots of healthy snacks in our new lunch cooler from our dear friend Janet...thank you! We had many laughs, smiles, and felt grateful...we envisioned that the chemo meds were like the Pac Man game where they were eating all the "bad" cells and the "good" cells were escaping (thanks for that visual Bonnie!).
Within 24 hours of your chemo treatment, you go back for a shot ~ Neulasta (given in the arm or belly) which raises your white blood cell count. Typically, the side effects with this medicine is 7 days after the shot where you may experience bone/muscle pain.
I have four cycles of chemo treatments with three weeks in between each treatment. With treatments, follow-up shot, two weekly visits from home health care nurse, two weekly visits from physical therapy for lymphatic cording syndrome exercises/massages, "fill" for right expander every three weeks, blood work in between chemo treatments, my schedule still remains pretty busy.
The CAT-SCAN for the spot on the liver, has been rescheduled for this Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Please pray that it is just a cyst or even better, that it's completely gone.
We finally received the results from the genetic testing from Cleveland Clinic...major praises ~ negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing!
Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, cards/text/messages/calls, Zumba video tribute, gifts, dinners, love and prayers! You continue to give us additional strength, hope and peace!
We love you! God Bless....xoxoxo
Jen, Jon & family
Thankful that Lacks offered the chemo training class and went over the possibilities of the many side effects, as well as gave a tour of the chemo room. Thanks to my sister, Kim, and my good friend, Sandi, for taking me. The day of my training/tour, it was an exceptionally busy - "standing room only" in the chemo room and I was hit with an unexpected wave of sadness and had a mini meltdown. I had to leave the room quickly and felt bad and hoped that none of the other cancer patients saw me crying. It was the reality of the next phase of this journey where I would eventually lose my hair and look "sick" and not be able to deny that I was battling cancer. I had a week where I continually prayed for God to not only give me peace, but to continue to use Jon and I to offer light, healing, hope, laughter and mostly love to everyone that we came in contact with for each chemo treatment. I woke up Friday morning and had my quiet time and this was my daily devotion:
"Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. Think what it means to have Me as your Strength. I spoke the universe into existence; My power is absolutely unlimited. Human weakness, consecrated to Me, is like a magnet, drawing My Power into you. Instead of trying to fight your fears, concentrate on trusting Me. When you relate to Me in confident trust, there is no limit to how much I can strengthen you.
Remember that I am also your Song. I want you to share My Joy, living in conscious awareness of My Presence. Rejoice as we journey together toward heaven; join Me in singing My Song".
God is so faithful and His timing is ALWAYS perfect!
When you first arrive at Lacks, you check in and then you're called back for blood work, then a brief visit with the oncologist to make sure your blood work looks good and in the meantime, the pharmacy (located outside of the chemo room) is mixing your custom chemo concoction. My treatment is two kinds of chemo medicines, Taxotere & Cytoxan. There are three sections to the chemo room ~ private rooms (first come basis), Lounge area with refrig./microwave, T.V., work space area and then the main room has leather recliners with a chair for your guest. You're assigned to your nurse and mine happened to be Sara, who thanks to our dear friend Kris Grek, who works at Lacks, hand picked Sara and told her about Jon and I before our first treatment and Kris shared with us that she was a tall, country girl that was fun and sarcastic and that we would be a good fit. It was a perfect match! We had to be in the main room for our first time since they want to keep a close eye on you. We picked a recliner next to the window. Next Sara accessed my port (located below my clavicle on my right side) and put the first IV with anti-nausea medicine then followed with my two chemo meds. The whole process was about six hours. During our time, we met three other chemo peeps with their partner/guest. The first person that we met was a woman that was probably in her late 60's who sat next to us and asked me "what I was in for?" We thought that was kind of funny. She was super sweet and she shared that she had Stage 4 Ovarian cancer. She later moved to a private room that became available and sent our nurse a message that Jon and I could join her and her husband back in the private room. The next person we met was a gentlemen from GR who was also in his 60's and shared that he had tonsil cancer. He was actually done with his chemo/radiation treatments, but was there because he was dehydrated and they were replenishing his fluids. They were boaters so it was fun getting to know him and his wife. Another gentlemen had throat cancer and was in his mid 50's and we were bantering with his wife who was sportin' a U of M sweatshirt. There were many more beautiful people visiting with their guest and walking freely around accompanying their IV pole. There was actually a sense of community in the room. If there is one thing that can build community, it's vulnerability. We were also visited by a sweet doggie, Chaz and
his handler, a lovely volunteer Irene. They made the chemo room as comfortable as possible; warm colors, lots of windows over a beautiful court yard and tan leather recliners. Jon and I packed a picnic with lots of healthy snacks in our new lunch cooler from our dear friend Janet...thank you! We had many laughs, smiles, and felt grateful...we envisioned that the chemo meds were like the Pac Man game where they were eating all the "bad" cells and the "good" cells were escaping (thanks for that visual Bonnie!).
Let's do this!
My new hat! Thanks to the people who volunteer to make them!
Shout out to Chaz and Irene! Thanks for visiting!!
Here, I am actually getting the chemo....and 1 down!!
Within 24 hours of your chemo treatment, you go back for a shot ~ Neulasta (given in the arm or belly) which raises your white blood cell count. Typically, the side effects with this medicine is 7 days after the shot where you may experience bone/muscle pain.
Belly Shot!
I have four cycles of chemo treatments with three weeks in between each treatment. With treatments, follow-up shot, two weekly visits from home health care nurse, two weekly visits from physical therapy for lymphatic cording syndrome exercises/massages, "fill" for right expander every three weeks, blood work in between chemo treatments, my schedule still remains pretty busy.
The CAT-SCAN for the spot on the liver, has been rescheduled for this Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Please pray that it is just a cyst or even better, that it's completely gone.
We finally received the results from the genetic testing from Cleveland Clinic...major praises ~ negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing!
Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, cards/text/messages/calls, Zumba video tribute, gifts, dinners, love and prayers! You continue to give us additional strength, hope and peace!
Thank you Tirza and the Zumba peeps for the
amazing "Overcomer" video tribute and card!!!!
So incredibly thankful that I'm feeling up for a light workout with my incredibly handsome husband/workout partner!
We love you! God Bless....xoxoxo
Jen, Jon & family
Monday, March 17, 2014
Back in the battle!
First, happy St Patty's Day from Lack's Cancer Center!!!
This is Jon, by the way.
Well, after GI Jen was sidetracked for a couple weeks, due to an infection, she has healed nicely and is ready to re-enter the battle.
Today she had her "port" installed where they will administer the chemo. Her first chemo is this coming Friday, the 21st. Ever wonder what a port looks like? I did! I thought it would be like a funnel hanging out of her....a perfect place to administer a pint of Guinness later! Not quite. :-) Here is a port:
Hey, what is that blingy thing in the background?? Did I mention that we got married two days ago?
Ok, back to the port. Here is what the port looks like installed (just keepin' it real):
Jen is sleeping right now and doing great.
As always, thank you all for your support, concerns, and most importantly, your prayers.
Prayer requests:
No more infections.
Quick healing for this latest surgery.
Peace and comfort in the Lord's strength for Jen as she approaches chemo on Friday.
Peace and comfort to McCulla, Macie, and the rest of Jen's close family and friends as this battle enters another chapter.
Thank you again for everything.
God Speed!!
Jon
This is Jon, by the way.
Well, after GI Jen was sidetracked for a couple weeks, due to an infection, she has healed nicely and is ready to re-enter the battle.
Today she had her "port" installed where they will administer the chemo. Her first chemo is this coming Friday, the 21st. Ever wonder what a port looks like? I did! I thought it would be like a funnel hanging out of her....a perfect place to administer a pint of Guinness later! Not quite. :-) Here is a port:
Ok, back to the port. Here is what the port looks like installed (just keepin' it real):
Jen is sleeping right now and doing great.
As always, thank you all for your support, concerns, and most importantly, your prayers.
Prayer requests:
No more infections.
Quick healing for this latest surgery.
Peace and comfort in the Lord's strength for Jen as she approaches chemo on Friday.
Peace and comfort to McCulla, Macie, and the rest of Jen's close family and friends as this battle enters another chapter.
Thank you again for everything.
God Speed!!
Jon
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