Our first appt. started with lab work (blood) followed by Cardiology (EKG) and then met with internal medicine nurse and internal medicine doctor to go over the results. So grateful that I live a healthy lifestyle! I can't stress enough how important it is to take care of your body! Cancer does not discriminate, but it did pick on the wrong gal :-). My EKG. Blood work, BMI (weight/height) - were spot on!
Our next appt. was with the plastic surgeon. Jon and I were playing a guessing game on what we thought he would look like. Jon guessed 5'11", dark hair, early 50's and a big nose 😜. I agreed with all of it with the exception of the big nose. I said "He is a plastic surgeon - I doubt he has a big nose." We were way off except he did have a perfect nose! We were told that he is one of the best!!! We loved his nurse who went into detail about my bilateral mastectomy and how I would have tissue expanders (temporary tatas) placed under my chest muscle. A tissue expander is a silicone balloon expander that is gradually filled with saline over a period of time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. Once I am done with chemo treatments and possibly radiation, I will have a second surgery to put in the permanent implants.
We had lots of laughs on this road trip (because that's how we roll) but the next appt. took the cake! I had to have my "before" tata pics and as I was waiting to get called in, Jon dared me to do something funny while they took my picture. Hah...really Sorber?!?!?! I had two female photographers and I did all the "standard poses" and as they were taking the last pic...I won the dare! Luckily, they had a sense of humor and they thought it was hilarious that I "photo bombed" my pic! They can't wait for my after "pics" and were super excited to share my pic with the surgeon. Family-friendly dare pic to follow!
The next appt. was with the genetics counselor/doctor going over medical history of my family tree - both maternal/paternal side. She explained why they recommended I get genetic testing (BRCA1 and BRCA2) to see if I am potentially at risk for other types of cancer (ovarian). I will have the results from this test 3-4 weeks.
We had just enough time to grab a quick lunch at CClinic and then it was off to our next appt. which was an admitting interview followed by the anesthesiologist clearance appt.. Our final appt. was back to the lab for more blood drawn for the genetics testing. How's that for a fun-filled full day!
It has been almost a month since my diagnose (Dec. 16th) and I can honestly say that the times of feeling sad, anxious, fearful, why me?..are few and far between. I will continue to give credit where credit is due...this can only come from one source - my Heavenly Father, my amazingly strong daughters (which by the way, are following my lead and are doing great), my crazy strong support system of family and friends and my incredibly loving/understanding Jon (my other rock). I'm so
very blessed 😊
We will be leaving for CClinic early Feb. 3rd for two final afternoon appts. and then my surgery is Tuesday, February 4th. My daughters will be coming the day after surgery to visit ☺️ Their father has graciously offered to bring them...another blessing! Hoping to be there only 2-3 days with the rest of my recovery back home in Michigan.
We can't thank you enough for the contined prayers, support and love. We are so grateful 😊.
Live and love large!!!!
Jen & Jon
OK, if any of you are going to Cleveland Clinic, we have a little financial tip for you. I booked our
hotel room at the Double Tree (across the street from C.C.). I booked via Orbitz for $149.00 a night. When we checked in the girl at the counter told us we could have booked direct and told them we were going to C.C. and the cost would have been $109.00 a night. Lesson learned!! :-) "Fool me once....."
This is how we entertain ourselves the night before Cleveland Clinic (Quarter Drop!). Even after 3 years of Quarter Relays in college rugby, Jennifer still kicked my butt! She is the quarter drop champ!!
Jen waiting to get her "Pre-Tata" pics taken. This was the calm before the storm. The wheels are turning here. 'Hmmmm, how can we make this more interesting and fun.'
I have an idea, lets start by playing with their white board while they are in their room taking pics of someone else!! Nice art work Jen!
"I dare you to do something funny while they are taking your pic!" "Really Sorber??" After Jenny Craig walked into the room and the door shut, it was quiet for a few minutes, then I heard lots of laughter and could see lots of flashing (from the camera) under the crack in the door. It was so funny!! God I love this girl. :-)
Something good comes out of everything. You have to look for it. If you can't find it, lean on God's strength and it will eventually shine. Stay positive. :-)
Praying every day for you ,my sweet friend! Your strength and courage are amazing and I am trusting God, who is still in the business of performing miracles, for complete healing! Love you! xo
ReplyDeleteThese are re-posted comments from the Caring Bridge:
ReplyDeleteBy Kim LaVallee — Jan 14, 2014 3:44pm
We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers Jen!
By Jon Sorber — Jan 14, 2014 8:41am
I also posted this on FB yesterday, but some of you are not on FB.:
For anyone who knows the amazing Jenny Craig, you would love to see her infectious personality, at Cleveland Clinic, in action. She walks into every appt. as a number, but leaves everyone smiling and laughing. She calls herself "the poor Jenny Craig," but from what I see, she is rich beyond belief. Go GI Jen!!! 😎 — with Jennifer Craig at Cleveland Clinic.
By Julie Bersonnet — Jan 13, 2014 8:31pm
Gotta repeat...YOU my friend are my hero.....can we talk about the fact that you take time out of your day to keep us sooooo fully informed....incredible!!!!! You inspire me to be more....more loving....more happy....more thankful.....more hopeful......more faithful!!!! Love you Jen!!! BTW can't wait to see pics and I'm with Jill.....why would you ever dare a Craig girl....they crazzzzzzzy! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Prayers and good vibes coming your way full force! keep on keepin on!!!!
By Jill Douglas — Jan 13, 2014 7:28pm
Awesome!!! Love you guys:))) I want to know and see the dare! FYI Jon... Never ever dare a CRAIG!
By Kris Grek — Jan 13, 2014 7:06pm
I'm sure I've said it before but I'll repeat it-YOU ARE AMAZING !!! You encourage me to be more upbeat and celebrate life no matter the circumstances :)) Glad that all went well today and I am so happy that you have Jon and so many (thousands) of people praying, caring and loving you! Love you GIJEN :))
By cheryl boyd-vakerics — Jan 13, 2014 6:40pm
Never thought for a moment you wouldn't be cleared!!! Of course you are healthy as an ox:D Still shocked cancer found you.....but environmental aspects can't be denied....will be interested in your genetic testing. Breast cancer seems to hit more women who have no family history for some reason.
I had a friend who had a similar story to yours, but she was older, maybe in her sixties. They found nothing in her mamo, but she felt a lump 3 months later. She did radiation as prescribed and that was 10 years ago. Still cancer free (great story to share with you!) My neighbor had breast cancer and had the double mastectomy like you are going to get and just marked her 6th year cancer free (she didn't get to choose the size of her replacement breasts, so when she hit the 5 year mark, she went back in and asked for her original size...which was smaller then they had given her and she never felt comfortable with those ones anyway). Another inspirational story for you :D
Marked my calendar for your surgery so I don't forget to keep your special prayers upmost in mine. God has surely blessed you and what a tribute to the concept of good role modeling for your children! The way we handle things will be passed down to our children. You are the poster parent for this moto!!! God Bless Jen!!!
You are in my prayers Jen! I have never met you but through your honest, fun and loving blog you share so much of yourself. You will overcome! There is a great song called, Overcomer by Mandisa....if you get a chance to hear it, it will make your day brighter! God is your strength and will hold you up with His powerful Right Hand!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you today and to your family and Jon (who is also super amazing!)
Kris Palosaari, Sister in Christ
Jennifer, you're taking this battle with cancer like a real pro! You're right that being physically fit helps as they could more easily be subjected to medication, without the ill effects usually associated with it. It was also a good call to opt for breast surgery too after a masectomy. While some might say that it is not really a must, every little thing helps in keeping us upbeat and positive during our battles. Good luck with the medication and on your upcoming surgery!
ReplyDeleteGlenn Lowe @ Knight & Sanders Plastic Surgery