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

Update, prayer request, praises!

Good Afternoon!  Hope you're having a beautiful weekend!

Thank you for the support, love & prayers through the last obstacle. I've had a week to rest and recover from my expander infection surgery.  Grateful that we made the decision to remove the expander since the infection was the "tough" bug.  I continue to take an antibiotic and each day feel better and stronger ~ thank you God.  Thank you to my incredible partner Jon, for being right there by my side and giving such great updates, bringing me so much humor, love and strength and for making the sacrifice to support me while missing the biggest yearly event for his company.  He is such a Godly man and I'm so grateful God brought him into my life!  I'm back to "creative attire" with the "return of the grenade".  I have two appointments this week at Lack's Cancer Center in Grand Rapids.  Tomorrow, it's bye, bye to the grenade/drain tube and Tuesday, chemo101 training class.  The following week,  Monday, March 17, I have outpatient surgery to insert my port for chemo and then my first chemo treatment on Friday, March 21.   I look at the chemo as my next phase/obstacle for my Gi-Jen journey.  I'm thankful that Lack's offers a class that informs their patients on what to expect with everything associated with the chemo treatments.

On a side note, I am thankful for the drugs that helped reduce my pain last week, but on the other hand, I was pretty much in la la land! So, if you received a text, email, or FB message from me that made NO sense, whatsoever, please extend a little grace! ;-) It's pretty bad when I have to read my own blog to see what I went through last week!

This past week, my beautiful and amazing Aunt Barb lost the battle to cancer at age 80.  Yesterday, we were able to celebrate her life and her legacy.  I'm grateful for the Godly example, influence and impact that she's made in my life.  She was sweet, tender-hearted, thoughtful, generous, loving and always looked for opportunities to share her faith.  When people ask me how I can remain positive and strong, I too have the opportunity to share where my source of comfort, joy, peace, and strength come from and that is my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  The doctor said I was "brave" for making the decision to having the expander surgery ~ We (Jon/I) can't take credit for that, God helped us with that decision.  He makes you brave/strong!  My aunt will be deeply missed, but I know she is rejoicing in Heaven and one day we will be reunited!  Until then, I will embrace this season of my life and pray that I have more opportunities to share my faith and pray that I can be half the example that my aunt Barb was through her cancer journey/life!

My beautiful Aunt Barb:

"She leaves behind a legacy of a selfless service, a firm faith, and a steadfast love for The Lord"

 



Prayer Request:

*     Appt. on Monday goes well and that I'm healing as I should be.

*     Port Appt. goes smoothly.

*     Chemo training gives me additional wisdom, peace and understanding.

*     Chemo treatment fights off any other bad cells in my body and side effects are minimal.

*     Results from genetic testing, from CClinic, are negative (should have results by the end of the week).

*     The spot on my liver is in fact, just a cyst (ultrasound will be rescheduled after I'm done with my antibiotics).

*     Jon/kids - that they remain strong and peaceful through this journey.

*     Prayers that God continues to use me and my story.

Again, we can't thank you enough for the outpouring of love, support, encouragement and prayers!!!! The dinners, cards, text messages, FB messages, flowers....we are so blessed to have such an army of supporters!

We love you!  Have a great day ~ SHINE ON beautiful people!  Life is good!  God is GREAT!

Jen, Jon & Children

Richly Blessed

Wow, good morning sunshine and Monday . Thank you God! I will be released later this afternoon from Lacks and I feel so much better now that the nasty infection has been dealt with and pain level is manageable. The nurses, staff, resident...s, doctors and level of care that I've received has been EXCEPTIONAL! It brings me so much comfort and peace knowing that the remainder of my procedures/journey will be done here. I maybe leaving with one less temporary breast and in a matter of time, losing my hair, but what I'm discovering more & more through this journey is that these are all relatively minor things in the "big picture". What can't be taken away, is my love for my Heavenly Father. Today, I'm so thankful for a God that resides in my heart and is holding my hand and giving me so much peace, strength, courage and ALL of you who have shown so much love & support! I am richly blessed with so much JOY, LOVE & GRATITUDE! Thank you!!

 

 

And off she goes

GI-Jen just got wheeled into surgery (removing expander and cleaning up infected area in her left breast). She was very at peace with this and looking forward to having the pain and infection removed. She will be out of surgery and back in her room at about 5:45 pm Eastern time.

Ya, she's got this.

As always, we cannot thank you all enough for your prayers, love and support.

Love Jon

I've Got This (God)

Good morning and happy Sunday! After lots of prayer and counsel from a team of wonderful doctors, we have decided to move forward with surgery that will take place today between 12-3 p.m.. I am at complete peace with this decision and ready to conquer this next obstacle! Thank you so much for your love, encouragement and ongoing prayers! Have a super Sunday! Thank you! Xoxoxo

 

 

God's Plan Over Our Plan

What a roller coaster this has been. It is Saturday night and we are still at Lack's Cancer Center.

So, we have been praying to keep the expander. Even though all signs have been pointing toward removing the expander, we just couldn't see them. I think God can have a funny way of tapping us on one shoulder to get us to go His direction, while we keep trying to go our own. If Jennifer keeps the expander, there is always a "chance" the infection can come back even weeks down the road. It would not be good if this happen, while undergoing chemo, which already decreases white blood cells. A couple of doctors here made such a big deal (I think for righteous reasons) about not wanting to lose the expander, we thought we should be fighting for it. After processing many conversations with different doctors, and praying about it, we have come to the conclusion that it makes the most sense to have it removed. 1) It is only cosmetic. 2) They can completely rid the area of all infection once it is out so Jen's body can heal and be strong for her chemo. 3) In 6-8 months, they can start the reconstruction process over with a clean slate with the same result. 4) Her pain will go away much quicker. The only downside we can see to removing it is that it puts her reconstruction behind 6-8 months, but the risk just isn't worth it, not to mention she has the whole 2nd half of her awesome life ahead of her! What's 6-8 months?? Thank you God for tapping our shoulder a little harder!

So, that is the decision we have made. She goes into surgery tomorrow morning.

Ok, even with that all going on, we still have a little fun:

Jen received some beautiful flowers from the Stockbridge family

McCulla giving her award speech on the 5th floor!

 

 

Ok, this was kind of funny. McCulla wanted to spend the night. The night nurse (good nurse, but very strict) asked me how old McCulla is. I told her 15. She said she can't spend the night unless I do too because she is under 16. Well, we made a new me, I threw on my coat and snuck past the nurses station. :-)

 

Jen has an over night guest, McCulla!

 

 





Here are our latest prayer requests:

1) Removing the expander is the right decision. 

2) That Jen, the doctors and nurses will have a simple, uneventful surgery with zero complications. 

3) That Jen's pain will leave her body quickly, along with the expander, and that she will heal quickly. 

4) That Jennifer is at peace with this decision and gets a good nights sleep tonight (she's zonked now!).
 

I'm sure I'm leaving some stuff out here. We're all pretty tired. Thankful to see McCulla (who is spending the night here tonight with her mom), Laura, Jamie, Mike and Sandy today. Also, as always, thankful for all of your prayers and loving support. 

Godspeed to GI Jen!!

Love Jen, Jon, McCulla and the rest of the clan. :-)

Return of the Grenade.

Here's the latest scoop.

At about 9:am today, GI-Jen had a procedure to have the fluid/infection drained and they installed a tube (aka "grenade"). Jenny missed her grenades so bad they returned one. They drained 80CCs of fluid. Now they will test the fluid to see if we are dealing with a tough bug or a wimpy bug. A tough bug means it will attach itself to foreign objects (i.e. the expander).  If that is the case, Jenny's expander will have to be removed tomorrow. If it's a wimpy bug, they will have enough information on the bug to pinpoint the best antibiotic to kill it. So, tomorrow (Saturday), they will either start her on a targeted IV antibiotic, or remove the expander. We will find out what direction they will go, in the morning. Whatever happens, it is just one more obstacle in this fight, but it is only an obstacle. Adapt and overcome!!! She's got this!!!

Prayer request is that we are dealing with a wimpy bug so that surgery/expander removal can be avoided.

The people here at Lack's Cancer Center are so nice and so professional. The building is beautiful too! I so appreciate families, like the Lacks family, who give back to the community the way they did here.

Kris Grek, who happens to work here too, also gave Jen this beautiful "pick me up" plant.




GI Jen, being the soldier she is, started getting a little stir crazy being laid up in a room for 2 days. So, we decided to take a walk down to the coffee shop on the first floor and up to the Atrium on the 5th floor.

First she needed a little nourishment so she found an oatmeal and a chai tea down at the coffee shop.




After her nourishment, she needed a little fresh oxygen in the Atrium.




After she was fully energized, she gave a lovely presentation on.......to the association of.....




Next, she entertained the crowd by playing her version of......



Oops, we might be getting a little slap happy. :-)


"Laugh, even when you feel too sick or too worn out or tired.
Smile, even when you're trying not to cry and the tears are blurring your vision.
Sing, even when people stare at you and tell you your voice is crappy.
Trust, even when your heart begs you not to.
Twirl, even when your mind makes no sense of what you see.
Frolick, even when you are made fun of. Kiss, even when others are watching. Sleep, even when you're afraid of what the dreams might bring.
Run, even when it feels like you can't run any more.
And, always, remember, even when the memories pinch your heart. Because the pain of all your experience is what makes you the person you are now. And without your experience---you are an empty page, a blank notebook, a missing lyric. What makes you brave is your willingness to live through your terrible life and hold your head up high the next day. So don't live life in fear. Because you are stronger now, after all the crap has happened, than you ever were back before it started." 
-Alyshia Speer

 Thank you for your prayers and so much love!

Thank you Lord, 

Jon, Jen & family 

Tough day, but she's got this.

Here is the latest on our beautiful Jenny Craig.

Ever since her tubes were removed and her last fill, on Monday, she has had pain in her left breast. Now it's infected. Yesterday, Cleveland Clinic called in antibiotic and pain killer prescriptions. This morning, things really hadn't improved much (swelling, red, and starting to blister in a small area) so we called Cleveland Clinic and they wanted us to bring her in! Based on the drive distance (5.5 hrs) and the weather conditions (7 degrees and sporadic, whiteout conditions), we opted to go to the Lacks Cancer Center in Grand Rapids. We can't thank Kris Grek enough for getting Jennifer in here.

Jenny is now on an antibiotic IV. She has had several tests. They just did an ultrasound and we will learn more about that in the morning.

Tomorrow morning at 6:00 they will put a tube back in and drain the fluid from her left breast. They are hoping with the fluid drained they can get on top of the infection and she will be good to go. If that doesn't work, they might have to surgically remove the left expander and they would restart her left breast reconstruction in about 6 months, after everything re-heals. The good news is that is the worst case scenario. It stinks, but in the big scheme of things, it's a relatively minor (minor is my word, not hers!) setback.

Some of you have heard about a spot on her liver. The Oncologist was just here. She explained that the spot on the liver was noticed at Cleveland Clinic, but really wasn't researched any further. She believes they didn't look into it any further because they are all pretty sure that it is just a cyst. Cysts on the liver are very common and don't require any treatment unless they are causing a problem. This one is not causing a problem. They were going to do a CAT-SCAN on the liver tomorrow, but with the infection, they have decided to wait a week or two. The Oncologist really doesn't appear worried at all about the spot on the liver, but just wants to take another look to be sure.

 

Jennifer is REALLY tired and on a lot of meds.  There is a chance she won't be back home until sometime on Monday. So, if you don't get a return call or text, please don't take it personally.  Anyone with about 1,500 FB friends is going to get a lot of texts and messages and there is just no way for her to keep up, and, get the rest she needs.  That being said, she is soooo thankful for all of her family, friends and caring support.

So, prayer requests at this time:

1) That the spot on the liver IS just a cyst, or a speck of dust on the camera lens, or something, or that God's awesome powers just remove it all together. 

2) That the infection will just go away overnight and she will be healed.

3) No additional surgery is needed to remove the expander prolonging this whole process.

4) That the love and strength of Our Heavenly Father will bring peace and comfort to Jennifer, McCulla, Macie and anyone else who might be feeling any anxiety over all of this. 

Thanks.

Love Jon

 

 

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)

Do Not Worry

6:25-33pp -- Lk 12:22-31

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Lacks Cancer Center - Oncology Appt.

There'll be good days and there'll be bad days.  Fortunately, the good days far out-weigh the bad.

I've experienced some complications from my drain tube removal/expander fill from Tuesday and I have been in quite a bit of pain and feeling nauseas. Today, Jon called and spoke with Denise (Dr. Yetman's assistant) and she thinks I may have an infection in my left breast. The meds (antibiotic, pain, muscle relaxer) have been starting to help and I feel like I'm nearing the end of this minor setback. Thank you to my daughters for their extra help/tenderness last night and for my incredibly patient, loving, tender Jon for taking care of me all day.  Blesses beyond words!

I had my first Oncology Appt. at Lack's Cancer Center in Grand Rapids.  Thank you to my sweet friend Heidi for offering to take me since Jon had important business meetings in Lansing. She was so sweet and had a Chai tea waiting for me when she arrived.  Lack's is a beautiful building and it was so nice to have free valet parking. As we waited in the waiting room, I noticed the sweetest "seasoned" women, with such a warm smile, who happen to be bald, who, evidently, was there for her chemo treatment. I also noticed her absolutely adorable conductors hat that she was wearing so confidently and beautifully.  I complimented her and she gave me info on where she buys lots of her fun hats. It was an awesome encounter. Next, I was greeted by my girlfriend, Kris Grek, who works for Lack's in the scheduling dept. for my specific Oncologist. It was so wonderful and a blessing to see a familiar, loving, beautiful face/friend!

Next, was my appt. with the Oncologist, Dr. Latha Polavaram. I instantly liked her and had a very good/strong sense that we were a good match.  After reviewing the recommendations from my Oncologist at Cleveland Clinic, she wanted to give me another alternative recommendation and gave lots of detailed info on why she thought it would be a good chemo plan. She was  also very supportive if I opted to stick with Dr. Andresen's (C. Clinic) chemo suggestion.

I have my first appt. Tuesday, March 11th, which is a training class to familiarize me with what to expect at my treatments as well as side effects. I think it's wonderful that they offer this so that it takes away some of the, "not knowing," anxiety.

March 17th at 8:30 am is my appt. to have my port surgically installed.  This is an out-patient surgery and will be done at St. Mary's hospital in Grand Rapids.

My first chemo appt. is scheduled for Friday, March 21st. The Chemo concoction she is recommending is four treatments, once every three weeks...usually lasting about six hours with an additional appt. the next day for my shot to raise my white blood cell count. They will also be coordinating with my expander fills to tie in with my chemo appt. days.

All in all, it was a perfect appt./day.....until I was slightly blindsided with the info that they found a spot on my liver on my last MRI at Cleveland Clinic. They are hopeful that it is just a cyst, but want me to have a CAT-SCAN to make sure.  The CAT-SCAN is scheduled for  this Friday morning (February 28)

Prayer requests: Infection clears up, CAT-SCAN shows that the cyst is in fact just a cyst, or better yet, it's gone! Please pray for Peace, strength, clarity. 

Your prayers mean so much to me.  I am so grateful for Pastor Pete/Terri Stewart (my Church Pastor/Church family) and the prayer team who will be praying over Jon and I tomorrow morning.

This obviously came as a complete shock, but now that I've had time to pray and wrap my head around it, this too I've completely surrendered and turned over to God. We love you all and thank you again for all of your love, support, encouragement, and prayers. :-)

My good friend Kris Grek

My good friend, Kris Grek, and my wonderful Oncologist, Latha





Bye, bye grenades!!!

Happy Monday!  Hope everyone had a great weekend.  We had an awesome weekend spending time with our kids and family hanging out and embracing Pure Michigan including a ride on Jon's Argo on Spring Lake, a beautiful bonfire on Sat. night,  a super fun photo shoot with my gifted friend Jennifer, of Jenn Marie Photography, who will be helping document my journey with pictures. We even had a visit from our friends Patty/Larry Johnson from Brighton.  I'm blessed with two fathers and have been so grateful to spend time this weekend with one of them who is visiting from Montana!

Jon and I left early this morning for Cleveland Clinic and are now on our way home from another successful appointment.  Woohoo, another battle behind us...bye, bye grenades (drain tubes). As much as I appreciate what you've done to help my body heal the last three weeks, I'm not sad to see you go!  We also had another expansion fill in my temporary tatas.  Additional fills will take place at Lacks Cancer Center in Grand Rapids every two weeks until the last one, which will be back at Cleveland Clinic.    Everything is healing nicely ~ major praises!

Note from Jon (9:45 PM)

Jennifer is now in bed. Feeling some pain and very tired. It was a long day (13 hours to Cleveland and back), but she handled it like a trooper.  Everyone that she comes into contact with now, at Cleveland Clinic, remembers her and gets a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.  They all LOVE her!

Now Back to GI-Jen:

Headed to Lacks tomorrow with my girlfriend Heidi for my first appointment with my oncologist to get a game plan with chemo schedule.  Ready to begin this next phase of the journey.

Thank you for the continued prayers, encouragement, support and love...again, without all of you, my "Gi-Jen co-survivors" including my incredibly amazing Jon and dear daughters and the strength, peace and joy that my Heavenly Father provide, this would be a very different journey/battle.

Love you so much....thank you!!!!

Jen, Jon, M & M

Our Argo Ride. Had to go very slow and watch the bumps. It was killing me!

 

Spring Lake Bonfire, pictured here with my dad and Jon

 

 



Photo shoot with my beautiful girls McCulla and Macie (Thanks Jenn Marie Photography!!!)

 

Thanks for the awesome socks Patty and Larry!!

 





Time to remove the "grenades" and get a "fill!"

 



 

Two weeks post-op...Oh, those pesky drain tubes...

My Cleveland Clinic appt. to have my drain tubes removed was canceled for today since my drainage is at 60-70cc for each side and can't be removed until 30cc or below, combined.  They don't like the tubes in for more than a month. It's only been two weeks so I am still doing fine. Very minor, in the big picture, since I've had so many blessings and answers to prayers!  Until they are removed, I still have the same restrictions (no driving, no lifting over 5 lbs. etc.).  Thank goodness my daughter McCulla has her drivers permit and has been a huge help as our chauffeur. The drain tubes aren't painful (anymore), just more of an inconvenience with sleeping and with my wardrobe selection since it's easiest to have a top/jacket/sweater that zips or buttons down in front and I try to, somehow, camouflage these plastic looking grenade thingys.  I'm extra lumpy and I'm not sure I would make it through airport security!  I'm waiting to hear back from Cleveland Clinic to reschedule my appt. for drain tube removal and another fill...most likely next Monday.

I have two in-home health care nurses, Sherri & Deborah, through NOCH, who come three times a week to check my stats, drain tubes, etc. to make sure I'm healing properly. They have been exceptional!  I always look forward to their visits - just another reassurance that things are going well and as planned.

We are now beginning to transition over to Lacks Cancer Center, in Grand Rapids, for the chemo treatment phase and additional expander fills.  My first appt. is next Tuesday to meet with the medical oncologist, Dr. Latha Polavaram, who will be going over all my reports/info. from my oncologist at Cleveland Clinic.  We will know shortly when I will start my chemo.  Until then, I patiently wait, trust, pray, celebrate and embrace each day and give thanks and glory to an awesome God! Huge shout out to our dear friend Kris Grek who works at Lacks and helped us with this transition...yet another blessing!  Thank you - love you Kris!

I feel really good other than being fatigued, and the "fills" make me feel like I've pulled a chest muscle - not painful, just a little uncomfortable.  Through this journey I've been told that I will have good days and bad days and so far I've really been blessed with good days!  My faith, healthy lifestyle, army of supporters/prayer warriors/encouragers, best medical team, amazing dinners, and the love shown...all contribute for these "good" days!  Many days filled with tears of gratitude... thank you so much...we are abundantly blessed and grateful!

I must go through the valley, to stand on the mountain! :-)

Thank you again for being a part of my journey!

Love you,

Jen, Jon, M & M

This is what the drain tubes (aka "Grenades!") Look like.

 





First Follow-up Appointment for GI Jen. A Great Day!!

Ok, GREAT day for GI Jen!!! This is Jon, by the way.  She asked me to update her Blog and to feel free to make it kind of fun (oops! ;-) ).  As I update this, she is riding home with Sandi Reinhart from Cleveland.  We can't thank Sandi enough (and all the rest of you who volunteered) for taking Jenny back to Cleveland Clinic.  JC, as I call her, is dozing in the car right now while Sandi is Ice Road Trucking back home.  THANK YOU SANDI!!!!!!!

 

Below, are Jennifer's words:

 

Sandi and I have had a great day....

Incredible day!!!!!   I had three appointments and we greeted each doctor with a valentines day gift of chocolate covered almonds.

 

First appt. was with the Surgeon, Dr. Valente, and it went really well.  She said I'm healing beautifully. Then she delivered the best news..... THAT THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR RADIATION!!!!!  I Cried with joy.

 

Second appt. was with the Medical Oncologist (Chemo Dr.), Dr. Andresen.  His plan/recommendation for my chemo would be 8 chemo treatments with a two week interval in between.  Total estimated treatment time, about four months.  The chemo won't start until about a month after my surgery date so we are looking at the first week of March.   A typical treatment lasts about 4 hours.  The first hour consists of blood work and then three hours of infusion.  We will be coordinating with the Oncologist at Lack's Cancer Center, in Grand Rapids, so the chemo plan could be slightly altered.  

 

Dr. Andersen

 

 

The final appt. was with Denise, Dr. Yatman's (Reconstructive Surgeon) Physician's Assistant.   The plan was to have the drain tubes removed, however, I wasn't able to since my fluid levels were still too high.  I also had my first "saline fill" and will have my next fill when I return next Wed. to have my drain tubes removed.  I was told that my final implant surgery will take place about a  month after my last chemo treatment.  

 

Dr. Yetman's Physician's Assistant, Denise

 

 

I so missed my traveling partner, but Sandi completely spoiled and pampered me.   She's so sweet, she wouldn't even let me carry my purse...hah!  

Again, a perfect day!  So many prayers answered!!!!!! 

We are on our way home!!!! One of my Best ❤️ Days EVER!  

Thank you for all the prayers and love! 

Ok, this is Jon again.  Here is a fun pick from our trip home from Cleveland Clinic after surgery! One of the few selfies I have ever taken.  Oops, who's in the background sport'n her new hat??  ;-)



The new temporary "norm"

We are still adjusting to my new (temporary) norm.   My home discharge plan/instructions include no lifting over #5 lbs., no bending, no pulling, no pushing, no straining, no arms above my head, no driving.  Basically, lots of rest.  Hmmm....this is requiring some serious discipline and self control. This doesn't jive with my going a hundred miles a minute mode. I've been scolded by my in-house nurse and dear friend Janet, my daughters and Jon.  I'm learning the hard way...I may be a tad stubborn, but making improvements.

Our day starts with McCulla and Macie getting up early, getting ready for school, packing their lunches, making breakfast and they also make my green juice for me since the juicing requires a lot of pushing/prep and doesn't meet my new restrictions. They make a mean green juice cocktail!  What a blessing that our friend, Chris Ostrowski, is picking up M & M for school and then I head back to bed after I see them off.

Macie whipping up my green juice!

For the most part, I've only had one night of being very uncomfortable that kept me up all night, otherwise, the pain is manageable and each day I get stronger, more rested, and am continuing to heal. I'm learning to ask for help and I'm so incredibly grateful that I have so much support!  So many friends/family are helping with rides after school and after activities - especially this week with Jamie (M & M's father) and Jon being out of town for business.  My daughters and Janet have also been a huge help with my showers/washing my hair and helping with my drain tubes.  I'm getting totally spoiled by Janet...today a back rub, foot rub and my hair washed!!!!  Oh, and some yummy vegetable stock soup!  My sister Jody has done my grocery shopping and calls every day to see what I may need.  My dad also stops by each day to offer help.

The scheduled dinners have been incredible and a huge blessing.  It's wonderful not to have to worry about preparing dinner and they have been so fabulous!!!!  We get so excited to see what the next yummy meal will be.  Again, so thankful!

I've had so many calls and texts about helping out or stopping by to visit.  Thank you!  As much as I want to see all of you, chat. and give hugs - right now I really need to focus on the next phase of my journey and that is it get well rested and allow my body and immune system to be the best it can be for when chemo treatment begins.  I so love and appreciate your notes, cards, encouraging words on Facebook, texts, etc...

I will be heading back to Cleveland Clinic on Thursday with my girlfriend Sandi for three post-op appts. that are on Friday.  My first appt. is with My surgeon, Dr. Valente, to be sure my incisions are healing properly.  My next appt. is with the reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Yatman, to, hopefully, remove my drain tubes and to have my first expander "saline fill" (sorry, my sweet Jon - no double DD's for me haha).  The expanders are temporary until I'm done with all treatments and then I will have an additional surgery to insert the permanent implants down the road.  My last appt. will be with the medical oncologist where we will go over the final pathology report and have a game plan on when chemo treatments will begin and for how long. The chemo will be at Lack's Cancer Center in Grand Rapids.   I will also find out whether radiation will be needed.    

So many answers to prayers - surgery went extremely well,  the cancer had not spread, and wasn't in my lymph nodes...thank you God!  Praying that radiation will not be needed.

Every year I do a vision board which is basically a collage of images, pictures, affirmations, dreams. I always put it where it's visible and a constant reminder throughout the year.  I thought I would share my vision board with you since this year it has a different twist/meaning and many of the images/quotes were taken from pictures, kind words and images that you posted!

My vision board for 2014 



In my love of God, I find strength and peace.  In the prayers of friends, I find comfort and love!  

Love you and God bless,

Jen, McCulla and Macie and my dear Jon and his beautiful kids

Resting and Recuperating

Our dear friend Jennifer is home resting and recuperating in preparation for the next phase of her journey. According to her nurse, "rest" is the most important thing she needs right now. Please know that she totally loves and appreciates all of the well wishes she's been receiving, but it's nearly impossible for her to personally respond to each and every one. Believe me when I say....she really would like to, and quite honestly feels she "should", but for now, she just needs time to heal and rest. 

It would be best to turn off her phone, but as a mother, she needs to be in touch with her girls. She is not feeling up to visitors at this time and requires as much sleep as she can get, so phone calls and text messages can be difficult too. Any "extra" energy she may have, needs to be saved for her girls (and Jon)!

She and Jon will be updating her blog to keep us all informed. Meals are taken care of for the next few weeks and additional dates will be posted to "sign up genius" once we knows her chemo schedule.  I will post when dates have been added to facebook and her blog.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040949ACAF2FA02-gijen

Thank you so much for understanding and for giving Jen this time to build her strength and get the rest she needs.

Blessings,

Janet Taylor

Home Sweet Home

We are all home, safe and sound.  GI-Jen is sore and tired, but very grateful and happy. Thanks again everyone. Life is good. God is good.

 

The Power of Prayer and Major Praises!!!

Wow, what an incredible 3 days it has been.

We arrived in Cleveland on Sunday night and had a nice dinner and watched the second half of the Super Bowl. On Monday we had two appointments. First one was with a training nurse who explained what would happen on surgery day and how to tend to my surgical incisions after.

The second appointment of the day was at the Nuclear Medicine office for a Molecular Imaging exam.  Basically, they had to inject dye via 3 shots into the nipple. I was glad when that was over.  

Then that night we had a very nice dinner at a place called Lola's. Rumor has it we had an awesome dessert (hint hint, bacon ice cream on French toast!!).

 

We reported to the Cleveland Clinic at 4:45 on Tuesday morning.

 

Thankfully we got there early because we went to the wrong place! By 5:15, I was getting prepped and ready for surgery. Jon was given a pager so they could communicate with him.

At about 7:00 a.m. they wheeled me into the operating room for surgery.  They started out with what they call a huddle.  There were 10 doctors and nurses. They actually got into a circle, around my bed, and explained what each one of their roles was. After, they asked if I had any questions or concerns.  I asked if I could say a prayer.  Doctor Valente, the surgeon, asked if I wanted to pray to my self or pray with them. I said, "with them" and proceeded to pray.  Three of them were pregnant and I prayed for their pregnancies. I prayed for their precision, I prayed that the cancer had not spread into the lymph nodes, I prayed that the cancer had stayed contained, I prayed that they would all have safe travels on their way home as we were expecting a snow storm, and I prayed thanks for being in such good care and for so many blessings, support and love.  I was in complete peace and that was the last thing I remembered before they put me to sleep.

The surgery took about 6 1/2 hours. It went quicker than expected with no complications. Major praises and prayers answered as the cancer did not spread, it stayed contained and did not enter the lymph nodes. 

Later, they checked me into my room. Shortly after I was blessed with family members arriving: daughters McCulla and Macie, my dad, my sister Jody, Aunt Tammie, Jamie and Laura. I am so thankful they all braved the snow storm and arrived safely.  After a short visit everyone left, except McCulla, who wanted to stay with me. They set up a makeshift bed for her. She was incredibly helpful and sweet and helped me when I needed to unplug everything to get up and use the bathroom.  I'm so thankful she was there.

 

The next morning everyone came back for another visit. They were all sporting their cool Gi-Jen shirts that Jody designed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Shortly after, Dr. Valente, the surgeon, stopped by to check up on me and inform me that I could check out that day. She is about 5 months along in her pregnancy. She is so incredibly beautiful, smart and kind.

 



I checked out at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and we went back to the hotel.  With a 5 1/2 hour drive, we decided it would be best to wait one more day to heal and let the roads get cleaned up after the snow storm. 

All the pictures, kinds words, support, love and prayers are completely blowing me away.  I'm overwhelmed with joy!!!!  Thank you!

 

Snap Fitness Zumba Class ROCKS!  LOVE YOU!

 

 

Will and Jonathan (Heidi's sons)

 

 

Love these group of ladies!!!!!

 

 

 

I can't thank Jon enough for doing such an awesome job with keeping everyone updated.  He is so loving, kind and patient...my other rock!

Headed home tomorrow to recover and get lots of rest.  I'll be heading back to Cleveland for my post-op appt. on Friday, February 14th (leaving the 13th).  I will be meeting with the medical oncologist to get a plan on when chemo treatments begin and for how long.  I'll also find out whether or not I'll need radiation and then receive my first "saline fill" from the plastic surgeon.

Giving God the glory for the victories in this battle. 

Thank you again...I'm deeply moved by all the love and support/prayers!

We love you, GI Jen and GI Jon

Surgery is done.

This is Jon again.

Just talked to the reconstructive surgeon. Double Ds??? Are you kidding me?? Just kidding. Sorry. :-)

He said she is doing great. Still sleeping. He thinks she will be ready to go home tomorrow! We'll wait and see how she feels.

She has a follow up appointment in about 2 weeks when we will find out when her chemo starts and if she will need radiation.

We can't thank you all enough for your continued prayers and support.

God Bless! :-)


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Quick update...

This is Jon again. :-)

Just talked to the cancer surgeon. She is done with her part. No cancer in the lymph nodes. That is GREAT NEWS and answer to prayer. Now the reconstructive surgeon is doing his part and should be done in about 1.5 hrs. 👍😘 God is soooo good!! Thank you all for your prayers, support and caring.


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Let the games begin!

This is actually Jon, not Jennifer.

She is doing great today. Surgery just started at 8:25 so she will be in surgery until about 4:00 pm. Yup, 7-8 hr surgery. This surgery also includes reconstruction. She should be heading back home on Thursday, maybe Friday.





We have been together for one year and 2 days and her positive attitude, faith and humor still shocks me (in a really good way). Even though this is a very serious matter (in an earthly way) we have had so much fun and so many laughs in our travels to and from Cleveland. In a strange way, we are almost thankful for this minor bump in the road. It's all in God's hands and part of His plan anyway, right? Her infectiously positive attitude has brightened the day of many people here at Cleveland Clinic too. All the way back to the OR room she was laughing, and everyone was laughing around her. Last thing I heard her say to the nurse who was wheeling her was, "Let's go kick this cancers ass." The nurse just cracked up and said, "YA BABY!!"

If you are going to pray for her, please pray now and throughout the day. Please pray for the following:

The doctors precision and expertise.

The cancer did not enter the lymph nodes.

That ALL of the cancer will be removed today.

That she will NOT need radiation.

Strength to her family, including her beautiful daughters, McCulla and Macie.

Safe travels to family in rout to Cleveland.

Speedy recovery.

Rebuke the evils of satan from her life forever and may she be smothered in the love of Jesus from this day forward. (Sorry if that was a little heavy). :-)

Give thanks for her positive attitude that will play a huge part in kicking cancers butt and a speedy recovery.

Give thanks for her healthy lifestyle that will also play a huge part in kicking cancers butt and a speedy recovery.

Give thanks for all the wonderful people we have met at Cleveland Clinic. These people are amazing.

Give thanks for the loving support of so many awesome family members and friends....this includes you. :-)

Give thanks to our loving God who's plans for our lives are WAY bigger than we can ever imagine.

Thank you and God Speed!! 👍😘


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Location:E 96th St,Cleveland,United States