I have been having severe back pain since Tuesday morning. I rested all day Tuesday and got some pain meds and a muscle relaxer form the Nurse Practitioner, which did nothing. That afternoon when I looked into the mirror, I noticed my entire upper body was shifted to the right and I couldn’t stand up straight.
Had the cancer returned to my spine?
Of course that is what I immediately thought.
I’m not sure how to not go straight to that, but HELLO!!!! My body was crooked and that has never happened before.
Well…turns out I am fine. After seeing the Dr. and getting an x-ray, it appears that my muscles are causing my spine to shift, so back to Physical Therapy I go. I had a massage therapy appointment on Friday and while that was painful, it relieved enough pain so I could start some stretches and exercises.
Tom and I had to make the tough decision for me to stay home this weekend while he took all 3 girls to a Sport Stacking competition. I had been practicing with our 10 year old and we had decided to compete in the parent/child doubles this year for the first time. 🙁 But there was no way I could physically do that, or go sit in the bleachers in a gym all day long. I could hardly even sit on the sofa for a few minutes. I look forward to hearing all about it soon!
I get so frustrated with myself for thinking immediately that the cancer has returned. It’s not on my mind often, as I have been feeling great. However, I still feel like my head is in a cloud when it comes to all things cancer related and that everything I went through was like a bad dream. It’s so strange.
When cancer is on my mind, lately it’s been because of someone else. This week a friend I met online in a prayer group went home to be with the Lord. She was diagnosed with cancer AFTER I was. I am thankful she is no longer suffering, but I will miss her encouragement and advice.
Why her and not me? That probably sounds like a strange thing to say, but I think it often. I know the answer…everything is in the hands of God and that was part of His plan…but I still wonder.
This week, I also prayed for 2 women going through surgery for breast cancer. My heart breaks for them and their loved ones as I know how hard it is.
Also this week, I was so blessed by a friend from church who is currently in her own cancer battle, who brought our family a few dinners (and chocolate) while I was unable to do anything for a few days.
This was kind of a random update today, but that’s what is going on in my journey…here I sit in a very quiet house…thankful for another day the Lord has given me and remembering that He has a plan, even in the pain.
Dearest Jennifer,
I was so happy to receive your blog post today. Life is busy and I just realized it’s been a long while since I’ve heard from you. I am so sorry you’re not feeling well again. Please know I will put you back on my prayer list. I was happy to hear that you were planning to do a program with your 10 year old, but Tom was taking the girls instead. I’ve missed what’s happened to make your muscles shift your spine. Know I will have you, Tom and the girls in prayer and that God will cover you with His loving mercy and help your body to heal properly.
Love and hugs and prayers, Nanay
Praying your back pain subsides. I know 1st hand how debilitating this can be. It’s hard to not assume everything is related to the cancer, I know we do this our daughter too and her Crohn’s disease every time she feels warm or is run down, which is most of the time. I still pray for you and your family often. Your girls are so sweet and God has a wonderful future for you and them. Enjoy it to the fullest! Love you, Lisa
Thank you for this update Jennifer, praying you will be feeling much better soon.
So happy to get your up date . I am sorry you have have such pain in your back. Prayers as always for you, Tom and the girls . As I have said many time you are one strong young lady . Take care Jennifer .
Everything you said in your blog I identify with and feel at different times. And yet I too know that God has a perfect plan and each day I am so thankful for this life He has given me. You always continue to be in my prayers and your blogs are always a wonderful encouragement. I share your journey with others.❤️
So very happy that the muscles can be strengthened, and it was not cancer. Just know, “This, too, shall pass,”. We are praying for relief from your pain soon. Keep your eyes on the Lord, and your prayer warriors on their knees!
Thankful the girls have their dad who can be there for them and for you being able to also do what you need for you at this time. Praying for your healing and very thankful it was not cancer.
You are a strong and amazing women. A super wife and a great mother. The ups and down in family life all bring families closer and allow everyone to grow where needed in their faith and maturity in life. Some of these things are very painful and how we wish we didn’t have to go through them, but with God by our side, anything is possible. SOOO happy it was not cancer, but understandable you thought it might be. Hopefully this pain will subside and you can get on with making memories with your family. THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD! Hugs and prayers,
Marcia
You are an inspirating Jennifer. May the Lord continue to heal your body, and strenghen your faith. Continued prayers for you and your precious family. ..