We just finished our doctor appointment and talking about my scan results and the decision we need to make. The current scan shows that everything is stable – nothing’s really better and nothing’s really worse. There was no indicator as to why my pain has gotten worse over the past few weeks, which was what led us to trying a different pain medication (the fentanyl patch) and the difficulty of finding the right dose, which is what caused my severe pain over the weekend.
We need to make the decision of whether to:
- Stay on this medicine, knowing that things will not get better than they are now and could continue to stay the same or possibly get worse
- Switch chemo medications and see if the cancer responds better to it, not knowing how my body would respond to it as far as side effects and quality of life
- Take a short break from treatment and see if I can gain some strength and then start up again, knowing that the cancer could grow during the break
- Stop treatment if I’m just too tired and weary of it.
It’s a hard decision to make as we are not only looking at how I’m feeling and how the cancer is progressing, but we are looking at my quality of life, or lack there of. We are going to pray and think about it for about a week. During that week I also have appointments with my counselor and my palliative care Dr., so I’m sure we’ll be discussing these options during those appointments.
As far as the pain that I’m still having, Dr. Leung ordered another pain patch that I will add to the one I currently have and that will hopefully take care of the rest of the pain. He’s also made sure that I have enough break through pain pills to take until I get the patch and it has a chance to absorb in my system.
That’s it for now. I’m a bit overwhelmed and am looking forward to just resting the rest of the evening. I’ll write more about my emotions and what’s going on in my mind another time. I’m too drained to do that now.
Thank you for the update, been thinking and praying for you all day. Praying that you and Tom can find peace in the decision. All my love.
Thinking of and praying for you and your family! Praying that you will sense the Lord’s presence with you always♥️ and praying for rest and relief from pain.
Such hard decisions. Only God knows. Keep asking Him and watching/listening for His answers. I will pray that He will clearly show you the way. If, at the end of the week, you still don’t know, then go with the direction you are leaning and ask Him to stop you if it isn’t right. He will honor your sincere seeking. Hugs to you and Tom. <3
Thank You for the update I will continue to pray that God will bring you rest and strength and show you the best decision for all. I love you Jen. Try to be strong as best you can.
Jennifer, I pray for you daily, knowing that you are facing tough decisions. You and Tom have done a good job of guiding this journey and I know you will make the best one for your quality of life. Warm hugs from me in Texas. (moved here 2.5 years ago to be near my son and his family).
I am praying for discernment and peace as you make this decision. God has been your refuge and I pray that you are able to seek Him and feel His comfort.
Lots of love coming your way!
Am praying for peace for you amd Tom as you listen for our Lord ‘s leading. Love you all
Carolyn
Bless you, Jennifer, for sharing all the really tough decisions. I pray for your pain to lessen and provide clarity of mind and peace in your heart. May tomorrow be a better day!
Dear Jennifer, there is not a single part of this journey that has been easy,yet you have allowed us a see the strength and perspective that comes from your relationship with our dear savior. As I read your post this morning I pray that His love for you and your family will surround you like a blanket and the decisions you need to make will bring a sense of peace. Your faith is strong,and so are you. Hugging you in my heart.
Jen, I’ll be praying you receive discernment as you and your husband seek God’s will for you during this time. You’re on my heart daily. Love to you and your sweet family. Bonnie
Jennifer, I am praying for peace and wisdom as you make this decision, and that you feel sustained by the love of God. Praying for pain relief, and for healing. Love you, friend. ❤️
Jennifer- our prayers will continue as you and Tom make major decisions. We are asking God to give you both (and the drs) wisdom and guidance during this time. So many things to think about. Also continuing to pray for some relief from this pain.
Sweet Jennifer, you are so loved by so many and especially by your Father in heaven. Trusting Him to guide your decisions
You and your family are in my prayers daily. Praying God’s direction for you. Praying your pain will be eased today.