Tom and I met with both the radiation oncologist and the oncologist today. The bone scan confirmed there is active cancer in quite a few bones, but only two of them are causing pain right now – my sternum and back (T9).
The current plan is to have two weeks of radiation to target the broken vertebrae in my back as that will give the quickest pain relief. Hopefully this will relieve some of the pain in my ribs when I breathe as well. Ladies, you know the pain of breathing when you are 9 months pregnant? That’s the best way to describe it right now….except I’m not 9 months pregnant. 🙂
Then we have two treatment options to target everything else. The first one is a chemo pill, with similar side effects to IV chemo, but less severe. The biggest side effects being diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome and fatigue. The other option is a lower dose chemo pill and either the hormone blocking pill that I have taken and hated in the past, or the hormone blocking pill can be substituted for a shot that does the same thing….we assume my body will respond the same way it has to all 4 pills with bone pain, but that is unknown.
I am still having a biopsy on Thursday to make sure the cancer has not mutated into a different type of cancer. I will also have a zometa infusion that same day to help strengthen my bones. I was having these every few months, but it will now be every month. The side effect from that is feeling like I have the flu for about a half a day, 2 days after the infusion.
Our entire family will be getting flu shots early next week and I will also be getting a pneumonia shot.
Looking forward….I will be on some sort of treatment for the rest of my life as there is no cure. We are looking at how to keep the cancer under control and manage pain as it arises. Once one form of treatment stops working, we go on to the next until there is no next, or until it is effecting my quality of life to much and we decided enough is enough. Once I start treatment, I’ll have a bone scan every 3 months to see how the treatment is working.
At this time we are confident in my care and are not looking at other treatment options.
As far as looking to the future….Tom’s mom is up visiting until Tuesday :-), my Dad is coming up for Thanksgiving, we are going down to CA for Christmas and working on planning a few days at Disneyland and California Adventure and staying at the Grand Californian so I can take a break when I need to. We also have plans for a cruise next year. So praying, planing, and trusting the Lord to see what the future holds.
We are relieved to have some answers and a plan but as I type this, both Tom and I are physically exhausted!
That’s it for now. Thank you so much for all the calls, texts and messages. I have read them all, even if I have not responded or just responded with a quick heart emoji. 🙂 Please continue to keep our family in your prayers as we make big decisions in the coming weeks and months.
Jennifer, Tom & girls,
Our thoughts and earnest prayers are going out for you all. May our Lord Jesus cover you in His love and care. We may be across the vast ocean but we stand beside you during your journey.
Praying for you and your whole family. May you feel God’s presence as you walk this valley. Praying for strength and courage!
Prayers for you and your family. So glad there is a plan in place. Love hearing all your upcoming plans.
Prayers for you and your family, that God will hold all of you in His healing and loving arms, I pray for strength for all of you and that God will give you everything you need to get through this.
My heart feels your pain and your exhaustion. I know your faith is strong and God will strengthen you even more.
I am in Rochester very near to the great wolf lodge if any of you need a break you are welcome here.
Stay strong Jennifer, Tom I know you are the rock ,I pray God will give you extra strength to carry this heavy burden.
I love you and I’m here for you with love and understanding.
Will continue to keep you and your family in prayer. Your positive approach to your situation gives hope and courage to others facing trials. So happy to hear your lovely plans for the future with your family. Remember to rest when needed. I’m trusting God to guide you in all your ways with His wisdom and grace. With love and blessings …
Praying for God’s immeasurable strength for your family.
Jennifer and tom you are in our continued prayers for you and your family. thanking God there is a plan and that God is in control even though difficult times. praying for strength and encouragement and pain relief during this time I. your lives. love you all. praying continually for you. love aunt carol
HI Jen.
Sorry it has taken me this long to reach out. We are continuing to keep you, Tom and the girls in our prayers.
Always
D~