A friend of mine’s mom. May Lisa rest in peace.
Maybe Day 1 yet today….
Maybe Day 1 yet today….
This morning a new doctor on Jen’s case came to see her. A new look at her brings a new view and a different approach. Although we were disappointed Jen didn’t start chemo yesterday, the delay may have been a blessing in disguise.
The doctor looked at her file before coming in and had a couple questions about why induction chemo and not consolidation. Because her counts remain well and because it seems as the cancer cleared up, so did the rashes, he wondered if she is actually in remission.
He shared with us there was a test that had not yet gotten back that is more specific at looking at the abnormal cells and determine if they are premature new growth cells or cancer cells. And he thought possibly some since her numbers are in average range, this very well can be the case. He also thinks possibly the rashes are leukemia in her skin and as her cancer improves, so did the skin.
So while waiting on that test result, Jen gets results of her echo this morning. Frequently, induction chemo can do heart damage. When young like Jen, the heart repairs itself over time. Jen’s heart showed some damage. Then earlier then expected, the result from her biopsy comes back. And it is a good news, bad news thing.
The good news is because the need for time to repair her heart, they think consolidation chemo is the way to go. This means five to six days in hospital and home. It is not as intensive, shorter stay, and saves the induction chemo for transplant. The bad news is she truly isn’t in remission, as the doctor had hoped.
So now with a different plan, she moves forward with 2 hours on chemo and 12 hours off and that repeats for five days. And to her delight, she gets to come home early next week and be home for her birthday.
Word From Jessica
Good morning from icy Columbus! Jenny’s fever broke around 5 a.m. This has been the common theme, so we will see if it stays away this time. She was able to sleep much more comfortably with Demerol and Tylenol every four hours. They also found a different mask for when she’s getting O2 so that seems to have helped.
Biggest prayer request is to pray for the rash to subside.
Hopefully more updates soon!
Day 4 of 7
Today is day 4 of the 7 days of Chemo.
Jennifer hasn’t been eating much over the last several hours. She is bothered by the smell of many foods. She also had trouble swallowing her meds. She is taking an anti fungal med, meds to keep her acid levels down, an allergy med for her rash, and meds to help with nausea.
Her mood is still very good. We went for a long walk last evening but as her numbers drop her energy levels will decrease.
Jen’s dad is coming down today and her grandma is flying in from Florida today to see her.
Please continue to keep her in your prayer
Learning To French Braid with Jessica
Second (or 7th) braid attempt more successful. And pretty nails!
Here We Go
We are at The James. They have iv started and lots of viles of blood taken. Dr Long will be looking at her blood later this evening or morning and give us more ideas what we are dealing with. They will start her on meds to protect her kidneys. Early in week they will be doing a bone marrow draw to zero in on type of leukemia and treatment plan. Columbus will become her and my home for 4-6 weeks is what they said to expect.
Update –
The doctor just came in. Looking at cells under the microscope he doesn’t see many abnormal cells. They will check her bone marrow on monday and by Tues we should have more answers.
He isn’t convinced it is leukemia but as he said …he is a hematologist not a pathologist. The doctor in Lima that looked at her smear was a pathologist. He was the one who thought leukemia. The only way to know what it is will be the bone marrow test. Keep prayers coming.
Rally Together With Jennifer 