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Upate – Tuesday, November 22, 2016

This evening Jennifer is headed to Columbus with her sister Jessica for early morning appointment with the clinical trial folks at the James. Thankfully they are able to stay with Randy’s aunt Diann. She is preparing them a late evening meal when they arrive which is super nice of her.

Jen overall felt ok today. She has a bit fatigued and light headed this morning but as the day progressed she felt a bit better.

A bit of bad news for her today was the place she was in contact with to harvest her eggs after chemo told her they don’t except her insurance. So I’m not sure if there may be another place she can do this with or if we will need to figure out how to pay for that out of pocket. The initial visit over $250 and without knowing additional cost from there it is definitely something to figure out. This is one of those things I need to let go and let God lead us to the answer. Prayers needed in that department.

We decorated today for Christmas and listened to Christmas music nearly all day. Every year we question why there are so many versions of the song Last Christmas, one of Matt‘ s least favorite Christmas songs.

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AML -Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Jennifer had her bone marrow biopsy on Monday.  And late yesterday afternoon, the doctors shared with us her diagnosis.  Jen has what is known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts (a type of white blood cell), red blood cells, or platelets. Later this week we will hear exactly what cells are being effected and a treatment plan.

The plan for today is to get a central line put in that she can receive chemo and other drugs through.  It is a short procedure that she will remain awake through.

To learn more about about AML, please go to http://www.cancercenter.com/leukemia/types/tab/acute-myeloid-leukemia/

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Egg Harvesting | A Word From Jen |

So today while talking with the doctor. If it is leukemia it could possibly be pre leukemia.

The plan was if I were to have chemo done to harvest some of my eggs to save so that I could have a better chance at having kids in the future.

Unfortunately due to how long it takes to prep my body for an egg harvest it would postpone any treatment. Which my doctor strongly advises against.

As hard as it is to hear that everyone person and body is different and I still may have viable eggs even after treatment.

But I also am ok with looking to other options for a family in my future.

Not the best news to hear, but I won’t let it stop me from getting better. I can become a mom on other ways but need to be healthy for that.

My transfusion went well with no side effects. I also had my CT scan this morning.

My mom is here now for the day and I have the possibility of having some visitors later today.

I am in good spirits and ready to give it my all.

Please if you can donate blood whether you are my blood type or not please do so. One donation = 4 transfusions. Although your blood may not go to me directly it will replenish what I used today or be used to help someone else in need.

Thank you for all the prayers and good vibes. I truly and blessed to have such great support.

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Enjoy Life

 

I know we have all heard the saying ‘Life is short, so don’t waste a second of it.” But never do any of us think bad things will happen to us.

Leukemia is a word I never thought I would need to learn to spell, let alone understand. But yet here we are. I’m still holding out hope that Jen’s bone marrow biopsy points to something less scary as I know there still is that outside chance. But I am also thinking to the future dealing with all this. It is very frightening.

But I am going to make sure we make every day count and never let cancer take away us enjoying life. The first time I picked up a camera I really started understanding the words ‘enjoy life.’ I get lost in my camera sometimes. It is where I find my most peace. Somehow I hope I can still find that over the next several weeks. And I hope Jennifer can enjoy life even from a hospital room. That is all I really wish for her in this moment. Well that and to get well very soon.

I love you girl!!

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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.

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Headed To The James

Last week Jennifer broke out with large sore pimples on her body. Her blood counts came back low and over the last two weeks they have fallen. Test came back today she has Leukemia.

She was admitted to the James on Friday, November 11, 2016. We are unsure what will happen next but as we hear more will let you know.

Many prayers needed.
Thanks
Joyce