A Healing Journey

As most of you know by now, our family loves a good adventure! So in October, as soon as we were given the news that I had time off of chemo, we decided to go to Portugal and Spain. It was such a healing and positive journey for us. The sun and the change of scenery helped me to feel human again. All the needle marks on my arm started to fade, I was able taste food again, and I was no longer nauseous or cold. But best of all, we were just being a “normal” family. No appointments or tests to worry about or to get in the way of just enjoying each other and the spectacular scenery around us. We are so thankful for that time together.  So many people contributed to our "adventure fund" and for that we will be forever grateful. It was the break that we so desperately needed and it gave me the strength to come home and face my PET scan and MRI.

Yesterday was the big day, the day I got the results from the PET and MRI. To say we were nervous was to put it mildly, but at the same time I felt confident that the results would be good. They were very good. Better than I could have ever hoped. The scans show no active cancer. Yep, your heard me right. No active cancer!!!! There is no sign of the cancer that was in my lymph nodes, clavicle, lungs or brain. In the area of my sternum, where the cancer had gone into my bone, there is a shadow that they think is sclerotic or hardened tissue.

Now, before I, or anybody gets too far ahead of themselves I have to add this disclaimer: this news does not mean I am cancer free. What it does mean is that my cancer is under control for the moment. It is still going to take years of treatment to keep the cancer under control. We also found out yesterday, through the POG trial, that I have a very highly agressive type of cancer that will probably try to come back. But whatever. The news I received yesterday has shown me that I am strong enough to beat it back if it tries to rear its ugly head again.

So for now, we are enjoying our awesome news and celebrating a successful battle. I am going back to do two more rounds of chemo (which will take about six weeks), but it will be so much easier to do so knowing how effective the treatments were for me.

Thank you so much for your prayers and positive thoughts. The love that surrounds us has given us so much strength and comfort.

Love Jen

Ella, Greyson and I at Bengali beach in Portugal

Our family on a horse and carriage ride in Sevilla, Spain 

Our family in Sagres, Portugal