Small update on Eric (Jenny R)
Jenny just called and they got the results from some of the tests back. Eric has several small tumors in his lungs and a 5 cm tumor in his testicle. They have not heard from the oncologist yet, so not exactly sure what the plan of action is. But Jenny is raring to go and is probably the best advocate Eric can have at the moment, she will not let this drag out.
I'd like to head down there probably tomorrow late afternoon/evening. Would anyone want to come with me?
Debbi
I'd like to head down there probably tomorrow late afternoon/evening. Would anyone want to come with me?
Debbi
I look forward to your visit today. It will do my heart good.
I won't lie. I feel like crap this morning. I was alone last night because Rhi is with my folks and sisters in their 5th wheeler but it was really rough having such an empty house with just my thoughts to occupy me. Being alone at night is not going to happen again.
A small update with what we know, he has stage III - how "far" stage III, we don't know. For those that don't know, stage III is the worst prognoses for TC - kinda like stage 4 for other cancers. But like I said, because of the type of cancer (germ cell tumor with the incredibly aggressive percentage of it being choriocarcinoma) there's a 90% chance it will respond to chemotherapy. How much chemo, is yet to be seen. And of course you have the option of radiation down the road, and if all else fails, a stem cell transplant. He'll be having a ton of tests today to prep him for chemo that will start tomorrow or Saturday. They don't usually start chemo so quickly, but because his disease is so systemic they have to treat him or the cancer will kill him in a matter of weeks - so the orchiectomy will be done after the first round of chemo (4 months away I think? Not sure). So today I believe he'll be having a biopsy on one of the tumors in his lungs so they can stage him fully, getting the port for chemo, and tests to see if it's traveled to his brain. Praise God the morphine does the trick because I know he's gonna hurt afterward. But we were able to bring Rhiannon to visit and prepped her for daddy not being around for a while - and the next time he might not have hair and be even more skinny, a.k.a. sickly looking. She was sad and frightened but there is a fairness to this battle we're on because she's hopefully too little to be too miserable about it. I'm just sad she won't be able to cheer him up with her delightful self because he'll eventually become immunosuppressed and stuck in his room.
It's really hard not to feel "a life for a life" right now. But I can't believe that God would give my life back to me only to take his away. **** - if there's anyone who "deserves it", it's me. At least the oncology doc yesterday made us laugh. When he asked Eric if he drinks/smokes, etc Eric said "Nah I'm clean. I haven't ever been drunk." to which the doctor replied "That's pathetic. At least I was once, sometime this morning or last night, I think." LMAO!! It was great because this guy didn't look like the dry quick wit sort. It was a great moment to see Eric not only smile, but laugh.
Thanks for the thoughts everyone. I am overwhelmed by your love for me. It means so very much. Now off to the hospital I go. See you later Deb and friends.
-J
I won't lie. I feel like crap this morning. I was alone last night because Rhi is with my folks and sisters in their 5th wheeler but it was really rough having such an empty house with just my thoughts to occupy me. Being alone at night is not going to happen again.
A small update with what we know, he has stage III - how "far" stage III, we don't know. For those that don't know, stage III is the worst prognoses for TC - kinda like stage 4 for other cancers. But like I said, because of the type of cancer (germ cell tumor with the incredibly aggressive percentage of it being choriocarcinoma) there's a 90% chance it will respond to chemotherapy. How much chemo, is yet to be seen. And of course you have the option of radiation down the road, and if all else fails, a stem cell transplant. He'll be having a ton of tests today to prep him for chemo that will start tomorrow or Saturday. They don't usually start chemo so quickly, but because his disease is so systemic they have to treat him or the cancer will kill him in a matter of weeks - so the orchiectomy will be done after the first round of chemo (4 months away I think? Not sure). So today I believe he'll be having a biopsy on one of the tumors in his lungs so they can stage him fully, getting the port for chemo, and tests to see if it's traveled to his brain. Praise God the morphine does the trick because I know he's gonna hurt afterward. But we were able to bring Rhiannon to visit and prepped her for daddy not being around for a while - and the next time he might not have hair and be even more skinny, a.k.a. sickly looking. She was sad and frightened but there is a fairness to this battle we're on because she's hopefully too little to be too miserable about it. I'm just sad she won't be able to cheer him up with her delightful self because he'll eventually become immunosuppressed and stuck in his room.
It's really hard not to feel "a life for a life" right now. But I can't believe that God would give my life back to me only to take his away. **** - if there's anyone who "deserves it", it's me. At least the oncology doc yesterday made us laugh. When he asked Eric if he drinks/smokes, etc Eric said "Nah I'm clean. I haven't ever been drunk." to which the doctor replied "That's pathetic. At least I was once, sometime this morning or last night, I think." LMAO!! It was great because this guy didn't look like the dry quick wit sort. It was a great moment to see Eric not only smile, but laugh.
Thanks for the thoughts everyone. I am overwhelmed by your love for me. It means so very much. Now off to the hospital I go. See you later Deb and friends.
-J
My prayers and thughts go with you today, girl! Let us know what we can do besides pray. I am praying today that God will send angels to strengthen, comfort and give you peace. That you will feel his arms wrapped around you! I know this has to be incredibly hard! Just remember that you are not alone and keep reaching out. Keep us updated. Annette, too
Jenn,
Prayers and big hug baby girl for you and Eric! In the words of our Gina, CRAP! But sounds like yall have a really aggressive and good plan of action. This disease does not stand a chance with you and your determination and love! I wish I could be there for you today, but have to go to work. So I will have to send my hugs with Deb and the girls.
Your loved!
Lynnette
Jen I told Deb to tell you but just to make sure - tell Eric to be a totally anal about who acesses his port and them being super careful and clean- my mil fought cancer for many yrs - what got her in the end was an infection in her port getting her so she was not healthy enough for chemo - she had it in for 9 YEARS - that is a long long long time for a port - but the infection kept her from getting the bone marrow she needed
so please learn from our familys scar tissue my beautiful friend as you advocate for your love
so please learn from our familys scar tissue my beautiful friend as you advocate for your love
Home is where the army allows me to live with my husband
I know what I need to do - I have to choose to take care of me or I choose to fail
I know what I need to do - I have to choose to take care of me or I choose to fail