The Second Week of Radiation

Jeannette's second week of radiation has been progressing as expected so far.  Family members and friends have been taking turns keeping her company on the trip to and from the hospital.  On Wednesday Jeannette even snuck in a bit of a girls' night out with a few ladies! 

We all continue to appreciate the support and love everyone has expressed for Jeannette and her family.  Thank you!

Two Positives

Jeannette just finished her first week of radiation; since she only has two weeks of radiation ordered at this point, that means she's halfway through!  Jeannette says her legs have been causing her less pain, which is likely due to both the radiation and the new combination of medication she is on.  Regardless of the reason, we are grateful! 

Also, Jeannette had another scan done on Thursday the 21st to see if the cancer had metastasized to her brain as well.  The results came back today and they are negative- no cancer in the noggin!  This is certainly cause for a happy dance.

We wish everyone a wonderful Easter. 

Good Friday

"Without the victory of the Resurrection, the death of Jesus would have been in vain. For death by itself is no victory, no matter how well-meaning the sacrificial lamb, no matter how noble the cause. Through His resurrection, Christ broke the power of death once and for all time. Salvation was not completed only because of the cross. It was completed by the victory of the empty tomb.  'Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.'"    

                                                                                                                      ~Katherine Walden

A Big "Thank You"

Jeannette wanted to thank everyone who has said they are praying for her, as well as everyone who has offered support in so many ways.  It means a lot to her, and to the family.

"As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily.  The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world."   

                                                                                                                                  ~Terri Guillemets

 

Did You Know?

**  that 40% of people have already progressed to Stage IV lung cancer by the time they are diagnosed (like Jeannette has)?

**  that over 220,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year in the U.S.?

** that 160,000 people die annually from lung cancer - more than breast, colon and prostrate combined?.

**  that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women?

**  that the average lifetime chance that a woman will develop lung cancer is 1 in 16?  


Why aren't there huge Walks and Races and Whatevers for the Cure of Lung Cancer?  Lung cancer does not receive the publicity that it is due; sadly, perhaps this is because there is a low survivor rate and therefore there are fewer people to advocate for the need for awareness, research, and fund raising.  One very real way we can all support Jeannette is to raise money for research and to push for earlier diagnostic tools for lung cancer.   

Jeannette's First Radiation Treatment

Today was Jeannette's first session of radiation therapy at Fletcher Allen Health Care.  Justin drove her to her appointment for 12:45pm, and he found it very easy to park and get to the Radiation/Oncology area of the hospital.  The location was very "user friendly", he said.

At her appointment last Thursday, Jeannette had tattoos done on her legs to show doctors where to focus the radiation.  However, at today's appointment they redid x-rays to make sure that the tattoos' placements were accurate.  The actual radiation took only about 15 minutes to administer.  It was a totally comfortable procedure for Jeannette.  The nurse who was present was able to provide helpful insight and advice on managing the pain in Jeannette's knees, and suggested combining two medications for maximum effect.  Jeannette liked her nurse very much.     

Jeannette knows her radiation therapy schedule for the rest of this week, and has family members to drive her on any day that she chooses to use them; she is able to drive herself if she wishes. 

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited.
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.

How We Got Here

Jeannette had been having pain in her right knee.  An MRI showed a tumor on the bone.  The doctors ordered a follow-up chest CT scan and bone scan because they knew the tumor didn't originate in the knee.  The CT scan showed a golfball-sized growth in the upper lobe of Jeannette's right lung.  The bone scan showed spots on both femurs.  A needle biopsy was performed Tuesday, April 12th.  As a result of the biopsy Jeannette learned that she has Stage IV lung cancer.

On Monday, April 18th Jeannette begins two weeks of radiation specifically to her legs.  The radiation is intended to shrink the tumors on the bones in her legs.  This will help to reduce the pain that is resulting from the tumors, and hopefully stop bone deterioration.  Jeannette is able to drive herself to these appointments, which may only last 15 minutes apiece. 

After the radiation is done chemotherapy will start, because the cancer has traveled through Jeannette's blood.  The chemotherapy will begin sometime after May 2nd.     

Welcome

Hello, friends and family.  This blog is a place for Jeannette to update you on her cancer journey.  Please check back here often for pictures, information, and to lend your support.