Heading home, sweet home...

It has been a long week.  This evening we are waiting on a delayed flight at Chicago's Midway Airport.  It will be nice to be sleeping in our own bed at least through the Christmas holiday!

We spent the day today at Loyola University Medical Center.  The Bernardin Cancer Center looks to be a very well run facility that many Chicago area patients depend upon.  Jen's registration process was very quick and most of the staff and doctors were already familiar with Jen and her history.  They really were fantastic.  It made things feel very comfortable and she was treated as a VIP.  Due to her increasing discomfort and difficulties controlling it, their first recommendation was to have the fluid drained off of her abdomen.  The "paracentesis" was immediately set up and within an hour she was in radiology having it performed with the aid of an ultrasound machine.  I could not believe my eyes when I walked in and saw 2 1/2 liters of what looked like Mountain Dew.  It definitely reduced the size of her belly and decreased the frontal pain.  Unfortunately, with the fluid gone, her lower back is much more uncomfortable.  This is more than likely due to tumor pressing against nerves and the back wall of her abdomen.

Following the procedure we were driven by hospital security back to the Cancer Center -- I forgot to mention we had a security escort around the very large facility!  A medical oncologist met with us and discussed things in depth.  Dr. Hantel was very nice and very honest.  His opinions echo those of Jen's other doctors.  Her best option at this point is to begin a Phase 1 trial drug due to her resistance to the available drugs on the market.  He wants her to be realistic about things and make sure that we choose a clinic that will be close to home where she is comfortable and continues to be close to family and supporters.  Our nationwide search may bring about too many options too far away.  His best recommendation of a hospital nearby is Washington University's hospital in St. Louis.  Ironically, Jen and I initiated contact with their cancer center (Barnes - Jewish) a couple of days ago.  Dr. Hantel even recommended the same doctor whose number we already had. 

Tuesday we had asked Dr. Pluenneke if he could give Barnes-Jewish Hospital a call and speak with the G.I. oncologist.  Hopefully he had some luck.  Jen has an appointment with Dr. P tomorrow at the KC Cancer Center.  Her priorities in that appointment are to check on his progress with "Barnes", discuss pain management options, and have him set up a plan for future occasions when she'll need another paracentesis. 

We both would like to thank Annie Braun and her friend Katie Battern for setting up the appointment here in Chicago.  Like many of the cancer nurses we have come across in the past year, you can tell that Katie has a huge heart and would do anything for anyone.  In the face of this horrible disease, people like Katie give comfort and even hope to those fighting cancer.  This trip was not a waste - just a fresh opinion on her current situation, an opportunity to meet some really special people, and reaffirmation that Jen will be best served closer to home where she can feed off of the love and support of friends and family.  If anything, she's leaving Chicago 10 pounds lighter with some good pain meds!

Comments

[Cheryl Casement]

Dearest Jen,
There is so much they can do for pain control now. Dr. P should be able to help you with that. I'm glad the paracentesis helped the frontal pain. You are right, they will more than likely have to do that procedure again. I am amazed you are able to tolerate the traveling. It has to be very hard on you right now. Being treated closer to home sounds very reasonable to me. May God give you comfort and strength as you endure this mighty trial (which you are doing with grace and dignity). Soak up the love of your wonderful family and friends. Let them be there for you. You are always in my prayers.
Love,
Cheryl Casement

[Debbie Gray]

God, I come to you in prayer. I pray for the doctors who are showing such determination in helping Jen and I pray for Your influence in their wisdom, advice and expertise. Father, help them relieve Jen of her pain and comfort her discomfort. God, I pray for the whole family; for their anxiety, their fear of the unknown, and the sheer exhaustion, both emotional and physical. Help them to FEEL your presence and Your peace that can pass all understanding. Bless them with restful sleep, revelation of Your perfect will and continued faith to place this in Your hands. God - saturate Jen's family and friends with camaraderie of spirit so they might all give each other the very-much-needed endless love and support. Lord, I just thank you for being with Jen and her awesome family because in You they have someone to petition for help, depend on for comfort and ask for strength. Thank you Father for these friends of mine - for they have touched countless lives in unforgettable ways. Bless them, Lord. Bless them as only You can bless.

In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen

[Melodie Chrisman]

Dear Jen & Chris, Words seem so inadequate right now. The ya-ya's were all together last night lifting your entire family in prayer. Chris, your strength and sheer determination for the love of your wife is so beautiful. Everyone should be so lucky to have someone like you. May God Bless you all and keep you safe and Jen free from pain. That is my only wish for Christmas this year. I love your family so very much and will continue to lift you in prayer asking God to hear our prayers. Merry Christmas to all.

[Michelle Visos]

Jen,

I don't know you but I just read the artile about you in the Kansas City Star. It brought tears to my eyes. I can't begain to imagine what you are going through. All I can say is you are in my prayers. You seem like such a strong and couragious women. Good luck to you may it help to know that people are praying for you!!!

God Bless,
Michelle from Grain Valley

[Jennifer Teegarden MD]

Jen,
You & your family continue to remain in my family's thoughts & prayers. It is my prayer that you & your family have a wonderful Christmas holiday. I pray that God will give you strength, courage and determination as you pursue forward. I pray for the doctors that are caring for you, that they will provide the answers and the hope you are searching for. Know that you are not alone and many people who don't even know you, including myself, are praying for you and your family. Thanks also to you and your husband for reminding us all of what the Christmas season is really about; being with our family and friends and sharing in the true meaning.

Merry Christmas,
Jennifer Teegarden MD

[Tom Wyrsch]

I have read the article by Barb Shelly in today's Kansas City Star. It was both sad and heartwarming to read your family's fight with this disease. Recently, one of my five sisters was told she had colon cancer and is begining her first treatments. I have put you on my prayer list. I will continue to follow your story and have given the information on this blog to my sister to follow. God bless you and your family during this tough fight.

[Janet Pisors]

Hi Chris and Jen!

I saw the article in the newspaper today and needed to share this with you right away. There is a place here in Kansas City called the House of Hope and Healing. It is a ministry provided by World Revival Church and was designed as a gift to the metro area- a place for everyone- churched and unchurched, no commitment to religion required. It is designed to provide compassionate prayer support in times of medical crisis. There are people getting healed there everyday (especially cancers), some instantaneously and some over the course of time. It is a great supplement to your medical treatment and a wonderful opportunity to see the power of God at work on your behalf. The address is 9900 View High Drive Kansas City, ph. 816-777-0707. You can check them out on the web at www.worldrevivalchurch.com. They are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You could even go there to take a tour before you get prayer. It's definately worth your time. Thanks, Janet Pisors

[cbaker]

I read the article in the KC Star about what you and your family are going through. I have had a rough 10 years dealing with a neurologic disease---my family was called to the hospital twice thinking I may not make it---It is amazing what our bodies can do and the ability to heal is so strong. I will add you all to the prayer list at church-----best of luck to all of you ----

[Rob]

Jennifer-
I read about your blog in the Star today and wanted to let you know that we'll have a good thought for you as your treatment progresses. I'm a urologist in Blue Springs and used to work with your dad at St. Mary's. You have a beautiful family! We will be watching your blog and keeping you in our prayers.
Merry Christmas!

[Rana]

I read your story in the KC Star today and came to the blog to bookmark it to keep your family in my prayers. My mom also had colon cancer that spread to her liver. She was treated at MD Anderson by Dr. Steve Curley. She was very pleased with her treatment there. She sadly passed away 8 years ago, but she died CANCER FREE. There is lots of hope. Stay strong and give those girls lots of Christmas hugs!

[Bridget]

Hi Jen-
I just wanted to drop in and let you know that I will be thinking about you over the weekend and throughout the holidays. I hope that they are wonderful for you, Chris, and the girls.
Bridget

[Heather Carpenter]

Jen and family,
You all continue to be in my families thoughts and prayers daily. Keep a positive attitude and just spend lots of time loving your girls. I worked with your mom at SPE. I read your blog daily. Please know if there is anything that I can do to help. I am only a phone call away. I have two kiddos about the same age as yours. So they are always welcome to come and play anytime. Stay strong.

Love,
Heather Carpenter

[Whitney Stewart-Richeson]

Chris and Jen,

I just read the article in the Kansas City Star and I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and your family. You are continually in my husband and I's thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and God Bless!

[Janet Gillis]

Jen and Chris,

I'm glad you're safely home and hope we will see you at least for a brief moment over Christmas. You both are truely a blessing to our family and I want you to know how much we love and admire you both.

Love,

Aunt Janet and Uncle Jack