Tonight I'm writing from a hotel near downtown Chicago. Following our Dallas visit, Jen and I arrived back in KC Tuesday afternoon. We weren't home long, when an e-mail popped up inviting Jen to Chicago for an appointment at the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center. It ends up that an old friend of Jen's, Annie Braun, has a friend that is the nurse coordinator at the cancer center. Katie has followed the blog and quickly offered to help when she found out we were looking for some other treatment options. Over the course of the past week Katie has been gathering info on Jen and was able to expedite a consultation that will take place tomorrow afternoon. A team of doctors will take a look at Jen and her records, put their heads together, and recommend a new course of treatment for her.
Back at home, the girls are in good hands with Jana and Jan. It continues to be important to us to keep the girls in their usual routines and make sure things seem as "normal" as possible.
Behind me in this small hotel room, Jen is lying in bed trying to keep her mind off of the pain in her abdomen. Her belly continues to swell and she feels (and looks) about 5 months pregnant. There will come a point in the very near future where the accumulated fluid will need to be drained. She is hoping sooner than later.
While reading your blog, I got a really good feeling. This is the meeting you have been waiting for. I will be thinking and praying for you tomorrow as you meet a new team of doctors. Keep your chin up high!
Posted by: Jeanne Peve | December 20, 2006 at 11:36 PM
Jen & Chris, That is wonderful. My family continues to pray every minute of every day that you guys find that treatment that will help you fight this. You guys are so strong and have shown strength and grace throughout. The ya-ya's are getting together tonight (Jan, myself, Cathy, Jan C., Peggy and Ellen) so you should be feeling some serious prayers and thoughts coming your way. Love and faith will get you two through this. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you but the truth is, you two have taught me so much above love and endurance that I have learned more from you than I could ever give to you. God is with you and this entire community will continue to walk with you. Peace be with you Both.
Posted by: Melodie Chrisman | December 21, 2006 at 07:43 AM
Now that you are in Chicago, I am back in Blue Springs knowing YOU are in good hands. Katie will take care of you. It's a small world after all.
Posted by: Annie | December 21, 2006 at 07:49 AM
My every waking minute is consumed with prayers for you, especially today as you meet with the doctors in Chicago. God will guide them to your recovery....I just know it. Continue your strength, your faith in God, and your fight. We are all here fighting with you. Much love to you both.
Posted by: jan castle | December 21, 2006 at 09:37 AM
Hi - I just wanted to let you know that I am here if you need anything while in Chicago. I am working on getting in touch with you (I don't have phone numbers for you guys) but if there is anything you need, please let me know.
Posted by: Carly | December 21, 2006 at 02:21 PM
Wow, a message waiting for an appointment for a possible new treatment that will end this journey that all of you have been taking for so long. It is truly a blessing to have this be presented to you. Jen, I am so sorry for your suffering and the prayers never stop for you. Just remember that life holds many gifts you haven't yet unwrapped. Hold tight - the Good Lord is in control. Bless both of you. Dee
Posted by: Dee | December 21, 2006 at 04:25 PM
Dear Jen,
Now may be the time for aggresive pain relief. There are pain specialists that can help you manage the pain without making your mind "gorky". Have you written letters to your daughters and made videos? I would do this while I had the strength. Jen, use your energy for what is important to you. If you have 1 inch of energy and someone wants you to spend it by going to a party that you dont want to attend, DONT GO. Use that energy to write a letter to your girls. There are implants that give you small amts of meds. directly and painlessly into your epidural space (yes, like at childbirth sorta) but the devices enable you to be pain free and give yourself extra meds when needed. It's hard to be strong and fight when you are in constant pain and my wish for you is for you to be as pain free as possible. Please, know you are in my prayers constantly and call me if there is anything I can help you with. I know a lot about pain and it's relief. There is also something called Fentanyl suckers. They are Lolipops of a very strong pain med. which you suck for a time, until your pain is eased, then put back into the package until later, or suck the whole thing if you need it. Just keep it away from the kids of course. I think you should ask for these right away.....it is such simple and effective pain relief. Fentanyl Suckers. (901)854-9502.
Love always sweetheart,
Elizabeth (Robin's Mom)
Posted by: Elizabeth Malone | December 21, 2006 at 07:35 PM
Hey Jen and Chris, just writing a note, checkin on your family. Julia and Taylor say , "Hello" and they miss the girls. Well, sounds like you've found a good group of doctors/nurses. 2.5 liters of fluid! I'm sure Jen feels a lot better -gosh.
Well, grandma Blanche is here watching the girls for a while, I've had a cold, Mark is out xmas caroling. NO Elvis singing Tonite!
Well I've gotta go, I just took Nyquil and I'm getten goofy. Love always, prayers, Bobbie, Julia , Taylor and Mark
Posted by: Mark Kohlfeld "Uncle Mark"&Aunt Bobbie Julia &Taylor | December 22, 2006 at 05:37 PM