Today is Thursday, October 27. We had our appointment with the oncologist this morning and the news was not really good. Ken wrote up a note to send to the family and I'm going to copy it here for you. My philosophy on these things is that the more open we are about what is going on with us the more people we have praying. And that is a good thing.
One reason I'm using Ken's update here is that I cried my way through most of the appointment... so I really didn't take a whole lot in. I'm not sure why I was so tearful, except I guess you always hope for better news. But, while I might not like the situation that I'm in, I certainly trust the Lord to sustain me through it. He is my hope and my strength!
So — here are Ken's words.
Good Afternoon,
We had our appointment at 11:00 today. The status is that the tumor has actually grown a little since the initial MRI back on August 1st. While it could be said that the initial radiation/chemo did nothing, I prefer to believe that the growth is much less than what it would have been.
Clearly this information is not good. We are moving very quickly to phase 2 of the treatment which will be much more intense. Tomorrow morning we will be at the hospital at 7:00am where they will be inserting a PORT into Janelle's chest. This is the preferred method of delivering medicine that needs to be injected vs having needles poked into you on a regular basis.
Next Tuesday, we will start the Chemo treatment plan. The plan is that every other Tuesday, we will go to the Chemo center for these treatments. Each treatment will consist of two drugs, Avastin and Camptosar (also known as CPT-11).
There was no discussion in terms of how long these treatments will go on. The short term plan is that every other Tuesday, as long as her blood cell counts are acceptable, we will have this procedure. I have four pages on each of these drugs to read and understand that talk about side effects.
Prayers (& miracles) are still key to our recovery plans.
Ken
Back to me (Janelle). We do thank you so much for your prayers and your messages of love and support. I hope to have some sort of a regular posting schedule again soon. And I've even spent some time in the craft room, so I actually have some fun stuff to share. Now to find the time and the energy to get it done. Again, thank you for all your love and prayers. They are so appreciative!
Dear Janelle - I'm sorry for the news you have received. Please know that prayers will continue for God's miracle to come to you. There is always hope with Him.
Posted by: Gerry Smith | 10/27/2011 at 06:08 PM
oh janelle i am so sorry and in tears as i read this.praying that phase 2 is a divine miracle for you.love hugs and many many prayers to you and ken as you begin this.
Posted by: susie p | 10/27/2011 at 06:13 PM
I am truly sorry ! Continued prayers for the Lord to sustain you both, and for the miracle that you need Janelle! Thank you for the post. Glad you have a chance to get in your craft room and make something. Get some rest! Many big hugs for you today!
Posted by: marybethL. | 10/27/2011 at 06:16 PM
Prayers continue for the miracle - and for you to continue to feel the strength and hope that only God can give... love you both, janis
Posted by: Janis | 10/27/2011 at 06:24 PM
Still praying for god to lay his hands upon you and comepletly cure you, yes I do believe in miracles from him !!! Continued love, strength and prayers for you and your family!
Posted by: Sandy Vyers Yost | 10/27/2011 at 06:25 PM
Praying for healing, strength and your continued amazing faith, which is a light to us all.
Posted by: Karin | 10/27/2011 at 06:33 PM
Oh, Janelle. I was so hoping for better news, as I'm sure that you were as well. I do not know what to say except that my heart is with you, and I am sending healing thought and strength your way. Hugs from San Diego.
Posted by: Joyce Mehrberg | 10/27/2011 at 06:44 PM
With you, holding hands and praying. "God?"
Posted by: Lynne Bolinger | 10/27/2011 at 07:12 PM
Cancer makes me mad. Can I commiserate a little here? Arrghh. But truly your attitude this whole way has been above and beyond inspirational. Don't lose the faith you have been gifted with. For such a time as this even.
Posted by: Jessica Clarkson | 10/27/2011 at 07:16 PM
Oh, Janelle, while this isn't the news we were hoping for, we'll continue to lift you up to our Father and trust in Him for complete healing. And as we wait on Him, I pray that His peace that surpasses all understanding will guard you and your family. Thank you for your openness; it helps me know how to pray. And your trust in God is amazing!!
Posted by: Anne Romanoski | 10/27/2011 at 07:47 PM
Janelle (and Ken)
Thank you for your honesty through all this. You both have been so amazing. When my mom had a brain tumor, Avastin was not approved for brain cancer. After we fought the insurance company and got her on it, her tumor actually shrunk 30%. I pray this new treatment will go well.
Posted by: Kendra Husband | 10/27/2011 at 07:50 PM
I'm very sorry to hear this, Janelle. Continue to be strong and I will continue to pray for you. Kia kaha ("stay strong" in New Zealand Maori)
Posted by: Euna | 10/27/2011 at 07:50 PM
Janelle, I am continually praying for you. Sending hugs to you! xo
Posted by: Susan | 10/27/2011 at 08:15 PM
While we cannot know what God has planned, we can know His plan is perfect. I am always uplifted by your faith in His perfect plan! I will continue my prayers of complete healing and for peace to cover you guys. Lots of love, Kim
Posted by: Kim C. | 10/27/2011 at 08:25 PM
aww janelle, I'm sorry the news wasn't better...but I know how good our God is. I will continue to lift you up in prayer and and very hopeful that phase 2 is a super success! love and hugs!
Posted by: Jen Griffith | 10/27/2011 at 08:37 PM
I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Your strength and faith are a daily inspiration to me.
Posted by: Karen Brandt | 10/27/2011 at 08:48 PM
So sorry that the news was discouraging. And, I'm still praying for you. Our God is faithful even in the midst of the storm! Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Him.
Praying,
Cindy K
Posted by: Cindy K | 10/27/2011 at 09:10 PM
Janelle, Ken, Ian & Britt, May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand. Lifting up many prayers to you for your 100% healing. Wish I lived very close so that I could come over and give you many many hugs. Thinking of you and praying constantly for your healing.
Posted by: Lynn | 10/27/2011 at 09:30 PM
Janelle, I'm sorry the news you received wasn't better. My continued prayers are for you and your family--for peace and for miracles!
Posted by: Nancy Ludwick | 10/27/2011 at 09:51 PM
Janelle, I'm so sorry you didn't get better news. Your strength (and Ken's) is so inspiring. I know the next phase of treatment will not be easy but I know that you will continue to battle on with courage and dignity. Thinking of you always,
Posted by: Jen W. | 10/27/2011 at 10:01 PM
Oh, Janelle...I'm sp sorry you didn't get the news we were all hoping and praying for. I will continue to pray for divine healing and continued strength and faith for you, Ken and your family as you move on to this next step. I know it won't be easy, but you have such great faith and a good attitude...that with all our continual prayers will get you through this. Sending lots of love, prayers and big, big ((HUGS)) your way tonight. Thanks so much for being so open and honest with us...it does help us with prayers/love and positive thoughts for you. Tomorrow will be another day...another chance for God to bring you another step closer to the miracle we are all praying for.
Posted by: Connie F. | 10/27/2011 at 10:46 PM
Janelle, I am so sorry the news was not what you or your family wanted to hear. You are in my prayers. Hugs!
Posted by: carol aka krillsister | 10/27/2011 at 11:05 PM
So. very. sad. Janelle. Can certainly understand why you didn't retain too much of what you heard today ~ don't think I would either if I was in your shoes. Will continue praying for that miracle and know that you are in good hands with the Lord and your wonderful hubby. Hug him for us as this isn't easy for him either. Keeping all of you in my prayers and good luck with your chemo treatments!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | 10/27/2011 at 11:12 PM
I am sending you positive energy Janelle...
Hugs,
Lesley
Posted by: Lesley | 10/27/2011 at 11:17 PM
Keep it simple: We have a God we can trust.
Words of wisdom from my daddy...
Posted by: libby | 10/27/2011 at 11:22 PM