It seems I need to make the final update on this blog.
Jan passed away in the early hours of August 25, 2015. She had been watched over diligently by her son Chase, who made sure she stayed on top of her pain medication. Even with the shocking amount of pain killers she was on, it only kept her pain to a barely manageable amount.
In the end, she slipped away quickly and we're glad her final moments went fast as she was surrounded by family and her bishop.
Mom was laid to rest September 1, 2016 in the Midvale City Cemetery next to our Dad.
Knowing our Mom is out of so much pain and that she is reunited with our Dad gives us comfort. We're also comforted by our knowledge of the atonement and that we'll see them again. Our hearts hurt that we don't get to have Jan around to call and visit, but we know she'll be close, watching over us.
Thank you to all the help we've received, to everyone who came to help clean out her house. To the loving words and the shared grief. We know our Mom was loved, but it's been wonderful to see it.
God be with you til we meet again.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
8/17/16
Please forgive the lack of updates recently, we have had a lot to try and process.
We have returned home from a trip to Pineview Reservoir in Huntsville, UT and enjoyed some time together as a family. Before the trip, Jan had another CT to see where they were at. Since Mom was in a lot of pain after the last session of R-ICE chemo, her oncologist said another session would probably do more harm than good and decided not to schedule any more chemo.
Today we received the results of the CT and after spending time with Jan, and seeing the pain she was in, the results confirmed that the cancer did continue to grow while on the R-ICE chemo. In some places it doubled, some places stayed the same, there are new tumors in new places and some of the tumors were reduced in size.
On top of all of that information this morning, Jan was in a substantial amount of pain and was taken to the emergency room where it was suspected she could have a blood clot in her lung. They determined it was the tumors in her lungs and suggested she should begin home hospice care once she was discharged. They were able to get her pain under control and she is now resting at home.
With all the information we've received we know that her body can't withstand much more and that her time is short. Our hearts hurt but we believe that this life is not the end and we will see her again and that she will be reunited with our Dad which gives us peace.
While we all appreciate the amazing love and support we continue to receive, please know that Jan can no longer take calls or really text at this point. She is working on pain management and until it is under control please limit your calls to her at this time. If you have questions please contact Jessa or Kaitlyn. Thank you.
Love,
The Norton Family
We have returned home from a trip to Pineview Reservoir in Huntsville, UT and enjoyed some time together as a family. Before the trip, Jan had another CT to see where they were at. Since Mom was in a lot of pain after the last session of R-ICE chemo, her oncologist said another session would probably do more harm than good and decided not to schedule any more chemo.
Today we received the results of the CT and after spending time with Jan, and seeing the pain she was in, the results confirmed that the cancer did continue to grow while on the R-ICE chemo. In some places it doubled, some places stayed the same, there are new tumors in new places and some of the tumors were reduced in size.
On top of all of that information this morning, Jan was in a substantial amount of pain and was taken to the emergency room where it was suspected she could have a blood clot in her lung. They determined it was the tumors in her lungs and suggested she should begin home hospice care once she was discharged. They were able to get her pain under control and she is now resting at home.
With all the information we've received we know that her body can't withstand much more and that her time is short. Our hearts hurt but we believe that this life is not the end and we will see her again and that she will be reunited with our Dad which gives us peace.
While we all appreciate the amazing love and support we continue to receive, please know that Jan can no longer take calls or really text at this point. She is working on pain management and until it is under control please limit your calls to her at this time. If you have questions please contact Jessa or Kaitlyn. Thank you.
Love,
The Norton Family
Saturday, August 6, 2016
8/6/16
From Jan:
I'm sorry we haven't posted anything for a while. My family and I needed time to process the news we've been receiving.
Long story short, I'm not a candidate for a bone marrow transplant. There is just a 10% or less chance that it might slow down he growth of my very aggressive cancer. The transplant team told me that I have just weeks, maybe months to live. I'm still going through chemo to try to slow down the growth. I am currently recovering from my 2nd session of R-ICE chemo. It is very powerful and dangerous chemo. It's hard on my kidneys and my blood, so I have had a few blood transfusions lately. The most sessions I can have is 4, IF I can tolerate the side effects and IF the cancer doesn't continue to grow. My understanding is that a 5th session of R-ICE would kill me.
So, our family is planning on spending as much time together as possible while we can. We'll take lots of pictures and try to make as many memories as we can.
Yesterday through Monday are my roughest days this round. I'm nauseated and very tired. However, I still feel well enough to fix something simple to eat and clean up after myself so don't worry too much about me. I'm currently not in pain, so thats good. Thanks for all your kind thoughts and prayers.
I'm sorry we haven't posted anything for a while. My family and I needed time to process the news we've been receiving.
Long story short, I'm not a candidate for a bone marrow transplant. There is just a 10% or less chance that it might slow down he growth of my very aggressive cancer. The transplant team told me that I have just weeks, maybe months to live. I'm still going through chemo to try to slow down the growth. I am currently recovering from my 2nd session of R-ICE chemo. It is very powerful and dangerous chemo. It's hard on my kidneys and my blood, so I have had a few blood transfusions lately. The most sessions I can have is 4, IF I can tolerate the side effects and IF the cancer doesn't continue to grow. My understanding is that a 5th session of R-ICE would kill me.
So, our family is planning on spending as much time together as possible while we can. We'll take lots of pictures and try to make as many memories as we can.
Yesterday through Monday are my roughest days this round. I'm nauseated and very tired. However, I still feel well enough to fix something simple to eat and clean up after myself so don't worry too much about me. I'm currently not in pain, so thats good. Thanks for all your kind thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
7/6/15 -Staying Positive
Hi, quick update on Jan:
While they are unsure why she lost 10 pounds, they gave her something for appetite and with fluids she's up over 20 pounds which they think is almost all water weight. She is swollen and a little uncomfortable. They're taking care of it though. And with her food allergies she's down to maybe 5 options for meals and she's over them already.
Since Jan doesn't have her appointment with the transplant team until the 14th, she's left without a lot of answers until then, and without answers it's easy for the mind to wander and worry. While we are all overwhelmed at the kind and wonderful people who are constantly willing to help and we understand good intentions, we are trying to keep positive until we have a better understanding of her situation.
A lot of people ask what they can do, if you want to visit Jan, you can always send a text to see if you can bring her another snack or meal option other than the hospital food? You can always send her something funny, laughter is always better than crying.
Since there is still a lot we don't know, we know it's best to stay positive and keep our heads up through this. We don't know the answer to a lot of hard questions right now, but we do know Jan is still here, still a Mom, Grandma, sister, and friend. and she needs a good laugh right about now.
Thanks again for the continued prayers and thoughts on our family's behalf.
While they are unsure why she lost 10 pounds, they gave her something for appetite and with fluids she's up over 20 pounds which they think is almost all water weight. She is swollen and a little uncomfortable. They're taking care of it though. And with her food allergies she's down to maybe 5 options for meals and she's over them already.
Since Jan doesn't have her appointment with the transplant team until the 14th, she's left without a lot of answers until then, and without answers it's easy for the mind to wander and worry. While we are all overwhelmed at the kind and wonderful people who are constantly willing to help and we understand good intentions, we are trying to keep positive until we have a better understanding of her situation.
A lot of people ask what they can do, if you want to visit Jan, you can always send a text to see if you can bring her another snack or meal option other than the hospital food? You can always send her something funny, laughter is always better than crying.
Since there is still a lot we don't know, we know it's best to stay positive and keep our heads up through this. We don't know the answer to a lot of hard questions right now, but we do know Jan is still here, still a Mom, Grandma, sister, and friend. and she needs a good laugh right about now.
Thanks again for the continued prayers and thoughts on our family's behalf.
Monday, July 4, 2016
7/4/16 - New Chemo
I'm in the hospital today through Friday to receive the new R-ICE chemo. It has more severe side effects than the last chemo. Confusion and kidney damage are a couple of the things they'll be watching for. They are having me drink 3 quarts of water all day and giving me medicines designed to protect my kidneys, but there is nothing they can do about the confusion but luckily there's a less than 5% chance of it. So if you come to visit me, it might be more entertaining than you bargained for. They're also concerned about my weight loss over the last week (10 pounds) and are giving me something to increase my hunger.
I need a couple favors once I'm released. If I get as sick and fatigued as they tell me I will, then I'll need someone to take me to my oncologist appointments on July 11 and July 18th at 2 pm.. Both appointments are just to check my blood so they should take less than an hour. Thank you.
I meet with the transplant team sometime on July 14th. For some reason I'm really scared for this appointment. Terrified. I'm probably going to be on Valium that day. My sister Jill is going with me so I won't be alone. I understand that they'll test my five siblings in hopes of finding a bone marrow match. I'm lucky I have a large family. I'm hoping they aren't looking at doing the transplant in the near future so I have some time to process everything they'll tell me. I understand I'd be in the hospital 5 weeks for it.
Thank you for your kind texts, emails and posts. Also thanks to all the people who've driven me to my chemo appointments and those who brought me dinner. It's wonderful to have such a great support system!
I need a couple favors once I'm released. If I get as sick and fatigued as they tell me I will, then I'll need someone to take me to my oncologist appointments on July 11 and July 18th at 2 pm.. Both appointments are just to check my blood so they should take less than an hour. Thank you.
I meet with the transplant team sometime on July 14th. For some reason I'm really scared for this appointment. Terrified. I'm probably going to be on Valium that day. My sister Jill is going with me so I won't be alone. I understand that they'll test my five siblings in hopes of finding a bone marrow match. I'm lucky I have a large family. I'm hoping they aren't looking at doing the transplant in the near future so I have some time to process everything they'll tell me. I understand I'd be in the hospital 5 weeks for it.
Thank you for your kind texts, emails and posts. Also thanks to all the people who've driven me to my chemo appointments and those who brought me dinner. It's wonderful to have such a great support system!
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
6/28/16 - Bad News
From Jan:
I'm not sure how to even start the blog post or what to say. There isn't a way to write it with a positive spin. It's just bad news.
So the CT scan showed that some of the tumors have shrunk, but others have grown. This means that the chemo isn't working. Furthermore, there are masses that are an advanced type called Metastatic disease that puts me in a more advanced stage of cancer.
When you get news like this, you are in shock and can't think of the questions you should ask. The oncologist was visibly upset about having to deliver such bad news. She said we are no longer hoping for a cure. Our only recourse is to put me on a more aggressive chemo that will make me very sick and to schedule me for a bone marrow transplant. She wanted me to go home and give it some thought because either way it's a death sentence.
My mother died after her bone marrow transplant and it was a horrible process that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. But my doctor said I had a 90% chance of surviving it. However there wouldn't be a chance that it would cure me. Just a 50% chance that it would put me in a temporary partial remission. Most people only go through a bone marrow transplant in hopes for a cure, so I am asking myself if it really is worth going through something so drastic with the only hope of a partial remission that won't last, and a 50% chance it won't work.
Right now we are waiting for the transplant team at LDS hospital to meet and discuss which chemo they want to switch me to. One kind would require me to be admitted to the hospital. The other would have me going for outpatient chemo 5 days every other week. Both will make me very sick. But the doctor has hopes that it would shrink the new stronger tumors.
I can't make a decision about not having the bone marrow transplant without more info, so I'll have to meet with their team. Just thinking about it upsets me. I also want to know how long I have if I don't opt to do the bone marrow transplant and what I could expect as far as pain, etc with that decision.
My son Chase is staying with me now until Thursday when my daughter Jessa will come. So I'm not alone. The new tumors are already causing me pain, so I need to figure out what course of action I'm going to take. Right now I'm leaning towards just chemo and no transplant. We'll see what I decide later after I meet with the bone marrow transplant team.
Your prayers would be appreciated. Thank you.
I'm not sure how to even start the blog post or what to say. There isn't a way to write it with a positive spin. It's just bad news.
So the CT scan showed that some of the tumors have shrunk, but others have grown. This means that the chemo isn't working. Furthermore, there are masses that are an advanced type called Metastatic disease that puts me in a more advanced stage of cancer.
When you get news like this, you are in shock and can't think of the questions you should ask. The oncologist was visibly upset about having to deliver such bad news. She said we are no longer hoping for a cure. Our only recourse is to put me on a more aggressive chemo that will make me very sick and to schedule me for a bone marrow transplant. She wanted me to go home and give it some thought because either way it's a death sentence.
My mother died after her bone marrow transplant and it was a horrible process that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. But my doctor said I had a 90% chance of surviving it. However there wouldn't be a chance that it would cure me. Just a 50% chance that it would put me in a temporary partial remission. Most people only go through a bone marrow transplant in hopes for a cure, so I am asking myself if it really is worth going through something so drastic with the only hope of a partial remission that won't last, and a 50% chance it won't work.
Right now we are waiting for the transplant team at LDS hospital to meet and discuss which chemo they want to switch me to. One kind would require me to be admitted to the hospital. The other would have me going for outpatient chemo 5 days every other week. Both will make me very sick. But the doctor has hopes that it would shrink the new stronger tumors.
I can't make a decision about not having the bone marrow transplant without more info, so I'll have to meet with their team. Just thinking about it upsets me. I also want to know how long I have if I don't opt to do the bone marrow transplant and what I could expect as far as pain, etc with that decision.
My son Chase is staying with me now until Thursday when my daughter Jessa will come. So I'm not alone. The new tumors are already causing me pain, so I need to figure out what course of action I'm going to take. Right now I'm leaning towards just chemo and no transplant. We'll see what I decide later after I meet with the bone marrow transplant team.
Your prayers would be appreciated. Thank you.
Monday, June 20, 2016
6/20/16
From Jan:
So Chemo round three is over and I didn't get sick. Not only did I not get sick, I didn't have the extreme fatigue days at all. I had a day or two when I took a couple short naps, but that was the worst of it.
The worst part of my symptoms is shaking. I hate it. My hands shake so much that typing is next to impossible, and my handwriting is illegible. Putting on mascara is difficult, so I only venture to put it on my top lashes. Eyeliner is difficult too. I look forward to the day that my hands and fingers will no longer shake and bounce all over the place. We think that it is a side effect from the nausea drugs - but it is just a guess. I haven't talked to anyone else who has the same symptoms.
So- Chemo Round Four starts Monday. My son, Chase is thinking about coming up for my first days of chemo. I hope he can make it, because I need rides to chemo and he could take me every day. My daughter Jessa and granddaughter Emery will be coming that Friday through the 4th of July, so that is something to look forward to.
Thank you to everyone who brought me meals. I can't thank you enough. I'm in better shape now to prepare or go get my own dinners now, but that was wonderful to receive meals each night.
So Chemo round three is over and I didn't get sick. Not only did I not get sick, I didn't have the extreme fatigue days at all. I had a day or two when I took a couple short naps, but that was the worst of it.
The worst part of my symptoms is shaking. I hate it. My hands shake so much that typing is next to impossible, and my handwriting is illegible. Putting on mascara is difficult, so I only venture to put it on my top lashes. Eyeliner is difficult too. I look forward to the day that my hands and fingers will no longer shake and bounce all over the place. We think that it is a side effect from the nausea drugs - but it is just a guess. I haven't talked to anyone else who has the same symptoms.
So- Chemo Round Four starts Monday. My son, Chase is thinking about coming up for my first days of chemo. I hope he can make it, because I need rides to chemo and he could take me every day. My daughter Jessa and granddaughter Emery will be coming that Friday through the 4th of July, so that is something to look forward to.
Thank you to everyone who brought me meals. I can't thank you enough. I'm in better shape now to prepare or go get my own dinners now, but that was wonderful to receive meals each night.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
6/8/16
From Jan:
Today I'll get day 3 of my pink chemo. I feel good, if I didn't have this pump hanging around my neck like a messenger bag I would definitely be back at work. However the tubing that goes from the bag, to up under my shirt up to my port tends to get snagged on drawer pulls and I worry about that so I'm home bound and bored. Really, really bored. The big excitement of my day is going to Utah Cancer Specialists to get the bag of chemo switched out each day.
Right now the best thing about chemo week is they give me a different anti nausea drug called Aloxi through my port that doesn't make my hands tremble like the Zofran I take by mouth during the other two weeks. My hands are totally steady and close to normal and that's a pretty big deal for me. So this week is turning out to being the best week as far as feeling like my pre-cancer self. I'm missing being at work and my normal routine.
This week through this coming Monday I should feel good and would love company when I'm not at chemo. So today, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and Monday please call or text to find a time to come see me and break up my monotonous long days of watching tv. Starting Tuesday I'm afraid I'll start feeling awful again if the last two sessions are an indication of what is normal. Thank you to the friends and family who have come to visit. And thanks to the wonderful people who drive me to chemo and who are bringing me dinner and those who have dropped off Gatorade or Propel. Those drinks really help me through the nausea to keep electrolytes in my system.
I will be having a CAT scan on the 23rd to see if the tumors are continuing to shrink. This will determine if I have six or eight sessions of chemo, so prayers would be very much appreciated. Thank you for all the prayers and good thoughts directed my way. Love you all - Jan.
Today I'll get day 3 of my pink chemo. I feel good, if I didn't have this pump hanging around my neck like a messenger bag I would definitely be back at work. However the tubing that goes from the bag, to up under my shirt up to my port tends to get snagged on drawer pulls and I worry about that so I'm home bound and bored. Really, really bored. The big excitement of my day is going to Utah Cancer Specialists to get the bag of chemo switched out each day.
Right now the best thing about chemo week is they give me a different anti nausea drug called Aloxi through my port that doesn't make my hands tremble like the Zofran I take by mouth during the other two weeks. My hands are totally steady and close to normal and that's a pretty big deal for me. So this week is turning out to being the best week as far as feeling like my pre-cancer self. I'm missing being at work and my normal routine.
This week through this coming Monday I should feel good and would love company when I'm not at chemo. So today, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and Monday please call or text to find a time to come see me and break up my monotonous long days of watching tv. Starting Tuesday I'm afraid I'll start feeling awful again if the last two sessions are an indication of what is normal. Thank you to the friends and family who have come to visit. And thanks to the wonderful people who drive me to chemo and who are bringing me dinner and those who have dropped off Gatorade or Propel. Those drinks really help me through the nausea to keep electrolytes in my system.
I will be having a CAT scan on the 23rd to see if the tumors are continuing to shrink. This will determine if I have six or eight sessions of chemo, so prayers would be very much appreciated. Thank you for all the prayers and good thoughts directed my way. Love you all - Jan.
Friday, June 3, 2016
6/3/16
From Jan:
Okay. I'm gearing up for my third session of chemo which begins on Monday. In all honesty I'm not mentally ready to start this 3- week roller coaster again. Today I have to have chemo in my spinal column, so I'm getting that out of the way, but I had bad dreams all night about it. Not looking forward to it.
Being in my situation as a widow living alone I've needed a lot of outside help and am so grateful for the friends, family and coworkers who have been willing to help. My oncologist isn't thrilled that I'm by myself so much, but I think it's working better now that I've had less problems this round.
I will need extra help this coming week. My oncologist is going to let me do outpatient chemo instead of being admitted to the hospital. I'll need rides to and from chemo every day next week. I'd drive myself, but that doesn't sound particularly smart. Please call me if you can help me! 801-834-4448.
People keep asking if I'm on chemo every day. No, here's how it works:
Week One- one day (4 hours of drip) of Retuxin as an outpatient at Utah Cancer Specialists (UCS), one 2-hour lumbar puncture chemo in my spinal column, and 5 days continuous chemo drip in the hospital. (Except we are doing the hospital portion as outpatient this time- see above). I usually feel good all week, and am bored with being attached to an IV that allows me no freedom.
Week Two- Sick Week. No more chemo, this week consists of days 8-14 at home. The first day I feel pretty good, but it goes downhill after that. I'm weak, can't keep awake and feel miserable. This is when caring people text to ask how I'm doing and I can't focus well enough to read their texts, much less answer. I sleep most of the time during this week. I love all the well wishes, but am not up for visits or calls or texts. I have alarms that wake me every 4 hours to take pills, and force myself to eat and drink. I'm supposed to eat small meals of protein during these breaks and drink Gatoraid or Propel for the electrolytes, or I'll land myself back in the hospital. I have to ask people to be "on-call" for me each day this week to call me on my four hour breaks to make sure I'm ok. If you are willing to help me for one of these days, please call me.
Week Three- I feel better each day. Usually the second day I'm ready to do normal activities and want to go to work. I wear out quickly and if I don't get a nap I end up going to bed at 7:30pm and sleep 10 hours. I can run errands but get light headed after a half hour trip shopping and have to go home and lay down to recuperate.
Then it starts all over again the next week.
Thank you to my KW family for bringing dinner almost every night, and to Devi Day for organizing it. It's been great, and I love seeing those of you who have come.
It's hard to ask for so much help, but I'm being told it's good for me to learn to accept loving charity. So thank you.
Times: Monday I need to arrive at UCS (3900 S 700 E) at 8:10 and be picked up at 5pm
Tuesday arrive 8:10 am, pick up at 3:30pm
Wednesday same as above
Thursday same as above
Friday arrive 9 am, pick up 3:30
Okay. I'm gearing up for my third session of chemo which begins on Monday. In all honesty I'm not mentally ready to start this 3- week roller coaster again. Today I have to have chemo in my spinal column, so I'm getting that out of the way, but I had bad dreams all night about it. Not looking forward to it.
Being in my situation as a widow living alone I've needed a lot of outside help and am so grateful for the friends, family and coworkers who have been willing to help. My oncologist isn't thrilled that I'm by myself so much, but I think it's working better now that I've had less problems this round.
I will need extra help this coming week. My oncologist is going to let me do outpatient chemo instead of being admitted to the hospital. I'll need rides to and from chemo every day next week. I'd drive myself, but that doesn't sound particularly smart. Please call me if you can help me! 801-834-4448.
People keep asking if I'm on chemo every day. No, here's how it works:
Week One- one day (4 hours of drip) of Retuxin as an outpatient at Utah Cancer Specialists (UCS), one 2-hour lumbar puncture chemo in my spinal column, and 5 days continuous chemo drip in the hospital. (Except we are doing the hospital portion as outpatient this time- see above). I usually feel good all week, and am bored with being attached to an IV that allows me no freedom.
Week Two- Sick Week. No more chemo, this week consists of days 8-14 at home. The first day I feel pretty good, but it goes downhill after that. I'm weak, can't keep awake and feel miserable. This is when caring people text to ask how I'm doing and I can't focus well enough to read their texts, much less answer. I sleep most of the time during this week. I love all the well wishes, but am not up for visits or calls or texts. I have alarms that wake me every 4 hours to take pills, and force myself to eat and drink. I'm supposed to eat small meals of protein during these breaks and drink Gatoraid or Propel for the electrolytes, or I'll land myself back in the hospital. I have to ask people to be "on-call" for me each day this week to call me on my four hour breaks to make sure I'm ok. If you are willing to help me for one of these days, please call me.
Week Three- I feel better each day. Usually the second day I'm ready to do normal activities and want to go to work. I wear out quickly and if I don't get a nap I end up going to bed at 7:30pm and sleep 10 hours. I can run errands but get light headed after a half hour trip shopping and have to go home and lay down to recuperate.
Then it starts all over again the next week.
Thank you to my KW family for bringing dinner almost every night, and to Devi Day for organizing it. It's been great, and I love seeing those of you who have come.
It's hard to ask for so much help, but I'm being told it's good for me to learn to accept loving charity. So thank you.
Times: Monday I need to arrive at UCS (3900 S 700 E) at 8:10 and be picked up at 5pm
Tuesday arrive 8:10 am, pick up at 3:30pm
Wednesday same as above
Thursday same as above
Friday arrive 9 am, pick up 3:30
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
5/25/16
From Jan:
Today I'm doing amazing considering I'm in my three predicted low days. I give credit to that to the IV fluids and to knowing what not to do from last months experience.
Yesterday I woke up weak and shaking and feeling "off." I hooked up the home IV drip that is attached to a backpack, and tried to drink lots of water. It was a tough day till around 3pm when all the fluids started kicking in. Drinking Gatoraid helped with electrolytes so I'm drinking that instead of so much water today.
It has been suggested to me that in all our efforts to keep me from getting sick from visitors, I have robbed my friends and loved ones from feeling like they can contact me or do something for me that I need. When this whole situation began, I was getting a lot of calls and texts, but was in lots of pain and distress so I couldn't deal with anything more than family. But this second round of chemo is going better. So new rules.
So...I'm happy to have visitors who haven't had colds or been exposed to something. Bring a sports drink that has electrolytes- I'm out of Gatoraid (hint) and need more, or you can bring a protein drink from the Protein Foundary (tell them to replace the whey protein with plant protein.). Call first, so I can confirm I'm still felling good, but I really look forward to seeing people.
I am eating small meals of protein per dr orders. I could use meals along those lines. We were thinking about ordering Cafe Ganesh Indian food for dinner tonight, and my sweet friend Devi is bringing enchiladas Friday night, but it's nice not to think about what I'm up to fixing for meals. Please remember I'm extremely allergic to milk, so no products that have milk or cream - no cream based soups, sour cream etc.
My sister-in-law is here babysitting me till Friday (also doctors orders that I'm not alone), so she is making sure I eat and that visitors use hand sanitizer. I'm in pj's today but I'd love to have a visitor or two to break up our boredom of television all day, so if you're ok with me dressed casually please call or text.
Love, Jan
Love, Jan
Thursday, May 19, 2016
5/19/16
From Jan:
Well live felt great up until about an hour ago (5 pm). I've been out of bed both days, walked the hall, been the model patient for my nurses, and just felt like a normal person. Yay!
But I started feeling fatigued about an hour ago. When I say fatigued, it's more than tired or sleepy, it's like you're going to fall over where ever you happen to be standing or sitting, and you'll be dead asleep in less than a minute.
But I can't lay down yet because I need to stay awake until one of the many medications they've given me wear off. Luckily it should wear off by 7. I remind myself of a baby kitten who falls asleep in its food bowl - exactly like that.
Yesterday the oncologist and pharmacist took pity on my situation and now my 24 hour chemo drip bags are being run over 23 hours instead. In theory that takes an hour off each day, which meant I'd be released close to 3:30 on Saturday. But I wasn't taking into the account that it takes 30 minutes work on the nurse's part to change the bags. Then on top of that my doctor ordered an additional long term anti nausea med to drip for 30 minutes between chemo bags today, so that meant that I didn't gain any time today. We'll have to see how Friday's bag change goes to get a better idea what time I will get released on Saturday. Plus after the pink chemo bag they'll hang one clear chemo bag Saturday that either takes a half or full hour, I can't remember. Jill (my sister) was. Joking with my nurse last night about how she would bring a prize. (Ruby Snap Cookies) to whatever nurse changed the bags fastest. I think the nurse at discharge gets double points if she immediately unhooks me from the IV instead of making me wait 20 minutes like last time. I become totally unreasonable. When it's discharge time and I'm not my normal sweet understanding self. I want out of here the second the last drop of chemo drips!
Oh and if I understand correctly, instead of sending me home with an IV pole, the IV will be in a pump I wear like a fanny pack! (I have to have an IV drip 10 hours of each 24 hour day at home to keep me from getting as sick as last time.) So a home health nurse will come by with 12 IV bags and will teach me how to change the bags myself.
They're rally invested in having me not get sick and land back in the hospital, so besides the long term nausea drug I got today, and sending me home with the IV pump, they have called in additional drugs to take at home. In all there will be 3 nausea drugs, two of which I'll take alternatively every four hours. As I understand, all 3 of these anti nausea medications work on different channels so you can take all 3 and not worry about over medicating because they all target something different.
So besides their regime, I now know I need to force myself to eat several small meals a day, and drink a lot of water and get up and walk for 15 minutes when I'm fatigued. So with all that I'm expecting a better outcome. And I plan to return to work the week of May 30- June 3rd. It's the week right before I start my 3rd chemo session, do I'm looking forward to seeing how that goes, and it's extra motivation to do everything right this time to prevent setbacks.
Thanks again for all the continued prayers on Jan and the family's behalf!
Well live felt great up until about an hour ago (5 pm). I've been out of bed both days, walked the hall, been the model patient for my nurses, and just felt like a normal person. Yay!
But I started feeling fatigued about an hour ago. When I say fatigued, it's more than tired or sleepy, it's like you're going to fall over where ever you happen to be standing or sitting, and you'll be dead asleep in less than a minute.
But I can't lay down yet because I need to stay awake until one of the many medications they've given me wear off. Luckily it should wear off by 7. I remind myself of a baby kitten who falls asleep in its food bowl - exactly like that.
Yesterday the oncologist and pharmacist took pity on my situation and now my 24 hour chemo drip bags are being run over 23 hours instead. In theory that takes an hour off each day, which meant I'd be released close to 3:30 on Saturday. But I wasn't taking into the account that it takes 30 minutes work on the nurse's part to change the bags. Then on top of that my doctor ordered an additional long term anti nausea med to drip for 30 minutes between chemo bags today, so that meant that I didn't gain any time today. We'll have to see how Friday's bag change goes to get a better idea what time I will get released on Saturday. Plus after the pink chemo bag they'll hang one clear chemo bag Saturday that either takes a half or full hour, I can't remember. Jill (my sister) was. Joking with my nurse last night about how she would bring a prize. (Ruby Snap Cookies) to whatever nurse changed the bags fastest. I think the nurse at discharge gets double points if she immediately unhooks me from the IV instead of making me wait 20 minutes like last time. I become totally unreasonable. When it's discharge time and I'm not my normal sweet understanding self. I want out of here the second the last drop of chemo drips!
Oh and if I understand correctly, instead of sending me home with an IV pole, the IV will be in a pump I wear like a fanny pack! (I have to have an IV drip 10 hours of each 24 hour day at home to keep me from getting as sick as last time.) So a home health nurse will come by with 12 IV bags and will teach me how to change the bags myself.
They're rally invested in having me not get sick and land back in the hospital, so besides the long term nausea drug I got today, and sending me home with the IV pump, they have called in additional drugs to take at home. In all there will be 3 nausea drugs, two of which I'll take alternatively every four hours. As I understand, all 3 of these anti nausea medications work on different channels so you can take all 3 and not worry about over medicating because they all target something different.
So besides their regime, I now know I need to force myself to eat several small meals a day, and drink a lot of water and get up and walk for 15 minutes when I'm fatigued. So with all that I'm expecting a better outcome. And I plan to return to work the week of May 30- June 3rd. It's the week right before I start my 3rd chemo session, do I'm looking forward to seeing how that goes, and it's extra motivation to do everything right this time to prevent setbacks.
Thanks again for all the continued prayers on Jan and the family's behalf!
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
5/18/16
Update from Jan:
Yesterday I did my outpatient Retuxin at Utah Cancer Specialists. The first time I had it, I was on my loopy drugs, so all I did was sleep and have weird dreams. But yesterday I realized the first half hour they run benedryl and another drug first. It made me so sleepy I could barely stay awake. A former co- worker and friend, Kimmi Shaw had talked to Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn encouraged her to come keep me company but by the time she got there I could barely keep my eyes open. So she sat and mostly watched me sleep for 2 of the 3 hours she was there. By the time the drip was done the benedryl had worn off and I was fully awake. I realized I could definitely drive myself there and home next time. But Kimmi drove me to the hospital for quick blood work and then dropped me off at home around 3:30.
Today I woke up feeling a little sick from the Retuxin. I was to report to the hospital at 8 am, then be taken directly down for the spinal fluid chemo directly after. However there was a mixup and the hospital didn't get the order so they had to squeeze me in later, which ended up being at 3 pm for the spinal fluid chemo. And I couldn't start the pink chemo until after the spinal fluid chemo because of the radiation they use to direct the needle into my spine. So, I was here at 8am but didn't start the pink chemo until 5:30pm. Frustrating! Which means I won't be released until after 6pm on Saturday.
Right now I'm not up for visitors because I'm fighting nausea and can't regulate my internal temp. I'm either cold or hot - but my temperature always shows 98.6 so it's just me. Oh, and the head nurse from last time is here, so no flowers. Ha ha.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
5/14/16- Getting ready for round 2
Jan is getting ready for her second round of chemo which will begin Monday with a few hours of outpatient chemo at Utah Cancer Center.
Tuesday, she will check back into the hospital and get her hard core pink chemo. She should be back home by the weekend.
As usually she can get visitors IF they are not sick, and have not been around sick people. Please check in ahead of time to make plans to visit instead of dropping by. This time around she is planning on getting lots and lots of rest so again, if she says it's not a great time or great day, its not you. She's just really trying to avoid any unnecessary hospital stays.
Thanks again for all the continued prayers on Jan's behalf, she is not looking forward to this next round but hopefully things go well and she might not have to be hospitalized for the rest of the rounds after this. Fingers crossed!!
Friday, May 6, 2016
5/6/16 - Some optimism for your Friday
Jan had a chance to meet with her oncologist at Utah Cancer Center and have a lot of things clarified and lots of questions answered.
It was all good news.
First of all, it was the head nurse at IMC that gave Jan a stern talking to and confiscated her flowers, not an oncologist like I originally thought.
Also, it turns out that same head nurse was incredibly wrong on a lot of things:
1st - Jan was told that she wasn't tolerating chemo. This is incorrect. What happened was, Jan's cancer was advanced and going into chemo she was already a very sick woman with tumors pressing up against her organs. Keeping that in mind, the first round of chemo is always the hardest and with the amount of cancer she has to fight - it made her incredibly ill.
Her oncologist was surprised the hospital hadn't gone over her latest scan with her, because it turns out - it had good news.
Yes - you read that right - good news.
This 3rd CT scan was compared to her first at her initial diagnosis done on March 31st, normally it is way to soon to see any changes but, her tumors are already shrinking. This is very unusual. Her largest tumor was 20 mm and it is now 10 mm. Several others have decreased in size while others haven't changed, but the fact that they are already seeing progress is unusual and very good.
Since Jan had been told that she hadn't been tolerating the chemo and she had been so incredibly sick and in so much pain, she was considering discontinuing the chemo and spending whatever time she had left with family. Her oncologist, Dr. Gregg reassured her that she has now been through the hardest part and while she wanted Jan to go back in this Sunday for another round of chemo, Jan bargained for a few more days to recover before she has to go back in. She just wants to be able to stand for 10 minutes without shaking from exhaustion, to be able to shower without requiring a 20 minute nap to recover, etc.
Round 2 will start May 16th with outpatient chemo at Utah Cancer Specialists where she'll get 4-6 hours of Retuxin, which really isn't chemo but it's how all chemo starts. Retuxin, as it was explained to us, can isolate cancer cells and kill them. In simple terms, when cancer cells are killed off, it gives off a poisonous gas that can hurt the liver and kidneys and really make you sick. So it is only done one day where nurses can monitor you. Then after that, days 2-6 she gets the dreaded Pink Chemo in the hospital, which is called E-POX. Most people get a variation of chemo called R-CHOP which is a one day regime, but since Jan's is double hit - she gets 5 days of the big guns.
Jan will get out of the hospital May 21st. Dr. Gregg said she wanted someone to stay with Jan for the following 8-10 days depending on how she's doing. Days 10-14 are when her blood counts are the worst and she'll be the sickest, during those days Jan's sister-in-law, sister and daughter Kaitlyn will help, and she will have friends fill in as needed.
Jan was told that if she does well with round 2, that round 3 might be able to be done as out-patient and she'd be able to avoid the hospital and go home every night and sleep in her own bed. So Jan is holding onto the hope that this next round will be her last hospital stay. So she's asking for prayers because she hates the hospital.
Here are some other questions she had answered:
1. Some people asked if she could be prescribed medical marijuana. She can't. It is illegal in the state of Utah. However, there are plenty of legal meds that will work better for Jan's case.
2. The tingling in her fingertips is called Neuropathy. They always hope to give just enough chemo to avoid it so they'll adjust her chemo to see if they can avoid it in the future. So she should be getting feeling back in her fingertips soon.
3. The tumors pressing on her stomach and intestines were the culprits behind her last 4 day hospital stay. Now that they've shrunk, there isn't as much pressure and she should do much better. As long as she's following the instruction of eating 6-8 small half-cup meals a day to keep her stomach from getting pressure.
4. Her trembling hands are a result of being weak so she needs to work on getting better and stronger.
5. Dr. Gregg said that she could have had flowers and visitors and was incredulous at what Jan had been told by the nursing staff. We had all questioned the flowers but figured they knew what they were talking about. It turns out, they don't. She'll get her blood taken once a week and as long as her blood counts are normal, she can have visitors - within reason - *SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS!!
6. Other mis-information she got was that she would have to wash her clothes in boiling water because chemo would come out in her sweat. Dr. Gregg said she had never heard that...ever. And in so many kind words said that was...dumb.
7. She is not cleared to go back to work until after she sails through round 2 and does well. Once she's cleared by her doctor, she can begin to work half-days - so she is asking for prayers that round 2 goes well so she can return to Keller Williams.
8. She still can't attend church because too many sick people attend church.
**DETAILS ON VISITORS:
Now that Jan has been told she can have visitors this does not mean party at Jan's house. She is still really weak and really needs to build up her endurance, her strength and her ability to fight again. She gets exhausted after sitting up for a while - she gets tired after doing small tasks. So her main focus up until she starts her next round is to focus on recovery.
So while we are still astounded by people's generosity and offers of visits and help - we're asking that you call before you make plans to see her.
Also if you have been sick, or have been around sick people to hold off making plans to visit. For example - Jan's son Brandon has been in town but he and his family have been sick so he hasn't been able to go see her and their kids haven't been able to see Grandma. It's heartbreaking and all parties wanna bend the rules a little, but they simply can't because a small cold isn't going to help Jan recover. So please keep this in mind if you want to make plans to visit.
Also, please don't be offended if you try to make plans to see Jan and she says its not a good time or a good day. She is recovering from being seriously ill and tires incredibly easily. Her goals are to climb her stairs without needing a break before taking on the last two steps and to not need a nap after she showers. So again we'll stress that drop-ins aren't really encouraged and hope that you'll understand!
She has some physical therapy appointments coming up and has some homework of taking small walks to build her strength. She does miss her work friends and might make plans to have some people come walk with her so she can catch up on what she's missing.
Once again we can't begin to tell you how grateful we are for everyone's continued prayers. We can all definitely see the effect!
It was all good news.
First of all, it was the head nurse at IMC that gave Jan a stern talking to and confiscated her flowers, not an oncologist like I originally thought.
Also, it turns out that same head nurse was incredibly wrong on a lot of things:
1st - Jan was told that she wasn't tolerating chemo. This is incorrect. What happened was, Jan's cancer was advanced and going into chemo she was already a very sick woman with tumors pressing up against her organs. Keeping that in mind, the first round of chemo is always the hardest and with the amount of cancer she has to fight - it made her incredibly ill.
Her oncologist was surprised the hospital hadn't gone over her latest scan with her, because it turns out - it had good news.
Yes - you read that right - good news.
This 3rd CT scan was compared to her first at her initial diagnosis done on March 31st, normally it is way to soon to see any changes but, her tumors are already shrinking. This is very unusual. Her largest tumor was 20 mm and it is now 10 mm. Several others have decreased in size while others haven't changed, but the fact that they are already seeing progress is unusual and very good.
Since Jan had been told that she hadn't been tolerating the chemo and she had been so incredibly sick and in so much pain, she was considering discontinuing the chemo and spending whatever time she had left with family. Her oncologist, Dr. Gregg reassured her that she has now been through the hardest part and while she wanted Jan to go back in this Sunday for another round of chemo, Jan bargained for a few more days to recover before she has to go back in. She just wants to be able to stand for 10 minutes without shaking from exhaustion, to be able to shower without requiring a 20 minute nap to recover, etc.
Round 2 will start May 16th with outpatient chemo at Utah Cancer Specialists where she'll get 4-6 hours of Retuxin, which really isn't chemo but it's how all chemo starts. Retuxin, as it was explained to us, can isolate cancer cells and kill them. In simple terms, when cancer cells are killed off, it gives off a poisonous gas that can hurt the liver and kidneys and really make you sick. So it is only done one day where nurses can monitor you. Then after that, days 2-6 she gets the dreaded Pink Chemo in the hospital, which is called E-POX. Most people get a variation of chemo called R-CHOP which is a one day regime, but since Jan's is double hit - she gets 5 days of the big guns.
Jan will get out of the hospital May 21st. Dr. Gregg said she wanted someone to stay with Jan for the following 8-10 days depending on how she's doing. Days 10-14 are when her blood counts are the worst and she'll be the sickest, during those days Jan's sister-in-law, sister and daughter Kaitlyn will help, and she will have friends fill in as needed.
Jan was told that if she does well with round 2, that round 3 might be able to be done as out-patient and she'd be able to avoid the hospital and go home every night and sleep in her own bed. So Jan is holding onto the hope that this next round will be her last hospital stay. So she's asking for prayers because she hates the hospital.
Here are some other questions she had answered:
1. Some people asked if she could be prescribed medical marijuana. She can't. It is illegal in the state of Utah. However, there are plenty of legal meds that will work better for Jan's case.
2. The tingling in her fingertips is called Neuropathy. They always hope to give just enough chemo to avoid it so they'll adjust her chemo to see if they can avoid it in the future. So she should be getting feeling back in her fingertips soon.
3. The tumors pressing on her stomach and intestines were the culprits behind her last 4 day hospital stay. Now that they've shrunk, there isn't as much pressure and she should do much better. As long as she's following the instruction of eating 6-8 small half-cup meals a day to keep her stomach from getting pressure.
4. Her trembling hands are a result of being weak so she needs to work on getting better and stronger.
5. Dr. Gregg said that she could have had flowers and visitors and was incredulous at what Jan had been told by the nursing staff. We had all questioned the flowers but figured they knew what they were talking about. It turns out, they don't. She'll get her blood taken once a week and as long as her blood counts are normal, she can have visitors - within reason - *SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS!!
6. Other mis-information she got was that she would have to wash her clothes in boiling water because chemo would come out in her sweat. Dr. Gregg said she had never heard that...ever. And in so many kind words said that was...dumb.
7. She is not cleared to go back to work until after she sails through round 2 and does well. Once she's cleared by her doctor, she can begin to work half-days - so she is asking for prayers that round 2 goes well so she can return to Keller Williams.
8. She still can't attend church because too many sick people attend church.
**DETAILS ON VISITORS:
Now that Jan has been told she can have visitors this does not mean party at Jan's house. She is still really weak and really needs to build up her endurance, her strength and her ability to fight again. She gets exhausted after sitting up for a while - she gets tired after doing small tasks. So her main focus up until she starts her next round is to focus on recovery.
So while we are still astounded by people's generosity and offers of visits and help - we're asking that you call before you make plans to see her.
Also if you have been sick, or have been around sick people to hold off making plans to visit. For example - Jan's son Brandon has been in town but he and his family have been sick so he hasn't been able to go see her and their kids haven't been able to see Grandma. It's heartbreaking and all parties wanna bend the rules a little, but they simply can't because a small cold isn't going to help Jan recover. So please keep this in mind if you want to make plans to visit.
Also, please don't be offended if you try to make plans to see Jan and she says its not a good time or a good day. She is recovering from being seriously ill and tires incredibly easily. Her goals are to climb her stairs without needing a break before taking on the last two steps and to not need a nap after she showers. So again we'll stress that drop-ins aren't really encouraged and hope that you'll understand!
She has some physical therapy appointments coming up and has some homework of taking small walks to build her strength. She does miss her work friends and might make plans to have some people come walk with her so she can catch up on what she's missing.
Once again we can't begin to tell you how grateful we are for everyone's continued prayers. We can all definitely see the effect!
Monday, May 2, 2016
5/2/16 - No, really - No visitors.
While Jan is home, she cannot have visitors.
We repeat: no visitors.
This is for her health. While she was in the hospital she had a stern talking to from her oncologist when she found it she had guests. She also confiscated her flowers because even flowers can make her sick.
Seriously.
So while Jan appreciates the offers to come drop by for some company, her immune system is so weak that she can't risk it. Even if you're not sick, you could still be carrying a bug so her doctors aren't taking chances. She asked if it would be ok if she wore a mask and that idea was shot down.
We don't want to sound harsh, the offers for help have been so sweet and our family is so grateful for people's overwhelming generosity and concern, but right now we need to obey doctors orders. If she got even a small cold right now it would really set her back.
The hard news right now is, Jan isn't tolerating the chemo. She was scheduled to go back in for another round on Mother's Day but that was quickly cancelled because she needs at least another week to recover after what her body has been through.
Jan has an appointment with her oncologist this week to discuss what her options are and how to proceed since she's not tolerating the chemo. There are some tough decisions ahead and we really appreciate your continued prayers. We should know more by Friday what her next step will be.
The question we all keep getting is how can you help. Right now we don't know. While she's regaining her strength , she has had help from family and she's pretty set right now, but as things progress we'll let you know.
Jan got her wig and was told that she has a beautiful head, which is...nice? She is set with head wraps too.
Also her fingers are tingly enough that she can't really text back without it being a mess that even auto correct can't help, so try to email instead of texting if you can.
With Jan recovering, her exhaustion has her going to bed for the night around 7pm. So if you could refrain from calling, texting, ringing the doorbell, knocking, etc. she really is fine, she's just tired. She promises.
Thanks again for your kind words and concern, it's amazing to see how many people truly love Jan and want to help.
We repeat: no visitors.
This is for her health. While she was in the hospital she had a stern talking to from her oncologist when she found it she had guests. She also confiscated her flowers because even flowers can make her sick.
Seriously.
So while Jan appreciates the offers to come drop by for some company, her immune system is so weak that she can't risk it. Even if you're not sick, you could still be carrying a bug so her doctors aren't taking chances. She asked if it would be ok if she wore a mask and that idea was shot down.
We don't want to sound harsh, the offers for help have been so sweet and our family is so grateful for people's overwhelming generosity and concern, but right now we need to obey doctors orders. If she got even a small cold right now it would really set her back.
The hard news right now is, Jan isn't tolerating the chemo. She was scheduled to go back in for another round on Mother's Day but that was quickly cancelled because she needs at least another week to recover after what her body has been through.
Jan has an appointment with her oncologist this week to discuss what her options are and how to proceed since she's not tolerating the chemo. There are some tough decisions ahead and we really appreciate your continued prayers. We should know more by Friday what her next step will be.
The question we all keep getting is how can you help. Right now we don't know. While she's regaining her strength , she has had help from family and she's pretty set right now, but as things progress we'll let you know.
Jan got her wig and was told that she has a beautiful head, which is...nice? She is set with head wraps too.
Also her fingers are tingly enough that she can't really text back without it being a mess that even auto correct can't help, so try to email instead of texting if you can.
With Jan recovering, her exhaustion has her going to bed for the night around 7pm. So if you could refrain from calling, texting, ringing the doorbell, knocking, etc. she really is fine, she's just tired. She promises.
Thanks again for your kind words and concern, it's amazing to see how many people truly love Jan and want to help.
Friday, April 29, 2016
4/29/16
The results of the scope showed that there's no reason she's not keeping food down and processing it. Jan's doctors can only guess that after her first round of chemo that maybe because she didn't get enough food, her organs stopped doing their job? It's all a giant question mark right now.
They're going to keep trying to feed her and get her better so she can go home but right now they're going to keep her.
Thank you for your prayers.
They're going to keep trying to feed her and get her better so she can go home but right now they're going to keep her.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
4/28/16 - No visitors
While we hoped Jan would be able to go home today, no such luck.
Because there aren't any changes they've scheduled a colonoscopy for the morning to see if that gives any information as to why things aren't happening.
For that reason she really doesn't want visitors tonight and tomorrow.
Thanks again for your continued love and support!
Because there aren't any changes they've scheduled a colonoscopy for the morning to see if that gives any information as to why things aren't happening.
For that reason she really doesn't want visitors tonight and tomorrow.
Thanks again for your continued love and support!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
4/27/16
Yesterday they took a CT of Jan to see why she couldn't keep anything down and why her body wasn't functioning properly. They were suspecting some kind of obstruction in her intestines. They said this wasn't the chemo making her sick.
The CT results showed...nothing. While yes, she still has tumors in her intestines, nothing is preventing her body from keeping food down and processing it so today they're going to remove the NG tube which was feeding her, and they're going to feed her real food, give her some meds to help and see what happens.
They are going to keep her one more night for observation and hopefully send her home tomorrow.
While the CT results showed nothing making her sick, the tumors haven't grown or multiplied and with how fast the cancer is, it was a relief to hear. Jan asked if the chemo had shrunk them at all, and they told her that unfortunately, it doesn't work that fast. It'll be at least 6-8 rounds.
And her hair had been holding on until this morning. She says it doesn't look bad but she's lost enough that she's going to cut off the rest and wear a wig she picked out.
They've given her morphine so she can rest so, sorry, no visitors. She really needs to sleep.
Again we want to thank everyone for their continued support.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
4/26/16 - Cancer sucks
While Jan sailed through chemo in the hospital and the first week after, it turns out her second week is not only a doozy, but a monster.
The anti nausea medication they sent her home with, unfortunately hasn't been doing much and Jan hasn't been able to keep anything down.
With where her tumors are she still has a lot of pain and the only medication that touches it, are the loopy pills and the novelty of her funny sayings has worn off. We'd like to thank the person who made sure to see her home safe when she got times confused and went to work one night. Her keys have been hidden.
Her sister Jill took her to Utah cancer centers this morning to see if they could give her any help with nausea and see if they could give her an IV for dehydration and they decided to admit her to the hospital to monitor her again.
We are asking to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
We will keep the blog updated as we find out more and ask that calls and messages be kept to a minimum as we need to keep our phone lines open.
Thank you - The Norton Family
The anti nausea medication they sent her home with, unfortunately hasn't been doing much and Jan hasn't been able to keep anything down.
With where her tumors are she still has a lot of pain and the only medication that touches it, are the loopy pills and the novelty of her funny sayings has worn off. We'd like to thank the person who made sure to see her home safe when she got times confused and went to work one night. Her keys have been hidden.
Her sister Jill took her to Utah cancer centers this morning to see if they could give her any help with nausea and see if they could give her an IV for dehydration and they decided to admit her to the hospital to monitor her again.
We are asking to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
We will keep the blog updated as we find out more and ask that calls and messages be kept to a minimum as we need to keep our phone lines open.
Thank you - The Norton Family
Thursday, April 21, 2016
April 21, 2016 - No visitors - sorry
Today is day 10, and just like she was told, day 10 is the worst. Luckily its not too awful. But in case anyone was planning on visiting today, it's not a good day.
Jan is feeling some nausea and pain but she has some great medications they sent her home with and she's been resting.
So far yesterday all she was feeling was some fatigue and she's been sailing through so far. She still has her hair and no signs of fallout yet, but they also said day 10 is when that begins as well.
We'll keep you updated but again, today is not a good day for visits.
Jan is feeling some nausea and pain but she has some great medications they sent her home with and she's been resting.
So far yesterday all she was feeling was some fatigue and she's been sailing through so far. She still has her hair and no signs of fallout yet, but they also said day 10 is when that begins as well.
We'll keep you updated but again, today is not a good day for visits.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
April 19, 2016 - Jan's Birthday!
For Jan's birthday they made some exceptions and let her go home last night so Jan got to spend the night in her own bed and without constant interruptions! They would typically make her stay another day if her treatment went past 7 pm but since it was her birthday, and she's become the nurses' favorite, they let her go.
Jan got some clarification on the medications they had her on and it turns out she is superwoman! They were giving her some nausea medication for the hardest chemo going into her system but they assured her that she should be much more sick than she was and that she was doing better than anyone on the oncology floor. So go Jan!
She has some exhaustion still and due to the fact that her immune system is at risk, we are discouraging visits right now while her body is adjusting to things. Even if you're healthy - we ask that you keep your distance. While she has been cleared by her doctor to go to a lunch today, she has to wear her mask and she cannot hug ANYONE because her immune system is so weak.
So please keep your well wishes and warm greetings to just waves and signs of solidarity?
Jan got some clarification on the medications they had her on and it turns out she is superwoman! They were giving her some nausea medication for the hardest chemo going into her system but they assured her that she should be much more sick than she was and that she was doing better than anyone on the oncology floor. So go Jan!
She has some exhaustion still and due to the fact that her immune system is at risk, we are discouraging visits right now while her body is adjusting to things. Even if you're healthy - we ask that you keep your distance. While she has been cleared by her doctor to go to a lunch today, she has to wear her mask and she cannot hug ANYONE because her immune system is so weak.
So please keep your well wishes and warm greetings to just waves and signs of solidarity?
Jessa and Emery are here for Jan this week so she has a housekeeper, chauffeur, cook, and a snuggly cuddler approved by her doctor to see that she's taken care of.
She had an early booster shot to help her immune system this morning, but the rest of the day will be spend with family and treating herself to whatever birthday fun her body will allow.
Thanks again to everyone for the love, support and prayers - we can definitely see their help in her fight!
Sunday, April 17, 2016
April 17, 2016
Today Jan really began to feel the exhaustion associated with the chemo.
Originally she blamed the exhaustion in being woken up periodically through the night but after trying to get ready this morning she was wiped out.
Given how tired she is, anyone who wants to visit, please try to keep that in mind.
She said she has felt lucky since she hasn't felt nausea or sickness yet and was patting herself on the back on her toughness, but learned that they've been giving her great anti nausea and pain medication his whole time. She's a little disappointed she's not superwoman after all.
The nurses told her that she'll feel the worst and start losing hair about 10 days after starting chemo which she's anticipating being this next Thursday.
She says:
I've had some fun visits over the past 2 days. Thanks Rebecca Turpin, LeAnn Bird, Karen Erickson, Matt and Belinda, and my in- laws for coming over and spoiling me. Thank you Sandy Crockett and Keller Williams for the amazing goodie bag- I love it! And I just got the most beautiful flowers - thanks Kristi McDonald! I feel loved and supported.
I am missing going to work, and my co workers. I'd like to get back to my normal routine, sleep in my own bed and putter around my own house, but still have to stay here for a couple more days. I want to talk to Gordon about a laptop I can get so I can work a little from the hospital next time. I want to meet the new agents who have joined while I've been gone. I am whining- sorry.
Once again we'd like to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support!
Friday, April 15, 2016
Thurs April 14, 2016 - "My Pink Chemo"
From Jan:
Greetings from IMC. I was admitted bright and early this morning, and was taken down for my first chemo procedure, which was to remove some spinal fluid and replace it with chemo. It's a preventive procedure so that the cancer can't grow there. It hurt, not going to lie. Oh, and the guy who did this procedure was the same guy who installed my port Monday. His name is Joe and I figure since he's now seen my bare bum and my right ta-ta, we should be on a first name basis.
Then around 1 pm they hooked me up to the big nasty chemotherapy cocktail, which is a pretty pink color- so that's somewhat deceiving. Pink things should be sweet, smell good and make my hair shine or something, right? It will drip continually for 4 days.
There are anti nausea drugs and other things mixed in there and I am somewhat disappointed that they can't add an anti aging serum or something equally positive to the mix so I'd be getting a bonus to set off the eventual hair loss.
I feel well, no pain or nausea. I've actually been bored to death and glad for the visits from Kaitlyn, my mother-in-law, my sister Jill and by Bishop Sheneman. I've been on my best behavior to win the nurses over to my side and convince them to limit the number of times they wake me up all night to get my vital signs. I think I have Paulo, the night assistant, on my side.
I'm off my liquid only diet and got real food for dinner (if you can call hospital food "food"). If you love me feel free to sneak me in something good that's lactose free.
If I understand the plan, I'll be released late Monday. I'll have 3 days I have to stay home after that because my body will still be expelling the chemo. They tell me I'll probably feel nauseated and extremely tired those days. My daughter Jessa will be flying up for those days. My doctor will tell me if I can come back to work on Friday if my blood counts and tests are good, so fingers crossed.
Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers. I feel very loved and supported. Keep positive thoughts and energy for me. I'm going to beat this, I promise.
All my love-Jan
Greetings from IMC. I was admitted bright and early this morning, and was taken down for my first chemo procedure, which was to remove some spinal fluid and replace it with chemo. It's a preventive procedure so that the cancer can't grow there. It hurt, not going to lie. Oh, and the guy who did this procedure was the same guy who installed my port Monday. His name is Joe and I figure since he's now seen my bare bum and my right ta-ta, we should be on a first name basis.
Then around 1 pm they hooked me up to the big nasty chemotherapy cocktail, which is a pretty pink color- so that's somewhat deceiving. Pink things should be sweet, smell good and make my hair shine or something, right? It will drip continually for 4 days.
There are anti nausea drugs and other things mixed in there and I am somewhat disappointed that they can't add an anti aging serum or something equally positive to the mix so I'd be getting a bonus to set off the eventual hair loss.
I feel well, no pain or nausea. I've actually been bored to death and glad for the visits from Kaitlyn, my mother-in-law, my sister Jill and by Bishop Sheneman. I've been on my best behavior to win the nurses over to my side and convince them to limit the number of times they wake me up all night to get my vital signs. I think I have Paulo, the night assistant, on my side.
I'm off my liquid only diet and got real food for dinner (if you can call hospital food "food"). If you love me feel free to sneak me in something good that's lactose free.
If I understand the plan, I'll be released late Monday. I'll have 3 days I have to stay home after that because my body will still be expelling the chemo. They tell me I'll probably feel nauseated and extremely tired those days. My daughter Jessa will be flying up for those days. My doctor will tell me if I can come back to work on Friday if my blood counts and tests are good, so fingers crossed.
Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers. I feel very loved and supported. Keep positive thoughts and energy for me. I'm going to beat this, I promise.
All my love-Jan
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
April 13, 2014
Today the results confirmed that Jan's cancer is Double Hit/ Double Aggressive.
So what this means is that she will check into the hospital tomorrow morning at 8 am. She will have 5 days of continual infusion of chemo and she should feel good while while she is receiving it. After that she will get released probably Monday. First they will give her a treatment which will give chemo - something called Methotrexate, directly to her spine via tube to treat any lymphoma in her spine. After her treatment in the hospital, she'll be sent into Utah Cancer Centers to receive a booster shot for her white blood cells.
On her 2nd, 3rd and 4th days in the hospital she was told she would get bored, so visitors will be welcome with a phone call ahead of time. Also - one of the medications they may be giving her for nausea and anxiety makes her pretty...loopy. If you call and she's not making sense (discussing pirate fairies going after her cancer cells and becoming a potato bug that allows her to roll down stairs) please know she's on the famous drugs and it might not be a good time to visit. (This has been a good source of laughter for our family)
This Sunday, Jan's ward will be having a fast for her and we welcome everyone and anyone to fast for her that day as well.
Also Jan would like to let everyone know that one of the medications she's on gives her really shaky hands and she apologizes but texting is extremely difficult and she's sent some illegible texts for which she's sorry.
She wanted to let everyone know that she has every plan to beat this!
Again we thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes.
So what this means is that she will check into the hospital tomorrow morning at 8 am. She will have 5 days of continual infusion of chemo and she should feel good while while she is receiving it. After that she will get released probably Monday. First they will give her a treatment which will give chemo - something called Methotrexate, directly to her spine via tube to treat any lymphoma in her spine. After her treatment in the hospital, she'll be sent into Utah Cancer Centers to receive a booster shot for her white blood cells.
On her 2nd, 3rd and 4th days in the hospital she was told she would get bored, so visitors will be welcome with a phone call ahead of time. Also - one of the medications they may be giving her for nausea and anxiety makes her pretty...loopy. If you call and she's not making sense (discussing pirate fairies going after her cancer cells and becoming a potato bug that allows her to roll down stairs) please know she's on the famous drugs and it might not be a good time to visit. (This has been a good source of laughter for our family)
This Sunday, Jan's ward will be having a fast for her and we welcome everyone and anyone to fast for her that day as well.
Also Jan would like to let everyone know that one of the medications she's on gives her really shaky hands and she apologizes but texting is extremely difficult and she's sent some illegible texts for which she's sorry.
She wanted to let everyone know that she has every plan to beat this!
Again we thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Today April 12, 2016
Yesterday, Jan had her port surgery (surgically installed for easier access to chemo) and another PET scan.
This morning she went in for her first day of chemo, she met with her oncologist who, after yesterday's PET scan determined that there are also tumors in her liver and also the area surrounding her heart.
Overall chemo went well, she did have a reaction to the chemo, which they said was normal, and tonight she is doing okay.
Tomorrow we will find out if her cancer is, in fact, Double Hit or Double Aggressive. If it is, then she will have to start an aggressive round of chemo where she will have to be admitted to the hospital on Thursday for 5 days so they can keep a close eye on her. If it is not, she will have another round of the same chemo she had today on Thursday at the cancer center. We are still hoping it is not double hit, but due to the amount of pain she was in over the weekend, her doctors believe it is.
We appreciate all the calls and support pouring in, but ask again that Jan gets her rest while she awaits her next round of chemo and please keep your well wishes to Facebook, Email and Text. Also please understand that she may not be able to get back to you since her body has been through a lot today and needs rest.
THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In October 2012, Jan was diagnosed with it Non Hodgkins lymphoma, her prognosis was great, because the cancer was very slow growing, she was told that while her type of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma was incurable, she could live potentially with it, for a very long time.
At the time of Scott's passing (Sept 2014), Jan had a scan again for cancer since she was having pain, and at that time, nothing had changed, everything was the same and there were no new tumors.
Over this last month Jan had some stomach pain, and believed it to be an ulcer. After visiting the doctor, they performed an endoscopy and found nothing so they suggested it was probably her gall bladder. She had a bi-annual visit to her oncologist, which showed nothing out of the ordinary when they checked her previous tumors.
Thursday the 31st, she took herself to the emergency room with intense stomach pain and after a few scans, it became apparent that there were tumors all through her abdomen, her intestines and most likely her lungs.
At her next appointment with her oncologist, she was told that her cancer had changed and it was now Large B Cell Aggressive Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and was told it was probably something called "Double Aggressive" or "Double Hit" referring to how quickly it was growing. "Double Aggressive" or "Double Hit" will require much more aggressive treatment.
The silver lining of all of this news is that this type of cancer *can* be cured, as apposed to her original diagnosis which didn't have a cure. If her cancer is double aggressive or double hit, her chances of a cure are reduced but there is still a chance.
Jan will have a big fight ahead of her and prayers are appreciated at this time.
While we understand and appreciate all of the calls of concern and well wishes, at this time the volume of those calls are a little overwhelming. We are going to update this blog as soon as we have information to give so please know that if this blog has no updates, there are no new updates and please keep your calls to Jan to just emails or texts of well wishes.
Please note that with her aggressive treatment she may not be feeling well enough to answer emails and text messages but definitely feels the love that is pouring in.
At the time of Scott's passing (Sept 2014), Jan had a scan again for cancer since she was having pain, and at that time, nothing had changed, everything was the same and there were no new tumors.
Over this last month Jan had some stomach pain, and believed it to be an ulcer. After visiting the doctor, they performed an endoscopy and found nothing so they suggested it was probably her gall bladder. She had a bi-annual visit to her oncologist, which showed nothing out of the ordinary when they checked her previous tumors.
Thursday the 31st, she took herself to the emergency room with intense stomach pain and after a few scans, it became apparent that there were tumors all through her abdomen, her intestines and most likely her lungs.
At her next appointment with her oncologist, she was told that her cancer had changed and it was now Large B Cell Aggressive Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and was told it was probably something called "Double Aggressive" or "Double Hit" referring to how quickly it was growing. "Double Aggressive" or "Double Hit" will require much more aggressive treatment.
The silver lining of all of this news is that this type of cancer *can* be cured, as apposed to her original diagnosis which didn't have a cure. If her cancer is double aggressive or double hit, her chances of a cure are reduced but there is still a chance.
Jan will have a big fight ahead of her and prayers are appreciated at this time.
While we understand and appreciate all of the calls of concern and well wishes, at this time the volume of those calls are a little overwhelming. We are going to update this blog as soon as we have information to give so please know that if this blog has no updates, there are no new updates and please keep your calls to Jan to just emails or texts of well wishes.
Please note that with her aggressive treatment she may not be feeling well enough to answer emails and text messages but definitely feels the love that is pouring in.
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