We recently met with the doctors at the Mayo Clinic and the Barrow Neurological Institute, who were able to make a definitive diagnosis of glioblastoma (also known as a grade IV astrocytoma). We were hoping it wouldn't be cancer and certainly not one of this variety. Fortunately, the tumor is relatively small and can be removed by surgery, which will occur next Monday.
This whole process has been gut wrenching to say the least. The odds of getting this disease are astronomical. Early on, we decided that rather than question "why me?" we would adopt the motto "why not me?" We both feel that we have led such fortunate lives. Everyone has bad things happen in their lives, so why should we be exempt? People much better than us have suffered from the same or much worse maladies. So, "why not me?"
The question of “why not me” has a flip side. We already hit the cancer lottery, so “why not me” when it comes to overcoming the odds and becoming a long term survivor. Several indicators of a relatively good prognosis are there for us (for example, it can be completely removed, there aren’t any significant neurological symptoms, and the diagnosis occurred at a relatively young age). We are also part of a cutting-edge clinical trial at Barrow. So "why not me"?
Regardless of how this plays out, we are grateful to God for all the small blessings along the way. There have been more blessings than we can describe here. We are also so grateful for every single kindness, prayer, thought, and expression of hope and concern. We haven’t been able to interact with and respond to everyone as much as we would like, but please know that we are grateful beyond words to all who have showed kindness, expressed support, thought about us, prayed for us, helped us connect with doctors, sent us stuff, put our names on the temple rolls, etc. Jordan and I could not get through this without you.
30 comments:
Lots of love from the Rosenthal family. You've got this. Xoxo
Jordan, you have such a great perspective and faith. Thanks for sharing. You are in our prayers everyday. We love you guys!
You guys have such great attitudes and that will help in this journey. Especially for your kids to see. Another friend from AZ was just diagnosed with breast cancer and she is naming her cancer so that she has somewhere to focus any negative energy :) Praying for you all!
Thanks for keeping us up to date. Just know that your cheering section is overflowing with fans!
My heart goes out to you and your family. I have definitely felt a grater capacity to love as the Savior does, seeing others with the challenges life brings. May His strength carry you through this.
More prayers coming your way. Thank you for your example of faith and for choosing to have faith and hope despite the prognosis. We are learning through your examples and are blessed by them.
I have been thinking so much about you guys. We will continue to pray that you will feel peace and be strengthened through the coming weeks. You are an amazing family.
I will pray for you and your sweet family. God is good and aware of you. You can do hard things.
When I have felt sorry for myself the last few months I try to think of all the people in the world who have it so much worse. People with much more difficult health issues. But more than that, people without the family support, and Gospel perspective that I am blessed with. I'm glad to see (and not surprised) you are adopting the same philosophy. Counting your blessings and keeping perspective will be crucial. I love you guys! I'm glad you finally have answers. Not knowing is harder. This too shall pass. Hang in there!
Barrows is amazing!! My husband Nate is a PT in the neuro rehab unit there. We pray for you guys every day. Good luck with the surgery.
Prayers will continue. Your family is so very loved!
So sorry for the news, but we will continue to pray for you and have faith that you will be healed.
Our thoughts are with you as you tackle one of life's great challenges. We chose free agency and with that comes the pain, sorrow and heartbreak that makes us stronger...both in this life and in the next. Your courage and resolve are commendable.
\Trace & Mary Ann
What a wonderful attitude and I love the Why Not Me... I have been a winner in the Cancer Lotto and I know exactly what that feels like....I was so frightened, I was angry, I was sad, every emotion went through my mind, and yet having my faith and leaning on my Savior and trusting that all was going to be OK....we did it....it was not easy, at times I would go into my bathroom and scream into a pillow somy daughter would not hear, but each day that the sun rises, I thank my Lord for another day!!! I am sending you healing prayers, I will continue to pray for you and add you to the list of my friends battling this creature! Holding you and your family close in my heart!!!! POSITIVE THINKING...... I wanted to keep it quiet, I did not want anyone to know, I did not want what I though was pity, but when friends came forth, I felt the power of prayer!!!!! You can beat this....just keep that as your mantra!!!!
What an inspiring post. You guys are amazing.
I've been thinking so much about you, Jordan, and was so amazed by this post that last night I actually dreamed that you were comforting me about something in the midst of all of this that you're going through. It's inspiring to see the kind of person that sixth grader I knew so well has grown into. Lots of love.
You are in our prayers!! May the lord be ever with you in this time of need! The Wilcox/Schmuck family
I hope you all continue to feel determined and hopeful. Your attitude is inspiring. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all.
We love you and are praying that you will be comforted and strengthened and receive the best possible care.
I believe in miracles. Aunt Helen and I have been the recipients of many of them...so why not you? Of this I am certain, Heavenly Father is looking for opportunities to bless those who petition him in righteousness. We will keep you in our prayers continuously.
Love,
Uncle David and Aunt Helen
Jake and Jordan, you are truly an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and love. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday.
Jordan, this is Alex Stoddard from way back from Cherry Hill days. Just heard about all this from Jana. My families' thoughts and prayers go out to you, your husband, and the entire family.
Jake/Jordan: Please know we continue to pray for you. Also, I have had people ask whether there is a fund they could donate money to. Has anything like that been set up? People want to do what they can to help.
I'm pulling for you, Jake.
Jake/Jordan, your faith inspires me. The Crandells are praying for you.
I just started crying when I read your blog. You are both so amazing. Your faith is strengthening the faith of all of us. We have been praying for you everyday, and we will be joining in prayer and fasting for you on Sunday. We will also be thinking of you tomorrow as you baptize your sweet little girl.
I was so touched by your post. You are among my favorite people, and you are an inspiration to many. Know that we love you and your little family and are praying for your welfare and happiness. Know too that we pray for your medical team and that they will use their skills to the best.
Elder Robertson, companero. I will certainly have you in my prayers. What a remarkable attitude you both have in your adversity. I am happy that you were able to be a part of your daughters baptism and confirmation before surgery. It is crazy to think our families are getting so mature as the years go along. Many blessings to you and yours as you navigate this challenge with love and prayers and the help of the Lord.
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