We are grateful for people who continue to inquire about Jake's health. It gives us a chance to talk about the elephant in the room and feel support from people around us.
Jake's next MRI is scheduled for August 7. Honestly, from this point on we don't know what to expect. There is no GBM road map that can predict the future from here. Jake's diagnostic criteria are the best they can be and we remain hopeful that he will have clear scans for many months to come.
But it still sets our hearts on edge just thinking about the checkup. If you're of the praying variety we'd take any prayers in anticipation of the scan and for a good result.
Physically, Jake has completed two rounds of the maintenance chemo and is feeling pretty good. The drug gets more potent by the end of the week that he takes it, and then the following week he is pretty wiped out. He still hasn't had too much nausea or digestive troubles, and his main side effect is just a constant state of fatigue.
Emotionally, we have had two very good months. We still have thoughts about this disease and what it could mean for our family (the other night I had a therapeutic crying session as I expressed my fears and Jake was able to talk about his too), but we are able to keep them in check and not get ahead of the good reality we are experiencing.
Honestly, we mostly feel extemely grateful. From January to March we really thought it was the beginning of the end for Jake and that he would only detoriate until his final demise, so these last several months have been such a wonderful blessing. We are grateful for every day we have together and as a family and for the renewal of health that he has been granted so far.
I can say that gratitude is truly an antidote for sorrow. As President Uchtdorf beautifully said, "It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one
who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set
aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding." We have experienced this truth in our lives.
***Jake posted a great article the blog of his cousin Daniel and his wife Wendy that you can find HERE.
3 comments:
We will be praying for you guys and sending lots of lov your way.
Hi, my name's Adam. My sister-in-law Kristine Walton pointed me to your blog. The way you describe things sounds much like my family's experience. My wife is suffering from cancer right now, and like you, I've found that there is so much to be grateful for. Health problems like these have a way of focusing your thoughts and spirit. I hope that everything continues to go well for you and your husband.
Definitely, prayers your way! I'm grateful too for the health you've enjoyed.
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