As there has been increased traffic on the blog, I wanted to post a status update on Jacob so that you don't have to scroll back for months to get the story.
Currently, Jake is feeling great. He completed a round of chemo at the beginning of the month that was rough, but he rebounded quickly and has had a few good weeks.
His status is stable. This kind of brain cancer never goes into "remission" but rather it is watched every other month through MRI and as long as things stay the same the individual is considered stable.
Jacob's last surgery was at the end of April of 2015, followed by 6 weeks of radiation through May and June. In July he started to wear the Optune tumor treating field device and according to the reports wears it 89% of the time. That means he has the pads on his head and electrode fields active for all but a few hours of each week.
He continues to take an oral chemotherapy pill, Temodor, for 5 days in a row each month. Those pills make him nauseated, tired, and mentally foggy but he has taken more than 15 rounds of the medication and learned some coping strategies.
He is also receiving Avastin infusions once a month that have really helped to alleviate the swelling in his brain. He has tapered down from an infusion every other week to an infusion once a month, and may continue to taper down more.
We met with his neurooncologist on Tuesday. Jake was in a white shirt and tie, as we were headed to the Mesa temple after our visit, and the doctor was so encouraged by his appearance, overall healthiness, and diagnostic measures. She said that seeing him doing well was a wonderful start to her day.
At the same time, as we asked her about treatment options going forward she said that she really doesn't know. Jake has been an unpredictable patient and she, like us, doesn't know what to expect in the future. She said that they will just plan his care from scan to scan which is what they have really been doing all along.
We still have moments of great sorrow because of his disease, but they are few and far between as we've have learned better coping mechanisms, how to live in the present, and how to see the blessings that God gives to us each day. In some ways, it is a much better way to live because we have been able to see God's hand in each day and have come to be personally acquainted with the Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the author of our faith. We are also surrounded by four little people who keep us occupied, focused, and laughing with the childlike joy they bring into our home.
We appreciate each of you who come here inquiring after Jake and sending your prayers, wishes and thoughts for his health. I can't think of a prayer that Jacob offers where he does not thank Heavenly Father for all those who pray for him and asks for God's blessings to be upon each of you. He is there for us ALL.
4 comments:
Thank you Jord for sharing. We are so very grateful in every way possible for every blessing we receive from His hand.
good update. we think of you daily and pray for you always!
Thank you for the update. You guys are always on my mind.
Thanks, Jord, for the post. It is good to know the current status and to know what Jake and you are doing about his treatment. You both inspire us to be better and to do better,and to have more faith in the Savior. Our prayers are always with you.
vfr
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