me and Parker
This past Monday I met with my main Dr in Indianapolis and had further discussion about my options. Basically he talked about four options that span from just radiation in my liver and cutting out my tumor in my pancreas to the other spectrum of transplanting my liver, pancreas and removing my spleen. We went into depth over all these options. He told me how he presented my case to other Drs. to get their opinions. It was a very emotional appointment where I shared with him that I just wanted the decision made already and that I hated that I even had to make this choice. I asked him what was the best choice, ultimately to live longest, where as he replied, with a transplant. How much and what to transplant would be up to the transplant team. He shared that if I just did radiation and remove the part of my pancreas that holds the main tumor that I would live around 8 years. I was told that if I was given the option of transplant that I should take them up on it because not all people get that option. Most are given the other option. 8 years doesn't seem nearly long enough to me. By the time the appointment ended I had decided on transplant. Transplant would be done with the intent to cure but there's no guarantee. If it works I could still possibly live decades. This choice comes with its own risks though. Not all people make it out and with having two organs transplanted at once runs a higher risk of dying during surgery, around 10% or so, but this percentage is not exact. Its really a choice of early risk with the surgery but longer life span in the end, or little risk with the other surgery option, but a shorter life span. With my choice I'm trusting the Lord is in control no matter what the outcome. My next steps are to get my prep work done (more Drs. appts) in the next 2-3 weeks so I can officially get on the list. I will meet with this Dr and my Oncologist a month after my radiation to further discuss my transplant plan.
I will also be doing a second round of radiation (radioembolization) this Friday. It will be an outpatient procedure. I will go home in the evening. If it goes the same as last time I plan on being sick for about a week from it. I'm praying though it will be different this time.
Thank you to everyone who continues to reach out to us, pray for us, those who bring us meals, and those who have been so generous with their time. We can't thank you all enough. I know we've received cards, letters and gifts and I haven't always thanked everyone personally but please know we are truly grateful and we feel God's love through each one of you. We also have enjoyed receiving all the encouraging comments through this blog and social media that you leave us.
Prayer requests:
-For my radiation that it goes well and that I don't get sick like last time.
-For the decision we've come to, that it goes well and all future prep for it and surgery goes well and that I get the organs at the right time God has for me, and for the family donating these organs when the time comes.
-For Josh, the girls, my family and friends while I go through this, because truth be told we are all going through this one way or another.
-For more energy. Each day I feel different sometimes okay and sometimes not. This leaves a lot on Josh's plate and I know he is feeling extremely stressed from having to work all day and then come home and also manage our finances, the cooking, cleaning and taking care of the girls and me. I want to be more helpful. We have help but I know its still hard on him.
All my love, Jessie
