Here we are…

Posted byJammiePosted inHealth Blog, Uncategorized

Pray when you feel like worrying. Give thanks when you feel like complaining. Keep going when you feel like quitting.

Dave Willis

Here we go.

Dear Friends and Family,

Life has been a crazy roller coaster the last few months and there’s no easy way to say it…but on October 31, I was diagnosed with lung cancer (non-small cell). I have a 33 mm mass on my right lung, it’s on a lymph node and a few other small spots on my lungs… and there’s a tumor on my T8 vertebrae (the cause of most of my pain) so it’s considered Stage 4.

Stage 4. It sounds scary to be honest… however, it’s nothing but a meaningless number as far as I’m concerned. We CAN AND WILL blast this $#%! back to the infernos whether it’s stage 1-2-3 or 4…ALL the same!!

Now for some AWESOME news … additional testing (PET scan and brain MRI about two weeks ago) reported that it has NOT spread to other major organs. I’m truly and extremely thankful to God for those answered prayers!

Yet, honestly it still feels like a kick in the gut… I feel obligated to say that I’ve never smoked in my life and I’m still shocked. But we are dealing with it the best we can, trying to stay positive and counting our blessings. I have lots of blessings. First, it’s me and not my kids. I’ll take this burden 24/7 days a week 1,000 times over. And second, I have treatment options and TIME, a luxury and a blessing that some tragically never get (thinking of those suddenly lost to accidents, who never get to say goodbye). So truly, there is so much to be thankful for.

Thanks to Amber & Mike, my sweet neighbors and friends for the awesome ornament. Xo

THE PLAN – I started chemo on Monday, and I’m sincerely optimistic about the incredible treatment plan my doctor put together. It’s a powerful combination of two different kinds of chemotherapy, an immunotherapy, an autoimmunotherapy… and radiation as a back up. It’s an aggressive plan – she consulted with her mentor in Houston who is one of the leading lung cancer specialists in the US. I feel really blessed to have this level of care.

I’ll have chemo (5-6 hour infusion) once every 21 days, with 4-6 rounds depending on how it goes. If the chemo works to shrink the tumor on my vertebrae they may not have to do radiation at all.

Thanks Padgetts for the super soft inspirational Sherpa blankey … and to Mom and Shel for the comfy new outfit for my first chemo.
Magic cookies from Ft. Morgan. ❤️🍪

This week has been an epic battle with fatigue, one I have not won. I feel beyond tired. But so far I’ve been able to hold the nausea and other chemo side effects at bay for the most part, which is great. Back and chest pain have been my biggest physical challenges. I’m on some hefty painkillers … they make it hard to function. Hopefully those symptoms start to ease up as the chemo treatments progress. I’m super hopeful for that.

It’s been a REALLY long couple weeks/months waiting on all these tests, insurance approvals, more tests, biopsies, additional tests and lining out the treatment plan. And the holiday week did slow things down.

But I’m honestly sooooo grateful and happy to FINALLY get started on the fight!! I’m going to get through this… it may be a tough road ahead but I’m / we’re (FAMILY / TRIBE POWERED) much, much tougher!

More good news – I plan to live to be 85…so I’m not going anywhere. What I really need and would appreciate is if you could please we pray for us, especially my BOYS…we need your prayers and positive, healing thoughts and and good vibes only!! NEVER DOUBT even once that I’m going to get through this!! Xoxo

Sorry to share such news. This cancer is NO FUN, scary stuff BUT I’m a super tough Mama Bear with the love and strength of my friends and family and prayers to God behind me. I have way too much to do to let this slow me down for long.

I can’t thank my family and friends enough for EVERYTHING.

Brad. I can’t even say your name without tearing up. You are my rock, even when you feel like crumbling. Through every doctor’s appointment, every sleepless night, and the occasional meltdowns… when the minutes linger like hours and heavy as a stone, together we bear this weight as we wait and we will get through this as we’ve done everything for the last 20 years…together.

Mom and Michelle. Two parts of the Italian Triangle. Triangles are the strongest form, three equal foundations of support holding strong for each other. There’s a reason why my favorite number has always been three. Thank you for being there for me in every single way.

My boys. My reason. Why I fully plan on living to be 85, thank-you-very-much. My biggest concern through all of this. Please know, my friends & family, that we appreciate your love and support … Keith and Kennan will reach out if and when they want to talk. That said, they don’t seem to want to talk about it much right now, and for now, that’s perfectly ok. They are my world and I know they love me and are deeply worried. Brad and I will continue to help them process this as they are ready. For now, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers and help us keep things as normal as possible for them.

Beloved family and friends (who have become like family) who have been checking in on me with love and concern. From the simple texts that mean so much, to cards, letters and phone calls to bringing food, care packages, and sending flowers…sharing the burden and lightening the emotional load. You are a true blessing.

Angela has me covered with compression socks and a port pillow, so thoughtful.
💜
Amazing friends Lisa & Rita – thanks for extending your superpowers!! ❤
Sunshine Bear keeping me company at chemo…one of the awesome sunshiny gifts from my Mom Squad care package thanks to Kati, Kelli, Candace & Krystal.
These handsome guys keeping watch over me during my infusions. Xoxo

My Aunt Tiny who’s been pitching in to help us keep up the house and laundry through this stressful time, what a generous heart and soul she is. My cousin Gary and Rachel who helped put up our Christmas decorations so we could have some Christmas cheer. Dad/Dee and fam with daily check ins even if it’s just to hear, “no news.” Work-family who have been supportive as I’ve gone to doctor’s appointments and muddled through the past few weeks, more than a bit overwhelmed.

I truly have so much to be thankful for. I’m completely humbled by the love and support of all of the awesome people in my life. xoxo

Sincere thanks, love and blessings to you all, always! xoxo


Take care & love,
Jammie

Published by Jammie

It's just me, Jammie. Wifey, mama, daughter, sister, friend, niece and neighbor. Just like you, on a daily pursuit to love my tribe. xoxo

34 thoughts on “Here we are…”

  3. Praying for you Jammie. If you need someone to yell at I am here!!! 970.216.8486. Any transgression is fine. Laziness around the house is my strong suit.

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  6. Jammie, you are such an inspiration. Even before this diagnosis, you have always been the mom I want to be and inspire me to be better. I know you will kick this cancer’s a$$! The Stanfields are cheering, rooting, and praying for you every day!❤️❤️❤️

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  8. You are an incredible human Jammie! I LOVE your positivity and your general attitude in the midst of this, that positivity is so very important. I have read this 3x now and the shock of your diagnosis has not diminished, but I have a happy heart reading your upbeat words of not letting this get you down. Wrapping you in a virtual hug and praying like mad for you, Brad, and your boys.

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  10. Jammie I am sending you hugs 🤗 prayers 🙏and heartfelt ❤️ Wishes for a successful journey to fight this beast.
    I admire your outlook- your positive thoughts and your determination. You go girl!!! Your family and friends are truly a blessing and are there for you always.
    I love you always and will continue to pray for you and yours.
    Blessings – Derla

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  11. So sorry to hear this. Brad told me something was up at church and I had a sick feeling this was the news. As a fellow survivor I can tell you whatever this battle is, you can/will beat it. I’m sending up prayers for you and your boys. If I can do anything like get in the food chain have someone contact me. God bless you guys.

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  13. Jammie- I work with Brad on the Front Range and we are sending healing prayers & thoughts your way through this “cancer sucks” journey 🙏❤️

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  14. OH Jammie! I’m crying! This was a beautiful, but difficult read for me. I am so shocked and so sorry for your pain. I will put you on my prayer list. Stay strong in your positivity — it is the best medicine. I believe in God’s healing power also. Though I don’t see you very often, I think of you. I love you. XOXO

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  16. What a road you’ve been on for a year. I’m so sorry for the delays and frustration and the waiting for results. Now you know, we all know – you have many many strong supporters and I am in a that many. As I listen to your amazing strength, positivity and faith, I know you are a winner and you will win this battle.
    I’ve never prayed so hard and I won’t stop. I believe there is power in prayer. I love you and your family and please remember I’m here to help you in any way I can.

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  17. Dang it sweetie. I had no idea this was going on in your life. Breaks my heart that you are going through this. I’m glad you have so many supporters. If your anything like your dad you will have this whipped. I’ll be praying fir you all. We love you beautiful niece.

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  19. Continued prayers for you and your family sweetie. This is still unbelievable to us. You are so strong and brave. We love you and are here for you.

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  21. Wow you are so incredibly strong and brave! I truly admire your strength, courage and positivity. I could not read through this without crying.
    Your faith will help carry you and your family through this as well as the continued prayer and support you have.
    You and your family with be in my daily thoughts and prayers.
    Now kick this cancer right in the @$$.
    With love from all of the Hall family.

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  22. Jammie. You are such an amazing woman! Stay strong. I am so glad we had our time together in college. I cherish those days and nights in the CARES office planning so many great events. Those were truly some of my greatest college memories. I am thinking of you and your family.

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  24. Jammie sending you lots of love, prayers and good vibes! You are strong and no doubt will come out ahead! You have the right attitude but I wish you were not going through this. You will be in my thoughts and prayers daily. Hugs! 💕Molly

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  25. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! My heart breaks that you are having to endure this. I love your faith and I truly believe God can heal you and I will pray fervently. Love, blessings and healing to you all.

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  34. Jammie! I’m so sorry for the struggles you’re facing. I think about you often and wish you and your family strength during this time! Thank you for sharing your journey. I’ll be here to follow along and support where I can! Hugs!

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