Saturday, August 3, 2013

Additional Diagnosis

I met with the liver specialist yesterday. I really like her despite the bad news she had to give me. My sister joined me for the adventure and helped make a very hard day much enjoyable.
I found out I have PSC or Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. It is an autoimmune disease where my body is attacking my liver, causing my liver to harden with scar tissue. There is no real treatment or cure. The only option is a liver transplant on down the road, for most patients. But I've never been like most patients. Due to my cancer diagnosis, I am not a candidate for a transplant. The anti-rejection drugs that are prescribed for a lifetime following transplant surgery would cause the cancer to grow rapidly. PROGNOSIS If all goes well and the cancer treatments play well with my liver, I have 7 years give or take a few. This would at least let me see my children grow and possibly go on missions, marry and maybe even begin their families. It gives me more time than we first thought. I have more time to spend with the love of my life and make memories to carry on into eternity. When we received the cancer diagnosis I wasn't settled. I felt empty and a bit lost. It wasn't what I was being prepared for. I knew it was bigger. I knew there was more. When Dr. Hatch gave me the rest of the story yesterday, it all felt right and complete. I finally felt settled and peaceful. I am grateful to be living a life with an understanding that even when told officially by a doctor that "I am dying", I can feel peace. I can share peace with those around me and live what life I have left with joy. Not just happiness, but joy. I am at peace.

5 comments:

  1. Sis. Monroy, (You Will Always Be A Cute Sister Missionary In West Virginia To Me), You Have Such A Strong Spirit And An Even Stronger TestImony. You Have Accepted A Challenge That No One Ever Wants To Face But You Do So With Honor And Faith. You WilL Have The Most Wonderful Years With Your Family Because Of Your Positive Outlook On An Unfortunate Outcome. I Was A Homesick YoOng Mom When I Met you In Wv But You HElped Build My Testimony In Leaps And Bounds To Prepare Me For My Coming Life Challenges. You Will Always Have Such A Special Place In My Heart Because Of That Time. Thank You! SiS. Julie Jackson Seamons.

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  2. Oh Jennifer--what an inspiration you are to all of us! I can't tell you how important you have been in MY life! How many times your touch or smile have literally made m;y day! (And I'm such a "small" part of your life!). When I consider all that times all the people you mean so much to, I know you are a gift from God....you ARE His hands. We all love you so much and will be praying for you and for your family! (I liked Connie's suggestion about wearing your hats and scarves---in a way, it makes us feel like we're helping you a little.). Thank you for being you and for all you've added to my world. I hope we can help build more good memories with you in the next few years. Those memories will be precious jewels to us that no one can ever take away! My heart is so full of love and appreciation for you! Teresa (and Bryan). <3

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  3. Jen...You are my inspiration, my mentor, my right hand person. I just wanted to extend my thanks to you and your husband for being there when I have needed to talk and so forth. My brain will not be complete without you around (inside joke) I will always be grateful to you for the strength and support that you have given to me in my trials, this is what great friendships are all about, I will cherish ours forever. I love you Jen.

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  4. Jennifer Don't know if you will remember me from Oakdale. This is Barbara Cullum, Bryan's mother. My husband and I are serving a mission in Ukraine but through your Mom I came across your blog. I'm so sorry for all you have been through. We so take our good health for granted. What a great attitude you have and you are learning so much. Our prayers will be with you and your family. Love you, Elder and Sister Cullum

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  5. Jen, I just thought to read your blog today and found this post. I knew things had changed in a big way and now that I better understand your prognosis, I am thinking of you, praying with you, for love, comfort and guidance every step of your path; your entire family's path. You will continue to feel the Lord's tender mercies. You will be a light to so many who are watching you live your testimony. You are beautiful inside and out. If I can ever help you or your family, I will watch for ways to do so. :) ~LaDena (fellow cancer warrior)

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