Hi Everyone,
Just a quick update regarding Janet's visit with the oncologist this morning. We met with a gracious woman named Dr. Rattiya who has 3 years at the Mayo Clinic in New York as part of her repertoire. Janet and I both felt immediately at ease with her kind spirit and gentle voice. Her English is flawless and she has a calming presence. It was no surprise to us to have confirmation that Janet has Stage 4 (final stage) Pancreatic Cancer. We were, however, surprised to learn that the cancer has also already spread to her bone. Because of the widespread nature of the cancer (pancreas, liver, bone, and also possibly the bile duct), the oncologist has said that there is no treatment apart from pain management. At this point, chemo would only be useful to alleviate pain, but neither chemo nor radiation would be effective at prolonging her life at this point. We spent over an hour with the oncologist, and she very patiently answered questions, made suggestions, offered comfort, and simply listened to us. Although Dr. Rattiya said she could not say "how long" Janet might live, she did offer us statistics. 50% of people with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer live 3-6 months. The other 50% either live less than 3 months or longer than 6. Only 5% of people live longer than one year with this diagnosis. It feels really important to Janet to wait for two families that are very special to her to return from America, so we are asking God for mid-August or beyond.
Currently, Janet has been offered the very best pain medication available, and so she is not in a great deal of pain. There are still many loose ends to tie up, and so we are grateful that we have some time. We are both heartbroken and overjoyed all at the same time. How glorious to be with Jesus. How sad to suffer. Thank you so much for your many, many prayers and kindnesses. We are asking visitors to try to come only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, and to please check with Melanie Reimer before coming. Mel's number is 083-318-0386.
We are so grateful and so humbled by God's amazing goodness to us in all of these events. I am stunned by all the ways that He continues to wrap us in His love and care.
Love,
Pam
Pam
Well, we are praying and thankful that you were able to get a clear picture of things from your oncologist. Our family was praying for you yesterday and the kids remembered your visit the last time you were in Florida. They are very concerned and we are wanting to point them to rest in Him who loves us most!
ReplyDeleteLoriZ
Dear Pam and Janet,
ReplyDeleteI am so blessed to hear about Janet. I realize now, that to ask her to come to our house is probably out of the question. So, is it okay if we came to see her there? We've been keeping her in our prayers, and are grateful to the Lord's mercy and grace, that she's not in any more pain than she is. Debbie doesn't get back til June 30th, but I hope we might come see Janet before then? I call sometime soon. Lots of love and prayers for all of you. Thanks Pam, for all you'rd doing for her..... Tom Morse