So let’s start with the big news. If you don’t know yet, I have cancer- or I did have cancer. We don’t know what the post-operation status is yet, but the predominant type of cancer I had is apparently very aggressive. On December 29th I went into surgery to remove it just a week and a half after being diagnosed. Now that we know what types of cancer made up my tumor, the journey gets a little more complicated.
At first the plan was to get my blood tested in three weeks to see if my AFP levels had gone back to normal. If they do go down that’s good, but because of the aggressive nature of my cancer, I will need to undergo another surgery to remove my lymph nodes. If the AFP levels are still high, then the cancer has moved somewhere else and I will begin chemo treatment. Although this was the original plan, we have learned a lot in recent days that may speed things up.
The problem is that in most cases, this type of cancer has a high rate of metastasizing in other regions of the body. With this in mind, we may be taking further actions sooner than we thought. And by sooner I mean within the next week or so.
So that’s where I am now. It’s pretty scary to think of, especially since I am still trying to recover from my last surgery. To be honest, I hate surgery and I hate trying to recover from it. It just gets aggravating after a while not to mention hard and depressing. But I guess you do what you have to. And the brutal truth is that I either take this seriously or I essentially let it take over and win. I just pray God gives me the strength to get through this and makes me a stronger person because of it.
Hey man where can you find this cancer? Cuz ima roll down and kick it right in the face man i swear.. Juuust kidding.. Dude I honestly never knew , so yes the blog helps enormously. I am praying for you buddy and will do so until ALL is clear. My brother will not get sick. You are too strong of a person man and will get through all of this without a doubt. I love you man and will always be praying.
ReplyDeleteLove the yellow shirt pic Jordan! You are in my thoughts and prayers CONSTANTLY.
ReplyDeleteJordan - My name is Monica Evans. I work with your mom, and had the pleasure of meeting you last year. You have been in me and my husband's prayers since we heard about the cancer. I continue to pray for your strength and full recovery. After reading your comments I am inspired by your courage and faith during this difficult time in your life. Jordan, it is individuals like yourself who characterize faith and strength. I am glad that you posted the information online because by doing so, you don't have any idea how many lives you can touch. Maybe not individuals sharing the same type of illness or condition, but anyone who has to face adversity in their respective lives. I lost my first child last year, and 10 years ago, I lost my mom and younger brother within 12 months of each other. Thus, I can tell you when you are most aggravated or depressed, dig deeper into your faith and God will give you the strength and comfort you need. Jordan, most importantly understand that it is ok to be upset, angry, and even shed a fear tears - these are natural human emotions. Thank you for inspiring me and I will continue to pray for you and your family. Love, Monica Evans
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow what a shocker! Guess you don't know what life will send you from day to day. Stay positive kid and let us know if there is anything we can do. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteHey Jordan, it's me Dawn Backes (Jolley now)...you better remember me! I wish we would've stayed in better contact after high school graduation. I am so sorry to hear that you had cancer! I really hope everything is ok with you in the recovery stages and in the long-term! You're a strong guy and I know you can overcome it. You'll be in my prayers :)
ReplyDeleteOther than this, I hope all is well with you and you're doing great. Miss you!
Wow. We go way back (2nd grade)and even though we aren't close this was still heart breaking to hear. My family has been effected with cancer recently and it is a horrible thing. Cancer sucks, plain and simple. Your positive attitude and faith is amazing. God is in control and I will be keeping you in my prayers. Please keep us posted as treatment and life continues.
ReplyDeleteHi Jordan, Great job on your blog. Your kindness and thoughtfulness to your family and friends is apparent in the way you wrote about your cancer. Thank you for sharing. Steve, Jessica ,SJ and I are all praying for you.Wish I could give you a hug.
ReplyDeleteLove, Michelle
Hey Jordan,
ReplyDeleteYou know, if you are going to have a blog, then you might as well begin with a title like Cancer, that will get attention. You write with your heart, and you live that way too. You will be fine months from now. The journey to get there will be challenging. You are surrounded by one mean group, and they have more than enough fight in them to uphold you when you think you cannot. Big hugs and huge blessings. Love, Mechi, Chris, Ryan and Jessica
Jordan - I'd love to e-mail you and catch up...dawnjolley@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhenever we're in Vegas next, we should meet up, catch up, and hang out!