Jen's Cancer Fight Message Board: November 2015

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

A Walk Through the Woods

Jen and I took advantage of the beautiful weather last Saturday and went for a hike. Jen was able to hike for a little over an hour and she probably could have gone longer, but we are easing into it. She has also been able to resume physical therapy. Each year her insurance only covers so many sessions. We used up the majority at the beginning of the year, but had left several sessions unused in case they were needed. Since we are at the end of the year, Jen can now use what is remaining. The PT is definitely a good motivator for Jen and they are able to help target her balance issues and the drop foot that she still has from the surgery. And now some pictures of Jen on the trail.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

A Stable Scan!!!

Jen had another stable scan earlier today! In addition, the tumor that caused a little concern on the previous scan appears unchanged as well. We will still continue to closely monitor this area (as well as all the other tumors of course), but her doctor definitely sees it as a good sign that his previous reading from the last scan may have been a result of some other factor besides growth. Jen will begin her 12th cycle of chemo tonight. This will most likely be her final cycle - at least for now. Although discontinuing the chemo will be a little scary, we look forward to the opportunity for Jen's immune system to recover and perhaps be able to better fight the cancer.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Music Party 2015

One of the things that Jen & I have greatly enjoyed doing over about the past decade is hosting a music party. This year marked our 9th music party. For those of you unaware, the concept is simple - everyone contributes several personal song choices. During the party, everyone's songs are put into a massive playlist and the songs are randomly shuffled. We also compile the entire playlist onto a disc for everyone to take away so that they can revisit the songs later. The songs can be well known, obscure, or even rare. People share songs they are moved by, songs they love, songs they wish simply to shine a light on, songs that make you think, songs that make you feel, or songs that just make you want to dance. It has been interesting to watch people's musical tastes evolve over the past 10 years. You really do gain some insight into someone's personality from the songs they choose to share over time. This year we took the party on the road for the 4th time and rented an amazing house in Temecula. We all gathered together for three nights and 4 days of revelry and camaraderie. Many of those who attend are musicians themselves and some of the time was also spent with live spontaneous jam sessions.
After Jen received her diagnosis and after we had begun treatment, we also discussed the things Jen would put on her bucket list. Another music party was near the top. Now of course, she wants another one next year - and hopefully many more following that.

This was the cover art for this year's disc.

For those of you interested in checking out Jen's picks for this year I have included links to her chosen songs for 2015.

Jen's next scan is tomorrow - please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. And now for some pictures from the weekend. The party fell on Halloween, so some people chose to dress a little.