It’s been a tough week. We now know the cancer’s form: adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). The diagnosis was confirmed by the Mayo Clinic. ACC is a rare and aggressive adrenal cancer. Jen’s is stage IV. It’s present in her spine, lung, and now we know it’s in her hip too.
Jen has been feeling pain in that area, especially when she walks. CT scans taken yesterday show a pathological fracture (brake) in her right pelvic socket, and a developing brake on the left.
Jen’s ACC appears to be nonfunctioning (not producing hormones). It has been growing aggressively. We think it began to metastasize about a year and a half to two years ago.
Jen’s sutures were removed yesterday. Dr. Shasti was pleased with how her surgical wounds have healed, and he cleared her to start radiation.
We meet with the radiation oncologist Monday for a planning session. Jen’s first treatments should begin later in the week.
Continually thinking and praying for you all.
Jen and Stephen, know that Shanda, Savannah and I are holding you up in prayer for God’s grace, guidance and support. Please let us know if you need or want anything. Please know that you are loved and supported from us.
We love you guys, and I wish we could take the pain away. Whatever need we will try to help.
Bruce and I will continue to lift you and Stephen up in prayer. May God guide you both through every decision you need to make. Lean on him I loves you both ❤️ 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
God is in control Jen! You are in my prayers! ❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
We know that this was not the diagnosis that you expected, or wanted to hear, but it does explain alot, including the pain in the hip. Knowing is the first step in the process…take each day one step at a time. We are here for you both.❤
Now you know, and now you can make a plan. You are in very good hands medically, and you have so much love and support from your friends and family. It won’t be easy, but you won’t be going through this alone. We are all here to help you whenever you need it, and probably sometimes when you don’t want our help. But we are here, always. We all love you, Jennifer, very much.
I know it’s been a rough couple of days, and they’ve been physically and emotionally draining. I’m hoping you’re getting to recharge your batteries some today. Deep breaths. Happy place. You are loved. You CAN do this. ❤️
Dear Jen,
God bless you and hold you and Stephen in the palm of His hand.
I’m praying for you both!
Jennifer,
I’ve been keeping up with your news mostly through Dana and now have caught up on the blog. I am thinking about you and am keeping you in my mind and in my heart.
Love,
Kim
Hey Jennifer my friend sending lots of thoughts your way. All the Rutland’s are thinking about you. 👍
Sending healing love and light from your friends at Fort Ligonier!
Always in my thoughts.🤗
WOW, THAT’S A LOT TO ABSORB! TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND JUST GO ONE DAY AT A TIME. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS WITH GOD’S HELP AND ALL THE PRAYERS GOING OUT TO YOU AND STEPHEN. WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY. ALL OF OUR FAMILY WISHES YOU GOOD LUCK AND WE WILL BE KEEPING YOU IN OUR PRAYERS FOR GOD’S HEALING POWER. GOD BLESS! LOVE YOU,
AUNT JOANNE
In going through the blog, poring over every word, from first post to today, taking in all the implications, I feel overwhelmed. I can only imagine how you guys are feeling. How I wish this was not part of your story.
Yet, in visiting the blogspot, your choice of pictures from past adventures, the way you word each update, clearly shows you for who you are: two artistic souls, lovers and best friends, who are embarking on unknown territory. One there for the other. The best of unions.
You’ve already felt the love and generous spirits of friends, family and neighbors who are committed to your team, who will do things to make your “here and now” less burdensome. But I want you to know that there are also those like me, who, not present in your day-to-day, do think of you every day, pray for you, and check every day to see how your “today” is going. I cry for the hard parts and exalt every victory, regardless of its size. Sometimes it’s washing your hair, or being in your own home.
Stephen has only confirmed what I have seen in your pictures throughout the years, Jen. He says his lady is: Amazingly strong; Feisty; Her own best advocate; On top of every question for the doctors. He says:
You would love her. Everyone does.
Know that you’re surrounded by love. Be sure of it.
Let it lift you high.
You know what you are fighting against and I know you never give up. You are in my prayers Jen. Love you.
On a positive note we are relieved to hear that Dr. Shasti found that you are healed well enough to begin radiation. That is a good first step. We are following your blog every day and hoping that you both can keep your spirits strong throughout your health struggles. You’re in our thoughts and prayers every day❤️
all the best Jen – thinking of you…
and knowing is half the battle? 😉 well healed sutures are surely a good sign. sending positive thoughts your way for continued strength and courage!
HAPPY SUNDAY!! IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY OUT THERE, LOTS OF SUNSHINE AND A GENTLE BREEZE TO KEEP IT COMFORTABLE TO SIT OUTSIDE. WE ARE ENJOYING THE COOL OFF, HOPE YOU GUYS ARE TOO! TAKE TIME EACH DAY TO ENJOY WHAT THE GOOD LORD HAS PROVIDED FOR US ALL!! HE WILL GET YOU THROUGH THIS ONE DAY AT A TIME!! GOD BLESS, LOVE YOU, AUNT JOANNE & UNCLE DENNY
Jennifer,
You are on my mind every day. Sending you all of our love.
And SO sorry I am giving Stephen work. I have been so worried to give him the assignments. He’s doing a great job.
I wish I knew just what to say to give you strength and encouragement. Noone can imagine what you are going through. What I do know is that you are surrounded by love.
❤ Beth and Teamconderoga
I’m heartened by all the love and wisdom flowing your way from family and friends. Both of you are in my thoughts many times every day.