Dr. Pulizzi (Inova Loudoun’s ER physician) interviewed and examined Jen, then put orders in, including a CT scan.
The results from the CT were not good. Dr. Pulizzi explained that Jen is feeling more pain because the lesions in her body are growing and multiplying.
He recommended we stay and try to get her pain under control.
Rooms were not opening up. It looked like we were spending the night in the ER.
When a room did finally became available (on the second floor), the managing ER nurse was very clear that under no circumstances would I be allowed to follow Jen up, or remain in the hospital overnight. I reached out to Katie (last night’s charge nurse on 4 North). She remembered Jen and I, and intervened. She cleared the way for me to stay.
So I was with Jen when Dr. Dabhiya (Internal Medicine) told us the cancer is present throughout her body. It has metastasized to soft tissue including both lungs, and her gluteal muscle. It has grown in her hips (iliac crest) and spine (lumbar and thoracic), creating new fractures where it spreads.
Jen had one of her worst, painful nights.
We expect to meet with Dr. Shasti and Dr. Sarma (Jen’s spine surgeon and oncologist) later this morning to talk about what that means, how it affects Jen’s prognosis and what we do next.
Words escape me. Stephen, I’m so grateful you were persistent and found a way to stay at the hospital. There is no scenario where you two should be separated right now. Jen, I wish most of all for you to find comfort from the pain. A very, very close second is that any doctor you see, or have seen or talked to (maybe especially the doctor who discussed a possible clinical trial/immunotherapy) can find a way to slow down or stop this monster. To both of you, know that every single person that knows you has you in their hearts and on their minds. I hope you gain some strength from the love coming to you. ❤️❤️❤️
My heart aches for you both.
I am grateful for the mercy shown to you both that neither of you has to bear this alone.
❤️
I’m in Schock , why is this happening. Stephen I’m so glad you put your foot down to be able to stay with Jen. You need each other now . I wish I can take your pain away Jen.
I’m so very sorry to hear that the cancer is so widespread and continuing to cause such pain for Jen. We are all praying for you both and are here to help in any way possible.
JEN AND STEPHEN, THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS HOW I FEEL FOR YOU BOTH!
I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT YOU BOTH DESERVE BETTER! I JUST WISH I COULD MAKE IT HAPPEN.
TRUST IN THE LORD AND PRAY THAT HE WILL EASE HER PAIN. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!!
LOVE YOU,
AUNT JOANNE AND UNCLE DENNY
So glad you did not have to leave. Praying for pain relief for Jenn and a new treatment that will stop this progression 🙏❤️. Praying for Strength,Courage and Wisdom for both of you and the Drs.
So very sorry. Words can’t express how much I hate this for you both. Love and prayers…
Jennifer, I am so sorry. You are both in my thoughts. Keep fighting, you are such an incredibly strong person. Sending lots of love to both of you. ❤️
Oh no! Thoughts and prayers for a swift plan to get back on track. Glad you’re together! ❤️
I can only second all the comments above. I’m grateful that Katie, the charge nurse, was able to intervene and keep the two of you together that evening.
I pray that the doctors will find a way “to slow down or stop this monster,” to borrow Lynette’s phrase. Cancer can be such a formidable and frightening enemy, but I hope that with all the new technologies there will be a way to tame it and then defeat it.