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In December, our beloved friend Janice discovered the source of the anemia that she’d been experiencing. It was duodenal (first part of the small intestine) adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis was an utter shock to her. This potentially aggressive (and rare) tumor involved several local and one distant lymph node making this Stage 4. Janice was told to take immediate action to prevent it becoming a bowel obstruction and spreading further.
Suddenly finding herself “in-the-club-no-one-wants-to-be-in” she entered the experience true to her form: using the resources of her close friends and years of personal and spiritual encounter and practice to investigate her situation for all that it had to teach. While the diagnosis was refined, Janice learned what the conventional and less conventional treatment options are, navigating the medical landscape, always keen to discern the very profound revelations that were contained in the situation and her personal inquiry.
Right-action is evolving.
Phase 1: She is about to undergo the recommended chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and lymph node in preparation for a surgical resection that would hopefully result in “clean margins”. Her naturopath and another expert in this field will be working with her to minimize the side effects and toxicity of the chemotherapy. Phase 1 could take 4-6 months if all goes well.
Phase 2 will be a process of: detoxification, support to rebuild damaged body systems and treatment to deal with any remaining precancerous cells. Janice has been told to anticipate approximately a year of intense treatment to stop the progression of the tumor, heal from the Phase 1 treatments, and then restore herself to health.
In Janice’s own words:
“My deep desire is to stay on the planet so that I am able to share the beauty and wonder of this human life with my son, all my loved ones and others whose lives I may be able to touch with deeper wisdom and courage having made this arduous, but life affirming journey.”
“I want all those who learn of my situation to see this not simply as a ‘battle’, but as yet another opportunity to discover even more about living a meaningful and loving life. I ask the questions: ‘What is needed here? What needs to change?’ Of everything this diagnosis is – it is a motivation to examine how one’s life is being lived.”
”I am so very blessed to have the circles of friends, colleagues, and family that want to be of support at this time. Thank goodness for Caring Bridge - I know you understand that I won’t be able to talk in person with all of you on an ongoing basis, especially with the side effects of the chemotherapy. However you reach out to me, please know that I deeply receive your caring and love, and that it matters very much.”
There are many people who have asked how they can help. We all know that medical insurance leaves large parts of the treatment journey uncovered. This is where we come in: bringing financial, and for those in close proximity, in-person support since Janice will be unable to work for approximately the next year. Those of you who have been through this because you are “in-the-club” or have gone through this with someone you love, know the response cancer requires. All of the monies raised here will be used to sustain Janice in her journey of healing.
This is our opportunity to demonstrate that we are the village that surrounds Janice and will be beside her every step of the way. Thank you for your love and concern.
Suddenly finding herself “in-the-club-no-one-wants-to-be-in” she entered the experience true to her form: using the resources of her close friends and years of personal and spiritual encounter and practice to investigate her situation for all that it had to teach. While the diagnosis was refined, Janice learned what the conventional and less conventional treatment options are, navigating the medical landscape, always keen to discern the very profound revelations that were contained in the situation and her personal inquiry.
Right-action is evolving.
Phase 1: She is about to undergo the recommended chemotherapy to shrink the tumor and lymph node in preparation for a surgical resection that would hopefully result in “clean margins”. Her naturopath and another expert in this field will be working with her to minimize the side effects and toxicity of the chemotherapy. Phase 1 could take 4-6 months if all goes well.
Phase 2 will be a process of: detoxification, support to rebuild damaged body systems and treatment to deal with any remaining precancerous cells. Janice has been told to anticipate approximately a year of intense treatment to stop the progression of the tumor, heal from the Phase 1 treatments, and then restore herself to health.
In Janice’s own words:
“My deep desire is to stay on the planet so that I am able to share the beauty and wonder of this human life with my son, all my loved ones and others whose lives I may be able to touch with deeper wisdom and courage having made this arduous, but life affirming journey.”
“I want all those who learn of my situation to see this not simply as a ‘battle’, but as yet another opportunity to discover even more about living a meaningful and loving life. I ask the questions: ‘What is needed here? What needs to change?’ Of everything this diagnosis is – it is a motivation to examine how one’s life is being lived.”
”I am so very blessed to have the circles of friends, colleagues, and family that want to be of support at this time. Thank goodness for Caring Bridge - I know you understand that I won’t be able to talk in person with all of you on an ongoing basis, especially with the side effects of the chemotherapy. However you reach out to me, please know that I deeply receive your caring and love, and that it matters very much.”
There are many people who have asked how they can help. We all know that medical insurance leaves large parts of the treatment journey uncovered. This is where we come in: bringing financial, and for those in close proximity, in-person support since Janice will be unable to work for approximately the next year. Those of you who have been through this because you are “in-the-club” or have gone through this with someone you love, know the response cancer requires. All of the monies raised here will be used to sustain Janice in her journey of healing.
This is our opportunity to demonstrate that we are the village that surrounds Janice and will be beside her every step of the way. Thank you for your love and concern.