This week has brought about two big steps for us in our journey: the final pathology came back and Dan got moved to Elks Rehab. Unfortunately, one wasn't good news. First things first-the pathology. Final pathology shows that Dan's cancer is indeed non-small cell lung cancer, stage IV. (FYI-all lung cancers that have metastasized to other organs is automatically classified as a stage IV.) So what does that mean in terms of treatment? We have no idea at this point, aside from the overload of information you can read on the American Cancer Society website and about a thousand other sites. We have our first oncology appointment next week, at which time we will have a better idea of what Dan's treatment will look like.
The more exciting news is that Dan got moved over to Elk's Rehab Hospital today! Thanks to the ill-timed Thanksgiving holiday and an insurance company that took off Thursday and Friday, it took a little longer to get there than we hoped. Dan will work with the physical therapists up to three hours a day, which is the most allowed. This is a tribute to his strength and determination to get over this obstacle. In the next few days, once they have completed their assessment, they will give us a target date to getting Dan home. This target date comes with the understanding that it could move, depending on the rate of progress. As for visitors-at this point Dan is not ready for visitors. His body has been through so much this past week and he is going to need some time to adjust to his more rigorous schedule of physical therapy. We will keep you posted.
Finally, we wanted to thank everyone for their concern, support, and well wishes. For those who have sent emails, I apologize if I haven't responded yet. Please know that I will update the blog as soon as we have something worth reporting. If you don't see a post for a couple of days it is simply because we are just moving forward with our daily tasks, not because something has happened. We feel so blessed by you all!
Still praying. Tell Dan I can start posting your dance photos on fb for all to see if that would inspire him. :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you guys finally made it over to Elk's. I hope you're getting settled and we're sending a constant stream of prayers that rehab goes well and that you can get back home quickly. Your strength and determination, both of you, is incredible. We're thinking about you,
ReplyDelete- Shauna
Jennifer, Please let Dan know that his friends in Pocatello are thinking of him. Jon Herrick City of Pocatello
ReplyDeleteJennifer, you Dan and little Jack are in our prayers and thoughts. We love you guys and are here for support any way we can. God bless you guys.
ReplyDeleteDear teacher! Your Mongolian friends and students always remember you! You and your family are in our thoughts and we'll pray for you all the time. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteDan, Jen and Jack
ReplyDeleteGod has blessed me and my girls with such wonderful friends, and for that we are greatful. We want you to know that you are in our every thought and prayer everyday. The girls want "Uncle Dan" to know they love him. Here are hugs and kisses from afar... xoxoxoxoxo (infinity)
Amy, Promyse, Antonella and Liboria