Keep the prayers coming!
This has really been a very horrible situation, but it sure is moving along as smoothly as it possibly can. I strongly believe it is because I have opened up to share my story; which has created so much love, prayer and positive energy to make this life changing event move along with as few bumps as possible.
Today, I went to visit my surgeon for the first time after leaving the hospital. He feels I am doing a really good job with the healing process. It is completely normal for the left side of my face to be numb, excruciating ear pain, difficulty moving my left arm and feeling exhausted from talking and swallowing all the time. The scar is healing as it should be (minus the stupid allergic reaction).
Then, the really good news came. My doctor still believes after getting all pathology reports back that the cancer is GONE! He also plans to meet with a team of doctors, nurses and social workers tomorrow morning to review my case to determine if any additional treatments are needed at this time (radiation/chemotherapy). Although the meeting did not happen yet, he feels very strongly that I will NOT need radiation/chemotherapy. <insert a big happy dance!>
Here is a diagram of what the vocal cord looks like. The black portion is what was removed from mine, so as you can tell majority was removed on the left side, however the cancer did spread and crossed over the midline so a little was also removed on the right side.
Needless to say, a lot was removed which does not give me much to work with in terms of getting a loud voice back. I will work my hardest at getting back whatever I can.
In addition, the large scar on my neck is from a modified left neck dissection in which 23 lymph nodes were removed from sections II, III, IV of my neck. (Lymph nodes in the neck are categorized from I-VI). One lymph node was cancerous and the rest were not. Since this ended up being a modified neck dissection (instead of a selective neck dissection, which is what was anticipated) I will be in physical therapy for some time in order to gain back the strength in my left arm, to build muscles in my neck and to help with the nerve damage.
With all of this, I am able to leave the state of Arizona and return home to my babies (and Rob) the end of the week!
When I return back to PA, I will be seeing my ENT at the University of Penn on a weekly basis for a few weeks, attending physical therapy and speech therapy (number of weekly sessions to be determined by therapists) and I will not be able to pick up my children for about 2-3 weeks. (I can however snuggle with them in my lap and I can’t wait!)
My journey is far from over and I know going back home is going to introduce so many challenging situations. I plan to continue taking this journey in baby steps. For now, I am going to enjoy the 70 degree weather and each day of positive news as it comes.
thegladwinfive 
Hey Jess,
Sooooooooooooooooooooo glad to hear you will be coming home. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Talked to Grams on Saturday and heard you needed to put her and those who are watching your babies in place. I know you wrote out a detailed itinerary for your family to follow but really you made Grams walk the dog……………………. I understand that Brody needs to be in bed at 7:45 sharp not 8:15 what is going on with your care takers? Do we need to develop a IEP for them to follow? There will be many SDI’s incorporated…………….. you need to get home and get this all straighten out.
Always in my thoughts and continued prayers follow, Adele
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Hello my darling, what wonderful positive news that your medical team are pleased with how your recovery is going in such a short time. My goodness, there is surgery which I thought I pretty much knew with all the major ops Pete has had from heart to limb reconstruction, however, your surgery has been in a whole different league. Please god no further treatment will be necessary.
Your strength and positivity has been inspirational Jess. With us being so far away your updates have been especially good to read, as I’m sure they have with everyone. Maybe, as you say, by writing down everything you have been through and going to go through has hopefully been cathartic and helped to express your feelings and emotions. Never bottle anything up my darling, always talk about it, as you have the best loving family who are there for you. You’re the bravest, winning the fight!
You must be so excited at going home at the end of the week. You will just want to be snuggled up with the boys and baby Natalie Rose. You won’t want to move😊. Home, rest, relax and soak up all the love.
You know you’re in our thought and prayers and you will go from strength to strength; of course baby steps, as slow and steady is the best always.
Take good care Jess, we love you. Sue, Pete, Alex and Kayleigh Xxxx💕💕
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Jessica, so happy to hear you will be home this week. Your positive thinking will make this journey of yours, a successful one! Sending prayers your way every day and know that Uncle Paul is wrapping you in hugs.
Love,
Aunt Marilyn
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Hope you arrived safely before the storm. Jessica, you are a strong woman. I am praying for you. You write beautifully. You have a beautiful family.
Your strength and confidence shows in your writing. I admire you for your positive thinking. Keep up the good recovery. Praying for you.
Rita (gram’ s friend)
(Just found the way to comment. I am a little slow with technology).
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