Family Pictures and the MRI Results

The family pictures are in and we love them!  Thanks McKenzie!  They are treasures.  I love that we each have our own picture with Jaron.  We love that man. 

I thought I would quickly update what we know so far.  We started yesterday with some recommendations from a neighbor and my cousin that we should be seen at Huntsman Cancer Center.  Thankfully my cousin, who works there, was able to get us talking to the right people and we made an appointment in a couple of days.  We also were blessed that our insurance enrolled us in the insurance’s cancer treatment program so we are able to go to this doctor.  But since we already had a followup with our doctor here at McKay Dee, we went to that appointment yesterday afternoon.  Turns out, our doctor at McKay Dee is good friends with the doctor at the Huntsman Center.  He was very encouraging for us to seek treatment down there.  The doctor at McKay Dee is great and we trust him completely.  He just feels that it will be nice to do all of Jaron’s treatment in the same place and the Huntsman Center will have the best cancer fighting stuff.  At our appointment yesterday, we were able to see the new MRI.  The tumor is there and it shows all the signs of being malignant, cancerous, but the hopeful news is it doesn’t seem fast growing.  They know this because a fast growing tumor sends the blood supply to the edges to help it grow faster.  Jaron’s blood supply was even throughout.  That is something we will hold onto.  Jaron will still have to have brain surgery and cancer treatments, but we feel more hopeful that he has a fighting chance.  The doctor talked about how they want to get genetic testing on the family.  He said in very rare cases, a family will have a DNA malformation where the body does not suppress tumors.  I guess our bodies are always fighting bad cells from forming a tumor.  In some cases, that message doesn’t get sent and a tumor grows.  This family could very well have that malformation and that is why we are seeing tumors show up in different family members.  I sympathize with Jaron’s two other brothers.  They are worried that they either have or at sometime could have a brain tumor.  My heart aches for the worry they must be feeling.  We will pray that they don’t have to go down this road.  

So our plans for now are to see the doctor down at the Huntsman Center.  We were told once we are seen, the surgery will be only a day or two after that.  We are getting a few things in order to prepare for Jaron’s surgery.  Jaron was given the news that he can’t drive anymore.  We had a good laugh over this.  Driving is not one of my strengths.  I am a safe and OVERLY cautious driver, but my depth perception is off, so I hit a curb or two every once in a while.  I am usually the navigator and Jaron is usually the driver.  The roles have changed.  We hope we both survive!  

A great blessing is my mom is here.  She came yesterday and cleaned with me and watched the kids and made dinner.  There is something so comforting to be able to hug your mom and have her take care of you, even when you are all grown up.  I love you mom!  Thanks for visiting. 

We are doing ok.  We are very grateful for the many prayers, messages, and kind deeds that are coming our way!  Thank you.  We are strengthened by you all.  We will let you know when we know more.  I love you all! 

Joni