Story
A lot of people have asked how I was diagnosed. I did a routine mammogram and my OBGYN wanted a breast MRI (please if you have been told you have dense breast tissue request an ultrasound or MRI to confirm no changes). The breast MRI showed something on my liver, the liver MRI showed something on my pancreas and a CT of the pancreas confirmed a tumor in the tail of my pancreas. From here with the help of some amazing friends, who reached out to their friends I was able to get in for an EUS during which they biopsied the tumor, and later confirmed it was cancer. I'm currently being treated at Northwestern and MD Anderson. I have been so lucky to have a very good friend who is a Hematologist/Oncologist at Dana Farber help me find excellent surgeons and Oncologists. I have also had countless friends in the medical and non-medical community help me along the way- vetting my team, assessing my treatment, making recommendations on top surgeons and even some sharing their personal experience going through cancer. This week I start my third cycle of chemo. I get three chemo drugs over 3 days; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday then it usually takes me Friday, Saturday and Sunday to recover. I thought this was a better way to update everyone because the week of chemo I disconnect and turn off my phone. It helps me not feel guilty about responding and allows me to focus on getting better. I am so grateful to each and every one of you who have called, text, said a prayer, thought about me, contributed to something for me. dropped a note or food. Even if you haven't spoken to me live and I've just been on your mind, THANK YOU. I am so incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. Honestly the one silver lining is the overwhelming love and support that my family and I have received. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. And thank you again. Treatments are every other week. During her chemo weeks, Jayme needs a lot of peace and quiet to rest and recover. On her off weeks, she's catching up with friends, working out, and staying busy as usual. Those off weeks are a good time to reach out!
Special Notes
Jayme and Jeff are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends. The calls, texts, and thoughtful gifts have been invaluable, and they can never thank everyone enough! Going forward, please watch this page for updates and notifications of when the family is accepting calls and visits (see icons on the top right). Please leave encouraging notes here so they can read through them as Jayme recovers from each treatment. As her energy returns, we will let you know when they are ready for you to reach out to them personally. During treatment weeks, we kindly ask you to keep calls and texts to both Jayme and Jeff to a minimum to allow her time to rest and recover and allow him to focus on caregiving. At this time, there are no specific requests for help or food. But the requests will come so please keep an eye on this page and watch for notifications. Thank you!