Today is a good day

Oct 29

I’m moving pretty slow these days, as I think I’ve indicated.  It’s only been a short few weeks that my discomfort has been a factor in my life, so I’m still figuring out how to be my best self.  Now that I have better pain management agents at my disposal, I am finding the balance to achieve optimal present-ness.  On Friday, I felt quite well and was able to do an hour of socializing while standing on Friday night.  On Saturday, my belly pain was back and I couldn’t get comfortable; we had to downscale our fun dinner plans.  On Sunday, I was feeling pretty well.  On Monday I woke up at about 5:00am with extreme rib pain.  Up and down, and very unpredictable! Somehow in my sleep I must have broken a rib (or two — ouch!).  Today I’m through the first 24 hours of broken rib pain, which — I know from experience — scales down significantly with each passing day.

Because of the rib pain, Monday hurt.  I really struggled to move and speak throughout the day; at times the pain (from breathing and moving my ribcage) was so intense it would bring on intense waves of nausea.  Throwing up with broken ribs is the worst, so it was just a difficult cycle that was outside of my control. In the morning, I got ready veeeerry slowly and Brad drove me to Dr. Wonderful’s office where he gave us the shocking (yes I think this qualifies as shocking) news that our insurance company approved the use of my new immunotherapy drug.  Woo!  As my sister said, “Well duh, you don’t mess with Jen and her pray-ers.”  Brad and I got to hang with the nurses, and I got my bone strengthening shot, my pneumonia vaccine, and the first drip of the immunotherapy drug.  Yeah!  It was a productive morning in the oncology office. I rested all afternoon and worked really hard to rally for the evening.  I made it to Greta’s volleyball game because I love Greta and want to show up for her at every opportunity, but it was a rare choice for me to ‘be seen’ publicly when I’m in such rough shape.  It’s a bummer to worry everyone around me when I’m in that condition.

I’ve been laying low today in anticipation of time with my girls today; between my ribs and my post-shot fever yesterday, I didn’t get to see them much yesterday.  As I rest in my bedroom, flowers, an Amazon package of family fun, broth, and a mom-friend-house-cleaner have all arrived to keep our life rolling forward.  I’m grateful to be able to focus on only the important things.

Today is a good day!

22 comments

  1. Karin Eppert /

    Hallelujah! You are a testimony to 1 Thessalonians 5:18! It is good to give thanks!!

  2. Marlayne Skeens /

    Hugs & more Gentle Hugs (I don’t want to add pain to those ribs) I am still focusing on No Cancer in Your Brain from your last post & Now you get the other Rx ~ Yeah the Insurance came through ~ More Prayers answered 🙂
    Marlayne 🙂

  3. So glad today is a good day and you are safe in the nest of your home with comfort around you. Yea for insurance approving the immunotherapy drug. Many prayers continuing for you!

  4. Lisa Smith /

    Wow Jen. Praise God for approval. Who breaks a rib in their sleep? What! Lord bless this woman. Love you.

  5. Patty Wheeler /

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  6. I just love you. I’m still part of your pray-ers!

  7. Aunt Annie /

    Jen, you are a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious woman! Love 💕 ya!

  8. Kim Rourke /

    APPROVAL!!! What a wonderful word to read! Praying the new therapy and pain medications allow you to not only deal with your poor ribs, but that they also help you make the best of each day. Bless you!🙏🏻

  9. Today is a good day. Praying, praying, praying. 50!

  10. Amber Hahn /

    If you want more of something, give more of it away! Grace and strength!

  11. Kathi Roth /

    So happy to hear you were approved!!! No brained one would think😳
    Rest up friend. ❤️

  12. Mark Powell /

    Great news that you have the new drug and so pleased the pain relief is helping

  13. Sharon /

    You continue to amaze and inspire me. So frail yet stronger than anyone I know. Continuing prayers for you and yours Jen.

  14. Amy Saxby /

    Thank you for continually showing me how to give thanks in all circumstances sister.

  15. Heather Rose /

    Yes! To the insurance miracle and is nothing short of a miracle! I can’t believe you got the drug administered so fast after you got your approval! Celebrating with you tonight!

  16. Bonnie Jackson /

    My heart is rejoicing with you as I read your Miracle Insurance news!! God is so so Good!! Praying for rest and healing in your bones and in your Whole body!! Today truly is a Good Day!!

  17. You have been and continue to be an inspiration for me. I’m just a random mama from south carolina who stumbled on your blog years back. Your cheery attitude and spirit of thankfulness in all seasons have been such an example. You help me to remember to find joy in the small things. Thank you for that. Prayers continuing for your health and for peace for your family.

  18. Grateful to be part of the “pray-ers” – may we be intentional about carrying you and your precious people in this season. May you feel yourself being carried by the God of the universe who hears each cry of your heart and each difficult breath.

  19. Cindy Mitchell /

    Jen, I am so happy your insurance is covering your new treatment… Prayers that all goes well for you and your bones also strengthen , so you are not in so much pain.. Take is slow and enjoy your day…Sending hugs and lots of prayers…Prayers work and do get answered..

  20. I’m praying for you and for your whole family. Sending love from VA. Kay

  21. Alyssa (stranger-friend in NC) /

    I’m late catching up, but just did a double fist pump at work when I read the word “approved”!! God is good! Praying the immunotherapy is super effective.

  22. Linda (aka. T) /

    I admire your strength and never ending grace. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.