Monday Musings- A Surprising Diagnosis
Happy Monday ladies. I hope you had a relaxing weekend. I spent mine chillin’ to avoid the 100+ degrees temps we’ve been having and wondering how to word this post. My sincere hope is that you find my blog informational, helpful, entertaining and that it inspires you to dress with confidence so you can live your best life. I never intended it to be a diary of my life but these musing posts seem to have turned into what’s up with me and a peek into my life. Most of the time it’s quirky things that cross my mind and often just new things I am loving.
Many of you have been reading and commenting for years, so you feel like friends I’d like to meet for coffee. We’ve created a community of smart, wise, and kind women here so I’ll just come out with it.
Lung Cancer
The doctors have been monitoring a small spot on my husband’s lung for the last two years. It looked weird (not their word:) so he’s been getting regular CT scans. Well, sure enough, the results in January showed it had grown and they thought it was lung cancer. Meanwhile, I had my health scares which blessedly turned out to be fine but they paled in comparison to his. This is his journey and he asked me not to share until we knew.
They would not risk bringing him in for the biopsy because they weren’t scheduling non-essential procedures during the height of COVID and he is in the highly vulnerable category.
So we waited and prayed. Last Thursday we got the go-ahead and he was admitted to U.C Davis.
He had a wedge biopsy that confirmed their suspicions and so they removed his lower left lobe along with 20 lymph nodes. A biopsy of the nodes will show if and how far cancer has spread and what followup he needs. We have peeked at the results online and think that it is a stage one cancer that has not spread! He was released 48 hours later and is home on the mend.
We’re cautiously optimistic but are waiting to talk to the oncologist next week. We do know that stage one and stage two lung cancer recurs with great frequency so this will never be over. Luckily, we are more than blessed to have a very dear friend Bonnie, who knows everything there is to know about Lung Cancer.
“The patient-founded, patient-first Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation was born in 2006 to advance innovative research, provide free education/support resources, and champion advocacy to erase stigma and advance early detection. One of ALCF’s first initiatives was an awareness program on buses and billboards across the country. Working globally and collaboratively, ALCF empowered patients, giving them a voice in conversations where leaders in medicine, industry and policy could make decisions that affect their lives.”
“In 2008 ALCF founded a second nonprofit organization, the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute (ALCMI), an international research consortium to advance innovative studies, including the first-ever study of lung cancer in adolescents/young adults under age 40.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, making up almost 25% of all cancer deaths. More people die of lung cancer each year than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
Now another statistic…Bonnie and her husband are part of our dinner group of 5 couples who have been meeting for over 30 years. In that group of 5 families, lung cancer has struck 4 of them. One is a 38-year-old daughter who is fighting for her life against lung cancer and she has never smoked!
Trigger Finger
I am typing this with two fingers, which takes forever because they’re both on my left hand. My daughter came down to be here for her Dad’s surgery and I’m putting her to serious work! Last week I had hand surgery to release a trigger finger and remove some Dupytrons lumps from the palm of my hand. Unfortunately, it’s on my right hand which makes doing most things almost impossible. 
My son and daughter have been a priceless blessing throughout this whole ordeal. At times like this, I feel more than blessed to have the love and support of family.
Pickling
I need some recipes ladies. Our veggie garden has gone crazy and besides being overrun with zucchini, we have a ton of mini cucumbers that I have no idea how to pickle. The label on the seed packet said pickles so I assume that’s what they are. Do you have a recipe to share? It’s likely that my daughter will be making these because we are all pickle hounds in our house. In fact, she introduced me to my first fried pickle on our family trip to Montana.
Be well, stay safe and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I’m so sorry to read that you are experiencing another health scare in your family; however, it seems that both you and your husband are actively aware of your wellness and take care of yourselves. My prayers are with you.
Prayers that both you and your husband may heal quickly and live happy and productive lives! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I am sorry to read that you both are facing some challenges but that seems to be a part of everyone’s lives right now. 2020 has been a rough year on nearly everyone that I know, including my husband and I. Keep calm and continue seeking resolutions!
NEVER GIVE UP!
I’d like to just skip right over 202o! Sending healing thoughts for you and your husband
Thinking of you and your Husband. So great to have your family with you. Hope all goes well in the future.
After reading all of these comments, know that your family is surrounded by prayer warriors! Add me to the list…
Thank you so much!!
((Hugs)) and prayers for you and hubby
Your stress level must be over the charts. You are a strong person Jennifer with a strong support group which will help you and your loved ones during the coming months. Take good care and take some time each day for yourself. Thought and prayers coming your way in abundance.
I try and make my mother in laws wonderful onion and cucumber relish each year. Very simple to do but oh so good.
Carole from the Island
Carol, tasty and simple?! Would you be willing to share the recipe?
It is pretty high but I find my blog and this community a saving grace. Thanks for being here.
Yes, please share!
Sending prayers for you and your family.
Prayers for you and your husband that God will lay His hand of healing upon you both and give you strength and encouragement during these most difficult of times.
I had my upper right lobe removed in 2005 due to stage 1a lung cancer when I was 54. No chemo or radiation. I was told that I had a 98% chance of never being “bothered” by that pesky thing again. Let’s hope so! Thinking positive thoughts for you and your husband! And I have had trigger finger releases done on both hands. What a pain in the butt that is!🤗. Aren’t we lucky to have our children?
I pray for your continued good health Nancy! This finger has been bugging me for a while so I am glad to have it done.
Nancy that is wonderful to read! I’ma stage IIB survivor, 3 years now. I love reading how well you’ve done!
It is so awesome that you trust us ,your blog friends, I am thinking positive thoughts for your husband.
It sounds like you are “on it” & that you have a good team.
So pleased that your daughter could come to help.
Love following your blog.
Thanks for being here Dianne
Dear Jennifer,
May your family’s spirits be uplifted as you await diagnosis and treatment news.
Praying for God’s healing presence,
Diney on Camano Island
Thank you!
Sending healing thoughts your way – hope your husband recovers well and stay safe at home!
Keeping both of you in my prayers
I am keeping you, your husband and your family in my prayers.
We lost both my mother in law and father in law to lung cancer!! Both might have smoked in their 20’s but hadn’t smoked since. My mother in law also had the trigger finger bu never had surgery.
Praying for your family!
Jennifer, Thank you for reaching out and sharing. I’ll be praying for your husband’s diagnosis, and for you. I always look forward to your posts, whether they’re about fashion or life in general. You give so many inspiration!
Thoughts and prayers for you and your husband.
Thoughts and prayers for your husband! My husband had Dupytrons and recovered nicely! I love your blog!
My heart is with you & your family.
Sending big virtual hugs & healing.
XO,Kim
Thank you Kim xx
Aaaaahhh – the old pickle dilemma! My kids would count the days until they could finally open the jaRs of newly canned pickles I had made!! Tip: put the freshly picked pickle cukes in the washing machine with a couple of old towels & run it on cold rinse. All the little pointy prickery things will rub off the cukes. Prayers here for you & family!!!!
Jennifer, I am a bit newer to your blog and even so, feel like you are a friend. I love your posts and advice, truly helpful. Your writing style is so great and genuine. I can’t imagine how hard this diagnosis and surgery has been. I love your positive attitude, we all need to cling to those right now. Please know you and your husband and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs your way!