Jan’s Story

Site created on October 18, 2021

Welcome to our CaringBridge website.  I am Jan Hartman's sister, Ruth Barber,  and I am  using this site to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

My sister, Jan Hartman, is beginning a new phase of her cancer journey.  She will be having an autologous stem cell transplant (a patient’s own healthy stem cells are removed and stored until the time of the transplant). Jan was first diagnosed at Moffitt Cancer Center with Interocular lymphoma in January 2017.  Her treatments included numerous chemotherapies and radiation therapy.  In June 2021, after several falls and weakness, her husband, Jeff, took her to the local ER, where they found a brain mass.  She was transferred to Moffitt Cancer Center, where, after testing, she was diagnosed with CNS lymphoma presenting as a tumor in the frontal lobe of the brain.  She was quickly started on high dose chemotherapy and would continue these treatments for 8 weeks.  My sister, Bev, and I came down at this time to help transport her back and forth to Moffitt for these treatments and help in any way we could, as her husband continued to work.   Her chemo was done on an intermittent inpatient basis.  Bev and I returned home to Ohio after these treatments.  After more testing and consultation, it was decided stem cell transplant would be the best option to give her the greatest benefit. She has undergone many tests and meetings to make sure she is able to have this procedure.  It was agreed that she is healthy enough and the stem cell should be begun.  I returned to Florida at that point to become her primary caregiver and be by her side throughout the procedures.  Beginning Friday, October 22, the preliminary procedures will begin outpatient, including harvesting the stem cells and then on Oct. 30 she will be admitted to Moffitt to begin the chemo needed to prepare her body to accept the stem cells back.  She will continue to stay in the hospital for approximately 2 weeks while these procedures are completed, and she begins to regain her immune system.   Then, the plan is to stay close to the hospital until it is safe to go back to her own home.  We will try to keep you up to date as she progresses through this entire procedure.  We appreciate your comments, good thoughts and continued prayers as she goes through this part of her journey.  

Newest Update

One year update

Journal entry by Ruth Barber —

November 5, 2022!   It is so hard to believe it was a year ago today that Jan had the stem cell transplant!  It was an amazing process and Jan stayed strong throughout the whole process!

Jan is doing so well!  Although she is has been under the weather this week with with an unrelated bug, which we pray will pass quickly;  overall her journey has been pretty smooth.  Last week she had a checkup with the stem cell doctor, blood work and an MRI.  Everything came back great!!!!!  

Jan walks at least 1 1/2 miles every other day!  She is back at work and working the same schedule she worked before her problems began last year. She does have lots of pain in the mornings, but the doctor has given her medication that helps with that pain.  This is to be expected after all her body has been through. 

Jan and Jeff were overjoyed to be blessed with a grandson, Benjamin,  this summer!  It brings them such joy being with both grandchildren, Emily and Ben, whenever they get the chance!!


What a journey this has been,  but Jan was so brave and such a warrior and I am so proud to have been with her along the way.  Jan said "It all seems like a dream, but it happened and I think I am better off for it. I am so thankful to God!"
 
 

Thank you heavenly father for my special sister, Jan, and the work you continue to do in her life.  I love her so and pray for your blessing to be upon her always!  Fill up her life with your goodness. Pour out your hope into her heart.  May she live a life full of good health and joy!  We give you the praise. In Jesus name we pray, Amen



Of course, we thank all of Jan's friends and family for the prayers and concern throughout this entire journey!!  We love you all!!


Praising God for all of his blessings today and every day!!
 


                                 


 
 
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