Good morning my family and friends,

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of my receiving the news that I have terminal cancer.  It was a cold gloomy day in the midst of the pandemic with Steve having to stay in the car and wait for me while I received the news alone.  Today's weather is predicted to be warmer with some sunshine and I think that is perfect for celebrating my beating the odds.  

It has been awhile since I have written an update due to nothing really changing.  I continue on the experimental chemo, for which I need to continue to fly out to Bethesda to meet with my chemo research team once a month.  The chemo has very slowly managed to reduce the cancer mass in my liver by 39%.  This week marks the end of the 2 year research study and the study which is now closed to any new applicants.  However 13 of us are continuing on with the drug as long as there are positive results and we are tolerating the side effects.

They are continuing to research into my cancer and I signed a release for more of my cancer cells to a team that is gene mapping both the cancer and my cells.  They are hoping to find a blood biomarker so screening for active cancer could be a blood test.  At the end of January I will get to talk with Dr. Glod at NIH, who has been researching for scannable biomarkers of precancerous cells.  I have also been asked to participate with a group that is trying to find measurable ways to track the episodes of "Chemo Brain" reported by patients.  Their methods involve taking various neurological tests both in clinic and at home.  I am doing my best for science!

I still have episodes of heavy fatigue and muscle pain.  usually when I overdo activity.  I can handle most household chores with rest breaks every couple hours.  I can usually handle one 2-3 hour heavy activity event a day.  Once or twice a week I have been helping with dog walking at the animal shelter, then going home and napping for an hour or two.    Those who follow my blog  https://jenna91.blogspot.com may have seen some updates on neuropathy and energy management.  I have had a few requests to publish a book about my cancer journey.  I am not sure I am a proficient enough writer for publishing anything more than a blog.  I did however take an online writing class in November and am hoping to write more stories about my journey.  I think especially some of the stories I have of the strangers who have helped me.  The world seems to need more stories about the kindness and compassion of strangers.  In this journey I have had to place a lot of trust in many people I barely know and have had help from surprising sources.  I think we need to be less afraid of reaching out to others and sharing "a moment".  A moment of kindness, a moment of trust, a moment of commiseration, a moment of grief.  If there is anything I am learning on this journey it is don't wait to share your light.  

May you all enjoy this season of celebrating the light, whatever your way of celebrating is.  May you find love, light and hope to help you through the dark times my friends.