First, Jennifer and I want to apologize for not posting more updates. We've been in and out of the hospital several times since our last post. The chemotherapy was very physically hard on Jennifer and she had to return to the hospital several times with nausea, pain and, in a few cases, fevers. Her immune system was compromised from the chemo medicines, so the doctors needed to monitor her closely. In fact, her second round of chemo was conducted in the hospital to ensure her safety. In the process, issues in her stomach became more prominent. She has been unable to hold down food or liquids and was getting very little nutrition. She lost a lot of weight. The doctors noted a severe emptying delay and have diagnosed the condition as gastroparesis, where the stomach basically falls asleep and doesn't move food through it. 

Recent scans have shown that the chemo did not have enough of the desired impact to continue it. Two rounds were attempted. The doctors are still analyzing the results. It appears that the tumor in her liver has slowed its growth, even possibly stopped it due to the chemo. However, given her weakened physical state and the lack of significant impact, the doctors will not continue that course of treatment at this time. 

Some of the strategy to move forward is still being determined. At the moment, we are focused on regaining Jen's strength and getting nutrients into her system. The doctor's placed a line in her that will feed nutrients straight into her bloodstream, so that she will not rely on her stomach for nutrition. We will continue to feed her orally to keep her stomach working, as much as she can tolerate. 

The majority of the challenges for Jen are physical. Her spirit remains unbroken and resilient. She continues to find joy in everyday moments and is extremely thankful for all that she has. We've been blessed to have her sister Manuma'a and niece Shayna visiting and taking care of her. They bring Jennifer tremendous happiness. 

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
Prayers
The primary way that you can support Jennifer is through your prayers and your relationship with your higher power. Please continue to hold her in light and envisioning her returning to her strength and proceeding through life healthy and cancer-free. 

Communication
Jen's been overwhelmed with the abundance of cards that she has received, so for now please contact her here or via text message on her cellphone if you have it. Calls are ok as well but she does not always answer and rarely checks voicemail. Folks who have my contact information can message me for updates as well. Please don't be upset if we don't respond. We see more than we can get back to, so please know that your message is appreciated even if we don't write back. 

Short visits are welcome. Please contact us prior via text message or FB messenger to schedule a time if you are interested in visiting.  

Gifts
In terms of sending flowers, orchids or other less-fragrant flowers are preferred. Msg me prior to sending anything. 

Preparing meals for myself and the other people that are care taking Jennifer is also welcome. This eases our workload and our financial challenges. Folks have been having food delivered through apps like GrubHub or just preparing a home cooked meal. We don't have any app running for this, so please contact us prior to cooking. 

We can always use financial support. You can contribute to us via Venmo at Jennifer Finefeuiaki (jfyne) or to me Desi Mundo (DesiMundo). Contact me if you want to contribute by another method. 

Thank you again for all of your love and support. We feel very held by our vast community. Thank you to all of the people who have prayed, made food, sent well-wishes, or supported us in any way. We love you and we look forward to overcoming these obstacles and Jennifer's return to complete health and a cancer-free life. 

Yours Truly,

Desi