Well, hi. We've decided to start this thing up so that folks can stay updated on the state of the mama. And the actor, and the poet, and the dreamy dreamer, and the person-so-full-of-life-that-we-can't-fucking-believe-this-is-happening. Ahem.
The official latest: She has had a chest x-ray, 2 CT scans, a bronchoscopy, a PET scan, and an MRI of her brain. She has seen one oncologist and is scheduled to see another at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, arguably the best cancer clinic on earth, this coming Friday, February 15. She's already been notified of the results of the last two scans, though.
The good: there is no cancer in her brain. Hooray!
The bad: it's in her skeletal and lymph systems, her liver, and both lungs. It's stage IV lung cancer, non-small cell, "incurable," a terrible word, but all it means is that it isn't likely she'll ever be cancer-free. Treatment aims to prolong life and preserve quality of life, as much as possible. We're for that.
The so-so: It's in her cervical spine, which is kind of good news because it gives a concrete reason for the horrifying pain she's been in, and hope for alleviation of said pain with radiation. Radiation is also a possibility for her bronchial whatnot, as she can breathe out of, but not into, her left lung. Chemotherapy will also likely be recommended. The disease is too spread out to have surgery make any sense.
And...this is all from the first diagnosis. She'll have a second diagnosis on Friday and, we're hoping, treatment soon, soon after that.
Send prayers, visualizations, silly postcards, and love. We'll keep you updated here.
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10 comments:
Janet and family!! I am here for you and have an army of friend and my family praying for each one of you!! Love you!! See you soon in NYC!!!
xoxox
Les
You are in my heart and on my mind constantly. Selfishly I find some peace in the realization that the ONE singular person I know who can manage this unfair, horrible thing is Janet Ward. She is my mentor, my inspiration, my friend. I'm here for her and her amazing kids for whatever they need whenever they need it. Thanks for this central place to share to connect and to love. Peace.
Hey Janet:
My love and my prayers go out to you...We are all here for you...You have global love all the way around...Will talk soon.
Love and peace
Bernadette
Janet, Sarah and family,
I'm sending prayers and love to you all and I am here for you at any time.
xoxo,
Kat
My Neighbor and friend,
You are what the Whitby represents
You are the laughter that I look forward to hear echoing through out the halls at night
You are the friend that understands my fear of sickness
I am the friend that will be across the hall when you just need to talk or have a huge.
This is a fight and we won't loose. You are a remarkable women and I know in my heart someone is looking over you.
Love you
Jennifer Cooper
Janet,
I am here for you if you need me. You have always been an inspiration to our family. We decided along time ago that you got all the talent in the family! If Optimism is the key to survival, you will survice! You are the strongest person I know.
You are welcome to come to Oregon anytime, we will have a place available for you always!
Rena
Dear Janet,
I remember meeting you when Oona was born and thinking what a strong and creative and wonderful woman for Oona and Hazel to have as their grandmother. And while we have not seen one another often, you and I, I have kept up with your life in pictures and with your San Francisco family. We are sending you so much love and thoughts and power. jennifer & peter & sorent
Thanks for doing this Jennifer. There is an army of people who love your mom, support her and want to know the latest news without being pests.
The Happy Days group rehearsed last Sunday. Janet was terrific, and it was good for her and for us. She asked us to "tell my daughters that I'm okay.” Her indefatigable spirit may bend but will not break. There will be more happy days!
I’m sending my love and positive thoughts. For practical help, I can be available in the mornings to escort, accompany, or drive you to Sloan Kettering, or back—or to fetch things, or whatever.
-Dale
janet, i think you know that us folks here on hartford street call each other house-family. and i've totally grown to think of you as part of my family in that way. i love you and will offer all the support i can! i'm having a meeting today with the woman i trained in teaching yoga for people with cancer specifically to discuss good practitioners for supportive complementary therapy in new york. will send you info soon! love, kristie
Oh Janet, although I have known you only a short time you have showered your joie de vivre, of love, of family, of art....you being you, encouraging , ever of light....let us now anoint you with love, care and aid....how fortuitous you reached Sloan Kettering and now they will lead you through your battle...
Please call upon us as we want to join in your struggle.
prayers of love,
Sarah
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