Update

It is hard to believe that it has been 6 years since the 9/11 event in this country. Astonishing! It reminds of a verse that my dear friend Carolee Howell forwarded to me today from II Timothy 1:7:

We do not have to fear the things of this world because God tells us that He “has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. Thanks be to God. This verse is a great comfort to us during our own sudden experience.

Jack is having a good week. He continues to improve his strength. He can now put his left hand on the table and slightly move his index through little finger, albeit slight. He is making his own breakfast (big accomplishment in my book) and basically living independently since I am working more this week. We celebrate each achievement.

We have spoken more with the Doctors who are involved with Jack. All of them seem to think that Jack will do well with treatment. I spoke with a client of mine whose husband had the same diagnosis and oncologist as Jack. Her husband lived 2.5 years. What was encouraging was that he tolerated the treatment very well. Unfortunately, there is a high reoccurrence of growth rate in these tumors with little else to do. Brain tumors are very messy from a medical science perspective. They don’t know what causes them; don’t have much to treat them; don’t know why some do better than others; there are definitely more unknowns than is known in my opinion based on many conversations with various medical professionals.

Jack participated in his monthly company board meeting on Monday. We were so thankful he did that. I am sure his board of directors were happy to hear his voice.

Jack’s biggest immediate challenge is sleep. The steroids to reduce brain swelling makes him feel wired and wide awake. The Dr. gave him something tonight. He wants to try one more night without anything. Sleep is so healing and important. We reduced the steroid dose from 4mg (AM and PM) to 2mg (AM only).

Jack was President of his senior HS class in Tomkinsville, KY. Last summer we attended his 50th high school reunion. He has been receiving cards from all of his KY relatives, HS friends, and former neighbors. Many of you have continued to email, call, and care for our well being. All of you have offered your help any time day or night. We don’t have words to say thank you enough. What a blessing all of you are. We see it all as a demonstration of our Lord’s special hand on us now and are thankful for this amazing experience and opportunity.

I will be updating the blog every few days instead of daily. Jack’s brother, Keith, and his wife, Paula arrive on Thursday evening for 5 days. We are very excited to spend time with them. Jack’s trial run on the radiation is this Friday. His chemo and radiation treatment begin on Monday. Pray that the Lord will continue to sustain us and that He will be honored as we submit to His will for us at this time.

Megan and Jonathan are getting very excited about the moving prospects. Jonathan is coming on September 21-23. We are hoping to have some apartments or condos lined up for him to see. They are embracing this event as an adventure. It is going to be great fun to have all of this energy in our home and among us.

We had another beautiful day in the neighborhood. The rain we got was much needed.

Blessings to all of you,
Carolyn