Hi Everyone~
This is short and sweet (or not so sweet).
This is short and sweet (or not so sweet).
I copied and pasted it from
The Caring Bridge site.
THIS is the SWEET!
This is the
NOT SO SWEET!
NOT SO SWEET!
John has had a really rough week. He is sick and sore.
The nausea medicine does not always work so he has had several days when he has been nauseated.
Try to imagine vomiting when you can't swallow because your throat is so swollen and sore.
He is tired and sleeping quite a bit of the time.
That is good because it is an escape from the reality of what he is going through.
The skin on his neck is burned and sloughing off. There is a prescription salve that he puts on that helps keep the pain at bay.
The salve, combined with the fentanyl patch keeps his pain at a tolerable level.
We do have liquid morphine that I can administer for break-through pain if needed.
This upcoming Monday will be his last radiation treatment. We will no longer have to make daily trips to the cancer center.
After Monday, we will go once a week to check -in for the next several weeks.
We found out this week that he may be on a feeding tube for several months because of the severity of the damage to his throat.
That means that Nurse Ratched (me)gets to stay 'on duty' for a while. I am a good "pusher" (mentally AND physically).
Even as ill as he is-- he continues to reach out to others. Yesterday, against my better judgement, he went to 'visit' someone.
He felt the need to minister to his friend and to encourage him in the battle he is facing.
He came home exhausted but also elated because he felt like he had accomplished something with the visit.
We are taking this one step at a time and looking forward to starting the healing process after next Monday's treatment.
We will not know until the first part of June whether the treatment worked.
At that point they will do a PET scan to see if there is still cancer in his neck--or if there is cancer anywhere else in his body.
Keep us in your prayers. We need them.
See that cute little face up there? That is our youngest granddaughter, Anna Ireland.
She is one reason MyHero keeps fighting to get well. She is a pure delight.
As for me- I would run away from home but that feeding tube only extends about 2-1/2 feet. Yeah-there's that! Diana
93 comments:
Love
Love you.
Dearest Diana, your husband is quite the trooper! To go out and visit a friend when he is not feeling well is truly an inspirational testimony!
Both of you have been in my prayers during this entire journey and that is where you will remain, precious friend. Sending you love and hugs!
I'm so excited for you both. It's sure to be the best of news when the treatment is finished. God bless.
Diana, You hero has a big heart for others when he himself is suffering. He is a true servant for the Lord. Keep holding on to your faith. Love & Prayers :)
Karen
Continue to keep John in our prayers. Katie mentioned he would need the tube for awhile after as swallowing will take awhile to come back, and be comfortable. I know his ministering to a friend in need had to be a bright spot in the week for him despite the strength it took out of him. God will return the favor!!
Anna Ireland is a gem for sure.
Dearest Diana - Your sweet John is such a saint - thinking of others when he is going through so much. Well, you are both very extraordinary and special people. I'm praying hard to the angels that they watch over you both and your sweet family during this difficult time. Little Anna Ireland is precious indeed. Sending hugs and love. xo Karen
Diana, I think John is a truly wonderful man. So kind of him to think of his friend when he is in pain himself. He's a good servant for God. Yes, you are all in my prayers continually. Blessings to all, xoxo, love , Susie
You are both amazing people with a love for others that will not be stifled - no matter what!
I am so sorry you have had to go through all this and am praying for a full and complete recovery - for you BOTH!
YOURS may take a little longer than HIS!!!
Glad to hear the news. I know when I stopped getting treatments all the time, my body started to heal and I pray that the same happens with your hero. Be assured of our prayers for both of you. Bless him for ministering to another. That is pure love. Love the Nurse Ratchett!
All will be well as you both are strong people. That precious child will make anyone feel better. Wishing you both many blessings and that when it is all said and done, he will be well and you will still have your health. Stress is not healthy.
I am sure he has many reasons to keep fighting....and you are certainly at the top of the list. Take Care
Oh Thank you my dear. We continue to pray for you and your hero. Many years ago when our daughter at 18 was in a horrible car accident and spent months in the hospital, it was 24/7 as we stayed with her.....I can feel your love and conern for your dear has you are his caregiver 24/7. Praying for stregth, and keep your fabulous sense of humor. It worked miracles for us.
Sending lots of prayers and hugs to you and your hero. Ministering to others when he felt so terrible is golden...he's a good man. Your granddaughter is a doll baby...xoxo
Continued prayers for you and your hero! Keep us in prayer too, my dads having lung cancer surgery this coming Monday.
It's been a long, bumpy bridge and I'm glad for both of you that it's near an end...John has a lot to live for ..a wonderful family and the best nurse Ratchet ever..I'm sure it takes a lot out of you as well..Hope you are holding up OK...You are both strong and capable people and I'm happy that you have each other..xxoo
So after the last treatment it can only get better and better, right? Will pray for a good read on the PET scan. Hang in there a little longer Nurse Ratched!! XOXO
Diana, As I read all the comments above about what incredible people you and John are-there is nothing that I can truly add. Courageous comes to mind. What a beauty your granddaughter is-I know she is helping her Papa rally. Praying for you both, for Grace and Mercy. May He be healed in Jesus name.
Sending love and prayers.
Noreen
Keep your chin up and your faith strong. My dear friend Robin's husband went through exactly the same cancer and radiation and suffered through painful burns too. Today he is well and strong and is playing tennis and traveling. Miracles happen every day when we turn our problems over to God. I'm sure you know that, but if you are anything like me, it's good to be reminded. I am praying for you both. Your darling grand baby is a great reason for him to keep fighting.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Well, let's think about this ~ surely we can figure out a way to extend those tubes so you can at least run a short way! :) Seriously, I am so glad that you two can have some down time and hopefully, more rest. Prayers continue for both of you.
Anna continues to be a beautiful little girl! She would encourage anyone to fight.
Hugs & love,
Pat
Gentle hugs, dear friend. Gentle hugs. (Of course you and John and your family are continually in my prayers.) Nancy
A child can light up your life. I see it in my 89 yr old mom when her great-grandchild who is 3 comes over! Anna Ireland is precious. Bless him for helping a friend to work through his situation as only one who is experiencing much of the same is able to. I'm sure it was spiritually and emotionally good for him even if physically he was exhausted. You are both in my prayers. Isn't blogland amazing? God is good. Carla in Kansas
A child can light up your life. I see it in my 89 yr old mom when her great-grandchild who is 3 comes over! Anna Ireland is precious. Bless him for helping a friend to work through his situation as only one who is experiencing much of the same is able to. I'm sure it was spiritually and emotionally good for him even if physically he was exhausted. You are both in my prayers. Isn't blogland amazing? God is good. Carla in Kansas
My prayers are with you and your Hubby. Has he ever tired to eat ginger candy or ginger tea for the nausea? That has helped some people with nausea. I would first ask a Nurse or Doctor since he might be on a tube.
I can see why he wants to fight - for his grands and you - Nurse Ratchet - I am sorry beyond words that he is hurting so bad and I can't imagine being sick besides. I will hope that after Monday he wills start to heal. That there is no cancer left at all! He is a real fighter. Sandie
You manage to stay so upbeat. I truly don't know how you do it. You must be a very strong woman. He's lucky to have you.
Brenda
Your granddaughter is so precious, and so are you. I know your love and encouragement mean the world to your husband.
I pray for all of you. I thank God that His presence carries you.
Poor guy, there is nothing worse than nausea....Oh ya there is, nausea with a burned throat, oh dear oh dear..So glad he is almost done! Now, Diana, hand someone else that 2ft feeding tube and get out of the house from time to time, it will make you a much better caregiver. My prayers for healing, really fast healing...Hugging you from the sunshine state!
Carol
Thanks for the update Diana....I applaud you for keeping your sense of humor...I am sure that it is a good thing for "your hero"
You two are still in my thoughts and prayers...xoxo's
Oh Diana, I'm so sorry that your husband is going through all this pain. Although he's suffering himself, he went to visit a friend who was in need. Always keeping him and you in my prayers. Thanks for the update.
Holding you close to my heart,
~Sheri
Aww, your poor sweetheart. I know it has be a tough road and it is soon to be over with. Let's hope this puts that dreaded disease gone forever. You are such an uplifting person, with your sense of humor and all. I know being a caregiver is very frustrating and difficult. You are his shining light. Continued prayers and good thoughts. xoxo
Oh, Diana, I'm so sorry John is going through this and he is in my prayers. Praying these treatments will do the trick. Praying for you too, sweet friend, you take care of yourself. The caregiver can not get run down.
Blessings,
Shelia ;)
Good Evening Diana, Your little one is so precious and they do keep us going with the smiles, hugs, and visits. I will keep praying for you and John because I know how important prayer. Sending you many hugs and prayers and if I was closer I would give you a hug in person. We all need them. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend Shirley
Diana, It is amazing how much he thinks of others given his own illness. Wonderful and example to others. She is so darn cute and well dressed. xoxo Su
Diana, I'm am so sorry that myhero is having such pain. He was doing so well and wish that it could have held on until the treatments were over. Please take care of you, too. It probably was good for John to get out for awhile and feel that he has something to do instead of just getting well!. But get well he will and this will all be a memory although not a fond one. I love that little girl, so cute and what an appropriate name she has. Anna Ireland, it just rolls off the tongue..Take care and don't yank too hard on the feeding line..xxo Judy
Oh Diana I do hope that the treatments will all work and heal your husband. I'm sending hugs and prayers for you all.
Julie
Such a sweet little girl! I really believe that helping others is one powerful way to help yourself. Hoping and praying that the treatment was a success. Just wanted to let you know that in my synagogue this week, I included John's name during the prayer for those who are ill.
God bless you, Diana. I can't imagine what you and John are going through. I shared my copy of your book with Mama. She thought it was very good, by the way, and is waiting for the sequel. Lol! I also shared John's story with her and she has added him to her prayer list, as well. We'll continue our prayers here in SC. Hugs!
I'm so sorry about your hero, he's throat must be hurting so much to give him a feeding tube. I always remember you and hubby in my prayers; don't worry and keep strong and happy that there are new alternatives all the time to heal and comfort your hubby while he has to endure this difficult task in life... and you too my sweet, sweet friend.
Your little girl is magazine gorgeous! Grands always put a smile on our faces.
God bless you both.
FABBY
Oh God love and bless you both. That sounds pretty rough and I am praying mightily. I love that John went to minister to someone else in the battle. It goes to show what kind of man he is and that he has a great big beautiful heart. Little Anna Ireland would be a bright light in anyone's world. Take care of him and don't be too much of a Nurse Ratchett. No more than you have to be. ;)
Oh Diana, it brings tears to my eyes when you tell me that your hero had to go and visit someone to encourage THEM even with him going through so much pain. I had a quote on my calendar this week and I thought of both of you...Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage with others. (Robert Louis Stevenson) God bless you both, my prayers are with you.
Prayers to you all. Hard days, but what an amazing Hero you have. Going out to others while he is so ill. A very special man.
Sending lots of love your way.
Carla
Hi Diana I left a message at the Caring Bridge. Sending my love.
Diana, my heart goes out to you and your husband. God bless you both.
Little Anna looks like her Grandma . . . do you have pictures of yourself at her age?
Sad to hear he is feeling so bad hope it all improving from here on.
Merle......
You are all always in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care, Janet W (((big hugs)))
Oh my this week sounds like such a terrible week for poor John. I can't imagine the nausea and vomiting with his sore burned throat! What a joy for John to be able to reach out and comfort someone else while in his own distress, may the Lord bless his precious heart for this! We will continue praying for a wonderful report of healing in June! Your family is always in our prayers... and I can imagine just how precious all the grands are to you all during this time. Much love to you all!
Anna Ireland is a darling! I'm so sorry John has had a rough week, but what a strong spirit he has that even in his discomfort he reaches out to others. I hope things improve soon after his last treatment. Hugs and prayers to you both!
So happy that John's treatments are coming to an end! He should feel so much better without them and then the healing can begin! Prayers continuing! Sending lots of love and positive thoughts too! Hugs, Leena
Dear Diana..
I'm so sorry that your John is in such pain.. and bless him for still reaching out to others. It sounds as if that was a wonderful therapy for him. You're almost there! I can only imagine your relief at being so close to being through the treatments and all that that brings. Praying for comfort, strength, peace and healing..and lots of good things. AND for you... you're such a great nurse and support to him! I hope you have some time to treat yourself to some special things. And what a lovely little darling your grand daughter is. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Hugs and love to you.
Tamara <3
I hope it ends well for the both of you'll. My great-uncle who I never knew (but my mom did) got cancer in his throat and decided to deny treatment as he felt he was too old and weak to go through it.
Oh Diana, I'm so sorry to hear this has been a rough patch. I can't imagine what it must be like to be nauseated, but having a swollen throat. Thanks goodness he is near the end of those treatments. He'll be home after this? That sweet granddaughter is definitely a reason to keep moving forward!! -Jenn
I am going through a similar situation and I know how you feel. Thankfully, emotional strength is built into our DNA.
I am so sorry to hear that John has had such a rough time with the treatments. I think the nausea would be hard enough without having a sore throat to add to it. I hope that after this, the healing will be swift and all of this will be a long past bad memory. Hugs for you both!
Continued prayers for John for healing, both body and mind. Keep a positive outlook as much as possible, for this makes a difference. Sending love and hugs.
Diana, a million prayers your way. Your Hero is sure tough.
That little girl is gorgeous.
Cindy
I continue to keep you both in prayer. Hugs and blessings..let's pray for a good healthy outcome!
You two are continuously on my prayer list. My cousin went through something similar to this and he just had his PET scan and he got an "all clear" thank God. I'm praying that John gets the same great news in June, dear Diana.
Wrapping you in many, many gentle hugs, my Dear......
Oh Diana, I just don't know what to say. I am praying for you guys every day. Big hugs to you xoxoxo
Diana, you and your husband are truly gifts to each other and others. I am sorry to hear all the not so sweet. Praying the not so sweet will result in sweet soon. God has this.
Love to you, Diana.
Debbie
xo
Dearest, What a tough trial and so sorry for his pain and struggle. But he like you have the drive to give and cheer others on in this thing called life. Love You both!
Roxy
Oh Diana, I am so sorry John had a rough week. I can't even imagine what he's going through. But he is definitely a fighter and a trooper and for him to go out when he doesn't feel well is just amazing all on its own. I still pray for you guys daily and can't wait to find out his results in June. Your granddaughter is just precious. Now that something to fight for right there.
Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers! Amy
Oh Diana, I am so sorry John had a rough week. I can't even imagine what he's going through. But he is definitely a fighter and a trooper and for him to go out when he doesn't feel well is just amazing all on its own. I still pray for you guys daily and can't wait to find out his results in June. Your granddaughter is just precious. Now that something to fight for right there.
Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers! Amy
Saying my prayers for all of you. I am glad he only has one more treatment. I think even though it exhausted him that it is wonderful he wanted to get out and be of help to others. Being a nurse I sure admire those that get thrown into as you have, and the pressures of taking care of the one you love. Anna is beautiful like all your precious Grandaughters.
It makes me feel so bad that your guy is going through this. I can't imagine the pain and discomfort he is in. Sleep is the best remedy. And he went out to help someone else while feeling this way? This man deserves many, many blessings! I'm glad that the end is in sight, once weekly trips will be much easier on both of you. I pray things get easier for John...the pain and eating, and when June rolls around, I just know he'll pass that PET scan with flying colors!!
Jane
This is quite an ordeal for John, you, and all the family. Prayers continue for each of you, as well as the medical team. Hugs to you! xo Nellie
In the home stretch of this part of the journey, yay! Sorry for all his (and Your) pain, but God is good and if prayers have any impact whatsoever you've both GOT THIS!Daily prayers continue for his renewed health and strength.
xo Kathleen
I'm so glad the treatments are almost over. Here's to the healing phase!!!
love, hugs, and prayers my dear one.
I am writing this through heartfelt tears Diana, it is such a fight for John and also you. I feel his pain but can understand his need to be there for others. He is indeed a true angel and you are too - just don't run off! xx
So happy that he is almost done. I will pray for good reports for him and for you. That radiation is rough.
Having a sad day. My two granddaughters are at this moment are saying their goodbyes to their other grandmother as I write this. She has ALS. We are supposed to meet our son and the girls afterwards to celebrate Goose's birthday.
Hugs to you. And he is going to beat this.
Oh Diana, I am just at a lose for words, gosh I hope things improve and John starts feeling better.
Hugs Diane
Diana girl ... my fingers are crossed for you and John that all will be clear with the PET scan .. I am so glad to read your humor in this post ... keep it close, it will get you through more than you think !
Take care !
Joy
PS little sweetie is so cute !
Hi Diana! Lifting John and you also up to the Lord. Such a long process. John must be an extremely strong man to undergo such a brutal treatment and still want to go and minister to his friend. What an admirable Christian he is. Let us keep on hoping and praying that all will turn out as we hope in the end. I don't know if you have noticed the e-mail I sent you on cancer breakthroughs they are working on. They are very interesting and very promising and perhaps in the not far future, they might be available to cancer patients. Let us hope so because what John is going through now has to be the most difficult means of healing this horrible illness. Thinking of you. Take care of yourself! My heart goes out to you.
Praying for you and John. May healing abound.
Dearest Diana, Your little Anna looks like she is pure joy and delightful.
I have been away and have been thinking of you all with many prayers lifted up on a daily basis.
Your dear John is a strong man with a tender heart for the needs of others, such a testimony and glory to God.
I will continue to hold you up in prayer as you continue on this journey.
May the Lord continue to wrap His loving arms around you all each and ever day.
Much love, Debbie
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I'm so glad you're able to keep your humor during all this. That really is important and I think it helps too. :) Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I think about you a lot and every time you enter my mind, I send up a quick prayer. xoxo
Thinking of you and John every day. xoxoxoxo
Jeanine
I was praying for your husband this morning as I was getting ready for work. So relieved to know that the treatments are nearing an end. Praying for healing in Jesus name. And praying strength and rest over both of you. God is good . . . Blessings from Missouri my sweet friend.
Diana, you are both always in my prayers. I am sorry for part of the treatment has become so painful. I pray that today marks the turning point to health and healing and better times ahead. xoxox
Bless his heart. I am so sorry to hear that your hubby is having such a hard time. I'm hoping that this is the worst and everything will be better in the days ahead.
I cannot even imagine what your Hero and you maybe going through. You, him and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Dear Lord please give them both strength to continue fighting and to continue Your work. In the name of our Lord Jesus! Sending you both lots of love.
Hugs,
❤️Ana
Praying for you all. I hope the nausea is better soon. I hope after the radiation things will start getting much better for him.
Your grandbaby is adorable.
Your granddaughter is so sweet and beautiful! Sorry to hear of all the pain your hero is going through. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care!
I am behind on commenting, but I have been keeping your hero and you in my prayers. Now that the treatments have ended, may his strength return and the pain subside. Praying for good news in June! Take care and God Bless you both!
Dear Diana, I'm checking in with hopes that today is a good day for you and especially your brave Hero ! I know every day is that merry go round ride! But you have soo many here waving and cheering (praying) for you both on the sidelines as we can only watch and remain Hopeful as our Dear Lord is in charge of the destiny! This AM I woke up thinking about the song Sunshine On My Shoulders by John Denver and that my friend is what I wish for you both! I know it may not be sunshiny there in many ways, but it's what I wish for you as I sit here and wanting to be able to help and see you both through another day! Sending smiles and big Hug!!! <3
I think the fact that despite his own ordeal John feels the need to minister to others is what will allow him to kick this!
Thinking of your both.
Diana, I am sorry I have been absent, you and your family have been in my prayers and thoughts... I needed a break away. I am so sorry to hear that John is feeling so awful, I could not imagine having to deal with that... I pray that it works for him and rids him of the cancer..
Your granddaughter is so adorable, what a sweet smile xox
Happy spring Nana...so glad the long hard days are soon over
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