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Good Morning- This is a picture of John with two of his favorite little people in the world, Alana & Julia. Sister Maria was at a wedding so the girls were here to get dressed for the reception. The lighting was poor so the picture quality is not great but we are so happy that the girls were able to visit and see Papa for a couple of hours. As you can see, John is much thinner. He is 60 pounds lighter than he was last Fall. While I would like to lose some weight I DO NOT want to follow his diet plan! You don't either- trust me!!!!
I, for one, am glad to see this month come to an end. It has been a long, hard month. There were days when we counted down the hours from rising in the morning until day's end so that sleep could claim us for a few hours of escape. However, as the month has progressed there has been improvement. It is slow to come and is measured in weeks rather than days at this point. Living with it day by day, it is not easy to see the sometimes minuscule improvements as they happen---but looking back over the week at its end we can see progress. Slow and sure is the motto that we have adopted.
John is 'brighter' than he was at the beginning of March. He is tracking better and is able to stay awake for longer periods of time. While still unable to eat, he is beginning to be able to swallow again. He has tried a few 'tastes' of things but either can't get them down or if he can get a little bit down the taste is 'off'. His pain level remains manageable and he is weaning off the fentanyl patch. He has not had any morphine in about two weeks.
We are looking forward to continuing improvement in the upcoming month of April. He has set a goal to go back to work as a chaplain the first week in May. We are praying that happens and he is working towards that goal. He will still be on a feeding tube but will be able to manage that himself at work.
The next journal entry will be from him. He has improved to the point where he can focus enough to communicate more effectively. Three weeks ago, he could not concentrate enough to even read properly. He would doze off, or worse, read without full comprehension of what he was reading. Today, he is reading his Bible and his inspirational books and watching something besides GOLF on TV. (I really thank the Lord for THAT- I am ashamed to say that I often hoped the GOLF CHANNEL would be taken off the air-sorry Jerry Price!)
As always, we thank you for your prayers and well-wishes. This has been quite a journey and we appreciate that you have walked this rocky road with us-helping us over the rickety bridges and road that is filled with unknown obstacles. With your help, and prayers, we have been able to conquer so many of those challenges.
Love you all- and thanks for sticking with us..and for your continuing prayers. Diana
76 comments:
So happy for the good news!!!!!
Many, many gentle hugs,
Tessa
I am amazed, he did not lose his hair! :-)
Our daughter lost hers going through the treatments. Had a cute wig, but hated wearing it. She wore it to work, and took it off, as soon as she got in the car, to go home. Replaced wig with pink baseball cap.
Improvement! It's begun. you can see it. So, so, so glad!
Lots of gentle hugs, for the most amazing Care-Giver in the world!
Tessa
Diana, I almost feel like I can breathe again. I still pray for all of you. It is so good to see the girls with your Hero. I know that is good for him too. Thank you for always keeping us posted. When we care for someone we like to know how they are doing. May God be with all of you , always. Love you guys, xoxo,Susie
This is such good news. Sending gentle hugs!
Awwww...... he looks great standing there with his favorite girls.
And I have not been keeping up. We even postponed Easter. We had a new grand baby born Saturday by emergency c-section at 32 weeks. She is in the NICU so life here is on hold. Partially, anyway. We do have to work occasionally.... but we are in OKC as much as we can be.
What wonderful news! That's a great photo.
Love, hugs and continued prayers ~ FlowerLady
Thank you for sharing the great news! Keep the positivity coming!
~Trisha
So glad that he seems to be doing better. And how many people actually WATCH the golf channel??
I love this post! Such good news -- Praise the Lord! Prayers still coming your way for the both of you. But I really think from my own experience that he is on his way. And maybe your sanity will be saved by the absence of the golf channel.
Prayers for continued good healing! You are a champ, my dear.
This is truly fabulous news, Diana. I couldn't be happier for you all, hon. Hugs and continued prayers for John! ♥
Good news! Continued Prayers! And...the golf channel would put me to sleep.ha! But then tennis on tv does that to me too. I hope normal is on the horizon. You are on your way. Sheila
Now this is the news we've been waiting for! He looks good and he certainly looks bright. So glad that March 2016 is on her way out. Looking forward to the report for the end of April!
YAY!!!! Fantastic news, Praise God! What large improvements so quickly. :) It looks like your lovely granddaughters are just the medicine your hero needs right now!
This is all such great news, Diana. All of those baby steps add up to a great big step. xo Laura
Diana,
Your journey through this is both heartwarming and courageous. Both of you touch my heart and soul and I am thankful to hear this encouraging news.
You both are always in my prayers.
xo
Jemma
I'm so happy to read that John is feeling a bit better. That's the sweetest photo of him and the girls, just precious.
xoxo, T.
I'm glad he's improving. I have heard from others that some of the cancer drugs can interfere with taste. A person in my family lost a lot of weight when he was taking an inhibitor drug, partly because nothing tasted good at all. Best of luck to both of you.
oh my gosh I am so glad to hear this,, he has had such a struggle,, you as well,,he looks very handsome with his two girls,,
Prayers are still offered for complete recovery. I'm glad for the measured improvements in John's healing. I love this photo. As soon as John can eat and swallow, you're gonna have to step it up a notch in the cooking and baking department. lol.
I wrote a little poem entitled GOD IS BUSY on my blog. Maybe you can go take a peek and read it to John if you have a few minutes.
Have good weekend Diana.
Hugs,
JB
I'm so glad to hear this news, Diana. And I'm glad to hear that he is beginning to swallow again. That made me very sad for him. :( Still saying prayers for you and John, and Yes, the Lord hears us every time. :)
Love you, and love your strength. It is admired so.
~Sheri
Great news! Still praying for John and you. Take care...
Hugs,
Jan ♥
He will meet his goal, food will start to taste better, and the golf channel will be here to stay. There are some things we just can't change!
Thanks for that wonderful update, I am so glad things are improving, as we knew they would. God is good! Hey, the GOLF channel is great to watch if you need to sleep. LOL
He's looking good! Especially flanked with the adorables! Looking forward to reading his journal entry.
Oh thank the Lord. I am so happy he is beginning to feel better. I can't imagine the road you have been down. Praying that things continue to improve for both of you!!! Blessings from Missouri my dear friend :)!
This is such a wonderful report. I know he is anxious to get back to his Chaplin ministry. When my dearest had 5 bypasses many years ago, he could not wait to get back to preaching, although he had to take several months to get back to that. We continue to pray and are so excited to see the improvement. Heavy or thin ~ he's a handsome man.
Thanks for the great update, Diana. Prayers continue for John's speedy healing.
Hugs and prayers for both of you!
Praise the Lord! Oh, Diana, this is wonderful news and so good to see John with a smile on his face with the girls! You know I will continue to pray for his recovery and I'm so glad it's been a good week. Sending great big ole transplanted Texan to Yankeeland hugs!
Blessings,
Shelia ;)
John is looking good and happy! Oh, I'm so relieved that the sickness has let up and that John is getting closer to having his health restored. We'll pray for each day to get better too, so he can get back to his work as he wants. Thanks for the up-date, Diana.
So glad for the good news - keep truck'n, John!
Glad to hear things are improving.
Merle........
I think John looks really good in this photo! I would never think he had been through all that he did in March if I didn't know. Still praying for you both!
Diana, I was SO happy to read this a minute ago that I actually broke into tears. Ohhhh, this is wonderful news! Now it's uphill in the good way and John will make it, I'm sure of it. Ya knowwww, sure he's lost 60 lbs, but By Jove, he looks GOOD! And as for the Golf Channel, you cracked me up. I don't watch the channel, but I sure watch the big tourneys on regular channels --- I'm a golf fiend :D But all this is such good, good news and I know for you it's a giant lifting of weight off of your emotions and your mind. Prayers will continue and we'll all be dancing with him with each and every improvement. Love you, girl :) XXX
PS/ The Batchelor has nothing on John, and The Batchelorette has nothing on you. Ya'll are the King and Queen forever :D
Good to hear that your Hero is improving, little by little he will make it. I know how hard it is but with Faith, God will see you through it. Prayers for you and your family, my friend.
Hugs,Sylvia
So glad to hear John is continuing to get better...so hard to go through, and for you, too. I am praying that everyday gets better and he will soon be back doing what he wants again! xoxo
Diana, you two have certainly had a long journey. I'm happy to hear that the days are getting better. It's so difficult to watch a loved one suffer! Continued prayers for all and for John's healing! XO, Betsy
Love the good news Diana! keep it coming! Love and hugs to you both!
XO Barbara
Hooray good to read! I'd like to lose weight but I definitely don't want to do it that way! I hope he can get to the point of eating soon- at least some soup! Prayers for his continued improvement and for both of you to stay strong!
I'm so glad your news continues to get better with each report.
I'm so glad your news continues to get better with each report.
Wonderful news to hear, Diana!! Praying that the healing just quickens from here on in and that John is about to return to work as planned. xoxo ps...gorgeous girls!
Love to you and your hero <3
Hi Diana, Care giving is very stressful at times. John does look good considering everything that he has been through. Your granddaughters are becoming quite young ladies and growing up so fast. All of our grandchildren are growing to fast. I think of you quite often and keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Every prayer helps. Take care of yourself and try to find a little me time that is what I keep getting told. Many hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend. Shirley
Oh Diana, thanks for the update! I was thrilled to see John and his sweeties. We have an Alana also...she is my oldest (44 this summer). She says she can never find anything with her name... prayers and hugs...xoxo
This is very encouraging, Diana! Prayers are continuing from here! xo Nellie
The picture quality is not great? No way, I LOVE this photo of your husband with two of his grands! I am so glad that things are betting better for John. Praying that the improvement increases so much that the doctors will be astounded! So many praying for him, including me. Thank you Diana, even when you have been so busy and worried, you still thought to post the news of John's illness. I think you are just one great gal, don't you forget it!! xx
I like the photo. It is the BIG FULL OF FAITH SMILES that I see. And LOVE!!!
Praying for a Restful and full of recovery April.
Love, Carla
Step by step...heading in the right direction! Very happy to see this post title, Diana!
Blessings, blessings, and more blessings! You are a wonderful family! Thank you Lord for this beautiful family.
This is great news, Diana. So glad John is improving. The girls are really maturing, aren't they? It's good to see your Hero with his arms around them. Very sweet. Continued prayers for you both. Gentle hugs, Nancy
One day at a time...
Normal is the new dream. Love to all of you and looking forward to John's post next time.
I'm happy to hear small improvements. Hopefully he'll be eating soon
Cindy
I love the photo, Diana, and the girls are growing so!! Happy to read that John is improving little by little, believing that you begin to see progress day by day! Praying he is able to meet his goal of working in May! Ummm...and btw: the golf channel of the air??? NOT!!! Bless you dear, even if you Do dislike the gold channel! Cindy xo
Sweet photo and so happy prayers are answered.
xoxo,
Vera
I am so glad to read this, Diana. Thanks be to God. What a wonderful photo! I can't understand why on earth you don't enjoy watching golf....(not)
I'm so happy to hear your good news! John looks good and he looks happy having those 2 sweet girls by his side. Continuing prayers for you both. Much love, Cheryl
Diana, this is even a better read than the first time!! So glad for you..xxo Judy
I am so happy for John, you and your family that things are looking up.
What a great picture! Such beautiful smiles. Keep on healing John. We are all praying for you.
What a precious picture...you have such a beautiful family Diana! I am sure time with those grands is a big boost for your Hero. Continued prayers for you both :)
Hugs,
Karen
This is an encouraging up date, Diana.
John looks real good in this photo with a bright smile and a beautiful hope for the days ahead.
You have all certainly done wonderful through the winter months which can be dreary within themselves.
Sunny and bright days are ahead in all their beauty.
My prayers continue for John as he heals day by day and looks forward to reaching? his goals and getting back to his ministry work.
For you, dear friend, may you find rest for your, I'm sure, weary soul. You have been an excellent help meet in this difficult timie. You are a blessing to all of us as we have listened to your heart through this journey.
Enjoy your weekend in all its beauty~~
Much love and tender hugs, Debbie
I am so glad to hear this positive news :) John is lookin good. I love that picture with the girls. You both are so strong, you really are. You may not feel so at time but you are. You know the Lord is there for you and that he is helping you. This knowledge makes all the difference.
Take care, Janet W BIG HAPPY HUGS to you both
Good news! Continued love and prayers.....
We just prayed with my friends at my special day for Rosary last Wednesday. See? God listens, we just have to trust him always!
Your hero looks wonderful and happy with those pretty grandgirls of his too. I am thrilled to know he can swallow better and yes, March was a hard month for both of you and I too am glad it's over.
Praying always and have a happy weekend.
xoxo
FABBY
Love seeing John with his two beautiful granddaughters. So happy to hear that he is feeling a little more himself and even contemplating going back into service. I'm sure he is greatly missed. Such a giving and caring soul, even with all he has been through. You are both an inspiration, Diana. I keep you both in my prayers. Love the newest member of the family! Such a sweetie pie. Hugs xo Karen
Wonderful news Amen Di and continued prayers for sure. I woke up early this morning. So instead of getting out of bed which I could of. I prayed for your Hero as the Lord brought him instantly and then continued for others . One of the prayers I brought to the Lord was several you mentioned in your blog of the Lord working in him. He looks so proud to be standing with his Grandchildren and them also to him. His will to want to be able to go back to work. His desires.
So happy he has advanced in his memory and the longing to pick up his bible lovingly to read again. God makes things look so perfect but to us we at times we all can think differently. If we do not see a change instantly. So if we just keep our faith and let the Master work in him more and more as he is doing. Then his perfection becomes so real to our spirits . He tells us to keep praying and not turn away. I chose to obey our Lord. And give him all the Praise. I prayed for you also Di. Hugs Carolann
Aww I'm so glad your husband is slowly recovering from everything. The dog is just adorable and the kids all look so happy. I continue to pray for you all. Take care. Julie xo
I'm glad that John is recovering- slowly but surely. What a joy to hear that he is planning on a date to return to chaplain in May- that is very good news. I will continue to pray for him..and for you.
So wonderful to hear that John is finally enjoying some improvement! I hope it continues and that he improves every day! Prayers continuing! Hugs, Leena
So very happy to open my computer and see this good news!!! Praying he will continue to heal very quickly and you'll see a remarkable difference every day. xoxo
This is such good news to read. John looks so good in the photo with the girls!
Our prayers continue to be with you for all of your needs!
Love,
Lily
Diana, this is such good news. I pray that each month will bring more rest for you both and better and better news for us.
My love to you and your hero,
Dewena
So happy your Hero is doing better....my thoughts and prayers are still with you two!!!
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