Random thoughts

Posted by April on June 24th, 2008 filed in Medical

It is so wonderful that Joel has been doing this well with his treatments.  Thankfully, he has been able to work and somewhat maintain his normal lifestyle.  (Actually, he is getting more golf in than usual….)

I remember, on several occasions in the hectic last two weeks in May, how nurses would question why Joel was in to get a test or procedure done since he looked so healthy.  There are many times when I wish that someone would contact us and say that Joel’s results got mixed up with someone else’s… that this crazy roller coaster ride is just that — we can get off the ride and everything will be back to normal.

Then I think of the gentleman that gets his daily radiation treatment in the time slot just before Joel every morning.  He has not been doing well — swollen neck and ankles, unable to speak, uses a feeding tube, constantly holds a bed pan due to vomiting.  Though we do not communite much beyond a simple “Good morning” with him,  Joel and I have thoroughly enjoyed conversing with his wife on a daily basis.  She is an outgoing, compassionate, upbeat woman.  Unfortunately, he has not been at the last two daily appointments this week.  Rumor has it (from fellow radiation patients) that he has been hospitalized…….

Also in my thoughts is a fellow Hinkle Creek parent — she has been battling cancer for several years now and was told she might not make it to last Christmas.  She has not been doing well and on Monday this week, she was hospitalized as well.

I am not certain why I mention these two people, since I do think often of the many people who were told years ago that they only had a few months to live — and they enjoy telling each of their stories often.  I know each person is unique and of all people to fight and win this battle, it is Joel.

We are just over half way done with the radiation treatments.  The treatments will be completed in mid July, but it is another six weeks after that before any tests may be performed to see how well the radiation and chemotherapy has shrunk the cancer.

All the support, kind words, prayers have been wonderful.  Thank you.


9 Responses to “Random thoughts”

  1. Amy Walker Says:
    June 25th, 2008 at 9:40 am

    April and Joel
    Thanks for keeping us updated. I am praying for you continually. Whenever I am going through a difficult issue God always seems to put people or incidents into my life that gently remind me that whatever I am going through is not as difficult as others and makes me somewhat thankful. Yeah!! Joel is able to keep normalacy in his life. My prayer for you and your family is based on Ephesians 3:16-20 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may STRENGTHEN you, April and Joel, with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And i pray that you, Joel and April, being rooted and established in lobe, may have power,together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

    Tell Rachel, Daphne, Vincent hello and give them a hug for us!!

    We love you!

    Walker Family

  2. Paula Cooprider Says:
    June 25th, 2008 at 5:42 pm

    Hey Joel and April,
    Just wanted to let you know that we had a really good time withRachel at Peter Pan today. We had ice cream with “a cherry on top”-you know who liked that. I also learned that she is an expert “Pass the Trash”. Julia didn’t remember playing it before but Rachel was good with the rules and with helping the new players pick up on the rules. We enjoyed being together. Ask her who her favorite character was. Mine was Captain Hook. I hope today was a good day and we are rejoicing, too, that Joel is able to tolerate the treatments this well. Talk to you later. Paula

  3. Mary-Caroline Peddie and Marc Miller Says:
    June 25th, 2008 at 6:54 pm

    Dear Joel and family, Mr. and Mrs. Church sent us your website…it is beautifully done with heart stopping pictures.
    We are shocked with the diagnosis you were given. We are so speechless. Our hearts ache for you and your family.
    We believe in you and your strength and especially some good ol’hard headedness.
    We are sending strength and prayers your way…everyday.
    Our best to you and yours….always.
    Mary-Caroline and Marc Miller

  4. Kelley Wilson Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 5:43 am

    Joel and Family,

    Please know you are in our prayers.

    Mary asked if I would post your web site on our class site, so I did. A few of your former classmates are also battling cancer at this time. You are not alone in your fight: none of you are. We may not spar with the same the physical or emotional responses but we raise our battle axes together to fight and conquer with you.

    If you need anything at all – I mean anything – please let me know. It is In His Name that I offer to minister, pray and even mow an yard or two for my family and friends even if it’s been 20 years. Kindly accept the invitation.

    Kelley

  5. Martha & Bob Sechman Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 6:15 am

    Joel, April & family,
    On behalf of the entire Henry Myers family, I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as well as your folks and sisters. Your strength and courage is an inspiration, and I have truly enjoyed reading your blog.
    God be with you all, Martha & Bob Sechman

  6. Susan Welch Cantin Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 8:16 am

    Joel and Family,

    It’s seems like years since we have lived next door to each other on Brentwood Drive…time is a fascinating paradox. It’s as though we could cruise Clifty Drive, go to basketball games, and time just stood still. Now, with children, work,and other complicating matters… time just passes by without any remorse.

    My warmest thoughts, well wishes and prayers are with you and your family. I appreciate the sharing of your story and challenges that you are facing. Your blog stirs enormous emotions for many…and will touch more than you realize.

    — Susan Welch Cantin

  7. Lisa Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 11:02 am

    Joel and Family,
    I hope you remember me, I am Jeff’s sister. I talked to Carrie at the girls softball game on Tues. and she gave me your website address.
    Just wanted you to know that on behalf of our family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Keep on fighting! God Bless You.

  8. Erin Carr Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 1:40 pm

    Probably won’t talk to you before you leave but I hope you have fun at the Merle Haggard concert tomorrow night. Did I even spell that right? How did you become such a Merle fan, enough to name you dog (or first born) after, and I’m not even sure how to spell his name! 🙂

    I’m so happy that you are feeling well enough to go. We were all guardedly optimistic that after 4 weeks of radiation and a round of chemo that you’d want to go, but what were we thinking? You always defy the odds, which is why being termed “a longshot” just ups the ante for you to win this battle.

    I’ll be thinking up some more incriminating stories to tell your kids this weekend, be ready.

    See you when you get back.
    Love,
    Erin

  9. Carol & Rex Robinson Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 5:10 pm

    Joel

    I know this is very tough to go through.
    It’s so hard to understand, isn’t it? One way to get through this is to think positive & stay strong – even though it’s not always easy to do. I know you have so much support from your family & that is very important.

    You are in our thoughts & prayers

    Carol & Rex Robinson

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