May 20th

Posted by April on May 20th, 2009 filed in Medical

Exactly one year ago today, we were informed that Joel has stage IV esophageal cancer.  May 20, 2009, did not bring us good news either.  Joel’s oncologist called him today to regretfully explain that the results from the CT scan Joel had yesterday has shown the cancer has spread in the liver.  Though I don’t know any details yet, we are to meet with the doctor early next week to discuss a new treatment plan.

On a better note, Joel has been feeling well the past few days.  He was fatigued today, but that is probably due more to all the hard work he and the kids exerted in the yard yesterday afternoon.  Rachel has the after-school daily chore of watering the vegetable garden and all the flowers that they planted around the house.  The flowers look great and we are anxiously awaiting to harvest the fruits of their labor.  (Daphne did help as well, however she is not pictured since she had stepped inside for a break.)

Vegetable garden


12 Responses to “May 20th”

  1. Carrie Peigh Colvin Says:

    WE WILL KEEP PRAYING…

  2. Stohler family Says:

    You are in thoughts and prayers daily!

  3. Paula Cooprider Says:

    I’m glad that Joel has been feeling better. Hope that continues. Re: May 20th I think we shouldn’t have that day on the calendar. We will continue to pray for Joel, you and the kids and that the doctor will find a treatment plan that will work.
    I like the pictures. It looks as if they did work hard. Hope you get to enjoy the vegetables. Talk to you later.

  4. Karen Allen Says:

    What a great looking garden. We will keep praying.

  5. Connie Matalon Says:

    Hi April,

    Thank you for the update. It is not what any of us wanted to hear… The pictures are wonderful, though. We will look forward to hearing about the new treatment plan next week.
    Cousin Connie

  6. Erin Carr Says:

    I can’t imagine the discouragement you are dealing with.

    Though it is no consolation, the way you have held yourselves through such heartache and suffering is a miracle.

    You guys keep it up, we are with you every step of the way.
    Good things are in store, we’ve been promised that.
    As my sister said, “WE WILL KEEP PRAYING”

    So glad you are headed to St. Louis. I’ll be certain to tell a few of my favorite childhood memories to them.

    Love,
    Erin

  7. Judy Smith Says:

    Joel & April
    I am so sorry for the news your received but we are still praying for you. Everytime I am asked to make a wish all I wish for is that Joel will get better. The pictures of Joel and kids is great. It looks like they had a good time planting together. Will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Take care and God Bless. Judy

  8. Erin Carr Says:

    It was such a great day to swim yesterday.
    They had been in the pool for about 5 hours straight and I wanted them to take a break for a moment. I called them each by name and asked them to follow me to the front porch. I guess they didn’t notice that I was carrying a big box of popsicles but they followed me like little ducks.
    Behind me, I could hear, “Are we in trouble?”, and “Are we going home?” I told them, “no, just come with me.”
    When we got to the front porch, I asked them to sit down. I didn’t realize they were worried, I was just trying to get away from the noise for a bit and give them a drink of something other than pool water!
    I told them that they HAD to eat one of each of the 7 flavors of popsicles and we were going to have a vote to decide the favorite.
    Rachel said, “this is so much better than being in trouble”.
    I guess Vincent couldn’t decide, because he ate 12, which he says beats his personal record of 1.
    They were so good and got along great with all of the kids at Shirley’s party. We were so glad they could come.

    Oh, and in case you wanted to know, the kids voted green as the best flavor.

    Love,
    Erin

  9. Steve and Esperanza Says:

    Joel, better be ready to chase some golf balls if I show up. Hope you have a 4 wheel drive golf cart!

  10. Paula Cooprider Says:

    Joel & April, I have been thinking about you. Hope you had a good weekend and that you will have a good week. We’re going to see Chris, Melissa & Rhett but we’ll check your blog while we’re gone. Paula

  11. Melissa Cooprider Says:

    Joel and April, you and the kids are often in our thoughts and prayers. I recently came across a quote that reminds me of you. I can’t remember the exact wording, but it’s something like:
    “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, for all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” When I read the blog and look at the pictures of you with your children, I think you are living out this philosophy.

  12. Paula Cooprider Says:

    Joell and April, Have been thinking about you today. Hope you both had good days. We arrived in Bryant, AR, west of Little Rock. We hope to have lunch with Chris and then pick Rhett up from School. Hoping the rest of the week goes well for you. Paula

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