Hospice

Posted by April on July 21st, 2009 filed in Medical

It is very difficult for me to write this entry — which is why it has taken me a week to log in and force myself to inform you of the horrible news.  Last Tuesday, Joel’s oncologist referred him to hospice care.  All the symptoms Joel has been encountering — the shortness of breath, lack of energy, pain in his chest, the swollen feet and ankles, etc. — are all general symptoms of advanced cancer.  Medically speaking, there is nothing more to do.  Joel will remain at home under hospice care.  Please continue to pray for Joel daily.


20 Responses to “Hospice”

  1. Robert LaMothe Says:

    It is with a very heavy heart that I read the latest entry. I will continue to pray everyday for my brother.

    JP you have become a symbol to me, of all the things a man can mean to his family and the life he can draw from them. Your journey continues to show me the Devine truths in being a father, a husband, a son and a friend. For all of this I say Thank You.

    Your Friend,

    Robert

    PS Goins and I plan on manning(emptying) a beverage cart on August 15th. Stop by drinks are on us!

  2. Julie Wolfschlag NIezer Says:

    Robert said it beautifully…you ARE an inspiration beyond belief and we are all better people because of you, Joel!

    My heart aches for each of you. April, my admiration for you and your strength cannot be put into words.

    Still hoping and praying…Julie

  3. Shelli Stohler Says:

    Sending the Peigh family love, hugs and PRAYERS!!!!!!

  4. Heather Horine Says:

    I am so sorry for what you are dealing with. I am praying for you and your family constantly! Peace.

    Heather Horine

  5. Lisa Knauf Says:

    May your Hope in God sustain you. May your faith in God guide you. May the love from your friends and family ease your physical pain and lift your spirits during this time Joel. We pray for better days my brother-in-law.

    God’s Grace is sufficient. – Hope…

    Lisa Knuaf & family.

  6. Lisa Knauf Says:

    April, I just cannot stop thinking about you… I pray that God will comfort your heart and fill it with His spirit. A spirit that will soar with strength and courage. A spirit that will NOT be broken. Your friends, family, sister’s and your children are all here for you. We love you, we are praying for you. We will be here for you…

    Your sister-in-law

    Lisa

  7. Traci Says:

    Joel, April, Rachel, Daphne & Vincent,

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Wrap your arms around one another and don’t let go. The strength of your faith and love will carry you forward.
    We love you and will always be here for you – anytime, any place.

    Love,
    Kyle, Traci, Cooper & Cameron

  8. Susan Welch Cantin Says:

    Your family has remained in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.

  9. Connie Matalon Says:

    Hi April,

    Both you and Joel are on our minds and in our hearts today and everyday.
    Cousin Connie

  10. Karen Allen Says:

    April, Joel, Rachel, Daphne & Vincent,
    We are praying for you.
    Love,
    Karen

  11. Mary Ruth Says:

    Reading your message with a heavy heart. Wish there a place to reach out for a miracle. Love, Mary Ruth

  12. Erin Carr Says:

    Sitting here reading though all of the old posts, smiling, and crying. It is amazing how much life has changed for all of us over the course of the past 14 months. One day we are playing kickball in the front yard and it seems like the next, I sit beside you trying to comfort YOU, while you hold MY hand.
    You always have been and always will be my hero. When I think about honesty, humility, generosity and genuineness, I will always think of you.
    Furthermore, I have been humbled as I watch April care for you as she has such peace and happiness when she does so. The love you share with one another and your precious children will go on to PeighItForward tenfold.
    In a while, you will gain a new body, one with no illness, one that can breathe easily, one that isn’t tired, something you probably cannot imagine. You will not cough, you will not have pain and you will wait there to greet all of us soon. Until then, trust all of us to love and care for your family, as we will do so for you.
    Thank you for being the world’s best brother. I could write a book of memories, and every single one of them likely reminds me of a lesson you’ve taught me. Anyone reading this should hug their families and savor every minute.
    It will be okay. It really will be okay.
    And one day, it will be perfect, forever.
    I love you,
    Erin

  13. Carla (Ritchie--Imel) Ginn Says:

    I have been fearing this kind of post. I will continue to keep in my prayers.

  14. jodi grant daniel Says:

    We are thinking of you and your family and will continue to send our prayers and hopes in your direction. Enjoy your family and let them be your strength.

  15. Judy Smith Says:

    Joel, April and kids
    Will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Judy & Lowell

  16. Connie Conarroe DeMarke Says:

    May God be with you and your family. My family will be thinking of you. Your strength and the profound love you share with your family is truly an inspiration. God Bless.

  17. Betty Sebree Says:

    Hey Joel,
    Life’s years are only numbers, and nano-seconds in God’s big picture. What a blessing you are to your family and friends! How blessed you are to spend these days and hours at home resting in their love. You are embarking on the Big Journey, God’s Journey, and He will carry you safely and lovingly in His arms, in His time. Our prayers and love to you and your family.

    April, I don’t know you, but Thank You for the love and strength you have embodied in this journey with Joel. I know your children are empowered with that from both of you just now.

    Joel, I feel privileged to have been in your life in that short interim called high school. Lots of great memories!
    Betty

  18. David & Betty Sebree Says:

    Hey Joel,
    Life’s years are only numbers, and nano-seconds in God’s big picture. What a blessing you are to your family and friends! How blessed you are to spend these days and hours at home resting in their love. You are embarking on the Big Journey, God’s Journey, and He will carry you safely and lovingly in His arms, in His time. Our prayers and love to you and your family.

    April,We don’t know you, but Thank You for the love and strength you have embodied in this journey with Joel. We know your children are empowered with that from both of you just now.

    Joel, I feel privileged to have been in your life in that short interim called high school. Lots of great memories!

    Betty and Dave

  19. Jackie Steinhardt Says:

    The “Peigh It Forward” Family,
    We continue to pray for you. Our hearts are still filled with hope and the knowledge that God always brings peace.

    As, it is and will continue to be said, “All of our lives are touched in varying ways by you and we are All better people because of it.” I thank you, too.

    Cordially, Jackie Steinhardt and family

  20. Kelley Wilson Mesterharm Says:

    Bliss Zagel passed on your news to me this afternoon. My first thought was of Joel sitting in front of me in 11th grade History and me staring for an hour at a little scar on the back of his head. Don’t know why, but it just came to my head. I always imaged Joel’s head full of trivia and facts and capable of calculating fairly quickly. One could see the cogs turning.

    Please know you are continually in our prayers. You are not alone.

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