The procedure yesterday went well. As a trial, I skipped my 2 p.m. dosage of pain medication and experienced little pain. The doctor said that if the treatment worked, I should have some short-term pain relief—the equivalent of deadening the nerves before having a tooth worked on.
So, I think it worked, which will open the possibility of step two of the treatment—killing the nerves. I will see the doctor in a couple of weeks to talk about going back in and killing the nerves.
On a more technical note, I have been calling the procedure of deadening and then killing the nerves “deadening/killing the pancreatic nerves.” Medical folk would correct me on that! What they did yesterday is called a celiac plexus nerve block. The killing of the nerves is called a celiac plexus neurolysis. The celiac plexus is the bundle of nerves adjacent to the aorta and the other blood vessels that supplies the pancreas. That’s more than you asked for, but I guess I need to start using the correct terminology! - Jack
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Reminded of times with the Snells in Singapore, Harriet Harral sent me some lovely photos of that time, including a visit to the Singapore botanical gardens. (Below right). And also, here's a shot she sent of Jack during reconstruction at Thompson Road church where he served as interim pastor:
6 comments:
Just printed that wonderful picture of you and Anita with your friends, and am putting it on my refgrigerator with other special people (my grandsons).
Thoughts and prayers are always with you. I love you both!!
ANN JONES
Neil Nations called us last week to tell us of your illness. We reacted with shock and sadness, but, at the same time, with gratefulness for your life, for the privilege of knowing you and Nita, and for your years of willing and joyful service to our Lord. Thank you, too, for sharing your experience on the blog. You are now on our church's prayer list here in Brent, and in our own.
Bob and Barbara Crider
Jack,
Thanks for offering the medical terms to describe Friday's procedure. It enabled me to read up a bit on what you're having done. I hope it will prove at least moderately successful, so you can have some relief.
During my current 4-year stint as a chronic pain patient, I've had cervical and lumbar spinal nerve blocks, providing some relief for my degenerative spinal condition. I suppose I did just a few too many roundoff/back handspring/back somersault combinations leading Bobby Bowden's Samford Bulldogs out onto the field, accompanied by Anita and others on my heels, in those early 60s. What memories of stellar moments I derive from those days. Why, I think I'd do it all over again in the same abusive manner to my body if given the chance!
While I can look back and see that choices I made have led to my condition, what do you do when you are faced with a seemingly random tumor, for no discernable reason, that you could not have prevented, treatable, yes, but not curable? That, I think, is the ultimate test of faith.
Your strength and courage in these days is something I think about many times each day. In fact, your anonymous story has found its way into at least a couple of therapy sessions with patients who struggle with whether they can hold up under their loads. I merely mention how I found you by email after 4 decades, and how I now see you rising to a test like none other, and how you shine.
It all is remindful that God does not test us beyond our capacity to stand up to the test, and to do well through it. You are the proof.
Love,
Joel
Darlings -- my favorite picture of the two of you is one I took several years ago, before I had a digital camera. OF course I cannot find it at present, but it was of the two of you kneeling on a dock in Montery on one of our trips, watching the sea lions mate beneath the dock -- we called you "the Butt Family!" You both jumped back and nearly fell off the dock when they looked up and saw you peering at them throughthe knothole, and hissed and spit at you! If I can find that picture, I will re-take it digitally and post it!
You are in our hourly prayers. Love and hugs, Julie Mason
Bruce and I think of you and your family every day -- with so much love and gratitude for all you have taught us! Gabe was reflecting on visiting you in Singapore, and how welcome and loved you made him feel...he said "it was as though I was the only guest they had ever had!" What a gift that was. We love you ~ t
Jack and Anita,
We wanted to let you both know that we are praying for you. We not only believe in miracles but we know first hand that God still works miracles. We are praying for God to give you a miracle. These are also the feelings of our church family here at Central Baptist. We love you both and thank you for being such a blessing to us all.
In Christ,
Jake and Eveann Howard
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