Jack says that Saturday and Sunday have been much better days. The combination of anti-nausea drugs seems to be working thus far. He was able to attend the spring concert of the Atlanta Sacred Chorale Saturday night. His and Anita’s son, Charley, was the featured tenor soloist. Letting the music flood his soul, says Jack, was better than any medicine
Friday Update:
The Friday update from Jack is not quite as good as we had hoped. His Thursday chemotherapy led to a new round of severe nausea and additional abdominal pain. In fact, Thursday and Friday were among the most challenging he has faced. He spent much of Friday at the doctor’s office, receiving hydration and three different kinds of anti-nausea medications. Apparently the chemo has built up in his body to the extent that it has caused increased, nearly uncontrollable nausea. Join us in prayer that the medicines administered today will be effective and will give him some relief. (Read his own words - in the Saturday update below.)
Thursday update:
Jack WAS able to have his chemo today. Yay!! He's probably facing a rough weekend as a result of that, but "yay!" that his heart rate and other variables were satisfactory enough for another round. I'm sure no one wants to do cartwheels for chemo, but I do thank God that it's available and that his body's letting him continue it. I know you do too!
Wednesday:
I know you're like me, and you want to know every day how Jack is doing. He's reticent to post too much, but I've assured him we're all eager to hear. It helps us know how to pray, and it keeps us feeling in touch with him.
So what I can tell you today (Wednesday) is that he was looking good and sounding good. Now, he's lost some noticeable weight and he's not back up to par by any means. But he's successfully battled through another couple of days of severe pain and chemo naseau. Someone pointed out in Community Gathering yesterday that that kind of nasea isn't like any other that we'd have experienced. So I know we all feel for Jack.
The good news is, though, with two kinds of anti-nasea medications, continued pain meds, and something to stimulate his hunger, he is rallying. We're hoping and praying he is cleared to do chemo tomorrow, as a matter of fact. (Thursday.) He had a good night's sleep for the first time in many days, which, as you know, is a great blessing and comfort. He has a great sense of humor about it, as well as (as you know) a beautiful honest approach. Which we all appreciate, his letting us walk alongside him through this.
One last note - because I would like to have known it were I not able to see him personally - and that is to report this act of great hope and confidence: Jack signed a long-term contract with a cell phone provider today!! That act says alot about what his intentions are! Here's hoping he'll be forced to renew it!!
- Cindy
9 comments:
just saw the message and want youto know that you arein our prayers
Florence and Joe aks
Dear Jack and Anita,
Thank you for your willingness to share with everyone. You are in our prayers every day. I hate what is happening, but am so thankful for you both. You continue to be such a blessing. Wish we could have heard Charley's concert--so wonderful to know he's doing so well. We saw Steph and Henry tonight at church and they filled us in on what's happening with Charley.
We pray that the medications will give you good days! Thank you for being such special and dear friends.
Love,
Miss Trixie
Jack, please know that you and Anita and Charley are in our prayers each day! We appreciate being about to see your updates on this blog, it means so much to us and is so inspiring.
I'm currently working in New Orleans with Katrina victims, specifically, tenants who have been displaced because of the storm and not able to return to their pre-storm rental units because the landlord restored the property and now charges a rent that they can no longer afford.
Wasn't able to go home this weekend, so David came over and we spent the who weekend touring the parishes most impacted, unbelievable! We've been moved to almost tears at times to think what people had to endure.
It's the same helpless feeling I feel when thinking about you, all that you all have to endure, not because of anything you've done to cause it and the grace and courage you exhibit each day!
How grateful I am to know you!
Love, David W & Carole B
Anita, Thanks for the hug delivered by Dawson Sunday. Wish you could have given it in person. I am so aware of the role you are playing in this drama we are all watching. Please know we are there for you as much as for Jack. Appreciate you sharing plans with Dawson so we can all do our very best.
Jack, I'm so glad you could go to the concert. Wish I could have heard Charley with you. Hope the nausea medicine continues to work. You are wished pain-free days by all who know and love you.
The love and prayers will continue.
Love, Miss Dixie
Jack,
I have been trying to post a comment, but am not having luck. That doesn't surprise you does it ? You are such an inspiration to me. I feel so blessed to have you for a friend. Thank you for allowing God to use you to inspire others. You and the entire Snell family are in my prayers.I would have loved to have heard Charley's concert. I purchased a CD of The Atlanta Sacred Chorale. They are wonderful. I can see why Charley enjoys singing with them so much.
Jack
I just realized my comments went through and I did not sign my name. I am J. Mark Scott.
Thanks again for being who you are.
Dearie-pies: Seeing the full moon reminds me of the night on our back deck that the four of us went outside and all howled at the full moon!
Love and love, Julie Mason
Dear Cindi, in your role as editor wondering how much is too much: Ain't no such thing as too much. If I may be so bold as to speak for the dozens of us who read await each posting eagerly, Jack and Anita have now "moved into my living room:" I think of them constantly, I pray for and with them from the rising of the sun even to its setting: every little bit of information you pass along helps to bring them not only into the presence of the "prayer chair" and crucifix in my living room (what a great name for a room these days!), but also into an eager part of my heart. Leep it up.
Well written article.
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