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
