Just a quick update - the family did make it to the beach, and are continuing to enjoy it.
Jack sounded good when I talked to him. He had been up a couple mornings to see the sunrise, is sleeping well, and is looking forward to the kids coming back in the next couple of days to join him and Anita at the beach.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Jack Is Back!
Jack and family made is safely back last weekend from Washington and the General Assembly he described as "everything I had hoped for."
He was able to go to meetings that were, as he said, beneficial for him as well as ones he hoped his presence would add value to for others. Those of you who were there saw him on the big screens, on the big stage, offering beautiful words and prayer for the newest batch of missions personnel during the commissioning ceremony. I'm sure you were as moved as I was, as he and Grace Powell Freeman led us all in a litany of prayer to send them on their mission.
No casualties resulted from his scooter-driving. It was greatly appreciated, as it allowed him to save his strength for things that were more important. His daughter Stephanie was by his side as an "excellent nurse and caretaker" to make sure he did not overdo it and that he had all he needed.
He got to see people he had hoped and longed to see, and was delighted by touching base with others he had not counted on seeing. That communion of saints was no doubt encouraging and hopeful for him, as he says, he had a "great experience" and is grateful for all the people who helped make it possible for him to make it there.
One of the precious memories that the Snells have is the family “beach week” vacation taken every year while the children were growing up. Thanks to the generosity of a dear family at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville (the same family, by the way, that enabled Stephanie and Charley to spend Christmas in Singapore each year while their parents were stationed there), they are planning on spending a few days at Hilton Head Island. They will be staying in the beach house of this gracious family. Join me in praying that Jack’s strength continues so that he’s able to enjoy this family tradition.
Please feel free to share your own prayers below, and words to Anita and Jack. As soon as I have any pictures of his from General Assembly, I'll either post them or provide a link to them on the CBF site.
- Cindy
He was able to go to meetings that were, as he said, beneficial for him as well as ones he hoped his presence would add value to for others. Those of you who were there saw him on the big screens, on the big stage, offering beautiful words and prayer for the newest batch of missions personnel during the commissioning ceremony. I'm sure you were as moved as I was, as he and Grace Powell Freeman led us all in a litany of prayer to send them on their mission.
No casualties resulted from his scooter-driving. It was greatly appreciated, as it allowed him to save his strength for things that were more important. His daughter Stephanie was by his side as an "excellent nurse and caretaker" to make sure he did not overdo it and that he had all he needed.
He got to see people he had hoped and longed to see, and was delighted by touching base with others he had not counted on seeing. That communion of saints was no doubt encouraging and hopeful for him, as he says, he had a "great experience" and is grateful for all the people who helped make it possible for him to make it there.
One of the precious memories that the Snells have is the family “beach week” vacation taken every year while the children were growing up. Thanks to the generosity of a dear family at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville (the same family, by the way, that enabled Stephanie and Charley to spend Christmas in Singapore each year while their parents were stationed there), they are planning on spending a few days at Hilton Head Island. They will be staying in the beach house of this gracious family. Join me in praying that Jack’s strength continues so that he’s able to enjoy this family tradition.
Please feel free to share your own prayers below, and words to Anita and Jack. As soon as I have any pictures of his from General Assembly, I'll either post them or provide a link to them on the CBF site.
- Cindy
Monday, June 25, 2007
General Assembly
Yay! Jack's made it safely and well, here to our nation's capitol.
He and Anita checked in a little while ago, and felt well enough to walk to dinner. He's bound to have to make up for all that effort tomorrow, with hopes of being in good condition to see all of you on Wednesday.
He's been given a scooter, so that he can conserve energy between the hotels and the confvention center. So if you see someone speeding along, my advice is to get out of the way. Anita has told him to think of it as his motorcycle, with just one extra wheel, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad one. His practice session with Ged in the hall this evening almost wiped out a couple of librarians here for the librarian convention.
I asked him who he's especially looking forward to seeing, and once the list hit about 300 names, I steered him to another topic. He really does consider himself blessed to be a part of this family reunion and gathering of Baptists. He spent a good bit of time telling me all about the very first commissioning of field personnel, something that always means so much to him. I am so thrilled, as I know you are, that he gets to be here for this one.
He looks so forward every day to the emails you send him, to the comments posted in the blog, to the cards and letters he's received, getting back in touch with some of you after so long and hearing updates from so many of you whose lives have crossed his over the years. And is excited about getting to see you in person now.
Thank you for the prayers and the grace that's gotten us here thus far . . .
- Cindy
He and Anita checked in a little while ago, and felt well enough to walk to dinner. He's bound to have to make up for all that effort tomorrow, with hopes of being in good condition to see all of you on Wednesday.
He's been given a scooter, so that he can conserve energy between the hotels and the confvention center. So if you see someone speeding along, my advice is to get out of the way. Anita has told him to think of it as his motorcycle, with just one extra wheel, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad one. His practice session with Ged in the hall this evening almost wiped out a couple of librarians here for the librarian convention.
I asked him who he's especially looking forward to seeing, and once the list hit about 300 names, I steered him to another topic. He really does consider himself blessed to be a part of this family reunion and gathering of Baptists. He spent a good bit of time telling me all about the very first commissioning of field personnel, something that always means so much to him. I am so thrilled, as I know you are, that he gets to be here for this one.
He looks so forward every day to the emails you send him, to the comments posted in the blog, to the cards and letters he's received, getting back in touch with some of you after so long and hearing updates from so many of you whose lives have crossed his over the years. And is excited about getting to see you in person now.
Thank you for the prayers and the grace that's gotten us here thus far . . .
- Cindy
Friday, June 22, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Father's Day Update
(Scroll down for Wednesday update, below.)
The past few days have been another roller coaster ride for us.
Last week was a good one with many more good days than bad. The new pain regime seemed to be working. Our children were with us for Father’s Day. We thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company as we reminisced, as we laughed and cried!
We were even able to attend church together for Father’s Day on Sunday.
We made dozens of pictures. . . What a good looking family!
Things started downhill Sunday afternoon and evening. The pain has intensified; the nausea began. By late Sunday night, both the pain and nausea were out of control. Nothing helped. The on-call doctor at Hospice directed our efforts through the night and sent a nurse out about 7 am. But still there was little relief. If felt I was at death’s door, so plans were made to check me into hospice’s inpatient facility.
We have been treated royally and the pain regime has been totally revamped. I’m finally feeling better and my vitals are stable. Whereas I was on several kinds of pain medication, Hospice has put me primarily Methadone. Adjusting this is a carefully timed process and that’s why were’ still here in the inpatient facility.
I hope to be home in another day or two, getting ready to celebrate General Assembly. Yes, I haven’t given up my plans to be in Washington next week for CBF’s annual gathering. I am scheduled to speak commissioning our new missionaries, and I genuinely look forward to that. In addition, if I’m able to attend, it will give me time to reach some closure with some folks whose lives have touched mine in significant ways. So please pray I’ll be up for the trip.
I’m attaching another version of Along the Journey, growing out of Father’s Day. Click here to read it.
- Jack
__________________
WEDNESDAY:
I just talked to Anita to see if Jack's made it home yet. They want to regulate the amounts of the methadone first, for 72 hours, before they'll cut him loose. They're thinking if it's regulated correctly, he may be released tomorrow.
Anita told me he's been eating some, and so anything he thinks he craves, they've been making for him. He's been hankering for things he had growing up - like hominy! Who craves hominy!? But she's been cooking for him anything he thinks he would like to have. She even had to go buy an ice tray so she could freeze Kool-Aid. (Not to editorialize, but I'm thinking that's not from his childhood, but from his kids'!) The kids are with him tonight and Anita too - I guess they can all enjoy hominy and frozen Kool-Aid together! Maybe our prayers should include not getting a tummy ache!
Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement - the family was reading the comments on the website when I called.
On another note, I think Blogspot was having some issues yesterday and today, some of you couldn't access the site. And in fact, I couldn't access it from one of my computers either. Hopefully it's getting worked out - but please feel free to email me if you're getting the update notices but can't access the site itself. We may have to make a switch if this continues.
But, for now, I'll update this as soon as I know they've gotten the meds worked out. And we'll keep an eye on the working/not working of this site. Thanks for your input and always, for your prayers and words of encouragement. - Cindy
The past few days have been another roller coaster ride for us.
Last week was a good one with many more good days than bad. The new pain regime seemed to be working. Our children were with us for Father’s Day. We thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company as we reminisced, as we laughed and cried!
We were even able to attend church together for Father’s Day on Sunday.
We made dozens of pictures. . . What a good looking family!
Things started downhill Sunday afternoon and evening. The pain has intensified; the nausea began. By late Sunday night, both the pain and nausea were out of control. Nothing helped. The on-call doctor at Hospice directed our efforts through the night and sent a nurse out about 7 am. But still there was little relief. If felt I was at death’s door, so plans were made to check me into hospice’s inpatient facility.
We have been treated royally and the pain regime has been totally revamped. I’m finally feeling better and my vitals are stable. Whereas I was on several kinds of pain medication, Hospice has put me primarily Methadone. Adjusting this is a carefully timed process and that’s why were’ still here in the inpatient facility.
I hope to be home in another day or two, getting ready to celebrate General Assembly. Yes, I haven’t given up my plans to be in Washington next week for CBF’s annual gathering. I am scheduled to speak commissioning our new missionaries, and I genuinely look forward to that. In addition, if I’m able to attend, it will give me time to reach some closure with some folks whose lives have touched mine in significant ways. So please pray I’ll be up for the trip.
I’m attaching another version of Along the Journey, growing out of Father’s Day. Click here to read it.
- Jack
__________________
WEDNESDAY:
I just talked to Anita to see if Jack's made it home yet. They want to regulate the amounts of the methadone first, for 72 hours, before they'll cut him loose. They're thinking if it's regulated correctly, he may be released tomorrow.
Anita told me he's been eating some, and so anything he thinks he craves, they've been making for him. He's been hankering for things he had growing up - like hominy! Who craves hominy!? But she's been cooking for him anything he thinks he would like to have. She even had to go buy an ice tray so she could freeze Kool-Aid. (Not to editorialize, but I'm thinking that's not from his childhood, but from his kids'!) The kids are with him tonight and Anita too - I guess they can all enjoy hominy and frozen Kool-Aid together! Maybe our prayers should include not getting a tummy ache!
Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement - the family was reading the comments on the website when I called.
On another note, I think Blogspot was having some issues yesterday and today, some of you couldn't access the site. And in fact, I couldn't access it from one of my computers either. Hopefully it's getting worked out - but please feel free to email me if you're getting the update notices but can't access the site itself. We may have to make a switch if this continues.
But, for now, I'll update this as soon as I know they've gotten the meds worked out. And we'll keep an eye on the working/not working of this site. Thanks for your input and always, for your prayers and words of encouragement. - Cindy
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Home at last!!
We have just arrived home from a successful stay at St. Joseph’s Hospital. I’m feeling relatively well and the new pain regimen seems to be holding things in check thus far. We had a long meeting with the doctors this morning. The procedure that they used yesterday (once again to attempt to kill the nerves) seems to be working much better.
The Radiology and Anesthesiology (Pain Management) departments worked together creatively on my case. The doctor who was scheduled to do the procedure had heard of another procedure that is seldom used but offers much more accuracy and he wanted to try it. In fact, he doesn’t even do this procedure himself but got another doctor who had more experience to play the lead role. It looks like the first effort at killing the nerves many weeks ago was thwarted by some scar tissue and the alcohol never got to the proper place. By using the CT scan he was able to adjust the needles and got a good spread to the proper places so that it alleviates much of the pain in that area.
I am now officially entered into care with Hospice Atlanta and everything is in order. My care will be covered by Medicare Part A in which everyone over 65 is automatically enrolled. The home health nurse will come by this afternoon to assess any needs and will take over all pain management. It will be good to have only one team and it gives me great comfort because now, anytime day or night, I will have someone I can call if I get in trouble with pain or with other issues.
We were blessed throughout our stay by the excellent care at St. Joseph’s. I was even able to get some work done with their great wireless internet cafe.
It is good to be Home!
Thanks for your support and concern.
The Radiology and Anesthesiology (Pain Management) departments worked together creatively on my case. The doctor who was scheduled to do the procedure had heard of another procedure that is seldom used but offers much more accuracy and he wanted to try it. In fact, he doesn’t even do this procedure himself but got another doctor who had more experience to play the lead role. It looks like the first effort at killing the nerves many weeks ago was thwarted by some scar tissue and the alcohol never got to the proper place. By using the CT scan he was able to adjust the needles and got a good spread to the proper places so that it alleviates much of the pain in that area.
I am now officially entered into care with Hospice Atlanta and everything is in order. My care will be covered by Medicare Part A in which everyone over 65 is automatically enrolled. The home health nurse will come by this afternoon to assess any needs and will take over all pain management. It will be good to have only one team and it gives me great comfort because now, anytime day or night, I will have someone I can call if I get in trouble with pain or with other issues.
We were blessed throughout our stay by the excellent care at St. Joseph’s. I was even able to get some work done with their great wireless internet cafe.
It is good to be Home!
Thanks for your support and concern.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Good outcome!
Stephanie reports:
Hello from Stephanie -
I'm in the hospital with Dad right now, and am happy to report that his surgery today went very well. The doctors were able to use a better procedure than the last one used (the prior nerve block), and it looks as though this might provide some much needed relief.
They used a CT scan that gave them a much more accurate view and the doctors said that it was a great success. Also, we got some good news about Hospice and getting the services and people we will need, so we are happy about that. Charley, Mom, and I are all here with Dad and enjoying being together.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
When Grace left the hospital a little while ago, Charley, Stephanie and Anita were all there having supper with Jack - who actually had an appetite! Charley described him as "chipper." And says that, though he'll have some pain from the procedure that was just done, he was already feeling the good effects from the nerve block with relief from pain.
Hello from Stephanie -
I'm in the hospital with Dad right now, and am happy to report that his surgery today went very well. The doctors were able to use a better procedure than the last one used (the prior nerve block), and it looks as though this might provide some much needed relief.
They used a CT scan that gave them a much more accurate view and the doctors said that it was a great success. Also, we got some good news about Hospice and getting the services and people we will need, so we are happy about that. Charley, Mom, and I are all here with Dad and enjoying being together.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
When Grace left the hospital a little while ago, Charley, Stephanie and Anita were all there having supper with Jack - who actually had an appetite! Charley described him as "chipper." And says that, though he'll have some pain from the procedure that was just done, he was already feeling the good effects from the nerve block with relief from pain.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Good signs
Word from Anita - and from Jack too - today is that he'll spend another day at St. Joseph's. Tomorrow (Wed) they'll do another nerve block on him, I think on another nerve bundle this time, with hopes that that will free him up from the pain enough to be discharged.
I heard that he was participating on a conference call today and is thinking he'll have Internet access this afternoon - all of which are good signs. Let's hope for even more! - Cindy
I heard that he was participating on a conference call today and is thinking he'll have Internet access this afternoon - all of which are good signs. Let's hope for even more! - Cindy
Monday, June 11, 2007
Prayer - Pain Relief
Not alot of news, but I did want to pass along that Jack is in St. Joseph's today. He went in late Sunday night. They're treating him for the pain and for some swelling. As soon as I know more, I'll update this blog.
I'm sure he and Anita both want prayers for strength and guidance - as well as relief from the pain.
- Cindy
I'm sure he and Anita both want prayers for strength and guidance - as well as relief from the pain.
- Cindy
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Words from a husband on his anniversary
Jack's having a better day today (Saturday) than he's had in the last few. It may be in part because the medicines are beginning to get stabilized. Or that his children are in town for the weekend. Or that he's just in the mood to celebrate - it is his and Anita's 44th anniversary!
He's let us all in to glimpse that celebration of marriage, with his own words: Click here to read them or go to http://alongthejourneywithjack.blogspot.com.
Happy Anniversary, Anita and Jack!
He's let us all in to glimpse that celebration of marriage, with his own words: Click here to read them or go to http://alongthejourneywithjack.blogspot.com.
Happy Anniversary, Anita and Jack!
Friday, June 1, 2007
Update -- in Jack's own words
Dear Friends:
I have struggled this week with changing pain medications. Last week the pain management folk decided to switch me from Oxycontin to an analgesic patch. But for a while they want to use both the Oxycontin and the patch in order to wean me away from the Oxycontin. That’s been harder than I imagined. In fact, I think I have been over-medicated during this process. The result has been shortness of breath, feelings of faintness and weakness, and difficulty sleeping. Apparently my body has experienced some degree of addiction and that’s what we’re currently addressing. The challenge is to wean me off a portion of the medication without experiencing a great increase in pain.
The surgical procedure from last week (insertion of stent to clear the blockage of the common duct) seems to be working well. The doctor indicated, after the fact, that had this not worked, we would have been in real trouble. Thanks for your prayers during this critical time.
We met with the oncologist on Wednesday to inform him that we were not going to try other treatments. He could not have been kinder. He and I have bonded from day one and he is greatly distressed that his treatment (chemotherapy) has not been effective. He mentioned a couple of other options, none of which offer any real hope, but then quickly agreed that our decision to withhold further treatment was probably a wise decision. He assured me that if any radical new and promising treatment comes across his desk, he will get in touch with me.
We talked with Hospice about assuming responsibility for our care from here on out. I have been involved with the Hospice movement for two decades, having served on the Board in Jacksonville. I am a strong proponent of their ministry. The fly in the ointment, once again, involves insurance. They have denied my request to use Hospice Atlanta and instead want me to use a for-profit provider that they recommend. That’s not what we want to do, so we have appealed.
Our daughter, Stephanie, and son-in-law, Henry, are driving up from Jacksonville today and will be with us for the weekend. I can’t tell you how excited I am!
And our son, Charley, has completed his Emory University Singers concert tour in Italy and he is now in Kenya, working for ten days in an orphanage. He’s having a great experience teaching music there, and we look forward to having him home in a week!
I have struggled this week with changing pain medications. Last week the pain management folk decided to switch me from Oxycontin to an analgesic patch. But for a while they want to use both the Oxycontin and the patch in order to wean me away from the Oxycontin. That’s been harder than I imagined. In fact, I think I have been over-medicated during this process. The result has been shortness of breath, feelings of faintness and weakness, and difficulty sleeping. Apparently my body has experienced some degree of addiction and that’s what we’re currently addressing. The challenge is to wean me off a portion of the medication without experiencing a great increase in pain.
The surgical procedure from last week (insertion of stent to clear the blockage of the common duct) seems to be working well. The doctor indicated, after the fact, that had this not worked, we would have been in real trouble. Thanks for your prayers during this critical time.
We met with the oncologist on Wednesday to inform him that we were not going to try other treatments. He could not have been kinder. He and I have bonded from day one and he is greatly distressed that his treatment (chemotherapy) has not been effective. He mentioned a couple of other options, none of which offer any real hope, but then quickly agreed that our decision to withhold further treatment was probably a wise decision. He assured me that if any radical new and promising treatment comes across his desk, he will get in touch with me.
We talked with Hospice about assuming responsibility for our care from here on out. I have been involved with the Hospice movement for two decades, having served on the Board in Jacksonville. I am a strong proponent of their ministry. The fly in the ointment, once again, involves insurance. They have denied my request to use Hospice Atlanta and instead want me to use a for-profit provider that they recommend. That’s not what we want to do, so we have appealed.
Our daughter, Stephanie, and son-in-law, Henry, are driving up from Jacksonville today and will be with us for the weekend. I can’t tell you how excited I am!
And our son, Charley, has completed his Emory University Singers concert tour in Italy and he is now in Kenya, working for ten days in an orphanage. He’s having a great experience teaching music there, and we look forward to having him home in a week!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day Update
(From Jack)
I’m happy to report that we are back home from the hospital. What we thought would be a day or two of hospitalization turned into a five-day stay. In fact, when we went to the doctor’s office, we had no idea I would be sent to the hospital. For those of you who like the full picture, here it is! For others, the bottom line is that I’m home, feeling much better, and filled with happiness for the gift of another day of life! Now, you can delete the rest!
Since our return from M.D. Anderson, my pain and nausea levels have risen, pretty dramatically. Last Wednesday night I was up all night, fighting both. A new kind of pain was present. Anita and I decided that the pain was primarily from the growth of the tumor (pressing on other organs) and perhaps some blockage. We had been warned that one of the things we needed to be alert to was the occlusion of the major bile duct.
After a brief visit with the doctor, he sent me to the emergency room at Saint Joseph’s hospital. I remained in emergency from mid-afternoon, Thursday, until nearly 11 p.m. before I was moved to a room. However, they were able to ease the pain and the nausea.
After a series of tests on Friday, the doctor concluded that the common bile duct was blocked causing the gall bladder to be greatly distended. The bilirubin count was extremely elevated almost to the point of sepsis. The doctor said the preferred treatment was to open the blockage through the placement of a stint in this duct, but because of the size and location of the tumor, this might not be a possibility. This would mean that a drain with an external bag would be installed. He said that I would then have to deal with the bag until the end, thus the preferred route would be the stint. So, we went into surgery, uncertain about the outcome.
The procedure was done under sedation, but I was not “put to sleep.” They used a long needle/catheter and went in through the liver, through the common hepatic bile duct, all the way to the small intestine. The doctor was able to insert a stint and open up the entire common bile duct, all the way from the liver, the gall bladder, the pancreas, to the small intestine.
The pain management folk have altered the regimen for pain control, including using a “patch” as well as other goodies including a medicated lollipop. All of my doctors have told me that their main goal is to keep me as pain-free (and nausea-free) as possible, and I join them in this quest!
I don’t think I realized, until the last few hours, the severity of my condition over the past few days. With the blockage of the bile duct, the greatest danger was that sepsis would set-in and I would be hard-pressed to fight it off.
Once again, your prayers have made a huge difference in my struggle. I rejoice in your friendship, celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God, and look forward to the wonderful future that is unfolding!
I’m happy to report that we are back home from the hospital. What we thought would be a day or two of hospitalization turned into a five-day stay. In fact, when we went to the doctor’s office, we had no idea I would be sent to the hospital. For those of you who like the full picture, here it is! For others, the bottom line is that I’m home, feeling much better, and filled with happiness for the gift of another day of life! Now, you can delete the rest!
Since our return from M.D. Anderson, my pain and nausea levels have risen, pretty dramatically. Last Wednesday night I was up all night, fighting both. A new kind of pain was present. Anita and I decided that the pain was primarily from the growth of the tumor (pressing on other organs) and perhaps some blockage. We had been warned that one of the things we needed to be alert to was the occlusion of the major bile duct.
After a brief visit with the doctor, he sent me to the emergency room at Saint Joseph’s hospital. I remained in emergency from mid-afternoon, Thursday, until nearly 11 p.m. before I was moved to a room. However, they were able to ease the pain and the nausea.
After a series of tests on Friday, the doctor concluded that the common bile duct was blocked causing the gall bladder to be greatly distended. The bilirubin count was extremely elevated almost to the point of sepsis. The doctor said the preferred treatment was to open the blockage through the placement of a stint in this duct, but because of the size and location of the tumor, this might not be a possibility. This would mean that a drain with an external bag would be installed. He said that I would then have to deal with the bag until the end, thus the preferred route would be the stint. So, we went into surgery, uncertain about the outcome.
The procedure was done under sedation, but I was not “put to sleep.” They used a long needle/catheter and went in through the liver, through the common hepatic bile duct, all the way to the small intestine. The doctor was able to insert a stint and open up the entire common bile duct, all the way from the liver, the gall bladder, the pancreas, to the small intestine.
The pain management folk have altered the regimen for pain control, including using a “patch” as well as other goodies including a medicated lollipop. All of my doctors have told me that their main goal is to keep me as pain-free (and nausea-free) as possible, and I join them in this quest!
I don’t think I realized, until the last few hours, the severity of my condition over the past few days. With the blockage of the bile duct, the greatest danger was that sepsis would set-in and I would be hard-pressed to fight it off.
Once again, your prayers have made a huge difference in my struggle. I rejoice in your friendship, celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God, and look forward to the wonderful future that is unfolding!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Sunday Update
I talked with Jack on the phone and he says the stint is working well. He's staying in the hospital for another day or two while they get the pain and nausea under control and guard against infection.
- Karyn Hurry
- Karyn Hurry
Friday, May 25, 2007
Successful surgery
Friday 4:00
Dad is out of surgery and it went extremely well! They were able to insert a stint, which is what we were hoping for. Finally some good news!!!!
-Steph
Update as of 2:30 pm Friday:
Dad has just gone into surgery. The doctor is actually going to attempt to put in a stint 1st, but if that doesn't work, they'll go back to plan A with the drain (which is much more complicated to deal with and care for). So, keep sending the positive thoughts, prayers, and energy toward Atlanta and the surgeon, hospital staff, and Mom and Dad. We'll know something this afternoon.
Stephanie Snell
Dad is out of surgery and it went extremely well! They were able to insert a stint, which is what we were hoping for. Finally some good news!!!!
-Steph
Update as of 2:30 pm Friday:
Dad has just gone into surgery. The doctor is actually going to attempt to put in a stint 1st, but if that doesn't work, they'll go back to plan A with the drain (which is much more complicated to deal with and care for). So, keep sending the positive thoughts, prayers, and energy toward Atlanta and the surgeon, hospital staff, and Mom and Dad. We'll know something this afternoon.
Stephanie Snell
Surgery hasn’t happened yet
Some of you’ve been emailing wanting to know the outcome of this morning’s procedure. Jack actually hasn’t had it yet – they are working him in to the schedule, so he’s prepped and ready and waiting for an open slot. They still think it’ll happen today and he may even go home as early as this evening. We’ll update the blog as soon as we can! Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Getting some relief at St. Joseph's
Jack's been admitted to the hospital this afternoon, so he and Anita can use our prayers.
Most likely he'll go home around noon tomorrow, and will want rest, but I'm sure he'll appreciate your comments and emails when he's well enough this weekend to read them.
It was sort of sudden - Anita hasn't even had the chance to tell all their family members yet - in fact, as of 8:00 tonight, they're still being treated in the ER while they find him a room.
The good news is that he's having a procedure done in the morning that should provide more relief from the pain. They're installing a billiary duct; the tumor has grown so they can't do a stint. This will be an external kind of drain to relieve some of the problems. He does have some infection, but isn't septic, as they had feared. (Medical minds - know that I'm not one, so my spelling and reporting might not be quite accurate.)
He has had a great deal of pain the last couple of days, so it's good that they're taking some steps to relieve the symptoms for him.
Anita thinks they'll go home by noon tomorrow. It's hard for her to receive and make telephone calls right now, but instead, she appreciates your caring comments and good wishes. I'll try to make sure this site gets updated as soon as I know news. . . saying he'll go home at noon still means it'll be quite a bit later until she can get some time to notify us. So this site might not be updated just as soon as things happen, but as soon as I know anything new.
- Cindy (cindyabell@gmail.com)
Without a break let your prayers continue to be made.
-- Ballentine
Most likely he'll go home around noon tomorrow, and will want rest, but I'm sure he'll appreciate your comments and emails when he's well enough this weekend to read them.
It was sort of sudden - Anita hasn't even had the chance to tell all their family members yet - in fact, as of 8:00 tonight, they're still being treated in the ER while they find him a room.
The good news is that he's having a procedure done in the morning that should provide more relief from the pain. They're installing a billiary duct; the tumor has grown so they can't do a stint. This will be an external kind of drain to relieve some of the problems. He does have some infection, but isn't septic, as they had feared. (Medical minds - know that I'm not one, so my spelling and reporting might not be quite accurate.)
He has had a great deal of pain the last couple of days, so it's good that they're taking some steps to relieve the symptoms for him.
Anita thinks they'll go home by noon tomorrow. It's hard for her to receive and make telephone calls right now, but instead, she appreciates your caring comments and good wishes. I'll try to make sure this site gets updated as soon as I know news. . . saying he'll go home at noon still means it'll be quite a bit later until she can get some time to notify us. So this site might not be updated just as soon as things happen, but as soon as I know anything new.
- Cindy (cindyabell@gmail.com)
Without a break let your prayers continue to be made.
-- Ballentine
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Encouraged by your outpourings
This past week was a week of ups and downs, of anticipation and disappointment. The last great hope for further treatment was the proton therapy at MD Anderson. But as you have read, that didn’t pan out. The involvement of the blood vessels and duodenum precludes the use of this powerful treatment.
In addition, I have had several pretty severe episodes of nausea, vomiting, and increased pain. My assumption is that as the cancer grows, the pain level is increasing. That, along with the heavy dosages of pain killers, lead to the nausea. But, in addition to these increasing episodes, I have had some pretty good days, for which I give thanks.
We currently are attempting to check with all our doctors about any further treatment. MD Anderson suggested I try conventional radiation therapy, but we are still not convinced that the results will merit the down-side. Pray with us for wisdom.
One happy occurrence this week was the visit of Dr. Stephen Tam, the Dean of the Asian Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary (ABGTS).
This is a consortium of nine Baptist Seminaries throughout Asia that offers doctoral programs. Stephen’s office is in Hong Kong and he played an important role in introducing us (and CBF) to Baptists in Asia. My last two years in Asia, I served as consultant for doctoral students for ABGTS and Anita and I arranged for two CBF Affiliates (David and Rita Mashburn) to set up and administer the Dean’s office.
Stephen said that without CBF’s involvement, they would never have gotten the office off the ground. Stephen had been instructed by the ABGTS board, at a recent meeting, to bring to us a resolution they passed, thanking Anita and me (and CBF) for our partnership in training the future Baptist theological leaders in Asia. As you can imagine, we were heartened both by Stephen’s visit and by the generous words of the ABGTS board.
I continue to be buoyed by your comments on the blog and your email and cards. I’m not able to respond to these many outpourings of love, but I am greatly encouraged by them. Continue your prayers. God is not finished with us yet!
Go to today's Along the Journey entitled "Kindness."
In addition, I have had several pretty severe episodes of nausea, vomiting, and increased pain. My assumption is that as the cancer grows, the pain level is increasing. That, along with the heavy dosages of pain killers, lead to the nausea. But, in addition to these increasing episodes, I have had some pretty good days, for which I give thanks.
We currently are attempting to check with all our doctors about any further treatment. MD Anderson suggested I try conventional radiation therapy, but we are still not convinced that the results will merit the down-side. Pray with us for wisdom.
One happy occurrence this week was the visit of Dr. Stephen Tam, the Dean of the Asian Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary (ABGTS).
This is a consortium of nine Baptist Seminaries throughout Asia that offers doctoral programs. Stephen’s office is in Hong Kong and he played an important role in introducing us (and CBF) to Baptists in Asia. My last two years in Asia, I served as consultant for doctoral students for ABGTS and Anita and I arranged for two CBF Affiliates (David and Rita Mashburn) to set up and administer the Dean’s office.
Stephen said that without CBF’s involvement, they would never have gotten the office off the ground. Stephen had been instructed by the ABGTS board, at a recent meeting, to bring to us a resolution they passed, thanking Anita and me (and CBF) for our partnership in training the future Baptist theological leaders in Asia. As you can imagine, we were heartened both by Stephen’s visit and by the generous words of the ABGTS board.
I continue to be buoyed by your comments on the blog and your email and cards. I’m not able to respond to these many outpourings of love, but I am greatly encouraged by them. Continue your prayers. God is not finished with us yet!
Go to today's Along the Journey entitled "Kindness."
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Update from Texas
We spent Monday at M.D. Anderson, going through various tests – blood tests, x-rays, and CT scans. Tuesday we met with Dr. Crane of the Proton Division of the Department of Radiation Oncology. We spent nearly an hour with him and his associates. The bottom line is that I am not a candidate for proton therapy. Because the cancer has involved the superior mesenteric arteries, proton therapy is not an option. The heavy dosage of radiation cannot be given because of the damage it would do to the duodenum and the arteries.
So, once again, the door has been closed to what we felt was a promising option. Dr. Crane suggested that we consider traditional radiation in Atlanta. The radiologist whom we saw in Atlanta, back in February, did his training at M.D. Anderson and Dr. Crane speaks highly of him. We considered this option early on and decided against it because of the residual effects on surrounding tissue and organs. We will, once again, look at this option, but I’m not sure we’ll go there unless we are convinced the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Thanks you for you prayers. Even as we face the fact that there are few, if any, options left, we continue to hold on to our faith and to the promise of God’s love and care. Your prayers and assurances of love are daily reminders of those promises.
- Jack
So, once again, the door has been closed to what we felt was a promising option. Dr. Crane suggested that we consider traditional radiation in Atlanta. The radiologist whom we saw in Atlanta, back in February, did his training at M.D. Anderson and Dr. Crane speaks highly of him. We considered this option early on and decided against it because of the residual effects on surrounding tissue and organs. We will, once again, look at this option, but I’m not sure we’ll go there unless we are convinced the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Thanks you for you prayers. Even as we face the fact that there are few, if any, options left, we continue to hold on to our faith and to the promise of God’s love and care. Your prayers and assurances of love are daily reminders of those promises.
- Jack
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Along the Journey. . . .
Jack has given us another chance to go Along the Journey with him. (Click here to access it or go to
http://alongthejourneywithjack.blogspot.com.)
A literal journey is ahead of them on Sunday as well - Jack and Anita are traveling to Houston, investigating proton therapy options at M.D. Anderson. Our prayers go with them!
For those of you not physically around, I'll tell you that Jack has been looking good, ducking into the office for a few hours throughout the day, working and attending meetings and - to his great pleasure - visiting with his college roommate! Art Christmas, who is a pastor in Evansville, Indiana, and Jack haven't seen each other in 20 years. Jack says his visit added a great deal of joy to his day.
Travelling mercies, Jack, and let us know how it's going in Texas!
Monday, May 7, 2007
. . .but not discouraged .
(Monday evening)
Our oncologist just called (5:45 p.m.). The surgeon has not yet called, but the oncologist wanted us to know what the report said. The report is not good. The tumor has not responded to the chemo. Rather than shrinking, it has grown (from 4.3 cm to 5.3 cm). There is slight necrosis in the center of the tumor, which might mean that the tumor is dying, but most likely it is because the tumor has reached the size where the blood vessels can no longer supply sufficient blood. There is no sign that the tumor has spread to the liver (which is the only surrounding organ the MRI scanned).
There was a slight chance that if the tumor has shrunk, I would be a candidate for resection, but the oncologist said that, in his opinion, that is not the case and surgery is not an option.
Our plans are to go to MD Anderson next Sunday for a Monday appointment with the radiologist. He will do tests to see if I am a candidate for proton therapy.
Continue your prayers. We are disappointed, but not discouraged.
Jack
Our oncologist just called (5:45 p.m.). The surgeon has not yet called, but the oncologist wanted us to know what the report said. The report is not good. The tumor has not responded to the chemo. Rather than shrinking, it has grown (from 4.3 cm to 5.3 cm). There is slight necrosis in the center of the tumor, which might mean that the tumor is dying, but most likely it is because the tumor has reached the size where the blood vessels can no longer supply sufficient blood. There is no sign that the tumor has spread to the liver (which is the only surrounding organ the MRI scanned).
There was a slight chance that if the tumor has shrunk, I would be a candidate for resection, but the oncologist said that, in his opinion, that is not the case and surgery is not an option.
Our plans are to go to MD Anderson next Sunday for a Monday appointment with the radiologist. He will do tests to see if I am a candidate for proton therapy.
Continue your prayers. We are disappointed, but not discouraged.
Jack
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