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Jane has asked for prayers for her daughter, Joy. Following is the information as she has provided it.



"My son-in-law John called last night to let me know Joy is in the hospital ... <gulp>
When he said something about her pancreas I told him I didn't want to hear that word.  He said "neither did Joy ... she nearly threw up when she heard it"   Anyway she called me herself this morning and again about an hour ago ..... after this email from John.  She told him he better never again use that word around me!  She also said they didn't get around to doing the endoscopy today, and she is still fasting for it (FOR TWO DAYS already ) It's a small hospital in Sonora and any number of things could cause the delay.

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this is the email from John: Subject: Joy (Joanie is his sister who bought a home, and lives just up the hill from them )

An update on Joy's condition. Joy was admitted into the hospital yesterday for severe abdominal pains. Throughout the day she was given a battery of tests, ultrasound, CT-scan and MRI but none were conclusive. No gallstones were found. She has high liver enzyme count and her pancreas is swollen and not functioning correctly. Today she was informed that she has severe pancreatitis and the plan is to go down her throat today and perform an endoscopy to look around for stones, which is the major cause of pancreatitis. If they find a stone it will be removed endoscopically and if they don't find one, they still plan on removing the gall bladder sometime this week but probably not today.

Her spirits are good and she just wants the pain gone. I am fine and will be watching Don and Joanie's dogs since they is on the way today to UCDavis med center to prep for his surgery to be done on Tuesday for his bowel resection for his cancer. Little bit of drama up here in beautiful Sonora. Should be a very interesting week. "

This is the latest information from Jane.

"Joy is being transported to Stanford tonight.  Bryan finally called, and should be here to pick me up early in the morning. 

She called me this afternoon (no, I called her) and she is really not doing well.  She says Bryan doesn't know how serious this is, and she doesn't want him to panic. "

Praying.

I had an email from Jane yesterday filling me in on this so I am praying as well.

Jane, Joy, and family are in my prayers, too.

Ruth Ann

I have also been praying for Joy, Jane and all the family impacted by Joy's illness.

Here is another update from our Jane regarding Joy:


Bryan picked me up in Oregon and drove here to Stanford University ... I was so tired and nervous with his driving ... will spare you the details.  Had a terrible time getting here in the rain and at dark and GPS leading us astray but we finally made it late last night.

We have just had the conference with the doctor, surgeon and anesthesiologist .... surgery is scheduled for 9:30 tomorrow morning.  Look it up .... Whipple procedure.  This doctor has done over 1000 of these ... Joy is at the best hospital in the States and has the very best doctor/surgeon.

She has had bouts of extreme pain and nausea ... jaundiced ... that will be taken care of tomorrow.  There is a tumor on the pancreas .... and duodenum.  This operation will remove the tumor, part of the pancreas, gall bladder, maybe a part of her stomach and part of the duodenum.  She is greatly at peace and in good spirits.  Bryan is freaking out, though.  John is nervous ... always thinking pesimistically .... Not so with Joy.  She worries about me but she doesn't need to.  I'm okay with all that we've learned and only teary when talking about it, but that's the way I am .... for so long I couldn't cry at all and now I am so emotional at times.  Not that I feel sad, just because the emotions are so close to the surface at times.

I wanted to wait until after talking with the doctors before contacting you so I could give you more correct info.  She wants an epidermal and is denying any chemo.  The intern was talking to her and said that was not an option "Chemo is always indicated "  We know the patient has the right to refuse meds or treatment ....
I won't belabor the issue, but will do my best to keep you posted.  Oh..... they are indicating 7-10 days for surgery and recovery and then she should be able to go home with possible follow up in 4 months (that's if it's cancer).

I love you and thank you for your love and prayers .... especially in this situation and at this time of year.

Another update from Jane:

Joy's surgery started at 10:14 this morning .... they said it could be 4-6 hours, but the doctor notified us a little while ago that it will be another 2 hours ... because it is taking so long (being thorough) she will probably go from OR to ICU for recovery.  She'll be there several hours .... because there is more/better equipment to monitor her and assure a good recovery.  She will then be transferred to a private room and we will be able to go visit with her.  While she is in ICU, it will be only 2 at a time.

I have to tell you that when we saw her this morning, she was in great ... as in GREAT spirits.  She had learned from a nurse that she does not have to accept chemo ... this nurse is one who administers it and she said she wouldn't take it when she had surgery for cancer earlier this year.  That made Joy very happy to know. 
Pat, would you be able to make any updates to the prayer request in CP?  I am using a computer here at the hospital, and my time is limited. 

Thank you for all the prayers .... there are so many praying all around the world.... several prayer lists have her name at the top.  She is well covered .... and totally at peace!

I am praying for Joy!

Praying for Jane Joy and the rest of the family.

Praying, praying. I haven't heard from Jane since Joy came out of surgery.

Thank you both for the updates. We'll continue praying.

Ruth Ann

Another update from our Jane...


Merry Christmas everyone!   Good tidings to all ..... Joy is in her room following a 7 hr surgery and 24 hours in ICU.  She had a few complications but the surgeon says "we got it all" and that's good to hear.  Her scar is more than anyone expected but that's because the surgery was so extensive. (that's the reason it took 7 hours). 

At this moment she is waiting to get into her private room so we can have a Christmas party!!  She wants music and singing and lots of laughs tomorrow, and we are going to oblige! 

The doctor has said 7-10 days before she will be ready for release.  Her nurse said, this evening, "let's make it 8 days"  Anyway I will be here for and with her as long as she is here .... I have to rely on Bryan to an extent because "he's the guy what brung me."

Things are, as usual, a bit up in the air ... so we are just rolling with the flow. 
I do, indeed, wish everyone a great time this holiday season and we still want your prayers.... for quick and uncomplicated recovery.  It will be a long road ahead of her, but at least the tumor (and other things) is out and the surgery is past! 

Gotta get back to Joy ... I'll be back as the opportunity presents itself.  Take care and know that I am sending my love and best wishes for a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 

Praise God....He is so good!  Prayer continues.

Oh, Jane!  Your cheerful, positive post brings tears of joy to my eyes and a smile to my face!  What an awesome God we serve!  He is all we need, in every situation!  My prayers for you, Joy, Bryan and all the family continue.  How blessed you all are that she is receiving such good, expert care!  Who but our God could orchestrate everything so flawlessly?  Praise His Holy Name!

Sending big smiles      and Christmas hugs to you, dear Jane! 

I continue to pray for Joy and her extended family.

Ruth Ann

Another update from Jane...


Hey there, gang!   

Merry Christmas from UCStanford Medical Center!!!  Joy is up and sitting in a chair.  We have been singing carols and she read the devotional from My Utmost for His Highest .... she needs to do breathing exercises and the singing and reading aloud did the job for today.  They want her to walk a little tomorrow ... things are progressing so well.  She has pain quite often .... mostly when she falls asleep and doesn't press the button to deliver the meds .... press every 10 minutes (as needed) .... then she wakes up to pain.  The doctor said she shouldn't be having pain (in the right side of her abdomen but we know how "unique" our family is .... always doing things a different way. 

Bryan had a couple presents that Joy had mailed to him, so he brought them with him and we just watched him open them.  We are having a GREAT Christmas!   Sherry has Joy's (private) room all decorated, too.
The PT tech came in and put her through the questions ... how did you get around at home ... any unstability, stairs ... is there a railing ... can you raise your arms over your head .... squeeze my hand ..... That really ticked her off!! Joy could do everything in spades.   She has never been a weakling or inactive.  They want her up and able to get around well before they can send her home.  That should not be so difficult. 

In a little while Sherry, John, Bryan and I will go down to the cafeteria for a full Holiday meal .... that's all they're serving today (free for the staff) So we can have Christmas dinner together.   Joy just got her pic in, this morning so they can give her nourishment.  She still can have nothing by mouth, as long as there is still drainage from the surgical site.

All in all, I am well pleased, and so thankful for all the prayers. 
Here's wishing each one of you ... and your families ... a JOYous Christmas and a very Happy New Year .... I'll be back just as soon as I can.  Take care and know how much I love you.

And another one!!!


More good news .... Joy got out of bed again and walked "around the block" which was two nursing stations, and did fabulously!  She had her entourage with her ... all of us including the nursing assistant trailing along singing carols!  Some of the nurses joined our parade and we were quite the sight to see! 
When she was triumphantly back in her bed she told us to open the champagne and Pringles and we had (another) party!!  Then we watched a movie!  She wanted to take a shower, but the nurse said maybe she should wait until tomorrow.   She just wants to do as much as she can, as fast as she can, to get to the place where she can go home!  Can't blame her for that!

She is really making great progress in her recovery.  I think she is surprising some of the staff here.  They all take such great care of her ... in fact, they practically dote on her!  And today being Christmas, there is a short staff (and the bosses aren't here) so everyone is in a festive mood and partying ...... tomorrow will be back to business.

Just had to let you know the latest ... take care and thanks for responding ... I am letting her know of each comment. 

Sis Sara ...Thanks for your conversation with Bob ... I have been thinking I need to call him but there is just never the opportunity.

Love to each of you ..... I'll be back anon

I'm afraid I seem to have been among the missing lately.   I just have not had my usual computer time, but I have followed Jane's wonderful reports of the Lord's miracles and I give Him praise as I pray for continuing healing, peace and comfort for all who are concerned and involved.

Jane, I simply MUST tell you how much your cheerful, positive, upbeat posts have meant to me!  It is wonderful to be able to share in God's goodness to Joy and all your family in the midst of this journey to total healing!  Thank you for including us in your family!   

Here I am ... from the hospital.
Joy made 2 laps around the block earlier today, and is now awaiting the nursing assistant for another jaunt!     It is quite an ordeal to get her "unhooked" and upright even before the walk, but she is so happy to be up and moving!  We heard the staff is really happy (and a bit surprised) at her progress.  I am too!! 

Her good friend, Sherry, went home today so that leaves John, Bryan and me to be here for her ..... just so happens we are her family---Mom, husband, and son ... the most important people in her life, she says.  She said she told John he better not tell her mother that she can't be here ... she wants me here as much as I want to be here.

She is remembering 15 years ago when her sister was battling pancreatic cancer, and I was kept away from her ... she passed away exactly 15 years ago on New Year's Eve.  Joy said then that she promised I would not have to lose another daughter.  A few days ago she said "Mom I promised ... and I will NOT break my promise!"  Gotta love that girl.  I reminded her that God is the only one that knows that ... our days are numbered and only HE has that number.

I am so thankful for friends who know how to pray ... God is so good .... Thank you all!!   

Blessings and prayers are yours, Jane!

Jane, I have no way of knowing or understanding what you are going through right now.  But our wonderful, amazing God does know and is always there for you.   

Thank you, Jane (and Jane's helpers here in CP) for the updates. We'll keep praying for all of y'all.

Ruth Ann

Thank you Pat for bringing jane's update an also Jane thank you for the update. Still praying even as I type this.

Lotsa progress ... Joy is tired, and sleepy, but she has been up and walking already today and the goal is to do this at least 3 times today ... that's one down and two to go!  She also has had another tube removed (the NG).  That one was bothering her a lot because it was in her nose ..... Another goal is that, as long as the sun is up, she is to be out of bed.  She can be sitting in a chair, on the couch, or walking ... she's game for that because she just wants to make progress and get home.  Another tube and the epidural are supposed to come out tomorrow.  She is dreading that because she is afraid of pain although she's told (several times) they will replace it with an oral pain medicine.  As well as she is being taken care of, we have to trust that whatever it is replaced with will be just as effective and monitor her pain just as well.  Nobody here wants to hurt her any more than already.  This hospital has the reputation of being one of the very best ...  and the staff -- for sure all we've met -- are well trained and really patient friendly!

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Later............
Joy finally got someone to pay attention to her and help her take another walk, about 3:30... She still has one more to fulfill her obligation, as she calls it.  She is determined to do everything they ask of her ... and more .... so she can heal quickly and well..  She is on a lot of meds and that makes her sleepy and weak when she stands up ... she presses on. 

It seems as if tomorrow she will be able to have clear liquids.... she is so looking forward to that!  Her mouth is so dry and she says she is feeling hungry now.  One step at a time and little by little .... do exactly and only what the doctor orders.  She's a bit testy today because of lack of sleep and pain and the fact that she wants to get her three walk in, and the nursing assistants don't come to help her.

There was a fear that, when the epidural is removed, she would have pain.   Nurse told her they will give her the pain meds orally, then remove the epidural, and if that doesn't work then they will put the epidural back.  She was relieved to  know they are taking the best care possible so she doesn't feel pain.

Jane, that news is so encouraging.  And you seem to be so "upbeat"!  My prayers continue for all of you.

And Joy presses gamely on!  She should heal as quickly as humanly possible, with God's help, of course, as she is determined to do all required of her, and more!  You go, girl!  Hugs to you, dear Jane! ((((hugs))))

Progress continues ... toward complete mobility and strength.  Joy is surpassing all goals set by the team.  Getting stronger each time she goes for a walk.  Today, with just Bryan and I here, we were told that it is a good thing for her to walk as often as she feels like it.  She uses the walker, but without the slightest wobble or hint of falling, so with us here, the nursing assistants can be relieved from accompaning her .... they are turning that over to family.  Just need to have a professional unplug the IV pole (from the wall) and it'll be on us. 

Joy says she is grateful and happy that I am here.  (where else would I be?)  The pathology report has not been received yet, and the nurse and doctor's partner say things like "if it's cancer then there will be other things we will have to consider ...."   NOPE  We are not going to consider that!!!  There has been some fear surfacing in some members of this family, but I believe in a good report!  God is still in control ... and we trust Him to make all things right and look forward to the lessons to be learned and the testimony to be shared.

A couple of friends from Sonora are coming to visit today, and Joy is anticipating that.  She needs cheerfull and upbeat people in her life right now. Sherry has returned home, bring on Toni and Chrissy!!

Thank you so much for the updates, Jane. We're keeping up the support here at CP.

Much love to each of you.

Ruth Ann