Christian Photographers Community

Jane, it sounds like Joy is in the place she needs to be and is getting fine treatment.  I will be praying for her.

I am so sorry Jane that things have taken this turn.  I will be praying for Joy and John.  I know you as Mom are wishing you could be there for her.  Praying for you as well!

Thanks, each of you, for your prayers and words of encouragement.
Judy, I was by her side every single day she was at Stanford and followed her home (I was with Bryan) for another week.  Yes, indeed, I would love to be with her now.  John posted this morning that she is/was in surgery for that nerve block .. well, I'll just let you read it from him:

Joy is back in surgery right now for a experimental treatment. It is a injection into a bundle of nerves in her back to reduce the pain and nausea in her belly. We'll see how it works later. She is tired and weak, she's lost another 7 pounds the last 2 weeks. Normally she would be ecstatic but not under these circumstances. Check in later. Thanks for your prayers

I'm a bit concerned about the continued weight loss and her tiredness and weakness.  I can't help but recall Jean's struggle with the same things.  Also, the fact that this monster has metastasized to her liver.  I'm having a struggle keeping positive these days.

Prayers for you, Jane and your daughter Joy. 

Jane, I remain with you and the family in my prayers. May our Lord be especially near and dear to each of you during this time.

Ruth Ann

Jane, I will continue to pray for you and your daughter!

Any updates Jane?

Quote from: JudyB on April 03, 2015, 12:09:03 PM
Any updates Jane?

Nothing today, so far.

I just had a phone call from Joy.  She is in good spirits. Had a long day ... first put the port in for chemo, then went back to the hotel room and a nurse came with the pump and she is receiving the chemo drip now ... takes 7 1/2 hours.  She is to do this every two weeks.  But she is saying the trip back there and the chemo therapy for 7 1/2 hrs it just too much and very tiring.  It would be difficult for John to accompany her each time, too.

So they are going to get the stats on this particular dosage, etc.  and take it to their local hospital to see if they can duplicate it there.  That will need to be discussed with the CTCA probably tomorrow.  She thinks she will be leaving Illinois by Monday.
She told me the CTCA in Chicago is the "mother ship" and was started by a man whose mother had suffered with cancer and he didn't like the way she became just a number.  He says he wants every person that comes there to be treated just as if it were his mother.  Even the driver of the shuttle, to and fro, says he doesn't want to hear the words "cancer treatment", or "hospital" but insists they say he is taking them to "The Magic Kingdom"

It was wonderful to hear her voice.  She is weak, but says she is still very positive and has no worries.  The doctor told her this probably will not cure her, but she is very healthy in the rest of her body and she is young and it will certainly give her a longer life.  She has a very strong support system at home, in Sonora, so that will be no problem.  Her friends there are just eagerly waiting for her to let them help her.

Just recently, John was golfing and Joy needed to go some place.  She isn't supposed to drive while on medication, but she thought "well, I can drive just that little way" .... then checked herself and thought better of it.  You know there are always people saying "If there's anything I can do ...."  She called a friend and the answer was immediate: "I'll be right there!"

I am glad she has that great support system.  I hope they can duplicate the cocktail.  It will make life so much easier for her.

Thanks for the updates, Jane.

Much love to you and your family.

Ruth Ann

This is the latest post from John ....

Still in Zion. Joy was in the chemo chair for 7 hours yesterday and got sick. Picked her up at 6 then an hour later the tech showed up at the hotel with the chemo pump, hooked it up, set it for 46 hours and left. Will be back Sunday night to unhook her. Joy's pretty nauseous but ok.

We are trying to get a flight out Monday. This has been good but there is nothing being offered to her that we can't access in Sonora so we will remain in town for her treatments in the future. Looking forward to getting home and playing some golf and loving on my doggies. All good. Our God is good!

Thank you for the update!

Jane:  It will be such a relief for them to be close to home.  It sure sounds like Joy is getting special & loving care.  Take care, yourself.

Jane requested that I post this latest post from John...


Long story but here is the latest. We went back to Chicago area to the Cancer Treatment Center of America because they told us of all the cutting edge stuff they are doing for pancreatic cancer. We did the assessments but found that they really can't do anything that Sonora couldn't do. We got the port put in and the first round of chemo done but we have chosen not to go back since she can't do the long travel days or really afford for me to go with her. No denigration in treatment by doing it here. She is very tired and spends most her day in bed. Her attitude is pretty good for her condition and has been complimented by her oncologist. She will be having 6-7 hours of chemo every 2 weeks until the cancer goes away but her stage 4 means there is no cure but treatment to keep her alive is available. It is pretty grim news but our hope is in our God to heal her. We are doing alternate therapies also like whole foods, juicing and some other natural therapies. Thanks for asking. Appreciate you more than you know.

What hard times these are - for Joy, for John, and for our Jane.  My prayers for peace, comfort and strength from our Heavenly Father for all, as well as wisdom for the doctors and all caregivers.

Jeanne, you said exactly what I was thinking.  We all need to be diligent in praying for these special ones.

I am so saddened to hear this, I will continue to pray!

I also say amen to the prayer that Jeanne has expressed with regard to Joy and the family.  She is obviously doing her part and getting good treatment and not losing hope is a big factor as expressed in our attitudes. 

I continue to pray

As you know I seldom come on CP but a little birdie told me to come here today and read about your daughter, Joy!  So sad to read this and to realize what all Joy is going through.  May God guide the minds and hands of all her doctors and care-givers.  May God wrap is loving arms around Joy and all her family during this time of need.  May all feel the love and comfort from God.  May prayers will be for your all.  May God Bless each and everyone of you!! 

I whole-heartedly agree, Etta Sue.  I sure do miss you in here! 

I also continue to pray for Joy and all her family and friends.

Ruth Ann

I will be praying also.

Jane:  You have the prayers and thoughts from all at CP.  Hugs to you.

It has been a while since I brought you up to date on Joy's journey.  She has just passed the halfway mark with her chemo, and still in great spirits.  She has an almost constant stream of visitors to her home in the California foothills.  Some of her friends were there over Mothers' Day weekend, and they had a lot of fun trying on wigs.  She's losing her hair, so has been prepared.


She now has shaved her head, except for a patch on top, and is trying out being a redhead! 


In just a week, Joy and some of her good friends are going on a Mexican cruise!  Her doctor tells her to go and do whatever she wants, and to enjoy life!!

There are still many hurdles to pass, and she has a lot of not-so-good days, but still maintains the attitude that her names implies.  J.O.Y.

Bryan has moved to Twain Harte (a mile or so away) and is renting a little "mountain cabin"  He is afraid he will be lonely, living on his own, but Joy says she'll make a point of going to visit him several times a week.  At least now he can stay up all night and play his music and games without disturbing anyone! 

PLEASE TELL JOY HER ATTITUDE IS AN INSPIRATION TO ME!  (Oops on the all caps!)  And tell Bry we think fondly of him as well.

Wonderful picture of Joy - have fun with the wigs Joy! 

Thank you, Jane, for the good news.

Will continue praying for each of you.

Ruth Ann

Just stopping by to say hello, thinking of you and sending you a prayer.