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I'm still praying for all of you, as well.  Our God loves you, and He cares!

Here's the latest from Joy ... posted on Facebook this afternoon

I'm feeling great.
That's for all of you who say you don't know what's going on with me...my phone is working, is yours? All in all I do believe I am being healed daily. getting stronger. except on chemo days...gonna be taking another trip, this time with John to go to Minn to see the grandchildren, and their parents. should be a great time! taking my wheel chair for those long walks that might happen, not looking forward to the airports, but trust we will be taken care of expertly.

Great to read such a positive, upbeat report from Joy!  God bless!

Wow! Great news.

Ruth Ann

Update
Joy is doing very well, given her condition.  She has enrolled in classes at a local community college.  While on her cruise last month she was inspired to take up painting again.  This time she has a theme in mind, and wants to do a series of paintings depicting the Light that indwells each of us.  Jesus said we are the light of the world .... and to let our light so shine that the world will glorify our Father in heaven .... she is a great painter, but not so good at drawing, so will be taking classes in drawing.  She also will be taking piano lessons so she can play the key board she recently purchased, and will be a part of the community choir.  The classes will be partially online and the college is only about 20 minutes' drive for her, so she will not have to be away from home too much.  There are days when she is not feeling like being out, and is hoping she will be granted a "pass" for those days when she cannot make it to class. 

Twice, now, she has gone three weeks between chemo infusions and was apologetic to the doctors.  They said "Don't even worry about it ... go ahead and enjoy life and have fun and drop by every once in a while" ....

About a month or so ago, Joy said her "tumor count" was so high it was "off the charts" and the doctor said he couldn't even document it.  That scared her a little and she had a few days of depression, but soon enough the numbers are down and "within range of normal" ... of course we don't have a clue about all that, just know that things are going in the right direction.  Last week, when she had her infusion, she said she only felt a bit of upset a couple times that same day instead of having to go to bed for two days following.  We praise God for the strength He gives each day. 

And I am especially thankful for the attitude Joy maintains ... she, indeed, lives her name.

Jane, thank you for the upbeat and encouraging message about Joy.  As I'm sure you know, she, you and the family are always held in prayer.

Jane, Joy is an amazing woman of God!  Wow!  And to think that, in the midst of this struggle, she wants to continue to learn, to create beauty, and to enjoy life each day--may we all try to emulate that wonderful attitude!  Yes, I do believe she is living up to her name!  I know you are blessed just hearing the good news as God continues His work in Joy's life.  (((((hugs)))))

Wonderful news Jane Prayer continues.

What an inspiration Joy is! Much love to each of you.

Ruth Ann

Jane that is wonderful news, I will continue to hold her up on prayer

I have not posted here for some time because Joy's situation has been in constant change.  After we rejoiced with her in November, the cancer was back in February and she went back on chemo.  Many changes and complications later, she is nearing her transition.  Just a while ago John posted this on facebook: 

John Stephan

1 hr · ..

August 27,2016

It is time to update family and friends on Joy's medical situation. Joy had imposed an information blackout to almost everyone due to privacy issues. Approximately 2 months ago she had an episode of severe pain which necessitated a ER trip. Her pain had dramatically increased. A CT scan showed her tumors and cancer were once again being aggressive and growing. The cancer center stopped her chemo treatments due to it's ineffectiveness and she was moved into hospice care at the house. Her infusions of saline continued until two weeks ago but her abdomen drains were continued. Last week it was decided the fluid infusions should also stop. After her hospital stay, a pain regimen of dilaudid was initiated with a pump inserted to deliver pain meds directly under the skin. Morphine was added to the pain control about a week ago and her situation had appeared to stabilize.

This morning at 6:45 am she got out of her hospital bed and she lost her balance, fell and hit her head on a dining room chair. She was knocked unconscious. From the back bedroom I heard the thump of her head hitting the chair and the ensuing tumble to the floor. She was flat of her stomach and out when I got to her. Nothing broken and no other sign of injury other than a knot on her right temple and some swelling. I called the fire department who responded to help lift her into her bed and hospice nurses were called. An analysis was done to ascertain her condition which came up negative for severe trauma. She will likely be out for the remainder of the day and a followup welfare check scheduled for tonight at which time a longer care regimen will be determined. She is not in pain at this time. We need to find out if she can remain in the house or if she needs to be placed in some type of care facility. All unknown at this time.

In spite of a dire prognosis from the pain and the advancing cancer condition her attitude has been spectacular. She smiles when awake but is taking almost no food or liquids. It is our desire she remains in good spirits while still with us. She has talked about her pending passing away and is highly anticipating that event with a joyful expectation. Yesterday while sitting next to her she started laughing. I asked her what was going on and she said there was an angel standing behind me trying to give me a "high-five". I anticipate additional positive signs and manifestations to continue to occur as she approaches that time soon when she is received into the arms of her God and King. This is not a time of grief but an event awaiting all of us. Her faith is strong and has fought the good fight and has constantly been faithful to her God and Savior, Jesus our Christ.
She is not taking telephone calls and hasn't for a couple of weeks. Visitors are discouraged except those who are helping out in the house with her care. We are setting up a watcher group who are helping me by allowing me to shop and run errands (and an occasional time away to play music and to get out for walks and a break) We still need your prayers for her comfort. I will now begin to make further postings now that I have broken the silence on her condition. Thank you for your understanding

Jane, thank you for relaying that message.  What a combination of tears and uplifting testimony.  My prayers continue for peace and strength for everyone.  I know from experience about sitting by the bedside as a loved one prepares for moving on.

Jane, thank you.   I will continue to pray for you as you wait for further news. 

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."  Ps. 116:15

Jane I am praying with you and for you as Joy's time gets nearer to when she will be in the arms of Jesus.

this evening's message from
John Stephan:

It's now 5:30 PM and Joy has come to. She is unable to sit up or stand and is pretty incoherent but awake. Face is still swollen but still beautiful! Had a slice of fresh nectarine as a reward. Ah, the little pleasures that life gives us..

Jane:  Thank you for sharing Joy's Journey to the peace beyond.  My fervent prayers to each of you who love Joy. 

You continue to receive my prayers for you and all involved.

Ruth Ann

Thank you for sharing Stephen's post, Jane.

What a difficult time for the family circle.  Please know that I will continue to pray with you.

Jane, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you during this time.  Our God be gracious and merciful to you and all the family is my prayer.