Makn Memories

Joel's update

Funny, it's soooooo much easier to post Joel's updates when the news is happy & all is good in our world.  Joel has been in the hospital the last couple of days due to some internal bleeding.  It was a very tough decision but after long discussions with many doctors, I decided not to have Joel go thru the tests that would attempt to find out where the bleeding is coming from.  The tests would be very difficult on Joel with where he is physically and it's possible that even in the end we still wouldn't know the problem in addition to further complications due to the tests.  Joel's blood counts show that the bleeding has stopped for now.  He will discontinue his blood thinner meds which he takes for the blood clots and at this point they will put a filter in that will stop any blood clots from traveling to his lungs.

We should get to go home by the end of the day tomorrow.  Joel will be VERY happy to get back home!!!  He isn't in any pain and seems to be doing well.  He was awake a few hours today for visits from his sisters and parents and really enjoyed that time.   We are both very excited that all kids & grandkids will be home for the evening tomorrow & I think the hugs will do him good.  (I know they will do me good!!!)

We appreciate your continued prayers. It does seem like the travel down this tough road is getting even tougher.  I do know that God is still carrying us through & that He will continue to bless our family with his presence.

Thanks,

Kim

Joel's recent MRI

Since my last post Joel hasn't been doing as well.  He had an MRI last night & we met today with the doctor for the results.  Unfortunately, it showed that the tumor has grown.  After a long discussion with the doctor I've decided to try the chemo treatments that he was on in October again.  Joel physically didn't do well with the chemo then but there were some other variables involved so our hope will be that maybe his body will do better with it this time.  The tumor is very aggressive & from my understanding, once it starts to grow it will continue to do so which is why I feel we need to try to give the chemo another shot. 

The good thing is that Joel is not currently in any pain.  He does sleep quite a bit & it takes alot of effort for him to get around.  He is now using a wheelchair & uses the walker around the house.  He doesn't initiate conversation very much but does converse when spoken to. 

Joel was able to get to church this past Sunday and it was such a blessing to see our church family again.  God is so funny too.  I had a pity party for myself Saturday night & then God delivered the perfect words to me through Pastor Kirk's sermon about difficult times.  Wow!!!  God knows just what to say at the perfect time.

It is becoming more difficult to get Joel out & about for visits but I would like to leave an open invitation to anyone that wants to come & visit with him.  We do have dogs that don't have very good manners so you may want to call in advance so I can put them away.

We continue to thank everyone for their prayers and support. 

Kim

Joel is enjoying his summer!!!!

Joel is doing very well and enjoying the summer with his family.  We have essentially run away for the summer on an RV trip "makn memories" with the kids & grandkids.  Joel has been without pain and only uses the wheelchair for the longer walks.  It's a very relaxing trip without a schedule so he is able to rest whenever needed.  I have attached a few pictures of Joel enjoying his summer.

We feel very blessed to have this time to spend with the kids & grandkids.  We miss you all and are praying that God is blessing everyone reading this with an enjoyable summer.

God is Good ALL the Time!!!

Kim