Message from Chris:
Eunice and I had visitors from Oklahoma today (Marven and Vera Janzen). They have been our 'Barnabas' couple for 30 years, and were visiting children in Ft. Worth. What a great surprise and blessing when they walked in! Yesterday we were so pleased to visit with Janice and Larry Ganje from our home church. We were able to go outside for a while and enjoy the warm Texas weather. There are baby steps of progress still being made daily, including reduced brain swelling, occupational and physical therapy, and many reminders of God's faithfulness and goodness to us. We were supplied with a dose of Christmas cheer today as we learned of our two daughters putting up decorations and we hope to share Christmas with them, either here or at home, as the Lord wills.
My sister and brother-in-law are trying to make the most suitable arrangements for my oncology radiation treatments over the next 6 weeks. It may involve an apartment or commute from their home, we don't know what. Please pray for guidance as we make many decisions in coming days regarding treatment, location, family, etc. Each and every prayer, card, phone call and expression of love has truly ministered to our hearts and softened a difficult time. We agree with Paul's expression to the Philippians, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." (Phil. 1:3)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Update, Thanksgiving Day
This will be a brief update to just say that after a good night's sleep in their private room on the 8th floor, Chris and Eunice had a terrific Thanksgiving Day. Chris continues to recuperate from his surgery, and is doing quite well.
We are in contact with the oncologist who will be treating Chris, and he has scheduled his first radiation therapy for next Wednesday. Please pray that the radiation treatments will be successful and that the additional chemotherapy will be just what is needed to eradicate the remaining bits of tumor from Chris' brain. Further, please pray that both treatments will be tolerated well by Chriss with minimal side effects.
All of us wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for, most importantly our Savior Jesus Christ.
We are in contact with the oncologist who will be treating Chris, and he has scheduled his first radiation therapy for next Wednesday. Please pray that the radiation treatments will be successful and that the additional chemotherapy will be just what is needed to eradicate the remaining bits of tumor from Chris' brain. Further, please pray that both treatments will be tolerated well by Chriss with minimal side effects.
All of us wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for, most importantly our Savior Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving Mom & Dad!!
I snuck on here and posted a little slideshow I put together for you. I love you!!
Wednesday 11/26
A note from Chris:
Today, Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, I'm grateful to receive positive results from an early morning CT scan that the decadron has reduced much of the brain swelling that was a result of removing the tumor. I also got to meet my radiologist/oncologist, Dr. Barker, who will be giving precise radiation in the affected areas for the next 6 and1/2 weeks. Our goal was to be home in McCook for Christmas but hopefully our kids can join us in Dallas. Eunice was able to secure permission to stay with me in ICU at the hospital last night which was rough with a poor chair, night monitors and nursing visits. Snoring took its toll also, so pray that she will sleep much better in my private room this evening.
A note from Mike:
How about that? Chris was so delighted with the results of today that he wanted to write the above comments all by himself!
Just to fill in some of the comments, Chris' radiation therapy will begin next Tuesday. In the meantime, he is on the 8th floor of the hospital in a great room with a very nice room. He will be working daily with different physical therapists over the next month, which will get him back in fighting form (if that is what you call a pastor!)
This evening I was able to bring his mother to see him and right now they are just enjoying being with each other. It's wonderful to see them together, and of course we will be spending some time together tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day. We truly have much to be thankful for!
Tonight thankfully Eunice will be able to stay in Chris' room in a bed they brought in for her, so both of them are looking forward to that. We all thank you for your prayers, and ask that we continue asking for Chris' healing, the doctor's wisdom,and strength for Eunice.
"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders. I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1,2. Let us all thank the Lord for all of his blessings!
Today, Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, I'm grateful to receive positive results from an early morning CT scan that the decadron has reduced much of the brain swelling that was a result of removing the tumor. I also got to meet my radiologist/oncologist, Dr. Barker, who will be giving precise radiation in the affected areas for the next 6 and1/2 weeks. Our goal was to be home in McCook for Christmas but hopefully our kids can join us in Dallas. Eunice was able to secure permission to stay with me in ICU at the hospital last night which was rough with a poor chair, night monitors and nursing visits. Snoring took its toll also, so pray that she will sleep much better in my private room this evening.
A note from Mike:
How about that? Chris was so delighted with the results of today that he wanted to write the above comments all by himself!
Just to fill in some of the comments, Chris' radiation therapy will begin next Tuesday. In the meantime, he is on the 8th floor of the hospital in a great room with a very nice room. He will be working daily with different physical therapists over the next month, which will get him back in fighting form (if that is what you call a pastor!)
This evening I was able to bring his mother to see him and right now they are just enjoying being with each other. It's wonderful to see them together, and of course we will be spending some time together tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day. We truly have much to be thankful for!
Tonight thankfully Eunice will be able to stay in Chris' room in a bed they brought in for her, so both of them are looking forward to that. We all thank you for your prayers, and ask that we continue asking for Chris' healing, the doctor's wisdom,and strength for Eunice.
"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders. I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1,2. Let us all thank the Lord for all of his blessings!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Update Tuesday 11/25
We have all come to realize that the process of medical treatment is never a straight line, but a series of zigs and zags. Some good news, and some not so good news.
The good news is that this morning we learned that Chris' swelling in the brain has reduced since Monday morning's CAT scan. In the words of the doctor, Chris' CAT scan looked "wonderful" this morning. This means that the possibility of another surgery to remove the fluid build up in the brain is reduced, and this evening the doctor told us that if the CAT scan tomorrow morning continues to improve, he will move Chris to a private room where Eunice can stay with him overnight.
Another piece of good news is that this evening's nurse (they work 7:00 to 7:00 shifts, and need our prayers) is a Christian who upon learning that Chris is a pastor specifically asked to be his nurse. And, she agreed to let Eunice stay with Chris this evening in the ICU!
All of this is so important because one of the not so good news we are experiencing is that the steroids that Chris is given to reduce the swelling in his brain cause him to have some severe anxiety attacks. We all know that this is abnormal for Chris, but they are real and they prevent him from getting any deep rest at night. Eunice's presence will, we pray, make a big difference this evening and from here on.
Another piece of not so good news is that the pathology report on the tumor came back this afternoon and confirmed that Chris is suffering from a grade 4 glioblastoma tumor. We know that this is serious but our plan is to proceed with radiation therapy and chemotherapy which we pray will restore Chris to a full life and get him back to McCook soon. Much progress has been made in the treatment of these tumors, and fortunately we will be working with a neuro oncologist who is nationally known to be a leading doctor in fighting this disease.
Chris will be beginning some serious physical therapy (three hours a day) on Wednesday, and he really likes the therapists who are working with him.
Our prayer request this evening is for Chris to be relieved of the anxiety attacks that have been making his nights so miserable, and for continued healing of his brain so he can fully participate in the physical therapy and strengthen his body. Also, of course, please continue to pray for Eunice's strength and for wisdom of the doctors treating Chris.
We continue to trust in the Lord, and are reminded of Psalm 91:2,5, which reads: "I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust'...You will not be afraid of the terror of the night, of of the arrow that flies by day."
The good news is that this morning we learned that Chris' swelling in the brain has reduced since Monday morning's CAT scan. In the words of the doctor, Chris' CAT scan looked "wonderful" this morning. This means that the possibility of another surgery to remove the fluid build up in the brain is reduced, and this evening the doctor told us that if the CAT scan tomorrow morning continues to improve, he will move Chris to a private room where Eunice can stay with him overnight.
Another piece of good news is that this evening's nurse (they work 7:00 to 7:00 shifts, and need our prayers) is a Christian who upon learning that Chris is a pastor specifically asked to be his nurse. And, she agreed to let Eunice stay with Chris this evening in the ICU!
All of this is so important because one of the not so good news we are experiencing is that the steroids that Chris is given to reduce the swelling in his brain cause him to have some severe anxiety attacks. We all know that this is abnormal for Chris, but they are real and they prevent him from getting any deep rest at night. Eunice's presence will, we pray, make a big difference this evening and from here on.
Another piece of not so good news is that the pathology report on the tumor came back this afternoon and confirmed that Chris is suffering from a grade 4 glioblastoma tumor. We know that this is serious but our plan is to proceed with radiation therapy and chemotherapy which we pray will restore Chris to a full life and get him back to McCook soon. Much progress has been made in the treatment of these tumors, and fortunately we will be working with a neuro oncologist who is nationally known to be a leading doctor in fighting this disease.
Chris will be beginning some serious physical therapy (three hours a day) on Wednesday, and he really likes the therapists who are working with him.
Our prayer request this evening is for Chris to be relieved of the anxiety attacks that have been making his nights so miserable, and for continued healing of his brain so he can fully participate in the physical therapy and strengthen his body. Also, of course, please continue to pray for Eunice's strength and for wisdom of the doctors treating Chris.
We continue to trust in the Lord, and are reminded of Psalm 91:2,5, which reads: "I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust'...You will not be afraid of the terror of the night, of of the arrow that flies by day."
Monday, November 24, 2008
Update Monday evening 11/24
We met with the surgeon this morning and learned that the swelling in Chris' brain had not decreased overnight, and the surgeon wants Chris to remain in ICU for another day. This is actually good, in that the ICU nurses provide Chris with much more attention than he would receive in the regular hospital, which is not only good for his attitude but also means that he will receive immediate help if things turn for the worse.
Chris had a very good day today, including some time spent in prayer with Eunice. One of the blessings of the day was that he was moved to a new room in ICU. This doesn't sound like much, but the new room is much quieter than the previous one, and also has a large window facing south which lets in lots of light throughout the day. This really brightened Chris' day!
Also, Chris had his first visit with the physical therapy professionals. They were terrific with him, and motivated him to really walk around the ICU. They gave him some leg exercizes to follow, and promised to be back to check on his progress daily.
By the afternoon Chris was really doing well. When I saw him about 5:00 pm, he was truly the "old Chris" back with us. Of course, the fact that Eunice shaved him helped! He read each of the cards that we received today, and expressed once again how deeply he appreciates the notes people are writing.
Our prayer request for the day is that the CAT scan tomorrow morning show decreased swelling in his brain, and a reduction in the spinal fluid that has been building up. Also, for continued strength for Eunice as she nurses Chris, and for continued improvement of his motor skills. We thank the Lord for your prayers!
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:4
Chris had a very good day today, including some time spent in prayer with Eunice. One of the blessings of the day was that he was moved to a new room in ICU. This doesn't sound like much, but the new room is much quieter than the previous one, and also has a large window facing south which lets in lots of light throughout the day. This really brightened Chris' day!
Also, Chris had his first visit with the physical therapy professionals. They were terrific with him, and motivated him to really walk around the ICU. They gave him some leg exercizes to follow, and promised to be back to check on his progress daily.
By the afternoon Chris was really doing well. When I saw him about 5:00 pm, he was truly the "old Chris" back with us. Of course, the fact that Eunice shaved him helped! He read each of the cards that we received today, and expressed once again how deeply he appreciates the notes people are writing.
Our prayer request for the day is that the CAT scan tomorrow morning show decreased swelling in his brain, and a reduction in the spinal fluid that has been building up. Also, for continued strength for Eunice as she nurses Chris, and for continued improvement of his motor skills. We thank the Lord for your prayers!
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:4
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Update 11-23
Hi everyone
I am brother in law Mike, and I'll try to take over the blog for a while since Eunice is very occupied with Chris. Here's the latest:
Chris is still in the ICU since he continues to experience headaches. Today they did a CT scan and the results showed that Chris suffered a stroke during the surgery on Thursday. This was not expected, and at this point Chris hasn't been told. The complication of all this is that he has some spinal fluid in his brain that is not draining due to the swelling that took place as a result of surgery. We ask for prayer that the fluid will drain in the next 24 hours and not necessitate a second surgery to remove it.
Other than that, Chris had a good day today as he continues to recover from his surgery. He is walking around the circular nurse station in the ICU (about 50 feet) and when the nurse asked him to tell her why he was moving slow (was it that he was unstable, was he having trouble seeing?) he simply replied "because I feel like walkinng slow." Naturally, all of the ICU nurses he has had (and they are great) consider him their favorite patient, and none of them are ever prepared for his wit!
Chris received a portable CD player today and has been blessed by listening to Fernando Ortega and other favorite artists. As all who know him realize, he loves music and this addition has really improved his ability to rest while all the commotion of the ICU takes place outside his door.
Please pray for the draining of the fluid from his brain and for continued healing of the trauma of his surgery. Also, pray for strength and wisdom for Eunice as she nurses Chris back to health and deals with all the medical issues that surround Chris' condition.
All of the family continues to be strengthened by the love and prayers of Chris' many friends. We praise our sovereign Father and know that He loves us and brings into our lives only what is for His glory and our good.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father...So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29-31)
I am brother in law Mike, and I'll try to take over the blog for a while since Eunice is very occupied with Chris. Here's the latest:
Chris is still in the ICU since he continues to experience headaches. Today they did a CT scan and the results showed that Chris suffered a stroke during the surgery on Thursday. This was not expected, and at this point Chris hasn't been told. The complication of all this is that he has some spinal fluid in his brain that is not draining due to the swelling that took place as a result of surgery. We ask for prayer that the fluid will drain in the next 24 hours and not necessitate a second surgery to remove it.
Other than that, Chris had a good day today as he continues to recover from his surgery. He is walking around the circular nurse station in the ICU (about 50 feet) and when the nurse asked him to tell her why he was moving slow (was it that he was unstable, was he having trouble seeing?) he simply replied "because I feel like walkinng slow." Naturally, all of the ICU nurses he has had (and they are great) consider him their favorite patient, and none of them are ever prepared for his wit!
Chris received a portable CD player today and has been blessed by listening to Fernando Ortega and other favorite artists. As all who know him realize, he loves music and this addition has really improved his ability to rest while all the commotion of the ICU takes place outside his door.
Please pray for the draining of the fluid from his brain and for continued healing of the trauma of his surgery. Also, pray for strength and wisdom for Eunice as she nurses Chris back to health and deals with all the medical issues that surround Chris' condition.
All of the family continues to be strengthened by the love and prayers of Chris' many friends. We praise our sovereign Father and know that He loves us and brings into our lives only what is for His glory and our good.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father...So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29-31)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Surgery update
Psalm 91 starts out, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust!'" It is still our determination to run to that refuge, to abide in His shadow, and to believe Him when we cannot see that His plan makes sense. He calls us all to walk by faith, and this is surely His call to us today.
The surgery was successful in that the doctor was able to remove all of the tumor that could be seen. We will have to wait until next week to get the final report on the type, but the neurosurgeon believes that the tumor was a stage four aggressive malignant tumor. He believes it originated in his brain and has only been there about three months. Chris did very well, and the doctor said his young age and great health are huge factors in his recovery. God answered so many of the things that weighed heavy on us. When Chris woke up in recovery he was very alert, quick-witted, considerate of others, with his usual sense of humor. He amazed doctors and nurses, and when I walked into ICU he blessed me with the Hebrew version of Psalm 1, complete with English translation! We have been so grateful to have our precious family surrounding us, and as each one of the kids came in to see him he asked if they had a good day! He is able to see (although things are blurry right now) and move both arms and legs.
The plan at this point is to recover for two weeks, and then start radiation treatments, five days a week for four weeks. If he responds to that, it could be followed with chemo. The treatments will be aggressive to match the aggressive nature of the tumor. At this point the doctor says there is no cure and we will be seeing this again. He doesn't know how long until there could be a recurrence.
We still cling to the end of Psalm 91, "Because he has loved me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him securely on high because he has known my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him behold my salvation."
The surgery was successful in that the doctor was able to remove all of the tumor that could be seen. We will have to wait until next week to get the final report on the type, but the neurosurgeon believes that the tumor was a stage four aggressive malignant tumor. He believes it originated in his brain and has only been there about three months. Chris did very well, and the doctor said his young age and great health are huge factors in his recovery. God answered so many of the things that weighed heavy on us. When Chris woke up in recovery he was very alert, quick-witted, considerate of others, with his usual sense of humor. He amazed doctors and nurses, and when I walked into ICU he blessed me with the Hebrew version of Psalm 1, complete with English translation! We have been so grateful to have our precious family surrounding us, and as each one of the kids came in to see him he asked if they had a good day! He is able to see (although things are blurry right now) and move both arms and legs.
The plan at this point is to recover for two weeks, and then start radiation treatments, five days a week for four weeks. If he responds to that, it could be followed with chemo. The treatments will be aggressive to match the aggressive nature of the tumor. At this point the doctor says there is no cure and we will be seeing this again. He doesn't know how long until there could be a recurrence.
We still cling to the end of Psalm 91, "Because he has loved me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him securely on high because he has known my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him behold my salvation."
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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