Well I need to give you all an update. In a nutshell, Joyce decided to stop all chemotherapy this past Wednesday and I agreed with her. After reviewing the results of her recent scans and tests we were told the present chemo she is on is no longer effectively acting against her cancer.
The statistical chances of any other chemo being effective were less than 15% and the side effects of the other treatments would likely be worse because of her weakened condition already. Also, further treatment, would not, even if it worked, extend her life more than a few months and she would probably be very sick during that time. Without any treatment the doc said she statistically had 4 to 6 months left - maybe 8 tops - given the amount and types of chemo she has had and the advanced stage of the cancer. We know God may have another timetable!
So after a couple of days of reflecting and talking and praying we decided to change course and switch from paliative care to hospice care. It's really kind of a relief to move ahead now and see what God may do. We are thankful for all the treatment and care she recieved over the past three and a half years and we have peace that we did everything possible medically and now it's time to focus on quality of life. Thru hospice she will still have the same nurse and doc we had in the paliative care program and she will continue to recieve all the medications and care she needs to help keep her as comfortable as possible.
She is not bedridden and though she has periods where the pain is really bad, it usually doesn't last more than a few hours, and then she's OK and able to be up and doing things - like shopping :-). I took her Thursday and Noelle took her yesterday. She had a rough evening last nite but slept good and is ready to get her hair done this afternoon! We're just praying that her body will have some time to rid itself of the toxins from all the chemo and that she'll be able to enjoy life for a while.
Again we want to thank all of you who continue to be so faithful in praying for us - we feel very much loved and cared for!
In His Arm's,
Pat
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YOU GUYS ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!! WE LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU BOTH!!!
ReplyDeleteIN HIS GRACE AND MERCY!
I am sad and glad at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI too would vote for quality of life. I pray that the time you have together is filled with joy, happiness and wonder. I thank our God Jesus for you both. May you both be blessed and enjoy your friends and family to the fullest, and created some good memories.
You are still on our prayers.
God bless.
Big hugs to you and Joyce. I will be praying for her though this difficult time. I know God has his arms wrapped around your family.
ReplyDeleteLots of Love
Shelly (Eckblad) Gilmore
Will continue to pray and to keep you both posted for prayer.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
Cynthia Hill
I love you both. I also support your decision. I am sad with you as a grandparent she wants to be there etc...but at the same time I am soooo excited for her. She's going to see our Lord before us (maybe, only God knows when it's OUR time) What a surreal time but one that is so precious to so many people and our Father in heaven. Now-live it up in the Lord! Have fun! Make wonderful memories! As they say we should all live life as it was our last day for our Lord and our loved ones! I will be praying for you daily especially that Joyce will be comfortable. Bless you, Bless you, Bless you both.
ReplyDeleteToni
We Love you both and support you in your decision. Micah and the boys say hello and that we are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMany blessing to you and your family!
In His Grip!
The Saylers
Joyce and Pat: Between Pastor Chuck's sermon on Sunday 'Songs in the Night' and Pastor Jeff's 'Light and Life', I know that GOD is the ONE who has given you both the wisdom and strength to take these next steps. I will be praying that we all will grow closer to GOD in these coming days and further from the hold that this world can have on us. Love you both.
ReplyDeleteWe remain steadfastly in prayer for both you and Joyce. We prayer that our God will continue to pour out his grace, mercy and love on you both. We love you both and support your decision. You are both examples of what God's children do when they are following hard after him.
ReplyDeletePat and Joyce we continue to hold you up in prayer. The Lord's peace and grace overflow you. We continue to pray for God's will. The Lord's strength will be yours.
ReplyDeletebig brother,
ReplyDeletethere are still sooo many things i do not understand of what is happening to all the people i loved and wanted to be in company with and you both are one in them. just to remember the time we spent togteher at our house in san marcos before we sold it to come to the Philippines to served HIM. the LORD bless those time and with prayers that one day we all can share those moments again for eternity. our love and hugs to joyce. GOD is FAITHFUL.
in HIS care,
boy/jane/bj/janalei