Janelle UPDATE

Good Evening, today is Wednesday April 18th, this is Ken, this has been a long day.....

If you are reading this, you are part of our extended family that we appreciate very much.  You also deserve to be kept up to date on our journey.  Today was not great news.  I will provide that info to you below.  

First, this is only Wednesday and the blessings just continue to flow.  Sunday, dinner arrived for us mid afternoon from some of our church family (thank you Phil / Susan).  Monday, Nora (along with Mom Maria and brother Hayden) came by for a hug and to deliver a paper flower arrangement made by Nora's class at the school (Thank you Mrs. Clary & Class).  Also on Monday our personal hair stylist showed up to clean up the hair (which is starting to grow back, thank you Cathy).  Tuesday, home from Scan, Dinner on the front porch (thank you Fourqurean's), close girlfriends Mary/Debbie came by for a brief visit, another dinner, cupcakes and flowers.  Came home today from treatment, flowers on the front porch (thank you Talluri Family).  I may have forgotten something/someone and if I did, my apologies.  Every visit and act of kindness is so appreciated.  Have I told you lately that we are very blessed with a community of friends who take care of us?

A little more fun.  I just got this from Britt.  Jackie Freeman (her other MOM) will be participating in a Relay for Life event that the school she works at (Southeastern Community College) hosts every year in Columbus County, North Carolina.  Apparently there is some freedom in the uniform you wear...check out these shirts..........Thank you Jackie for keeping us and this disease right out there for people to see.  

So, our news today was not very good.  The tumor we have been fighting appears to have not grown very much however there were new spots, closer to the brain stem and the indication is that they are growing very fast and furious and are why Janelle's general quality as declined a bit over the last few weeks.  The Dr. believes that the continued sickness and other issues are being caused by this as much as by the impact of the chemo.  We do have some decisions to make so please do keep us in your prayers tomorrow as we decide how to move forward.  There are additional treatment options, side effects can be a bit brutal.  Other options would focus more on enjoying some quality of life even if for only a short season.

Finally, and this is very much on my mind, while it is our responsibility to pray and ask for specific results, we have to always remember that prayers sometimes get answered in different ways.  None of us are promised tomorrow but all of us who believe are promised forever.....We covet your prayers as we make decisions on which path to continue this journey on.  I plan to be back on Sunday for sure, earlier if I am so led/inclined.

 

Ken (& Janelle) Hayes

Comments

[kim c.]

Sending prayers up! Give Janelle a hug from me!

[Marguerite Fourqurean]

Thank you Ken for the update and being so forthcoming with the results and your feelings. You worded things beautifully for us. Marguerite

[janis]

Holding you close in my prayers... janis

[Laura]

My heart is with you both. Praise God for your good and faithful friends who know what is needed and are there to fill those needs. Much love.

[Roni Falls]

I am keeping you both in my prayers continually. You both are such a stong testimony of you faith in the Lord..God Bless Roni Falls

[Betsy (and Lalia)]

Lalia (SBWS "grad") and I are praying for all of you!

[Laurie Vande Walle (Lubbers)]

Definitely praying for you all.

[Cindy K]

Thanks for the update and while it is now what we would have desired we do rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign over all the details of our lives. My prayers continue for your wisdom and Gods perfect will to be accomplished.

Bless you both,
Cindy K

[Susan (Fountain) Walker]

I know that God is holding you Gently in his arms!! Every time I read this blog.... I am reminded of when Janelle was a little girl, and used to sing "this little Light of mine, I'm gonna let it Shine"... as she road her tricycle around the neighborhood!! May THE Light of the World, continue to Shine on you both!!

[lynne]

Now is when we cling to what we know is true. With you.

[Janet Brattin]

Ken and Janelle, I am praying very hard for all of you, that God gives you the strength to move forward with your decisions with peace, love and knowing so many people are praying for you and really care about you both. Janelle, I was looking at your photos and I thought, not only is she beautiful on the outside, but your one of the most beautiful people I know on the inside too. Following your journey has meant so very much to me. I started reading your blog long before this happened. I felt like I got to know you, really know you and I felt blessed. Your love in everything you do really shines though. Thank you for sharing with us. Love and blessings

[Tresa]

Thank you Ken for the report, you are an amazing husband, & thank you for taking care of Janelle.

[Sherry Simpson]

Ken and Janelle, Larry and I are praying for you and your family.

[Patsy L'H]

We've been praying for you all day. Sorry the news isn't what we had hoped for, but we will be praying for clear direction and the peace that only Our Lord can give you now. Sending our love and continued prayers,
Patsy and Doug

[Armando Cortez]

Continuing to lift you all up in prayer!

[Lori Thomas]

Your story, your love, your friends, your family and your faith are such a great inspiration and example of the love God has for us and wants us to share with others. Thanks Ken and Janelle for your honesty and for giving all of us a chance to let you know how much we care. I love what you said about none of us being promised a tomorrow, while still being promised forever. You are in my prayers and have my gratitude for the love you showed my parents when life got tough for them.

[Holly Hamiter]

I'm so grateful Jesus will one day wipe away all the tears. I heard from my pastor the other day that "our last breath here on earth is our first breath in heaven." I found such comfort in that thought. May God's grace and mercy and peace bathe each one of you every moment of every day as this battle rages. I am so inspired by how you truly "count your blessings one by one".

[Sandra Re]

Thank you, Ken for keeping us all updated. It is a priviledge to be able to follow and share in your and Janelle's most personal and challenging trials life offers. I think of Janelle so often and say a little prayer for her before going back to my daily chores and duties. Her upbeat and positive attitude reminds me how precious ever encounter we have can be and how I admire her strength and love she so generously and readily shares with all who know her. Bless you both. My prayers and thoughts are always with you...Sandra Brattin-Re

[carol aka krillsister]

Ken,
You & Janelle continue to be in my prayers. I pray that God leads you toward the best path.

[marybethL.]

Thank You for the update Ken. I am sorry it was not the news we were all hoping for. I hope you don't mind me sending this prayer to you on the blog.
Be at peace
By Saint Francis de Sales
Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are,
will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same understanding Father who cares for
you today will take care of you then and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace,
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

[Lee]

Continued prayers for you my dear friends. May God grant you peace and wisdom with the road ahead. Lots of love and hugs xxx

[Maureen]

sending you both the tightest of hugs and praying that God will grace you with courage and knowledge as you face these difficult decisions. You both continue to be inspirations of love, faith and strength. With loving thoughts and prayers, Maureen ox

[eleftheria]

Thank you for sharing the news.I will be praying for wisdom, to make the decision that is right for you. Love you both

[Sherry in MI]

Thanks for the update, Ken. So sorry that the news wasn't the best. Saw a video the other day of a motivational speaker who was
born without arms or legs. Something he said really resonated with me. He said that
if God doesn't give you the miracle that you
are praying for, then you become the miracle
to someone else. Praying that you and Janelle will prayerfully consider your options and reach a decision about treatment
that brings you peace. Keeping you both in
my prayers.

[Kelley Eubanks]

Love you guys! Thank you for the updates... you guys are never far from my mind, heart and prayers!