Leaving a GOOD Week, Planning on a GREAT Week...

Today is Sunday; April 1st, 2012......this is Ken.

 

Eight months ago today, wedding behind us, we found out that the balance issues Janelle was having over the last few weeks was due to a Brain Tumor. I am not sure if this was ever written but Tuesday July 12th was actually the day Janelle woke up and knew something just was not quite right. Anyway, as the week went on back in August we were informed that our course of action to win this battle would be a very intense treatment of radiation, chemo and more chemo, surgery not being an option due to the location of the tumor. And that is the journey we are on.

 

As I reported last Sunday, things had been rather tough around here over the last few weeks. This last week started out with more of the same however I am pleased to report that since Wednesday night, other than one minor sickness episode on Saturday morning (caused by too much activity in the early morning without food) we are doing very well. Very busy week, we had a physical therapist here on Thursday, Janelle's Mom arrived on Thursday night for a 2 week visit, an occupational therapist here on Friday and Treesna all the way from Indonesia here on Saturday morning for about a 26 hour visit.

 

I was not necessarily very big on either therapist visit; after all for those of you who know me, what could they possibly teach me? I am here to say both visits were very good, just nice to talk through some of our daily routines with professionals who offered very good wisdom on many things from exercising to potential safety issues around the house. Just one great example is that I have a tendency to HELP too much. By that I mean things like pretty much pulling Janelle up from lying down or sitting vs. just being close in case she loses her balance and "making" her do the work herself. It really makes a huge difference in attitude to do simple things yourself (even when you don't want to).

 

Before I end with a few fun items, just want to again thank you for the comments, the emails, the telephone calls and so much more. We are truly blessed. As I said in the title, we are expecting a great week; Britt and Kenneth are coming into town for Easter. Please do keep us in your prayers as Wednesday is our standard chemo treatment day.

 

A few fun items for you. I really do try and read all comments to this blog as they are very dear to me. Last week, Jen informed me that Laurie had organized a "blog hop" just to let Janelle know her online crafty friends were standing with her. For you non-crafters like me, this is basically an activity where numerous people create their own cards for a very specific (and in this case a very special) person. They design and also talk a bit about the person (ie: Janelle). If you are so inclined check out this link....( http://soapboxcreations.blogspot.com/2012/03/for-janelle.html ). Underneath Laurie's card are many more links to other people's blogs with their card designs. I of course went through all of them but if you click on any of these the thing that just really touches me are the numerous comments about my Janelle....and for the most part these are wonderful people that we have never met in person.

 

Before this next short blurb I need to tell my local friends, that food is not an issue at this time. We are good. That said one of the reasons we are good is that I got a call from Sheri on Wednesday, Sheri & Kathy wanted to come by for a brief visit if that was OK. Timing was good, they arrived, had a great visit but of course in true Kathy / Sheri hospitality mode they came bearing gifts.....as this picture shows. I love you girls.

 

Thursday, I got a call from some very dear friends of ours, formerly from Charlotte, now in Greenville, SC about perhaps stopping by on Friday. Same mode of operation, the instructions were for sure to stop by because I wanted to see them, depending on the time and how Janelle was doing we would of course also include her in our visit. Brief history, Lindsay (she is the pretty one on the right) and our son Ian went to High School together which included Marching Band which brings families together. Through that we met Debra (she is the pretty one in the middle) and spent lots of time going to band competitions, working Panther games and frankly just living life a bit together and through all of that we had the privilege to have Marjorie (she is the pretty one on the left) become a part of our extended family. She is also queen prayer warrior. By the way, the pretty one in front is Janelle. Ladies, thanks for stopping by, for the salad/bread, we enjoyed seeing you; it has been way too long.

Saturday, we had the honor of hosting Treesna, all the way from Indonesia for a brief visit. Treesna was an exchange student back in the mid 70's and lived with Janelle and her family for the school year. We have seen her a few times over the years, kept up with annual Christmas cards and all of that. Treesna works in the banking industry and was in NY for meetings. Her meetings ended Friday night; she arrived Saturday morning, left Sunday early afternoon to go back to NY so she could catch her 26 hour flight home. In this picture is Jessie (Janelle's Mom), Janelle and Treesna. Safe travels Treesna, thanks for making the effort to come see us.

 

I think that is it for this week. I hope that these posts are not too long. I am trying to carry on in Janelle fashion with tidbits of our personal life. I would make a mess of the spiritual food portion so we will save that for Janelle. On that note, don't be surprised if one of these days a blog post pops up other than my weekly update. I would be very happy and glad to give up this responsibility and I am encouraging her to get the creative juices flowing, even if they are short and not quite as deep as in the past. Have a great week.

Ken (& Janelle)

Comments

[susie p]

glad things are going well...prayers that they continue! love and hugs!!!

[lynne]

You're not so bad a writer, little brother. When Janelle reclaimed her blog, time for you to stake your own claim! Thanks for update. Angels all around us! X

[Margaret Deans]

hope your visit with janelle's mom is good and that the week progresses well. I,ll be thinking of you during this holy week.

[Holly Hamiter]

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow...am thrilled that things started improving for both of you, and you were able to enjoy lovely visits from those dear friends scattered all about! This update just made my nighttime prayer time into a praise and joy fest so thank you for taking the time to share all that you did! Blessings and health and well being to you Ken, Janelle, Jessie, Britt, Kenneth, and Ian! Love in Christ, Holly Hamiter

[Cindy Montroy Betteley]

Glad to hear Janelle had better days this past week and I'm sure she enjoyed seeing her friends. I think you are doing an amazing job by keeping everyone informed and I'm sure Janelle thinks the same. Many Michigan prayers for you both!

[Lynn]

Praise the Lord! I'm so happy to hear that this was a better week...and it sounds like it was filled with many, many blessings. Ken - don't ever worry about your posts being too long. I appreciate you sharing your journey. Praying for two good weeks in a row and special prayers for Wednesday and the days after to go well. Hugs to you and Janelle. Have a blessed Easter!

[Armando Cortez]

So good to hear that your week got better as it went on. Keep up the good work Ken! Continually lifting you guys up in prayer!

[Kathy Mc]

Thoroughly enjoyed your post, Ken, and it wasn't too long. Appreciate reading that things improved somewhat. With all your company and them bearing gifts of food, I'm sure put a smile on the faces of you and Janelle. How sweet that Janelle's mom is able to visit and celebrate Easter with all of you. Janelle looks great considering all she's been through so will continue praying for better days ahead. Easter Blessings to all of you!

[Jaki]

Thank you Ken, you are wonderful to keep us up to date so well :)
So glad to hear that the week was so much better, and with all the prayers this next week can only be better.
Sending you and Janelle hugs from Australia!

Oh and if Janelle is watching The Amazing Race tell her that we are cheering for the Border Patrol boys and Bopper and Mark!!
J.xx

[Karin]

So glad to hear things were better for you this past week. Blessings to you and your whole family during this Easter week.

[Marybeth L.]

Thank you Ken for such a beautiful post . We know you don't like this blog thing much ,but the fact you do it for Janelle is just such a sweet thing to do. You are truly blessed to have so many beautiful people in your life and stopping by ? Continued prayers for a wonderful week and a Blessed Easter! Take care!

[Cheap Nike Free]

Green slime everywhere: 25th annual Kids' Choice Awards

[Kim C.]

Such good news! Continuing my prayers for complete healing! Love you guys.

[janis]

Wow, pictures and all.... good work Ken... I'm so glad you and Janelle have had a good week, and I too am praying for the GREAT week ahead... hi to Jessie! love, janis

[SueB]

So glad to hear you had a better week. Wonderful photos. Sweet Janelle - always has that beautiful smile. I'm also glad Janelle's Mom will be with you. Hope the good days continue and you especially have a joy-filled Easter. Love you guys and sending hugs and prayers. Thanks for the update.

[eleftheria]

Yes!Praise the Lord for He listens to our prayers and protects our beautiful Janelle.
Thank you Ken, what you re doing means the world to me. Btw you are na wonderful bloger, do you know that?
Love you both...

[Vicky]

It's good to hear that things have improved at the end of the week Ken and I do see that having to do things for ones self is important for a fighting attitude! Prayers continue for you all - and especially for Wednesday.

[Sherry in MI]

Thanks for the update, Ken. So glad to hear
that this past week was a good one for you
both. Will keep Janelle in my prayers on
Wednesday, especially, and you both in my
prayers in general. Nice to see that you
were able to have some visitors. I'm sure
that you and Janelle were cheered by the
visits. Blessings to you both.

[Joan B]

Thanks for taking the time to let us know how Janelle is. You didn't ask for advice but I'll give it anyway. Please make sure that you are getting your routine medical care taken care of and have some time for YOU. Janelle needs you so much but your life has changed and the stress must be enormous. Ok, off my soapbox.

We stampers miss Janelle on the blog but enjoy your posts also. Glad to see that Janelle had a better week and hope this one is even better.

[cindy Kessler]

So very thankful for a good week last week and standing with you in prayer for a GREAT week this week. God is gracious, He is enough and He will be faithful! Praying ....

Blessings,
Cindy K

[Lou]

Great to see pictures and hear Janelle has had a better week!

Lou

[Connie F.]

Your posts are great, Ken and we appreciate them so much! So glad this past week was better. I will continue to pray for strength for you and Janelle and also that the treatment this week will go well. Please give Janelle a (((BIG HUG))) for me. Looking forward to seeing a post from Janelle too.

[Julie H in Mn]

Continuing to send prayers and good wishes from MN! Ken, you are an excellent blog writer.....I still haven't had the guts to start a blog :-)

[Kristine]

Thanks for the pictures and thoughtful update! Just love that Kathy and Sherri brought over food...thank you Lord for loving friends! When you have a chance could you sing "He Owns the Cattle on a Thousand Hills" to Janelle for me? I know it would make her smile!
Loving you, K

[Karen Johnson]

Glad to hear Janelle's week was better and that this, Holy Week, will be her best in a long time! Praying for her and you Ken, so glad you keep all of us who care posted. Say hi to my friend Jessie and thanks too for sharing all the card making friends 'stuff'. Love it, being a card maker myself.