Monday, April 7, 2008

The Cowboy vs. Cancer


TEAM JANSZEN: (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) JAMIE RUTLEDGE, TULLY JANSZEN, JAN JANSZEN, JOY JANSZEN, MIKE JANSZEN, AND J.J. FORD
(THE REST OF THE TEAM WILL BE PICTURED ON A LATER BLOG)
Hello to all our blessed friends and family from the Janszen Family. Thank you for caring enough to come to this website and check on the progress of our Dad (Mike Janszen) as he begins this battle with an opponent that he has never had to face before. We are so thankful for all of you who have called and written. How blessed our father is to have sooo many who love and care for him.

As the news spread about Dad, the phone calls increased, almost to an innumerable amount. Mom and Dad, wanting to talk with each of you and share the information, quickly realized it was almost impossible to call everyone back in between doctor's visits, traveling back and forth to the hospitals, tests, and just life itself. This website was a suggestion from my dad's best friend as a way to help all those interested in Dad's progress to be able to keep up with what is happening. I will try to keep it up to date on a regular basis. Feel free to check back as often as you like.

We are so thankful for all of you and covet your prayers for Dad and Mom during this time. If you would like to communicate to them that you are thinking or praying for them, please consider a card or letter, as they will have much time on the road and in waiting rooms, and plenty of time to read them together.

Thank you for loving our family,

JJ Ford ((The oldest) for all the Janszen Kids)
Mom and Dad's address:
Mike and Jan Janszen
18391 FM 56
Kopperl, TX 76652
A quick timeline for those who have been asking:
Winter /Spring 2007- Dad had a few symptoms of problems swallowing when eating, but then they passed.
About 6 months ago- Choking returned when eating some meals, especially supper.
About 3 months ago- Choking getting worse at times, but not all the time.
March 22, 2008- Dr. appt. with Dr. Bismar (gastrointestinalogist) suggests the possibility of cancer. Schedules a scope for Monday morning (March 24)
March 24, 2008- Dr. thinks it is cancer before even getting path. report back.
March 26, 2008- Dad has PET Scan to search for any other cancer in the body.
March 27, 2008- Dr. appt's. again to find out he doesn't have stage 4, it is no where else in the body, (Praise God), but now we must meet with the Oncologist.
April 1, 2008- Dad went to have a biopsy of a spot on his head to see if it is something we need to be concerned about.
April 2, 2008- Dad had an endoscopic ultra sound done to stage the cancer. He was staged at a 3 with a possible lymph node involvement.
April 3, 2008- They met with the Oncologist and the Radiation Dr.s to discuss a plan of action and treatment.
April 6, 2008- Dad and Mom went down to MD Anderson to meet with Dr.s there to discuss possible options and compare with what they have been presented with up here in Ft. Worth. No new news today except that MD Anderson wants to perform their own round of tests. They are concerned about the findings on the lymph node. Tests are yet to be scheduled.

17 comments:

Derrick said...

Thanks so much for the updates. You all are in our prayers! Amy (Newton) Swinarsky

The Black's said...

Ya'll are definitely in our prayers, all the way from Arkansas. We will check back soon and add you to our blog site prayer list!! Brad Black

palzo33 said...

Hey Mike, just wanted you and your family to know the Shabay clan just got word and have immediately joined in the fight by praying for your life! Your name comes up in conversations all the time and most of the time somewhere in the conversation your toughness is discussed with great admiration. I'm sure you will lead your family through this battle the way you always have- resolved and faithful.
Your friend,
Paul

Uncle Jim said...

Thank you J.J. for this helpful way of keeping abreast with Mike's new challenges. Please include specific prayer requests on this site as new challenges manifest themselves. We are fervantly holding Mike and the entire Janszen Team before the Lord and are expecting God to be glorified throughout this very difficult and trying time.

Kristin said...

We love you guys so much and are committed to praying with you throughout this process. I am so thankful you have started this blog and we look forward to keeping up with specific prayer needs this way. Thank you for taking the time to do this JJ - it is a wonderful idea.

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
Psalm 91:4

Trusting and praying with you,
Anthony & Kristin

donnave said...

Thank you so much for this wonderful website...I have had all of you in my prayers since I heard. (Didn't call because I heard that you went on to Israel. It's a good thing since I would have clogged the phone line further.
You are also on our church prayer list. So many people praying...God must be overwhelmed with the fragrant prayers of the saints for you, Mike, and your family.
Love you.

Unknown said...

Sooo glad to have this connection! Pat and I are praying daily for you and look forward to you being back at full speed in the Lord's Good Time.
Love to you and to all your great family !
Pat and Marsa Lee "Hinkenberger" (or whatever it was Mike calls him)

Uncle Jim said...

I can really see God working in this .... let's all be praying for MIKE'S PATIENCE, I know this is already becoming tedious for him. We all know Mike is a warrior, but "not knowing the score" or being able to see his adversary is becoming tough for him.

Shelley Small said...

If there's any cowboy who can kick this thing, it's Mike Janszen. There are many prayers being said by the Small family and friends right now. I hope you guys know how very special you are to us -- and have been for as long as I've had memories. Much love, Shelley

the farmers said...

Hey Janszens,
You're in our daily thoughts and prayers! We have added you to our Sunday School prayer lists and Bible Study lists! We will look forward to your updates.
We love y'all! The Farmer's "4"

Isaiah 41:10

Book said...

Hey Mike,
I just got your blog from Dad and wanted to check in with you. How are you? I hope all is well with you and you family. Please rest assured that all the Bookout family has you and your family in our daily prayers. We know our prayers are powerful and are always answered. If I can do anything for you and your family please let me know. I have time and I am available and please don't hesitate to let me know. It would be a priviledge to serve you and your family in any way possible.
Mike, I Love You Brother.
God Bless
Kyle Bookout

the Souder's said...

Dear Mike and Jan, We love you and your family greatly. You all are being prayed for daily. I have enlisted almost 200 of my prayer warriors and my churches to pray for you all. The Lord is giving you and us the victory. My verse I am claiming for you all is Mark 9:23b " All things are possible to Him who believes" We all are believing that the Lord is giving you His great love and perfect healing. Hope to hug you and see you soon. Love you loads. Danny and Karen Souder 214 394 5250

Linda Bennett said...

Mike, Jan and family
Just a quick note to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. You have a wonderful support with your family, but please know that there are many, many friends who care for and love you greatly. Thanks to JJ for the updates. Hugs and kisses to all.

Linda (Middleton)and Allen Bennett

Linda Bennett said...

Mike, Jan and family
Just a quick note to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you start your treatment. Your family is such a wonderful support for you, but know that you have many, many friends who care for and love you all so very much. Thanks to JJ for the wonderful updates - hugs and kisses to all.

Linda (Middleton) and Allen Bennett

Stella Dubois said...

Mike,
I heard the news of your battle from Dixie. Thanks to Danny, I was able to find this cool way to communicate with you and your family. Your younger peers in the class of '65 are interested in your progress, so I'll keep them posted. Meanwhile, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. As I'm sure you know, you are loved by many.
Hugs,
Susan Starnes Haynes

Gail Steagall said...

JJ and all Janszens....I so appreciate your updates. It was fun to see that you were all in Branson and visited w/Darnell. She and Spike have influenced so many lives. Their son Bill and his wife are our dear friends. In case you don't recognize my name, I grew up next door to Mike and Sue on Ponderosa in Hurst. Please give my regards to Mike, Doris, Sue and all the family. You are all in my prayers. Gail Page Steagall

Anonymous said...

Mike and Jan (and family). Just wanted to say that you continue to be in our prayers. May the Lord bless and keep you close in His arms during this difficult time. Mike, I admire and love you so much. Thank you for your faith and courage on a daily basis, you continue to be an inspiration to me. Barron