Not much change.

Dad's situation has not changed much since yesterday. He is still bloated, and in some pain caused from the bloating. We are hoping that the slowing down of the feedings, and different formula will make a difference. Mom was not feeling well last night or today either. She may be worn out, caught a bug, or both.
Keep praying, thanks, JJ

They have a plan.

Dad was feeling better today, since he had not eaten in several days and had not had any feedings since the night before, his bowels were settling down a little bit.
Since there was no obstruction found, they are going to try to treat this swelling by changing the formula he is on to a low fiber blend. Also he has to be very careful to not eat any foods that encourage gas buildup. The Dr. explained that since they rearranged his insides, that it will take his body awhile to adjust to this new setup inside, and it may not handle things the way it used to.
We are all looking forward to this new plan, in hopes that it will work and give Dad some relief. Then we can move on to the lungs and speech.
Thank you for your precious prayers, words of encouragement, and reminders of what God's word has to say to all of us. We rest in him, even when we don't understand all that is going on around us.
One thing I know for sure, that this has brought us all to our knees, as we are totally not in control of anything. We have had to look to the Lord for everything, we haven't even been able to look to Dad to pull through this on his own power and strength, which is what he has done in the past, especially when it came to medical or physical challenges. We are literally stuck without the Lord's power moving in this situation. Being totally reliant on the Lord is not a bad place to be. It is through His power, His strength, His wisdom, that any of us are able to accomplish anything in life, or for that matter, just to get up and breath each day. God is our provider, he is our strength, and He is sufficient to meet all our needs. Praise Him.
In His Grace, JJ

The test is finally over.

They waited all day, finally had the test late this afternoon, and the Dr.s didn't come by until this evening. The good news is that there is no obstruction. The bad news is that they still don't know what is causing this bloating. Dad was not able to take his feedings last night, even through the j-tube, because of the bloating and pain it was causing.
They are going to meet with a GI Dr. and also a nutritionist. They are possibly going to change the type of formula he is taking, and also maybe let him eat something soft by mouth, and not give him the formula at all to see what happens.
I am not really sure what the plan is. Mom was exhausted, she was talked out, and said she wasn't sure how long they would be there, or when they would let him go.
Thank you all for praying, JJ

Urgent prayer request!!!

Please read comment from Jan on yesterday's post.
Love,
Jan

Still in Houston in the hospital.

They decided to keep Dad one more day and night until they could get a ct scan, and barium swallow test. This time they are going to check things out from the mouth all the way through, not just the place of surgery were the repair was made. They are now looking for any area of obstruction, that may be causing the excessive gas build up in the abdomen. Dad is still very bloated and they have taken him off all food by mouth, they are just feeding him through the j-tube at this point, and they have slowed the rate down of how quickly they give him the formula. Worse case scenario is if they find an obstruction that is not accessible through a scope, then they will have to go back in and open him up. They do not necessarily expect this, and we are definitely praying that this is not the case. They may not find an obstruction at all. They are doing this test at 7:30 am on Friday morning. They said we should know something pretty soon after the test.
They are needing to get this abdomen issue resolved before they can even work on the lungs, and after that speech. One step at a time, one day at a time "Sweet Jesus."
Thank you all for reading so faithfully, and checking up on Dad, and especially for praying.
(While I was typing this, Mom called. She was sitting in Dad's room watching the Baylor football game on tv. Go Bears!! (Dad loves his football) She sounded good, and Dad was doing ok.)
Thanks again from all of us, In Him, JJ

We are getting answers.

Things are not moving fast, but Mom and Dad have been able to talk to more people, the right people, and get a little more information over the last two days.
As of right now, Dad is still in the hospital. They are going to give him smaller feedings through the j-tube, and hold off on all the solids by mouth, until things settle down in the stomach. They are going to try to give him something for the gas buildup, they said it may be getting trapped because of the rerouting, the surgery itself, or the change in diet, etc. The Drs. said all the scans and chest ex rays show improvement from 5 weeks ago, 2 weeks ago, and now.
The speech pathologist came and said they could start working on a plan and looking at some options to help Dad, speech therapy, medications, etc.
The staff Dr. that was sent down from the Thoracic Dept. was much more verbal than Dr. Roth, so he was good for Mom and Dad to talk to and get their questions answered.
All in all, we feel like the Lord did answer prayer in providing the right people to take care of Dad this go around.
Mom said, as far as the care goes, they are not ready to jump ship and seek help elsewhere. They still feel like they are in the right place, they just need to be patient, pray, ask questions, be firm at times, and also understand that this healing process is going to take a long time. Much longer than they expected.
Thank you for all your interest, your thoughts, and prayers, JJ

Dad staying in the hospital overnight.

This post is going to be choppy at best. My Mom called to give me an update right as all my kids came in from Jesse's football practice, and they all wanted to talk to me, needed me to help them, etc. Anyway, here is the best of what I understood her saying in between all the interruptions....
They did go to Houston on Monday. They did go into the hospital this morning, but not to the clinic, they went to the ER. They were seen by the ER Dr., who, Mom told that we all had been praying for the right Dr. to see, and he smiled and said, "I wasn't supposed to work this shift, but a last minute emergency happened to the other Dr. scheduled to work, so they called me. So you must be the reason that I am here!!"
He seemed very attentive to Dad, and was concerned. They were able to be seen by a senior partner in the Thoracic Dept., and the resident that was supposed to see them today, never showed up. (Prayer works!!!, or rather God works!!!)
The staff Dr. felt that Dad's situation is not critical, but they want to keep him overnight and tomorrow for observation. They think most of the bloating in the abdomen is gas that is trapped. They are planning on backing off Dad's eating, continuing with the feeding tube, and slowly reintroduce food again though the mouth. They do not think the vocal cords have been damaged. They said the liver looks fine, and that even though his heart is still beating fast, that it can keep that up for a long time. They think as Dad has struggled to talk, that the more he struggles with it, the worse it gets. They think he is suffering from anxiety, which they feel they have caused. They said that this surgery Dad had is the most invasive surgery they do at MDA. His body has been torn up on the inside, and it will take time, it will be a slow recovery.
That is about all I can remember from the conversation. I know it is short little bits of info, but in between the kids needing me tonight, that is how I heard it. I will update tomorrow, hopefully with a little better report.
Please pray, that if there is anything else going on with Dad, that it will show up during this observation period. That they will not head back home and continue to struggle.
In Him, JJ

Heading to Houston

Mom and Dad said they heard back from MDA, and they are going to Dr. Roth's office tomorrow to meet with the RESIDENT!!! They are very disappointed in this, but once they get there, they said they are not going to leave without some answers. Please pray that they will be able to get some help, and not except the "I don't know" answer that they got last time from this same resident. I am not posting her name just in case she happens to see this blog. We need for one of Dr. Roth's associates to step up and see Dad if Dr. Roth is not available. I am sure you can hear the frustration in my typing. I am sure that I am not as frustrated as Dad is. In all this I want you all to know that we are still praising God. His plans are perfect, His ways are right. We are going to ask for more than what MDA has offered us, but no matter what the outcome, we trust the Lord. We also trust the Lord to move mountains on our behalf. We are expecting the best, and asking him to move behind the scenes to get Dad some help. He will get the glory.
Thank you for praying again, JJ

Prayer Needed mid-day!

I just spoke with Mom. They are still at home awaiting a call from MDA. Several things have happened since I last updated the blog.
First of all, last night, Mom wanted to request prayer specifically for wisdom on if they should head to MDA today, or just wait it out. She said she wanted to call, but we were with our small group from church, so I was unavailable to update the blog anyway, but God is perfect in the way He works, without even getting to ask everyone to pray, God gave them their answer. Dad started throwing up again last night. This made two nights in a row now, so Mom felt like she knew what they were to do. Dad agreed that they should definitely head to Houston today. Dad requested that if they were going to have to go through the ER, that they go down today, spend the night, and check in first thing in the morning. He would rather start that process during the day, than have to stay up all night in the ER running tests. Makes sense.
While they were getting ready today to leave, they received a phone call from someone who works in the development department down at MDA. She had gotten their name from a former neighbor of ours in Keller (Doug Newton). She had no idea what Mom and Dad's situation was, but just happened to call (no coincidences, God in in control), after Mom told her all that they had been through, the complications Dad had been struggling with, and that the Thoracic Dept. had told them that if they needed something they needed to go through the ER, because Dr. Roth was on vacation and has been for awhile. This did not sound right to this lady, as it has not sounded right to us as well. She felt like someone was dropping the ball in their department. She was going to make some phone calls and see if she could get Dad directly in to see the Dr. and not have to go through all the mess of going to the ER first, then just seeing an resident, instead of one of the staff Drs. in the Thoracic Dept.
If anyone understands Drs needing vacation, I do. It is important, but there must be someone who is covering for Dr. Roth, who is not just a resident in training.
Here is our request:
That Dad would be able to get an appointment with someone who knows what they are doing, who is familiar with his situation and his specific surgery, and also that can give Dad some answers to what is going on with his breathing and speech problem. We know MDA is a teaching hospital, but since Dad's surgery and leaving the hospital, he has yet to sit across from Dr. Roth, or one of his fellow surgeons on staff, to witness with his own eyes, what Dad is going through. He has seen and talked to nurses, physician assistants, and residents. We feel that Dr. Roth needs to see for himself what is happening to Dad, to get serious about helping him, and to help us find some solutions. I know we must have patience, and if that is what God is trying to teach us through this, then Lord help us. But we also feel like, until Dr. Roth sees for himself, we may not get any serious help and answers.
If they do not get a phone call with appointment times, they are still heading down today, and will go through the ER as they originally planned. Either way, they are heading down today. I will update later if there is any new info.
Thank you again, In Him, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Rough Weekend.

After I posted on Saturday, Dad had a rough night. My sister, Jamie, and her two children came to see Mom and Dad on Saturday afternoon. They were so glad to see them, but during dinner, Dad seemed to continue to feel worse and worse with his swollen abdomen. He tried to rest for a little bit, then walk for a bit, but nothing seemed to give him relief. He stayed sick for awhile, then began to have a little relief. His color also seemed yellowish. They chose not to feed him anything through the feeding tube last night, and he said he felt a little less tightness this morning.
All this leads to another trip to MDA on Monday. They are going to take Dad down to the ER to see if they can try to figure out what may be causing this swelling and pain. They were scheduled for more tests at the end of this week, and also scheduled to get the j-tube out this week as well. Hopefully they can just start running the tests early and get him taken care of. Once again, please pray for wisdom for the Drs. that will be taking care of him, and for safe travel for them. Also, for comfort for Dad.
Thank you again, JJ

Mom and Dad's 40th Anniversary

Today is Mom and Dad's 40th wedding anniversary. They celebrated by sitting on the porch this morning reflecting over God's blessings in their lives over the past 40 years. What a testimony!! They are embracing each day with such acceptance as to what the Lord has brought into their life at this time. No, this is probably not the way they would have chosen to spend their 40th, but none the less, a very sweet time for them.
Dad is doing about the same on breathing and talking. His fever has stayed down for another day, so praise God for that.
He is still having alot of swelling in the abdomen area, which may be contributing to the breathing problem. We need wisdom in this area as to what could be causing this.
Thank you again for praying, we love and appreciate each of you, JJ and The Janszen Kids

Friday Update.

Mom said Dad is doing ok. Fever is back down. She thinks his breathing may be slightly better. He is still swollen and tight in the abdomen, and still not sure what could be causing that. They have made contact with a man and his wife who went through this same surgery a year ago, and have spoken with them several times. This is a huge blessing since they are able to glean all the information they can from this couple's experience over this last year. It has also been helpful to see that some of these things Dad is experiencing will hopefully come to an end. Thanks again for praying.
In His grace, JJ

Highs and Lows.

Some good friends from our church here in Cleburne, who just went through cancer with their little grandson, told me back in April, that this road we were about to travel would be full of highs and lows. She encouraged me to celebrate the highs, and prepare for, then pray through the lows.
Dad did have a little bit better day yesterday, but Mom said he had a rough night, and a tough day today. Fever did come back up last night, to 100, not as high as it had been, but still back up. Dad was just feeling bad all over last night and today. He is really swollen in the abdomen area and they are not sure what that is from.
So we don't have as good of news today as we did yesterday, but we will keep praying and hoping for the best.
Mom did say Dad was more willing to do his breathing exercises today, so that's a good thing!!
Thanks for caring.
In His grace, JJ

A little better today.

Thank you so much for those powerful prayers many of you posted, and many of you didn't post, but I know you prayed. I am in awe and humbled that you all are like an army waiting for your marching orders, and as soon as a request is made known about Dad, you all are on your knees. Amazing!!! What a blessing you have been to our whole family.
Dad was about the same today, except Mom said that Dad had not run over 99.2 temp since yesterday, and his breathing seemed a little better. Not a huge improvement, but we will take it. Mom said she is not wanting to get too excited too soon. We will hope that this is the beginning of a slow but sure road to recovery.
Another good thing from today was a visit payed to Mom and Dad from one of Dad's life long friends and his wife. They brought a meal and prayed with them. Thank God again for encouragement He provides along the way.
Continuing to pray and hope, JJ and the Janszen Kids

Tuesday report.

Spoke with Mom and Dad today. Mom had gotten out of the house to run a few errands and go exercise, which was good for her. She left Joy at home to sit with Dad. Mom sounded good.
I called the house and spoke with Dad. He said he hadn't slept too good, and was feeling ok. He sounded the same on the phone. Unable to finish a sentence without going to a whisper. Pausing until he could get the next word out. Mom told me that he is not wanting to eat as much as he had been, and that he is also not doing his breathing exercises, which he is supposed to be doing every hour (I think). When Mom spoke with the nurse yesterday, she told Mom that Dad must eat, so he can wean off of the feeding tube, and also that he must do his exercises or he will not get better. Mom is doing all she can to encourage him to do what he must do, without wanting to nag him. I told her we need to get all his old PT buddies down here to get on to him!!! I have no idea what must be going through his head during this time or how bad he must feel to hold him back. Dad has always pushed himself, us, and his patients to do whatever it takes to get better, to push through. He has always done this! After his double knee replacement 2 years ago, he walked the next day in the hospital. When I had my knee surgery in college, as I came out of the sleep of the drugs in the recovery room, Dad was there telling me to do 3 sets of 10 tightening my quad every 5 minutes! I can't imaging how tough this must be for him to feel the way he does. I know part of it is depression, or at least discouragement. Those of you who know him, know that this is not the Mike Janszen that we all know and love. So please keep praying...
For the new meds to help.
For Dad to be motivated to eat and do his exercises.
For healing of his lungs and breathing.
For God to be glorified in and through this story of Dad.
We will keep praying together, JJ

Monday update.

Still not much change. Dad's temp came back up a little, still not over 101, but he still has something going on that is causing this. Breathing and talking are all the same. A few things to report on though....
Yesterday while we were down at their house, Ray talked with Dad a while and they discussed some medicines that they could try to possibly help Dad. Dad was willing, but felt they should check it out with Dr. Roth's office first. Long story short, Dr. Roth's nurse called back this morning after Mom left a lengthy message with the name of the meds, and what they were wanting to try, and said that it was fine for them to start taking them. One is an antibiotic to fight the possible infection (somewhere in Dad) that may be causing the temperature, and one is an inhaler to hopefully help open up some of Dad's bronchial tubes and sacs. We are not expecting a miracle overnight, (aside from God's divine intervention) but we are hoping and praying that they may help relieve some of the difficulty Dad is having. We will wait and see. The next step may be to go see a Pulmonologist either here in Cleburne, or back down at MDA. Whatever Dad and Mom want to do, and whatever Dr. Roth's office recommends next.
One nice part of the day for Mom and Dad was a visit from some long time friends who live in Wichita Falls, but were heading back through this area on their way home from seeing one of their children at A&M. Mom said it was great, and all they did was sit around and visit a little bit, but mostly cried together. I can't help but think of Job when he was so devastated with his boils from head to toe, and his 3 friends came to see him. For the first 7 days no one said a word, they just sat with him. Sometimes it is so good to have those around us who love us and are willing to just sit and cry, not offer answers, not offer reasons for why we are suffering, not try to fix out problems or explain them away, just be with us. God is good in the way he brings comfort through friends.
Also, Mom had a good talk with someone who's husband had this same exact surgery, cancer, and symptoms post surgery. What a blessing that was for her to be able to talk to someone who has been through this and could give counsel, and encouragement, and an idea as to what to expect next and how to navigate through this. We know every situation is unique, but at least it gave us hope that this too shall pass. We pray this.
Thank you for all the lovely notes, we love you all, JJ

Spent the afternoon with Mom and Dad.

We went down today after church and took supper to Mom and Dad. We really enjoyed being with them, and while we were down, we celebrated my daughter, Anna's ,4th birthday. We picked GaGa up(Dad's mom who is 90 years old and lives out on the Ranch in one of the homes on the property) on the way down. It was nice to be together, to fellowship, and to try to enjoy some normalcy of life in the midst of this difficult time for Mom and Dad. All I can say is that it was good to be with them.

Mom is hanging in there, she is trying to keep her chin up, her mind on Christ, and her faith in all that the Lord is doing, that it is good even though she doesn't understand His, what seems like, silence, in the midst of this storm. She loves the grandkids, and they made her laugh, which was good.

Dad has not changed much. He has seemed to have a lower temp the last 2 days, but his heart rate is still elevated, breathing is labored and shallow, and the difficulty in speech is still there. He really didn't talk much today, but He enjoyed watching the Olympics with Jesse, and watching Anna open her presents. He smiled and tried to be pleasant, but was very quiet. He is so discouraged about this situation. We are all discouraged. Knowing God is working behind the scenes, yet feeling like nothing is happening. Not seeing any change, and wondering if and when things will get better. He is hurting, as well as Mom.

We know it is not a matter of if the Lord is able, it is if He is willing, if this is part of His perfect plan. We are praying that it will be pleasing to the Lord, and accomplish His purposes, in healing Dad, and helping him to recover soon.

Thank you again for all your comments. I have just printed out this entire blog from the beginning until present, and have put it in a scrap book for Mom and Dad to have with all your comments along with each blog entry. Mom has read all of them, but Dad has missed a few here and there, so now they will be able to go read back over all the wonderful encouraging words you have put on here. If you have wanted to send them a note, I will be printing out all the comments from this point on and placing it in their book, so go ahead and leave a comment if you wish.

Thanks again for traveling along this bumpy road with our family. We cherish all of you, and consider ourselves blessed to have you lifting Mom and Dad and all of us up during this time.

In Him, JJ and the Janszen Kids

Friday, Saturday report.

I ran out of time yesterday to update, sorry for those that have been checking.
On Friday, Dad had a rough day. There is some good news. His fever was down, not going over 101 all day, but his breathing and speech were worse.
His best friend, Jim Reeves, and his wife Micah, came up from Brenham to visit for the evening. It is always good to see the Reeves, but Dad was struggling so bad with his speech and spasms in his breathing. There was a time where Dad was talking to Jim and he got hung up on a word, and could not get it out, it was like his diaphragm was spasming, and it took him 10 minutes before he was able to talk again. This is happening quite often, and talking really wears Dad out. His energy level is very low.
They thought that they would hear back from Dr. Roth's office on Friday afternoon to find out what the Dr. thought of all this and when he might want to see him again, but they never called back. We must continue to pray that Dad will be able to breath normal again, his heart rate would slow down, his fever would stay down, and that God would give Dr. Roth wisdom on figuring out what is going on with Dad.
I wish I had good news and could give a better report on Dad, but this is it. We are trusting our
good God in this no matter what, but we are crying out to him for some answers and some relief for Dad and Mom. (She sounded a little tired today on the phone.)
Thank you for carrying this burden with us. We love and appreciate you all, even though we don't know who all of you are, you are bonded to us through this and through Christ, JJ

About the same.

I spoke with Dad today. He said he is about the same, no improvement. He spoke with Dr. Roth's (the surgeon at MDA) assistant today, and she seemed very concerned that Dad was having this much trouble with his breathing, speech, heart rate (still high, above 100 when resting), and fever (yesterday it spiked at 101.8) She said she is baffled. She was going to talk with the Dr. and get back with him. Continue to pray for wisdom and direction about all this.
Thank you, JJ

Hanging in There

Things are the same with Dad. Nothing has really changed. He is still running fever, still having some difficulty breathing, still stuttering, and still no energy. He is still alive, still eating, and as far as we can see, still cancer free. We are praising God through our pain.
Dad is still discouraged, but your words of encouragement are huge. Thank you for the truth spoken in your comments. Mom said that when people call and ask how they are doing, they are answering truthfully. No fake, "we are fine,", just the truth, "they are hangin' in there." One day at a time.
Mom is so wonderful in the way she is stepping up to the plate. Dad has always been the strong one, always taken care of Mom, and now Mom is being such a blessing to him, by being the strong one, the encourager, the one who continues to pray and believe, and trust, and just be there for Dad, like no one else can. Praise God for giving her what she needs when she needs it.

Besides Dad's discouragement, please pray again for this fever. We want the Lord to show us if there is an infection hiding somewhere deep inside that is being overlooked by the Drs. Pray for wisdom and insight for them, and also for Mom, if and when she needs to contact the Drs. about the fever. (Remeber, they said don't call unless it is above 101*) it has bearly made it over that once, but it has gone between 99-101 many times.
Praise God for all of you, JJ

Tough day.

I spoke with Mom this morning, and they had had a pretty good night of rest. Still the low grade temp comes and goes, but the pain medicine seems to help with that as well as his ability to rest. But Mom called this afternoon and left a message asking us all to pray for Dad's discouraged heart. He is really having a tough time with his lack of energy returning, as well as his struggle with talking. I am sure Dad is going to have to be patient with the energy returning, and possibly with his speech as well, but he is really down about it. Please pray for the Lord to whisper in his ear how loved he is, what a wonderful plan God has for him through all of this, that God has not forgotten him, nor has he ceased from working, healing, providing.
I can't help but think of the following passage out of Exodus:
" Then Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." Ex. 4:10-12
God is mighty in His work. We all hurt with Dad when he hurts, and with Mom too. I am praying that Dad will not be discouraged. That even if he never returns to full energy level, even if he never speaks fluently (not really sure if he did that anyway), but if he never speaks the way he used to without stuttering, that he will feel a sense of purpose, joy, completeness in Christ and His calling on Dad's life. Pray for patience to take this one day at a time, and to find joy in the journey.
Thank you, JJ

Visit with Dad.

We just got in from having dinner with Mom and Dad. They have had a good day. Dad and Mom went walking together. Dad walked about 27 minutes, but then it took about 2 hours to recover. His energy will return, but it will come gradually. He has still been running a low grade temp, but MDA says not to worry about that. We are all a little concerned, but we are going to sit on it right now, and try to trust the Drs. down there. Dad is eating and drinking well. They are starting to slowly wean him off the formula in the feeding tube as he increases his intake through his mouth. He is the same with the breathing, and the stuttering. We love him, and it hurts to see him struggle with this. We believe he will work through this. We hope that some of the breathing issues and spasms are related to the pneumonia and the fluid that is still on the lungs instead of just nerve damage. Pray that if there is an infection or something that the Drs. are missing down there in Houston, that God will make it obvious to them. And of course, encouragement for Mom and Dad. Thanks for your attentiveness to our family in prayer.

In His Grace, JJ

Coming Home

Mom and Dad came home today. Things are not any different. Dad still has a low grade temp. that comes and goes. He still has the same breathing spasms when he talks (at times, not all the time), and he is still going to take lasiks as needed. The pain medicine seems to help with the short breathing when he is talking, maybe it is relaxing those muscles in that area. He still has the knot on his leg, which they will watch closely, and he still has the shakes at times. He has a pretty good cough going right now, possibly from the pneumonia.
Please pray for encouragement for him. Pray he will see God's hand in all this, and be reminded that the Lord is with him, walking through this, and will be glorified in Dad's weakness. God is good and His purposes are good and right. We serve an awesome God. Pray for healing for Dad's symptoms to diminish, and to help his body repair from the surgery and work the way it was created to. Pray for strength for Mom too.
Thank you, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Staying in Houston.

Saturday at 12:30 pm, I spoke with Mom. She said that they would be staying in Houston another night, and if things go well, that they would return home on Sunday. They are not sure what the knot is on Dad's leg, but they will keep and eye on that, if it changes, moves, gets red, etc.
His breathing is still "gaspy and short at times", especially when he talks.
He also had a shaking episode, almost like the chills (when you have fever), right after eating breakfast. He had several of these in the hospital, usually after he finished walking around the nurses station, but this was while he was just sitting right after eating. Dad is discouraged about this, the breathing, and the shaking. Pray for encouragement in this, that hopefully this will pass as his condition improves over the next few months. He doesn't want this to stay with him the rest of his life.
Another praise is that the pathology report came back and it appears that the chemo and radiation killed all the cancer!!! The Drs told Mom and Dad that the part they removed had no trace of cancer in it, and that they would not have known that for sure if they had not done the surgery. It appears Dad has been cured of cancer. Hallelujah!!!!
Now we just need to pray him through this process of recovering from such major surgery. They do feel like his symptoms of the breathing and possibly the shakes are related to the nerve damage I referred to in earlier blog entry. We will see, and we will pray that the symptoms will decrease as his strength and healing increase.
In His amazing mercy and grace, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Evening update

A huge praise!!! Dad passed his swallow test!!! He was so thrilled, we are all thrilled!! I thought Jesse, my 11 year old son, was going to cry when I told him. We have all hurt for Dad in this difficult time.
Anyway, he went and ate mashed potatoes, chicken, and green peas tonight. Mom said that Dad loved it.
He has been released from the hospital, everything seemed to check out ok, but they want him to stay close for tonight, and maybe tomorrow night as well. Dad's breathing is still not right, but they think it may have something to do with some nerve damage caused during surgery. They said he can stay on the lasiks as needed, but they said they did not find a blood clot near the heart. I did not find out what the knot in his leg was, will have to ask Mom tom. what they said about that.
They also said it looks like his heart is fine, and did not suffer any damage due to the excessive rapid heart rate over the last few weeks. I will feel better when Dad's heart rate slows to a more normal rate, and also when his breathing improves, but it sounds like this may take a little time.
Mom and Dad are going to stay the night in Houston at the Rotary House. He has no fever now, but they have taken him off the antibiotics to see what happens. So tonight we can praise God for Dad passing his test, and also pray for continued wisdom for those taking care of him, strength for him and Mom, and healing in his body to continue.
Thank you all for praying, JJ and the Janszen Kids

Morning report

Dad stayed over night. All tests they have run are inconclusive. They are running more tests today. Checking to see if Dad can swallow. They are concerned there may be a blood clot around the heart. Mom is tired, she rested for about 4 hours last night. Right now they are not sure about when they will come back home. Pray for the Drs. Wisdom to figure out what is happening with Dad, and how to treat it.
Thanks, JJ and the Janszen Kids

MDA ER.

Dad went in to the ER tonight in Houston at MDA. They immediately started running tests on him, and started him on IV antibiotics. He has continued to run a low grade temp, even though he has been on antibiotics for the past 10 days. Ray (for those new to the blog, Ray is my husband, an MD, and helps me understand some of the medicine talk) anyway, he told me that the 2 iv antibiotics they started Dad on are two of the big guns we have in medicine. They are the strongest we have. Hopefully this will take care of an infection somewhere that they have not been able to pinpoint. At the time we talked to Mom, they were still awaiting more tests, but Ray said more than likely they would start him on lasiks as well. He also has developed a bump in his inner thigh about the size of a golf ball. They are going to investigate this as well. Possible blood clot, lymph node??
Right now our two biggest concerns are the possible infection somewhere in his body, and the fluid build up in the chest, abdomen, and lower extremities.
I spoke with Mom at 10:30 and she sounded tired, but said she was glad they were there and had gone on in. She said Dad went willingly.
Please continue to pray. I will update on Friday after I speak with Mom.
In this fight with all of you, JJ and the Janszen Kids

A Good Night, but heading back to Houston

Mom called this morning and said:
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.

Psalm 34:1-9

Dad's breathing has been better, heart rate down, and he slept much better last night. Praise God for all YOU prayer warriors and for lasiks. They are heading down to MDA today, staying in the Rotary House tonight, and have appointments all day tomorrow. They will have a chance to evaluate Dad and see if we are on the right track with what we have done the last 24 hours with his meds. They will do his swallow test tomorrow. If he passes, then he can have a drink of water!!!
Praising God with you, JJ
Don and Sandy, your prayer really ministered to Mom and Dad, Thank you.

Better

A few hours after taking Dad's new meds, he was breathing a little better, and his heart rate was down in the 90's. Thank you for your prayers. I will update tom. afternoon after I have a chance to talk with them. In Him, JJ

Prayer needed again.

Just got off the phone with Mom. Dad's breathing has not improved. There is swelling in the lower legs, and abdomen. Resting heart rate is above 100 bpm. Ray took it last night, and it was in the 120's. Dad's normal rhr is in the 50's. Ray said that his heart is having to work overtime to try to handle the extra fluid on the lungs. Ray got some lasiks to Joy and Mom today to try and get the fluid off of his lungs and relieve this extra pressure on his heart.
In the mean time, after talking to Dr. Roth's nurse down at MDA, she said they could try the medicine at home, but if it doesn't help, that Dad needs to come to the MDA ER. Something is not right, even if it is just the fluid, Dad's heart cannot keep up this pace for a long time.
Mom asked for us to all pray for:
1) A strong heart for Dad.
2) For wisdom for her to know if they just need to hop in the car NOW, and go, or wait and go Thursday. They are going for sure on Thursday, because they are going to try and do the swallow test on Friday to see if he can start drinking water, etc.
3) For Mom, as she has been overwhelmed with phone calls. So many want to just check in, but because there are so many, she is having a hard time handling the volume of calls.
4) For Dad to do whatever he needs to do to help himself, even if it means going back to the hospital.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for praying, JJ

Tuesday

Sorry I am so late getting this posted. We just got home from being down at the Ranch with Mom and Dad. We had dinner with Mom and Joy (who is home from Africa), and checked on Dad. He was doing ok. He is still short of breath, especially when he tries to communicate. His pain seems to be minimal, praise the Lord for that. But his breathing is still a concern. We will keep praying for his lungs to be able to take good deep breaths, and for the fluid to back off of those lungs and out of his body. He is also running a temperature. Mom is going to keep her eye on that as well.
Thanks for praying, JJ
By the way, Mom is doing great on the j-tube, and the feedings, and medicines. All the equipment seems to be working great, and Mom is an excellent nurse.

Home

Dad and Mom both slept well last night in their own bed. They are adjusting to life at home recovering. Dad's pain is minimal, but his breathing is of concern to Mom. It is hard for him to get his breath to carry on a conversation. Pray God will fill his lungs, and that he will be faithful to do his breathing exercises every hour, like he is supposed to. Thank you for praying.
JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Home to the Ranch.

Mom just called and let me know they are coming home to the ranch TODAY. Mom asked for prayer, that the pump and j-tube would all work as they are supposed to. Pray for strength for Mom and patience for Dad. Pray Dad doesn't try to go get on that mower!!!
Thanks, JJ

Staying the night.

Jamie, Clint, Raylee, and Ryder visiting Dad this weekend.

Dad had more shortness of breath today, and at least one more breathing treatment I know of. He told Mom he would stay another night, which was a relief to her. I think he knew it was best as well. Mom said they would see how he does tonight, then get up tomorrow and take it one day at a time. Jamie and her crew have been with Mom and Dad since Friday night, and that has been good support for Mom. Keep praying for the Lord's perfect plan to be revealed. God is good.
In Him, JJ

God is working.

As all of us were praying for the Lord to intervene, He was. Last night, Dad had a rough time about 2am on. He started having chest pain, and trouble breathing. They came in and gave him an ekg, thinking he might be having a heart attack, and also gave him a breathing treatment. He was not having a heart attack, but they gave him another dose of loritab, and the pain got better. The breathing treatment helped as well. The Dr. this morning said that he would not leave this morning, they would watch him all day, and see if he might be able to go stay at the Rotary house tonight. They do not feel good about letting him go to the Ranch at this time, at least for another day or so, they want him to stay close to the hospital.
Even after all this, Dad told Mom he wants to go to the Ranch. I talked with him this morning, and he told me he thinks he will rest better, and get better faster at home, out of the hospital. I reminded him that Mom doesn't have a breathing machine at the Ranch, but he said he still wants to go home.
I know he is sick of the hospital!! I know he wants to get away from all those nurses and Drs., but we must continue to pray that ONLY if it is the Lord's plan for him to leave, that they will release him, and not Dad's plan. Pray for patience on Dad's part, and good nurses and Drs. this weekend. The weekend crew is working, and not the ones that have been taking care of him all week.
Thanks for all your interest and concern in our situation. Yes, it has been a roller coaster week, but we do know God is in control, and we trust Him in all this. He is so good in the way he works, and His timing is perfect. Praise Him that none of us, not the nurses, Drs., or even Dad can thwart His plan.
I will keep you posted, JJ

Prayer Request

Mom called around lunch time and asked for prayer. The Dr. came by to see Dad, and Dad told him how good he felt and when could he leave. Mom could hardly believe her ears. Just yesterday Dad hardly felt like getting out of bed, had fluid on the lungs, and this morning was short of breath and diagnosed with pneumonia, and now mid-day, Dad is saying he wants to go home. And the Dr. said ok, probably tomorrow. Mom is asking everyone to pray for God to intervene if this is too soon. That God would do something to keep Dad there. If it is ok for Dad to leave, then I am requesting prayer for Mom and Dad both. She is going to need His strength to begin this caretaker roll, especially until she feels comfortable with all that she is required to do. Dad has been on some good iv meds, getting the fluid off, and also fighting the pneumonia, so we are not sure how he will feel once the iv is out.
Pray for the Lord's perfect plan to unfold in the next 24 hours. I will let everyone know what they are going to do sometime tomorrow. It may be later on in the afternoon, depending on when the hospital releases him, or decides to keep him.
Praying with you all, JJ
Thanks for God's Word being shared on the comments, it is always good to read and read again.

Friday report

Mom called a few minutes ago with a report. Dad does have pneumonia. This is the most common complication with this type of surgery. They have him on iv antibiotics and his white blood cell count was down this morning, which means he is probably responding to the meds.
Mom asked specifically for everyone to pray for Dad's breathing. He is having to take short quick breaths instead of being able to breath deeply. This is what he needs to do, to help get over this pneumonia, and also, it will help with his energy level. They also have him on a drug to help dry him out, to get the fluid out of his chest. This probably will make the dry mouth worse, but it is necessary to get the fluid pressure off his lungs. I feel so bad for Dad and what he is having to endure. Mom is doing well, but sounded a little tired this morning.
Jamie and her family are supposed to go down to be with her tonight. So glad for that.
Thank you for all your words of encouragement, Mom said she checks the blog daily and shares your comments with Dad.
Fighting this fight together with you all, JJ

If you have a little extra time today, check out the following links. These were sent to me to forward on to Mom and Dad from a family friend of ours, Jesse Reeves. They are very encouraging to watch. God is our Healer.
The first link is the story behind the song.
The second one is the song being performed. Thanks Jesse!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ_ny8hMgRY&eurl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4xsWldmqAo&feature=related