A praise and a request.

Last night Dad hosted the men's fellowship, "Band of Brothers", out at the Ranch again. This was the first time that he was able to be there since the surgery. They have met out at the Ranch since the surgery, but Dad was in the hospital in Houston and not able to attend. What a blessing for him to be there again, and to have all those men out there worshiping the Lord, and hearing the good saving news of Jesus Christ.
(Once again, for those that do not know Him as their personal savior, He is it! He is the reason for any of us getting up in the morning, He is the reason that Mom and Dad have been able to push through, and continue to believe that God is good no matter what. Even if Dad never gets better, He has done enough for him by dying on the cross for his sins, and saving him for all eternity.)
Please, if any do not know this saving truth, send us a comment and we will call you and visit with out about it!! It is why we do this blog and why Dad and Mom continue to want to minister to others in spite of their own suffering and pain.
Anyway, 98 men came out to the ranch last night, and Mom said it was great. Dad worked a little too hard all week trying to get ready, so he was very tired by the time the evening arrived. Praise God that some of the men stayed after and helped Mom clean up, while Dad went on up the the house to rest.
Our praise, besides the men's fellowship, is that Dad's gut has seemed to have gone back down almost to normal. He is able to even get some of his old jeans on. So we are very thankful for this. Dad is too, besides looking pregnant, and making jokes about letting Ray do a sonogram on him to see if it was a boy or girl, he was also in much pain with the bloating.
Our prayer request is that Dad would have the strength and whatever it is he needs to make himself eat enough, protein, calories, etc. As of today, he has lost 30 lbs. The Dr.s told us before the surgery to expect him to lose 20, but he has moved beyond that, and they are telling us he will have to be very careful to not continue to go down any more. Mom asked specifically for everyone to pray for his appetite to return, and for him to have the desire to make himself eat what he needs to.
Thank you also for all your sweet comments on the blog. I am encouraged and appreciate knowing that you all are reading and praying because of this. I needed the encouragement this week myself, so thank you.
In His amazing grace, JJ

Still doing well.

Dad is about the same, which is good. His stomach finally seems to be going back down, instead of being so swollen. We are noticing a pattern; if Dad has a good night's rest, then he seems to do better the next day, able to go out and work a little, and his speech is better. If he does not rest, then he usually feels like laying around most of the day, and his speech is much more difficult, with lots of stuttering. He still does not feel like eating much at all. Pray for good restful nights, and also for his appetite to return. I am so glad that many of you locally have been able to see him at one of his outings. This is good for him, and good for each of you to see how he is with your own eyes. Please keep praying for Mom. She really is doing well, but does get discouraged from time to time with the slow recovery process, and the ups and downs they have from day to day. Thanks again for all your prayers.
JJ

Dad is doing well.

Praise God! Dad is doing pretty good. He has been out mowing the last several days and getting out of the house more often to go work out at the Cleburne Fitness center, going to prayer meeting at church, and then to Jesse's football game last night. He feels so much better just being more productive. We are all praising the Lord with you that Dad has felt like doing all these things. The prayer request that we have now is that Dad's appetite would return. One down side of Dad getting out and working a little is that it makes him very tired, and when he gets back up to the house, he doesn't want to eat at all. Mom is continuing to fix him whatever sounds good to him, but usually if he has worked at all, he loses his appetite. Please pray that Dad can continue to work and feel productive, but that his priority would be to get the nutrition he needs. He has lost about 20 pounds, which was to be expected, but now we would like to slow that down, or begin to move back up a little. Thanks for being patient with me and the updates. Thanks also for praying.
In Him, JJ

A good few days

Here is the picture I promised from Saturday night at my house.

Dad has had a few pretty good days. He was able to go to church on Sunday, out to eat, then home for a restful afternoon. He is still bloated, but seems to feel a little better staying off of the j-tube feedings. He is eating, just in very little portions.

He also went in to town today and worked out at the fitness center for awhile. He is trying to make himself do things. Some days are better than others.

Since things have calmed down a bit, I am going to only update every few days, unless things seem to be changing. Thank you again for all your support and prayer. We could not be going through this without you all.

In Him, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

About the same

Dad is doing about the same. He did come to our house tonight for Joshua's birthday dinner. I will post a picture soon. It was so good to have him and Mom at our home again. Dad did feel good enough to play guns with Joshua tonight. Keep praying for that abdomen, and his breathing.
In Him, JJ

Another tough day and night.

After Jesse's game last night, Dad went to go do a little workout. Later that night, when he got home, he wasn't feeling so good. He did not rest well, his incision was bothering him (the big one all across his front), and just had an overall bad night. He then had a tough morning. After drinking a protein shake for breakfast, his stomach started hurting, and he was not able to leave the house or feel like doing much of anything the rest of the day.
Ups and downs. I know this is what we must face. Keep praying for more ups than downs.
Thanks so much, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Thursday

Dad, Joshua, and Ray's Dad watching the game.
Dad came to Jesse's football game tonight.

It is late, so this update will be brief. Dad is putting one foot in front of the other, literally. Even though he is still bloated, he is trying to walk more in hopes of helping the bowels to work, and easing the bloating. He is not planning on going back to the J tube unless he has to because of too much weight loss too quickly. He was actually going to try and go work out a little after Jesse's game tonight. He said he needs to start somewhere.


I was so glad to see him, and thankful he felt like getting out. Jesse was too, he prayed all day that "Buddy" would feel good enough to come tonight. I was encouraged to see his positive attitude, and his determination to come to Jesse's game, and also go work out a little. I think it is because of all you praying for him. Thank you, and keep it up.


In His grace, JJ

About the same.

I spoke with Mom about mid-day, and she said Dad was doing about the same. He has stayed off the jtube feedings for another day but says he is still feeling bloated. We are praying that this will pass and he will be able to move past this hump and begin to tackle some of the other issues he is dealing with. He is going to try to start walking again, and has been the last two days. The dietitian said that this may help, especially walking after he eats. He has not really felt like doing this for awhile, so maybe this will aide in the decrease of swelling and bloating in the abdomen. Mom said his discouragement comes and goes, as well as hers.
Most days I am in shock when I realize that this really has happened to my Dad. I never in a million years would have thought my Dad would have to go through something like this. He is such a strong man, which is probably why he even survived the chemo, radiation, and then this invasive of a surgery, when so many others don't. I hurt so badly for Mom and Dad both. I know that through all this, it will all work together for good, but some days you just wonder when it will ease up. My prayer is that through Dad's suffering, through this battle and journey that they are going through, that if even just one person would trust Christ as his/her Savior, then it will all be worth it. The thought of Dad's testimony through this, that it could point the way for one person, to his Savior, to our Savior, to save them for all eternity, would make it all seem worth going through.
Christ is real, He is the reason that Dad is able to get up every day and battle this uncomfortable bloating, his fast heart rate, his lack of air, and his stuttering. He is his hope. It is not in this world, it is not in his recovery here on Earth, it is in the hope of our Lord Jesus. One day, He will wipe away every tear, one day, He will gaze into Dad's eyes and say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." That is our hope, that is our joy in this journey. Please, if you do not know this hope personally, if you do not have this assurance of eternity with the Lord. Trust Him now. He loves you, he died for your sins, and He rose again, and lives today. If you already do, Praise Him, and keep praying for Dad.
We love each of you, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

A little better.

Dad stayed off of his j tube feedings last night and all day today and said he felt better. I spoke with him on the phone briefly, and then with Mom and she said his spirits were up, and hers were too. They go hand in hand.
Mom and I both felt that Dad's improvement was directly related to all the prayers that we know went up before the Throne of Grace last night and today for Dad. I am so thankful for all those that prayed and I would ask for you to continue to if the Lord lays Dad on your heart. This will be a long recovery, and I am sure it will be full of ups and downs, but knowing that you all are just a quick note away, to pray for Dad, is such a comfort and blessing to us.
Mom spoke with a nutritionist for a long time today, and she said that this was a common complication (the bloating) with those patients on the j tube. I think Dad will stay away from the j tube feedings for a few more days and see what happens. He will continue to eat by mouth regular food, as well as protein shakes, and other high calorie, low fiber drinks.
Keep praying, and thank you.
In Him, JJ

A rough day.

Dad has felt awful today. Bloated, sore, jtube seems to be leaking. After talking things over with Ray, consulting with a surgeon here in town, and another xray of the gut, they are having to think through what their options are and if they need to head back down to MDA, wait it out, see if this passes...... Dad is of course frustrated with his body, Mom is discouraged. It just seems like more of the same thing they have been dealing with. We are praying with them, and also frustrated with them at the situation. Several phone calls down to Dr. Roth's office today, with messages left, and only the nutritionist returned a phone call.
We are not sure if this is something that Dad will have to slowly get over and be patient, or if there is something else going on in the abdomen area. Fluid leaking within the abdomen and not in the bowels?? Dad and Mom need prayer. They once again need guidance, encouragement, peace, comfort, pain relief.
The ups and downs of this process are difficult to deal with, but God is still on His throne. He knows what he is doing, and He is very involved in this process. Last week seemed like we were heading in the right direction, but this week seems like we are taking a turn for the worse. Please Lord, intervene. Help Dad's body to work well. Give us all wisdom. Give Mom strength. Give Dad rest from the pain.
In Jesus Name, Amen
JJ

Not so good Sunday.

I got my report for the weekend from Mom on Sunday about mid day. We went to lunch together after church. But last night the phone rang at 10pm, (which is rare unless it it the hospital calling for Ray), and it was Mom. She spoke with Ray, and said Dad was so bloated that he was having a hard time bending over, and was very uncomfortable. She said Dad had not had a very good day, just feeling lousy. They are coming in to see Ray this morning and see what direction they need to take. Pray for Dad and his swollen abdomen. Pray for wisdom for treatment. If this is something that will get better with time, or if there is something that they can actively do. Pray for his bowels, that they will begin to respond normally again. Pray also for Mom, as she goes through highs and lows with Dad, and wants to continue to be up and be his support through all of this.
Over the last few days, she has been put in contact with a few other survivors of this type of cancer and surgery, but none of them have had the complications like Dad has. This has been a little discouraging. Thank you again for all your love and concern for Dad and Mom.
Praying with you all, JJ

Good Weekend

Mom and Dad had a good weekend. No changes. Dad is continuing to do ok, still bloating in the gut, still struggles with breathing and speech, especially when he gets tired, but overall he has improved. Thank you again for checking up on us.
In Him, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Saturday.

I spoke with Mom this evening. She said Dad is continuing to feel better, like he has the past few days. He is still struggling with the bloating, but said overall he is doing better. They went to the ice cream social last night and said it was nice to see people from church that they hadn't seen in awhile. Getting out was good, but Dad gets quickly worn out.
She said they didn't do much today, but when I called to check in on them Dad was out firing up the grill for Mom. She told me they may go to church in the morning if Dad feels up to it.
So more positive news from the Ranch. Praise God for continuing to get us all through this, and praise God for all of you who have prayed us through this.
In Him, JJ

Thursday and Friday report.

So sorry to those that read everyday. I didn't get a post done last night.
Dad had several good days this week, then yesterday (Thursday) , he was tired after not getting a good night's rest. He rested most of the day, but then on Friday he seemed to be doing better. As a matter of fact, Dad got up this morning and did a little weed eating!! If you know my Dad well, you know this is something he loves to do, or at least did all the time before he got sick. (It is his trademark!!) I don't think he worked for a long time, but he did it! I am sure that this will encourage the healing process, as he is able to feel more productive. Praise God for weed eating!! I never thought I would say that!!
Mom and Dad were going to an ice cream social tonight for a little while. Mom was not sure how long they would stay, but Dad thought He would give it a try.
The breathing is still about the same, but he speech comes and goes. The last two times I have talked to him on the phone, he sounded pretty good. He is working on relaxing his muscles as he tries to talk, and trying not to get keyed up when he speaks. We will work on that later, though. For now we are just so thankful that he has had a few better days. He still has a long way to go, but he is making small improvements. Thank you again, and again, and again for all the prayers.
In His mighty grace, JJ

A Better Day, Indeed !

Although I didn't get to finish telling J.J. about our day...because of bad cell service as we were driving back to the ranch from town.. I thought I would tell all of you.
We definately saw improvement today. Mike had more energy, a desire to get some things done, an ability to eat and enjoy his food (not much, yet) a better night of sleep last night, and he wanted to go to church. He even drove for a few minutes on the ranch with me riding shotgun. I wouldn't let him drive into town, though. It was great to be at church and see everyone again. On the way home we stopped at Sonic for supper.....life does seem to be getting better. As we thanked the Lord for our wraps and slushes :) , we also thanked Him for our wonderful church that we get to participate in, and for all of you... our precious family and friends who are carrying us through this journey. As we crossed the Brazos, the sun was setting and the sky was a beautiful shade of pink reflecting in the river. We thanked Him, again, for that magnificent display of His handiwork and for a much better day.
There have been so many days that we both were just too weary to pray other than just to cry out to the Lord. And yet we could almost hear your voices petitioning heaven's throne.
Mike has had a much greater pain and ordeal to endure than I have had and yet my pain has been watching him go through this. There have been many days that I wouldn't let him see me cry as I watched his struggle with complications from this surgery. I knew that I had to be positive for him so I held my composure. Then I would read the blog with all your precious
words of encouragement and beautiful prayers and I would weep before turning in for the night.

We cannot express to you enough how much we appreciate your investment of time in our battle. It is time consuming to pray and to care enough to check on his daily progress. And we are just overwhelmed that so many of you are standing with us.
Psalm 107 was especially uplifting to me, today. Please read it if you have the time.
Amen and Amen and Amen, again!
Jan

A better day.

Here is a picture from last night at our house

I was only able to talk with Mom briefly tonight, but from what she said, things sounded good. Dad is still fighting the bloating, but he is taking a new medicine that seems to be helping with his bowels. Mom said she felt like he was doing better. Yeah!!!

Dad said he wanted to go to prayer meeting tonight at the church, which they did every week before Dad's surgery, so Mom and Dad went, and Mom said it was great. She said it was so good to be there. I am so glad Dad felt like getting out again and going in to town. Praise the Lord. Even though we talked briefly, and I didn't get many details, I could tell from what Mom said and how she sounded that they had definitely had a better day.

I can't help but feel like that on these days that Dad is able to get out of the house, change his scenery, and break up his normal routine that he has been on since the surgery, that it will encourage his recovery, give him hope, and just breath fresh air back into his life. Dad is an amazing man, and so is Mom and woman. I never thought a year ago we would celebrate the ability to just get out of the house and go get a haircut, have a birthday dinner with your grandchild, or go to church for prayer meeting. What a difference a few months can bring. I guess the truth is these are things we should not take for granted and all celebrate every day! I realize more and more through what Dad has gone through, that every day is a gift, every meal we eat is a celebration, and every breath we take is a direct result of God's grace in our life. Praise God today for the ability you have to just sit down and read this, I am thanking Him now for two hands to sit and type. I am also thanking Him for You.

Once again, I cannot express enough from all of our family how precious each of you are to all of us. I pray God fills you right now with His peace and comfort. As you pray today, please continue to pray for Dad's bloating, his ability to handle the foods he takes in, his ability to breath, and his ability to speak. I loved the comments from yesterday, that all of you are celebrating with us with every step, whether huge or tiny, that Dad is able to take in the right direction.

God bless each of you, JJ and the Janszen Kids

Dad doing ok.

Dad and Mom came to the house this evening to eat dinner with us and celebrate Ruth's 10th birthday. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to see Dad in our home again!!! I didn't realize how much I had missed seeing them here. I was so thankful Dad actually felt like getting out and coming up for awhile. They actually came in a little bit earlier and Dad got his hair cut in town.
Dad seemed to be doing ok, but Mom said he was worn out from all the visitors yesterday. He just can't handle all the talking and visiting like he used to. (Not yet.) Mom said he was still fighting the bloating, and pain associated with that, but he is trying to work through it with this new eating plan, and formula. Mom was feeling better as well.
Keep praying that the bloating will decrease, and the lungs will increase.
Once again, thank you for reading this blog and caring so much for the Janszen family. We are amazed at some of the stories that have trickled in about those that are following Dad's progress, and how they have never used the internet before until now. Dad has inspired many of us in many different ways, but I bet he never thought he would encourage you to use the net.
Sincerely, from all of us, thank you for caring. I believe He will get through this. We care for each of you.
In His Mercy and Grace, JJ and all the Janszen Kids
I will try and post a picture of Dad from tonight on tom. blog.

Labor Day Report

Dad and Mom are home, and they are both doing better. Mom just had a 24 hour bug, so she is definitely feeling much better today. Ray and Jesse went by early this morning after dove hunting down at the ranch, and checked on both of them. Ray said Dad looked better to him. Mom also felt Dad has made a little improvement and looked a little better.
After Ray and Jesse left, Mom said they had a slow trickle of visitors all day long. Some were family, and some were friends. It was a nice change for Dad's normal routine. They enjoyed seeing everyone. Dad rested in between visits.
Sorry this email is short and choppy, I am distracted with home school starting tomorrow at the Ford household. I will update tomorrow evening. Please know your prayers are a huge part of this journey in the Janszen Family. We appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you.
In Him, JJ