Merry Christmas!!

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas from our family. Thank you for praying and thinking of Dad and Mom during this wonderful time of year.
A quick report. Dad has been home for several days now, and has been feeling alot better. He is trying some of the suggestions they gave him to help with the digestion and his bowels, and they seem to be working. He is feeling better, and he is encouraged. We are praising God for this!!! Our greatest gift this Christmas will be having Mom and Dad. We thank you, and God bless you this season as you celebrate the birth of His Son.
Love, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Good report

Mom and Dad came home today from Houston. The tests all showed that all was well with Dad. The choking has been due to scar tissue that has developed at the sight of surgery. While they were in there doing the scope, they stretched out his esophagus, which they say should help. They also gave him some ideas for the bowels, no sure solutions, but hopefully some more options to help.
We are praising God that no cancer has returned and that according to them all looks pretty good.
Dad was wanting a quick fix for the weight gain, but it looks like that will be a slow process.
Thank you all for praying. I pray all of you have a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In Him, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Please pray!

We were out of town all weekend, but upon our return, I found out that Dad and Mom had had a rough weekend. Friday night, while trying to get out and do some Christmas shopping, Dad started choking on part of his supper, and choked for over 3 hours. They considered going to the ER, but after Dad felt himself relax a little, they went on home. Dad and Mom are very discouraged. Dad's intestines were doing a little better keeping the food in him a little longer, but he is now having trouble again. There is no way he will be able to gain weight if we can't keep the food in him.
He survived the men's Christmas party at the church on Thursday night, but since then has refused to get on the scales not wanting to know if he lost any more weight. He has had a rough weekend, overall feeling bad and discouraged with his condition.
They are heading to MDA Tuesday. They will be having tests run and Dr.s appointments on Wed. and Thurs.
Specifically we are asking for prayer:
That they will be able to find out what is causing the bowel issues, and the choking and that it is treatable.
That they do not find any new growths in the esophagus.
That the Drs. would know exactly how to take care of him, and have wisdom beyond their training and years.
Please pray for encouragement for their hearts.
Thank you, JJ

Struggling a little.

Thought you would enjoy some sweet pictures of Dad and Mom at Jesse's 12th birthday dinner, last Friday night.

Dad has still not lost any more weight, but he is having some of his problems return. He is starting to have a hard time with the food going right through him again. We are trying a different medication, thinking maybe he could have a bug. He has only been taking it for a few days, and it may take a few more before we know if it is going to help. He has also started choking again when he eats. Now this is probably very alarming to all of you, since this is how this whole thing started almost a year ago, we are concerned, but feel it is probably scar tissue from surgery. Because of these things, Mom and Dad have decided not to wait until January, when their appointments at MDA have been scheduled. They will return to Houston before the end of the year to address some of these issues.

All that said, Dad's spirits are up, as well as Mom's. They are enjoying the Christmas season. Dad is getting ready for his annual Men's Christmas program, where he plays Santa. He really gets into it, and has spent days planning out what he will say. When I was a kid, I used to think my Dad was so silly, and couldn't believe he would do stuff like this, but now, I still think he is silly, but I love it.

Please pray for Dad's bowels to slow down so that he can absorb the needed nutrients from what he eats. Pray about the Dr's appointments coming up, that once again, the Lord will give them wisdom and guidance as they look at Dad and his symptoms. Pray about this choking issue, that it is nothing but scar tissue and wisdom on what to do about it.

Also, one last thing, each month, right after Dad hosts the men's fellowship/meeting out at the ranch, is when they have seen a significant weight loss. This Thursday is the Christmas program for the Men's group. The good news is that they are having it at the church, so no mowing or setting up the pavilion, etc. (which is what Dad usually does), but still, as he prepares for this Thursday, he is still using extra energy. Please pray that we will not see another big weight loss after this is over this week.

Thanks so much.

In Him, JJ Ford

About the same

Dad is continuing in the right direction. No change, but he is having mostly good days. He usually works out at the ranch every day, at least some. He is eating regularly, but is usually exhausted for about an hour after he eats. He gets worn out pretty easily, but overall is doing well. Still no weight gain, but also no more weight loss.
The weekend before Thanksgiving, Mom and Dad went out on the first date they have been on since before Dad's surgery. (They did this at least once a week before) That was a nice treat for Mom. Also, they went to the movies with me and the kids to see "Bolt." This was also a special treat. My Dad has always loved going to the movies, but hasn't felt like doing this since before his surgery.
Mom and Dad had lots of company during Thanksgiving, so he was wiped out for a few days after all the company left, but non-the-less, enjoyed seeing everyone.
He is also doing really well with the stuttering. He only seems to do it when he is tired or stressed. We joke with him now about it, asking if we are stressing him out if we hear him start to stutter. He usually laughs and says "Yes!"
I am sorry to those of you that check the blog everyday. Since Dad is staying the same, there is not much to report on. Thank you for your continued prayers. They are what has sustained all of us.
In Him, JJ