Team Janszen

Mike Janszen Memorial Service, Slide show, #10, after the 9 of 9

2012-02-12T17:45:00.000-08:00

This is the slide show that was shown as Dad's Memorial service. I finally figured out how to upload it from my computer!! Hope you enjoy.

Mike Janszen Memorial, Conclusion

2012-02-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

Here is the final video from Dad's Memorial Service. This is 9 of 9

I have one more video, a slide show we put together, but I am having trouble loading it. Anyway, hope you are able to enjoy this memorial with us, especially those that could not be there in person.

Part 9 of 9

Tribute to Mike Janszen from best friend, Jim Reeves, part 2, part 8 of ...

2012-02-01T04:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the second part of Jim's talk. So very funny. We love Uncle Jim.

Part 8 of 9

Tribute to Mike Janszen from best friend, Jim Reeves, part 1, 7 of 9 of ...

2012-01-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

Here is Jim Reeves, Dad's best friend, giving the final tribute at Dad's Memorial Service. He is so funny, and gave us a wonderful way to end Dad's service, in laughter. This is in 2 parts, so this is part 1 of Jim's part. This is part 7 of 9.

Part 7 of 9

Tribute from Mike's kids part 2, part 6 of 9 of the entire Memorial service

2012-01-31T14:35:00.000-08:00

Here is part 2 of the kid's tribute to Dad. This is part 6 of 9 of the entire Memorial service.

Part 6 of 9

Tribute from Mike's Kids part 1, part 5 of 9 of Memorial Service

2012-01-31T09:06:00.000-08:00

This is the next part of Dad's Memorial Service. All 4 kids spoke, sharing our special tribute to Dad. This is a two part section. Part 5 of 9 of the entire Memorial service.

Part 5 of 9

Tribute to Dad through Music, Jesse Reeves, part 4 of 9 Memorial Service

2012-01-31T07:48:00.000-08:00

This is part 4 of 9 of Dad's Memorial Service. Jesse Reeves, long time family friend, like a cousin to us, performed the song he wrote, How Great is our God, along with How Great Thou Art, Dad's favorite hymn. What a beautiful tribute in music.

Part 4 of 9

Tommy Maxwell Tribute to Dad and Harmonica by Joel Hulcy

2012-01-31T05:59:00.000-08:00

This is part 3 of 9 from Dad's Memorial Service. Tommy Maxwell, the founder of Coaches Outreach, one of the ministries that Dad had helped teach Bible Studies with, shared a beautiful tribute, along with Joel Hulcy, whom Dad loved to hear play harmonica. He played Amazing Grace.

Part 3 of 9

Mike Janszen Memorial, Pastor Dave denHartog, part 2

2012-01-31T04:53:00.000-08:00

This is the next of the videos from Dad's Memorial service. Again, sorry about the "evaluation copy" watermark. This is part 2 of David's part of Dad's service.

Part 2 of 9

Mike Janszen Memorial, Pastor Dave denHartog, part 1

2012-01-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

Below I have posted 1 of 9 videos taken from Dad's Memorial Service. (I will slowly but surely get all 9 uploaded) I know many said they wished they could be there but were unable to. I really don't know how to do this youtube stuff, thus the "evaluation copy" watermark across the video. Sorry for that, but hopefully you can still enjoy celebrating with us, the life of Mike Janszen.

1 of 9

Service times and Memorials

2012-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Michael Louis Janszen

We have our times set for the services.

Visitation: Tuesday, Jan 24, 6-8pm at Cleburne Bible Church (930 North Nolan River Rd., 76033)

Graveside Service: Wednesday, Jan 25, 10am at Bluebonnet Hills in Colleyville (5725 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, 76034)

Memorial Service: Wednesday, Jan 25, 3pm at Cleburne Bible Church (930 North Nolan River Rd., 76033)

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to

Cleburne Bible Church building fund at 930 North Nolan River Road, Cleburne, Texas 76033;

Coaches Outreach at 1720 Regal Row, Suite 152, Dallas, Texas 75235;

or Fellowship of Christian Athletes-Greater Fort Worth FCA at 1907 Ascension Blvd., #300, Arlington, Texas, 76006.

Dates and Times for Services

2012-01-22T18:09:00.000-08:00

Michael Louis Janszen

We have our times set for the services.

Visitation: Tuesday, Jan 24, 6-8pm at Cleburne Bible Church (930 North Nolan River Rd., 76033)

Graveside Service: Wednesday, Jan 25, 10am at Bluebonnet Hills in Colleyville (5725 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, 76034)

Memorial Service: Wednesday, Jan 25, 3pm at Cleburne Bible Church (930 North Nolan River Rd., 76033)

Peace in the Valley

2012-01-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

I am typing as Mom dictates her thoughts and heart to me, to share with you.

As we woke up this morning, and looked out over the valley, one of Mike's favorite views, there was peace in the valley. His suffering is over, the battles were finished, and the victory was won. Thank you for continuing to pray for us, as we will need it even more now.

We will update you, with all the details of the arrangements, as soon as we know later on today.

It is appropriate that the first day of Mike's presence in the Lord, is the Lord's Day.

The quote below, from the Taylor's comment, totally describes Dad's morning. We can't help but rejoice in the air he is breathing, finally, he hasn't been able to breath deeply for so long.

"But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!

Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!

Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!

Of waking up in glory-And finding it home!"

To God be all the glory,
JJ (for Mom)

John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Philippians 4:7

"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I just wanted to add a few thoughts from our day, yesterday, our last day with Dad here on this earth. We had a glorious day. It was sureal at times. We started our day, with Dad in his favorite place in the gameroom, sitting where he sat every morning, doing his Bible study, drinking coffee, and watching the sun rise. We gathered around him most of the day, loving on him, praying, singing worship songs to the Lord, and just being close to each other. We had such a sweet time together, and when there was a lull, Dad's best friend would share old stories about him with all of us and the grandkids. We laughed so hard at times, laughter through tears. The grandkids heard things about their "Buddy" that they never knew, some good, some, well...... let's just say that Jim Reeves was able to tell stories and Dad wasn't able to defend himself if and when Jim was exaggerating!!! :)
After a day of being together, and saying goodbye several times, we slowly began to head to bed. The room cleared, except for most of us kids and Mom, mom's sister, and the nurse. It wasn't but a few minutes that past, before we watched Dad breath his last breath. It was very peaceful, we watched him conquer cancer and have victory over death and he boldly stepped into eternity with our Savior. Through tears, we rejoiced with Dad. Thank you, for your support and prayers.

Still sitting by his side to the very last breath

2012-01-21T23:21:00.000-08:00

God gave us a wonderful day together and tonight at around 11:40 pm, Daddy went to meet his Lord and Savior face to face. Hallelujah!! Well done Pop. We were around his bed, and he went peacefully.
Thank u all, you prayed him into Glory.
I will post more about details of services soon. I am having to post from my phone, so this will be all I will write tonight.
We love you all,
JJ

Back at the Ranch

2012-01-20T23:24:00.000-08:00

We are home. Hallelujah. It is good to be here, back where Dad said he wanted to be for the last 3 weeks.
We asked Dad several times if this was still his goal, and he always answered YES. So today, we began the process of getting him home. Hospice stepped in to help us facilitate the transition and all that had to be done to get him here. There is no question in my mind, that God hand picked the hospice staff to walk us through this and to care for our Daddy. Each and every one of them have been so precious, gentle, and caring for Dad, and so kind to us.
We left the hospital this evening, in a caravan, with me leading the way to the ranch, then Dad and Mom in the ambulance transport, followed by all the rest of the siblings. Some of the other family members; aunts, uncles, cousins, all had left each with a specific job to do, greeting the nurse at the ranch, accepting and helping set up equipment we needed at the house, going by the grocery to get us coffee and creamer for in the morning, you name it, they each had a role.......Team Janszen.
As I looked in my rearview mirror, at the motorcade bringing Dad home, me in the lead, and Tully bringing up the rear, to wrangle in any stragglers, I thanked God for my family. We are together, we are working as a unit, those in the caravan, and those doing all the other jobs to prepare the house, so we could come home. We are not perfect, we have our flaws, we have our stuff, just like every other family, but I praised God tonight for each and every one of them. This is our family, the family Dad has had such a huge role and influence on, and I thanked God.

Before we left the hospital, one of our precious nurses, Billy, was asking about our family, and we began to talk about his faith, and our faith. He asked if we believed in "once saved always saved". I told Mom later I am an idiot in sharing the gospel, I certainly couldn't think of the references, but I started quoting scripture to support why we believed what we believed. Thank goodness it is not up to us to save someone, and it is totally by the grace of God and the working of the Holy Spirit!! Anyway, I think I got nervous and just kept sharing our story of our family, Dad, Jesus, what He did for us on the cross, etc....... I finally asked, if I was just rambling on too much, and he said, "no, I'm a sponge and I am soaking it up." Mom suggested I write down the scriptures for him, so I did, then stuck them in his backpack before we left to go home. Pray for Billy, who knows the seed that could have been planted because of Dad's suffering.

So what now? We are home, Dad is in his favorite spot in the game room, by the window where he always sat to do his Bible study, and could watch the beautiful sunrise. Dad is hanging in there, but his body just seems to be doing the best it can, and yet continuing to lose strength. We are all here, the 4 kids and Mom. Our husbands are holding down the fort at my house with the 7 grandkids. They will be joining us in the morning. Everyone has gone to go lay down and try to get a little rest, I am sitting with Dad and the nurse for awhile, and wanted all of you to know you are sitting here with us. We have felt your prayers, there have been so many moments when it seemed we felt something carrying us through, and it is the Lord. He is mighty, He is worthy, we love Him so much.

We are not sure what will happen next, but God is in control. We are going to be together, that I know for sure. We are so grateful for your understanding during this time for our family to be together and share this very intiment time with Dad. We are so grateful for your love for Dad, and wish all of you could come be with us, but thank you for your understanding as we reserve these moments for family.

I will keep you posted, but right now, he is resting.
We love you all,
JJ

Tough day

2012-01-19T22:07:00.000-08:00

Oh dear sweet friends and family,
Today has been a tough day for us. Last night, Dad actually had a pretty good night of rest, at least it seemed that way to me, we only got up once, for him to go to the bathroom. Other than that, he slept for 2 long stretches. He seemed very tired this morning, and started his day with the hiccups. Seems almost silly to mention, but they really wore him out. They have continued most of the day, and into this evening, even while he sleeps.
He also was complaining of the pain in his abdomen, the one they were going to X-ray him for. As the morning hours progressed, Dad just seemed to be getting weaker, and was not able to really participate in any therapy that came down to his room.
By early afternoon, his oxygen levels had decreased and his heart rate increased. The Dr.s told me to call the family in. Mom and all the siblings have come, as well as our spouses and the grandchildren.
We are all here now, we are sleeping close to the hospital, Mom is there with Dad. He has a full time nurse in the room with him, and we are going to see if this is something he can rebound from, or if his body is just not able to. They have him on some oxygen to help. We are praying for the Lord's peace, comfort, and presence to fill that room. That when anyone walks in, they will know they are standing on Holy Ground. All those involved need prayer, every nurse, tech, Dr., family member, and even those that are helping care for our children so that we can be here. Thank you dear ones, for continuing to take us to the throne of Grace.
In His Mighty Name,
JJ

Mid Week

2012-01-18T19:59:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad holding hands

I am sitting here with Dad tonight.

He has not made really any improvement. He is complaining of some pain in the abdomen, and they are planning on x-raying the area, to see if there may be a broken rib from the fall.

The serum is going to arrive at DFW tomorrow afternoon, and Mom is going to pick it up and bring it straight over here to begin giving it to Dad.

Honestly, I think this has been a tough day for all of us. We are facing some discouragement, not knowing when or if Dad will be able to get better. Not knowing what is best, as far as staying here longer, or taking this show home.

Please just pray for specific wisdom as to what our next step should be, when, how, all the details. We want to do what is best for Dad and Mom, whatever that is, whether to stay a little while longer here, or try to make arrangements to head home.

Sometimes we just run out of the words to pray, so we just cry out to God. The Son is sitting at His right hand interceding for us, Hallelujah. We need Him to pray, when we don't even know what to pray. I know God has Dad and Mom right in the palm of His hand, tucked under His wing. I pray they FEEL that tonight. I am asking for them to both hear the Lord's voice, comforting them, assuring them that He is right here in the midst of this with them. That their rest tonight would be sweet. That they feel that peace that passes all understanding.

I am asking this for all of us as well. Our families, our spouses, and kids are needing this peace to carry us through, as we are all effected and walking this journey together.

God is faithful,
JJ

Monday

2012-01-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

Dad is doing about the same. He had a very restful weekend, with basically no therapy, since the therapists are off for the weekends.

He was very tired from all the therapy this past week, and so the rest was good. But. we were concerned about how he would do today, since they said they were going to hit the floor running.

Joy was with him most of the day, and told me that it seemed to be a good thing to get him out of bed, and get into therapy again. Even though he felt too tired to participate, he seemed to be a little strengthened by getting up and doing something.

It seems the doctors have done a pretty good job of getting the pain managed during the day, and at night also. This has brought some relief with his headache and upper right back.

Thank you for your continued prayers. The serum is supposed to arrive later this week, so we will let you know when. Pray for a safe passage over from Germany, on the plane with the courier.

In His grace,
JJ

Saturday night

2012-01-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

I am back up here tonight. And I'm blogging from my phone, so this is going to be extremely short to save my thumbs :)
Dad has been pretty tired today, and was too tired to participate in his therapy. He did get some speech therapy this morning, but then was pretty worn out the rest of the day.
He actually fell yesterday, trying to get out of bed and go to be bathroom by himself when no one was in the room. This was very upsetting to us, as well as the nurses, so they moved him to a more secure hall in the hospital, that has a little more precautions set up to keep this from happening again.
I was so glad to see that Blessing was going to be our nurse for the night. She has such kind words of wisdom and encouragement. She really is a blessing.
Pray for renewed strength and power for Dad tomorrow.
Thank u and goodnight,
JJ

Quick update from Thursday

2012-01-13T05:07:00.000-08:00

I am sorry I didn't get this done last night. Dad is continuing with his therapy, and was able to walk with assistance by the therapists on Wednesday and Thursday. We were all excited for this.

Thursday, he was very tired, and his headache seemed to be increasing in pain and lasting during much more of the day than it has in the days before. This pain in his head and also his right upper back (probably muscular from his strain to raise his left arm) is causing more exhaustion as well as making it more difficult to participate in his therapy.

So quickly, I wanted to ask for prayer for his headache, for his pain in his upper right back, and for his oxygen levels to increase. Continue also to pray for power and strength for him to be able to participate and improve with his therapy.

Thank you again,
JJ

Joy and Blessing

2012-01-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

This is an additional note I thought you all would enjoy.

On Monday night the nurses who came in to take care of Mike were Joy (from the Congo), and Blessing (from Nigeria) and also Tut (from Sudan) an aid. These 3 beautiful people from Africa hit it off with us as well as our Joy who exchanged stories with them about her experiences in Uganda.

In the early hours of the morning (4:45 a.m.) when Mike needed some pain meds, Blessing came in and gave them to him. She told him that she hoped and prayed that he could get some more sleep but Mike said he didn't know if he could go back to sleep. She nodded and replied "Well then, just lay there and let your spirit rest and allow God to do His healing work." Mike replied, "those are good words, Blessing. Thank You." He quickly fell asleep. :) Prov. 3:24 "...you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet."

I believe Blessing helped him as much with her words as she did with the meds. We want that nurse again.

Good night and thanks to all for your faithfulness to keep praying.

Jan

Wednesday

2012-01-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

I am home with my family tonight, Mom is on the night shift.

This will be a short post, but I wanted you all to know Dad had a pretty good day. It started off rough, with his sleep being interrupted, but then, after a little bit more rest, he was able to strap his boots on, and head out into all the various forms of therapy.

It truly takes all his energy, to go from resting, to breathing treatments and exercises, to PT, to lunch, to more therapy (Occupational T, and Speech T), etc. He pretty much goes non-stop until the early evening. The good news is, that he seemed to have a renewed sense of spirit today, a determination, a desire to start moving toward his goals. Praise the Lord for filling him today.

He had very low oxygen levels today, which made him extra "out of breath", but they gave him supplemental oxygen this afternoon, and will continue to do so, so that will hopefully help him feel better.

We are continuing to ask for no visitors at this time. I talked about this with Dad today, and asked him what he wanted. We know people energize Dad, and he is so blessed to have each of you who care for him, and want to come by and just cheer him on. But Dad did say, that saying even a few extra words to visitors, is so draining on his energy levels, that he wishes to hold off for now, so he can get over this hump of intense therapy. Thank you for wanting to come by and love on him, but thank you also for understanding during this difficult time of energy conservation. We welcome any notes, old stories, prayers, whatever you want to share here, or via my email, and we will read them to dad. I sat and read to him so many of the comments left by you on this blog, as well as my face book page, and he couldn't believe how many people cared and remembered him.

Again, thank you for loving our family.
In Him,
JJ

Tuesday Update

2012-01-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post. Dad is snoring, so I need to hit the sack real quick to make the most out of his sleep time. :)

Today started off slow, with Dad saying he was really tired, and not really wanting to participate in therapy at first. Later though, he seemed to be his old self (a little), he shared his story with his speech therapist, about how God had called him into PT, and how the Lord had opened the door to PT school, just 2 days before classes began. It was great to hear Dad, in his whisper, share part of who he is, and share of God's faithfulness and plan for our lives.

Dad and I watched the Baylor Game on the internet, we couldn't get the channel on the regular TV, and Dad thought that was pretty cool that we could do that on the computer. He even said, "you know, one day we will look back at this and remember how fun it was to sit here in this bed and watch this together on the internet."

Yes, we surely will, as we all treasure, even more, every moment we are given together. By the way, Baylor won, so Dad said he could sleep better now. Sic 'em!!

Hug your husbands, wives, kids tonight, while you are able to. God has given us this day.

Dad did share with me that he had to keep trying to make progress. So, again, he is not done fighting. He did make some progress today, baby steps, but non-the-less progress. He told the PT today, that he was planning on going home in 2 days!! She smiled, and said she was glad to know his plans, so she could help him reach his goals faster. We all smiled.

Keep praying for strength. I can't believe how many of you are praying for Dad. Karen, a friend of mine from our church, shared with me little tidbits from a book she just read, Heaven is for Real. How encouraging on the prayer part. It is too much to type here, but basically, this little boy, while on his death bed in the hospital, was given glimpses into heaven. He told his dad, that he saw God sending down power and wisdom when his dad asked for it. So, we are asking for power for dad, to do the things he needs to do to get through this. Praise God He hears us and He answers prayer.

Love to all of you, Goodnight,
JJ

First Full Day in Rehab Hospital

2012-01-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

Dad and Mom did not sleep well last night. A new place, a new schedule, new staff to learn about Dad and his special needs. Hopefully, tonight will be better. Mom discussed some different things we/they could do, to make his nights a little more restful.

Because of the lack of sleep, along with his already tired body from fighting the cancer, he was not really ready to start full blown early this morning with OT. The therapist was pretty good with Dad, and said she would come back later, to work with him again.

Dad has a big challenge ahead of him, and we are asking the Lord for supernatural strength for him, to be able to do the work he needs, so that he can recover and get out of that bed. They did get him up today, moving, and into his own clothes. Out of those lovely hospital gowns. I know that made him feel a little better.

He is still very tired, and rested on and off, in-between his therapy sessions.

Pray for a good night of rest for him tonight, and the strength to try.

I know the Lord has us in these places for a reason. I do pray that someone will see the light of Christ in Dad, Mom, our family, and come to know the Lord. It's not about us, it's about Him. That someone would be saved from an eternity of separation from the Lord, and get to spend it with Him, in His presence. That would be something good that could come from this struggle that Dad is going through.

Keep praying, the fight is not over. The serum, to treat the cancer, will be ready on the 18th, and should be here by the 19th or 20th. We are looking expectantly, toward the Lord. He is the one who sustains, He is the one gives strength and healing.

Thank you for all your encouraging words you have posted here, through emails, texts, and Facebook. They are more uplifting than you know.

We are also grateful to all those that have helped out with our families, our kids, our husbands, meals, a place to stay in Ft worth. We have been overwhelmed with the love and support shown to us. You are loving Mom and Dad, by loving on us, their son-in-laws, their grandkids. Thank you for truly being the body of Christ, and ministering to all of us in so many ways.

In His amazing grace,
JJ

Moving Day Completed

2012-01-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

We are in our room at Texas Rehab, just across the street from Harris. He is asleep as I type this. Hasn't asked for any pain meds until tonight. We are praying for a good night of rest with evaluations important in the morning. OT , PT, and Speech Therapy as well as the doctor here will be assessing him.

He hasn't lost his sense of humor. When the transport guys came to move him from the hospital, they strapped him in on the gurney and he said " OK, just don't let me go flying down Main St."

It is very difficult for him to be so helpless. This big strong man's man. He is still that to me. Cancer has wrecked havoc on his body, but the stroke has left him in need of assistance. Tonight as we were getting him adjusted in bed he said "ridiculous, this is ridiculous". As we all began to tear up he said," but I'll get better".
Please pray for him as he begins rehab in the morning.

We continue to "lift our eyes......our help comes from the LORD" Psm. 121
Thank you for your love and prayers.
Jan

One last thought from JJ. I know the next few days will be very difficult, as Dad is going to have to muster ALL the strength he can, just to be able to do his evaluations tomorrow, then start full blown therapy on Tuesday. It wears him out so much, just to talk. Please give him the next few days, to see how it goes, without visitors. Let us see how he will handle this transition, and then if he is able, he can start receiving visitors again. Thank you all for your understanding and your love for Dad. We will keep you posted.

Another Step Forward

2012-01-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

When I asked Mike for a title for the blog today he said "another step forward", so that's what it is. I'm not sure I would have put it that way. He seems to be not as strong today. We are still waiting for the end of 7 days bedrest on the bloodthinners before he can attempt to get out of bed. He didn't have as restful of a night last night. J.J. stayed with him and he slept from 9 until 1:30 a.m. Then he was awake until 3:30 when he got some pain meds. He slept again until 6 a.m.
His loss of sleep has caused him to fatigue quickly today.
His eating is still good. Hungry for meals and snacks. They disconnected the IV's because he's eating so well. He's ready to move to rehab.
Sunday around noon is the plan, so we are requesting no visitors tomorrow. When we get him settled, then visitors will be fine. Also, short visits would be best. He gets very tired from trying to talk so much.

Our family has been amazing. The children have come and stayed with Mike, taking turns spending the night so that I can rest better at night. We all are rotating night duty. Mike has been overwhelmed by their generous hearts wanting to take care of their daddy. He jokes to the staff about all the women and one burly guy that have been "hovering" over him. God has provided through our family and sweet friends everything we have needed. ".......thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12

My great niece has been sending verses to encourage us on a regular basis, and yesterday, she sent Psalm 73:23-26.

^"23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
         You hold me by my right hand.
²⁴ You will guide me with Your counsel,
         And afterward receive me to glory.

²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but You?
         And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart fail;
         But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. "

Amen and Amen and Amen again!
Jan

Friday update

2012-01-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

We have a good report today:
Last night, Dad slept the best he has, since being admitted to the hospital! He slept through the night, 9:45 pm - 4:45am!! We are sure thankful for that! He is eating much better, since last night, also. They gave him this new medicine that causes him to have an appetite and it seems to be working. He has shown improvement since the blood transfusion and his hemoglobin levels have come up.
All us girls are here today, and were trained on his occupational therapy. He loved that, he always wanted one of us to go into PT. :)
We are so excited with his improvement. We praise God.
We will be here until Sunday, around 12pm, then we are hoping to get to move to the rehab hospital and start therapy on Monday.
We still have a long road, but we are so encouraged at his improvement.
Keep praying, Dad is so ready to get out of the bed. Hopefully this will happen Monday.
We will keep you posted,
JJ

Thursday Report

2012-01-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

We are still here at Harris Downtown. Dad has not really changed. He is stable, though, so the Dr. said, if he continues to stay the same, that we can move him to the rehab hospital across the street. This would allow us to begin treatment for the effects of the stroke, and hopefully improve his situation.
We are blessed to have the daughter of my Dad's best friend, working at the rehab hospital. She is going to help take care of things and make sure Dad is in a good situation, with a good team around him. God continues to go before us. We are thankful for that.
Dad did get a unit of blood this morning, and the color came back in his face, but he has been resting ever since, so we don't know if it has made him feel better. We are hoping it will give him some renewed strength.
We have had some tough moments over the last few days, and some encouraging moments. Please keep praying for wisdom from the Lord in everything we do, say, think, and feel. We need the Lord so much.
We will keep praying for a miracle.
In His hands,
JJ

Tuesday Update

2012-01-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

Today was a better day. Dad was able to sleep a little bit better with some sleeping medicine last night. He was much more talkative today, as visitors and family trickled in and out. We talked about a few good memories, and just enjoyed some of the old stories.
As far as how things are going medically, Dad is about the same. Except for a little more talking today, everything else is the same. They have decided to hold off on the PT until they allow the blood thinner to work to break up the clots in the legs. So, we wait, until we get through a few more days, then if he can be released to do PT, I think we will be moving to a Rehab facility across the street.
We are all doing pretty good, Mom is so strong, and we know it is the Lord in her. It is difficult on all of us, especially her, to see Dad in such a helpless state.
All 4 of us kids, and Mom have been able to be with Dad on and off over the past 3 days. We consider it a privilege to get to spend this time with them, and to serve Dad. He has been a great father, and has served us for so many years, working hard to take care of us and give us a wonderful home to grow up in. He allowed our mother to stay home and be with us, and he provided through his hard work and God's blessing, all that we needed. We know that "every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1) and we consider Dad one of those gifts to our mother and us kids.
We will continue to pray for the Lord's will to be done, for wisdom, for strength.
Thank you, please keep praying, and I will keep you posted,
JJ

In the hospital

2012-01-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

Dad is able to move his left leg quit a bit, but the arm seems to be dead. He moved it yesterday some, but when he gets tired, which he is most of the time, it is not possible for him to move it at all. It comes and goes. He has no feeling at all on the left side of his body, but he did say he could feel a little on the left side of his face this morning. He has had 2 very rough nights of not resting really at all. Very uncomfortable, unable to really adjust his position in the bed. He said he just wants to go home so he can get some sleep.
He is going to have to improve before this can happen, so we are praying.
PT comes today, to evaluate and get him on a program. He knows what is ahead, since he has helped so many people with this very same condition.
He was just so weak leading into this, that the mountain is a little steeper for him to climb.
We are taking this one moment at a time. God's strength is all we have, and He is enough.
We don't understand, really, why this had to happen, but God will get him through this.
He needs encouragement and peace. Mom needs strength, peace, and help.
Thank you again for praying for us.
In Him,
JJ

New Year's Eve

2012-01-01T06:08:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to let everyone know. Last night, around 9:15, Dad had a stroke. His entire left side, as of 3 this morning, is limp, and he has no feeling. He was able to lift his arm, and leg a few times, after we had been at the hospital for a few hours, but then unable to, after a few more hours past. He is very exhausted and will be having an MRI this morning for the Dr.s to gather more information.

Mom is doing well. I will try to let everyone know something later on today or this evening.

Thank you for praying,
JJ

News from MDA

2011-12-30T21:10:00.000-08:00

We wanted everyone to know that the results from MDA were what we expected to hear, considering Dad's condition. The cancer has continued to spread through the liver, as well as other spots in the abdomen. The only option that the Dr. gave Dad was chemo. He said it would probably increase the symptoms he already has, so this is not something that Dad really wants to do, considering how difficult things have been. Mom and Dad left the appointment with a peace, a peace that must have only come from God.
He is just a few days into this new nutritional therapy with this new Dr. in Dallas, and he is starting round two of the new IV's tomorrow. The good news is, that Dad has gained some weight back, since he started these new IV's just about a week ago. The amount is to be debated, but we think at least 8 to 10 lbs!!! Mom and I were so excited about that. Dad said if he could transfer that into energy, then he would be excited too. :) We are thankful, non-the-less, for the weight gain.
So we will continue to pray for strength, and stamina to hang in there, for the serum to arrive on Jan. 18th. We are hopeful. Our hope is in the Lord. We know, aside from God touching Dad with a miracle, this cancer is not supposed to be curable, but we will continue to pray, and thank God for every day we are given.
Surprisingly, this evening, Mom and Dad stopped at our house, on their way home from the all day Dr's appointment and pharmacy visit, picking up his new batch of IVs, to see if they could eat supper with us, then take us all to the movie. I really couldn't believe Dad had the energy, but he rested for awhile, then we ate supper, and all of us, 5 kids included, and Joy, went to the movie together. It really was nice, like old times. My Dad and Mom have always been big movie fans, and we have loved going to the movies together as a family. This was a sweet time for us all.
We thank the Lord for special little moments like these.
Keep praying with us, that strength will build, weight will come, and the serum will bring some help.
We are grateful for each of you.
God is good. Happy New Year from the Janszen (Ford, Rutledge) Family,
JJ

In the waiting room

2011-12-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

I'm in the waiting room while Mike gets a PET scan at M.D. Anderson. Seems like I've been in God's waiting room for nearly 4 years now. Mike has had some rough days. No change or improvement in recent days. It is so hard to watch him struggle. The only thing that seemed to spur him up off the couch was the fear of me (Jan) paying the bills. He was motivated to move pretty quickly. :)
Joy is with us in Houston as we will wait to get results tomorrow. We will visit our friends in Brenham as well.
While driving down we listened to a pod cast of Louis Gigglio from Passion City Church in Atlanta. It was very encouraging especially a quote from A.W. Tozer. He wrote in one of his books, "What God has done at any time He can do now. Wherever God has done it, He can do it here. What He has done for anyone, He can do for you."
Wow! God isn't limited by anything.
Don't know what tomorrow holds, but trusting the One Who holds it.
Please pray with us as we continue to ask God to intervene.

Waiting with our Lord,
Jan
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

Wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

I was blessed to read a devotional from a friend of mine from Baylor. She is the mother of a severely disabled child and faces challenges every day, that I can't even begin to imagine. She is a precious believer and she wanted to encourage us this Christmas with some of her thoughts.

The main point of the devo was this. For Mary and Joseph, the first Christmas was probably not at all what they expected or maybe even wanted. After traveling so far, had God not even provided a place for them to stay? When Mary's water broke that night, had God really intended for her to have this baby in a dirty smelly barn? Surely God did not know the baby was coming tonight. Surely He, if He cared, if He really was paying attention to them, would never have wanted this. This is not at all what they would have planned. But yet, it was exactly what He planned. He had a reason and a purpose for this not being what we would consider the Norman Rockwell picture of the first Christmas.

This was so encouraging to me. This Christmas, even though it seems a little off, not exactly what we would have planned. Surely this is not how the Lord would want this day to go, surely He is missing something, not realizing what is happening?! But He does, He is, and He is with us. God with us, right,?Isn't that what Christmas is all about? We may feel like we are in the stinky stable, not exactly what we would have planned, but God did. He is here with us, with me. He loves to shine His glory, His beauty in the ugliest of places, the smelly places.

This morning, Dad had a pic line (sp?) put in, so that he could receive the nutritional IVs easier than mom having to stick him every time. He went to a new Dr. in Dallas yesterday, and this Dr. thinks he can help Dad feel better. They are starting him on a different set of nutritional IVs today, so we will pray that these lift him up, physically, as well as emotionally.

They go back to MD Anderson right after Christmas.

They are driving back right now from Dallas, and not sure where they will stay tonight, my house or the Ranch, not sure which church service, if any, they will be able to make. Not exactly what they pictured their perfect Christmas Eve to be like. But we will praise God, that we, like Mary and Joseph, were not sure about these plans, His plans, but God was and is. It may not look or feel like we think it should, but God is working His perfect plan and purposes in our lives.

To Him be Glory for Ever and Ever, Amen
JJ

Update on Dad

2011-12-15T20:33:00.000-08:00

I just wanted you all to know how Dad is doing.

Good news first..... His blood arrived safely in Germany this week, so pray for speed and wisdom and insight for Dr. Horst Kief, the doctor who will be making this serum with Dad's blood. Pray that this could be part of the answer for help for Dad. Pray for speed, and a quick return of the serum (they estimate 4-6 weeks).

I spoke with Dad tonight and he is very weak. He is exhuasted and is worn out just getting up and getting ready for the day. He told me about all he can do is rest right now, and hang on until this serum comes back from Germany. He traveled quite a bit this week with a funeral, then a doctor's appointment in Cleburne, and the blood draw in Dallas on Monday, and it seems to just completely take it out of him.

Again, for those of you that have known Dad pre-cancer, this is so odd to think about Mike Janszen this way.

He is still getting the nutritional IV's, but his veins are struggling as well. It is getting harder and harder for Mom to find a good one to put the needle in. As you can imagine, this is difficult on Mom, very difficult, for both of them.

Pray for strength for Mom as she cares for Dad, and strength for Dad to hang in there. Keep praying for a miracle.

We are so thankful to walk through this with you, your prayers are what sustain this family, and we covet them for Mom and Dad.

Thank you,
JJ

Dad's condition

2011-12-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Family and Friends,

After speaking with my sister yesterday, we felt it was important to let everyone know how Dad is doing. I wish that I could tell you things were moving in the right direction, and that the nutritional therapy was working, but it seems that he is losing more strength and energy every day.

We were able to spend Thanksgiving together, all of us but Joy, (she is still in Africa, but will be home on Dec. 15th for a few weeks) anyway, while we were together in the same house for 3 days, we were all able to witness first hand, the weakness and decline of Dad's health.

For those of you that have known Dad for many years, this is a very different way to describe Dad. He has been an ox my whole life, able to shoulder anything, and now seems to just struggle getting though the day. Not resting well, not being able to eat much, it has been very difficult, especially for Mom, as she continues to prepare healthy food, protein shakes, give him the nutritional IV's, and take care of his needs. And to not see results, positive results, has been discouraging.

I felt the need to be very honest in this post, so that those of you who pray for Dad and Mom, can know exactly how to pray and how important it is that we continue to ask for a miracle.

One new positive that is on the horizon is this...... On Dec. 13th, we will be overnighting some of Dad's blood to a Dr. in Germany, who is going to make a serum out of it, and put it back into Dad approximately 6 weeks later. This Dr. has been treating different diseases, as well as cancer, with a pretty good success rate. There is an American extension to this Dr. right here in Dallas. We have spoken with them in length, and both Dad and Mom feel that we should proceed. But all the medical part is done in Germany, thus, the overnighting of the blood.

We are continuing to ask God for a miracle. Total healing. If God chooses to use this Dr. in Germany, then great!!! If He chooses to just touch him, aside from any medicine, then great too!!

God is good, His ways surely don't make sense to us at times, but He is still worthy to be praised.

Below I have attached some pictures from Thanksgiving.

Thank you for praying and for trusting God with us,

mom and dad, thanksgiving prayer time

6 of the 7 grandkids eating thanksgiving dinner

mom and dad

mom with the 3 of the 4 kids

some of the grandkids watching football games

If you feel lead, please drop a note of encouragement to Mom and Dad, the address is on the top right corner of this blog.

Dad's Birthday

2011-11-16T00:30:00.000-08:00

Nov. 14th was Dad's 66th birthday!!! Just wanted all of you to know.
Praise the Lord for 66 years with Dad. We are so grateful.

Health update: Dad has not been feeling that well the last several months, but especially these last few weeks. He seems to be feeling so tired, and having some pain in his stomach area. This is obviously, discouraging to him, since he has been doing the nutritional therapy, and seems to not see any benefits.

Please pray for mental encouragement, as well as a renewed strength. Pray also for wisdom, as to how they should proceed.

Thank you, and thankful for each of you continuing to pray,

JJ

News from MDA

2011-10-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Well, Mom and Dad went down to MDA yesterday for the 10 week checkup, following the findings from the summer. If you remember, they found a spot in the liver, and told Dad to wait 10 weeks, then they would rescan, and see if there had been any change.

Well, in the meantime, they have tried some alternative methods of treatment, mainly healthy eating, and nutritional IV's. They will continue this until December sometime.

Anyway, they found out yesterday, that the spot on the liver had grown, and that there were possibly some more spots as well.

Though this is NOT the news we wanted to hear, we are trusting the Lord. Mom told Dad that "God would not take him until He was done using him, so You better stay busy doing work for the Lord!!"

We know God can and still might totally heal Dad, touch that cancer, and have it disappear, this is what we are asking for.

We need prayer for wisdom, as we face more decisions in the future, aside of God's healing touch.

Especially pray for Mom and Dad. Pray for energy for Dad, strength, encouragement, and emotional strength and encouragement and peace for Mom.

They have been busy living these past few months, going to grandkids volleyball, soccer, and football games, going to grandparent's day, having the kids down to ride horses, we just went to Red river with them last week and had a great time.

They are busy living, and we pray that whatever time we all have left, we will use it for His glory. This really is how we ALL should live, we really don't know how many days we are given on this Earth, it really is all about him and I pray we all would appreciate each other and focus on the important things, not just ourselves.

Thank you for caring and reading. You all are a precious gift from God to our family.
In His grace and mercy,
JJ (Janszen) Ford

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-23T19:59:00.001-07:00

Just thought all of you would like to know that today is Mom and Dad's 43rd wedding anniversary!!

They are an inspiration to us all, of what a marriage is supposed to be. Praise the Lord for 43 years together.

Love,
JJ

News from MDA

2011-08-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let all of you know the latest, who are following Dad and Mom's road with cancer.
Monday, they were at MDA for a follow-up 3 month check up, since Dad's adrenal gland removal. On Monday, they scanned Dad, and another spot of cancer has shown up on the liver.
It is small, so they are recommending no treatment at this time, and rescanning him in 10 weeks, to see if it has changed, grown, etc.
Again, I would ask for your prayers for Mom and Dad. For the "peace, that passes all understanding, to guard their hearts and their minds, in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Pray for healing, that the spot would be completely gone when they go back in 10 weeks.
Pray for strength, encouragement, and joy as they walk through this time of waiting.
Pray for wisdom, if there is anything they can/should be doing between now and then.
They are heading to Red River to get back out of the heat and for a little R&R, so pray they have an enjoyable time, a time of refreshment.
God is good, all the time, and we trust Him completely. We don't necessarily like what He does all the time, but we know He is awesome, His ways are not our ways, He has a purpose in all of this, and we are clinging to His promises. To God be all glory and praise. We love Him.
Thank you again, as you begin to lift Dad and Mom back up before the throne.
We love each of you and cherish your friendship and prayers.
In His amazing grace,
JJ

Check up today at MDA

2011-08-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Dad and Mom have gone to MDA for a check up and scans. Please pray for insight for the Dr.s and for wisdom and encouragement for Mom and Dad. Also for a good check up.
Thanks,
JJ

No Treatment Recommended

2011-05-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you for praying. After a scan, and several Dr. appointments, no treatment is recommended at this time.

Thank you for praying for clarity for Mom and Dad. They were relieved that all the Dr.s seemed to be in agreement, that for now, they would have Dad just wait, instead of launching into another round of Chemo or Radiation. There are no other places with masses visible at this time. Hopefully never!!

He will have another pet scan in 3 months, so that they can keep an eye on things.

Thank you again for your prayer and support.

We will let you know, if things change, or after we have this next pet scan in a few months.

Praise be the God, in all things,
JJ

Need Prayer

2011-05-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

This week and next week Mom and Dad are meeting with some doctors, here in the DFW area, and also at MDA in Houston, to discuss if there are any follow up treatments for Dad, after this second surgery.

They are asking for wisdom.

Please pray, as they will be meeting with several different doctors, and doing a few more tests.

Prov. 11:14 "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety."

Prov. 15:22 "Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established."

Prov. 24:6 "For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety."

This is what we are asking of the Lord, to do on our behalf, use all these they will talk to, to give wisdom and direction for our future plans.

Thank you for praying,

In His Amazing grace,

Tully's Wedding

2011-05-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post this picture of Mom and Dad from the wedding this weekend.
What a beautiful night, and what a fun time we had together.

Will keep you posted on Dad. We have just been very busy planning, and celebrating the wedding of my brother to Tara Kiel.
Have a good night,
JJ Ford

Dad's doing well.

2011-04-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update and some pictures. Dad is doing good, he had his 2 week checkup this week, and all checked out ok. He is a little discouraged with his energy level, but as the surgeon explained, he had Major surgery, even though Dad can only see 4 holes, it was still huge what they did inside.
If anything, pray for strength, and renewed stamina for Dad.
He has alot to do to get ready for my brother's wedding, in two weeks, and it is hard on him without his energy levels not being back to where he would like them.
Here are a few pictures from his surgery day.

All of us kids with Dad.

Mom and Dad.

Dad's best friend, Jim Reeves.

Thanks for praying,
JJ Ford

Home!

2011-04-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Mike is home from the hospital. He had a pretty good evening. Ate supper and watched golf, baseball and Nascar on the tube. His remote hand was not affected by the surgery :). He's had mild discomfort. Took Tylenol this afternoon and just took his first pain pill at bedtime. We are so thankful for all your prayers. Keep praying. We will have church on the hill here tomorrow.

Mike will return to Dr. Thurman next week to remove a few staples.

Will keep you updated.

The nurse is headed to bed, also.

Thank you all for your wonderful support.

Love from us both,

Jan (and Mike)

Surgery Update

2011-04-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Dad made it through the surgery fine today. The doctor was able to do it laparoscopically, which is a praise. Dad was feeling pretty drugged tonight, so we are praying for a good rest, and quick recovery. If all looks good tomorrow, they said he could go home. They were able to get, what appeared to be, all of the cancer.
Thank you all for praying. We are praising the Lord for good results.
In His grace,
JJ

We have a surgery date.

2011-03-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

Dad's surgery is scheduled for 1pm at USMD in Arlington on Friday, April the 8th.
Please pray for Dr. Thurman, the surgeon, who will be performing the surgery. He will need guidance, as he navigates through Dad's abdomen, especially through all the scar tissue, which seems to be his number one concern.
Thank you for praying,
JJ

Surgery

2011-03-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Met with the Dr. today. We all liked him. We are planning on surgery in a few weeks. We don't have a date yet. Will post as soon as we know something. His office was going to call either today, or tomorrow.
They didn't call today, so hopefully something will get nailed down tomorrow.
Thank you for praying,
JJ

Hang on

2011-03-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

We are meeting with the surgeon on Wednesday morning to hopefully get a surgery date, place, and time. I will let you know, but thought I would just post real quick, since everyone is wondering if we know something yet. I will let you know sometime tomorrow. Thank you for praying.
God is good and He will give us direction.
In Him,
JJ Ford

Still waiting for a surgery date

2011-03-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
Mom and Dad met with the Dr. yesterday, and have decided to have the surgery done up here. Not sure which hospital yet, and not sure what date yet. They will be meeting with a specialist in this group of doctors next week. They are planning to use a ROBOT to operate on dad. Wow!!
They feel this will be very useful for the kind of surgery they will be doing on Dad, and think he is a great candidate for this.
I will let all of you know where and when, once we get a date nailed down, but we do know it will be in the DFW area.
Mom and Dad have a peace about this. We will continue to pray, if this is not His plan, that He will block it. Please pray with us, and thank you again for you joining us in this journey.
In His grace,
JJ Ford

Dr.'s Appointment Update

2011-03-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

  Dear Praying Friends and family,
Thanks so much for the prayer cover this past week. Mike had a CT Scan on Friday. Dr. Ross took his case to the Tumor Board Meeting to discuss it with multiple doctors, called our doctor at M.D. Anderson and asked us to meet with him again on Thurs. Mar. 10th. to discuss his findings and make a decision.
Mike and I have had a good week in spite of the waiting. But an interesting thing happened on Thursday morning as we have been seeking God's wisdom this past week. The Lord reminded us of the passage in Daniel 2 where the king had a dream and demanded those who interpret dreams to tell him the dream and what it meant. In Daniel 2:16, Daniel asked for "time" to interpret . Then he and his companions sought God's answer to the mysterious dream. Daniel declares in Verses 20 -23
   "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever. For wisdom and might are His
   And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings;
   He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
   He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness ,
   and the light dwells with Him.
   I thank You and praise You O God of my fathers;
   You have given me wisdom and might,
   And have now made known to me what we asked of You
   For You have made known to us the King's demand."
Then Daniel explained to the king that those who interprets dreams couldn't give the answers but
  verse 28 says " there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets "

All of the doctors in Fort Worth who looked at his case recommended surgery.
Mike believes that he would rather have the surgery to remove the adrenal gland and hopefully bypass the chemo. Perhaps he will have to have it eventually, but the surgery may be the best way to get rid of it.
We have also called Houston and are waiting to hear back. We will pursue a surgeon next week.
Our belief is that God has altered our course. We also believe He is working to reveal the secret things to us and those taking care of Mike's health. If we are hearing God's voice in this decision, He will continue to confirm it to us, and if this is not His will for Mike to have the surgery, He will put up a road block to prevent it. That is our belief and our prayer.
As we reflect on the events of the last week and the truth from God's word that applies so closely to our situation, we smile and rest in the fact that is good to be in the hands of the Almighty.
Please pray on with us and we will let you know as the plans develop.
We love and appreciate you,
Jan and Mike

2011-03-11T21:48:00.000-08:00

PLEASE PRAY

2011-03-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

Today, Mom and Dad met with the Oncologist here, to discuss the chemo treatment, even though the regimen had been prescribed at MDA, the treatment had to be overseen up here by a local dr.
Well, we thought it would basically be routine, and he would set us up for chemo starting next Monday, but he suggested other possible treatment options.
Without going into alot of details, Dad is considering all the options. So, tomorrow, they will head to do a another cat scan, and gather more info for the dr.s. Then, all the docs will put their heads together next Tuesday, and meet with Mom and Dad again on Thursday to hopefully make a decision.
I almost didn't even put this on the blog, simply because, it just means more waiting until next week, with no answers, but after talking with mom about it today, we both felt the prayers would be a huge help in this decision making process.
So, please pray for wisdom for the doctors, as they discuss Dad's options, wisdom for mom and dad, when they meet with them next week, and ultimately, that the best course of treatment will be taken. That there will be no confusion. "That mom and dad will hear a voice behind them saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'"
Thank you again for your support.
We love you,
JJ

The Game Plan

2011-02-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad are home from MDA. They made a one day trip, with long dr's appointments in the middle.
Basically what the Dr.s said is that it is a slow growing cancer. Not sure how long it has been there.
They will treat it with 8 weeks of chemo therapy. They can do this hear in our area, which is nice for them to not have to drive to Houston and back each week.
They will do IV and pill chemo treatments.
This will put them into the first of May, then they will head back to MDA for a checkup to see how things are progressing. This will be around the 12th or so of May.
The possibility of radiation is down the road, as well as surgery. They did say this was something we could consider, if and when we get to that point, but for now, chemo is it.
We know this is in the Lord's hands.
Our greatest prayer, is that others would be pointed to the Lord through this. Somehow, someway, someone would be encouraged to look out of themselves, and see that they need a Saviour. Life is not promised for tomorrow, but our tomorrows are promised to each of us through the blood of Christ, through His death and resurrection. My Dad has always been a man who lived with a desire to point people to the Lord, but I truly believe that his megaphone has grown as he continues to travel this road. I believe many people who have followed him on this journey want to know how he is so strong, and I can say without a doubt, it is not him, but the Lord in Him.
We pray that the Lord would give us many more days with Dad. So far, the Lord has seen it good and right, that we still have him with us.
Praise the Lord for that!
We will continue to pray this, for healing, for a miracle, for the Lord to take this cancer away. But honestly, we will also pray, that if this is the tool that the Lord would see fit, to bring many to the Throne of Grace, then Lord, do your will.
God is good. We love Him and are thankful to have Him walk through this with us.
Pray for Mom, for encouragement for her, for her strength.
Thank you so much.
In His faithfulness,
JJ

Heading to MDA Tomorrow

2011-02-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update. Mom and Dad will be heading to MDA on Monday to meet with the dr.s and get a game plan for treatment of this latest cancer. Please pray for wisdom for them and the dr.s as they discuss all the options.
I will let you know what they find out after I hear from them.
Thank you again, for all your support.
In Him,
JJ Ford

We have the results

2011-02-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

We heard back from the dr.'s office today at MDA, and the results are not what we wanted to hear. The biopsy came back positive for cancer. So, Dad and Mom will head back down to MDA on Monday to meet with the dr.s and discuss treatment plans, but we think it will be chemo, and we think it can be done up here in the area.
Thank you for praying. If you want to contact them, please consider sending a note, and not calling. They have been overwhelmed with the amount of phone calls.
Please understand, they, we, do soooo appreciate your love, your prayers, and your wanting to just call and encourage them. It has just really been hard on Mom trying to answer the phone and answer the same questions over and over.
I will keep you posted as to what we hear on Monday, and what the treatment will be.
Thank you again for all your love and support during this time in our lives.
In His grace and mercy,
JJ
To God be the glory

Test results

2011-02-22T09:14:00.001-08:00

We are awaiting the test results, I will post as soon as we hear.
Thank you for praying,
JJ

Biopsy This Thursday

2011-02-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad will be heading to Houston on Wednesday for Dad's biopsy on Thursday.
Please pray for no bleeding caused by the biopsy.
I will let you know what they find out.
Thanks,
JJ

No biopsy yet.

2011-01-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hey, just thought I would update everyone.
Quickly, to recap:
Last week at MDA, the Drs. found a spot on Dad's adrenal gland that looked suspicious. They wanted to do a biopsy to see if it was cancer. They were not able to do this immediately, so Mom and Dad headed home and waited for them to schedule it.
While at home, the have considered having another PET scan done before they do the biopsy, since the biopsy of the adrenal gland is a little more tricky than if it were on another part of the body.
We are all about to head up to CO for our, what has become, annual family ski trip.
Dad and Mom really wanted to do this, so either way, we have postponed the biopsy until after the trip. We will see if another PET scan happens or not, before the biopsy is performed. We will talk and pray about the options.
Anyway, we are looking forward to getting to the mountains together, and we will post again, once we know what the plan is for Dad.
Please pray for wisdom as to the next step that we take, and for the Drs. as well.
In His amazing grace,
JJ

6 Month Checkup

2011-01-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

Just got off the phone with Mom. They are at MDA waiting.
Dad went in for his 6 month check up this week, and heard back today, that they found a spot, on the pet scan, on his left adrenal gland.
The doctor said, they would need to biopsy the spot, see if it is cancer, then get a plan of action, depending on what they find out.
Please pray for wisdom on the part of the doctors, Mom and Dad, and all involved.
This is all we know right now. Mom sounded good, just a little disappointed that they didn't get the all clear.
No one seemed to be in a panic, which is good.
So, they are waiting to find out when they can schedule the biopsy.
I will keep you posted.
In His grace,
JJ Ford

Made it through Christmas

2010-12-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

We made it through another season of Christmas with the family. The weekend before Christmas, we all gathered together for the Janszen and the Morgan Christmas. While all the family was gathered together out at the Ranch, Dad got a piece of chicken stuck for about 24 hours. Sounds gross, but it wasn't as bad as you think. It was bad in that, for about 24 hours, he was not able to drink or eat. Monday morning, Mom and Dad headed in to Dr. Bismar's office, and he was able to retrieve the chicken, keeping Dad from dehydrating. This was not as big of a scare, since we have gone through this before, we just really felt bad for Dad. He has to be careful with his eating, and make sure he chews very carefully from now on. It has been a long time since he has had food stuck.
He is heading to MD Anderson in January for his 6 month checkup, but while Dr. Bismar was retrieving the chicken, he looked around with the scope, and said things looked good, so we are hoping for a good report in January.

Thanks for keeping up with Dad. Happy New Year from our family to yours,

JJ

Updating

2010-12-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Hey there,
To anyone that is still checking this....Merry Christmas. Hope you are enjoying the season already.
Some of you are wondering and chastising us for being so random with the updates. Well, no news is good, I've always been told. Mike is hanging in there.
It has been over a year since he had to have a dilation. (Nov. 2009) Food occasionally will get stuck only for a moment then goes on down.
He has to be careful what and how much he eats. He can't seem to gain any weight, but he has gained strength and energy.
He goes back for his 6 month check-up and scans Jan. 18, 2011. We thank the Lord for each and every day that He has given us.

I have officially been released by my Orthopedic doctor. Bone has grown back at the sight of the bone graph and my strength in my arm should be back to normal by March, 2011. Metal is not a problem, thus far.

We are trying to update our mailing address book. If you would send us your current address we would really appreciate it.
If you haven't moved in the last 20 years, then we probably have it.

God has been so good to this undeserving family. We say all the time, our cup overflows. And you are part of the reason.
Thank you for praying for us the past couple of years. We wouldn't be here reporting to you this continuing saga if you hadn't.
Our love,
Jan and Mike

Another good checkup

2010-07-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

Dad just got back from MDA with another all clear checkup. No return of cancer, and no new cancer. Hallelujah!! He does have pneumonia in one of his lungs, but he is on antibiotics for that. He had been tired and just not able to gain strength. We feel sure that this is why.

Mom has had several good checkups with the ortho, and he is continuing to see bone growth!!! She is doing great, and if you look at her, you can't even tell she broke her arm.

Thank you for praying for them. Sorry it has been so long since I updated.

In His grace,
JJ Ford

Another update

2010-05-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

On April 28th I went in for another ex ray on my shoulder. The doctor still didn't see any bone growth. He wasn't discouraged but I was. He said the only reason that it wouldn't grow bone would be infection or damage to the blood supply. After 2 days of me being down about the finding, the Lord woke me up with the reminder of Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I was encouraged that even though the ex ray didn't show bone growth, that didn't mean God wasn't growing it. And 3 weeks later on May 19th, Dr. Harmon could see bone growth. Thank You Lord. My therapy is progressing and my arm is getting better, but my doctor reminds me that we aren't out of the woods yet. I am limited in using it. My next visit will be in June. Please pray that my body will mend. I'm focussed on Ezekiel 37 now. God brought those dead dry bones back to life and I need Him to do it again.

Mike is doing about the same. Working too much. No change in his weight. We pray for a breakthrough in his ability to gain some. He will have follow up tests at M.D. Anderson in July, a PET Scan and EGD. It's hard to believe it's almost time for a 6 month check. He hasn't had a dilation since Nov. 9th. His episodes of getting food stuck have been few and only momentary. He is learning to eat slower and carefully.

Pray, pray, pray for good results on all his tests. We thank you all for continuing to cover us with your prayers and love.

We love and appreciate all of you.

Jan and Mike

P.S. Mike has become quite the hairdresser. Since my right arm has been hurt, he has learned how to put my hair in a ponytail. It wasn't pretty (or fun) at first, but he has got it down, now. Sometimes I have to go get him off the mower to get it done. Wish I had known he had this talent when our 3 girls were growing up. :)

Just a quick update

2010-04-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Dad is doing well, continuing to stay the same in weight, but his choking episodes are few and far between, and it's been awhile since his last dilatation.

Mom is still in a sling, and unable to use her arm, except to write a few letters, she is supposed to keep all movement passive at this point. Her last ex rays, last week, still showed no bone growth, so she is stuck until they begin to see that bone growing. No rehab yet, except passive movement. You know Dad is raring to get her started. :) Please pray for bone growth, and encouragement for her and Dad. Mom hates feeling like she needs help.

My oldest son, Jesse, told her a story from one of the books he is reading about a warrior who broke his right arm, and had to learn how to fight with his left, and then when the other arm healed, he was able to fight double handed, and was a far better warrior than before his inconvenient accident. He told Mom that maybe that would happen to her, that maybe God has a purpose for her to learn all these new skills with her left arm and hand.

Who knows the purposes of our Mighty God. His ways are right.

One of the things mom shared with us about the day she was hurt, was while she was walking across the pasture, holding her arm as tightly as she could to keep it from bouncing around, because the pain was excruciating, was that she thought of our Lord. Easter was just a few short days away, and she couldn't help but think about His arms being yanked out of socket as He hung on the cross for our sins, for her sins. As she thought on this, she was, in a way, thankful to reflect on His sacrifice, and share in His pain. She now bears a scar across her right shoulder, which also reminds her "by His stripes we are healed." What an amazing way to reflect on Him, in the midst of suffering, and be thankful, even in time of pain.

Thank you all for continuing to pray for Mom and Dad. You are loved.

In His grace, JJ (Janszen) Ford

Mom broke her arm!!

2010-03-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Well it has been awhile since an update, and it has been my mom doing the updating, but.....this is JJ, and I will have to take over for awhile because......

This weekend my mom and dad were riding horses, which is a usual activity, especially if the weather is nice. I received a phone call Saturday evening around 5:15 from Dad. He said he had my mom in the car and they were heading to the hospital. To spare you all the details.... in a nutshell, Mom was thrown from her horse, broke her humerus is several different places, a very bad injury, and had to have surgery Sunday to try and put it back together. She now has a metal plate, 12 screws, and a bone graft in her RIGHT arm!! She is right handed!! She is still in the hospital, but is being released today to go home.

Dad, of course, still needs to eat, and mom is his main supplier of food. This is going to be a challenge to say the least, as Dad will be caring for her, as well as, trying to keep himself going. He is doing well, but still has relied on Mom to keep him on his schedule of eating and pills.

So many people from church have offered to help, so I have been able to line up meals for the next 2 1/2 weeks. Thank you friends for your help!!

We know God is good, and his purposes are always right. We will walk through this knowing that He is right in the midst of it, He will give us all that we need to get through this, and to hopefully learn things along the way. We praise Him that it was her arm, and not her head or something else more severe.

The Dr. gave us a time frame of 3-4 weeks of her not being able to do much of anything, then at six weeks, range of motion returning slowly, then 5-6 months of rehab before she returns to a somewhat normal activity level and function. Yikes!! That sounds like a long time. Please pray for both Mom and Dad as they begin this new journey together. Thanks for reading and caring about our family.

In His grace, JJ Ford

Good Test Results

2010-01-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

We got the final results back from all his tests and they were all good. Praise the Lord!

Dr.'s at M.D. Anderson said keep doing what he's doing and they will see us in 6 months.

Now, if we can just keep him out of the bull pen and emergency rooms....:) By the way, they said there was no tear or perforation. Before the EGD, the doctor looked at all his film from Harris Hosp. and Hugeley Hosp. to compare it to his other film in the computer there in Houston. Everything was fine. There is still no definate answer as to what may have caused his severe pain on Thanksgiving afternoon.

Thank you for praying with us. Praise God for all of you who love us and stand with us. We will ask you to pray for his continued progress, to gain some weight and strength, to be able to eat without all the difficulties, and stay on this path. And like the prophet proclaimed in

1 Samuel 7:12 ".....Thus far the Lord has helped us." He surely has.

Amen and Amen and Amen, Again. (another old prophet's words)

We love you,

Jan and Mike

White Christmas @ the Blue Hole

2009-12-27T09:47:00.000-08:00

We experienced a white Christmas in Bosque County as did many other counties in Texas. This picture was made Christmas day at one of our favorite places on the ranch.

Praying that you all enjoyed a blessed Christmas with your family and friends. Asking that you pray for us as we leave for M.D. Anderson for Mike's follow-up tests. We will covet your prayers and report to you what we find out. We should know something by New Year's Eve.

Grateful for another Christmas together,

Jan and Mike

Wishing you a Happy New Year and to Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns...another National Championship!!!

Home

2009-12-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Mike ate everything they served him at the hospital Thursday night and Friday through lunch. The doctors released him and we came home Friday afternoon. He has been doing fine since he got out. He said it is a lot easier to get into a hospital than it is to get out of one.

He walked into the house, teared up and kept saying "It's so good to be home!"

He has a renewed appreciation for food, family, home and freedom.

We will return to M.D. Anderson and our team of doctors there after Christmas with all of the ex-rays and C.T. Scans from his 8 day stay in the local hospitals. Not sure what they may find when they compare films with the ones they will make and his old ones. Until then we will thank the Lord for answering all our prayers.

Sorry for not making sure you knew he had been released. We walked into a family gathering at my sisters house on Saturday and several people were shocked to see him. It is hard to keep a large family of relatives and friends informed.

We went to the Big 12 Championship game Saturday night and it was quite a treat. Longhorn football seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. However, I thought I might have to take him back to the hospital after that heart stopping finish. I'm sure I would have if Texas had lost

the game.

We continue to Praise God for He is Sovereign and in control of all things when we do understand what's going on in our lives and when we don't have a clue what He's doing.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Thanks to all of you for the prayers, visits, cards, calls, gifts and standing with us.

Enjoying each day,

Jan

Pray for good eating results tonight

2009-12-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

After consulting with the Dr.s at MDA, they feel Dad is ok, they want him to eat tonight, see how he does, then if he does fine, let him go home tomorrow!!!!!! Yeah! Praise the Lord. Please pray he is able to eat well tonight and has no problems.

Thanks, JJ

Please Keep praying!!

2009-12-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

We are asking you to pray for divine counsel from MD Anderson Dr.s today, as Dr. Bismar is calling them to seek their advice on what to do.

After a day of testing yesterday, and much waiting, then another xray today, and speaking with the radiologist this morning, then Dr. Bismar this afternoon, we have found out there is something abnormal showing up on the CAT scan, something in the lungs. Bismar is not sure what to do with this, and wants to consult with MDA to see how this might compare to other scans they have done in the past down there.

Please pray for a quick response from the dr.s at MDA, please pray for wisdom beyond their years and training, that can only come from the Holy Spirit. We want to know what to do, what is going to be best for Dad, if he should stay or go.

Pray also for stamina for Mom and Dad as they must endure this.

Thank you,

Failed Test

2009-11-30T11:32:00.000-08:00

The results this morning were not what we wanted to hear. The scan showed the leak was still there. I called Dr. Bismar (the Dr. who found his cancer originally) this morning to inform him of the weekend events and ask what we should do next. Dr. Hickey (trauma surgeon) talked with him and they decided to transfer Mike to Hugeley Hosp. so Dr. Bismar can monitor his care. They will continue to approach this conservatively. More time will be needed for the body to repair itself. Actually, God is the One Who heals His creation, so I guess we are just waiting on Him. A pic line will be put in place for TPM feedings. They may also do a scope. Hopefully, he can avoid major surgery. Either way, Dr. Bismar will be taking over at Hugeley and he may be able to go home with the pic line.

He's discouraged that he didn't pass his test.

Pray that next time he passes and no surgery will be needed.

Waiting on Him,

The Janszen Family

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

We were looking forward to an extending time with family for the long holiday weekend. Everyone arrived Wednesday evening for Thanksgiving to stay through a family wedding on Saturday.

What started off as a wonderful Thanksgiving with all our family spending several days together, turned into a trauma shortly after a delicious Turkey dinner. Mike was experiencing severe abdominal pain so bad that he needed to go to the emergency room. Ray, our son-in-law, drove him to Cleburne (THR Hospital). Mike passed out (momentarily) with the pain on the way in and was nauseated to the point of volatile wrenching and vomiting.

In 42 years of knowing this man, ( 1 year dating and 41 years married), I never once heard this guy ask for any pain medicine, but this day he was asking for everything. He was given morphine, then phenergen and asking for something else for the pain. Finally after the second round of morphine he begin to ease up. The doctor on call transferred him to ER at Harris downtown Fort Worth so that they would have a thorasic surgeon available in case he needed surgery. The trauma surgeon at Harris ER ordered more tests. He sent him to the trauma ICU for the night because he also had a run in with a bull Thursday morning and had a pretty good bump on the head. The next morning they did more tests and saw a small tear in his esophagus at the site of his cancer surgery. This has been the main source of concern since he came into Harris Thursday night. They decided to keep him in the trauma ICU so they could keep a close watch on him.

Mike has had no more pain since his first episode ended in the Cleburne Hospital.

What the speculation is now is that he tore the esophagus site with his wrenching and vomiting. It is a small tear but the waiting game has begun. They are keeping him for observation until more tests can be run to see if it repairs itself. If not, then surgery may be necessary.

He will have a contrast swallow test Monday morning to evaluate the area.

He asked for a pass to leave the hospital so he could be at the ranch for his nephew's wedding but no deal.

He is hungry and thirsty (IV fluids only) and ready to get out of this place.

He was the only patient doing laps in the trauma ICU, so they finally decided to let him go to the main floor.

Please pray that the tear will be repaired by the time they do the test on Monday. If it is, then they will start him on a soft liquid diet, possibly sending him home Tuesday.

He is sad to have missed out on the family and fun.

Pray also for him to see God's purpose in all of this. We know that God is Sovereign.

Romans 8:28

Thank you all again for praying.

We truly hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families.

Bless you dear ones,

Jan

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-11-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

Blowing out the candles.

"Happy Birthday to You........"

Dad, Sue, and their Mom (Doris Janszen)

Mom has taken over the blog entries, which has been awesome, but I just had to add these pictures from last week. We celebrated Dad and his twin sister's birthdays last Sunday, and I thought these pictures were so cute of them. Praise God for another year with Dad.

In Him, JJ

Ulcer is improving

2009-11-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

Mike needed another dilation because his food was starting to get stuck some. His last one was on August 13th. He had it done at Hugeley on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd and Dr. Bismar was really pleased to find that the ulcer is improving. He was also glad to find that Mike has gained several pounds. He dilated his esophagus from a 15 to an 18. He said keep doing what we're doing and we'll see what M.D. Anderson says at the end of December when we go back for all the tests.

The requests we asked of all our prayer team.... the Lord is answering....and we are seeing it.

Mike was hungry all the way home. We were so thrilled and thankful for answered prayer that we wanted to celebrate. We went down to the limestone creek for a picnic and Bible study when we got back to the ranch. The weather was great, the sunset was beautiful, the worship was priceless! " O Magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together." Psalm 34:3

Thank you again to all of you faithful prayer partners.

Our love and gratitude,

Jan and Mike

Improving....

2009-10-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

It seems that we are seeing some improvement. Mike was beginning to have food getting stuck again around the first week of September and we called to schedule an appointment for the procedure to be done in Houston by Dr. Stroehlein (as Dr. Bismar recommended). We had a delay of about a week. Then we had another delay with the scheduling people because we asked about putting a stint in. But in the mean time, (God's timing again) Mike began eating and swallowing better without food continuing to get stuck. When the physician's office called us back, Mike didn't seem to need a dilation as much as he had the 2 weeks before. They also told us that they don't put stints in except in extreme cases. So we will wait and see but we are encouraged. No weight gain as yet, but no more loss either. M.D. Anderson will schedule us to go back at the end of December to do a PET Scan and an EGD with biopsy. If he needs dilation at that time they will do it while they are in there.

We have no idea what is going on with the ulcerated place.

Pray for continued healing of the ulcer, his weight gain, and praise God with us for the successful swallowing. We are so very thankful.

Also, on the last blog post, someone left a comment. The name was Tammie and her husband Marc had survived Esph. Cancer for 11 years or more. I tried to contact you on your e-mail, but I couldn't get it to go through. If you see this, please leave me a better way of communication, I would love to talk with you. Your comments were encouraging.

I do apologize to all of you who keep checking the blog to find out what is going on. I'm sorry it has been over a month, but the delay this time has given us time to see a turn in the swallowing, which makes us think the scar tissue has slowed down or quit developing. This may not be much but it is significant to us. If our Awesome God knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30), then we are sure He knows the millimeters of Mike's esophagus and we believe He has added some to it. Thank You, LORD, for the small things like a millimeter or two, which really are Big things to some people. :)

Thank you all for caring and praying for us.

Much love,

Jan, for the family

Continuing the journey

2009-08-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Mike has had two dilations since the last post. The one on July 16th didn't help much but the last one on August 13th seemed to make things better. He hadn't closed down and they were able to dilate him from a 15 to an 18. Much better than a 10 to a 14 as before. The good news is that he hasn't had any food get stuck since the Aug. 13th procedure. The concern (from Dr. Bismar) is that he isn't seeing any improvement in the ulcerated places. These were caused from the radiation. He has been on meds for the acid reflux for months. So Dr. Bismar is suggesting that he be tested for H-pylori bacteria. He can treat that. He also wants Mike to return to M.D. Anderson for the next dilation so Dr. Stroehlein can see what is going on. Pray that this ulcerated area heals.

An interesting thing happened during this last procedure. Dr. Bismar called me into the room so I could see what he was seeing. After Mike was taken to recovery we talked about all of the above and I asked him about an article that was emailed to me. It disturbed me when I read it. It was written by the head of the Esophageal Cancer program at M.D. Anderson. The point of the article was to explain all about this cancer and tell how they have made progress in the life expectancy now to 3 yrs. I read that and thought well, we have just finished 1 yr. and fear hit me. Does this mean this is the best they can do? Do we have 2 yrs. left? My doctor ( a Suni Muslim) looked at me and reminded me that I had professed to him last year that we were believers and that our faith was in Jesus Christ. He also reminded me of the truth that I already knew. He said, "only God knows the number of our days, it could be today or years from now". Don't put your trust in an article. Mike has done remarkably well. Better than I (Dr. Bismar) even thought her would do. " I knew all that. It was moving to be reminded by this Muslim doctor. I started grinning on the inside. I sort of felt like Daniel might have felt hearing Nebuchadnezzar proclaim truth.

Mike also reminded me not to look at the normal ..... that he isn't " normal". Can I get a witness, those of us that know him well...?

Anyway, God is the God of the impossible and the abnormal.

Mike also reminded me that even if he knew his time was short that he wouldn't change a thing that he is doing right now. He loves getting up every morning and spending time with the Lord. He loves leading the Band of Brothers ministry, teaching bible study and working on the ranch, taking care of God's creation.... ( Mowing and weedeating anything that grows)

Pray for continued healing, the ulcer the scar tissue, his weight gain, strength and stamina.

Pray that I won't fall into a pit of fear and that the Lord will send His messengers to remind me of the truth when I need it.

Now, I need to find some tracts for our doctor. Pray for him.

Our continued thanks for your prayers,

Jan and Mike

July 9th Latest M.D. Anderson results

2009-07-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord for all His Goodness .....even to those who don't deserve it...especially to those who don't deserve it!!!!

I (Jan, the technically challenged one) am attempting to update you who are interested and praying for us continually. J.J. has been busy and many of you are calling so this is what we found out.

Mike had a PET scan and an EGD with biopsy done. The specialist at MD Anderson we went to see back in May, Dr. Stroehlein, did the procedure. Mike's esophagus had closed because of scar tissue to smaller than 9 mm (this is why his food keeps getting stuck) and the Dr. dilated it to a 14.

The results of the biopsy and the PET scan were good. NO CANCER!

The Oncologist said he doesn't need to return until 6 months for another PET scan.

Dr. Stroehlein said he doesn't need another biopsy done in his esophagus for a year.

But he also said that Mike needed to continue having his esophagus dilated until the scar tissue quits forming.

We are scheduled to have another one done Thursday, July 16th by Dr. Bismar at Hugeley here.

This will be #6 dilation. That may sound like a lot, but the record at MDA cancer center for dilations from this same surgery is 22. So we have a way to go :) Hopefully, he won't reach that. Mike says that he worries about all these procedures making him lose his memory, so I'm telling the doctors to just strap him down and run that instrument in there. He has always had a high pain tolerance.

Don't think they will listen to me, so please pray that he will have peace about the anesthetics and that they will not cause him any memory loss.

Mike still is trying to gain some weight and deal with the life changing effects of this surgery but he is still with us and we are all thankful for that.

Sometimes I watch Mike and I think this is the real meaning of the phrase "the perseverance of the saints". I also think about all of you faithful prayer warriors and that same phrase comes to my mind. Thank you all for persevering with us in this battle. Your prayers, love, support, cards, calls, food, visits and everything you have done over the last year have been amazing.

Our God has been faithful, His mercies are new every morning, and each morning He gives us is a gift. And when that day comes that He calls us home, we know we will be with Him for all eternity because our faith is in Christ alone to save us because of God's Amazing Grace, especially to those of us who don't deserve it.

Amen and Amen and Amen, Again.

We love you all,

Jan and Mike

Phillipians 1:3

Back from Branson

2009-06-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Missouri, first at Kanakuk, then at Big Cedar. Mom and Dad came up and met us for the last 5 days of the trip. Dad had two bad days and then 2 good days. The bad days were tough for him, with some choking, acid reflux, and even some shakes and weakness. The good days followed, and he felt a little better, and even felt like getting in the pool with the grandkids.
Even though he felt bad for a few days, we were still able to go see two very special people. While in Branson, we first went by to visit Darnell White. Her and her husband, Spike White, started Kanakuk Kamps. Dad played football with Joe, one of their sons, at SMU, and then came and worked a summer up at Kamp while still in college. We went by and had the best visit with Darnell, and Dad and her shared old kamp stories and memories. That was a real special time for Dad. The next day we went out to Kamp and Dad was able to visit with Joe, something they haven't been able to do for many years.
As I write this, Dad and Mom are on their way home from my house. We just had lunch together and celebrated Father's Day with Dad and Ray. We are so blessed to have Dad with us again this year.
Tomorrow they are heading to Houston for Dad's 3 month check up, scans, and dilation. We are praying for good results. Thank you for praying for him. Hope all of you enjoy your Dads today.
In Him, JJ

Ups and Downs

2009-05-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

New family Picture from Easter Weekend

It has been almost a month since I have updated, YIKES! Sorry for that. Even with the new ideas from the Dr., Dad is staying the same. Not improving really. He has good days and bad days. His weight reached an all time low about a week ago, but then has come back up. So, as far as the weight, he isn't really gaining, he is just fluctuating up and down. Some days he is able to go out and work all day on the ranch, and some days he wakes up sick, not feeling good, and spends the day inside resting. He is on a regular schedule of dilation for his esophagus, which is about every six weeks or so. He is trying to continue life as usual when he is able. The men's ministry meeting down at the Ranch, that they have on the last Thursday of every month seems to be going strong.

The second week of June, Mom and Dad will come join me and the babies up in Branson, Mo, while the big kids are at Kanakuk. We will get to enjoy some time with them at Big Cedar Lodge, and then pick the kids up from Kamp and head home. I am looking forward to that, Dad always enjoys going up to Big Cedar, it brings back so many special family memories of all the years our family went there ever summer, while the kids (Jamie, Tully and Joy) were at kamp. A beautiful place, and a special place to us.

I know, those that pray for Dad regularly, are probably wanting a new request, but it remains the same. Gain weight, gain energy, enjoy life today, for we are not sure we have tomorrow.

Thank you again

JJ and all the Janszen kids

Ideas from the Dr.

2009-05-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad came home last night from a long day in Houston. They were able to meet with a GI guy who specializes in weight issues. He had some ideas for Dad and some things they were going to try. They were both encouraged to have a plan, and something to try, instead of just not knowing what to do. We will pray some of these ideas will work and we can get some weight back on Dad. Also, for those that want to know, Joy made it safely to Zambia. Her blogspot address is on the right side of this blog page, if you scroll down below the pictures.
Thank you for caring,
JJ Ford

No change for Dad, but Joy is leaving the country.

2009-05-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Dad is continuing to be the same. He is heading to Houston for an appointment on Monday, May 4th, to see a Dr. who specializes in weight gain for cancer patients down at MDA. We are praying he can give us some answers and some fresh new ideas to help Dad gain some of the weight he has lost and can't seem to find. Pray for wisdom for the Dr., and direction for Mom and Dad.
Also, our youngest sister, Joy, is heading to Zambia Africa today. She will be there for 3 months, working with Family Legacy, an organization who shares to great news of our Savior with Zambian orphans and aides orphans. I am going to try to attach a link to this blogspot, if I can figure out how to do it. If I am successful, it should be under our pictures on the right hand side of this page. If I am not successful, I will put the address of her blogspot on the next post, so that those that want to follow Joy's journey, will have the opportunity to.
Thank you again, for continuing on in this journey with us,
JJ Ford

Another month down.

2009-04-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a month since I last blogged. Dad is doing the same, no changes. He started choking quit abit again, so he went in for another dilation. This does seem to help and the Dr. has him scheduled for another one in a few weeks. In the mean time, no more weight loss or gain. Just staying the same. He is trying to enjoy life, but sometimes finds he is restricted. We were all able to be together at Easter, so that is a blessing. Every day we are able to be together is a blessing. Thank you for continuing to check in on Dad. Your friendship is precious to us.
JJ Ford

Check up at MDA

2009-03-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Dad and Mom had a long day at MDA for Dad's check up appointments. He is still cancer free!!! Hallelujah, but his weight was back down, almost to the lowest it has been. The Dr.s say they are baffled, but they are going to send him to another GI guy down in Houston, who is supposed to be a specialist in long term weight loss problems. They will have to head back down when they get an appointment with him. We are praising God for no return of cancer, but we are crying out to Him for help and answers concerning Dad's weight. Thank you for praying and for checking in on Dad.
In Him, JJ

Good report from the Dr.

2009-03-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

Mom got her report back from the Dr. and all is well. He did say it was good that they got the polyps out when then did, but everything came back clear. Hallelujah!! Mom is getting her energy back, but overall feels great.
Dad was back down a few pounds. He has pretty good days, but then will be exhausted others, especially after eating.
Thank you for all those that prayed for Mom, and also thank you for all you marathon prayers, who have continued to pray even though this battle continues to drag on and on for Dad.
I am thankful we have been given these days with Mom and Dad, no matter how many more we get, we are thankful for today.
God bless you today,
JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Mom is doing great!!

2009-03-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your prayers. Mom is doing wonderful, with very little pain. The worst part is when she coughs. She still won't be able to lift anything for awhile, but she really is doing well. Dad is doing good too, and survived the week at home while Mom was in the hospital. I don't have a latest weight gain report on Dad, but they are both on the mend. Yeah!!
In Him, JJ

Mom had surgery

2009-03-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

Mom went in yesterday for the colonoscopy, but ended up having major surgery. The Dr. said that he could not remove the polyps with the scope, so he sent her over to the hospital, and praise God, the surgeon was able to operate at 4pm yesterday afternoon. He removed 6 inches of colon, and 6 inches of small intestine (secum) (I think that is correct, but I do know it was 12 inches total). Anyway, he said she should be fine. He did not think it was cancer, but was sending it off to check. She will be in the hospital for the next several days. She is in alot of pain. Dad is doing ok, but tired. She doesn't feel like having visitors yet, but we will see as the pain decreases. Thanks for praying. God is good. I am heading up to the hospital in a few minutes.
In Him, JJ

Still doing good.

2009-02-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

This week, Dad had the men's fellowship out at the Ranch on Thursday night. They had a great time, and he didn't lose any weight, which is usually what happens the week he is getting ready for the Band of Brothers. He also had another procedure on Friday to stretch his esophagus out, which went well. They Dr. said that he may not need to come back for another one of these for a few months. They will be heading back to MDA the end of March for another check up, and scan to check for any returning cancer. Mom said he is back up over 150lbs. Yeah!! He came to our house on Tuesday night for our family Valentine's dinner (yes, we were very late). We had a great time of fellowship with Mom, Dad, Joy, and Tully. Dad ate so much, and had to rest afterward, but we were so glad that is tasted good to him, and that we were able to spend some time together.
On a side note, Mom is having a procedure done on Tuesday. She will go in and try to have some polyps (sp?) removed with a scope. They found some last spring, right after they found Dad's cancer, and she has put it off until now, simply because she didn't feel like she had the time with Dad's treatments down at MDA. We are praying that they can do this with the scope, and not have to go in and surgically remove them. Please pray with us over this.
Keep praying for weight gain, and pray for Mom too.
Thank you,
JJ and all the Janszen Kids

Gained some weight!!!

2009-02-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

Yeah, finally some good news to report. Mom told me yesterday that Dad had come back from a fishing trip with Tully and had gained 4 pounds. We were all worried about him going on this trip, since they were going to be camping out in tents and eating food cooked over an open fire, but praise God, it was just what he needed.
He had a follow up with the GI guy here in Ft. Worth, and will go back in a week to have another dilation done, as a proactive measure, instead of waiting for Dad to start choking again.
I just wanted to let all you prayer worriers know that God has answered yes to a little weight gain!!!
Keep praying.
In Him, JJ

Little has changed.

2009-02-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

I have been needing to post for awhile. I have been busy, but did want to give you all an update. Last Thursday at 6:30am Dad called Ray and said that he had been throwing up and choking since 6pm the night before. He hadn't been able to even hold down a drink of water. This was of great concern to all of us, especially Mom. He went in to a GI guy here at Hugley Hospital and he immediately dilated his esophagus out, which gave Dad immediate relief. He then felt good enough to go to the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo on Friday with all my crew, and then again to Finals on Sunday night. This week he has been doing pretty good, but Mom said that today he had an upset stomach for most of the day, which made him not eat a thing from Breakfast until dinner tonight. He is supposed to go back to the GI Dr. on Thursday for a follow up. We are praying that this digestive thing will improve. He really needs to gain weight, and to do that he needs improvement on the digestion.
Thank you all for being patient with me and my updates.
In Him, JJ Ford

Lost some more weight.

2009-01-31T07:56:00.000-08:00

Please pray, Dad has lost about 3 more pounds, and is now under 150. We are discouraged for him, and don't really know what the answer is. He is needing to get dialated again, and also we think we may need to have a GI doctor check out his digestive system to make sure that there is not anything else going on to cause him to not gain weight, and to also have these digestive issues. He knows he needs to gain weight to gain back his strength, to build up his stamina, to help fight infection, etc., but it is just trying to figure out how to do that. Thanks for praying, thanks for loving our family, we love all of you.
In Him, JJ

Home from Colorado.

2009-01-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad are on there way home from Colorado. They really enjoyed themselves and enjoyed having each of the kids up there with them, the first week Me, Ray, and all five of our children were there, along with Joy, then this week, Jamie, Clint, their 2 children, and Tully were there. Sounds crazy, but Mom and Dad said they really enjoyed everyone.
Mom skied herself to death with all the kids wanting her to ski with them, and Dad actually skied the last two days they were there. We were so excited that he felt like doing that. I don't think he had any more choking episodes like he did when we were there, but he will still probably need another visit to MDA for some stretching out of the esophagus. Pray for their safe travel back today, they drove half way yesterday, and will be driving the rest of the way today.
Thank you for reading and praying, JJ

Up in Colorado

2009-01-15T19:59:00.000-08:00

We are here in Beaver Creek, Colorado on vacation with Mom and Dad. We are enjoying our time with them and we are so thankful.

Dad has started choking again, and we are asking for prayer concerning this. He may be making another trip to Houston after they get back home for the Dr's to stretch out his esophagus. They told us this might be necessary several more times due to the scar tissue. He has felt ok while we have been up here. Some days he has felt like getting out, and some days he feels pretty drained. Pray for Mom and Dad as they have been a little discouraged with the choking returning so soon and also with how lousy Dad has felt. Dad will have a very difficult time gaining any weight back if he continues to choke and not be able to keep his food down.

This doesn't happen every meal, but it is continuing to happen more often.

Thank you for praying.

We appreciate all of you, JJ and all the Janszen Kids

A New Year

2009-01-02T14:51:00.001-08:00

Dad, Mom, and Me. I am never in the picture because I am always taking it!
Dad working on Ruth's (my 10 year old) puzzle she got for Christmas. He couldn't put it down!

Believe it or not, but that is Dad in the Santa suit!!

God bless you all this new year. We look forward to all that God has in store for our family. We are thankful to have Dad this year, and are hopeful that this year will bring improvement to Dad's physical and emotional health. We are praying for weight gain, and for energy. We thank you all for your continued support, your prayers, all your cards and letters you have sent to Mom and Dad, and for your faithfulness to all of us. God bless you all this year.

In Him, JJ

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-10T06:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

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