Mile Marker #11

Hello Friends -

We wanted to get the word out that we have reached Mile Marker #11, which has been a really tough marker to reach and try to move past.  The scripture we have chosen for this marker is Psalm 32:8.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.  I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

Since our last post there has been quite a flurry of activity that may take you by surprise.  John was admitted back into the Shelby hospital on the evening of Sunday, Sept 20 due to his nausea not being manageable.  

During that time a Dr., who is also a family friend, took the time to review all of John's past scans from the time of diagnosis to now, including the most recent one taken during John's ER stay earlier this month.  After reviewing the scans, he shared that the cancer has grown and spread, including into the pancreas.  So, imagine our surprise after hearing encouraging news just a month prior.  However, it did explain more as to why the unbearable pain was not going away after thinking it was an infection.  The Dr. discussed very lovingly the next steps, which included shifting over to hospice care and making decisions about quality vs. quantity of life at this point.  It was a very sad day to hear this news for the entire family!  However in looking back to the scripture that we chose for this mile marker, God made it very clear which route to head next for this specific stage we have now entered.  And for that he has given John and the family great peace, as it was stressful to try to figure out where to go next and what to do given his progression.  

From the Shelby hospital John went straight to the Hospice facility in Ashland, as he still had not be able to get his nausea under control.  After a rough night of being there and getting checked in they finally were able to get him comfortable.  At this time he is still in Ashland at the hospice facility with plans to come back home after he has remained stable comfort level wise for awhile.  He will then use the Hospice care back home once he is released from the Ashland site.  The plan is to come back home this Friday, September 25.

Kindly we ask for understanding that if you would like to visit John, to reach out to Jill prior to via text preferably.  Jill also plans to post a sign up on the front door on the days/hours that are tougher ones for John, where it would be too difficult to have visitors or if he has already had too many in one day.  Please keep visitors down to 2 people or less at a time and also keep the amount of conversation to a minimum.  Please know it's nothing personal, just something they have learned that on the bad days, it's best to be in a quiet space alone.  We are so THANKFUL that he has some relief in order to rest in between the bad rounds.  

We certainly appreciate and have continued to feel your prayers!  THANK YOU!!!!

If you could please continue to pray for:
1. Continued relief for John from severe pain and nausea.
2. As we shift gears in this new stage, God's wisdom on medical/personal daily choices to make.
3. For rest and endurance for John, Jill and the entire family as they continue on in this journey into this next difficult stage.
4. For comfort, peace and patience for John and the family as they wait on the Lord to reveal his plan for John's healing either here on earth or in heaven.  It's so hard to see him suffer in this way especially on the bad days.

In His Love,

The Gooney Gurneys