Tuesday, December 2, 2008

December 2, 2008

(An Update from the Family)

Jocelyn has had a difficult few weeks. On November 12, she had a short seizure. Although she never lost consciousness, the seizure was a warning sign that the tumor in her brain was starting to grow. Since that time, she has had further X-rays, which showed that the three small tumors in her brain have gotten a bit larger, despite her having had radiation treatments in October. We are very grateful that she was referred to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. There they have something called a "gamma knife" to treat brain tumors. Despite the name, there are no knives and this isn't surgery. Instead, "gamma knife" radiosurgery delivers very high-energy, focused radiation right to the tumor lesions, hopefully without affecting the rest of the brain. Jocelyn is scheduled for gamma knife radiosurgery tomorrow (Wednesday - December 3rd) and, if all goes well, she should be able to come home very soon.

John and Jocelyn also learned that the colon cancer has spread to her lungs. For now, she has no symptoms from that, and this is a very good thing. The doctors have recommended chemotherapy to shrink those tumors, but this needs to wait until the brain tumors are taken care of.

In the meantime, John and Jocelyn are in Toronto, glad to have Brad and Darryl right at their sides, helping them find their way around the city (and glad that Chris is tending things back in Fenwick).

These treatments don't come with any guarantees (though we are grateful for the possibility that there are treatments that may be able to help her). But we know that God does guarantee that he'll provide strength and grace for each day, and that nothing can separate us from his love. Pray with us, thanking God for medicine and caring nurses and doctors and friends and family. Ask God to give Jocelyn the strength, courage, and hope that she needs. And thank God for each day that we have been given.

Kathy Faber Langendoen (Sister-In-Law to John and Jocelyn)

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

John and Jocelyn:
We are very thankful to hear that you are able to have some treatment in Toronto. We know that you have a journey yet ahead of you, but you have so many people praying for you!! You are truly blessed to have such caring family and friends surrounding you during this time. We will continue to pray for you every single day. The Lord is good and greatly to be praised! (even in the tough times)
Lots of love, Mike, Vicky & the gang

Anonymous said...

John and Jocelyn:
I am so thankful for how we can keep up with how things are going with you. Things sure happen quickly and change from day to day.I am so overwhelmed with all these change of events,yet i know where we can find our strength. You have been so brave so farDo you remember all those times that you and i would say to each other "Wow, these children are such troopers to go through everything they must go through with these treatments? That they try so hard to smile on the outside for thier loved ones, even though they hurt on the inside?" I continue to read your blogs and i feel what you are going through as if i was living it again. I know what it is to be going through these difficult and unknown tests and treatments. I am so thankful for your faith and zest for life. I am thankful for your medical team there in Toronto who is taking such good care of you.Don't you ever forget that ALL of us back home are thinking of you constantly and sending prayers of love,encouragement,healing,and hope!We love you very much and as you go through this proceedure tomorrow may you feel peace and love surrounding you okay? John, you will let us know how it goes tomorrow? You are always in my thoughts,love Brenda

Anonymous said...

Dear Jocelyn and John,

Just a quick note to say we're praying (the John Sr. branch of the family - as well as I'm positive the whole gang!) for strength, courage, healing, mercy...Your Redeemer lives and hides you under His wings.

With love and hope,
Cyn

Anonymous said...

John and Jocelyn, we read your blog regularly,along with Geralds and we realize just how fragile life is and how we truly depend on God. May you feel His arms of love around you as you take another step on your journey;the one that leads Home to where all of His children are going and where some including our son David already are. We also know that God is our Healer and we continue to pray that for you Jocelyn! May His peace and presence cover you and your family!! we love you lots from john and wendy

Anonymous said...

Thank you Kathy for this update, it's very helpful. John & Jocelyn have mentioned before how blessed they are to have you in their lives. We will continue to uphold their whole family in our daily prayers.

Joanne & Henry

Anonymous said...

John & Jocelyn,
We just want you to know we are continually praying for you-- Please continue to fight!
We love ya!!
John & Sonya and family

Anonymous said...

Dear Friends
Again I read your blog with great sadness that all of you have to deal with so much. On the other hand we give thanks that God provided a way for you to receive treatment in Toronto, we know you are strong in your faith but must also have your down time, it's such a hard thing to deal with. But we never have to walk it alone, the Lord is there to walk with us and hold our hand in our most difficult time. Glad to hear Brad & Darryl are able to be with you and John, we pray for your whole family and Chris as he needs to hold the fort at home, we pray for patience and much peace in these uncertain times. We love you Jocelyn and you are always in our prayers, love P&S

Our Hope

I’ve got a God who understands: Who holds me daily in His hands.
My God controls the sun and rain, yet He knows my private pain.
He cares when I ask “why?” He answers,
“My child, peace, be still. Learn to rest in My will.
Bring your need to Me in prayer. I will comfort and heal you there.
Learn to see eyes like Mine, that look beyond both space and time,
where you will rest on heaven’s shore, and live with Me forever more.”

Anonymous said...

John and Jocelyn:

You will be in our prayers, It was really good to see you at The Old Mill. May God give you strength to face this battle.

Rick and Gonda