Dear family and friends,
There is no easy way to relate our latest news... We've received some bad news yesterday and Jack will be entering hospice care after we leave Duke tomorrow and head home to Todd.
Tuesday night we went to the Watauga ER after Jack started displaying increasing confusion and started having muscle coordination troubles. At the ER they did a CT scan which showed a bleed on his brain. He was immediately transported by ambulance to Duke and I followed in the car.
They did a CT here at Duke and admitted him. Wednesday they did another CT and an MRI. The bleed was from the little tumor they did radio surgery on in February. Although it wasn't as little as it was the last time they looked at it (6/27/14). It has not only started to bleed but has grown. So, about the same time the tumor in his abdomen started growing rapidly, this booger did the same.
Since they had already done radiation on it and it being in a precarious place, there is nothing more they can do. It is in the left Thalmus area, on top of his brain stem.
Dr. Hanks did all he could and stopped by today to talk with Jack. He let Jack know that Jack had put up a real fight and he did all he could do to help Jack fight. He told Jack that he (Jack) was one of his most thoughtful and caring patients and that he had really hoped the treatments would work. Dr Hanks was a true advocate for Jack and you could tell he was sincere when he said he didn't come across many patients like Jack.
We also talked with the Pallative Care doctor about hospice and pain management. And the patient services person has connected us with Hospice in Ashe County, who with my daughter Elise have already prepared the house for what we will need when we come home tomorrow. They will be meeting us when we arrive.
Jack and I would like to thank the staff here at Duke, not only in the cancer clinic, but here on the oncology ward at Duke. They have all been so very helpful during our visits and stay as Jack battled this horrible disease.
We still have a hard road ahead... But Jack will be where he wants to be, home in Todd. There is no way of knowing how long or hard the struggles on the road ahead will be, but with our families and friends love and support it will make it easier.
Your continued prayers are much appreciated.
Peace and Love,
Helen
The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next. ~Mignon McLaughlin
7 comments:
This is sad news but please let mekwno if there is anything I can do to help. You are both in my thoughs and prayers! Much love, Connie
God Bless Jack! Love, Judy
Hi Jack my trooper of a friend. You are the bravest person I've ever met and I've been around a while. You have the best family too. Nothing I'm surprised about. They have been the same for the 25 years I have been friends with you. I'm going to miss seeing you but will never ever forget you. I know I will see you again soon. A day here on earth is like a 1000 years in heaven. It will be soon. I know you believe in the story of Jesus and what He did for all of us. Dying on the cross for the sins of the world. Don't let your heart be troubled, believe in God and believe also in Me (Jesus). John 10:16
Dan will be coming to see you tomorrow. He's been taking care of me after I had my right knee replaced. I've got a few weeks until I can travel anywhere but the hospital for therapy, and will see you the first chance I can. Love to you, Merrie. ❤
love and prayers to you all. what a courageous and strong person you are, dear Jack. i think of you often, spinning my twist of fate albums, and thinking of your happy smile on stage. lots of love.
your brown-eyed girl, Danielle (Starcke)
xoxo
Jack & Helen, You are in our prayers & thoughts. May God continue to give you strength & peace. Kevin, John, Timothy & Blake
We continue to pray for all of you. May God show his grace and mercy in the journey ahead.
We love you all.
The Wooten's
Jack, we've never met you and I, and that breaks my heart. You're married to my Dada sister you see, so that makes you family in my book. I don't want to intrude, but I did want you to know there has been more prayers and requests for blessings than you'll ever know. Just the obvious show of love and affection I've seen from your family and friends tells me all I need to know about the kind of man you are.
Brightest Blessings on you and yours,
Lisa Diamond
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