"Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; DO NOT BE AFRAID." John 14:27

I apologize for not posting recently. It has been difficult for me to stop and put into words everything that has been happening. It was just easier to live in the moment and pretend. If I didn't put it in writing, then it didn't have to be real. However, that is not fair to everyone else who loves John and who wants to know about this journey.

John had a celiac plexus nerve block last Thursday, 1/9. During this 1.5 hour out patient procedure, John was placed under general anesthesia and required a breathing tube. The surgeon used ultrasound technology to guide a small needle into both separate celiac plexus nerve bundles to freeze them. This destroyed the nerves and blocked pain signals from reaching the brain, thus providing relief in the abdomen. The nerves will eventually grow back and he may have to have the procedure again. It has been a success, and he has had minimal back and abdominal pain within the last week. However, he has not been able to enjoy that relief fully.

He had his third chemotherapy treatment the day before his procedure. He has to go in for a 6 hour infusion and then he wears a chemo pump home for the next 48 hours. Typically he goes back to the infusion clinic for the pump to be removed on the third day after the initial infusion. Unfortunately that was last Friday, which was a snow day in Atlanta! They trained him how to remove the pump himself and sent him home with supplies and detailed step-by-step instructions. When you have bio hazard containers for your removal, it can be quite intimidating! However, we were able to remove the pump with minimal discomfort for John or trauma to my psyche. 

Typically he has 3 pretty good days while he is receiving the chemo. Then he has 3 rough days where he sleeps continuously and is very nauseous. Unfortunately this time the 3 rough days have extended to 6. He is not even able to keep down water or his meds. He has had IV bags of fluid on both Monday and Wednesday. He is so weak that he can barely sit up on the edge of the bed. It is excruciating seeing him like this! Our hope is that today is the day that he turns the corner. I request that you please pray that over him!

I promise to post more frequently and to rely on your love and prayers to encourage us on this journey.