Thank you each and everyone who have given to me. I just wanted to give you an account of what I have done so far with the money.
Thank you NLCF for paying the past due on my electric. I paided the balance remaining today.
I paid Verizon Wireless for two months. New bill drops on 8/5
I paid 1 on the two months due on my Kia. tomorrow I will again be two months due.
I paid 1 of the two months due on the GMC. Next Friday I will again be two months due, but as soon as the Death Certificate comes in I will be able to file the credit life policy and if they do not drag their feet the GMC will be paid in full. It they take their time I might have to make one more payment
I posted the change of address for the office today.
Got some piddlepads for the dogs.
I rented a UHaul for the move tomorrow. It will be about $150.00.
Joey says I need to also let everyone know how I am doing. Truthfully, I am avoiding doing the hard things like going through Ed cloths. I would not have been able to ask for help the way Joey did for me. I would not have been able to accomplish these things today if you all had not responded. I am having a hard time being a widow. I hate it. I wanted to be married 25 years at least. I am not in denial, I just hate what has happened and am trying to avoid it as much as possible. I will work through it a little each day. God Bless Joey and everyone who has and who will continue to help me. I really do need you. If I don't call and you think of me then call me.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
July 23, 3008
Hey everybody!
This is Joey.
Just wanted to let everyone know that Stephanie got home fine.
After the service, Stephanie, Bud & I stopped at 5 Guys to eat.
5 Guys was one of Eds favorite places to eat.
Oh! I almost forgot! Thanx to Bud for paying for our meal.
We laughed and spoke of memories of Ed.
On behalf of Stephanie id like to thank the following people for thier financial contributions:
Brenda Smith
Diane Williamson
Jay Marshall
New Life Christian Fellowship
Janet Hall
The Ranney's
The Alt's
The Pacacha's
The Meisburgs
The Fourakers
Thursday Night Men's Group
Hoyte & Kim
Also, an anonymous person came forward with the money to pay for Ed's Obituary.
The following family members made financial contributions.
Bob Sims (Eds brother)
Stephanies father and all of her aunts.
Thank you all for your prayers and love.
Stephanie is strong. She is not in denial. She is at peace with Eds passing.
She smiles when she thinks of Ed and when she speaks of him there are very few tears.
More often than not, a smile and laughter.
Stephanie wants you all to know that the money she recieved today is helping ease the financial burden and that any future moneys will be appreciated, until she lands a job and can support herself.
The money she recieved today, she is using toward paying off her car and moving the office.
I guess this is the part where I tell you guys that I have been planning a benefit concert to help raise money to help Stephanie.
I will not get any of this money, just to let you know.
The concert will be held at The Pit in Jax Beach.
If you dont like hard rock or heavy metal you can always make a donation to the Ed Sims Memorial Foundation.
We are currently in the process of setting up a bank account.
If you do decide to come to the show, I will make sure you get earplugs if you need them.
Also, personal friends will still have to pay full ticket price, but if you make a extra financial donation, you will recieve an all acess pass.
The Eds Sims Memorial Foundation at first will help meet Stephanies financial needs.
Once that is taken care of and she is stable, the money will go to the Pancreatic cancer foundation and to Hospice.
We are also looking into setting up a funeral fund for low income families.
Anyone who wants a copy of the SlideShow from the memorial service today can recieve one for a financial donation of $5 or more to cover the cost of the DVD and shipping and handling.
This is Joey.
Just wanted to let everyone know that Stephanie got home fine.
After the service, Stephanie, Bud & I stopped at 5 Guys to eat.
5 Guys was one of Eds favorite places to eat.
Oh! I almost forgot! Thanx to Bud for paying for our meal.
We laughed and spoke of memories of Ed.
On behalf of Stephanie id like to thank the following people for thier financial contributions:
Brenda Smith
Diane Williamson
Jay Marshall
New Life Christian Fellowship
Janet Hall
The Ranney's
The Alt's
The Pacacha's
The Meisburgs
The Fourakers
Thursday Night Men's Group
Hoyte & Kim
Also, an anonymous person came forward with the money to pay for Ed's Obituary.
The following family members made financial contributions.
Bob Sims (Eds brother)
Stephanies father and all of her aunts.
Thank you all for your prayers and love.
Stephanie is strong. She is not in denial. She is at peace with Eds passing.
She smiles when she thinks of Ed and when she speaks of him there are very few tears.
More often than not, a smile and laughter.
Stephanie wants you all to know that the money she recieved today is helping ease the financial burden and that any future moneys will be appreciated, until she lands a job and can support herself.
The money she recieved today, she is using toward paying off her car and moving the office.
I guess this is the part where I tell you guys that I have been planning a benefit concert to help raise money to help Stephanie.
I will not get any of this money, just to let you know.
The concert will be held at The Pit in Jax Beach.
If you dont like hard rock or heavy metal you can always make a donation to the Ed Sims Memorial Foundation.
We are currently in the process of setting up a bank account.
If you do decide to come to the show, I will make sure you get earplugs if you need them.
Also, personal friends will still have to pay full ticket price, but if you make a extra financial donation, you will recieve an all acess pass.
The Eds Sims Memorial Foundation at first will help meet Stephanies financial needs.
Once that is taken care of and she is stable, the money will go to the Pancreatic cancer foundation and to Hospice.
We are also looking into setting up a funeral fund for low income families.
Anyone who wants a copy of the SlideShow from the memorial service today can recieve one for a financial donation of $5 or more to cover the cost of the DVD and shipping and handling.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
July 20, 2008 The curtain closes on a wonderful life.
All are welcome to attend the memorial service for my wonderful husband Ed on Wednesday July 23, 2008 at Southpoint Community Church, 7556 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville FL 32256 at 2:00 pm
Unfourtuanetly, I was unable to afford to bury my husband as he wished and have had to opt for cremation. Therefore there will not be a funeral service or grave service. But we will celebrate Ed's life and how he touched each of us.
Note from Joey: Southpoint is coming through with $1000 to help with the cost of cremation. Stephanie still needs $300 more to get the cremation totally taken care of. She needs our help right now. I know we are all having money issues, but honestly, she needs money.
She has a hard time asking for money and quite frankly, we're all aware of the lifestyle that Ed aforded her. I dont think she wants to exactly keep that lifestyle, but she has been crying. She needs money for food & gas and food for the dogs. Today was a very hard day for her as I watched the reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks. She is being incredibly strong, but damnit, she needs cash!!! She doesnt even have the $250 to put an obituary in the paper.
You say you want to help her - then help her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 6pm Ed passed away today.
I am an avid writer, but for once in my life, I'm about as close to speechless as I can be.
I was not at Hospice at the time of Ed's passing. The nurses had informed Stephanie that Ed's time was drawing near. She told me that I could go home and take a shower and change. I assume that by the time I got home, Ed had passed.
I have never seen a room so packed with people that love someone. There were at least 10 to 11 people in the room today. We were able to reminisce about the good times and the things Ed did for people. Ed was able to hear all of us praising him and what people really thought about him and how much he is loved. There were some good laughs and a few crys. It was a wonderful Blessing.
Unfourtuanetly, I was unable to afford to bury my husband as he wished and have had to opt for cremation. Therefore there will not be a funeral service or grave service. But we will celebrate Ed's life and how he touched each of us.
Note from Joey: Southpoint is coming through with $1000 to help with the cost of cremation. Stephanie still needs $300 more to get the cremation totally taken care of. She needs our help right now. I know we are all having money issues, but honestly, she needs money.
She has a hard time asking for money and quite frankly, we're all aware of the lifestyle that Ed aforded her. I dont think she wants to exactly keep that lifestyle, but she has been crying. She needs money for food & gas and food for the dogs. Today was a very hard day for her as I watched the reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks. She is being incredibly strong, but damnit, she needs cash!!! She doesnt even have the $250 to put an obituary in the paper.
You say you want to help her - then help her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 6pm Ed passed away today.
I am an avid writer, but for once in my life, I'm about as close to speechless as I can be.
I was not at Hospice at the time of Ed's passing. The nurses had informed Stephanie that Ed's time was drawing near. She told me that I could go home and take a shower and change. I assume that by the time I got home, Ed had passed.
I have never seen a room so packed with people that love someone. There were at least 10 to 11 people in the room today. We were able to reminisce about the good times and the things Ed did for people. Ed was able to hear all of us praising him and what people really thought about him and how much he is loved. There were some good laughs and a few crys. It was a wonderful Blessing.
On behalf of Stephanie, I'd like to thank everyone for thier prayers and support.
Like I said, I've never been at a loss for words.... But right now I am...
Here are some pictures of Ed and Stephanie and the good times they shared.
Like I said, I've never been at a loss for words.... But right now I am...
Here are some pictures of Ed and Stephanie and the good times they shared.
March 3, 2005 Baptism together as a married
couple in the Jordan River, Isreal by Bishop Paul Zink.
Married my Love Feb. 01. 2003
Casbah - Belly Dancer 2005
Ed Being Silly
A close relative of Ed's - EPCOT 2002
Us at Biltmore Estate 2007
Chimney Rock 2007
Honeymoon 2003
Peace Love & Happiness
To Cool for Words
65th Birthday Party at JJ Bistro
I could do the MonkeyBars when I was younger.! What happened?
Rest well my Sweet Prince and Rejoice!
July 20th update (This is Joey posting and writing for Stephanie)
Stephanie and I very much know whats going on.
Hospice is a place that prepares you for the dying process.
We know that Eds time is very short and that he may pass away any minute now or maybe in a few days.
Were not sure.
His breathing has become shallow and there is a rattle in the back of his throat.
He has been asleep for almost 24 hours.
He is on a morphine pump to help make him as comfortable as possible.
Thats what Hospice does, they make you as comfortable as possible in the dying process.
I know alot of you have been by and seen Ed, and trust me, Stephanie appreciates every vist, every phone call and every prayer.
She has brought Minster the male dog and he is laying at Eds feet.
Maggie, one of the female dogs is here as well, as of this morning, and she is very much about comforting Stephanie.
The people here at Hospice have been wonderful to her and brought her anything she needs.
Please remember Ed the way he was, the lively guy that was quick with a wisecrack, enjoyed good food, drink and loved the Lord Jesus with everything in him.
Ed has forgiven everyone and has seen two of his three daughters. He is at peace....
Remember what Stephanie said, and any preacher will tell you, its not up to us where and when God will heal Ed.
None of us, as much as we love Ed want him to suffer.
Jesus is waiting with open arms for Ed.
Of all the people ive met in my life, I know without a shadow of doubt that Ed is not only going to heaven, but his rewards will be bountiful.
Ed was a giver. He very much enjoyed doing for people.
He would give his last dollar to feed someone, trust me, hes done it.
Pray for Stephanie, be there for her in any way you can.
Be the church.
'Be there for the widows' I believe that was Jesus who said that.
Ill close with this....
Stephanie has a hard time asking for anything.
Give what you can to her.
Be there for her in whatever capacity you are able to.
Hospice is a place that prepares you for the dying process.
We know that Eds time is very short and that he may pass away any minute now or maybe in a few days.
Were not sure.
His breathing has become shallow and there is a rattle in the back of his throat.
He has been asleep for almost 24 hours.
He is on a morphine pump to help make him as comfortable as possible.
Thats what Hospice does, they make you as comfortable as possible in the dying process.
I know alot of you have been by and seen Ed, and trust me, Stephanie appreciates every vist, every phone call and every prayer.
She has brought Minster the male dog and he is laying at Eds feet.
Maggie, one of the female dogs is here as well, as of this morning, and she is very much about comforting Stephanie.
The people here at Hospice have been wonderful to her and brought her anything she needs.
Please remember Ed the way he was, the lively guy that was quick with a wisecrack, enjoyed good food, drink and loved the Lord Jesus with everything in him.
Ed has forgiven everyone and has seen two of his three daughters. He is at peace....
Remember what Stephanie said, and any preacher will tell you, its not up to us where and when God will heal Ed.
None of us, as much as we love Ed want him to suffer.
Jesus is waiting with open arms for Ed.
Of all the people ive met in my life, I know without a shadow of doubt that Ed is not only going to heaven, but his rewards will be bountiful.
Ed was a giver. He very much enjoyed doing for people.
He would give his last dollar to feed someone, trust me, hes done it.
Pray for Stephanie, be there for her in any way you can.
Be the church.
'Be there for the widows' I believe that was Jesus who said that.
Ill close with this....
Stephanie has a hard time asking for anything.
Give what you can to her.
Be there for her in whatever capacity you are able to.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Ed's Health Update Part 3
July 17 Update
Well this update is very hard for me. Ed is going to Hospice tomorrow. Today around 3:30 in the afternoon he had a stroke. His right side is mostly paralyzed. His face has drooped and he is having difficulty communicating. He is aware of people and knows who they are. He understands what is said to him. He has something to say, but I can’t understand what it is yet. I have been trying to get him to sleep, but he wakes about every hour or so. Please continue to pray for peace. This is a very hard update to write and I am not thinking very clearly tonight. I will be at the hospital all night and have a friend staying here with me. Thank you all for everything. God bless you all.
July 18 Update
Ed finally made it out of Baptist South after 24 days. He is now at Community Hospice - Hadlow Center on Sunbeam Road. He is in room 209. The stroke that he had back in June finally manifested symptoms. I am told that this is not unusual. He has no movement on the right side. He is unable to speak. He seems to kind-of-know what is going on or at least knows when people are here and when they leave. Speaking of, God has answered another pray. Two of Ed's daughters came by the hospital to visit with him today. Thank you God and all who have interceded on this. Your prayers were heard and answered. To be frank, Ed's body is in the process of shutting down. I don't know how long he has but it is not much. If you would like to come by and visit with him, now is the time to do it. I am still having problems on the financial front, but God has given me some angels who brings me small amounts of money just in time. Thank you Jesus. Pray that I can find an attorney in Arkansas who will work first and get paid later. I could still use help getting the office moved. Doug Jones is heading this up for me. Let me know if you can help and I will give him your phone number. I will be staying at Hospice tonight to make sure Ed gets settled in. OH Yeah! Minster our male Yorkie is up here visiting with Ed and anyone else who comes by. Ed knows he is here and even petted him for a few minutes. Minster has been sleeping at the foot of the bed. I am so glad I can bring the puppies up here. Well it is getting late and its hard to think anymore. God bless and prosper everyone.
Well this update is very hard for me. Ed is going to Hospice tomorrow. Today around 3:30 in the afternoon he had a stroke. His right side is mostly paralyzed. His face has drooped and he is having difficulty communicating. He is aware of people and knows who they are. He understands what is said to him. He has something to say, but I can’t understand what it is yet. I have been trying to get him to sleep, but he wakes about every hour or so. Please continue to pray for peace. This is a very hard update to write and I am not thinking very clearly tonight. I will be at the hospital all night and have a friend staying here with me. Thank you all for everything. God bless you all.
July 18 Update
Ed finally made it out of Baptist South after 24 days. He is now at Community Hospice - Hadlow Center on Sunbeam Road. He is in room 209. The stroke that he had back in June finally manifested symptoms. I am told that this is not unusual. He has no movement on the right side. He is unable to speak. He seems to kind-of-know what is going on or at least knows when people are here and when they leave. Speaking of, God has answered another pray. Two of Ed's daughters came by the hospital to visit with him today. Thank you God and all who have interceded on this. Your prayers were heard and answered. To be frank, Ed's body is in the process of shutting down. I don't know how long he has but it is not much. If you would like to come by and visit with him, now is the time to do it. I am still having problems on the financial front, but God has given me some angels who brings me small amounts of money just in time. Thank you Jesus. Pray that I can find an attorney in Arkansas who will work first and get paid later. I could still use help getting the office moved. Doug Jones is heading this up for me. Let me know if you can help and I will give him your phone number. I will be staying at Hospice tonight to make sure Ed gets settled in. OH Yeah! Minster our male Yorkie is up here visiting with Ed and anyone else who comes by. Ed knows he is here and even petted him for a few minutes. Minster has been sleeping at the foot of the bed. I am so glad I can bring the puppies up here. Well it is getting late and its hard to think anymore. God bless and prosper everyone.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Ed's Health Update - Part 2
Part one was getting a bit long, so I started a new one.
July 5, Update
We have had a few days of just resting. We had a great view of the fireworks last night from our 4th floor room. Ed went for a walk about and went down to the Resource Library and sat for a while. Dr. Grochmal came by and has put Ed on a lung exerciser. Of course he hates it, mostly because it wears him out and he doesn't see any progress. It's only been one day. He hates to do anything that takes any effort on his part. He is so spoiled. When I left at 9:30 tonight he was still watching the NASCAR race. I don't think he will make it to the end.
Please add this to your prayers. Ed would really like to reconcile with his daughters. Please pray that they will have a softening of their hearts and reach out to their father.
Unless God takes thing into his hands, and I pray all day for Ed's healing, there really isn't a positive outlook. Dr. Grochmal told us that he believes Ed to be in Stage 4 since it has spread to his liver. I know that the Oncologist believe that they can treat him, but they haven't given us any idea what to expect or how long Ed my have. I know our God, and His Son, Jesus, can heal my husband. Please all pray this. Come by often and lay healing hands on him. I want my husband to live a long happy life.
Thank you God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit for lifting my husband up into your arms and healing him. Thank you for giving him your strength Father God. Thank you Jesus for your blood that was spilt for his healing. Holy Spirit, Thank you for lifting us both up and bring your love into each of us. Aman, Aman, and Aman,
July 8, Update
Well the last couple of days have been very long. Last night they decided that Ed needed an ultrasound of his legs. That came back with him having some clots in both legs. They needed to put him back on the heparin blood thinner. It took two hours 4 RNs and finally an Anaesthesiologist, who came by to get Ed to sign a form, to get the IV in. My poor husband was stuck so many times and he is hypersensitive and every stick hurt, his arms are black and blue.
Then they scheduled the Portacath insertion for 6:30 am. So since it was after midnight I stayed at the hospital. Needless to say Ed didn't sleep much, so I didn't sleep much. The insertion went well and after 48 hours they will be able to use it to draw blood and inject IV and drugs into it.
Dr. Grochmal came by this afternoon and decided that because of the way Ed zones out and becomes despondent sometimes he wanted to make sure there wasn't anything going on there. So he scheduled a MRI of the head. He is thinking that Ed is just hypersensitive to the zofran - the nausea med, and or the Lortab - the pain med. He also wants to do a bone scan of Ed's legs just to make sure. They are supposed to be done tonight or early in the morning.
We are praying that there will be nothing new on these scans. Hopefully, Ed will get to come home tomorrow.
On the miracle front: An old friend of Ed's gave me $100.00 I used it to put meat in our freezer. I met with the Attorney, so keep praying for this to go smoothly and quickly. The meds that were going to cost us $1000.00 copay a month were approved at $15.00 a month for a year. Praise GOD! and the Xango juice, that is God made, and the powerful Xanthones that naturally fight cancer, we have had 10 cases donated to us so that Ed can go on the 21 day, 1 bottle a day program to help him fight this illness. Thank you to all who have donated and for those of you who would like to know more about Xango check our my other blog under the June archive. Ed's Dr. said he could drink as much of it as he wanted.
Oh yeah, We put the condo up for sale. With the housing market we are hoping to break even. The realtor is a long time friend of Ed's he is looking for a small place for us in Duval with a yard. The stairs at the condo are just not good for Ed. Once Ed is home I could use some help to move stuff in and out of rooms so I can get some really go photos for the Realtor. I also need to paint some, and box up stuff. They said that the carpet being pulled up was a positive since it will allow the buyer to put down what ever they want. So we could also use prayer that this will go smoothly and that we can find just the right place to rent where we can keep all our beloved babies, (Abby, Minster, Madison, Maggie, and Isabelle)
Well that is about all that my tired brain can remember. God Bless each and everyone of you.
July 9, Update
Well, I wish I had good news. Boy! do I wish I had good news. The MRI of the brain showed that Ed had a couple of old strokes and at lest 1 recent stroke (with in the past 2 weeks). Ed could not complete the scan. He said that the noise really bothered him, so he had it stopped. The Neurologists said that it was a good thing that Ed was on the Blood thinners. They said that he needs to concentrate on getting strong and fighting through his illnesses. I ask them if these strokes would interfere with him going to the office or if we should close it and let him work from home. They were both pretty adamant that Ed did not need to be going to the office anymore. They feel that he has only about a year left. So tomorrow I will begin the process of closing the office. I will need some help moving things to the storage area. On the positive side, Dr Grochmal said that his cancer is only a few months old. So Ed is still strong and should respond well to treatment which should start next week. We will get the bone scan results tomorrow. God! I am so tired. Please give me strength! I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that my husband will be miraculously healed tonight! Thank you father. Aman
July 11 Update
Well finally some Good News! The bone scan came back normal! YEAH! Dr. Grochmal said he didn't want to do anymore test. (he was jesting) Hopefully, Ed will get to come home tomorrow or Sunday. Physical Therapy has been working with him and helping build his strength. You know we have those stairs to navigate. We are scheduled to meet with Dr. Marks the oncologist, Monday afternoon and we will get our chemo schedule. Thank you for all your prayers. Keep them up. We have just started the hard part is yet to come, but with your prayers and God Love and Christs healing all will be well. Once Ed is home the Updates will be fewer. I will still send everyone an email whenever I post something new. Thank you all for your support and Love.
My next goal is to get the office packed up and moved out by the end of the month. I could use a lot of boxes and a few people to help me disassemble the office and get it ready to move.
Thanks for all your help.
July 14 Update
Well Pooh! I thought Ed was going to be going to a Short Term Rehab Center today, but it didn't happen. It seems that Ed's bilirubin levels (the stuff that makes you jaundiced) are to high to start Chemo. His were below 2 when he was admitted in June and as of yesterday they were 3.9. They need to be below 3 to start chemo. Dr. Marks ordered a Sonogram of the liver and requested Dr Kohm to do an ERCP (that's the endoscope that goes down the throat) and place a stint in the bile duct if necessary. He believes that the tumor has grown and is pressing on the duct which is causing the biliruben to stay in the body. The bile needs to be excreted because that is how the chemo gets out of the body. Anyway, please pray that Eds pancreas will not become angry when the ERCP is done as this procedure can cause pancreatitis, which is very painfull and can take upto 10 days to settle down. The goal is to get Ed into physical therapy so we can build his strength and get him home. Thank you all for every prayer. Please if you think about it give Ed a call at the hospital- his number is 821-6401. I will be checking out Jacksonville Rehab and Nursing Center on Dune Avenue tomorrow. It's a long way away, but covered by the insurance. I'll let you know how things go.
July 16 Update
Where to begin? It has been a real emotional roller coaster the last two days. Yesterday, before the ERCP, Two men from Ed's Thursday Men's meeting came by. They had a great word for Ed about forgiveness - giving and receiving, repentance, reconciliations, and the healing of hurts given and received. There was great prayer and great release and peace fell upon Ed and us all. Ed went into the procedure with a light heart and filled with the Holy Spirit. After the Procedure we were told that there was no blockage or strictures and no need to place a stint. Praise God! We thanked God and spoke of hope and going home the rest of the day.
By the way Jax Rehab and Nursing Center is 40 min from our home, it is small, older and crowded. We were looking at another facility that is closer to home in riverside.
Well today, Dr. Marks came by and told us that Ed's Kidneys and Liver were not doing well. That we needed to flush the kidneys and see if we could get them to function properly. The biliruben was know up to 4.8 and when it tops 5 things are really bad. He can not have any chemo until the kidneys and liver straighten up. So today he has been on and IV and I have been forcing him to drink. I got a wheelchair and took him on a tour of the hospital. He needed to get out of the room for a while.
Later Dr. Box came by, She is part of his primary group. She said if there was no change for the better tomorrow that we should go home and call HOSPICE. She said that his cancer is being very aggressive and at this time he is not a candidate for surgery or treatment. Remember this has only been going on for 4 months. We have been in the hospital for 22 days and counting. It is not unheard of for this cancer to start and end in under 6 months.
It was suggested that I look up and contact MD Anderson Cancer Center in TX. They do alot of cancer trials and treatments. Basically, Ed has too many issues between the strokes and blood clots in the legs and pulmonary embolism that he is not eligible for any of the trials. They would not be doing anything different than we are doing here. They have a network Dr. at Mayo if we feel that we need a face to face consultation. Ed and I discussed it and decided not to.
Ed and I have had a great touching heartfelt talk today about his dying. Neither one of us is ready to let go, but we both know where he will be going, and who will be waiting for him there. We have come to an understanding an both have a new level of peace. The Holy Spirit has been ministering to both of us today.
Ed is tired. He has been tired for awhile now. He wants to rest and is blessed to be loved by all of you. Thank you all for your prayers and friendship. Please continue to stand by us as 'we walk down this wonderful path to Ed's new life in the Sonshine of Jesus Christ. We relish hearing from each of you and know that you have prayed for us. We haven't given up on miraculous healing, but when you pray for healing you do not get a choice of where God will choose to do the healing. Here on earth or up in Heaven. It is a wonderful thing to know how much you all love Ed and I. Thank you for all you have done and will do in.
May God bless each and every one of you and bring you all the desires of your heart.
July 5, Update
We have had a few days of just resting. We had a great view of the fireworks last night from our 4th floor room. Ed went for a walk about and went down to the Resource Library and sat for a while. Dr. Grochmal came by and has put Ed on a lung exerciser. Of course he hates it, mostly because it wears him out and he doesn't see any progress. It's only been one day. He hates to do anything that takes any effort on his part. He is so spoiled. When I left at 9:30 tonight he was still watching the NASCAR race. I don't think he will make it to the end.
Please add this to your prayers. Ed would really like to reconcile with his daughters. Please pray that they will have a softening of their hearts and reach out to their father.
Unless God takes thing into his hands, and I pray all day for Ed's healing, there really isn't a positive outlook. Dr. Grochmal told us that he believes Ed to be in Stage 4 since it has spread to his liver. I know that the Oncologist believe that they can treat him, but they haven't given us any idea what to expect or how long Ed my have. I know our God, and His Son, Jesus, can heal my husband. Please all pray this. Come by often and lay healing hands on him. I want my husband to live a long happy life.
Thank you God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit for lifting my husband up into your arms and healing him. Thank you for giving him your strength Father God. Thank you Jesus for your blood that was spilt for his healing. Holy Spirit, Thank you for lifting us both up and bring your love into each of us. Aman, Aman, and Aman,
July 8, Update
Well the last couple of days have been very long. Last night they decided that Ed needed an ultrasound of his legs. That came back with him having some clots in both legs. They needed to put him back on the heparin blood thinner. It took two hours 4 RNs and finally an Anaesthesiologist, who came by to get Ed to sign a form, to get the IV in. My poor husband was stuck so many times and he is hypersensitive and every stick hurt, his arms are black and blue.
Then they scheduled the Portacath insertion for 6:30 am. So since it was after midnight I stayed at the hospital. Needless to say Ed didn't sleep much, so I didn't sleep much. The insertion went well and after 48 hours they will be able to use it to draw blood and inject IV and drugs into it.
Dr. Grochmal came by this afternoon and decided that because of the way Ed zones out and becomes despondent sometimes he wanted to make sure there wasn't anything going on there. So he scheduled a MRI of the head. He is thinking that Ed is just hypersensitive to the zofran - the nausea med, and or the Lortab - the pain med. He also wants to do a bone scan of Ed's legs just to make sure. They are supposed to be done tonight or early in the morning.
We are praying that there will be nothing new on these scans. Hopefully, Ed will get to come home tomorrow.
On the miracle front: An old friend of Ed's gave me $100.00 I used it to put meat in our freezer. I met with the Attorney, so keep praying for this to go smoothly and quickly. The meds that were going to cost us $1000.00 copay a month were approved at $15.00 a month for a year. Praise GOD! and the Xango juice, that is God made, and the powerful Xanthones that naturally fight cancer, we have had 10 cases donated to us so that Ed can go on the 21 day, 1 bottle a day program to help him fight this illness. Thank you to all who have donated and for those of you who would like to know more about Xango check our my other blog under the June archive. Ed's Dr. said he could drink as much of it as he wanted.
Oh yeah, We put the condo up for sale. With the housing market we are hoping to break even. The realtor is a long time friend of Ed's he is looking for a small place for us in Duval with a yard. The stairs at the condo are just not good for Ed. Once Ed is home I could use some help to move stuff in and out of rooms so I can get some really go photos for the Realtor. I also need to paint some, and box up stuff. They said that the carpet being pulled up was a positive since it will allow the buyer to put down what ever they want. So we could also use prayer that this will go smoothly and that we can find just the right place to rent where we can keep all our beloved babies, (Abby, Minster, Madison, Maggie, and Isabelle)
Well that is about all that my tired brain can remember. God Bless each and everyone of you.
July 9, Update
Well, I wish I had good news. Boy! do I wish I had good news. The MRI of the brain showed that Ed had a couple of old strokes and at lest 1 recent stroke (with in the past 2 weeks). Ed could not complete the scan. He said that the noise really bothered him, so he had it stopped. The Neurologists said that it was a good thing that Ed was on the Blood thinners. They said that he needs to concentrate on getting strong and fighting through his illnesses. I ask them if these strokes would interfere with him going to the office or if we should close it and let him work from home. They were both pretty adamant that Ed did not need to be going to the office anymore. They feel that he has only about a year left. So tomorrow I will begin the process of closing the office. I will need some help moving things to the storage area. On the positive side, Dr Grochmal said that his cancer is only a few months old. So Ed is still strong and should respond well to treatment which should start next week. We will get the bone scan results tomorrow. God! I am so tired. Please give me strength! I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that my husband will be miraculously healed tonight! Thank you father. Aman
July 11 Update
Well finally some Good News! The bone scan came back normal! YEAH! Dr. Grochmal said he didn't want to do anymore test. (he was jesting) Hopefully, Ed will get to come home tomorrow or Sunday. Physical Therapy has been working with him and helping build his strength. You know we have those stairs to navigate. We are scheduled to meet with Dr. Marks the oncologist, Monday afternoon and we will get our chemo schedule. Thank you for all your prayers. Keep them up. We have just started the hard part is yet to come, but with your prayers and God Love and Christs healing all will be well. Once Ed is home the Updates will be fewer. I will still send everyone an email whenever I post something new. Thank you all for your support and Love.
My next goal is to get the office packed up and moved out by the end of the month. I could use a lot of boxes and a few people to help me disassemble the office and get it ready to move.
Thanks for all your help.
July 14 Update
Well Pooh! I thought Ed was going to be going to a Short Term Rehab Center today, but it didn't happen. It seems that Ed's bilirubin levels (the stuff that makes you jaundiced) are to high to start Chemo. His were below 2 when he was admitted in June and as of yesterday they were 3.9. They need to be below 3 to start chemo. Dr. Marks ordered a Sonogram of the liver and requested Dr Kohm to do an ERCP (that's the endoscope that goes down the throat) and place a stint in the bile duct if necessary. He believes that the tumor has grown and is pressing on the duct which is causing the biliruben to stay in the body. The bile needs to be excreted because that is how the chemo gets out of the body. Anyway, please pray that Eds pancreas will not become angry when the ERCP is done as this procedure can cause pancreatitis, which is very painfull and can take upto 10 days to settle down. The goal is to get Ed into physical therapy so we can build his strength and get him home. Thank you all for every prayer. Please if you think about it give Ed a call at the hospital- his number is 821-6401. I will be checking out Jacksonville Rehab and Nursing Center on Dune Avenue tomorrow. It's a long way away, but covered by the insurance. I'll let you know how things go.
July 16 Update
Where to begin? It has been a real emotional roller coaster the last two days. Yesterday, before the ERCP, Two men from Ed's Thursday Men's meeting came by. They had a great word for Ed about forgiveness - giving and receiving, repentance, reconciliations, and the healing of hurts given and received. There was great prayer and great release and peace fell upon Ed and us all. Ed went into the procedure with a light heart and filled with the Holy Spirit. After the Procedure we were told that there was no blockage or strictures and no need to place a stint. Praise God! We thanked God and spoke of hope and going home the rest of the day.
By the way Jax Rehab and Nursing Center is 40 min from our home, it is small, older and crowded. We were looking at another facility that is closer to home in riverside.
Well today, Dr. Marks came by and told us that Ed's Kidneys and Liver were not doing well. That we needed to flush the kidneys and see if we could get them to function properly. The biliruben was know up to 4.8 and when it tops 5 things are really bad. He can not have any chemo until the kidneys and liver straighten up. So today he has been on and IV and I have been forcing him to drink. I got a wheelchair and took him on a tour of the hospital. He needed to get out of the room for a while.
Later Dr. Box came by, She is part of his primary group. She said if there was no change for the better tomorrow that we should go home and call HOSPICE. She said that his cancer is being very aggressive and at this time he is not a candidate for surgery or treatment. Remember this has only been going on for 4 months. We have been in the hospital for 22 days and counting. It is not unheard of for this cancer to start and end in under 6 months.
It was suggested that I look up and contact MD Anderson Cancer Center in TX. They do alot of cancer trials and treatments. Basically, Ed has too many issues between the strokes and blood clots in the legs and pulmonary embolism that he is not eligible for any of the trials. They would not be doing anything different than we are doing here. They have a network Dr. at Mayo if we feel that we need a face to face consultation. Ed and I discussed it and decided not to.
Ed and I have had a great touching heartfelt talk today about his dying. Neither one of us is ready to let go, but we both know where he will be going, and who will be waiting for him there. We have come to an understanding an both have a new level of peace. The Holy Spirit has been ministering to both of us today.
Ed is tired. He has been tired for awhile now. He wants to rest and is blessed to be loved by all of you. Thank you all for your prayers and friendship. Please continue to stand by us as 'we walk down this wonderful path to Ed's new life in the Sonshine of Jesus Christ. We relish hearing from each of you and know that you have prayed for us. We haven't given up on miraculous healing, but when you pray for healing you do not get a choice of where God will choose to do the healing. Here on earth or up in Heaven. It is a wonderful thing to know how much you all love Ed and I. Thank you for all you have done and will do in.
May God bless each and every one of you and bring you all the desires of your heart.
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