The Day of Surgery

{JaNece Editor}  Mindy came this week from Alaska and has been helping our Dad feel better.  Jack had an appointment with Dr. Hill, a surgeon and he felt confident that he could do this surgery and fix the problem that was causing an infection.  After talking with Dr. Hill, Jack has decided to have a lapriscopic surgery to fix the leak in his colon in hopes that this infection will go away and Jack can regain some strength.  So today was the scheduled day of surgery.  He checked in at 8 and by 10 the surgeon came in the room saying, "GOOD NEWS!  No surgery.  After further labs and scans there is nothing to fix!  There is no leak in the colon and therefore he doesn't need the surgery."  We all sat there a little bit flabbergasted!  What great news!  He was on some pain pills that make him nauseous, and that is the battle we are currently fighting. Nothing tastes good and nothing stays down.  So our prayers are for his appetite to return.  We have witnessed yet another miracle.  We are so grateful!!!

The Drain (Literal and Emotional)

{JaNece Editor} These past few weeks have been FULL of emotion from everyone here in the Marshall Family.  I realize I have been a horrible updater, but no news is good news.  So, unfortunately, I have news.  :(  Several weeks ago, my dad complained of his back hurting.  He has been diagnosed previously with spinal stenosis  (click for more info).  He was in a lot of pain and was finally able to get an epidural, which in the past, has been helpful at relieving some of the pain.  This time, however, it did nothing.  So the pain continued until he was unable to move (or be touched) without wincing in severe pain.  Eunice wasn't able to help him get to the car, so she called an ambulance.  The first responders came, which were EMT's from Woodland Hills who knew Jack.  It was comforting to have them there, and he was in good hands.  He made it to the emergency room and was transferred (for the 3rd time) to the 7th floor.  He had a leak or hole in his colon (fistula) which was causing an infection and the severe pain he was experiencing.  They were able to drain it, but he was kept in the hospital for almost a week.  The doctors concluded that it was most likely caused by his cancer medicine called Avastin.  If we were to continue his cancer treatment, his condition would worsen.  So Jack is off his cancer meds, which means he is no longer on the Trial Study.  (And he was the last man standing on the study...)  Surgery was mentioned, but quickly dismissed because it was too invasive and the risk of infection was too great.  He was sent home from the hospital with hospice and a drain from his colon.  Not to mention, we are emotionally drained.  We have heavy hearts as we enter this new phase.  We appreciate all the care and concern shown towards Jack and our family.  He has been home for about a week an a half and is still in pain and mostly bed-ridden.  A few days ago, Jack's doctor called and told us that there is a less invasive microscopic surgery that could fix the fistula and leak in his colon.  There is no guarantee that Jack's health will return or that he won't have another infection or that the cancer wouldn't return.  But it has been a glimmer of hope in our dark moment.  They haven't made a decision, but many prayers are being offered and petitioning to the Lord.  Mindy will be flying in on Tuesday and Jared (who is out of town) will return on Thursday.  We are happy to be able to be together to help in this decision.  Thank you again for your concern and your heartfelt prayers.  We feel them and we know they are answered.  We will update again soon.