Hi everyone. We wanted to thank you for all the love and support you've shown our family over the past week. It is so comforting to know that so many of you are praying for us. We definitely feel those prayers and appreciate all the ways you've reached out. The texts, phone calls, visits, cards, and words of encouragement on this site and Facebook have meant so much to us.

We wanted to let you know about the radiation plan that Jerry will be starting next week. He will be receiving radiation on the lesions in his lower spine since that is where he is feeling most of the pain right now. The radiation will be administered in one large dose. The goal of the radiation is to shrink/slow the growth of the lesions and hopefully alleviate the severe pain that Jerry has been experiencing when walking and standing. He will also be receiving radiation on a large tumor in his left lung. The radiation for his lung will be spread out over 10 treatments within a two week period of time. Our hope is that as the tumor shrinks, Jerry's cough and shortness of breath will improve. 

We are very thankful that there is something that can be done to help relieve some of Jerry's discomfort. We would appreciate prayers for the radiation to be effective and for protection from any side effects from the radiation that would make Jerry uncomfortable. Please also pray for peace as we continue on this difficult journey and that we would feel the Lord's presence and sustaining grace.

We wanted to update you and let you know about some decisions that we've had to make this past week in regards to Jerry's treatment. He started radiation for his lung and lower spine on last Monday. The radiation for his spine was done in one large dose. They say it could take a week or more to feel any improvement in the pain. He also had radiation twice on his left lung, however we noticed that after just two treatments he was feeling pretty miserable with nausea, fatigue and weakness. We met with Jerry's palliative care doctor and radiation oncologist this past Wednesday to discuss the radiation and how to manage the symptoms. Given how quickly the side effects set in and how bothersome they were, the doctors both felt it was best to stop the radiation on his lung. The goal of the radiation for his lung was to slow the growth of the largest tumor which is causing him to cough and have shortness of breath. Since his cancer is not curable and has spread to other areas of his body, it didn't make sense to continue the treatments on his lung since it was causing him so much discomfort. 

His cough had already decreased over the past couple of weeks due to the increase in steroids and cough suppressants that he's taking, so we are very thankful for that. The nausea has also improved a bit, but we would appreciate your prayers for it to completely go away so he can enjoy eating again! Please also pray that he will begin to feel some relief from the back pain. 

We have now shifted our focus from seeking any type of treatment for the cancer to comfort care. We met with a social worker and nurse from hospice on Thursday and enrolled Jerry in the program. At this point, they will be helping us care for Jerry by making visits to the house (as needed) and with medication. It is difficult to predict how fast the cancer will progress and this allows us to be prepared for when we will need more support. Our goal is to make him as comfortable and pain free as possible so that he is able to do the things he loves to do. This past Thursday he was able to go into his pool and float for a little bit (with a some assistance from us). His sister also brought him a motorized wheelchair which will allow him to participate more easily in outside activities. We are looking forward to many more days this summer where we can enjoy family time in the pool and any other activities that Jerry is feeling up to.

As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult week for us emotionally. This is not the outcome that we were praying for. But as we look back over the past five months we are reminded of how gracious the Lord has been to us. He has answered so many of our prayers...a successful brain surgery and gamma knife radiation treatment, a full recovery from the blood clots in his lungs, manageable side effects from chemotherapy and immunotherapy, time together as a family celebrating birthdays and holidays. The list could go on and on of all the answered prayers and ways the Lord has shown His mercy and goodness to us. We want to thank all of you for your faithfulness to pray for us, encourage us and walk alongside us through all the highs and lows of this journey. Please continue to pray for peace and comfort for our family as we process all that is happening and for continued trust in the Lord's goodness and His perfect plan for Jerry's life.

We wanted to let you know that Jerry passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening with my mom and us girls by his side. Although it was very difficult, we treasure the past four days that we spent at his bedside. We are heartbroken at our huge loss and will miss him greatly, but we are comforted in knowing that he is with his Savior now. 

Thank you for your prayers over the past six months and for all of the ways you have loved and supported us on this painful journey. Please continue to pray for us as we grieve the loss of such an amazing husband, father and grandfather.

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