12/27/09

Made it to church Christmas eve and enjoyed the Candle Light services in addiditon to the message. Christmas day Kathy finished her cooking and the poweer went out for 16 hours. We spent most of the day at her Mom's as planned and through an extra Quilt on the bed when we came home. It appears my radiation effects are starting to show up. Face is somewhat more swollen and red and I have more of a headache today which could be the lack of sleep from last night and the weather fronts. Yesterday started pretty energetic with a trip to Dick's to spend the giftcards and Lunch at Panera's. I was cleaning up the yard when surprise surprise Konrads pulled in. It was so good to see them as even as I was running low. The kids and Konrad and I want for 1 hour walk in sunshine at the Arboretum. Later I rested while listening to their banter. Best Present ever. They had made plans to stay in a Hotel around the corner. This was helpful as I was up most of the night and finally took a pill so Kathy and I could sleep. This morning I had crawled back to bed when they returned for another couple hours before heading back. Boy am I loved. I also got a nice reminder from Almut and Papi via a Bonhoeffer poem how much we are loved and cared for by our heavenly Father and Jesus who makes this whole season possible. I guess its time to rely on more meds to make it through the next weeks. Kathy is turning 50 on Wednesday please call her and wish her well, my plans for her are somewhat meager. We spoke about postponing but I hate that. She made a nice dinner tonight and a smoothy to finish things off. Jurgen

12/24/09

Merry Christmas everybody Kathy and I wish a blessed Christmas. This week is going ok as far as the treatments are going. The first minor irretationa are showing up and I am more tired but its been a good week. I will go shortly for todays treatments which are my 6th radiation and 2nd chemo. Due to the holiday I will have tomorrow off, which means I ahve to make it up at the end. I started talking to a nice old Lady "annie " who has her 3rd bout with Cancer. She is refusing chemo and is almost done with radiation. She told me yesterday that her house is being foreclosed on and she will have to move at the 1st of the year. If you will keep her in your prayers. She is 86 and feels that she has had a good life. Hopefulluy I will have enough energy to make it to Church tonight. Last week both treatments took 6 hours and I was exhausted. I know this is short but I have to get ready and it all takes a bit longer. Thanks again for all yuor support and prayers. I am amble to eat more solid food such as pasta with cream sauce. A friend who has not spoken to me for 3.5 years stopped by on Tuesday and it was good to see him. Merry Christmas. Jurgen

12/19/09

Well its been several days. After a rocky start on Wednesday when I was not able to do my first radiation treatment due to my claustophobia it went better on Thrursday with the help of new medication. I also had my first chemo on Thursday with a mild allergic reaction to one of the drugs which was handled while I was there and I was able to finish. Altogether it made for a long 6 hour day. Dinner was at Chuck and Lorries very nice I was able to eat all of it. Friday the radiation went well and Kathy and I were out in less than an hour. Last night we went to Suba's for Dinner and then to a nice Christmas Concert. We had planned to meet my brother half way in PA but due to the Winter Storm was cancelled this am. They are getting worse weather than we are and we already have snow. God continues to see us through the little quirks such as having the reaction in the hospital not while being home. No nausea to report which was great. Due to Wednesay not working out my end day is now 1/29/10 counting on getting all the on-going treatments done on time. The support with cards and foosd continues to pour in and is awesome. Tuesday a bunch of guys came over for Dinner while Kathy had a night out with the girls. It was fun. Its snowing outside and I will head out with Rustler for our first snow walk for this season. Jurgen

12/14/09

Another low energy day but Kathy and I had a nice walk with milder temps and the sun even peaked through. Got things planned for the weekend. We are planning to meet Konrads in PA on Sunday. Kathy and I will spend the night in the hotel and they are planning to get there in the am. In the afternoon we all head back. Today the treatment plans came together. Radiation will start on Wednesday daily for 30 sessions and chemo will start on Thursday for 7 sessions weekly. Last day should be 1/28/10. Then the real healing can begin. YEAH. I covet your prayers and am looking forward how He is showing up. Yesterday Papi called its awesome to knkow all the people praying and rooting for me. I know I am not alone in this. In a real fashion my friend Lois Ann is going through this also with her chemo starting beginning in January. Today I finished reading the book "Tuesdays with Morrie". Its about Morrie who has Lou Gehrig's disease or ALG and chronicles his final months. Easy Read but challenging subject matter at times. I knnow we all will die some day but being faced with one owns mortality is a challenge even with the assurance that He loves me and cares for me to the point that he knows how many hairs I am going to lose in the next several weeks. May I be found worthy and He be glorified. I am looking forward to tomorow evening as the guys are coming over for an evening of food and fellowship. I am gratefull for His love and the support we have. Jurgen

12/12/09

You can tell I am getting more active as I am writing less. Thursday Kathy and I met with the Chemo Folks. The purpose of the chemo is to boost the radiation which will be the primary Trteatment. I will get a lower dose but get it weekly the whole time I am getting radiation. Since we are still not sure what day next week radiation is scheduled to start we went ahead and scheduled all the chemo appointments. It will be every Thursday at 11 am downtown. Then we shared that information with the radiation people and are hoping that they can come close to the same times. Based on a start with radiation on Wednesday I will have my final treatment of both on 1/28/10. Yeah and then the real healing can occur. I know that people will be praying but having both treatments together will give God amble opportunity to do His thing. I met Pastor Greg for a conversation on Friday becuase my mind sometimes goes places I feel not comfortable with. Later that day we met Lois Ann and Mike and picked up the Glass art from last week after dinner at their house and drove around looking at Christmas Lights. It was more of a lazy day for me it seems that I alternate days in regards to energy. Today Duane and I went shopping for some Health supplies and a new Coffee Maker, followed by an hour walk in Sunshine and above freezing temps with Kathy and Rustler. Awesome church service tonight with some testimony about how He provides for our needs, I am counting on it and the Peace he brings. Neighbors brought a huge Gift basket. We are so blessed. Thanks to all Jurgen

12/9/09

Today became more of an action day then yesterday. Yesterday I was lazy and laid around but was able to attend Ad Council at church. Today I cleaned the cars inside only , vaccumed the house , picked up sticks in the yard with Kathy and walked the dog before it became to cold. I was surprised by an agency gift certificate for my favorite store and cards and balloon. Kathy went to Taychi tonight and i was able to write an article for PATMR. In my devotion I was reminded that I have a shepard who looks out for me. Later I read in the journal of Big Lois, She was the mother for alot of us when we were young Christians and I spent uncountable nights on their livingroom floor when I was dating Kathy and kiving in Akron. The journal is such an insight in the godly no nonsense person that she was. HIs body continues to be wonderful with providing rides and food and moral support. THANKS to all. Jurgen

12/6/09

How time flies, The outing with Mike and Loisann was great went shopping at Trader Joe's then Mike and I watched the ladies do some Glass art. Thursday I had met with the Radiologist and had my mask fashioned. Chuck came along for an extra set of ears and more moral support than he can imagine Gods body at work. Friday after the art affair we came back and made an awesome Lunch then it was time for a nap. At night I was taken out by Duane for some Christmas Ale. I am blessed. In the mid of this doubts and frustrations come up its weird this emotional rollercoaster. This writings things out shows me all the blessings so Its mostly for me. Yesterday I was able to go Christmas shopping for Kathy and surprise her. She has been such a trooper please pray for her also. Was able to go to church last night and hear about the hope we have in Christ. Afterwards we went to Keith and Cindy's for a bit. Today sunshine and a nice walk at the Arboretum and a visit from Steve with an great conversation. My Dad called and later I spoke to my Mom. Today is Saint Nicholoas day and I received my presents. Thanks to all Jurgen

12/3/09

Last night I was able to attend man church what a blessing after the challenging news about my odds of the cancer coming back yesterday which was reportedly 50/50 it was a great time fellowshipping and I was able to sleep the best since I have returned home. Today I met with the Radialogist who felt the odds were more like 70% and I had my mask done. This will be used to secure my head to the table during radiation treatments and I had a CAt scan. Radiation will start the week of 12/14 not sure yet what day. Chuck came along what a blessing to know somebody else is listening to what the team is saying. Kathy looked up new games for us to play to keep me foccused. Since she was able to rigg my glasses so I an see better. I drove myself to walk the dog just up the road. Baby steps in reclaiming some of my independence. Thanks for all your prayers and support. Tomorrow Kathy and I ahve a roadtrip planned to meet Loisann and her husband Mike to go to a healthfood store. Jurgen

12/2/09

Boy time is getting away. The weather has been great. Kathy and I have been able to take longer walks with Rustler up to 1 hour and try to retrain him due to some lack of exercise and people stopping by. He needs a refresher. Today was another Dr. appointment. I haad a cat scan to rule out some Kidney issues. I have to go rather frequently which is interefering with sleep. Last night I got a 3 hour nap in. YEAH. The Dr. today feels that Iam healing up fine. I got permission to rig my glasses so I can see better. I will have to do both radiation and Chemo inorder to increase the odds of putting an end to this. I was given 50/50 odds today. Time to get fighting here. Friends are awesome with coming to visit , I have learned to plaay Backgammon and Gin it helps to foccus verus feeling sorry for myself even though I am good at doing this. God continues to be there. As I wig out friends call to check in. Tonight I am meeting with the guys at Church. YEAH. Tomorow Kathy and I are meeting with the Radiologist and will get the plan for that possible start date 12/14. This is earlier thatn I had anticipated but it also means that I will be done earlier. Thanks for everybodies prayers and suport. Jurgen

11/18/09

A friend picked Rustler and myself up this am to take the dog for his Holiday Trim. We hung out for a good 4 hours went to Starbucks, YEAH, Church and his house. Later Kathy and I took Rustler for a 45 min walk in sunny weather to the Arberteum were said puch found a nice muddy spot resulting in a quick hose off upon return. He also displayed great joy in being able to run free and not to return to when called. He is also showing restless ness but all ends well. Went to Church tonight and Boy what a privlege. Came home finished beef stew especailly prepared for me. Things seem to be finally moving on the other end slowely but surely. YEAH its amazing what we all take for granted about out bodies. Thank you all for all your are and love and prayers. Jurgen

11/27/09

Had a great Thanksgiving day went for a long walk with Kathy and Rustler about 45 min. Called my Mom she is unaware of my situation and due to her Alzheimers I am grateful for that. She didi not pick up that anything was amiss THANK You Lord. I also spoke to my Dad and Almut and my sisiter and my Brothers family. Went to Dinner at Kathy's cousine and met the most behved children boys ever not sure who they were hope the Turkey pill shuld be waering off by today. Ate Mashed potatoes and gravy. Came home and had a little set back. Kathy and I made up for it by camping out which worked quite well. God continues to be faithful in all the little stuff. Today was a tad slower went back on tube feeding for am to keep everything in but by Lunch had soup and Dinner was beef steew via Vita Mix. We had realized that we would not be able to reach our Christmas stuff but self contiainted tree was delivered. He had it figured out before we saw the wish. Aweasome. JUrgen

Christmas Day in November

Today was a bit slower. Slept all night in bed. Did Laundry, updated my new schedule with Dr. appointments and Dr. contacts on the computer. Spoke to my Dad and Almut I guess I sound ok. It was a more leisurely time with Kathy and friends and fammily. Just what a Holiday is supposed to be be. He is so faithful even in really littel basic stuff AMAZING. It is some what daunting when your universe gets reduced to jetting to Germany to my house with limited vision. God will use this. My always busy mind will need to learn to refocus. Being sorte stuck in creeper grear is weird. Made plans to go to Kathy's family for tomorrows Holiday even if for a bit. The tree trimmers came and didi an awesome job on trimming the side yard trees. What an mazing Life Thank you GOD. I am truley Thankfful. Jurgen

Christmas in November

What an emotional day. Last night was pretty frustrating due to not able to find a comfortable stop. Earlier that day I had shared with Connie and Dave how with all the attention I was truly being treated like a Kings kid. A Friend sleeping over every night and helping out people dropping to to visit and deliver food. This morning I felt rejected and unsure on how to do this. Went to the Dr. Got trumpet out of nose, stitches out of outside of face and face given permission to drink liquids by mouth and to eat soft foods. Emotionally extremely high celebrating had 4 coups of the best homemade soup ever, I can even taste most of it was able to walk the neighborhood with Rustler and Friends. Duane brought pie I will be trying shortly. I am grateful possibly emotionally or faithfully slow. Father forgive my unbelief. Will try to sleep in bed tonight being able to wake to know Kathy is there. What a privilege. Thank you all for your support and prayer. Jurgen

11/23/09

Good news about Lois Ann. A felow travellor who was recently diagnosed with breat cancer. She is out of surgery. and is chduled to return home. Kathy and I wnt for 20 min walk outside and had vositors form work. He continues to belss. I was able to arrange my PC so I casn do better read it and responds. Kathy did an awesome job maintaining home infrastructure thanks to an army of friends His Body is great. Thanks. Jurgen

What a glorious day

Went for a walk to end of road in sunshine and sat on Patio. Had nice fellowship with varoius groups. Getting used to all the intervention I need. Loking forward to getting busy with something. PTL Jurgen

Home at last`

Came Home last night. Surgerynwbr well. Thnaks to all the help. I had sombody at he hospital everynite. What a blessing
I Know I got ways to go But I'going with Him. Jurgen

Thursday evening

Well I'm happy to bring good news----Jurgen will be coming home on Friday 11/20/09.
He's been a real trooper during his confinement; first in the bed and then in the hospital. So many visitors WOW it's amazing and humbling. Thanks to all.
Lots of responses on the Blog. Duane was kind enough to fix the blob this afternoon as I was unable to access the site. Oh and did I mention that my e-mail was not working either------I felt totally in the dark ages:-) But, as usual thanks to Duane the world of cyber space is up and running again.
Yesterday was "spa day" at the hospital for Jurgen as dome of my Tai Chi friends gave back rubs and even foot massages. You know who you are and thanks it was really nice for Jurgen.
So I arrived at the hospital today and much to my pleasure (da da dada) Jurgen had both of his eyes wide open. What a joy to see those baby blues again (one of the reasons I married him:-)
We walked today and had visitors and just enjoyed each others company. Many blessings today.
A giant thank you to all the guys who volunteered and stayed at the hospital throughout the nights. This really gave comfort to Jurgen to know that someone could both understand him and speak for him.
Today the nurse trained me on the tube feeding and medication administration and after my hospital visit this evening I purchased lots of supplies so that we will be prepared.
So many prayers, cards, food, snacks,calls, offers of help and visitors. The Lord has richly blessed us during this time. Thanks be to the God the giver of all that is good.
Maybe tomorrow Jurgen will be continueing this blog:-)

Monday update

Our Lord continues to bless us with an abundance of support from family and friends.
Kudos to Darlene who took the time today to walk my very exuberant dog Rustler. That was a real big help; as I felt this morning that today Jurgen would need me close by his side. And sure enough---it was a rather trying day. But God showed His knidness by giving him a very kind nurse by the name of Becky. She was so attentive and concerned.

Please pray for Jurgen as he has moments of anxiety that are really hard for him.

Thanks to the many who have provided meals. It really helps after a long day.
It has also been a great help to have people drive with me to the hospital and sit either in the waiting area or visit with Jurgen. He does enjoy the visits---even if he often drifts off to sleep (no need to be offended--this is common).

He was up and walking 2x today. Most of his tubes are out. But, he is dismayed that the nose trumpet and the feeding tube will most likely have to stay in for many weeks (But then again--who knows what God may do).

Sunday eve update

A big thanks to all who have been sending their prayers to the Father and giver of life.
Jurgen continues to make progress in the healing of his wounds from surgery.
Please pray for a restful nights' sleep.
Our dear friend Duane has remained at the hospital at night to help the nurses in understanding what Jurgen is communicating.
His swellling is diminishing and he now can smile with most of his mouth. Each day he makes a step toward his recovery.
Thanks for all the visitors, these times help to lift Jurgens spirit.
He is now rooming in Lakeside 55 on the 5th floor in Room 12.
It is quite a comfortable single room.

hospital stay update 1

Hello everyone and a very big thankyou to all of you for your love & support during this time.
Great big hugs to all the many visitors and providers of food.

God was faithful in aiding the surgeons during Jurgens' surgery. Both surgeons were pleased with the outcome of the surgery and reconstruction.
He was in surgery for about 10 hours, his left eye was not effected by the cancer. Thankyou Lord.
During my visit in the SICU the day of the surgery he was able to see me and talk!!!! (We all know how much Jurgen loves to talk so this was a great relief to him and me).
Friday morning he was quite happy to be sitting up and talking clearly and he even was able to partially smile. Friday afternoon he was much more tired as he had been through some therapy sessions and his anesthesia was wearing off and the swelling had increased.
He his very grateful for all of your prayer and Our Lords Graciousness.

1 day continued

OH what surprises were in store today and the day is not over. We are having a great dinner supplied by people from Church. This morning we had Lois, Jackie and Kathy hanging out. Awesome weather and walk with God. Lots of family and friends checking in Thanks Dave/Mariann for your comments I am blessed. I am hoping to be back home the weekend before Thanksgiving. Kathy will try to keep updating.

1 day to go

Yesterday was my alst day at work for awhile. It was weird. No response for 4 days at all from my supervisor and little from the Director, bur lots of support from collegues and friends. Read quite a testomony from Kyle Reynolds boy it put things into perspective. I needed that. Had PATMR meeting and boy my face is nice and tender from the verbal beatings I and Katherine got. I know its the right thing to do but its a challenge. The surgeon tomorrow will have an easier time to cut into my hardskull. Its good to have Jackie her and friends are coming over with treats this am. Kathy had a rough night but it was nice to be able to lay in bed and talk. I cannoy wait for this to be over. Life is about relationships not things or power stuff. I continue to be overwhelmed by all the support and love. Last night I went out for Christmas Ale. Its time to celebrate the season. He is great.

sdays to go part 2

A friend who thinks they have cancer also has a Dr. appointment tomorrow at nine and her niece has some issues with her pregnancy and people need work. Life happens no matter what. We are not promised a rosegarden Jurgen

2 days to go

Today I packed up most of my Office and put final touches on some work projects. It seems so weird to be gone for that long. I added my time up that I will have left over when I return to work on 5/3/10 and I am so blessed with plenty of paid time and insurance. I had a conversation with a jewish friend at work and she assurred me that she is praying for me as are tons of people also in Germany. It is fun to reflect that her and I believe in the same Creator God sure I also believe that Jesus is the Messiah but Jehova Jireh the provider is Father God and I know that His grace is sufficient. Another awesome weather day. Nicki from accross the street came over and worked on my leaves allowing me time to walk Rustler and chill and tonight I get to hang out with the guys. Jackie is coming into town tonight and staying here. Long-time friends and newer firends are all congregating. I feel very much cared for. Jurgen

God is great

Well I'm learning about blogs. God is so faithful. After several rather painful days. I was able to sleep through Friday and Saturday night. God is providing awesome weather for my last weekend before the surgery. Went for a great hike with Joel and the dog yesterday. I know that so many people are praying. Today a priest came over who went through something similiar and it was encouraging to hear him and see him. Again God is providing encouragment. I know not everybody who reads this shares my faith and I am not meaning to preach just sharing. I am thankfull for Duane staying here and all you who have volunteered to baby sit. I am overwhelmed by the support. The Ladies statying with Kathy at the hospital. Talk about family coming together. Jurgen

Count down

Well the count down is on until Thursday.