Nordsville

life as of 9-16-11

2011-09-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
Just thought I'd update this. Mom is doing real well...she has her moments, but God is good. Dalaynee and I have a busy schedule...Monday-gymnastics...Tuesday-Kid's choir at church...Wednesday-homework (she has one math paper and 75 min of reading to do each week)...Thursday-Soccer Practice...Friday-Soccer Practice...Saturday-Soccer game. Still trying to figure all the timing out.

"God please grant me a peaceful spirit!!!!"

Update

2011-06-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Mom is doing pretty good. Now is the start of no more visitors, and dealing with the legal stuff of taking Dad's name off of stuff etc. I know this well, although it's not as tramatic for mom and she says that's because Dad was in his 80's and she has experienced wonderful things in her almost 56 years of marriage with him. Very different than my and Jeff's 9 years of marriage. Anyway you cut it, it is hard to say goodbye to your mate.

Thank you ALL, for your prayers!!!!!

Father's Day

2011-06-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to...

My (step) son, Andy (his baby will be born in November). To my brother, Danny, he has 3 wonderful kids!!! To Mom, Sue, Laur, Dalaynee, & me this Father's day is harder to celebrate. Thank you for your prayers.

DAD

2011-06-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Most of you already know, but my dear father is now in heaven with his Savior. We are so grateful for God's peace and mercy!

The service details are: Viewing is on Wednesday, June 15 from 6p to 9p at Del Angel Mortuary, 10333 E. Alondra, Bellflower. And the graveside service is on Thursday, June 16th at 10a (open to everyone) and Funeral service is at 11:30 at ERC with lunch after.

Also, all family please meet in the fellowship hall at ERC prior to the Funeral service.

Bless you, Jayne

Have Mercy

2011-06-01T23:07:00.001-07:00

I was at Mom and Dad's house most of the day, I have been doing that since last week Friday, as have my siblings. Before I left I went in to say goodbye to Dad, I asked if he needed anything, and his response was "naw, I just wish this was over." I said, "Are you ready to go to Glory, Dad?" He said, "yeah." I told him I was sorry and he said "That's just how life goes sometimes, I guess." I told him we were praying for God to have mercy and he said "I know." Needless to say, I cried all the way home. The thought ran through my head that Jeff may have felt that way too (wishing the waiting to go to heaven was done), however he was more confused than Dad and didn't say anything. Please continue to pray for God's mercy for Dad and that he is spared from pain and lingering. So far he still doesn't complain of pain, the hospice personnel are surprised by this...so...it is completely an answer to prayer...Thank you for your consistency.

Peace to you all!

Jayne

Have

2011-06-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

The latest...

2011-05-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

Today Dad was about the same...no energy, no appetite, and very sleepy. We finally decided to have his Oncologist, who is out til Tuesday (because of the holiday tomorrow), paged and when he called back I explained the situation and asked if he thought it was time for Hospice. He said "it is never, not time for Hospice!" I told him that Dad would not like to be put into a hospital and he said with Hospice Dad's wishes would be followed (I already knew that, since I just delt with Hospice a little over 3 years ago). Anyway, the doc gave me a "verbal" ok to start Hospice and when I told that to Alpenglow (the same company that helped me with Jeff), they said they can't usually do that, but since they knew Jeff's doc, they would go ahead. Anyway, Hospice will be at Mon & Dad's house tomorrow afternoon to do an evaluation.

Join me in praying that God will spare Dad from pain...Thank you!

DAD

2011-05-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hello all, sorry it's been awhile since I've updated. Dad is very weak and doesn't have much of an appetite. The Dr. thought this new hormone would increase his appetite and give him more energy, and even though it did seem to make a difference for awhile...it isn't helping much now. Please just pray for God's mercy for Dad and strength for Mom and wisdom for all of us to make the right treatment decisions.

Thank you, God be with you!

Jayne

update

2011-05-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

See the post from 4/29...that was started then and finished today. Sorry for the confusion.

News

2011-05-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Just a note...I will update this weekend...having trouble with laptop keyboard. I'll borrow Laur's and update...sorry for the delay!

Dad

2011-04-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well everyone,

I'm on Laur's laptop now. Dad did not have a great day. He didn't get out of bed much or eat much...Susie and Bill brought Mom and Dad dinner tonight and at the advice of Judy (my RN sister-in-law) Mom and Sue told him that he HAD to get up so his weakness wouldn't get worse. I guess that was what it took...he got up and even ate a little chicken soup and watched Wheel of Fortune...we are thankful!!!!! Please pray that God's faithfulness is Great and that the morning will bring new mercies!!!!

Bless you!!!!

Jayne

Update...

2011-04-21T00:25:00.000-07:00

Well,
Dad's pain seems to be a bit better...thank you for your prayers. He complained about stiffness in his legs and so we got him a walker to use around the house...God gave me the wisdom to broach the subject with him and he KIND OF liked the idea...his appetite is not great, but mom is making sure he's drinking those vitamin drinks (Boost). Please pray that his appetite gets better, that he has more strength in his legs and that God continue to spare him from pain.

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer!!!!!!

Prayer needed!!!

2011-04-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all..me again...
Dad woke up this morning with lower back pain. He missed church...missing church is a big thing for Dad...please pray that this is the most pain he will experience, and not just a start of more to come.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! You are a blessing!!!

Thank you Lord!

2011-04-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know that apparently, Dad did just sleep on his should wrong, the next day it felt better and he never took any Motrin!!!

...until next I post...

Pain?!?!?!?!

2011-04-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

Hello all...
Dad got out of bed this morning and told mom that his shoulder blade was sore...he figured he just slept wrong on it. When mom asked me what I thought, I said let's call the Dr. just to make sure...so when the nurse called me back she said for him to just take Motrin, which is good to use when you have bone pain. We are still glad they are not going to jump into treatments. Please pray that Dad DID just sleep wrong on his shoulder and that God DOES continue to spare him from pain.

Thanks...you are the BEST!!!!!!

Dr. Blitzer (Chemo Consult)

2011-03-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
Went to see Dr. Blitzer with mom & dad today (same Oncologist Jeff had in Long Beach, CA). He looked at Dad's mri results and said that since Dad wasn't having any pain at this point, he believes that Chemo and Radiation should be "put in our back pocket", in other words, let's not go to that length right now...so he wants to see dad again in 6 weeks after blood work has been done and then we will probably just do more hormone therapy...doesn't want to cause dad any unnecessary pain or discomfort...we are so thankful for a Dr. that sees eye to eye with us!!

Please continue to lift us up in prayer!!!! Thank you!!!
Jayne

Please pray...

2011-03-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

We have the consultation with the chemo doctor tomorrow...I'll update this when I have more info.

Thank you!!!!

Still Thankful!

2011-03-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post that not too much has changed with Dad. He still eats and sleeps fine and has no pain.

We are extremely GRATEFUL!!!!! :)

The results

2011-03-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

The Radiologist called yesterday and the mri showed cancer on Dad's neck in addition to spine, pelvis and rib. The cancer has not reached Dad's spinal cord yet, which is good news...also Dad still is having no pain, Thank you Lord!!!

We have an appointment with the Chemo Oncologist on the 31st (first available) to find out his suggestions.

Please pray that God continue to spare Dad from any pain and that there is a cancellation at the Chemo Oncologists so we can get in sooner.

Thank you faithful prayer warriors!!!!
Jayne

TEST

2011-03-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

The scan Dad had last week went pretty well...we should know the results early this week. I'll let you know what we find out!!!!

Thank you all for your prayers!!!!!
Jayne

Next Step

2011-02-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a consultation today with a radiation Oncologist. He seemed somewhat pleased that Dad has no pain (we are pleased about that too!). He mentioned that when there is cancer in a "support bone" namely, his spine, there is a concern because if the cancer were to weaken the bone there could be a lot of pain and if it goes all the way to the spinal cord then there's a chance of paralysis. His advice to us was to get an mri done so they can see what the cancer is doing...so...we will wait for a mri appointment. He also wants us to see a Chemo Oncologist, so we will do that too. So far, that is it...thank you for your prayers!!!!

memories

2011-02-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day quickly aproaching, I remembered today how my dear husband would, almost every year, have a dozen roses delivered to my office. There was one year that I told him roses were too expensive and that I would be happy with carnations...they last longer and it was the thought that counted after all! The next year he DID save money...he was the delivery boy and he got the vase from home!!!! The flowers were still roses, however.....and somehow the thought counted sooooo much more!!!!!

Chemo

2011-02-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

Well, not too much new information on Dad. He seems to be feeling ok and mom says he's eating and sleeping good...I'm thankful!! We have an appointment on the 15th with the Oncologist, we will know more about future treatments etc after that.

Thanks you sooooo much for your prayers...God's blessings!!!

DAD

2011-02-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

It's been quite a while since I've updated this. Now I have decided to use it to place updates on my Dad. 8 years ago in 2002 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer...since then he has been getting chemo shots every 3 months along with different meds. Last week or the week before his doctor said he needed a bone scan...well, we received the results yesterday and his prostate cancer has spread to his bones...into the spine, pelvis area and rib. They are recommending chemo as our next step. Well, pretty much all who read this know that I've been at this place before...just a different important man in my life. Please pray that the chemo side affects are mild and that pain is minimal...in a nutshell...may God have mercy on my dear father and give him peace. Thank you for once again tuning in to this blog.

God bless you all!!!!!!

Life after Easter break...

2010-04-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

Dalaynee said to Auntie Laur last night "I wish I was so smart that I knew everything...then I wouldn't have to go to school!" Too bad she feels that way in Kindergarten already! She was happy when I picked her up from school today...so...not as bad as she thought, of course!

I had a wedding meeting tonight at church and the room that I have a key to is great...but...I didn't get an alarm code and set of the VERY LOUD alarm TWICE!!!!!

Tomorrow will be a good day, I can feel it!!!!

Bless you all this week!!!

Jesus is RISEN!!!!!!

2010-04-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hello all...Happy Easter!!!
Isn't it wonderful to be reminded that we serve a RISEN Savior?? We had a wonderful Easter service at Emmanuel and I should know, because I sang in 3 of them!!!

Just wanted to send along my Easter greetings to you all!!

May the Peace of Christ go with you!
Jayne

PS...Happy Birthday Claire!!!

Jeff

2010-03-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

I am missing Jeff today...March 19th was his birthday, he would have been 46. Drew & Fati, Zack, Laur, Mom & Dad and I went to the graveyard today...Dalaynee had a half day of school, so I explained to her what the graveyard is and she came along for the first time. She understands that "Daddy's sick body is under the ground" and in heaven he has a new "not sick" body. Sometimes she amazes me. Anyway, I miss him, that's all. Peace to all of you!!!!

2010-03-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
It's been a long time since I've posted! Sorry for the delay. June 20 will mark 2 years since my beloved went home to be with the Lord. I can't believe it's been that long already. All I can say is that God is good. I would still give anything to see Jeff walk through the front door...but...Dalaynee and I are okay. Today was a big day...Auntie Laur moved her essentials over and she is sleeping here for the first night!!!! We are so excited to have her! Laynee is doing great in Kindergarten and I am extremely blessed by Coffee Break. Other than that all is about the same. Hope this post finds all of you well too! I will type again soon!

The Latest in Nordsville...

2009-03-12T21:38:00.001-07:00

Hello all...
The current news in our parts is that Dalaynee put on a concert for me the other day wearing her pajama top and a beautiful hat...

Just a note about the hat...when I tried it on...I didn't think it looked as good on me...but Dalaynee assured me "Mommy, you could wear that hat to heaven, & Daddy would think you looked enchanting!" I cried!

Everything else is pretty much the same...can't believe in 3 months it will be a year that Jeff has been gone already...went so fast.

Please remember to pray for me this month as Jeff's 45th birthday would have been on 19th of March and our 10th wedding anniversary would have been on the 27th.

Overall, God is good all the time!!! I still miss Jeff greatly, yet I can't help but to trust
God and His plan.

May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace!!!!

~Jayne~

Hello Again

2009-02-24T23:45:00.001-08:00

I know...I know...it's been a long time since I've updated! Everything is still okay for the most part. I wish I had new pics to post...there have been some very candid moments lately..but..the charge cord for my digital camera was in the video camera case that was stolen in Grants Pass Oregon... I haven't gotten a new camera yet and the one I have is old enough that a new charge cord might be hard to find.

The other day Laynee had the idea to tie a note to a balloon and send it up to heaven to daddy...as the balloon went up...up...up she yelled "bye balloon, tell daddy we said hi!" I am sooooo thankful for her!!!

I hope this finds all well and blessed! Keep praying for us, Buccowiches and a new family that has been hit by cancer...Friday Johnson (the mom) and her 4-5 month old daughter Micah have lost there husband and father to cancer...thankfully he knew Jesus, so he (Robbie) has been healed. Please pray for the wife and daughter. THANK YOU!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-02T14:26:00.001-08:00

Hello all! Hope your Christmas and New Years were good. Mine was okay...not too many tears, just many memories.

I have no idea what God has in store for the Nords in 2009...but it is comforting to know He is in control.

God Bless you!!!!!!

Below are some photos from Christmas that I don't think Laur put on her blog...mom bought air guns and we had a blast!!!

UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE...

2008-12-22T21:53:00.000-08:00

Hello All,
Sorry it's been awhile! I've been facebooking! Anyway, I know you are all still praying for us, and I want to thank you for that. This is not a joy filled Christmas for me...but...it isn't all tears either.

As you know we ventured to Lynden Washington for Thanksgiving and just want to note that we were wonderfully cared for and loved on our visit there. The meal was Scccccrumpsious and the company was out of this world. Thank you Lynden family for showing us a SPECTACULAR time!!!

One little glitch along the way was while we slept in the Motel 6 at Grants Pass Oregon...my Suburban window was broken and our video camera and shoes were stolen (the thief had no idea what was in the duffel bag, so took it). After making a police report, taping up the window and driving 45 miles north on Highway 5...the police called my cell to report recovery of shoes in the bushes down the street from the motel...since Dalaynee and I only had flip flops at that moment and the weather in Lynden was very cold...we opted to turn around and retrieve the shoes, however one pair was missing...my (ugg type) boots. I was very disgusted since I just bought them and only wore them once before. We called Lynden and got a number for a glass place in town...the window was ordered and by the Friday after Thanksgiving my window was replaced...Thank you Lord!!!

The other night Laur and I were invited to a Christmas party at church for the guys from Civigenics (the halfway house Jeff worked with through prison ministry at our church)...I knew they were going to do a tribute to Jeff and I knew they were planning to play the picture video from his funeral service...but...I didn't know how that would effect me. About 5 pictures into it...I walked out sobbing. I realize now that I shouldn't have gone...but...I was honored that they wanted to honor Jeff.

It is just sooooo weird...that's the best I can describe the feeling of not having Jeff here. Sometimes it's okay, not so bad...and sometimes, it's excruciating...I can't stand it!!!! That's when I ask God WHY!!! I don't really get an answer, but I do receive comfort and peace.

Anyway, please pray for us during the holidays! Jeff is very, very, very, missed and there is an emptiness inside of me...but I'm thankful for my family, friends and church.

May God grant you peace this Christmas!!!
Jayne

Side Tracked

2008-11-18T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hello all, sorry it's taken so long for my blog to be updated! I have now found Facebook...it is very addicting, which is the reason for no blog update. I see that many of you keep up both, so I will do my best to do the same.

Dalaynee and I along with my parents and my sister, Laur, are going to Lynden Washington for Thanksgiving. We are leaving the 24th and returning the 2nd or 3rd. This means I have a busy week of getting ready. We are all riding in my Suburban...should be loads of fun!!!

That's all for now...check me out on facebook too!

Promised Pictures

2008-10-16T21:12:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the photos I took in no particular order...

Steve Poelstra & his daughter, Faith, in the foreground and Zack & Laynee in the back.

One day, the Poelstra's rented a Pontoon boat...we took an hour or so ride to go have lunch...very fun...just a little long for the kids!

Drew & Laynee

Fatima...Drew's wife.

Zack

Drew, getting ready for fishing at the sandbar!

Steve Poelstra at the helm!

Alyssa Poelstra, Faith & Shane.

All ready to go in the water...except...she still has her pajamas on!?!?!?

Having fun with Zack in the water!

I love this picture...she really looks like Jeff!

This is Laynee PRETENDING to sleep in a restaurant!

Playing with sand toys (not our boat).

Fell asleep while eating chips with lunch...

There's nothing like a good bubble bath!!!

More fun with Zack!

I'm not sure I took enough babies and stuffed animals along!

Thank you for all your prayers!!! Blessings!

Home again...home again!

2008-10-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have returned! I had some difficult moments...but overall we had a good time, thank you all for your prayers! I will post some photos soon!

Bless you!

It's been awhile...

2008-09-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting...every time I've looked at the blog, I hesitate for some reason. Anyway, here are some of the new happenings in Nordsville...

In addition to the blind, Dayzee chewed and scratched through the screen on my front door (I was just outside in front talking to one of my neighbors and Dayzee felt left out). So, the next step was to get a more sturdy door that she couldn't scratch or chew...in other words...a security screen door. Since Lowes was having a sale, this was the perfect time...so here is my new security door...

I LOVE it!!!! Except that it covers the mail slot in my front door and since I've forgotten to keep the screen unlocked two times...the post office held my mail until I purchased an outside "mail receptacle" SO...here is my new "mail receptacle"...

According to the USPS, it had to be "securely fastened" to something...so I got out Jeff's screw gun and "securely fastened" it to the plant shelf!!! Kind of proud, if I do say so myself!

Here's a photo of the front of our house...just in case no one has seen it before...Jeff and I were a little hesitant to have black trim...but we always said that every time we drove up, we were so pleased at how it looks...

Now, just a prayer request...we are leaving for a week's vacation at Lake Havasu, AZ on Friday. I am excited and apprehensive, we usually went here with two other families 2-3 times a year and this will be the first trip without Jeff. My step sons and daughter-in-law will be along and my Mom, along with good family friends, the Poelstras...so...there will be tons of support for me. Please pray for comfort, strength, and safe travel.

Thank you...may God be with you all!!!
Jayne

EXTRA!! EXTRA!!

2008-08-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we have a new addition to the Nord family...

Meet...Dayzee!!!! She is 1-2 years old, part Australian Shepherd, Border Collie and maybe a little Sheep dog. She wieghs about 50 or 60 lbs...bigger than I originally wanted but she is just so sweet. She is spayed, house trained and micro chipped. So, how can you go wrong?

She is also VERY gentle and protecting of Dalaynee (and me)! I think Jeff would have liked her...he knew a lot about dogs and we were talking about adopting one a year or 2 before his tumor was found.

One thing.....
When we were out of the house most of today and then a few hours this evening...and after I didn't close the back door well enough (she is inside only when we are home)...she got in the house and because we weren't there, I think, she...well...see for yourself...

That's right...bit into and tore up our fake wood mini blinds!!! I was very upset and Dalaynee was crying because she thought I wanted to get rid of Dayzee. I assured her that Dayzee is a part of our family now, and just like I don't get rid of her when she does something that upsets me, I won't get rid of Dayzee.

Also, I started working on a volunteer basis at church this week...I'm doing administrative stuff for a friend of mine that is the Coordinator of our Compton Initiative. This was my first week...Mon, Wed, Fri...I am loving it!!!!

Well, just some new happenings around our abode! Bless you all!!! Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers...we are experiencing God's presence and peace!!!
~Jayne~

We're Back!

2008-08-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we returned from our trip last week and only now am I able to post some photos...

We stopped to use the facilities here...we found out there were none to use...BUT...there was this cool Jack Rabbit to sit on!!!! What a lucky break!!!!

Just one of many beautiful sunsets along the way!!

We ended up stopping in Omaha to meet up with my cousin Gina...then we took her daughter, Leah, to Sioux Falls to stay with her parents (Uncle Butch, mom's brother, & Aunt Ev) for a few days...Dalaynee and Leah had a great time traveling together for a few hours!!!

I tried very hard to take a cute picture of Dalaynee and Leah standing against this wall and my daughter, of course, wouldn't stay put...

When I raised my voice, she just thought it was that much funnier to run towards the camera! Oh well, it did make for a cute picture!!! =)

Here's just some various pictures of the few days we spent at my Uncle Dick and Aunt Mary's house...
They had a trampoline...Dalaynee spent much time here!

Also, she got to get a ride on a real horse! Anna is the one giving Dalaynee a ride...she is the girlfriend of my cousin Ann's son Daniel! The other rider is Ann's daughter Cerita! They were all so good to Dalaynee...Thanks so much you guys!!!!

This is, from left to right, my cousin Deedre, her sister Ann (holding Riley, the granddaughter of their sister Connie), and of course, my mom.

These 4 lovely ladies are my cousin Connie's daughters...from left to right...Rene, Brittney, Deedre, & Cerita (not sure of spelling). Rene has 2 children, Aiden & Riley; Cerita has 1 daughter, Adalay.

This is my cousin Deedre's son Jamie, he got the great idea to put an air mattress on the hammock...looked very comfortable...

But all good things come to an end I suppose...

We tried his good idea again...and it worked pretty good if you stayed still! This is my cousin Deedre and Dalaynee.

Here's is the couple of the hour...my Uncle Dick (dad's brother) and Aunt Mary...they were celebrating 55 years of wedded bliss!

Here's everyone trying to set the timers on their cameras to get the ultimate photo!

This is my cousin Connie's granddaughter Adalay.

This is Connie's other granddaughter, Riley.

Here's my uncle and aunt's crew trying to get set up for a group shot.

So that's it...we had a really great time! Thank you to our Minnesota family!!

Bless you all!!!
Jayne

Wagons...HO!

2008-07-27T20:33:00.001-07:00

I planned on doing an interesting post with pictures and everything before now, but time just got away from me...so...this is just an informational post. Tomorrow morning Dalaynee and I are getting in the Suburban with my parents and driving to Minnesota for my uncle and aunt's 55th wedding anniversary. We should return the 5th or 6th of August and then I will do a new post! Please pray for safety on the road for us.

Bless you!
Jayne

Life so far...

2008-07-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Many people are wondering how we are doing...Thank you!!! We are okay for the most part. Dalaynee is still a joyous little girl and I don't cry all the time, so all is pretty well. I thank God for my little girl and how she comprehends. I must let all know that the afternoon of June 20th (the day Jeff passed away) when Jeff's breathing started to rattle and he was foaming at the mouth, I called the Hospice nurse and she came right over...she propped him up in the hospital bed we had in the living room and we gave him some liquid morphine so he was comfortable and then she told me that his lungs were filling up and it would be anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. {Just a note here...I was so thankful that my sister-in-law, Judy walked in before I got the nurse on the phone...Judy is an RN and really helped to keep me calm..Thanks Jude!!!!} Anyway, I called my family and Jeff's sons and soon our living room was filled with people...everyone said goodbye and we prayed, that he would go peacefully, not suffer too long and please Lord, don't let him die on Dalaynee's birthday (June 22nd). Then we prayed for God's guidance about Dalaynee...should she go home with my parents or stay in the house??? During that prayer I felt the overwhelming need to try to explain to her what was going on with daddy. I gave her a bath and just told her that sometimes when people are very sick like daddy they had to go live with Jesus...I asked if she knew where Jesus lived and she said no, so I told her about heaven and that when daddy gets to heaven he won't be sick anymore...she then asked if God lived in heaven too, I said yes...her next question was how daddy would get to heaven, I said that Jesus would come and get him and she asked if they would take a rocket...I thought that would be a great way for them to get there and agreed that maybe they would, wouldn't daddy love that!!! I then assured her that I wasn't going anywhere and would answer any question she had. She seemed satisfied and when Jeff passed away later that night, she rubbed his cheek and said "I'm going to miss you daddy!" We also made a deal that if either one of us gets sad we are just going to hug until we are happy again...that has worked out great!!! She still has many questions and I plan for both of us to see a counselor, but so far so good! Andrew and Zack seem okay too...very supportive a care taking to me, which is very nice. Also, Andrew got married this past Saturday, so now I have a step daughter-in-law to boot!!! You can see some pictures on Laur's blog http://greatestaunt.blogspot.com/.

Just thought I'd let you all know that we are okay...thank you for your support, love and prayers. Please continue to pray for us and please also pray for the Buccowich family http://www.buccowich.blogspot.com/

Bless you!

Jayne

Jeff

2008-06-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard, my dear husband went to be with the Lord on Friday night. Below are all of the details for Visitation & Memorial Service etc. If you are unable to make it, I totally understand!

The viewing is on Wednesday from 5p to 8p at Del Angel Mortuary, 10333 Alondra Blvd., Bellflower 90706. The casket will only be open for the 1st hour.

The graveside service (open to whomever wants to attend) is Thursday at 9:30a at Artesia Cemetery, 11142 Artesia Blvd., Cerritos 90703.

And the memorial service is at our church at 11am with lunch following...15941 Virginia Ave., Paramount 90723.

Bless you.

Jayne

Just Dalaynee...

2008-06-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Here's just a few recent photos of our beautiful daughter I wanted to share...

The sleeping bag I spoke about earlier was even better on top of her bed!!!!

Being kookie for the camera!

She and her girls!!!!

Tuckered out after an end of the Preschool year carnival...painted cheek and all!!!

Dancing and singing in one of our last winter rains...very little rain...in the last 2 photos she's doing the hokey pokey!

Sunday morning before Jeff's last time at church! He told her he loved her and her mother...I teared up and took a picture!

Our neighbor bought this doll because she thought it looked like Dalaynee...she has been given the name of Lucy.

She came to me one night and said "Mom, I think I'm sick...I have all these red dots all over!" Thankfully it was washable marker!

Just thought I'd share some of the up times in our household as well...Blessings to all of you!!!!
~JAYNE

Hospice

2008-06-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

The hospice we are using is called "Alpenglow - The perfect light at the end of the day" I found out that Alpenglow is the purple that is sometimes seen in the sky just before sun set or sun rise...lighting that is very coveted by photographers.

I've met with the RN and am very pleased...she is super kind and seems to know what she is doing...she was impressed with Dalaynee and the questions she had about Jeff...she will come here 2 times a week. Also I've met with the Home Health Care Aid, I really liked her too...she will be here 3 times a week to help with bathing, shaving, feeding or whatever I need so I get a break. And today I met with the Social Worker, again I am very pleased...she will be here next week again...she will help me with funeral arrangements, therapy for Dalaynee if necessary and various other things having to do with death. Alpenglow also provides volunteers to step in if I have to run errands etc... So far, I have been very blessed to have Andrew & Zack (my step sons) provide me much time away from the house to do whatever. It's proven to be good for Jeff, who sleeps most of the day to see very familiar faces if he does decide to get up!!

I am real good at coming off strong...but I have major melt downs when I let myself. It's just so hard to believe that Jeff is dying! But, my hope and comfort is that God has a plan..at least there is some reason for this!

Please just continue to pray for strength for us and comfort and peace for Jeff.

Thank you! May God shine on you today!
Jayne

Lord Have Mercy!

2008-05-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Some of you already heard, but the results of Jeff's MRI on Tuesday were not good. His tumor has not been affected by the treatments and has grown again...the doctor told us there is really no other treatment they can offer...when I asked the doctor how long Jeff had he estimated 2 months.

I expected bad news because Jeff has been getting more confused in the last week or so, but when they tell you point blank like that it is numbing!!!

The doctor has referred us to a hospice in our area, they will come to our house and do an assessment and then decide how often they need to send someone to take care of him, so that is our next step. Thankfully Jeff is in no pain and he shouldn't have much except headaches once in awhile.

Please pray for Andrew, Zack & Dalaynee, they are all having an understandably tough time with this (and also me). Pray for wisdom for me in decisions that will have to be made in the next couple of months, Pray for God's comfort and peace for all of us.

Thank you for walking with our family through this journey for the last year...please continue to keep us lifted up throughout the next year.

Blessing to all of you!
Jayne

God is with us!!!

2008-05-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

We received an answer to our prayers for direction today...my last unemployment check came in the mail and with it was a note that read..."You have received all the benefits payable on your claim. If still unemployed, you may file a new claim by calling your Unemployment office or visiting our web site." Thank you Lord...reapplying seems to be the easiest solution at this time.

Also, on Thursday of last week we went to LA for Jeff's 4th treatment and after getting his blood work back they sent us home because his white count was too low. They gave us a prescription for an antibiotic and told us to get blood work done near home on Monday and then maybe come back on Tuesday for treatment. We went to Long Beach Memorial outpatient lab and I received a call from LA on Tuesday morn that his white count was good but the only appointment available on that day was 8pm...his treatment would take from 1-3 hrs...I didn't want to be driving home from LA after 9pm...so we went on Wednesday afternoon. The treatment went fine...Jeff fell asleep as always. Now, we have an appointment for an MRI on Tuesday and and appointment with the Dr. after that for the results. I'm pretty sure that if this treatment doesn't work, we will have to start searching for a clinical trial he may qualify for or there is no next step. Please pray for positive MRI results, peace & mercy.

Thank you!

"Vanessa" Van Gogh

2008-05-19T22:57:00.001-07:00

Just thought I'd share a photo of our budding artist...

Okay, so it's not a perfect lady bug...but you can definitely tell that's what it is right???? (I know, the red paper helps!)

Also, a few weeks ago we bought Laynee her first sleeping bag and suddenly, her toddler bed just isn't good enough anymore!!!

Campin' out with all her friends around her is soooo much more fun!!!
(I couldn't find any sleeping bags without a built in air mattress on the bottom?!?!? When I was little...we had to rough it on the hard ground!)

Go figure!!!!

Not Many Changes...

2008-05-13T11:30:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

Mom offered to take Dalaynee for a few hours today, so I have a quiet house right now...thought I'd take the time to post.

Jeff is pretty much the same, VERY tired, nauseated (but not vomiting) and confused. I can't always tell if his confusion is better or worse...it is always a little different...no consistency! Anyway, we continue to ask God for restoration of memory, obliteration of cancer, and direction! My unemployment is going to run out soon and I'm not sure it's the right time to leave Jeff for a part-time job...please pray that God clearly shows me what I need to do next...I have confidence He'll provide, so I'm not too worried about it.

Please also pray that we keep our eyes open to what God wants to teach us through this and that others may come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.

I guess that's about it, just wanted to let everyone know how much we appreciate the prayers, meals, gift cards, money & overall love shown us. We are constantly amazed!!!

Bless you!!!

2008-05-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY LADIES!!!!!

From the lips of Jeff..to the fingers of Jayne

2008-05-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm not sure what to say to all of you except that we love you and are so thankful for all your prayers, comments, emails and for your support!!! It means the world to us to have such a wonderful family, church family and neighborhood!!!

Keep us in your prayers! I am feeling pretty good, just some nausea here and there and forgetfulness. We are still crying out to God for healing and trust him with every day.

Blessings to all of you!

Jeff (dictated to Jayne)

Touching base...

2008-04-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Jeff is pretty much the same...very emotional and I'm not sure what to do when he cries except hug him and pray with him, that seems to help some. He is still confused about who I am a lot of the time, although he knows I'm someone important to him. If it wasn't so serious, the things he says to me would be funny, in fact I am able to laugh sometimes! He will ask me what is wrong with him and when I tell him he'll ask if his wife knows...he's also told me that I'm lucky he's not single or he'd snap me up in a heartbeat...or...one time he told me that I am just like family to him. If your chuckling right now, it's okay...Jeff would laugh if he wasn't sick!

On another note...around the Nord home there is a new tradition...at least once a day, Dalaynee Jo wants to watch her Little Mermaid video...but...she can't watch it alone...so...here are photos of two different showings...mind you, all of them have names and I think I even know them!?!?! (from left to right, top row: Peachy, Butch, Radar, Snoopy, Spot, Fluffy, Keiko, Nano (long "a"), Kitcon, Fellow...Bottom row: Carlos, Frosty, Donald, Zee, Melody, Sissy and she's holding Gus...pretty good for a 40+ year old mom, huh?)

Feel free to stop by and enjoy our theater with all the animals and one special little girl!

Blessings to all of you!!!

Jayne

THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!

2008-04-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

IF YOU ARE OR KNOW THE PHANTOM GIVERS...JUST WANT TO POST OUR APPRECIATION!!!

Our wonderful neighbor waters and mows our front lawn regularly, but our back lawn has been very neglected...weeds were almost 3 ft high...anyway, while I was gone on Wednesday morning someone came and mowed our back lawn...what a surprise! I checked with the neighbor and she denied being involved...so...whoever you are...THANK YOU!!!

Then tonight, while I was out for about 45 minutes someone taped an envelope on our front door addressed to Dalaynee...inside was four 5 dollar gift cards to McDonalds!!! Again, whoever you are...THANK YOU!!!

Pretty much the same...

2008-04-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

Hi All I'm sure you are wondering what is going on with us!

Jeff had his first chemo treatment a week ago Friday and will have his 2nd next week Thursday. The increased steroid has helped with his confusion, but he is still very mixed up now and then...always seems to be confused as to if we own or rent out our house and if we are married...sometimes he will even say "Does my wife know all of this?" Off and on the relationship between him and Dalaynee is a little strained...he doesn't always have the patience for her and she (I think) views him as the weaker parent. Anyway, this past Thursday we had a small incident when I was in the other room...Laynee was crying to beat the band and when I asked her what was going on, she said "Daddy hit my head." Well, I knew that wasn't true...so I asked Jeff and he said that he tried to tell her not to do something. Laynee is already not too used to Daddy telling her not to do something so I was the referee...I told her that Daddy did not hit her and that he loves her and just didn't want her to get hurt...I also explained to Jeff that she is only 3 and doesn't always understand what is going on with him right now (he tends to use a louder voice than necessary to tell her no, which scares her), I asked him to remind her that he loved her (all elementary stuff that he's lost sight of right now). So, Jeff told Dalaynee he was sorry he raised his voice and they hugged and all was well, thank God! Then when she got tired....

she politely crawled up in his lap and fell asleep...I was so blessed!!!!

Prayer requests...Please pray for the relationship between Jeff & Laynee, so she can remember what a wonderful man he is...also that I have patience and compassion...I am getting to the point where I feel more inconvenienced than compassionate for Dalaynee or Jeff when they cry (Jeff is very emotional lately)...I don't like this part of me at all. Also, pray that God restores Jeff's memory and obliterates the cancer. And most of all that God's name is glorified, that we are a blessing to others, and that some may come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour through our journey!!!

Thank you to all of you for consistently interceding on our behalf!!!!
~Jayne~

Confused but not hopeless!

2008-04-03T08:40:00.001-07:00

I emailed the doctor yesterday to ask if the confusion Jeff is experiencing could be the Vicodin or if that means that the tumor is growing. I also asked if there was something to combat the loopiness if we raised his steroid dose...here's the answer I got...

yes, 8 mg twice a day and we will decrease after Avastin (quote, unquote!).

So, as you can see, I still don't know if his confusion is the tumor or the meds...oh well, I did increase his steroid and there was no loopiness last night, he did get up a lot however, not really knowing what he needed.

Also, in the last couple days I have come to a place of real peace and submission to God's will...don't get me wrong, I am still praying for a miraculous healing for Jeff, but if God's will is to take him home, in my loss and pain of missing him I will have much peace!!! Praise God!!!!!

Please continue to pray for restored memory, no more headaches, successful treatments and over all that God's name is glorified and that others may come to know Him through our journey.

You are all the best! Bless you!!
Jayne

Grant us healing, Lord we pray...

2008-04-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Just looking at some old pics and thought I'd share this sweet image that brings tears to my eyes!

Well, the past few days Jeff has been suffering from raging headaches again...I know the doc will tell me to increase his steroid but last time he had a sudden increase in the medication he flipped out and was turning on the stove etc... Pretty much all afternoon yesterday he suffered, even the Vicodin they gave me for pain didn't always help (he did have small blocks of time when he felt okay)...last night he still suffered and it wasn't till about 2:30 or 3:00 this morning that he had complete relief...now it is about 10am and he hasn't complained at all...so I hope that he stays pain free today. He also seems a little more mixed up about everything, but that could be the Vicodin he's been taking...I'm going to see how it goes today before I call the doc.

Please pray that his headache pain subsides and that we are notified of a treatment schedule soon. Also, as always, pray that God's name is glorified through this journey and that we don't miss what He needs us to do to carry out His plan.

May the Lord Bless and keep you today!
Jayne

Ok...L.A. here we come...

2008-03-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

Well, we met with Cedar Sinai doc today and decided that we would do the new chemo and full dose of Avastin at Cedar Sinai 2 times a month. Jeff should start them next week, I'll know the schedule tomorrow. I feel better about having him treated in L.A. just so that doc can keep a better handle on things.

Please pray the God's name is glorified in all things and that we don't miss what He needs us to do to carry out His plans for this journey...also pray that this treatment is God's healing tool (Jeff will have 3-4 treatments before having another scan).

May God bless you!!!
Jayne

Should we stay or should we go now?

2008-03-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well, after much prayer, pacing, and conversation with various people, including Jeff...we decided to stay home and have more chemo. The fact that the Cedar Sinai Dr. is a Brain specialist really made an impact. We can still keep the radiation on the back burner if needed later.

Thank you for all your prayers, comments and emails! Without my support system (God, Family, Church & Neighbors) I would not be able to do this!!!

Bless you today!
Jayne

small wrench!

2008-03-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

I heard from our Nuero Oncologist at Cedar Sinai in LA today, he wanted to know what our decision was for further treatment. When I told him what they proposed in Illinois and that we felt this seemed like a better option than more chemo, he quickly got back to me to say that he strongly disagrees with Jeff having more radiation, he believes that radiation is not the answer for us at all. He says that he just realized that Jeff only got half a dose of the Avastin with the last chemo treatments (Avastin is the medication they were giving along with chemo), he recommends a full dose with a different chemo.

Now I am really confused!! I think we might still go to Illinois tomorrow and sit down with that doc to discuss the differences in the treatments and then go to LA to talk with that Doc on Friday, I'm not sure yet. I am starting to think we may be staying home for treatment. The LA Doc is a Nuero Oncologist (brain Cancer doc) and the Illinois Doc is a Radiation Oncologist (Radiation Cancer Doc). They are not specific to the brain in Illinois and in LA they are. Please pray that God gives me direction. Thank you!

Illinois, here we come...again...and...again

2008-03-24T08:07:00.001-07:00

Well, most of you have heard already but here's the scoop...
We returned home on Saturday night, but while we were in Illinois, we met with the Oncologist at the CTCA and he believed that more chemo wouldn't be helpful...Jeff has already done 2 of the best chemos available without much of an impact on the tumor, so we should try something else. He set up an appointment for us to see the Radiation Oncologist (Dr. Eden) http://www.cancercenter.com/midwestern-hospital/physicians/bernard-eden.cfm
We liked Dr. Eden right away...Jeff was wearing a cap that read "Isaiah 41:30" and as soon as the doc came in he said "ooh, good verse!"..."thou shalt rise on wings like eagles..." Then he said "I'm Catholic, but I love Jesus!" (What a flashing red light from God...Thank you Lord!!!!) Then he looked at Jeff's scans and said that he believed there is a 50% chance that with Tomo Therapy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomotherapy he can either shrink the tumor, get rid of it, or stop it from growing!!! GREAT NEWS, however, there are two drawbacks for us...Jeff's memory might be affected more than it already is and we have to be in Illinois for 3 weeks (They would do 2 treatments a day for 3 weeks). But, we loved what we were hearing...so we decided this might be a better option than staying here and doing more chemo. The first step is for them to do 2 scans which helps them be very precise on where to shoot the radiation, and then they need a week to calibrate the machine...this means that we are again departing for Illinois tomorrow, they will do the scans on Wednesday, and we'll be home on Thursday. Then we'll go back in a week to start the treatments. Part of the 3 week period Dalaynee and mom and Laur will be with us and we are going to try to come home on the weekends, that way we shouldn't get too homesick.

This hospital is unbelievable http://www.cancercenter.com/midwestern-hospital.cfm ...there are patients there from all over the country and a lot of them seem to be Christians. I can't tell you how many times I heard "If you have Cancer, this is the place to be!"

We thank our Lord for direction! And I want to thank many of you for your encouragement that we are doing the right thing...you've given me clarity!

You are all such a wonderful blessing!!!!

Illinois here we come...

2008-03-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I got a call fro the CTCA and they have booked a flight for us on Monday out of Long Beach airport (which is 20 minutes away from our house) on Jet Blue departing at 10:30a and arriving in Chicago at 4:29p. They said there will be a limo at baggage claim to take us to our hotel...we have a room at the Radisson (which is 20 minutes from the hospital) for $40/night (very doable)...we are kind of excited even though we are not going for fun. We may be there 3-4 days for the consultation and we are praying for God to make clear for us the decision to receive treatment there or return and do more chemo here. The girl I spoke with in Illinois said that it's been in the 30's lately, but she said that's pretty nice! NICE! I live in So. Cal...30's is COLD!!! Anyway, we should be okay...Wednesday is Jeff's birthday, so it might be kind of nice to get away together over his birthday.

Thank you for your prayers about my hope...I do feel more hopeful with this consult. Please pray that this is God's healing tool. Also, that we get there safely and return home safely.

Thank you to all...we are grateful and truly blessed by all of you!!!!!

Quick information

2008-03-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I got a call from the CTCA in Illinois today saying that our insurance has been okay'd and that I should receive a call from the coordinator tonight to schedule everything (they are there until 9p our time)...well...it is almost 10:30 and I haven't received a call, so I guess it will be tomorrow. I know we are not their only case...but...don't they understand how anxious we are about this whole thing????? (Just kidding, kind of).

Immediate prayer request for me: Even though I have faith and know that God is bigger than this stupid tumor and can obliterate it, I am having trouble believing that He will heal in our case...and that is not a good place to be when you need to give your spouse hope! Please pray that I have hope enough to encourage Jeff! I am finding myself almost without emotion sometimes and I don't like it. I keep praying about it and can't seem to get past the numb feeling...please pray for me. Also, pray for Jeff...when he realizes that this just might be it, he is very scared...not of where he's is going, but just the unknown of this disease and of leaving me and his kids.

Blessing to all of you...Thank you!!!

~Jayne~

Small Positive

2008-03-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

We went to the doctor at Cedar Sinai today and he allowed me to look at the comparison of the MRI's (Jeff didn't want to). It looks like the tumor has shrunk, but only in the back...the left side has grown...so...this current treatment has only affected some of the cancer cells, not all of them. The next step is to change his chemo med...they want him to have about 3-4 more treatments with the new chemo and then have another MRI to see where we are. They did say that the next 2 months are crucial...so...pray, pray, pray!!!! We are also still planning to check the CTCA in Illinois that I mentioned in my previous blog. The Cedar Sinai doc seemed okay with that idea too. CTCA is still checking our insurance and then they'll start requesting Jeff's records to review.

We are encouraged a little by today's appointment and as always will continue to trust our heavenly Father!!!!

Blessings!
Jayne

Pushing forward...

2008-03-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I just got off the phone with Christie Nelson, the girl I've spoke with before at Cancer Treatment Centers of America http://www.cancercenter.com/about-us.cfm . And she is going to double check our insurance and then call me tomorrow to connect me with the appointment coordinator. She said we'd probably be going to the facility in Zion Illinois...they pay the round trip travel costs and we just need to pay for the lodging. Christie also said that, with Jeff's permission, they will check all his medical records before hand to make sure they would have options to present to us before we travel out there. I am excited...this all sounds good!!!

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and wonderful supportive comments and emails! We are so blessed by all of you!

Below is a devotional by Greg Laurie that a friend sent me...very appropriate!!!

When God Seems Late
"Then he told them plainly, 'Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn't there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in me.' "

— John 11:14-15

Sometimes God will not come through as quickly as we want Him to. Mary and Martha, two friends of Jesus, faced this dilemma. Their brother Lazarus was sick. It was a serious illness. So they sent word to Jesus.I think they probably believed that Jesus would make a beeline to Bethany to get Lazarus off his sickbed. But Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival. Mary and Martha were thinking of what was temporarily good. But Jesus was thinking of what was eternally good. This delay was for their sake. It was for them to learn a lesson.Meanwhile, Mary and Martha had probably been saying, "Jesus will be here. He will drop whatever He is doing and be here." But He didn't show up on the day they wanted Him to. And He didn't come the next day or the day after that. Lazarus had now passed from sickness to death. In their minds, all hope was gone. By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.Here was the problem: Mary and Martha wanted a healing. But Jesus wanted a resurrection. He brought Lazarus back to life and, as a result, many believed in Jesus. Mary and Martha's faith was strengthened, as well as that of the disciples.Like Mary and Martha, we will say, "God, if you loved me, you would do this. You would take care of that." But God says, "Because I love you, I am not going to give you these things." God wants to do something greater in your life. Will you let Him?

Not good news

2008-02-28T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

We received the results of Jeff's recent MRI and it shows more tumor growth, which means that the treatments he is currently having did not work. We are waiting to hear from the doctor at Cedar Sinai if there are clinical trials available that Jeff would qualify for (we have an appointment with him on Tuesday)...and more than that we wait on the Lord!!!! The doctor said without treatment Jeff would probably live less than 1 year and if we find a trial that will work, maybe more than 1 year, but probably not 5 years. We are in shock and sad, but very much trusting God...Pastor Harold at our church just reminded us that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God and that is soooo true. Please continue to pray for strength, comfort, joy in each day & direction.

God's peace be with you all!

~Jayne ~

Just a reminder...

2008-02-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

Jeff is having an MRI tomorrow afternoon and we will find out the results on Thursday....so...please pray for shrinkage. My hope is that this treatment is working and the tumor is writhing in anguish as it is being shrunk and obliterated!!!! =)

The Lord bless you and keep you,

The Lord make His face to shine upon you

and be gracious unto you.

The Lord lift His countenance upon you

and give you peace! Amen

~Jayne~

Quick prayer request..

2008-02-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

Just a quick note...everything is still looking improved for Jeff, we are very thankful to God!!!

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this in a post at all, but in addition to the cancer doctors we are seeing a Chiropractor friend from our church...he is knowledgeable in more than just chiropractic...he has studied other ways to help people stay healthy...kind of holistic medicine. Anyway, he has this machine that analyzes your whole body by scanning the palms of your hands, your bare feet and has probes attached to your forehead...the end result is an overview of the organs of your body and if they are stressed or overworked etc... Jeff's first scan was done about a month ago and everything looked pretty good...just a little overworked trying to detox itself from the chemo etc... We had another scan report today and Dr. Jim says that there are much improvements from the last one...he actually said that from what he sees in comparing the 2 scans, he doesn't believe that God is going to take Jeff home anytime soon...if that doesn't boost your hope what will!!!! Now for the prayer need...Dr. Jim also said that Jeff would do even better if we would change his diet to low carb (which would also be good for me) and if Jeff could stop smoking cigars. Jeff is having a hard time with the cigar thing and I am having a hard time with the diet thing...BUT...both of them have to change, so please pray for us that we have determination, strength and that the transitions in our eating habits and Jeff's smoking are not too terribly difficult!!!

Thank you! We are richly blessed with a support system that is out of this world!!!!
Bless you...Jayne

My funny Valentine!!

2008-02-17T17:33:00.000-08:00

A week ago Friday the junior high group at our church put on thier annual Valentine Dinner. We usually go with Mom & Dad and Laur...it was a very fun time and wonderful food!! The theme this year was "Out of this world". If you've looked at my sisters blog you've seen the photo of me being "The Force"...here's the photo they took of my Valentine and I.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING!!!!

2008-02-13T15:25:00.000-08:00

Just want to share our praise with all of you!! Jeff's attitude is much improved!! Many times he has told me that he doesn't believe that God is finished with him here yet...AMEN!! He is helping out with household chores like laundry and dishes etc...PRAISE JESUS!! He is really making an effort to have more patience with Dalaynee...HALLELUAH!! Also, we have been having more instances when we are able to laugh...about stupid stuff or whatever...GLORY TO GOD!! I just can't stop thanking God for Jeff's new outlook...don't get me wrong, he's still scared, but the fear is not so consuming right now!!! I'm not sure what (other than God Almighty) caused this change, but honestly, I don't care, as long as it just keeps improving!!!

Blessings to all!!!

Jayne

Clarification...

2008-02-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

Lately I've had a few people come up to me and tell me that they just talked to Jeff and he seemed to have no problem recognizing them...Jeff never had any trouble remembering people!!! His memory mixup is with daily stuff, like what day of the week it is or what we did last night or what we have to do today etc... He doesn't have a problem with long term stuff, like what he likes to do and our wedding and when his kids were born etc...

So, just a heads up for those of you who weren't sure...it's always okay to talk to him when you see him...he knows who you are and appreciates the assurance that you are thinking and praying for him. Keep in mind though that he is almost always worn out lately from the treatments.

Anyway, thank you all for everything...we are extrememly grateful for you!!!!

~Jayne~

Just Touching Base...

2008-02-04T16:13:00.001-08:00

Not too much has changed since my last post; Jeff's side effects are still not too bad and his memory is remains improved. He will have 2 more treatments (Feb 7th & Feb 21st) before we get another MRI on Feb 25th and then we meet with the doctor for results on the 28th. Also, recently Jeff been saying that he feels he is the cause of his cancer...it just kills me that he is carrying that load! I keep telling him that the Devil is trying to get a foothold on him and that he needs to resist and rebuke him.
So, now for our immediate prayer concerns...
First that God's name is glorified through all things and that others may come to know the Lord through our journey. Then that Jeff's energy level gets better so he can feel a little more normal, that he is able to resist the devil and let go of the feeling that all of this is happening because of him, and for the effectiveness of the treatments with manageable side affects and positive MRI results later this month.

As always, thank you for keepin on, keeping on!!! We are so grateful for each and every one of you!!!!
~Jayne~

HURRAY!!!!!

2008-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note...
Last week I got the doctor's okay to double Jeff's dose of depression meds and the last few days I've seen small signs of his depression lifting!

His memory is still improved and the side effects are still manageable!!!

Thank you for your prayers!!!...we pray for God to richly bless those who bless us!!!

~Jayne~

Quick Update

2008-01-21T15:45:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd take a minute to let you all know that Jeff is doing quite well...his memory is still improved and the side effects from the treatments don't seem too bad. One thing that I'd like you to pray about though...he seems to be suffering from depression and thanks to a friend from church who's a Therapist, I found out that I need to be more pro-active with the Dr's about his meds for this because they will not tweak anything unless I ask...so...I called today asking advice about the depression meds...I will keep you posted.

Other than that...we have the 2nd treatment this Thursday and continue to ask you to pray for the side effects to keep being manageable, for the tumor to keep shrinking, for full restoration of memory and, as always, that God will be glorified through this journey!!!

Bless you this week!

~Jayne~

Hallelu-Hallelujah...Praise Ye the Lord!!!

2008-01-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

Well, we have some wonderful news and some not so wonderful (but not too bad either) news...First, We had an MRI yesterday morning at Cedar Sinai and just after only one of the new treatments, the Doctor believes Jeff's tumor is a little bit smaller...PRAISE YE THE LORD!! Then the doctor started looking at Jeff's legs, for some reason, and realized that his right leg was a little tender when it was squeezed...there was a blood clot discovered in an ultra sound. Now, as this is not great news, the doctor assures us that blood clots are fairly common with this type of tumor and Jeff does spend quite a bit of the day in bed (treatments and meds just knock him out)...and...he doesn't have to be put into the hospital or anything....just needs to take an injection in the tummy under his belly button once a day for probably 6 months...and...here's the kicker...I get to administer the injection! =) We did the first one last night and it wasn't nearly as bad as both of us thought it might be. AGAIN, God is good all the time!

We are extremely thankful that Jeff's memory is still improved...please continue to pray for the full restoration of memory and that this new medication and chemo keep shrinking that tumor.

Other families in our church that need prayer:
Laura Litherland (the mother of friend from church) just lost her high school sweetheart husband to a brain tumor a few weeks ago and it is very hard for her...she is a believer and knows that Larry is in heaven, but she is a little angry and upset.

The Kings Larry, Pat and Elizabeth are still grieving the loss of their daughter and sister, Rebecca.

The Marcades Cathleen Marcade had a tumor removed from her neck and after testing it they found is was malignant-a rare form of cancer. She is home now, but was in the hospital for the past few days because of complications with chemo treatments...please pray for strength for her, her husband, and their children.

The Kobles Kim had breast cancer and is now going through treatments.

The Buccowichs You can go to the link from our blog to their web page for Susan's updates...she's doing pretty good right now, but still needs much prayer!

Thank you...May our Gracious Heavenly Father grant you peace this week!

~Jayne~
PS--I have added some new links at the left for those who are interested in the new meds and Jeff's current doctors. =)

Answered Prayer...

2008-01-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

Well, so far so good...we started the new treatment yesterday...after about 5 hours at LB Memorial we came home and since then, no adverse side effects...just tired! THANK YOU GOD!!! The thing they are most concerned about is diarrhea...some get it quite bad and some just a little or not at all...Jeff shows no sign of that yet and he ate a good lunch today..Yeah!!

Please join me in thanking God for restored memory & no sickness. Also continue praying for the side effects to be manageable or non-existent and that this is the tool that God uses to heal Jeff.

Thank you to all of you...hope your holidays were blessed!!!

~Jayne~

A Few Days in The Life of Dalaynee Jo...

2008-01-09T22:10:00.000-08:00

Playing dress up with Daddy's shirt & hat, & Mommy's shoes.

Riding her tricycle before changing out of pj's.

Discovering a new way to ride her tricycle (by the way, she does have a bike with training wheels, just likes to ride the trike every now & then).

After I left her in the backyard for only a few minutes...

The t-shirt says it all...doesn't it?!?!?!?!

Must have ultimate comfort when playing Sesame Street Computer games!

Special picture with her "friends" (our front lawn Christmas Blow ups).

Just before leaving for her preschool Christmas program (please excuse the mess in the background!!!)

Camping out in the living room...

Well, there you have it...just a few things that fill up Dalaynees existence...just thought I'd share a bit!!

Tid bits of info

2008-01-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post this for the past few days, but can't seem to find the time. We went to Jeff's GP about a week ago and when I told him how loopy Jeff acted that one night he assured me that it was from the sudden increase in his steroid pill (he went from 4-6 mg a day to 8mg 3 times that day)...the doc said that it's pretty common for sudden changes in meds to cause delirium...WOW, what a relief!!! I'm just wondering why the ER doc never mentioned it...maybe I wasn't clear about the increase...anyway, I'm thankful...no more worries about the gas being turned on or talking to people that aren't there etc! Also, because of Jeff's horrible headaches the docs told me to give him 8 mg of steroid twice a day...after about 2 wks, his memory is considerably better...he saw something on tv this morning and said "Oh, that's a rerun. I said What? You don't remember seeing things before! He said he swears it was just on about a month ago!!! That means that most of his memory loss could indeed still be caused by swelling!!!! I am amazed!!!

Thank you for keeping us lifted up...continue to pray for strength, healing, and that God would calm Jeff's fear...he's almost constantly afraid, but knows that God's hand is upon us and that this is a journey God wants us to travel right now.

You are all such blessings to the Nord family!!!!

~Jayne~

Thank You Lord!!!

2007-12-29T00:16:00.000-08:00

Hello all!
Jeff's memory has been a tad bit better the last week or so...PRAISE GOD!!

The doc said that's a good sign...PRAISE GOD!!

We received a phone call yesterday that the drug for Jeff has been approved by our insurance...PRAISE GOD!!!

He will start this new treatment (approved medicine with different chemo) on Jan 10th and then every 2 weeks we will go to Long Beach for a 2-3 hour intravenous treatment. The doctor said that he shouldn't get too ill because the dosage isn't too big...PRAISE GOD!!!

I have a new hope with this new treatment...PRAISE GOD!!!

Please join us in thankful prayers and praise to our heavenly father for His continued care and provision!!!

Bless you!
~Jayne~

Prayer Warriors Unite!

2007-12-22T22:17:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the delay in updating...
In my previous post I told you that last week Wednesday night he had headaches and vomiting, well, on Thursday night he went completely loopy...it was like he was high on something, he wouldn't stay in bed and he was talking about a crew that he had to feed and painting that had to be done etc...like he was a foreman on a construction site...he was talking to people who weren't there and talking to me like I was just some girl he was with, not his wife...then I got up to find the whole kitchen torn apart, the gas was turned on on the stove and the stove was pulled away from the wall, the microwave was pulled away and the toaster was hanging by the cord off of the edge of the counter...that was when I started to cry and yell, "Lord, I don't know what to do!" At about 4am I called my parents and they came over...after 2 hours of watching him, they advised me to call 911...he was taken to ER by ambulance and a few hours after taking a CAT scan they said they talked to his oncologist and since nothing looked any different than the last MRI he should be okay to go home...I was a little nervous about what Friday would bring, but it was okay, he was definitely more confused though, didn't always know who I was, kept thinking my name was Wendy (his girlfriend in high school)...he couldn't believe we were married, but somehow glad he married me!?!?!? Anyway, he slept better on Friday night, between 3:30 & 4 am I woke up to find him gone, so I got up to check and he was in the kitchen eating (which was common before the tumor) so I kissed him and said come back to bed when you're done...I was back in bed for 5 minutes when I heard the chirp of our alarm which means a door has been opened, I sprung up and got to the locked front door just in time to hear the screen door slam shut like someone had just gone out...I opened it and called his name, he was already down to the street...he was looking for his bed...he was thankful that there was a place for him to sleep in our house. He then came to bed and slept through the night, Thank God! Saturday was more normal (for lack of a better word). This week is lots better...less confusion the past few days...again, Thank God!!!

This past Thursday we went to the oncologist at Long Beach and he told us about the new intravenous medication and chemo...he has one other patient that is taking this combination who is 57 years old and his tumor is shrinking and he's not too sick from the treatment...so...now for our prayer request...please pray for these same results with Jeff's tumor!!! We are hopeful that this treatment is going to be the tool by which God heals him!!!

Again, we both are confident that God has brought us to this time in our lives and so we will trust Him in all things..."He will never leave us or forsake us!" We know that to be true...I just told Jeff...other than getting him better, we really have no worries...God is a faithful, providing God!!!

Thank you again, for all your prayers...keep lifting us up as we travel through this journey!

Bless you!
~Jayne~

I also know 2 other families in need of prayer: Greg Litherland is a friend of ours from church, whom we've served with in Kids Klub over the years...his father was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor right around the same time as Jeff and passed away last week. Please pray for comfort for Laura Litherland (Greg's mom), Greg & his family and his siblings and their families...Larry & Laura were high school sweethearts...they were together a long time. We met and got to know the Litherlands since Larry and Jeff were getting Radiation treatments at the same time at LB Memorial...they are very friendly, Godly people!

Also, other dear friends of ours, the Kings, have 2 college age daughters and the youngest of the two, Rebecca, passed away yesterday morning...I called her dad, Larry, today and he said he thought she just had a cold, but when he went to check on her she was blue...he has medic training and did all he could to revive her, but God took her home...as you can imagine, the Kings (Pat, Larry and oldest daughter Elizabeth) are devastated...please pray for their comfort, strength and the peace of God to fill them.

Life as we know it = upside down!

2007-12-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Jeff didn't have a good night last night...he was suffering from extreme headaches and vomiting, neither one of us got any sleep. Anyway, yesterday I called Cedar Sinai to let them know that Jeff is getting more confused and wanted to double check what I needed to do...I got a call back today, and after I told the nurse about last night, she talked to the doctor and asked if we could come in today...so...thanks to our wonderful church, we were picked up by Terry McCluney (a fellow Emmanuelite) and driven to LA! The doctor said that there is definitely more tumor and that the current Chemo is not working...he has a trial medication that is only approved for use with colon and lung cancer, but he believes it will help Jeff so now we wait for insurance approval and then we can start this new experimental drug along with a new Chemo.

Please pray that the insurance approval is timely and overall that God's will is done!!!

Also, a prayer of thankfulness...I am scared, but have much peace with the new information and Jeff really does too, so we are comforted by the Holy Spirit and an overwhelming knowledge that God is with us.

Glory to God in the highest!!!
Jayne

Still Trusting!!!

2007-12-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated in awhile because not much has changed...Jeff is still forgetting that he has cancer and all the other events I mentioned before. There was one day last week when he was able to remember the Cancer thing most of the day without my reminders. Yesterday, just as we sat down in church, he complained about not being able to hear the music...that lasted a little more than 20 minutes, but I was ready to walk out of church and take him to emergency...when he said he could hear fine again, I just broke down! This is sooo scary sometimes...it's almost like waiting for the bomb to drop!! After church I thought I'd try not to give him reminders unless he asks and even when he didn't remember where something was in the house or that it was Sunday, he just shrugged his shoulders and didn't ask me anything. Later in the evening his question was "Am I sick, do I have cancer?" Like always I had to confirm his worst fear, adding encouraging things like the Dr's are not hopeless etc...etc...etc... Anyway, today he's had a headache most of the day and has been in bed, but I think he's remembering about the Cancer...so...we'll see how this evening goes. The high point will be going to Dalaynee's Preschool Christmas Program...she assures me that she sings really good!!!! We will make sure to get it on videotape, otherwise Jeff will forget...

Nevertheless...GOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME!!!!! We continue to take one day at a time and trust our heavenly Father.

Bless you!!!

~Jayne~

Thankful for the little things

2007-11-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

Keep praying!!!! Yesterday there were at least 3 occasions when Jeff was able to hold on to a few facts for longer than just minutes!!!! I am thankful...that tells me that it's all in there somewhere and maybe just hearing it over and over is helping it to stick...anyway, I'm also thankful that his memory is the only problem he has right now...no headaches or nausea!!!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!!

~Jayne~

Quick Prayer Request

2007-11-26T22:25:00.000-08:00

As I told you in my last post, Jeff has started to forget that he has cancer...sometimes within minutes. Today someone said to me, "Why remind him?" "Why not just let him forget?" The answer is that Jeff is not the type who would want to be kept in the dark about something serious, plus he looks in the mirror and wonders why his head is bald on the sides (he hasn't done chrome dome in a few weeks)! Anyway, my hopeful spirit has depleted some from 20 or more times a day of telling him, "They won't operate, but it is not hopeless because they haven't exhausted all their treatment options yet". Then he will ask me if the treatments they've done have worked...I tell him that they haven't seen much change in the tumor so they might change his treatment soon...inside I'm screaming, because it all sounds so hopeless to me!!!

Please pray that I will regain my hope so my strength will just radiate onto Jeff when he is shocked over and over with the fact that he has brain cancer.

Thank you!!!!! God be with you!!!!

~Jayne~

MRI RESULTS

2007-11-21T22:57:00.000-08:00

Well, the doctor at Cedar Sinai looked at the MRI and came in to tell us that he believes he sees a little more tumor on the CD...since we did not get a written report with the CD he's not sure if that is really what he saw. In any case, if there is a bit of growth, he wants to change the Chemo that Jeff is taking (he will get back to us about that)...so...here we are, a little more uncertain about the future, but we continue to trust God and will take one day at a time. Also, there has been a slight change in his memory loss in the past few days...he sometimes forgets how sick he is & he forgets that his mom passed away 2 years ago...both of these things are very hard for me to re-tell him because of the shock they cause.

Thank you again for the prayer support and all the monetary gifts...we continue to be overwhelmed with blessing!!!!!
~Jayne~

Pray...Pray...Pray...Pray

2007-11-19T10:14:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder...Jeff is getting another MRI this afternoon and then on Wednesday morning we have an appointment at Cedar Sinai to go over the results. Please pray for good news!!! Jeff has been doing better this past week with headaches and nausea...however, yesterday he got a headache just before we left church about 12 or 12:30p, I gave him pain reliever as often as the Doc said I can, and at 7:30p he was still in bed with a headache...he finally had relief about 9:30 or 10p...he also starts chemo again today, but so far he seems to feel okay, please continue to pray for no severe side effects...I'll be sure to let you know what we find out on Wednesday.

As always...Thank you for your prayers and may God richly bless all of you!!!

~Jayne~

UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE...

2007-11-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

Howdy all!

Well, I just read my last post and decided that not much has changed with Jeff...he's still pretty depressed (although we have 2 meds that should start working a bit better here in a few days)...the headaches & nausea, which got a little worse after my last post, have settled down again...the last 3 days, he hasn't had more than 1-2 (not too severe) headaches per day and the nausea is not as severe either!!! Praise God!!!! He has to take the Chemo again during Thanksgiving week, so please pray that the side affects lessen, so he can enjoy the holiday.

For those of you with access to my sister's blog, you know we had "Trunk or Treat" at our church (Dalaynee was a pink poodle, I thought is was a lamb...but was corrected) and that we went to Malibu...here's a few photos that Laur didn't post...

**TRUNK OR TREAT**

Caring for Mom, BGC (Before getting candy).

Daddy & Dalaynee, AGC (After getting candy).

**MALIBU**

Shooting the breeze! Relaxing by the pool (um, I mean, Ocean)!

Holy Cow (not what I really said)...this water is cold!!!!! Of course Dalaynee didn't feel the cold...she's laughing her head off about my screaming!!!

Playing in the water and Posing for Auntie Laur

Saturday, Nov 3rd, was "Papa's" birthday...When you're 3, birthdays & candles are the BEST!!!!!

We had a WONDERFUL relaxing time! THANK YOU YARGERS!!!!

We now have a date for the next MRI...Nov 19th in the afternoon...please pray that the results show shrinkage or no tumor at all!!! Also, pray for my friend Susan as she is again back in the hospital with Meningitis...and fluid buildup...she may be there for a week or so...also, Mike, her husband has been battling gull stones and was looking into gull bladder surgery when Susan was admitted, so they are going through the ringer right now!

As for me...in Coffee Break this past Wednesday, part of the lesson was about submitting to God's will and not trying to figure out our lives on our own. Wow! Even though that's difficult in any situation it's really difficult when you're dealing with life and death, I am afraid of what God's will is...please pray that Jeff & I get to a point that we can completely submit and be thankful for this trial and joyful in the midst of it. Honestly, there are some days when I can be joyful, but other days it's harder.

Dalaynee is doing better at school with the hitting thing, so that is a definite praise! I just spoke with Zack tonight and it looks like school is going good for him and Andrew is doing pretty good as well, he's cleaning pools again and seems to make ends meet.

As always...we are most grateful for the love and support we've received from our church family, our friends and family...The Lord truly provides!!!!! We continue to ask that God help us to be a blessing as we have been blessed
~Jayne~

PS-thank you to the anonymous giver of cash that we received in the mail on Friday...you are one of the many blessings in this journey!!!

Boundless Blessing!!!

2007-10-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday about 8:15a...6 men and 1 boy showed up at our house to do whatever needed to be done to make our lawns look manicured again (as Jeff usually keeps them). Well, since our wonderful neighbor across the street is very dutifully keeping up the front lawn, I directed them to the back yard...in May Jeff planted a vegetable garden (annual event) and in early June he had his seizure, so because I am not the garden kind of gal, his vegetables were okay for awhile, but eventually dried up and bit the dust. Our lawn was starting to look like one of those you see with the old broken down vehicles in it (although without the vehicles)...within 1-2 hours these wonderful, giving saints had that yard looking clean cut and put together! Jeff was in bed all morning because of migraines and nausea, but when he got up and looked, he was very pleased and thankful!!!! Just a note...when in a situation like this, God blesses you in ways that you don't even think of...I figured one of these days I would get out there and pull all the old plants etc... Anyway, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU...FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS...YOU GUYS BLESSED OUR SOCKS OFF!!!!...

{From back to front: John VanderMeer, Doug Palmer and Corey...
I'm sorry, Corey, I don't remember your last name =( }

{In middle: Jeff Hogan}

{Ken Chavarria}

{Tim & Elijah deKoekkoek}

On another note:
This past Friday morning, I heard my little girl call out "Mom, I'm going out to watch the trash truck.", this is a normal occurrence on Friday Morning...when I came around the corner to see how far she had gone out of the front door...this is what I saw... Pajamas, headband, slippers, & stool perched on the porch to witness the show!!! When she came in she was quite excited {although it is not yet Halloween, we had to throw away a pumpkin because she dropped it too many times and it had a soft spot on the side}...while the trash man made the big arms dump the collected trash in the front dumpster into the back of the truck, Dalaynee got to see our pumpkin fly in the air as it made it's way with the rest of the trash!!!! What a GREAT way to start a Friday!!!

...
Jeff has definitely been doing better in the headache and nausea departments, especially when he's not taking the chemo...but...he's not doing any better with the day timer/journal...I have come to realize that I am sometimes too easy on him...I think it's because I've never had to tell him what to do, he's always been very capable and particular about how he does things, so he didn't need, or frankly want, my help...so I'm still trying to get used to telling him what needs to be done! I have been keeping up on writing daily events in his journal so he can at least look at it as a reference...today I went through everything with him a couple of times and even though he gave me a dirty look, he paid a little bit of attention! Please pray that along with strength, I have the diligence to push him a little even when it's not comfortable for me. Also, Dalaynee came down with the flu on Saturday night (4-5 times during the night we were up)...she only threw up 2 times yesterday and was able to keep a little down today...please pray that neither I nor Jeff get the flu. Please also continue to pray for shrinkage or obliteration of the tumor to be the result of the next MRI 2-3 weeks from now. Personal Note: I've come to understand that when the Bible says that God will never give you more than you can handle...what it means is that He will give you the strength to handle whatever circumstance He puts you in...6-7 months ago if someone would have told me my immediate future, I would have asked God to spare me, because I am not able to withstand something like this...in looking back at the past, almost, 5 months I am simply amazed at how God has brought me this far! I am re-learning to NEVER doubt our Heavenly Father or His perfect will!!!!

Jeff & I constantly pray for God to Bless others as they have blessed us!!!!
~Jayne~

Prayers Answered!!!

2007-10-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Just thought I'd let you know that the prayers you have been uttering about Jeff's headaches have been working...along with the fact that I increased the amount of his anti-inflammatory drug by half a pill a day! Also, he started the Chemo again today and didn't have much nausea, however, maybe that will be stronger later in the week, so please continue to pray for relief from the nausea. I was given Godly advice from a dear friend at church (Mrs. V) to pray over Jeff's head and stomach and, in Jesus name, command the swelling parts to go back to how God created them and demand whatever is causing the nausea to stop...I've been trying to do this before he goes to sleep and night and the last few nights he had no problems...THANK YOU GOD!!!!

One more minor prayer request...

Dalaynee has been hitting other kids at Pre-school, her teacher says that she's not an overall disciplinary problem....she likes to follow directions and is happy to complete a task when asked...she hits me sometimes at home too, when she's upset...I give her time outs every time...I'm not sure if it has to do with what's going on in our house or what, but please pray that she grows out of this trait!

A PERSONAL NOTE:
Coffee Break was GREAT last Wednesday...they are studying James - Trials and Temptations...what a great time for me to be able to go!!! I am impressed by the leaders and feel it will be a wonderful place for me to be filled up when I am often drained at home!!!

FUTURE PRAYER REQUEST--we are supposed to get another MRI in 2-3 weeks...please pray from now 'til then that there is shrinkage or no tumor at all!

May God richly bless you!!!!
~Jayne~

Immediate prayer needed...

2007-10-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

Just a short note for a specific prayer request...

The last few days Jeff has been experiencing horrible headaches...from what the doctors have said, I believe these are due to the swelling in his brain but they have told me to taper him off of the anti swelling drug...and...so far, Tylenol seemed to control the headaches, so when I talked to the doctor's nurse at Cedar Sinai about giving him more anti swelling meds she informed that the doc feels there shouldn't be an increase as long as Tylenol seems to be taking care of it. Well, very early this morning (4:30a) Jeff woke up with a terrible one and so I gave him Tylenol and he tried to go back to sleep...then he awoke at 5:30 and asked if I had given him anything for a headache and then again at 6:30...I think about 7a he was feeling better. Again this afternoon between 3p & 3:30p he asked for something for a headache...we were out running errands so I gave him 3 Advil from my purse first and then one more a little later (a medical professional once told me that I could take up to 4 "over-the-counter" pain meds at a time and still be fine (I have had headaches for years)...at 5p he was still in major pain so I gave him 3 Tylenol...not until about 6p or 6:30p did he start feeling better and then, of course, his stomach started bothering him! My concern is that he hasn't taken the chemo pill for 3 weeks and next week Monday he has to take it again for 5 days...which may increase his side effects! We have an appointment next week Monday with his GP who is the one that prescribed his Nausea meds, so maybe we can get a higher mg, since his chemo mg is higher....Please pray that we find a way to relieve him of these minor, yet monotonous, side effects since they tell us we may need to do this amount of chemo for 12 to 24 months.

"The Lord Bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, the Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace!!!!!!"

~Jayne~

Bath? Did someone say bath?????

2007-10-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago when it was time for Laynee's bath...she got the idea that a bath in the kitchen sink would be wonderful...since I had no strength to argue and realized it would be easier for me then being on my knees on the bathroom tile floor, I agreed. Even though she had to be all scrunched up to fit in the sink, she absolutely loved it...as a matter of fact, I didn't mind it too much either, but the bathtub is definitely less of a mess!!!! Here's a few candids of the occasion...

Now, back to real life...our current prayer requests are: shrinkage or obliteration of tumor, restoration of Jeff's memory, strength for both of us, the Lord's joy during this trial, that Jeff would learn to like his day planner (which will help with his memory)...he HATES it and grumbles every time he has to write anything down in it (this was suggested by his memory therapists as a tool to help him compensate for what he can't remember right now...but he needs to write down as many details about his day as possible which makes him feel stupid and childish). Also, since I am not working right now, I've decided to join Coffee Break at our church next week, in the morning while Dalaynee is in Preschool, please pray that this is as wonderful a blessing for me as I believe it might be. Well, I guess that's it.

May God richly bless those, who richly bless the Nords!!!!!!

~Jayne~

Party...Party!!!!!

2007-10-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

Last night I was privileged to spend the evening with my daughter at "Mom's night out" (sponsored by the preschool)...the flyer said bring your favorite preschooler and come for a fun filled evening...the only catch was...it was a Pajama party!!!! Well, (I may be divulging too much info, but) since I wear a short nightie to bed, I had to find PJ's with pants...I went to Wal Mart, but since I didn't try them on...the shirt wasn't the right size...so off to Kohl's...my new FAVORITE store (they always have sales)...anyway, I found very comfortable Jammie's that I can wear around the house this winter...and...of course...Dalaynee saw how much fun I was having trying things on (NOT) so she wanted to join in...long story short...I weakened and bought her new PJ's too with Tinkerbell on them...(even though she already had 2 great pair from my cousins Kevin & Tracy that she could wear). All in all, the decor and activities were very cute and Dalaynee and the other kids had a blast!!!! In addition to what my photos show there was a snack area, craft, bean bag toss and pillow case hop...the kids were sweaty, but you couldn't wipe the smile off of their faces!!!

Anticipation..anticipa-a-tion (song from old heinz ketchup commercial)......

A game where the kids held the edges of a sheet and tossed stuffed animals into the air (the little boy with glasses next to Laynee is one of my cousin Mike's twins (either Jake or Tyler). Laynee did this one about 4 times.

This was where they played the song "10 in a bed" they rolled and rolled until the one on the right ran to the other end and started to roll again (the boy in the red pajamas is Laynee's friend Landon)...she did this about 3 times.

The preschool staff...I got to see first hand how much they love our kids...we are thankful!!!!

Mommy & Dalaynee

GOD IS GOOD....ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!

2007-10-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

(Havasu, April, 2007)

Well, between 9:30 and 10 this morning we jumped on the freeway bound for the metropolis we call L.A. Our first appointment was at Cedar Sinai at 11:30...we actually walked into the office at 11:45 because we drove around the parking garage about 6 times before we found a spot big enough for the Suburban. We went in to see Dr. Phuphanich (whom we've seen 2 other times since the diagnosis) and after his assistant did small tests on Jeff by asking him different questions about the year, month, etc...and to remember 3 words for longer than a few minutes (he remembered 2 out of 3!!!). She took our copies of Jeff's MRI's and left the room...after awhile the Dr. himself came in with photo copies of Jeff's tumor. He proceeded to tell us that he had just spoken with our Radiologist at Long Beach Memorial and believes that he (the radiologost) hasn't seen much of what's happening here...but...what looks like growth in the tumor is just what they call "pseudo-progression" which means even though it looks like the tumor has progressed (grown), it's actually just swelling from the treatments...which means...we are not worse off than we were...the tumor is being aggravated, in a sense, by the treatments and is swelling...so...we must keep on with the chemo we are doing (500mg for 5 days/month) and in 1 month we'll do another MRI to see where we are...he did not seem concerned at all...PRAISE GOD!!!! Then after a tasty subway sandwich, we moseyed on over to UCLA Medical Center (The Buccowich's Doctor) to get one more consultation (our appointment was at 3p and we actually got there early enough to fill out paperwork). Doctor Ngheimphu (a female) came in after her assistant did some of the same kind of tests on Jeff that they did a CS...and...she had looked at the MRI and completely agreed with Dr. Phuphanich...it seems to her that this is a case of "pseudo-progression" and she supports Dr. P's advice to keep doing what we are doing and get another MRI in a month. She said she knows Dr. Phuphanich and he is a very good Dr. She then proceeded to give us each one of her cards and said, well, now we (UCLA) are in the loop too...so...if anything comes up that you need further clarification on...just give me a call. We are so blessed to have 2 kind, knowledgeable doctors working on Jeff's case! Now, here's where God is soooooo good...On the way to LA Jeff and I prayed (I didn't close my eyes) that we would receive positive feedback and direction for the next step...He answered our prayer in a matter of hours...we definitely received positive feedback and the fact that 2, highly regarded, doctors agreed so completely directs us to follow their advice, at least for right now...we are thankful, relieved, hope filled, and blessed by the power of the living God!!!!!!

By the way, thank you to the anonymous giver of gas cards we received in the mail yesterday...you are a blessing!!!!!

Thank you all for your prayers...we are recipients of much blessing!
~Jayne~

Day to Day...

2007-09-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

Today was a pretty good day overall...after I dropped Laynee of at Preschool I came home and made some phone calls...one was to UCLA...I had been referred to doctors there in a round about way from a friend of a friend and then Mike Buccowich called and said that they had a follow-up appointment for Susan yesterday at UCLA (with one of the same doc's my friend had mentioned) and they explained about Jeff's case to their doc's...they were told to have us come in ( if that isn't a word from the Lord, I don't know what is)...so...we have an appointment next week Wednesday!! Also, from my cousins sister-in-law I was referred to doctors at Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. I will call them tomorrow. I also made an eye doc appointment for Jeff. His eyesight was kind of off before they found the tumor and I don't think it's gotten better or worse since...but...he seems to be mentioning it a lot lately, so we might as well rule it out as tumor related...also, it just may be that he is 43 and it's time for glasses...so at least we can determine all of that. I felt a bit more positive after getting those few phone calls done...maybe something will pay off for us.

Please pray for Jeff's depression and hopelessness...knowing that the treatments did not work, he feels very defeated right now. I need more strength & also hope...I'm finding that sometimes I don't believe myself when I tell him it's going to be okay.

You are a blessing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~Jayne~

2007-09-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Some of you already know...but...the Dr. called this afternoon to tell me that the Chemo and radiation that Jeff has gone through did not work...the MRI he had last Thursday showed no shrinkage and maybe even a little growth. We are floored!!!! This is not what we expected, however, we still know with all our hearts that God is in control and because of that we will not give up! We have options...the dr's are going to look into some other chemo treatment and we know some who have had other treatments that have given them better outcomes than what the dr's suspected...so...this is just a set back...not an ending!!!

Please pray for Jeff's attitude and continued strength for me...I am feeling mighty weak about now, but Jeff told me tonight that he needs me to be strong because he's ready to give up & refuse all treatment; that was when I decided I will not cry in front of him anymore...but...alone, that's a different story! Anyway, keep praying for our family and the Buccowich family also. We had dinner with Michael and Sue last night and it was a great evening! They are doing pretty good right now, but still need much prayer.

Through it all, we remain blessed and comforted by your love, kindness and prayers!!!
~Jayne~

Okay...I've been tagged

2007-09-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by my cousin Becky!

Here are the rules:
1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts. 2. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. 3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.

DENISE

D-Demonstrative with my affections...I am very ready to give anybody (who I know) a hug

for no reason!

E-Emotionally Exhausted...given the latest events in our house...my emotions need a rest at

times.

N-Necessary...right now I'm very necessary for my husband, Jeff's, day to day memory!

I-Iced Tea...what Jeff drinks each morning to get going.

S-Supplied for...God completely provides...especially when you need to lean on Him alone.

E-Enormously Blessed!!!!!

Well...let's see, I choose Lanette, Lisa Beld, Gina H., Annette B., & Rick/Monique

Sorry Evonne, I took one of yours...but I have 6 names to come up with that have blogs...please forgive me!!!!!!

~Jayne~

Quick Note..

2007-09-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

Jeff had an MRI today (2 different types)...for the first one he had to be in that tube lying still for 15 minutes, then they shot dye in his veins and did another test for 25 minutes...I was able to stay in the room with him during the tests...they put a mirror on the top of the headset so that every time he opened his eyes he could see me...because we had earplugs (machine is VERY loud) he couldn't hear me so I just gave him a thumbs up and mouthed that he was doing good and it would only be a few minutes...now...for the results...we should hear in a day or two..so probably not til next week...please join us in praying that there is just an empty spot where the tumor used to be...but we know & believe that God's will is perfect and in His divine wisdom this will all work out! Thank you for your prayers and I will pass on results as we get them.

Blessing!
~Jayne~

2 new things in Dalaynees life...

2007-09-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

With everything that's going on in our household, we still have normalcy...our 3 yr. old daughter has still been sleeping in a crib...now I know that's not sooo bad, but since she's been climbing onto the side railing and jumping down to get out...we decided it's time for a "big girl bed" (pretty smart for Jeff & I huh?)...anyway, we shopped around and a twin bed and mattress just isn't within our budget right now...so we opted for a toddler bed so we can use the crib mattress...she is tickled pink!!!! Some nights she wants to go to bed at 6:30 pm! The first few nights she walked into our bedroom in the wee hours of the morning afraid of one thing or another in her room, but now she stays in her bed until a decent hour...hooray! Then, while looking online I found some great princess sheets for toddler beds, the pillow case has Cinderella on one side and Belle on the other (what more could you ask for??)...Dalaynee just giggles and says my "big girl bed" is so great...and it's just the right size!!!

Up until now I have been trimming Dalaynee's hair...and not too badly, if I do say so myself. But the other day I got a wild hair (no pun intended) to take her to Super Cuts...

We were very happy with the results...BUT...

now she looks even more like me...poor kid!!

Bless you!

~Jayne~

Memory loss Smemory loss!!!!!

2007-09-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the Cognitive therapy evaluation and I think this is really going to be good!!! While we were waiting for the therapist to call us, Mike & Sue Buccowich walked in...they were there for Sue's evaluation, we were very glad to see them, but didn't get much time to talk. After asking Jeff many questions and doing little exercises the therapists suggested he come in twice a week for 4 weeks to start...she believes that they can help him by giving him tools to compensate for what he's lost and help make it easier for him to remember (I still think I'd also benefit from this therapy). Jeff doesn't remember anything about the visit right now, but I believe this is going to be VERY helpful...tonight we have our group therapy, which is very good also, however, I have to remind Jeff of that as well...see, I need memory therapy to increase my memory capacity!!!! Just a note--one of the things the therapist (Shelly) asked him to do was write a sentence about himself...here's what he wrote.."I believe that God in is control of this situation and everything is going to work out fine." He doesn't remember writing that, but if that's what came out, that's how he feels...Praise God!!!!

Thank you again for all your comments, cards, gifts, and most of all prayers...God's will is perfect and we will rest in it, nest in it & fully be blessed in it!!!!
~Jayne~

2007-09-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

One doctor appointment down with a good result...today we went to see the Oncologist (cancer Dr.) and he was very busy so we had to see his Physician's Assistant, which I didn't like at first, but she turned out to be very nice and knowledgeable (except I think she's used to following Dr. Blitzer around instead of meeting with patients on her own...she seemed a little nervous). She said that our next step with Chemo would be the same pill at a higher dosage (500mg/day instead of 150mg/day) for 5 days out of a month for 12-24 months...sounds horrible, however, the only side affects are fatigue (yet less than chemo & radiation together), constipation (which we've been able to control just fine), and nausea (which we already have medication for), so we aren't too worried about that. Then we told her what the Radiologist told us about Jeff's memory loss being permanent...she was very surprised and said that in her experience with patients who have brain radiation, it is very common to suffer short term memory loss and it is almost always temporary...she also let us know that the radiation works on the tumor for maybe months after the treatments are complete, which might still be affecting his memory...so we believe this was a word from God, reminding us that He is in control and the memory return will be in His divine timing! On a side note, she was very happy that we were going for cognitive therapy..she said they don't utilize that enough with their brain cancer patients. So, I believe all of our prayers for direction have been answered thus far...we are anxious for the cog. evaluation tomorrow and a little more confident that Thursday's MRI will be okay too, although we still covet your prayers for healing of memory and cancer and patience for me!

Thank you again for all your prayers!!!!

~Jayne~

God's Provision...

2007-09-17T14:10:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note (in case any of you check our blog) to our "Friends @ ERC who are praying for God's healing and blessing upon us"...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your amazing monetary gift at church yesterday...we were overwhelmed and brought to tears!! It is wonderful to be a part of the family of GOD!!!!!

~Jayne~

What's next????

2007-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

First of all...THANK YOU for all the wonderful comments about my strength...I don't feel strong at all, so when I hear that others think so, I am encouraged and reassured that God is with me!!!

Now, for our upcoming schedule...

Next week Tuesday we have an appointment with the Oncologist, he will take a blood test to check the white cells and then let us know if Jeff has to take more chemo pills. He really hasn't had a full course of chemo, so he may have to start taking them again.

Wednesday we are going to have an evaluation done with cognitive therapy...this is for his memory...it is used most often with stroke victims and any other brain damage victims...we don't believe his memory loss is because of brain damage, but this may help him to get his memory back sooner and it could enhance it as well...I was thinking that I might also benefit from a memory enhancement!

Thursday we have the appointment for the MRI with contrast...it won't hurt him at all but it still makes him nervous. I am a little nervous as well...I really don't know what the next step will be after the results of the scan.

Then the next week we have an appointment at Cedar Sinai to discuss the results of his MRI.

From Sept 30 to Oct 3rd we want to try to go to San Diego for a few days and take Dalaynee to the zoo...we need to get away!

Please continue to pray for the cancer to be gone, patience and grace for me, and a new prayer would be for God's direction...the immediate future seems so uncertain right now...our disability and family leave will be exhausted in a few weeks and I'm not exactly sure what I will do if we need more time.

Thank you again for the unbelievable encouragement and prayer...we are SOOOO blessed!!!

~Jayne~

Scan?!?!?!?!?!?!

2007-09-08T23:50:00.000-07:00

I know everyone is wondering what the results of Jeff's brain scan was...and...it looks like somewhere I got my wires crossed...I could have sworn they said that 2 weeks after radiation was complete they would do another MRI...as it turns out, they like to wait 6 weeks...apparently the radiation keeps working after the treatments are complete...hooray! Anyway, the appointment we had this past Thursday was just a follow-up consultation with the Radiologist, which initially was the same as the once a week meetings we had during treatments...and then, this Doctor, who is one of 2 doctors that we've seen off and on during treatments, tells us that, contrary to what we've been told all along, the memory loss that Jeff is experiencing is damage from the tumor and not a side affect of radiation...which means that it is permanent!!! We were floored, to say the least! I don't mind telling you, I raised my voice to the doctor and he raised his right back to me insinuating that I must have misunderstood what I was told before and that he wanted to make sure I was understanding what he was telling me now...anyway, the meeting ended friendly, but it was a little heated for a few minutes! Because we have been told different all along, because we have heard from brain cancer survivors that memory loss goes with radiation, and because we serve a God that is bigger than all of this, Jeff & I have chosen to believe that this is just this doctor's opinion and he is entitled to his opinion...however, we are looking into an out patient cognitive therapy program offered by the hospital that will help get his memory back sooner as well as enhance it...which will help him to be more positive and feel productive.

Just in case you're not sure what is involved in "short term memory loss" I thought I'd give you an example...from the time Jeff gets out of bed in the morning until he goes to bed for the night he will ask me 20-40 times what day it is. When we left to meet my family for dinner at 6:15p tonight, he had no idea what we did today...one thing we did is get his head shaved again...he doesn't even remember being at the barber shop! Basically, right now I can't have a normal conversation with my husband, my partner...when I am telling him things that are going on with me or something cute that Dalaynee did...he interrupts me to ask what day it is or what are our plans for the evening etc...it is very frustrating, but because of all the prayer being lifted up for us I am able to answer his questions in a calm voice to reassure him and help him not to feel so lost, and also, hold in my sharing or venting until I am able to talk to my mother or sister, who have been wonderful support and strong shoulders for me.

Basically, Jeff & I both feel that this tumor is not going to kill him...but...our uncertainty about what is next brings on fear! Please continue to pray for strength, patience for me, and comfort for the fear!

As always, we would have nothing without our church, family & friends...Bless you!!!!
~Jayne~