APC goes live to Amman

In a historic technological leap, the Christmas program at APC connected via live video feed to us in Amman, Jordan. We made the "sacrifice" of staying up until 3AM to be a part of the Sunday evening festivities! We did a trial run with Jaime & Johnathan on Friday afternoon to make sure all the connections worked... there was no second try on this surprise! Jaime connected to us and then we appeared on screen, much to mom & dad's delight.

For the record, the hard part was made simple by our friends at Apple and that oh-so-easy-to-use iChat that comes as part of every Mac's OS. (An absolutely shameless plug, I know...) We're so totally excited that such a group is coming to see us... it's still six months away and already I'm planning like it's next week. Jaime & Bonnie came to see us in Prague in 2004 and it's only fitting that the 'rents come see us in the "Holy Land."

Many, many thanks to all those at APC and the family and friends in the community that are making this trip possible!

Scott

WE"RE GOING TO JORDAN

As most of you know, our second grandchild is due in April and will be born in Amman, Jordan. Glynnda and I were discussing a trip to Jordan to get in on all the excitement. We had not bought tickets yet but the process really got serious when Mark, Margie and Mikelle expressed an interest in all of us going together.

Well, word about our plans had gotten around and our APC church family was very anxious for us to go. Sunday night after the Christmas program on the 20th, they arranged to have Scott and Suzi live on SKYPE and projected on the big screen. Then they presented us with the results of their efforts. It was more than enough funds for our round trip tickets! What a tremendous surprise and demonstration of love and support for our family.

Scott has given us a proposed agenda and schedule. I told him we would stay for two weekends and at least fourteen days. This is going to be so exciting.


We are still amazed by this outpouring of love and generosity. What an incredible gift!!!

Vernon

Tis the Season

The McGarvey's are all hard at work during this busy season as always. I'm actually sitting in the dress rehearsal of our Christmas program at APC right now! Little angels and shepherds are scurrying about. Mary just literally stuffed baby Jesus in the manger...."Gently lay him down Mary. Pat Baby Jesus and look at him like you love him." (That would be Mama coaching the 6-year-old on infant care.) The show is tomorrow night, and I'm sure it will go off in its usually adorable hilarity we've all come to love.

Scott and Suz are having fun with their own Christmas programs a world away. So we're each doing what we always do just in more languages on more stages now.

We started off the season with a trip to the Fabulous Fox in St. Louis to see the Nutcracker. Jessi and I went to the ballet while our boys escaped to the Galleria for dinner and massages! All four of us were happy with the start of the season. (The boys were just as happy to NOT be dressed up at the ballet as we were to be there.) There may have been a bit of twirling and leaping as Jess and I left the theater. (No bouncing from me this time though!) Check out the photo of Jess, Jaime and little sweet pea at his/her first ballet.

The next event was my Christmas Arts Council Concert, "Cocoa and Carols."  The venue was packed and people left smiling, which is always a plus. I'm grateful for my fun, second career as an arts administrator.

Johnathan finished his semester and we now have a whole month with no trips back and forth to St. Louis twice a week. He will graduate with his Masters in Counseling in May from Missouri Baptist University. I'm so proud of him and his 4.0. He studies more than I ever did.

Mama's piano recital is another of our holiday traditions, and she pulled off another heart-warming afternoon filled with beautiful music. She promises to do better and actually teach MY children to play, so we'll keep our fingers crossed for another generation of musicians in our family. I did manage to grab a photo with the star of the show after the event.

Mama and Daddy attended a holiday organ concert at Trinity Methodist last week and everyone enjoyed seeing Daddy looking so wonderful as always.

They also hosted the area ministers and wives (30 people at the Lodge) for dinner this month as well as Mama's annual Christmas APC ladies luncheon. The Lodge looks amazing with a new paint job, roof, windows and soffits. But I'll let Daddy talk about that. He's been quite busy getting the Lodge ready for the holidays.

Mama and I started a new tradition this year. We decorated our houses together and had such a great time. We knocked out our houses in half the time and had twice as much fun!

And of course, we're all preparing for our two biggest gifts early next year. We have 8 more weeks until Johnathan and I are officially parents. What a wonderful adventure this pregnancy has been. I've loved every second of it. Mama, Daddy and Johnathan have all taken turns getting to go to my appointments. Of course everyone went to the ultrasound to see our little addition perform on screen. We do have a little performer already!  It's in our genes, right?

We're looking forward to Christmas at the Lodge this next week. It's going to be a full house on Christmas Day with Ted, Ray, Stuart and his new wife, Laura, Bonnie, Helen and Len, Mark and Margie and the girls, Grandpa Don and Grandma Pat, and of course all of our Moberly gang too.

We did stop last night to have a great family night with Johnathan and me and Mama and Daddy. We played games and ganged up on each other in Rook and Chinese Checkers. These are the good ole days, for sure!

Merry Christmas to all of you and we hope you're having a wonderfully joyful, busy season just like we are!

Jaime

THE SIX MONTH CHECK UP

November 25, 2009

Yesterday was my six month check up with Doctor Schlossman at Missouri Cancer Associates. I had no problems to report or questions to ask. My weight was 175.6 pounds without my shoes. An increase of 20 pounds.

The blood test proved to be routine. No abnormalities and no concerns. On my last check up in May I was low in iron. It is back to normal.

Doctor Schlossman checked out my abdomen and my glands for signs of swelling or pain and there was nothing abnormal. Because I am self pay, the office has agreed to discount my bill by forty percent if I pay up front. That saved me $142.00.

While I was recovering a variety of people came to minister at the church in April, May and June. I will forever be grateful for their wonderful assistance. I have assumed a full schedule again at church with the exception of the Wednesday night bible study. Several areas of ministry that had to be expanded during my recovery are still in place and it is a good thing for all of us.

On the home front, I was able to resume lawn care duties in August and help with reroofing the house in September. Dustyn Tallman and I put in six new windows and Johnathan and I painted the house this month. We have accomplished a large amount of work and the results are very satisfying.

This is the best Thanksgiving of my life! I am so very blessed in every way. I look forward to next year as God continues to prove His faithfulness to us. God is good.

Vernon

Baby bumps

In case you haven't been following the news around the Family, we've got two Baby Bumps going on here. Jaime's due in mid February & Suzi's due in mid April. I stole a couple shots from Jaime's Facebook page to update the blog. Jaime's shot is from 24 weeks. Suzi's is from 19 weeks. Below is the 5 month ultrasound with a very happy Papa & Grammie!

It seems like both ladies are doing well. Jaime seems to have a gymnast trapped inside. Johnathan says he can feel it jumping around after Jaime goes to sleep! Suzi has started to feel the flutters of some activity, as well... Hoorah!

The Lodge

Shortly after Grammie moved into the house on Woody, we started calling it the "Lodge." Possibly it was a take on the heavy beams in the kitchen/living room or because there always seems to be folks camped out in one room or another. It's rare that you stop by on a Sunday and don't find a group hovering around the kitchen table. There may be an itinerant preacher surfing the web in the library or a group of kids munching popcorn downstairs. All to the tune of piano lessons in the family room!
Suzi & I are very grateful for the last four months we spent there. Having our own space, a place to store some gear in the basement and a spot to hang the boats meant an awful lot to us. We often get some pitying looks when we say we've moved back in with our parents, but the house is set up for easy, shared living... plus, we all get along just grand. Sure there's some adjusting that one has to do as housemates, but I doubt there's nicer people that I'd want to share a spot with...

Thanks for opening up the Lodge to all of us, Mom & Dad!

Scott

Recovery Sept 8th

September 08, 2009

The news from Moberly is exciting today. Last week I saw Doctor Pitt, my surgeon. His review of my condition was a routine interview of how was everything doing and an examination of my abdomen. He said all is well and I'll see you in three months.

Our house is getting a new roof this week and I spent yesterday on the roof with Dustyn helping him catch up from delays last week. Before I quit for the day I mowed the grass. Today Scott helped me put insulation in the ceiling of the garage and tomorrow Dustyn and his crew will finish the roof.

All this work and no pills, no pain and no weakness. Dustyn asked me today if I thought five months ago that I would be up on the roof and working like I am. Of course not! I give the Lord the all the credit for my speedy recovery and return to my normal schedule. Isn't God awesome?

Why yes, Alex, I'll take "Ironic" for 2...

Jaime and her cousin, Bonnie, are just a few months apart in age. In the column marked "Well, isn't that Interesting" Jaime's newest addition will have a cousin just a few months younger as well... see Scott & Suzi's blog for details!

(Suffice it to say, there's some pretty happy grandparents over here!)

Scott

In Case You Didn't Hear Mama's Squeal...

Scott's update on our wreck made me realize that we hadn't updated the blog about our family expansion! Johnathan and I are expecting our first child and you can imagine the excitement in the McGarvey Family! We are due Feb. 18 and are 14 weeks along right now. We had our first ultra sound two weeks ago and found out...no big surprise here....that this is definitely our child!  It was twirling and spinning and flipping all over the place. The technician said, "Slow down, Peanut! I can't get your picture!"  So yes, our child already has stage presence! It's definitely a McGarvey/Taylor/Morgans child! Mama, Suzi and I are busy making curtains and being crafty! Not something we normally do so it's a bonding experience for sure. :O)  We'll keep you updated as this next chapter of our lives unfolds. We're feeling great and just starting to have a little bump!

Late Night Calls

It's usually not good when your phone rings after 1AM... and I thought the worst when I saw it was my mother, on her way back from a wedding in St. Louis.

"Jaime & Johnathan have had an accident. They rolled their Neon & something's wrong with Johnathan's neck..."

Mom & Dad, several miles behind on highway 63, came up on the scene a few minutes later to find police already there. An ambulance was in route & the officers told Jaime & Johnathan to stay put until EMTs could evaluate them. The driver's side roofline was crumpled onto Johnathan, the impact had caused whiplash. Jaime's lap belt kept her in the seat, but the inadvertent roller coaster ride was definitely against doctor's orders.

We arrived to find Johnathan walking and the EMTs interviewing Jaime in the ambulance. After cursory examinations, they released them, but recommended a maternity ward visit the next day. We packed up their belongings, a tow truck packed up the remains and we all gratefully went home to bed.

So, we're thankful for God's safekeeping! The car is totaled, but things could have turned out so much worse. Johnathan will be sore, but x-rays show no damage. After a thorough checkup, Jaime's maternaty team confirmed a strong heartbeat from the baby (and it was the first time Jaime's heard it!).

(See more shots from the evening's excitement here.)

Scott

UPDATE

THIS WEEK

Check out the picture below in Scott's post. Glynnda and I went out with Scott and Suzi in their kayaks on Friday morning on Rothwell Lake at our city park in Moberly. This was a new experience for me and it was all good.

As for my progress, I am back up to 175 pounds and gaining strength. I have worked in the yard 3 days this week. Two days here at our house and today at the church and at Jaime and Johnathan's, trimming bushes and making things look pretty. I am so very glad to be back outside and able to work in the yard. It is good therapy for body and soul. Yes, I was tired and I did take a nap this afternoon when I came in but I'm not any worse for the wear. Thank the Lord!

Next month (September) we will completely pay off all of the physicians and only be left with the hospital bill. As of this week, more than sixteen thousand dollars has come in to help pay all of these bills. God is good!

A big thank you for the cards and calls I have received from many of you during this time of my surgery and recovery. It has helped to carry all of us through. Stay tuned for more progress reports.

Vernon McGarvey

Dad steppin' Out

Yesterday, the weather started off a bit cool and we took Dad out on the lake for a bit in our kayaks.  Just as proof that the man is on the mend, he was able to spend 30 minutes paddling around!  We're very grateful to have him back at nearly 100%.  It's really amazing to think what he's been through over the past few months!  I'm leaning on him to post some of his thoughts from the past month.  To say the least, God's been good!

Speaking of posting... I've been talking to Mom about making this blog a regular part of their lives.  A place where they can drop notes and ideas... and keep more connected with those outside of our immediate areas of influence.  We'll see how that goes... it's getting them to take a few minutes and sit down that's the biggest issue!

Scott

Relay for Life

In June, Dad had the unique opportunity to participate in Moberly's Relay for Life; only this time as a survivor! It was a very emotional experience for our family as he walked the Survivor's Lap and then as we joined him for a second turn around the field. What an amazing journey we've taken in the past 3 months!
Stop by my Facebook album for more shots.
Scott

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

I am amazed at the progress a few days can mean. I'm eating more, gaining weight and feeling like my old self again. Gained 13 pounds so far. I have preached the last 3 Sunday mornings without pain or exhaustion and resumed a rather busy pastoral schedule. The only time I can tell there is a limitation is when I reach too far or try to lift too much and I always back off. It will be a while before I can cut the grass again or work like I would like to in the yard, but that doesn't mean I can't think about it.

Several projects that Glynnda and I had planned for this year have been placed on hold, however, the broken water pipe in the family room downstairs could not wait. Thankfully, the leak only effected one place in the wall and not the whole room. With a little help from Dustyn Tallman and my son Scott, the worst is over. I got to do the tape, texture and paint to cover the hole this week. It made me feel useful again.

My thanksgiving overflows when I think of the many friends and family members who have prayed for me, sent an avalanche of cards and notes of encouragement and money to help with my medical expenses. God is so good to me. I just want all of you to know how deeply you have touched me and my family with your generous outpouring of love and concern. I have made arrangements for payment with all but 2 of the 6 bills. They all will be paid off in 4 months except the hospital, the Lord willing.

Stay tuned for more good news as we journey on...

Vernon McGarvey

THIS GREAT WEEK

Well, this is the first posting for me on the blog and I guess it's about time. This is the seventh week since the emergency colon surgery. As Glynnda noted last week, on Tuesday (May 19) the stent was removed. By Wednesday night I was feeling more like my old self. What a blessing to be relieved of that painful hardware between my kidney and my bladder!

This week I had an appointment with Doctor Schlossman at Missouri Cancer Associates on Tuesday (May 26). I was very interested in what his opinion was of the last CT scan done on May 3rd. He told me he asked the tech to scan the liver as well as the gallbladder. The doctor was very concerned about the liver because the PET scan from much earlier had shown a spot on the dome of the liver. The scan showed no spots on the liver and the gall bladder which had been infected and enlarged was reduced in size and much better.

He did not say I was cancer free. He reminded me that 3 of the 24 lymph nodes taken from my right side were cancerous and it was his professional duty to recommend 6 months chemotherapy. We have had this discussion before and agreed to disagree about what I would do. He understands that I am not going to go the chemo route. At the end of our visit he said, "If God forbid, something should change and you need help call me and I'll do whatever I can to help you." I thanked him for being up front with me and for his professional courtesy. I'll see him again in 6 months.

On Thursday I had an appointment with Doctor Pitt, my surgeon (Columbia Surgical Associates). He is easy to talk to and answers questions with straight-forward answers. Doctor Pitt was pleased with my progress. We discussed the colon and the process of getting it to operate correctly again. It takes time but it will function normally, he said. I see him again in 3 months.

I am eating regular food. Really anything I want. This week I have had ranch style beans with jalapeno peppers, barbque beef brisket and potato salad with no ill effects. I tell anyone who will stand still long enough that God is not finished with me and the many prayers of people everywhere for me are working. I am claiming cancer free even if the doctors haven't said it. God is good all the time.

This Sunday morning, the Lord being my helper, will be my first sermon in almost eight weeks. I am excited to be given the opportunity to start a brand new chapter in my ministry. I am expecting great things from the Lord in this new adventure. For sure, HE is in control and I'm just going along for the ride. Why don't you come along?

Vernon McGarvey

Mother's Day Weekend BBQ at Jaime and Johnathan's

Just a few photos of the family having a grand old time on Saturday of Mother's Day weekend. Johnathan's mom and stepdad, Bill and Rita, Gabe, Shannon, Mama, Daddy, Jaime and Johnathan all gathered on the patio for sumptuous summer fair. Daddy in full snow gear stayed warm!

Tuesday's Procedure - Complete!

Dad's stint was successfully removed today. Jaime took him to Columbia and back home again this afternoon. While he is in a bit of pain right now & will require a few days of rest, he's happy to have it behind him and is ready to move on with a complete recovery!

Thanks to everyone who called, wrote or texted... I talked to him this morning and he was so happy to hear from so many wishing him a successful procedure. Your thoughts & prayers are always appreciated.

Scott

For Better or For Worse

Vernon has had a very good week concluding with attending both services on Sunday.  On Sunday morning, he just couldn't resist amplifying on Dustyn's remarks, and Jaime asked him to wrap up her sermon which he was delighted to do.  Once a preacher, always a preacher!  And you can tell he is anxious to be back in the pulpit!

Though Vernon loves Mexican food, he chose not to go to El Vaquero's with us for a lunch meeting just yet!  He did join us at Taco Bell after Sunday evening's service to visit with the Scott Breedlove family who came to minister on Sunday evening.

Today, he was back doing the errands in town which pleases me no end!

Tuesday morning, Jaime will be taking him to have the stint removed, and we would appreciate your prayers that all goes well with that procedure.  We will keep you posted on the results...

Again, thanks for all the prayers and thoughts, calls and cards and encouraging words that you have given us...Bless you for your support for our family!  His grace continues to be sufficient whether we are crying or laughing or somewhere in between and for that we are grateful!

Glynnda

Upcoming Procedure

I just got off the phone with Dad (Thank you, Vonage!) and he sounded like his normal self (including the description of the humming birds in backyard). As Mom noted last week, he's moving slowly into more solid foods, but making great progress.
Please pray for the procedure tomorrow morning to remove the stint from his bladder. While this is an out-patient process, we want everything to go according to His plan...! We'll post the results here tomorrow afternoon.

Scott

For Better or For Worse

Vernon and I just celebrated my 35th Mother's Day week-end (now you know how old Scott is!) and what a lovely week-end it was! Especially since the Daddy was home to celebrate with the Mama!

Vernon was too weak to attend the Fellowship Meeting in Mexico, MO on Friday evening, but Jaime, Johnathan, and his mom, Rita, and her husband, Bill (up from Arkansas for the week-end), Gabe (Johnathan's brother who now lives with J & J), and Shannon Arthur and I went. Jaime, Johnathan, and Shannon sang and Brother Daniel Blash preached and ministered in his usual excellent manner.

Saturday, APC held its annual Daughters' Luncheon at noon, and evening found Bill, Rita, Gabe, Shannon, Vernon and me having a cook-out on Johnathan and Jaime's patio which Shannon and Jaime had festively decorated! Vernon was still having applesauce on crackers, but he did have a tiny bit of watermelon!

Sunday, Dustyn Tallman preached the annual Mother's Day sermon, but Pastor was there to open the service and help honor the Mothers who were in attendance! Jaime and Johnthan again invited us to their home for dinner, but this time it was steak and all the trimmings in the dining room with the china and crystal. Rita and I were properly treated as the Mothers of the Week-end with coursages, food and gifts!!! We are so blessed to be so loved by so many! Vernon enjoyed potatoes, two bites of steak, a little chicken and applesauce on rolls and everything agreed with him!

After a nap, Vernon was back in church on Sunday evening, again opening the service and enjoying the presence of the Lord as Jim Richards preached from Job, "Arise from the Ashes". How appropriate!

Today, Vernon made an appointment to have the stint removed from his bladder on Tuesday, May 19th, and he is so excited about having that procedure done. His menu is expanding with a craving for shaved ham and cheese on little rolls and potato salad in which I indulged him. He even had a little of my homemade pecan pie! His appetite is returning with gusto, but he is being very careful how he satisfies it!

Thanks, again, for every prayer that has and is being prayed for Vernon. We are most grateful for God's blessings upon us during this time and we know His grace is sufficient!

Glynnda

For Better or For Worse

What a journey these past four and a half weeks have been for all of us!  And who would believe that I would not have had time to blog daily or even weekly, but I haven't, so here is a brief synopsis of what our lives have been like since Vernon was diagnosed with colon cancer, stage three...

 When Vernon came home from the hospital on April 14, we were so happy with his progress and the strength he was gaining.  In fact, on the 17th, Vernon and I had a Bible study and prayer time with a couple new to our church at our home.  Vernon was able to attend service on Sunday evening the 19th; be blessed by Rev. Scott Breedlove's ministry; and to help baptize the man from the Bible study on the previous Friday night! And Vernon was resuming his studies with individual parishoners in our home rather than at the church.

Jaime took Vernon to his doctors' appointments on the 21st so that I could teach piano, and I took him for his Pet Scan and oncology appointments on the 22nd.  After discussion and prayer, on the 23rd, Vernon made the decision to have neither chemo nor radiation...that whatever time he was given to live, he wanted quality over quantity, and we just wanted God to receive the praise and glory for whatever happened.

In the meantime, the oncologist was insisting on chemo and radiation and though the original CT scan had shown nothing wrong with the liver and the surgeon had assured us it was clean and looked good, the oncologist thought the PET scan might be showing something.  So, he wanted a radioactive contrast CT scan.  We didn't plan on doing it....

On Sunday the 26th, Vernon attended both services and wore his Easter outfit (navy suit, french blue shirt and yellow tie) since on Easter Sunday he was wearing the stylish split back hospital gown!  Jaime preached on Sunday morning, and Vernon told me he couldn't have done any better himself!  What a joy to see your children serving Jesus!  And what a joy to see your sons in the gospel like Dustyn Tallman ministering so beautifully  Sunday after Sunday!

Vernon was able to run errands on Monday, the 27th, to the delight of all who hadn't seen him in town for three weeks, and we were pumped!  This trial wasn't going to be that bad after all! 

On the 28th, Vernon began having severe cramps and began throwing up, unable to keep anything down and getting weaker and weaker.   By Saturday morning, May 2nd, we were on our way back to Boone Hospital where they did another CT scan.  A very inflamed gall bladder was the problem so antibiotics were started to reduce the inflammation.  28 pictures of the gall bladder on Sunday, May 3rd, showed no disease or gall stones, and Vernon was allowed a clear liquid diet. 

On Monday, May 4th, Vernon started solid foods, and he called me to say he was being released from the Hospital.   When I got to the Hospital, I found a very dejected Vernon...he had begun throwing up again and was not going to be released.  After a horrible night, Vernon was put back on IV's and on May 5th, the radioative contrast CT scan that we were not going to come back for was ordered. 

On Wednesday, May 5th, I received a text from Vernon, "CT scan all clear."  I immediately called him and with tears flowing down both of our faces with great relief and joy, he told me that the liver was clear, the gall bladder inflammation was dissipating, his anemia had disappeared, and he was being released with no perscriptions.  That is a miracle!

It was a very thankful and happy wife who bounced into Room 4007 to pick up a very weak, but thankful husband and bring him home! 

Because Vernon's system has been so messed up with this last episode, we didn't celebrate with any Whoppers this time around!  Instead, it's been Relive shakes, bananas, rice, applesauce and toast or crackers, and tonight, May 9th,  he had watermelon at Jaime and Johnathan's, the first of the season!

We cannot thank our friends and family enough for all the prayers, cards, calls, flowers, balloons, books, gifts, food and emails that you have sent during this time!  You have made this time bearable because you have been so supportive of us in our time of trauma! 

God has been and will continue to be faithful in every situation we encounter as we continue our journey, and for that we give Him all the praise and thanksgiving!!!  We still believe Romans 8:28!

Vernon still has the stint from his bladder to one kidney that must be removed and that should be happening later this month...We will keep you posted.

Again, thanks for your continued prayers for all of us, and please join us in giving much thanks for what God is doing for Vernon!

Glynnda

Exciting News Today!

Mama just called me crying (tears of relief!) They did a radioactive contrast CT scan yesterday and dad just called her with the results. Everything is clear! His liver is perfectly clear! His gallbladder is clear (no disease or stones) and shrinking. His anemia is gone and he's going to be sent home with no prescriptions. If all goes well, and he can keep his lunch down, they will release him this evening.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers.  God is truly amazing!!

Much love!
Jaime and Glynnda

Tuesday and Not Home Yet...

I talked to Dad on Monday afternoon and he sounded tired, but the staff had started his check out procedure and he was preparing to go home. Just before Mom arrived, he started throwing up again. The decision was made for him to stay Monday night.

I just talked to Mom and she reported Dad had a pretty bad night. Dr. Pitt believed there may be a connection between the oral antibiotic he was given to go home with and the sickness, so they put Dad back on an IV and kept him for observation.

Today, he will have another CAT Scan to see if the gall bladder is twisted and will probably spend another night at Boone.

Scott

Monday Update

Daddy is doing much better today. They plan to let him actually eat something this evening. The Lord and the antibiotics seem to be doing their work and his gallbladder is looking much better. No stones or disease in it. Thanks for that God! If all goes well, he should be coming back home tonight. He will meet with a nutritionist today to work on a diet that will hopefully keep this from happening again. Mom and Johnathan and Gabe and I entertained him yesterday with a quick song and dance routine. Wish we'd videoed it for you. We were all rolling...even Daddy, despite his pain! Mark and Margie also came to visit him along with Bill Crabtree, and Tyson and Adrianna Hellensmith.

Our dear friend Randall McCoy visited this weekend and ministered on Sunday a.m. and p.m. It was a great time at church and just being together.  I know Daddy was happy to see him and so disappointed to be in the hospital knowing we're all at home having a high-ho time. Randall did visit Daddy over the weekend so they got to have their own catch-up time.

Prayer focus: that they will remove the stint which will relieve a lot of pain and that Daddy will be able to keep some food down. He's lost about 25 pounds and needs a ton of calories to get his weight back up. If you know Vernon McGarvey, he didn't have 10 oz to spare before this.

Much Love,
Jaime

Sunday Update

Wow... talk about an improvment!  I just got off the phone with Dad and he sounds 100% better. Thank the Lord!

He was admitted to Boone Hospital on Saturday morning in a very dehydrated condition.  After a CT Scan and Ultrasound showed his gall bladder to be inflamed, he was put on antibiotics and an IV to pump some fluids into him.  As he said today, "I was a pretty sick cookie."  If all goes well, he'll be released Monday morning.  After some observation over the next few weeks, it will be determined if the gall bladder should be removed.

Thank you for your prayers...!

Scott

ER Update

Dad had another CT Scan after Dr. Pitt became concerned about a blockage causing his current round of sickness. The scan revealed that his gall bladder is inflamed. Dad will go on 48 hours of intensive antibiotics and then return for a checkup next week. There is a possibility that the gall bladder will need to be removed as a result of the inflammation.

Help us pray specifically:
The inflammation will dissipate & no further surgery will be required
Dad's system will settle and he will be able to eat & drink without sickness
Strength for both Mom & Dad

Scott

Back to the ER

Mom & Dad are on the way to the ER at Boone Hospital.

He has been violently ill for the past 3 days. He was sick 3 times in 4 hours last night. Dad is unable to keep any food or water in his system and is exhausted. There are several issues causing this reaction. His sinus drainage causes an upset stomach. The medication to deal with his colon's lack of water processing is locking up his bowel, thus everything that goes into his stomach has nowhere to go... but back out.

When I spoke to him on the phone a few moments ago, he said he "was sick of being sick." His speech was very weak and slow. Please pray for the correct meds to be administered and for strength for Mom during this time. She has not slept for several days trying to take care of Dad.

We'll post more as soon as we know more.

Scott

Latest Update

Dad spoke to his cancer doctor on Monday and there is a spot on his liver that they are concerned about. We don't know size or extent of invasion, just that it is there. The doctor would like to do another CT scan to get a closer look. Daddy is considering his options right now and will get back with MO Cancer Associates this week. We'll keep you up-to-date as we know more. Dad is very weak and tires easily, but his spirits are good. His voice is so strong. He spoke for a few moments on Sunday and it was just so amazing how comforting it was to everyone to see him and hear him behind the pulpit. He's still "The Papa!"

Thank you to everyone for all of the food and cards and calls and concern.  Mom is realizing how important not having to cook is and you are making that possible everyday! We all appreciate it each day!

Much love,

The crew in Moberly

PET Update - nothing yet

Dad is still waiting on results from his PET Scan.  He spoke to one of the nurses at MO Cancer Associates who indicated that the team there wanted to compare the old CT Scan with new PET Scan.

So, the waiting continues.  When I spoke to him on Thursday & Friday, he was upbeat and excited to see what God was going to do... and so are we!  Please believe with us that God will do a creative work in Dad's body.  No matter what the reports, God is still in control and nothing can diminish His power or authority!

As soon as we know more, we'll post it here...

Scott

Wednesday

  Dad's had a busy two days.  On Tuesday, the 20 staples were removed from the 10" incision in his abdomen.  The incision is healing well and the drainage area is quickly closing up, which means less dressings to change.  He is still very weak and has "very little stamina" as he said this afternoon.

  Today, Dad went for the PET Scan.  For those unfamiliar with the term, he was injected with a radioactive solution that ran through his blood stream while he was inside a machine similar to the one shown here (conveniently borrowed from our friends at Wikipedia!).  The details of the scan will give the oncologist a 3D image of his body and the location of the remaining cancerous pockets.  The tumor that was removed had split open and poured cancerous cells into his body.  So, even if the scan comes back with no further cancer found, the doctors are recommending a six month regimen of treatment to "mop up" any rogue cells.
   Considering treatments such as these cost as much as a house, Mom & Dad have many things to consider in addition to the treatment itself.  Here's some prayer requests to consider:

- Dad's strength to continually grow
- The existing cancer to be annihilated
- Wisdom for Dad to choose the correct treatment plan
- Strength for Mom in the midst of this situation
- God's provision for financial & spiritual blessings

Sorry for the lack of info over the past week.  Once Dad got home, we all kind of dropped back into our routines!  It was nice to hear that so many of you were following the blog... We will continue to update the site every few days.  When tests are scheduled, we'll let you know in advance and as soon as the results return.  Thanks to everyone for the comments, prayers and love.

Scott

This Week's Update

Dad attended church this weekend, sitting on the front row to enjoy the services.  He is still weak and moves slowly as a result.  His voice is strong when I speak with him and I'm proud of him for not trying to jump back into the fray with both feet.

On Wednesday, he will have a PET Scan to determine how much cancer is left in his body.  Based on the results, the oncologist will recommend a treatment regime of chemotherapy.  We are praying that the Scan comes back negative and that he is cancer-free.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Dad and Mom.  There are still many items that need to be resolved and the Lord is in control!

Scott

Talk about a Resurrection!

So maybe the Mcgarvey family has had a true resurrection on Easter Sunday!

I left Vernon Sunday morning praying for his strength, because he was so exhausted from the weekend.
But when Glynnda, Jaime, and I went in to see Vernon after Sunday morning service, what we saw was amazing. There Vernon sat with food in front of him. He had not eaten in six days.
Talk about a miracle!

Talk about God's Grace being sufficient for us...
He had enough strength to visit with family and friends for four hours straight.

Did I say that it was Amazing?!

On Sunday the Doctor talked about getting Vernon's blood oxygen count up or they were considering a blood transfusion.
Well, we pleaded the blood of Jesus and his oxygen levels went up!

Jaime and I were planning on visiting Vernon Monday after work, but he told us over the phone that he was feeling great and don't bother with the trip. The greatest news was that he was getting released from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon!

Glynnda and I went and picked up Vernon this afternoon. He was so excited to get out of there.
His first request from me in the car was a big juicy cheeseburger:)

As soon as he got home, he just stood over the dinner table chairs looking out the window at the nature sanctuary he had created. The skies might have been overcast, but the sun was shining down on his life:)

I ran to Wal-Mart and picked up a few prescriptions and some new house slippers, because the ones used at the hospital were definitely contaminated:)

Besides a few calls and visits from friends, Vernon was able to rest and quickly adjust back into the comforts of "The Lodge".

Johnathan

What does Vernon want for his first meal at home...

Whopper Jr with cheese;)
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He's home!

I got off the phone with Dad as they pulled into the garage a bit ago. He's a happy man to back in the confines of his own place. He'll return in a week to have the 20 staples removed from the 10 inch incision in his abdomen. After that comes the PET scan for cancerous cells in the rest of the body.

Many, many thanks to all those who have called, visited, posted comments, sent cards, flowers and love. We're not done with this process! We'll continue to post updates here in the days and weeks to come. Please help us pray the incision heals properly and the PET scan comes out negative... the doctors have documented cancer... now God can document a miracle!

Scott

Praise the Lord! Vernon is going home!

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Tuesday- Going Home!

I spoke with Mom for a bit last night after her piano lessons. She had great stories to tell about folks who had stopped by to give their testimony or pray with Dad. It sounds like it's been a weeklong party! Janet & Mike have returned home after a weekend of visiting. APC had a great Easter weekend... the Lord has blessed the church with capable and willing ministers.

According to the last report, Dad will be going home on Tuesday. He's been released to eat whatever he wants and the doctors are happy with his progress. This is all good news! The family on the ground will have to give more details, but suffice it to say, after a week in bed, Dad's ready to go home!



Jessi sent us a pic of Shannon and a couple of shots of Dad getting unhooked from his electronic hardware. No more machines to beep at his every move!

Scott

Easter Eggs!

Helen, Ryan, Janet, Johnathan, Vernon Lydia, Jaime, Glynnda

Dad and Pat Mcgarvey

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How many yellow people can we fit in here?

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Jerome Baker

Had a wonderful visit from Jerome Sun. afternoon. He testified of God working through Vernon while in prison. Wonderful visit of God's presence!
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Resurrection Time!

It is now Easter morning!

Vernon has been back and forth to the restroom most of the night and is pretty exhausted.

I asked him this morning if he was ready for the Resurrection?
He replied, "I've been ready."

He also mentioned that he felt and smelt like the dead, because he has only had one sponge bath in a week.

In prayer today...
Pray for Vernon's strength. He is very weak!
Glad we know the ONE who's strength is made perfect in weakness!

The picture says, "Change Saturday."
Well, it is now Sunday and if anyone is ready for a change it is Vernon!
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The Ladies Newest Spring Fashion!

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Back at the Hospital

Johnathan and I are finally back from MO District Youth Convention. We left on Thursday and came back Saturday morning. We spent, it seemed like, every moment out of sessions on the phone with Mom and Scott getting updates  I hated being away, but our youth group had worked so hard to raise money for this convention, that there was no way we could miss it. They had special prayer for Daddy during the convention which was a great moment for our group and very uplifting. We are happy to be back at the hospital though.  

It was great to see Daddy actually up and moving (to and from the bathroom...but moving none-the-less.) He's had several visitors again today and Aunt Janet bought him a cd/mp3 player and some ocean music/noises to drown out all of the hospital noise clutter. Hopefully, he'll get some good rest tonight. Johnathan is spending the night here at the hospital to make sure he's not alone during another bad night.  

Mom's on the phone to Donna Brown sharing the latest with a fellow cancer wife right now. We'll go say good night to Daddy and then get her home and to bed. Easter is tomorrow and we have a BIG day on the books as always!

Much love to everyone.  Glad to be back!

Jaime

For Better or for Worse

After spending four nights in the hospital with Vernon, he and I felt like he was doing well enough to be left in the competent care of the nursing staff at Boone Hospital.  It was wonderful to snuggle down in our bed, but I missed my bed partner!

I called Vernon about 9:30 AM to see how his night had gone, "Rough," he replied.  The cath had come out yesterday afternoon and right away, the waterworks began working!  I clapped and cheered for him just like we had when we were potty training our babies!  About midnight, his bowel system began working overtime.  As a result of too many trips in too short of a time, the hospital protocol required that his room be isolated and that all who entered be gowned and gloved!  That cramped our style for sure!  Now we had to move to the waiting room since it was miserably hot to stay too long in those gowns and gloves!

We will have to endure this until Monday, but I wonder if it is the blessing of the Lord for Vernon so that he can get some rest.  

We are so grateful for all the friends and family who have come, called, sent cards, flowers, emails or blogged and for every prayer that has been prayed.  We all feel the support that can only come through those Everlasting Arms that are beneath us!  How thankful we are to be able to trust Him through it all and know that He does all things well.

Glynnda

The Sisters

Dad's sisters (Helen, Margie & Janet) are in town! Janet & Mike flew in from the East Coast this afternoon. Mark & Len came up as well. The guest book is filling up as the weekend approaches. Pastor Stan Gleason from KC and the Tracy's from STL stopped by today. At one point there were so many people in the waiting room they were visiting in shifts!

Dad was able to gently shower this afternoon between "meet-n-greets" (amazing what a little warm water will do for you). Mom says he's looking better and his color is returning.

Scott

Pathology Report

Dr. David Schlossman (at right), Dad's oncologist, presented the pathology report this morning. Dad's cancer is Stage 3 with surrounding tissue invasion and 3 out of 24 lymph nodes showing cancerous. A PET scan in the next few days will indicate how far the cancer has spread into the rest of his body.

Dr. Schlossman is recommending a regimen of chemotherapy. If the treatment is successful, Dad has a 65% chance of remaining cancer-free. The treatments will begin in about a month after Dr. Pitt (at left) has reviewed his recovery from surgery.

Last night was the best night so far, in spite of a 102.6 fever due to the stint insertion procedure. He has been able to get up and walk for a short time, but is still weak. Dad has enjoyed getting visitors, but in short intervals as he tires very easily.

So, not exactly the report we wanted to hear, but it doesn't change the God we serve... when you factor in the miraculous, anything's possible!

Scott

Procedure Update

Dad just arrived back to his room while I was on the phone to Mom. I talked to Dad briefly and he said he was "feeling pretty rough". Mom met earlier with the surgeon who performed the procedure and who said he was very happy with the results. His impression was that the connecting tube was in such good shape that the stint was not necessary, however, because it was requested in light of the impending radiation therapy they went ahead with the insertion.

Mom had several visitors in the meantime including their neighbor Kyle Lawrence (who also sold them their Saturn Aura), as well as Willard Beaman, a hospital chaplian and friend of dad's and Pastors Larry Baitinger, Charles Cook & Jason Yancy. Lisa Huskey dropped off balloons... Bill Crabtree was walking in as I was hanging up.

Mom will have a laptop tomorrow when the STL crew shows back up, so she'll be able to add some commentary and catch up on all the comments you've left.

As it's past 2AM here, I'm crashing... Jaime may be able to update further this evening from YC09 in KC if there are any more details.

Thanks for all the prayers... it's helping more than you know.

Scott

Afternoon Update

The Kinneys from Canton & Axtons from Palmyra stopped by along with several other folks.  Mom said Dad had a rough night and is still in/out of consciousness due to the meds.  "Elephant Eyelids" seems to be the rule of the day.

One of the reasons he is still in the hospital is that some of his organs (ie stomach) have gone into a "sleep mode."  This is common after a major surgery.  The physicians are waiting to make sure all is in working order before releasing him.

The stint procedure started at 2 and Mom just got the call that it was complete... nearly 2 hours later for what was supposed to be a 10 min process.  She'll call me with the details as soon as they're available.

Scott

Thursday Morning

Dad is resting and receiving visitors. This morning Aaron Soto and another minister arrived from WI to spend an hour with him and pray. The Smiths from Kansas City arrived as I was talking to Mom. Jaime and Johnathan left this morning for Youth Convention and will be gone through Saturday. Janet, Dad's sister from CT, will arrive tomorrow afternoon with her husband, Mike, to spend the weekend.

The oncologist has not received the pathology reports, but is hoping to get details tomorrow. The waiting continues.

This afternoon at 2PM, Dad will have another surgery to insert a stint between his kidney and bladder in preparation for radiation treatments. Without the stint, the link between them would close off during the radiation treatments.

Prayer Requests:
That the procedure this afternoon would go smoothly and there would be no complications.
That the pathology reports would come back favorable tomorrow.
The Lord would continue to direct and give peace to our family and the church.

Many thanks...

Scott

Glynnda Blogging While Vernon Sleeps!

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Greeting the Masses!

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Early Tuesday morning in the Emergency room.

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"I've got elephants on my eyelids."

What Vernon says when we think he is asleep but actually is just resting his eyes... And listening to everything around him : )

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For Better or For Worse

Those vows Vernon and I took more than 37 years ago covered a lot of territory, but this was one trip I hoped I would never have to make with him...to the Land of Cancer.  But since the vows were until death do us part, I really had no choice.  As with all of our trips, I know this one will be an adventure full of highs and lows and we will have some super memories full laughter and tears!  Plus, since my favorite scripture is Romans 8:28, I already know that everything is going to be all right no matter what!

I am so appreciative of the many phone calls, visits, emails, prayers and love from so many!  We are forever grateful to you for your support as we take this journey into the unknown to us, but not to Him, who knew what our Monday night held even though we didn't!

We are anxious to hear the final prognosis and to get the treatment plan on the road, and we will let you know our next stop on the journey...

Glynnda 

Some Get Well Gifts!

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My view up till wed night!

I'll start my story from Tuesday morning when Vernon returned to the room from surgery (approx 8:30 a.m.)...

He was in serious pain and the pain meds could not go in fast enough. It was really sad because there was nothing that we could do to help him. We prayed and just waited. After an hour of this, we could tell that some of the medicine was working, but he wasn't able to relax until about three hours later.

I ran out to bring back some lunch for the ladies and then ran back to Moberly to change and bring back some personal things for them before I went to school.

By the time I came back from school around 9:30 p.m. Vernon was a new man! He was upright and conscious. Even though he was heavily drugged, he was able to communicate with us. Thank God for all of our family and friends who were praying.

I chose to go home and sleep so I could come back and relieve Glynnda and Jaime who stayed overnight. I came back Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. and stayed till 4 p.m. I could tell that he was even better than the night before, just by the color in his face. The nurse said that if he could it would be great to walk the hallways, so we jumped up and took a couple of laps... very slowly:)

When we came back to the room, the nurse put a wrap around his midsection that helped relieve some of the pressure from the stitches. 

He then sat in the chair for a couple of hours and was able to rest.

During my time with him, we only had a couple of visitors and a few plants to sign off for.

I think if this keeps up we are going to have to start a green house in Vernon's honor:)

Johnathan

Jaime's first thoughts

Yesterday was a crazy, frightening and wonderful day. It's difficult to figure out where to start. But if you know us at all, everything is a wild adventure, so try to imagine Dad in the emergency room in immense pain waiting for the meds to kick in and Johnathan and Mama hovering over his blackberry watching youtube videos and howling to pass the time. Dad was cracking jokes like a stand-up comedian anytime any medical personnel would come into do some new procedure. They probably thought we were all nuts!  

We slept about an hour when they put him in a regular room and then off to surgery we went around 6 a.m. The surgery lasted two hours and when the surgeon came in to consult with us, colon cancer was the last thing we were expecting to hear. What in the world??  So here we are.  The three of us gave each other high fives after the surgeon left the room for taking it so well. :O) We closed the doors. called Scott and had a good little cry before heading back to dad's room to wait.  

Our family and friends started arriving soon after dad got back to his room and we were so grateful to see everyone. Although, he wasn't awake for some of them early on, by the end of the day he was awake and chatting rather slowly in between cat naps (sometimes in mid-stream! :O)) Lots of meds!

As Scott said, we'll learn more tomorrow. Thanks for all of the calls and plants and flowers, and prayer and love!  We feel it....literally.

Jaime

Visitors Galore

Dad's been receiving a steady stream of guests over the past 24 hours. Wally Landrum, Charles Cook and Liz Pruitt to name a few I've heard of... Yesterday Len, Helen, Margie, Grandpa Don & Grandma Pat were in town and it sounds like they'll be back this evening to check in on Dad. He'll be happy to see them.

Johnathan said he spent the afternoon resting. The guests help the time go faster for him and take his mind off the pain.

Scott

The First 48 Hours

Dad was complaining of dull pains in his joints for most of the day on Monday, April 6th.  By that evening the pain had centered in his abdomen and was so intense, he was unable to stand.  Jaime & Johnathan stopped by late that evening to pray with him and made the decision to take him to the ER at Boone Hospital in Columbia, MO.  Our initial thought was an appendicitis, but the CAT scan showed a large infection in the area around the appendix.  He was scheduled for emergency surgery Tuesday morning.

The surgery lasted two hours and the results were more drastic that we realized.  Dr. Pitt removed a 5 cm tumor from his colon.  The tumor had perforated colon wall, releasing cancerous cells and bile into the abdominal cavity.  As a result of the damage, portions of the colon, small intestine and the entire appendix were removed.  The hours after the surgery were very painful for Dad and he spent most of Tuesday heavily sedated.

Many of the STL family arrived Tuesday afternoon and spent most of the day together.  Due to his condition, all consultations were put on hold until he stabilized.  We called from Amman to talk briefly with him and were kept in the loop with calls every few hours. 

Today, we have seen his condition improve and his medication pulled back.  Dad is resting, but the pain is just below the surface.  He met with the cancer specialist, had blood work done, as well as a chest X-ray this morning.  The team at Boone Hospital is fantastic.  Jaime compared their level of compassion and patient interest to that of a 5-star hotel.  Tomorrow, we'll get more details on the pathology reports and discuss Dad's treatment schedule which, at this point, will probably include both radiation and chemotherapy.

Mother, Jaime & Johnathan are holding up as can be expected.  The Lord is providing the strength and peace for each step.  The love that is being shown to Dad is amazing and so very comforting.

As more details become available, we'll keep you updated...  Scott