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
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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, May 19, 2009
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
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
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
Monday, May 18, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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
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
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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
Thank you so much for all of your prayers. God is truly amazing!!
Much love!
Jaime and Glynnda
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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
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, May 4, 2009
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
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, May 3, 2009
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
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
Saturday, May 2, 2009
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
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
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
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