Pedaling for Paw Paw

This will be my first year riding in the Charlotte cycling fundraiser 24 Hours of Booty. A link to my page is here (http://www.24hoursofbooty.org/site/TR?px=1274021&pg=personal&fr_id=1150&et=DFiNOjwe51v_sGXadeeQdQ..&s_tafId=11330)

Now if I can only find a Tommy Bahama cycling jersey :)

I'm alright, nobody worry 'bout me

After a great visit with family this past weekend dad had a turn for the worse on Sunday and by Monday morning we moved him to the Hospice house in Huntersville. At 9:51 on Tuesday morning he passed away. We can't say enough about how great Hospice has been through this experience in their care for him and support of us.

As sad as this is, it brings us enormous comfort to know that Dad is not suffering or in anymore pain.

There will be a memorial service on Wednesday October 27th at 12 pm/Noon at the Central Church of God (5301 Sardis Rd, Charlotte, NC 28270)

The funeral director has the following website published with additional information and tributes to Dad (CLICK HERE).

Dad loved to laugh and watch movies so for those of you that know my brother and me, our passion for humor and quoting movies came honestly. Dad loved Chevy Chase and was often like having our own Clark Griswold. So in that spirit, here's to you dad.

"O God, ease our suffering in this, our moment of great despair. Yea, admit this kind and decent man into thy arms of thine heavenly area, up there. And Moab, he lay us upon the band of the Canaanites, and yea, though the Hindus speak of karma, I implore you: give him a break."

Love and laughter for everything you did for all of us, Jack III

The Journey

When Dad came out of surgery from his biopsy back in late May, his surgeon let us know that the average life expectancy for someone with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer was about 6 months. After a rough week and long Friday evening, Hospice let us know that he has probably 2 to 3 weeks left with us.

My grandmother, aunt, and sister will be arriving today for long weekend visit, and while he is very sedated and weak, I know that he will be so happy to be surrounded by so much love and support.

We are meeting with Hospice today to understand what we can expect as we enter the last part of this journey with him. Keep him in your thought and prayers.

Jack III

Friends, family, and hopefully a few fish

Dad has had a lot of great visits from friends and family over the past few weeks with more on the way. We had a great visit today and mostly just laid on his bed, catching up and talking about the weeks ahead. Nikki is heading out of town on business so I'll be staying over with him for a few nights. We are looking forward to getting my brother Taylor to join us for some guy time.

My sister Elizabeth and Jessica Porter will be coming to town next weekend and I believe Jack and Beth Porter are coming the following weekend. He is excited and looking forward to seeing everyone.

He really wants to go down to Fla for some fishing and hopefully we will make our way down to Murrell's Inlet for a test run soon.

Keep your calls and visits coming, he needs more partners in crime. We all do.

Hiccups and morphine

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last update. The last 3 1/2 weeks have been eye opening and left me wondering when and what to say. Dad and I got down to the beach on a beautiful day and he was feeling good and excited. Aside from an odd case of re-occurring hiccups, we had a great day and evening hitting some of his favorite spots. Sadly the hiccups (a common side effect of pancreatic cancer) only persisted as his energy levels and discomfort worsened.

He started working with Hospice the following Monday. It has been a bit of a roller coaster getting his medications figured out as we try to ease his symptoms and pain. He has good days and hours but as I waited for this effort to bring Dad up or leveled out to a place where he could embark on his plans to travel with Nikki to see friends and family, I feel that he may not be able to travel.

Elizabeth came to town with the kids before school started and Dad really seemed to perk up and had 3 great days in a row. This weekend, his mom and sister came to town and we are having a great visit.

We embrace today, hope for tomorrow, and hold his hand.

Seize today for it is a gift

Dad's cancer has not responded to treatment and has grown. His doctor has referred him to Hospice.

This was the worst news we could get yet as he said to me today, "I not going to die today and it's time to start living." He is catching up on calls to family today and spending time with Nikki tonight. He and I are heading to the beach house tomorrow and we are excited about getting into some much needed living.

No one knows how much time he has ahead of him but really we all just need to treat everyday as the gift it is with him and each other.

From here on I will keep you all posted on his exploits and condition as we help him take it for all it's worth.

Peace and love, Jack III

Platelets.....

On Tuesday's trip to the oncologist, dad's platelet count was below 40 thousand so he did not get his last chemo treatment. To help boost his platelets, he went to the hospital Wednesday for 2 units of blood. Nikki had to leave town for work so I am staying over tonight to keep him company and he looks good and feels a lot better so the fresh blood seems to be working. Tomorrow morning I am taking him to have a PET and CT scan; the results of which will be reviewed on Tuesday.

Hoping for good news so keep him in you thoughts and prayers.

Jack III