The Garner Family Blog

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:30:57 -0800

We are so thankful at this time of year, and always, for such wonderful friends and family in our lives. We are indeed blessed.

May you all enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with many special moments. We look forward to being in touch!

With much love,

Peggy and Whitney

The Garners
3997 170th Pl NE
Bellevue, WA 98008

425-298-4657

Share your thoughts and memories of John...

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:00:15 -0700

Your thoughts and memories of John will be forever treasured by Peggy and Whitney.

1. Click below where it says “Add a Comment”
2. Next you add your message; where it says “Comments as” you can just put your name, or add your name in the message box itself.

OR

If you wish, please email Barb your comments, and then I will put them on the website for you!

BarbBumgardner@gmail.com

Our Loving John

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:12:00 -0700

John peacefully passed away this evening surrounded by Peggy and Whitney and several friends and family members.

Arrangements are in the process of being made, and we will let you know very soon.

The Garner home:
                        The Garners
                        3997 170th Pl NE
                        Bellevue, WA 98008

With love from the family...

John is going to stop the trial drug

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:29:04 -0700

John has been extremely tired this past week or so, spending more and more time resting in bed. His appetite varies from nothing at all, to finishing all of a take out order of chicken fettucine the other day!! If you might recall, he had last week and this coming week totally off the trial drug. One of his most special doctors did speak to him about the idea of hospice about 10 days ago. This past week he began telling some people that he was not sure he was going to continue the trial drug after the two week hiatus--but would make up his mind later. I think he has been processing things on his own time.

On Friday he called that same doctor with whom he has been so close for this past 3 1/2 year journey with cancer, and talked with her about hospice. That particular doctor recently lost a very dear friend to cancer, so she is speaking from the heart. Long story short, after that conversation John told Peggy that evening that he would like to meet with the hospice nurse.

Having John on hospice will mean that we will have someone else on our team---helping to make sure that John (and the family!!) can stay as comfortable as is possible at home!

Of course, many people have already told John that he has been, and is a great fighter/warrior in this battle, and that it is totally OK with all of us that he now turn his attention to making sure that he, John, focus his energies on his own comfort and joy. And of course we have told him that this is also our job to help him, and his family in any way possible to be comfortable, and hopefully have a little "fun", see some friends, etc.

John would enjoy to talk with, and see friends---he just suggests that you call first---house number is 425-298-4657, or John’s cell 541-610-7747 (John’s not always great about checking voicemail however!).

Maybe you would like to send snail mail greetings instead:
The Garners
3997 170th Pl NE
Bellevue, WA 98008

As always, John and Peggy and Whitney are so thankful for all the wonderful love and support from friends and family. They send their love, and as Peggy often says....”Let go, and let God”!

John started a new trial drug!

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 13:20:58 -0700

John met with Dr. Jones again on August 27th. His creatinine level was still not correct for one trial chemo they had been thinking of using, however Dr. Jones and his associates highly recommended another trial drug called ASA404, which he started this past week. As you all know, John and Peggy are always thrilled at the hope of finding something that will contain this cancer! John was pretty tired this week after the treatment, and it does involve quite a few appointments. But he will have much of the weekend to rest up at home without so many medical appointments.

I also wanted to bring you up-to-date on a few changes with the family. Peggy has had some repeated medical tests, and her team of doctors has advised her NOT to DRIVE any vehicle---until her restorative sleep has been achieved!! As Peggy said herself, “What next”!?!?

It is important to know that Peggy is NOT driving, because now Whitney is the 24/7 family driver for her dad’s appointments, her mom’s appointments, picking up medical supplies and prescriptions, groceries and other shopping---oh, and did I mention that Whitney also still has appointments for PT for her knee, etc!!

Another Visit with Dr. Jones

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:31:32 -0700

John and Peggy and Barb met with Dr. Jones on Tuesday, August 10th, at the SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance). John and Peggy were absolutely correct in saying that Dr. Jones is terrific---he is quite “touchy-feely” even holding Peggy’s hand, or rubbing John’s shoulders. He is also quite upbeat and determined, and has suggested a very new trial chemotherapy drug for John to try (more details on that below).

John had a new scan with contrast last Friday, August 6th. Dr. Jones told us that indeed there were increased spots of cancer on the lungs and liver since the previous scan in July. He did not show us the scans this time. This was not of course the news we wanted to hear. But then Dr. Jones said that he feels quite certain that John should give the new trial drug a try, and of course, John agrees as long as the side effects are not intolerable. They mentioned rash as a side effect, and of course nausea. As many of you know, John has been blessed with never really having problems with nausea---so we are assuming the same will be true for this new drug.