John’s Story

Site created on July 25, 2022

Hello Friends and Family of John and Sue Courtier,

First, we would like to say thank you to ALL of you who have supported us through this time, with your love, concern, care, cards, gifts, food and prayers.  We are so very grateful and truly blessed by your kindness and generosity. 

We decided to set CaringBridge up to make it easier for the family, and also for those who have asked and want to help during this time of Dad's Chemo and healing.

For those who do not know Dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer back in May, and he has been on a course of Chemo Therapy,  a clean diet and doing his best to stay rested and positive during this time. Our immediate family is supporting him the best we can, and we are staying hopeful and we BELIEVE in Miracles! 

This past course of Chemo was so hard on Dad, he has bad reactions to it and this last batch was touch and go for awhile there.  He suffered with E-coli and Sepsis, and had to be on high doses of antibiotics, and food pump.  During this current hospital visit they also found cancer in his lung, a few spots.
With all that being said Dad has been such a trooper, (the nurses love his sense of humor). He really is staying positive and just keeps saying he wants to go home to see his wife and grandkids. The doctors are actually quite impressed and amazed with his progress and his ability to fight off the E-coli and Sepsis...
that was no easy feat!!

We are now getting ready for him to come home some time within the next week. We are setting up the CaringBridge starting Friday then running it for 2 weeks.  He needs 24 hour care because he is still weak from being in bed so much and of course all that was mentioned above.

Mom is not able to help as much as she would like due to the fact that she is using a walker and wheelchair because of her past knee surgery that didn't go so well.  She will be helpful in guiding anyone who comes and helps to what they may need. She will putter around in the kitchen, and FYI, she tries to do more than she should, her heart is in the right place, but we do worry about her overdoing and her memory isn't the best these days, so we keep an eye on her too! ;)

Again, we do appreciate everyone's support and if you are able to help out with your time, a visit with general care, an overnight stay (with pay, and if you know someone please let us know) or food, that would be Awesome, and so appreciated. Just pick one (or more) of the time slots or food options on the planner. And of course, anyone who is willing to send a prayer or two Dad's and Mom's way, that would be appreciated as well! 

Thanks so much...Love to ALL! 

Shari  & Amy 
And of course,  John & Sue thank you too! :)



Shari: (206)-478-0946
Amy: (206)-498-8392

 

 

Newest Update

Journal entry by John Courtier

Hi Family and Friends of John, 

So, good news, the Rehab has gone well! It was touch and go for awhile; Amy and I, and many friends, had to do lots of hours of supporting and helping Dad. Since we had no medical allocated rehab or other options during this time. We truly thank EVERYONE that has made it over for visits!! 🙏 It has really been great.

Dad has been experiencing anemia, and we figured out this made oxygen levels go down due to the fact that the hemoglobin transports the oxygen. So the doctor put him on an iron supplement and an amazing iron deficiency remedy. We woke up the next day to a completely different man. The day before he couldn't walk without support and the next day he is walking with a walker all by himself. Also, he doesn't need oxygen unless moving around, just in case. His stomach issues are have diminished. We are thinking this is from the probiotic he was prescribed on Friday.  We are so thankful for his progressive recovery! :)

Since Saturday, mom and dad can be by themselves with just a bit of help at times with meals and meds and check ins. Dad is out of the hospital bed and they don't need anyone overnight anymore.

It has been such a blessing with his continuous healing and because of this we, Amy and I, have made the decision to go to our annual Taylor Family reunion this weekend.  We feel it will be OK, and we are looking forward to a much needed break. Dad (and Mom) will be cared for, we have a care giver overseeing them this weekend.

However,  if you would like, mom and dad would absolutely love visits. They so enjoy people visiting and helping out here and there. You can also bring a Dinner or Lunch too if you like and have a meal with them. It would be so appreciated!!

Amy and I leave Thursday afternoon and come home on Sunday.

You can sign up here on Caring Bridge or call myself or mom and dad directly. We have so appreciated all the support and love. 
Dad's healing journey has truly been a Miracle!

Thank you! 🙏 
Shari and Family 💖

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