Hi all-
Jenn here, wishing that I had some good news since Hunter’s last update, but regretfully I don’t.
We had spoken to his primary oncologist right after his last post and she gave us some rather startling news. She said that his disease had progressed much more rapidly than anticipated since his last scans, and if they were unable to get the lung infection under control, they were unable to get him started on chemo again. He also had active bleeding from some of the lung tumors, and since he was on blood thinners already, added further complications. While he’s not on chemo, the disease is progressing at a high rate, and she said she didn’t want to be pessimistic, but in this situation may only have about a month left. We of course were devastated by the news.
Late the night of the 2nd I had gotten a call from his nurse that he was having some sort of seizure or panic attack. I had been spending waking hours at the hospital, but had been going home to see the kids for a bit and be able to put them to sleep myself. I started spending the nights then at the hospital, too. He had a few milder “episodes” where he could feel it coming on and could breathe through it to help it pass, but other than that was his alert, happy and usual self otherwise. He said he’d start feeling like his extremities were going numb, things seemed surreal, his body would go limp and he almost couldn’t move for a few minutes. To me they looked like a seizure, but he was still aware of what was happening. They’d last a total of 10-20 minutes before he would feel normal again. Ben and i had a great visit with him the afternoon of the 4th and he was feeling pretty good. His mobility and spirits were great, and he seemed to be doing well, so I decided to stay home with the boys that night. He ended up having a series of 10 small strokes the night of the 4th, which left his left side paralyzed from the shoulder down. When I got there early the next morning I could immediately tell that something had happened to him. He had a series of scans and spoke to a number of doctors that were all perplexed as to how that could have happened. He’d had numerous scans two days prior, and no blood clots were detected. His speech seemed a touch slurred and his cognitive skills were a bit slow, but I’m pleased to report that as of today these seem to have returned back to normal, and he is able to move his left hand, slightly his arm, and slightly lift short round again. Fortunately since it wasn’t 1 large stroke, they said there shouldn’t be any permanent damage.
I’m sorry this post is kind of all over the place, but this all leads to where we are today. The doctors told us on Monday that they feel there isn’t anything else that they can do to stop his disease. The lung infection seems to have slowed, but is still present. The tumors are growing too rapidly and his body is too weak to start a chemo treatment. At this stage of advancement they don’t feel chemo could be of any help anyway.
We are preparing to bring him home tomorrow afternoon with the help of hospice. The doctors have said that he may have a few days or possibly a few weeks. We are going to make the most of the time that we have together, and after spending the past 3 weeks in the hospital away from our boys, it will do us all a lot of good to be back in the same space again.
I have to say, this whole situation seems rather unreal. To look at him, he doesn’t appear that sick, so it makes it so easy to pretend that we haven’t reached this point yet. I feel fortunate that thanks to such wonderful family and friends taking care of the boys, I have been able to give him my full attention these 3 weeks. Many late night chats were had, and although there’s been many tears, there have been many laughs shared too.
Thank you all for being so supportive and invested in his journey. He continues to feel it every step of the way. Will update when I can.
Jenn
It's Not a Sprint 
This is very disheartening. My thoughts and prayers are with y’all. Hoping for a miracle, and wishing you quality family time.
Hunter and Jenn: If I may – my heart is aching and Iam bouyed by your high spirits in this. Both Ellen and I lift you both and boys in continuing prayer.
We all will continue to hope and pray for you and your family.
Jenn,
I don’t even know what to say, but nothing I could say would make this any easier for you. I am so sorry that this is happening and I’m also in disbelief and shock. I hope that you, Hunter, and the boys have some amazing quality time together – I’m sure you will. My thoughts, prayers and my whole heart are there with you.
Jenifer
Thank you for the update. My heart is breaking for you. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
My heart goes out to you and the family. May you enjoy the peace and happiness your family deserves.
Dear Jenn, my thoughts are with you, Hunter, and the boys, and prayers are being said for you. ~ Laura Dixon (a church friend of the Royces)
Jenn and Hunter, you are in our thoughts and prayers and we only wish we weren’t so far away. We pray for intercession and healing from our Lord. We are here for whatever you need. Hunter, thanks for all the laughs and good stories of the years. You are loved by so many. Vivian and Joe Shannon
I’m a friend of Robin from Rhode Island, inspired by the spirit of your posts and deeply praying for you. Of course I am asking for a miracle and I want to be able to define the miracle, even knowing that miracles come in all shapes and sizes and that they do not always manifest themselves in ways we expect and hope for. Above all I pray that whatever happens these may be blessed days for you, days marked by a steady awareness of the presence of God and God’s Love at your side. God bless you all.
My heart is aching for all of you and I am hoping and praying for your sweet family.
Dear Jenn & Hunter,
Your family has been in our prayers since Hunter was diagnosed. My heart broke when I read this post. I know we are far away but we’re happy to do anything we can for you. Hunter’s strength and positive outlook are such an inspiration. Sending you all hugs.
Oh, how I long to understand life’s journeys…..you are such a wonderful family and my heart breaks for you. I emailed you, Jenn. Hope I can be there for Ben at school. Bless you.
Jenn, You are an amazing women married to an amazing man. I am saddened by the news but proud of my friend and the fight he put up. I know he is at peace knowing the amount of love and admiration his friends and family have for him. His fight has made me a stronger person. I will miss him. Please relay this to him. I don’t want to take any of his last moments away from his family. I hope to get Team Hunter out running again at VA Beach next St Pattys Day. God Bless you and your family. Sully.
Jenn and Hunter (Ben and Jack), I feel so many things for you right now: Love, hope, laughter, courage, loss, community, and His Presence. My heart feels so thankful for the few times spent with Hunter and the boys (Jenn, our time will come). You feel like family to me. I am inspired by your family and how you have shown so much courage.
Love and light to you as you spend whatever time you have together at home and as a family. May Peace of the Lord be always with you…
Hunter, you are one of my heroes!
so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know what a great organization Hospice is. We had their assistance with my father. My heart goes out to you and your family. Love, Aunt Marilyn
Hunter and Jenn, I have been praying and thinkng of you during this journey that you have shared with everyone who loves you. I will continue holding you and your family close in thought and prayer. You have the most wonderful family! I am blessed to know you better through your posts. I wish there was something tangible I could do for you and the family. With love always, Liz Woolverton, friend from DTRA.
I’m thinking of you.
From Uncle Cliff & Aunt Betty:
Hunter your blogs have kept us informed through out — you pull no punches. I think of some others from the near and distant past, before the disease they had even had a name, accounting quite accurately just what they were feeling and describing the progression. What you have done is something few can really do — look the thing in the eye with hardly blinking. You are a valiant lad, always have been and a real lover of life and of people and ever optimistic.
You have been steadily in our prayers and also at church.
But, what the heck, there’s still lots of track ahead.
Our love goes out to you and Jenn and the boys.
Hello Lt. Col. Hunter and Jenn….
A salute to you both, and a huge THANK YOU for blessing my life. It is the rare occasion to meet people who immediately impact your life the way you have impacted mine. 30 June 2013, the first night I met you, it was so evident to me that YOU were extra special.
Lt. Col. Hunter, you remind me of the reason I became a nurse. It was to bring encouragement to patients who are victims of this non-discriminating disease. However, the opposite seems to happen. The patients and their family always encourage me.
Reading the chronicles of your journey, your incredible courage is evident, and your spirit of optimism is amazing. You are a true hero, both professionally and personally. It has truly been my honor to have been in your presence, to share our 0130 chat, and others. If I may add some humor with levity…your country is proud of you! National security was not compromised as I felt like I was torturing you having to collect blood!! You didn’t even say ouch!!
Thank you again for blessing and encouraging me. You and your family are and will continue to be lifted in my prayers.
Salute…Sherri RN
Hunter & Jenn – you’re both amazing and we love you and pray for a miracle. I hope you realize just how important this blog is and has been for all of us and how instrumental it will be for the lessons we’ve gleaned from your courage to share. Love, Mike
Your blogs have kept us informed, thank you.Our prayers will always be with you and your family.God bless you.Amigos para siempre.
Manuel,
We send you, Hunter and the boys our love and support. During this whole journey, you have both amazed us with your courage and spirit. We wish that were lived closer to be there with you. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. The Chase/Lloyd Family
Hunter – I have been following along in great admiration – your determination, your attitude, and the love that surrounds you by your family and many friends. I should have written sooner, but I clearly stood to learn more from you than you could learn from me in these difficult times. You have blessed all of us by reporting about a path on which none of us have traveled, yet all of us will one day. As a father, a husband, and a man, we can only aspire to finish the race as well as you.
So many have expressed prayers for you on this site. I’ll add mine – that you may enjoy God’s peace that he has offered us through His Son.
Your friend, Doug Bruder
I am a friend of Kim Cope I read this and it brought me to tears. I have seen both sides of a maricle We almost lost my Dad about a year ago he had staff infection and they called all the family in thinking he wouldn’t make it through the night. God answered that prayer he gave us a maricle. Just a few weeks prior to this my nephew was playing with the neighbor kids and he ended up drowning in their pool. When we found out he was on his way to the hospital we prayed, and begged God to spare our little angel, but he chose not too. We were and are still devistated by this, I guess what i am trying to say is put it in Gods hands and he will see you through it. Trust in the Lord. I will be praying for you and your family.
I am at a loss for words Jenn. I wish I could be there in person to help support you, Hunter and the boys.
Hunter and Jenn- I wish we were not so far away and we could be more helpful to you all. You are in our hearts and always in our prayers. Your blog has been a life changing inspiration for me, a confirmation to treasure the blessings in life while going through the difficulties of it. Our prayers continue for God’s peace, love and strength. Please know that we are always here for you and love you very much!
Dear Jenn and Hunter,
I’m so sorry to hear these late news. There’s nothing I can possibly say at this time. Knowing you and Hunter, I’m sure that the time you have left will be wonderful. You’re both great and make a beautiful family. Your courage and attitude during these tought times have taught us so much about so many things. Being able to share this journey with you guys has made us all better people. You and your family are always in my prayers. Big hug for you both!
Renier
Hunter and Jenn, this is just so unfair. Hunter, you are a good man and it’s obvious how much you love life and especially your family. You touched my life in a big way as well. I wouldn’t even have a smart phone if you hadn’t shown me how yours works. You shared with me stories about your family, about mindfulness meditation, how batteries work and many things. I will not forget you my friend. Vanderbilt was luck to have you. Blessings to you, Jenn, Ben and Jack.
Dear Jenn and Hunter,
We have no control over how short or how long our journey on this earth will be, but knowing that we have family and friends to lean on makes life great. Hunter and yourself have been such a great inspiration to everyone following this journey. May you always have peace and Hunter will always be remembered for the great man, father and husband that he is. God Bless you all and may he keep you strong during this difficult time. My prayers are with you all. Terri
Hunter and Jenn, you both and been so brave and inspirational to share this journeys ups and downs with your family and friends. I hope you feel relieved to be at home and can enjoy being a family again surrounding yourself with home’s safety, comfort and love.
You are in the Pearson Family daily prayers.
Beth(Sissy)
I am so sorry to hear this news. I am praying that the Lord will be glorified through this trial, and that He will bring you all peace and comfort. I have no doubt that Hunter will be his usual hilarious and upbeat self through it all, and he is blessed to have such a strong and loving wife by his side. Our earthly vessels are weak and temporary, but our eternal life is never ceasing. Praying, praying, praying for you.
Ginny Speaks James (high school and college friend of Hunter)
Hunter,
You’re so brave and we have had you and your wonderful family in our thoughts and prayers! Here is a wonderful message from one of the daily emails I get from Our Daily Bread that I think will help you and your family get through this:
Our Daily Bread — Peace, Be Still
READ: Mark 4:35-41
He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” —Mark 4:39
My friend Elouise has a wonderful way of putting life into clever perspectives. Once when I asked her, “How are you today?” I expected the usual “fine” response. Instead, she said, “I’ve got to wake Him up!” When I asked what she meant, she kiddingly exclaimed, “Don’t you know your Bible?!” Then she explained: “When the disciples faced trouble, they ran to wake up Jesus. I’m going to run to Him too!”
What do we do when we are stuck in a troubling situation with nowhere to run? Maybe, like the disciples who were stuck in a life-threatening storm, we run to Jesus (Mark 4:35-41). Sometimes, however, we may try to bail ourselves out of trouble by seeking revenge, slandering the one who has caused our problem, or just cowering fearfully in the corner as we sink into despair.
We need to learn from the disciples who fled to Jesus as their only hope. He may not bail us out immediately, but remembering that He is in our boat makes a difference! Thankfully, He is always with us in the storms of life, saying things like “Peace, be still!” (v.39). So, look for Him in your storm and let Him fill you with the peace that comes from knowing He is near. —Joe Stowell
Lord, teach us to run to You in the midst of trouble.
Forgive us for trying to bail ourselves out, and lead
us to the peace of trusting Your wisdom and ultimate
deliverance. Thank You that You will help us!
Make Jesus your first option when the storms of life threaten you.
Lots of love to all of you,
Your friend Andrea from DTRA
Praying for you all for peace and healing. Sending love from the Januzelli Five in Atlanta…
Hunter and Jenn, This is your cousin Bob with warm and sincere regards from Maria, Claire, Emily and Robbie. We have been getting updates from Sissy and Dad(Uncle Hal) about your journey. You and your family are truly in our thoughts and prayers! It is quite evident that you have a close and inspiring network of friends and relatives! God Bless! Cousin Bob
Hunter and Jenn, you all are in my prayers! I am thankful for your life, Hunter, and the joy you bring to others. Your mother and dad have always spoken of you with such delight. I know you feel their great love for you now. May God grant you peace and comfort and some precious time with your family.
Hunter – did you feel it? You were with me every mile (alright, there were only 4 and a half of em) on my run tonight which I never, ever, EVER, do after Interstate 66 westbound on a Friday night. But, we headed out together, you in my thoughts, and I drag-assing onto the trails in and around the hood at 1940ish hours after a “quiet” furlough day — why couldn’t I get out of there till nearly 1800? — anyway, you motivated me to get off my ‘woe is me’ monologue, lace up the sneakers, and run off at least 15+ bunny rabbits, and more than 5 deer (one just turned her head from 10 feet off the path and watched us approach, come abreast, and pass her with nary a flinch of her tail – quite docile garden eaters these deer in Haymarket, VA); anyway, once we cleared the wildlife from the trail, the cold front (that’s what they call it) negated most of the humidity you know so well from your summer training runs in Metro DC, and it was actually a tad cool (72ish degrees) – but, the humidity or the hills (still not sure which) had sweat pouring from my brow, arms and hands. Thus, we earned this glass of cabernet and respite on the blog – THANKS FOR GETTING MY SORRY BUTT OUT OF THE CAR AND ONTO THE TRAIL TONIGHT – YOU, YES YOU, DID IT. 😉
My brave friends, we love you all so much and are giving you a virtual hug. The boys are wonderful therapy. Take your strength through them and know you were and are never alone. May God grant you peace…and more laughs.
And tell Hunter that the kids were flim-flamming today. Thought of him!
Jenn & Hunter, my thoughts and prayers remain with you and the boys. We are thankful for your blog that has kept us informed and help to educate us.
God has a plan for each of us. We don’t always know what that plan is or necessarily agree with it. But he knows what his master plan is. May God be with each of you in the days ahead and reveal his plan to you.
Hunter you are an inspiration to all of us. Love, Uncle Tim
Jenn and Hunter,
You are in our thoughts and prayers always. Love you both.
Jadelle
Hunter,
You are the shininy son of my dear friend, Mary Ann. I can fondly remember when you came to my classroom for reading when you were a third grader because your homeroom teacher, Mrs. McCart, did not have others reading at the level you had attained. You continued to “shine” academically, as well as athletically, as you moved on to Five Forks Middle and Brookwood. Then you chose the ROTC route as you went to Georgia and then made your parents even more proud (if that were possible) when you chose the Army as your career. We Americans also salute you for your service to our country.
Now your courage “shines” as you have shared and honored us all with your posts. Please know that you, Jenn, your precious boys, and all of the Lindsey family are lifted in prayer and know that God doesn’t miss a single prayer and that He is covering all of you with peace, comfort, grace and mercy.
You are special Lt. Col. Hunter Lindsey…….loved and applauded by many!
Dear Jenn, Hunter, Ben and Jack,
You certainly are in are thoughts and prayers. We just wish we lived closer.
Much love,
Deb and Dan
Hunter, You sent me an email a few weeks back asking how I was doing. I couldn’t believe you were taking the time to ask about me. I truly appreciate you checking up on me. You are an amazing person and I truly admire your strength and courage. As I said before, you had an impact on my life and for that I am grateful. I miss our GC Ops talks and discussions. You are! Please enjoy your family and I wish you all the peace and happiness you deserve. All the best to Jenn and the boys.
Thank you again for the update and especially for allowing those of us, who have not been part of your day-to-day for a long time, be a part of this chapter of your journey. I know I am better for it. The strength and humor you have shown throughout and your example of a true and Covenant marriage and family are inspiring. I am crying with you and praying for you. I pray for peace. I would pray for some laughter and smiles to be part of the days ahead, but I know with you that it is inevitable. Love and hugs to you, Jenn and the boys.
Best,
Jennifer Kemper Higgins (childhood friend)
Jenn thank you for sending this update as painful as it must be. I will keep you, Hunter, and the boys in my prayers. Over the course of these blog entries one thing has stood out, the love you both have for each other and for the boys. I hope you all find the best way to use these remaining precious moments to soak up all the love and life possible.
Regards, John
Our arms are around you right now holding you and your family, together as we pray for your continued strength to go through the days ahead.
Jean and Ken
I went to Brookwood with Hunter and served on the yearbook staff with him. Hunter kept me entertained many an afternoon! I’d like to thank you Hunter for all the good times! I am praying for peace, comfort and understanding for you and your family.
Jenn- our love and prayers go out to you and your family. Hunter, you have been and continue to be one of the most strong, courageous, and insightful people I have ever met. You have left a lasting impact on us all. I feel lucky that I got to work with you and learn from you every day for a few years at DTRA. May you all enjoy your time together and find peace in the days ahead. Your friends, Sarah and Matt (Campbell) Phelan.
Hunter, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Be strong.
Kristian and Susann Shriver
Jenn & Hunter ~
Prayers for peace during this time. May the love you have for one another be your strength & The Lord be your light in the midst of this horrible disease.
In Christ,
Tammy (Nail) Meyer
*former high school classmate
My name is amy and I went to high school with hunter. I just found out about all of this today and ive been reading your blog archives all afternoon. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for all that is happening. Cancer is awful and so heartless. I have a 10 year old son who is battling it as well, and i also have other sons the same ages as yours. I will be praying so hard for both of you and for your boys. Jenn you sound like an amazing wife/mom and i can tell hunter is lucky to have you by his side. I will be praying for extra strength for you.