Grandpa Jim
Grandpa Jim
PUMPKIN CARVING FUN with Shayna & Austen ** Halloween 2007
Grandpa Jim (right) & Uncle Tom (left) give Austen a lesson on riding his new motorcycle.
Success! Austen has excellent teachers!
Dad (Grandpa Jim) asked me to post the following: To all the super people of the Thornapple Family:
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement over the past year. The progress that I have made
would not of happened without the strong support of my wonderful family and the kind thoughts and prayers
of hundreds of people that did not know me personally, but took time from their busy lives to include me in their
thoughts and prayers. I will be forever grateful!! Thank you, Jim Brandenburg (Grandpa Jim)
Update from Amy! (posted to the Yahoo Thornapple Family List August 15, 2007)
This Saturday will mark the ONE YEAR day of receiving that dreadful call about my Dad being in the hospital with a brain tumor
(Glioblastoma, Grade 4). I am over the moon to report the news we received yesterday! Last week he had another MRI and yesterday
was our appointment to discuss the results, this is what they found: Minimal change to slight DECREASE in size of the irregular rimenhancing
mass in right occipital lobe. The main component shows 1-2 mm DECREASE in size, and an additional projection into the splenium of the corpus
collosum ALSO shows slight DECREASE in size. The doctor & nurses seem to have the same response each time we walk into the door...wow,
you look great! Dad's energy level is fine...he continues to do the things he wants to do (his project this summer has been restoring an old "Woody" boat)!
He took a nice vacation to Alabama with my sister and her family...lots of trips Up North hanging out with his grandkids, bluegrass festivals with his
friends/family...last week we took him to Henry Ford Museum (lots of history and old cars)...it was a great time had by all! Also happy to report
that his weight/appetite has shown no changes! Muscle tone is super. He is certainly an amazing man ... a great inspiration to others! He continues
with the traditional Chemo treatment "Temodar", pill form he takes at home every 21 days for 5 days in a row. In addition, he started
with a natural remedy called "Cantron"...along with other nutritional pills to boost his system. He feels the combination of both treatments is working
and he plans to continue this treatment and is looking forward to the day it is gone! You can email Jim at if you need some
inspiration or would like to discuss his cancer/treatments...or to just send him some Best Wishes! I know he would be happy to tell his story.
Thank you again for your continued support and keeping my Dad in your prayers...they are working!!
Each day in our lives is a blessing!!!! Amy
Hi Amy:
That is such wonderful news about your dad. It makes me just cry with
joy...really really great news. I know how worried you've been and I know
this is just a great relief for you and all of your family. It's amazing
how the power of prayer works .. and I know you had lots and lots of them sent
your way and to your dad. I'm just so happy about the news. It's
wonderful. Take care. Laura
OH WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am just reading this Amy! What an amazing man
Jim is! I hope that he continues with a strong outlook and he is very
lucky to have such a supportive family! I will keep him in my
thoughts to remain on the mend and to beat those odds even more! Ami
Amy, So glad with the wonderful news! God blesses your wonderful family with his Love.
Beijos, Marcia · Dear Amy,
I am so happy to hear this news! Your dad has been in my thoughts many
times. I hope he keeps progressing the way he has up until now. Positive
thoughts is what he needs, I'm sure the holiday will have helped him too!
Love, Bianca · Dear Amy,
What wonderful news!!!! I am so elated for you and your family. The
power of prayer is truly amazing. I'm familiar with Cantron.
I gave it to my Callie along with a number of other homeopathic remedies
when we were fighting her nasal tumor. Love, Karen
Dear Amy: What wonderful news! Your dad is in my prayers DAILY and he remains on our church prayer list.
As I have stated before, I firmly believe in the power of prayer. I have seen the results time and time again.
I'm know you and your family are elated with the news. Thank you so much for the update. Love, Mary
What a BLESSING. DIVINE INTERVENTION AT WORK!!!!!!!!!
Hugs to you, Amy, and all your family:)))))) Continued Prayers, Betsy
We are so happy about the wonderful news about your father!!!!!! We think about him very often!
Hugs, Anna-Lena
This is the most fantastic news of all time!!! I am sooo happy for you all! Modern medicine helps,
but no one can deny this family's power of prayer!! I will continue to pray for a complete recovery!!
Please keep the good news coming! Brenda Albrecht, Brenlee Australian Shepherds
www.brenleeaussies.com
Hi Amy, That is such wonderful news about your dad. I am so happy for you all.
Take Care. Marie Ekholm, Finland -- Kennel Gun Lake www.gunlake.ax
Hi Amy!!! Please send your dad lots of hugs and me and his Zeus wish he continues to do so well!!! Keep in touch!
Manoella, Zeus and Julian
What GREAT news!!!!! Nothing beats prayer and PMA (positive mental
attitudes)!!!!!! Give Grandpa Jim a big hug from us. Candy and Erika
July 29, 2007 *** We celebrate our 30th year together at the Salt River Bluegrass Festival with Jim.
Pictured right is Jim's brother & Ellen's hubby,Tom. Pictured left is Jim & Tom's Uncle Stan.
Below, Jim serves up some of his delicious steaks assisted by his right hand BBQ man and best friend, Dave Tenant.
DELICIOUS AS USUAL! Thank you Jim & Dave for the incredible steaks!
June 10, 2007 *** bi-monthly MRI shows no change!!!!
March 27, 2007 * Grandpa Jim Update!
Hi everyone! It's been a long time since I've given an update on my Dad. He continues to have the same great attitude he has had since we learned of his brain tumor.
As you know he had surgery in August, 2006 to remove as much of the tumor as they could. Then in October he went thru 6 weeks of Radiation and Chemo treatment.
The next plan of action was to continue with chemo treatment at a higher dose for another 6 months. The chemo treatment he has been receiving is in the form of a pill, called
Temodar. He takes 400 mg a day for 5 days in a row, then he has 23 days off. A large side effect to Temodar is nausea, they prescribed an anti-nausea pill called Kytril..
which has worked wonderfully. He only takes 1 Kytril pill about 1/2 hour before he takes his Temodar and he has had No side effects to either pill throughout all his treatment.
Last week he went in for his 5th MRI. A week after each MRI we go to his MD to review the MRI results and do a physical check up. Each time they are very impressed with his
strength his weight has been good (we laugh about that each time, because they worry about weight loss - that is something we don't worry about with Dad - he likes to eat!), all his blood
work has come back normal, everything has been going very well. Each time the MRI has come back stable, which is what they hope for - they do not want to see any new growth.
Today - was our appointment to review his MRI results from last week. We are thrilled to announce the tumor remains stable and also - that the internal volume has decreased
somewhat and the fluid spaces are a little smaller!!!!! This is the FIRST time we heard a report such as this. I received an actual print of the MRI results, this is the exact wording:
FINDINGS: A large, irregular, contrast-enhancing mass is again demonstrated in the right occipital lobe, also extending into
portions of the right posterior temporal and inferior parietal lobes and along the posterior corpus callosum to slightly cross the
midline. In comparison with the most recent MR images of 1/23/07, the lesion has approximately the same configuration,
but the internal volume has decreased somewhat, so that the margins are less convex and the internal non-enhancing
fluid spaces are a little smaller. No entirely new lesion has appeared elsewhere in the brain. The diffusely abnormal T2
signals in the bilateral cerebral white matter are likely in part to represent vasogenic edema, but a substantial portion
of the signal change is more likely attributable to previous radiation treatment. The cerebral ventricular size and midline
position remain normal. The mass does continue to distort the posterior portion of the body of right lateral ventricle.
After speaking with the doctor, we agreed to continue with the Temodar treatments (this week will be his last of the 6 month treatment). He told us most of the studies of Temodar
patients have been up until 6 months, although he's certain more studies will be coming (maybe Dad will be part of them - he certainly would make a positive and hopeful statement to
other cancer patients!). We all agreed that since Dad has been doing so well on the treatment and has had no side effects and as long as they continue to monitor him - we will continue with
treatments on a 28 day period.
Dad has also been looking into alternative medications to take along with his traditional Temodar treatment. His brother, Tom & him have gone to a seminar where they learned
about many different medications. Dad wants to try a product called Cantron. He has heard many success stories from other cancer patients who were on Cantron. Dad said today
he wants to order it and give it a try - he's counting on the next few MRI's showing the tumor gone!
His wonderful attitude has played a huge roll in his healing process and for all his friends and family who encourag and support him everyday. Let's not forget about those who
FEED him - he loves his breakfast, lunch & dinner dates!! I know he thanks and appreciates each and everyone of you for all your love and prayers!!!
I thank you too!!! Let's keep the prayer chain going!! Amy (Daddy's little girl)
We would love to hear from anyone with experience using a holistic approach to cancer like Jim's ... and with Cantron.
December 24, 2006 .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM!!!!!
Loving father to Amy & Jill * Grandpa to Shayna,Austen, Zak & Matt
Brother to Tom & Bob * Uncle to Aaron, Cyrus, Rachel & Chelsea
Great Uncle to Evan & Hudsyn! * Nephew to Uncle Stan
Good Friend to Gary & Sharon Russell and Big Dave!
Wishing you many Happy Returns, Jim! We love you!
You are a VIT - Very Important Thornapple
Our Good friends, Gary & Sharon Russell (& Sam) threw a Birthday Bash for Jim!
Pictured left to right (1st photo) - Uncle Bob (Jim's brother), Cyrus, Jim & Evan, Tom (Jim's brother) & Aaron
3 generations of Brandenburgs!
Hudsyn, Rachel, Chelsea & Hudsyn's mommy, Marley (1st photo). Hudsyn & Evan enjoy the party! (2nd photo)
August 21, 2006
Hi Thornapple Family! I need your help, my Dad is in need of all the prayers he can get!
I sure hope we aren't wearing out our prayer list, seems like it keeps growing.
Last Friday, my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor. They are pretty certain
it is cancerous. We are all shocked about this news. The doctors are pretty confident
that they can remove it & they even mentioned cure it, so we are all VERY hopeful!
My Dad's spirits are amazing. He said this is not his time to go and he will fight with all
his might. He said he has way too much stuff on his "To Do List" that needs to be done!
I know some of you have met him and know what an awesome, kind person he is. He is the type
of person who would take the shirt off his back and give it to someone in need.
He is the best Dad, Grandpa and Friend in the world - we need him here with us still!!!
His surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 7:30 am. Please keep him in your prayers!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you all so much! Amy
Today, August 23, 2006, Amy's Daddy, Shayna, Austen, Zak & Matt's Grandpa, Ellen's husband's (Tom) Brother,
Aaron, Cyrus, Rachel & Chelsea's Uncle, Jim Brandenburg, is having major surgery to remove a tumor that is pressing
on his optic nerve on the back portion of his brain. Jim Brandenburg is a major contributor to Thornapple Aussies.
Living next door to Amy & Family, Jim cares for our Aussies and Amy's horses each and every weekend we are
at dog shows. Jim built Amy's house ... bales Amy's hay from his own hay field ... and is Mr. Handyman
around the farm. Jim's life is devoted to family, friends, old cars & boats & bluegrass music. Jim is also the
Thornapple Grill Chef! Jim cooks a MEAN PORK TENDERLOIN! Visitors from far & wide have enjoyed Jim's
delicious barbecue pork loin! Jim is doing the grilling for the local October shows. Everyone is invited!!!!
The surgeon told Jim on Sunday that he is not going for a remission, but he is going for a CURE!
Erin Swain of Inverness Australian Shepherds will be Jim's Nurse Anesthetist this morning.
Erin tells us that Jim has the best surgeon. We KNOW he has the BEST Nurse Anesthetist!!!!!
Thank you for keeping Grandpa Jim in your thoughts and prayers!
4:30 pm - August 23 *******
Jim's surgery went well. He is in ICU Recovery. We were able to chat with him for a few minutes.
His vitals are normal - his spirits are good. His ICU nurse kicked us out because we got a bit
rowdy causing his blood pressure to rise. We were able to chat with Erin Swain. She said
Jim is doing so well, she wouldn't be surprised if he goes home in a couple of days.
Jim needs lots of happy thoughts and prayers sent his way. His tumor was diagnosed as a malignancy.
The doctor took as much of the tumor as he could. Jim has his work cut out for him ... and is prepared
to give this his all. · August 25 *******
Jim has moved from Surgical ICU to his own room. Jim continues to progress. He is a bit bored
so the kids brought him his laptop and some reading material. Jim can now get back online
to track his Ebay Watched List! The Oncologist visited Jim yesterday. They discussed chemo therapy
and radiation therapy. Jim's hospital stay will be 4 - 7 days.
August 28 *******
Jim was able to go home with family on Saturday, just 3 days after surgery!
Jim is resting comfortably at Amy's house, enjoying quiet time with family.
Jim is doing amazingly well just 5 days after surgery.
August 29 *******
Jim continues to do well. He enjoyed sitting outside with the kids today,
watching them play ball with the dogs. Amy is busy lining up visiting
nurses, occupational therapy and radiation therapy.
Tom visited Jim this evening. They shared a nice visit catching up on the latest.
We imagine they had time for a little Ebay shopping!
September 15 *******
Jim started radiation & chemo therapy today. His chemo is administered
in pill form. He felt no nausea from the pill and no discomfort from the radiation.
Jim is doing very well. He accompanied friends and family to the Wheatland
Music Festival the 2nd weekend in September. This is Jim's 28th year
attending Wheatland. This past weekend, Jim enjoyed dinner out
with retired teacher friends. Jim is planning his annual hay ride!
November 1 *******
Jim has completed his chemo therapy & radiation therapy.
Jim continues to amaze his doctors and family with his positive attitude
and his strength. He continues to do well, enjoying activities with friends and family!
Updates to be continued!
Thank you for asking, Karen. We are here ... after a rough weekend. Once again, we must ask for our family's prayers.
Amy's daddy, Jim Brandenburg ... brother and best friend ... to my husband, Tom, Grandpa to Shayna & Austen - Zak & Matt,
uncle to Aaron, Cyrus, Rachel & Chelsea ... best friend to all of us ... is in need of all the prayers you can muster.
This past Friday, Jim was admitted to the hospital complaining of confusion and loss of peripheal vision in his left eye.
After CAT scans and a MRI, Jim was diagnosed with what the doctors think is a malignant brain tumor.
The tumor is pressing on his optic nerve in the back of the right side of his head.
The surgeon is going to be very aggressive with the tumor. He told Jim and family that he is going for a cure NOT a remission.
The doctors scheduled Jim's surgery for 7:30 AM Wednesday AM. They sent Jim home on Sunday since he is doing so well
after being admitted to the hospital. Amy has arranged for Erin Swain - Inverness Aussies - to be Jim's anesthesia nurse!
Erin informed Amy that Jim has the very best surgeon.
So we are going to the hospital tomorrow with great hope and optimism for Jim ... who is the one of the most generous people
you'll ever meet! Jim ... a hard working Thornapple who takes care of all of Amy's doggies ... and horses ... almost every single
weekend while we travel to dog shows. Jim ... who built Amy's house ... next door to his ... who puts up hay from his property for
Amy's horses ... who buys antique cars and boats for the kids to enjoy ... Jim .. who cooks the VERY BEST TENDERLOIN CHOPS
on the grill ... in the whole wide world. Ask ANY Thornapple who has enjoyed one of our cookouts! The pork tenderloins
don't get any better then Jim's!!!! We plan on Jim's yummy cooking for our October dog show weekend and cookout!
Thank you to our most wonderful family!!!!! Love, Mother T
Hi Amy, We will be praying for your sweet dad here in Denmark. He was so kind and
open hearted when we were visiting you and your dads home. Steffen and Erik
(my father in law), is still talking about all his fantastic cars and that
he gave the time to tell about them. You are lucky to have a father like
Jim. He will be in your life for many, many more years. I know that the
Thornapple family’s prayers will help.
Love and hug from Steffen, Erik (steffen’s dad), Diablo and Bitta
Hi Amy, I am SHOCKED ... please please please give my LOVE to your Dad. He is the sweetest of men ...
tell him he has to be well enough to cook me my pork rib when I come next year its tradition !!!! No one cooks pork like your Dad...!!!
My thoughts & prayers will be with him tomorrow and with you too Amy .. take care and will anxiously await news of your Dad tomorrow
With much love, Jayne Spitty Lorenzo Grouchie & Shelby xx
Dear Amy, You and your Dad our in our prayers. Please keep us posted on his
progress. Love, Karen
Amy and Ellen: I am saddened to hear about Jim. I can't imagine what you are going through!
You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Yesterday, when I was trying to get organized (which is hard for me to do...lol),
I came across this card that someone sent me when my father was ill. I am not an overly religious person,
but I do have faith in God, Jesus, and the power of prayer. I thought this might help you during this difficult time.
"Every one of us can be the recipient of God's healing touch for all of our emotional, physical, or spiritual problems.
First, however, we must have faith. Faith is the unshakable certainty deep within our heart. It knows beyond all doubt
that each and every one of us is very important to God. It knows that God truly cares what happens in our lives. When we then, in faith,
ask God to heal our pain, God will hear. As our loving Father who wants to give all good things, God will answer. God will heal."
I will call our church today to ask that Jim be put on the prayer list today instead of waiting until Sunday.
God bless you all and please keep us updated on Jim. Love to all, Mary
Ellen and Amy: Just wanted to let you know that I just added Jim to the prayer list at church.
This prayer list doesn't only include our church, but several other churches in the community.
I think it reaches close to 5,000 people. I just wanted to let you know that the California contention is pulling for Jim.
Hang in there, Amy. I know how difficult it must be for all of you. Love, Mary
Ellen, my mail is coming through very haphazardly, and I didn't receive your
original email, which Di has answered, which arrived with your original
letter attached. I was so sorry to hear of Jim's problem, and you and your family, and Amy
and her family, are in our thoughts, and we are pulling for Jim to come
through this surgery, with flying colours - our thoughts and prayers are
with you all. We have no doubt that he will once again be playing
Bluegrass Blues in the near future. Love and hugs, Phyl and Harold DOWN UNDER.
Jim and your entire family is in our prayers as well. We hope for a
speedy recovery! Ami and Jordan
Hi Ellen! I will certainly have Jim on my prayers...I am confident he will have a great recovery!
Manoella
Laura and I sent our prayers and hopes to Amy and her family as well as to Ellen,Tom and family....
We will light a candle...Janet and Laura
Dear Ellen and Amy, our thoughts are with you and your family!!!!! Please keep us posted and we
are thinking of you today and hope the surgeon will be able to remove the
tumor so that Jim will recover completely!!!! Love, Bianca
Oh, no!!!! We all pray for Jim, we know he will be full recover!!!
Our thoughts and prayers are going to Jim and Amy with families!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Anna-Lena
Hi Ellen, Please give Jim my best wishes for a speedy and TOTAL recovery. I expect to
see him again when I return to visit next year some time. I will certainly
keep him in my prayers. Love to you all
AMY!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM CRYING SO HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE HAS TO BE OK!!!
WE ARE PRAYING HERE FOR HIM, Kathryn Ross- Nash
Amy, You have all our thoughts and prayers for the quick recovery of your Dad.
Have faith and think positive. This will help fighting the disease!
God bless you all Warmest regards and beijos, Marcia B.
Dear Amy and Ellen: I wanted to let you know that I have sent a prayer petition for Jim to Lourdes-France.
Did you ever hear the story about Bernadette who saw, on several occasions, the Virgin Mary?
I am not Catholic, but I loved the story and the history behind the life of Bernadette.
My mother and father used to live in France and went to Lourdes and said it was such a mystical place.
A lot of people have been cured from different afflictions. I try to send prayer petitions to Lourdes when someone is ill.
I hope you don't think I'm some religious fanatic...I am not, but since the death of my mother and my father's heart attack
the power of prayer has changed my life. So many people have prayed for me and my family that I want to do the same for others who need prayers.
Keep me posted and take care of yourselves. Love, Mary
Hi Ellen and Amy, Thank you for letting us know this good news!!! We keep sending positive
thoughts your way for a full recovery!! Love, Bianca
Hi Ellen/Amy, That is great news about Jim's surgery! We are praying and thinking about
Jim and the family all the time. All our love from all in South Africa! Natasha
What great news that he made it through the surgery with no problems.
We are still praying for him and all of your family. Love, Karen
Hi Ellen & Amy, Since I am Catholic I will offer a mass for your dad, Amy, and your entire family
that they may find peace to endure what you are going through. Also a complete recovery. Betsy
We are praying so hard here ... Kathryn Ross- Nash
Hi Ellen and Amy and the Thornapple Family,
We are so happy to hear that your dad came through the surgery so well, not surprising as he is a very strong and wonderful man.
We will continue to pray for his speedy recovery, and will watch for updates on his progress.
Please extend our well wishes to him from the Northbay Family.
Take Care, Heather, Brian, Courtney, Kendall and Clint Jacob Herron
Hi Ellen and Amy - I know you don't know me very well but my thoughts are with you and your families at this time.
May his recovery be speedy. Amy Hiscock and the Catera Crew.
Poor Amy!!!!!! I can’t find words for that way I feel right now.
– I am just sitting here with tears in my eyes. Jim is one of the nicest persons!!!!
I know that i am VERY far away, but if there is anything I can do to help
– you just mail me!!!! Please!!! I am feeling so helpless sitting here in Denmark
when Amy and her family are having the worst time in there life……
Please give Amy the biggest hug from Steffen and me!!!! Take care, Hugs and love, Bitta
Hi all, just read the news about Amy's dad, and want you all to know that we
are thinking about you and are sending a few prayers your way. Amy's dad
sounds like a true gem and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Don't worry about emailing back, we know you must all be very busy and
concerned. Just know you are in our thoughts.
Your friends up north, The Wargins · Ed, Kathy-jo, Jake, Lena and Ranger
I have just had a spare few minutes and have been catching up with all that is Thornapple on the website.
I have to say that you have all been through the mill lately........ I hope that Jim is making a fantastic recovery,
I have never had the good fortune to meet him but from what people have said he sounds like a truly fantastic person.
I sincerely hope that the remainder of 2006 brings you good health, happiness and good fortune for all of you.
Love and very best wishes, Sarah & all the Armatan gang XX
I just wanted you to know that I will be praying for Jim. I was happy to read the updates....sounds positive.
Jim has had prayers from all over the world. He must be a wonderful man. Everyone should have a Jim in their family.
Love, Christa
Evan loves visiting his Great Uncle Jim!
Grandpa Jim! L-R Shayna, Matt, Zak, Austen!