09/25/2026
We haven't updated our farm page in a while. It has been a busy summer of rest, recovery, and a new normal. Let me start by saying that we are extremely blessed to have a team of specialists that know all things FAP. Over in Michigan, we would often hear that each dr would have to research and get back to us regarding questions we may of had. With Cleveland they tell us what to expect and honestly most of the time Jays body actually teaches the team about his diagnosis. He authorized Cleveland Clinic to use his case for drs to learn from. Since 1 in 10,000 individuals have it, there are always things to learn. This process has taught us not only to work together even more but we realize we are not in control. FAP has its own plan and you never know what to expect. In June, jay had a total proctocolectomy (removal of colon and re**um) which came with 2 days in ICU and a 12 day hospital stay. It was definitely an interesting summer where there was alot of tears from frustration shared but also alot of what the heck moments filled with laughter. Now that we are in September, Jay just completed his reversal surgery. Which is when they take his illostomy and switch over to an internal pouch called a j pouch which holds stool and allows jays body to be able to go to the bathroom normally. Well as normal as he can go. He will be going frequently (8-10 times a day) and learning what having to go feels like. Of course there are complications that can come with this too where polyps can cover the j pouch but maybe they won't. We will worry about that if we need to. Each procedure or surgery comes with a bump or some unexpectedness that the team didn't see. This time no ICU. There was a hiccup during surgery which they had to figure out and connect the j pouch differently but they did it. He also gained a new specialist. Instead of jay recovering. He was needing more support. First another illeus which can happen but then he needed oxygen and they found several blood clots on his lung which started in his arm from the a line from surgery day. So now jay has a vascular team on top of the other specialists he will have. He is ok and now on blood thinner and on room air thankfully. We were at cleveland a week this time. This isn't a diagnosis where you have one surgery and u are done. This is a new way of living and you just handle accordingly. Just knowing that u do not have any control of this journey and you know what that is ok. As far as our animals, they are doing great. The pigs are a little salty from THEIR ROUTINE being disrupted. When we got home last night, we were greeted by some very happy animals. Even the turkeys were talking to us happy that we were home. As far as the rescue, these are still early days and we are unsure when we will open our doors again. We have to focus on the animals we have currently with their needs and attention. Sunshine Farm Rescue may look differently currently and we are still as passionate as ever. We just have to wait and see what the future hold and go from there. As always thank you for all of your support through the years. We appreciate each and every one of you.
