Hello friends! I’m Jocelyn Juelfs, a longtime friend of April (Cripps) Lambers. April’s husband, David, was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. They are currently at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Washington. There are many unknowns at this point, but what is certain is that David and April will both need to be in Spokane for a while.

April has taken leave from work and will be with David while he receives care. The kids will be traveling back and forth.

The family will need help with unexpected expenses related to a diagnosis like this and not being able to work.

I hope to provide updates as the family allows. This is an uncertain time for them; your support is appreciated.

9/15/23- An update from April

Hello. I am April, David’s wife. As most of you know we got the devastating news about 1.5 wks ago that David has a 14cm mass in his chest. We have since been transferred to Sacred Heart in Spokane where we have received excellent care. Over the last week test results have been trickling in and the final diagnosis is stage 4 metastatic non small cell squamous lung cancer.

David is currently intubated in the ICU to rest his lungs and body. He has been responsive when the sedation is decreased. He has had 2 of 5 rounds of radiation and going for a third round later today. Depending on how his body responds over the weekend will depend if chemo is started on Monday.

Our kids are here with us. We have been surrounded by friends and family. We have had visits from the local fire department to the fire department where David work. The Army and Airforce have also come to visit.

Please continue to send healing prayers, positive vibes and loving hugs. All are appreciated l. I can not thank you all enough for the love and support you all have shows us.

10/1/23- An update from April

Thank you for the continued prayers, support, and love. We can feel it.

This week has been a busy week. We are baby stepping a marathon. David had surgery at the beginning of the week to have a tracheostomy placed to help with continued oxygenation while being able to ween him off sedation. He also had a feeding tube placed to help with nutritional requirements. After surgery, we were able to see his face and give him a kiss. Which was amazing.

David has been doing physical therapy to help regain strength, dexterity and stamina. He has been sitting up in a chair and working on his leg strength to be standing soon.

David finished his second round of chemo which he tolerated well.

With David having a trach, I am working on my lip reading skills and that is a hard skill! Toward the end of the week he was able to get a speaking valve for the trach so we have been able to talk to him a small amount. To hear his voice again was heavenly. Our kids lite up like the Fourth of July when they heard his voice. He was also able to eat some ice chips, which made his week.

He is working on getting stronger every day and doing one heck of a job. I am super proud, happy and thankful for the baby steps forward that he has taken in this marathon.

Thanks again for all the prayers, love and support. We appreciate them. Please keep them coming!

With love, The Lambers Family

10/8/23- Update from April

Hello all!! Thank you for the continued prayers, love, positive vibes, support and messages . We continue to hear them.

We all keep baby stepping through this marathon.

This week has been good. David was moved from CICU to the oncology floor. He finished his first cycle of chemo and his chemo port was placed this week.

David can talk with the speaking valve when he has it on his trach.

David is walking with a walker. He is regaining his strength, stability and stamina everyday. The plan is for him to go to rehab on Monday.

The kids and I are doing well. They are as wild and as crazy as ever. We are all loving on dad as much as we can everyday.

Thanks again for the continued prayers, love, support, and positive vibes. Keep them coming. We appreciate them.

With love The Lambers Family