Empty House, Full Hearts--and Hope

Saturday morning--Karin and Keith, Gavin, Calli and Haley (dog) pulled out around 2 am this morning. It's nearly 3 weeks since Karin and the kids first arrived, and since then Sue, her family, and Lisa have also been here generous amounts of time. What an infusion of joy and courage they bring to our home! Now we'll keep smiling over memories.

Health update: the surgery continues to heal beautifully. Thank You, Lord!
Fluid build-up in abdomen and legs is significantly less. Thank You, Lord!
The lung cavities are again filling gradually, and I'm hoping that by spending most of my time sitting up, I can at least delay the moment when I'll need to be "tapped" again. (We have again entered a 3-day holiday weekend.) We made an appointment for a thoracentesis in a hospital north of Charlotte for Tuesday morning--the earliest and nearest we could get. Looks like radiology departments everywhere are over-busy. I hope I don't need to use that appointment, but I may be very thankful for it by Tuesday.
On Thursday evening I experienced some symptoms of a hospital-borne digestive infection. Held it off overnight and all of yesterday with one Imodium, but last night the symptoms returned. (I'm trying to be gentle here.) I'm asking the Lord to do a miracle here (holiday weekend, you know) and drive those bugs out.

The day before my surgery, our church's program folder included the following:
There is no such thing as false hope for a cancer patient. Hope is as unique with each individual as a fingerprint. For some it is the hope to make a complete recovery. But it might also be the hope to die peacefully, the hope to live until a specific event happens, the hope to live with the disease, the hope to have their doctor with them when needed; the hope to enjoy today. Just as each case of cancer is unique, each person is different. (by Richard A Bloch)

Thanks again for all your love, notes and prayers.

Carol

Thoughts on Faith

Thanks so much to all of you who are checking this spot, praying for me, and sending loving messages. Those who have already been down this road know well how much it means. For those of you who haven't, and still keep praying and sending notes, please believe it: You are making a huge difference.

I had an exceptionally good night of sleep Thursday night--most of it in a recliner. No problem. I was feeling "slow" to bounce back because of all the sitting around that I do (both day and night), but yesterday a nurse friend ended an e-mail with these words "Rest! Rest! Rest!" Coming from her, at that moment, it somehow made me feel that it's all right to do that. Cool, huh?

The last night Lisa spent in the hospital with me, she sang all the words of an old hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." After I got home, I noticed that several e-mails were referring to my strong faith. I just want to say that the size of a person's faith is way less important than the goodness and abilities of the One on Whom that faith is focused [fortunately]. So I'm going to quote here all the words of the song Lisa sang. They're rather antique sounding, but please pay attention to what they say about God. Why ever would a person choose to not trust Someone like this?

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not.
As Thou hast been, Thou forever shalt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifest witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide.
Strength for today [!!] and bright hope for tomorrow--
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hand has provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Thankful!

Carol was able to spend about four hours in bed and then got a bit more sleep in the recliner, for which we are most thankful. We find that the nights are usually the greatest challenge trying to get rest when all is quiet in the house, and doing what we can to keep fluid from pressing harder against her lungs. We are thankful for the four plus good hours of sleep!

Daughter Sue arrived safely in Michigan last evening, and Keith with Gavin, Calli and Haley (our grand-dogger) arrived here from Indiana at around 1:30 AM this morning. Each of them drove in quite a bit of rain, but without incident. This morning Lisa flies back to DC.

Thanks for Praying!

Chuck...and Carol too

Good Sleep

It is about 4:45 AM, and Carol has had a good night of rest after having the fluid removed yesterday, for which we praise the Lord.

Daughter Sue just left a few minutes ago in a rental car for Michigan. What a blessing and encouragement she has been for all of us. Her nursing knowledge and skill has been called upon frequently and will continue to be most helpful in the days ahead as we face new challenges. Pray for her as she travels alone some eleven hours, for safety, good weather and minimal traffic problems. We are thankful for Jeff and her family who loaned her to us for these many days.

Keith will be driving here from Indiana with the children after work today. Do pray for them also as they also drive around eleven hours through the night.

Lisa will be flying back to Washington DC tomorrow, leaving Charlotte around 9:25 AM. Pray for safe and comfortable travel for her too.

It has been a special blessing to have all three girls here these many days. As we celebrated Christmas in the hospital and then coming home with Carol later that day, the girls remarked that this was the first Christmas that they can remember that the five of us had been alone. Always in the past we were together with extended family members. It has been a special blessing to share the challenges of the past days together.

Continue to pray about the fluid build-up in Carol. We pray that the medications will reduce the production of fluid, but we are aware that it may be necessary to have it removed again. Hopefully the chemo will arrest the fluid as soon as we can get started, in about two weeks. The reason for the delay in treatment, is that the incision must be completely healed because chemo will prevent any further healing after the program is started.

We have had many encouragements and discouragement since Carol was diagnosed with Cancer on December 7, but at the same time we have experienced the hand of our gracious Lord so many many times, and the peace, confidence and guidance that He has given us has been unbelievable. I have to admit that I have experienced more stress/distress over far more trivial matters in the past. Times when I was "strong" enough to handle the situations by myself...so I thought. How many times I have read "...Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths" and did not seek that direction when it was needed. We have experienced that truth in great measure during these days.

Thanks for participating in this adventure with us. It is our prayer that in some way, each of you will be blessed through your concern and prayers and walk closer with our Lord and Savior every day...until that day when we each will meet Him face to face...most likely sooner than any of us expect.

We are praying for each of you!

Chuck...and Carol too

Fluid Removed

Dr. Boyd sent us to the hospital to have fluid removed from Carol's right lung again. This is the fourth time she has had this procedure. We are starting new medications which hopefully will reduce the production to the fluid until we can get chemo started in 2-3 weeks.

Breathing is considerably easier for Carol and we are praying that she will get some good rest tonight.

Thanks for your concern and prayers!

Chuck...and Carol too

Appointment Today

We made it through the night and now have an appointment with the Oncologist (Dr. Boyd) for 12:45 today. He will evaluate the breathing/fluid situation and likely make preparations for chemo treatments which should help arrest the production of fluids that are causing so much difficulty.

There were two options available for treatment/attention today, and after praying through them, we feel that the Lord very clearly has directed us on this course. We are humbled by the love and care that we are experiencing from our Lord. He is good!

Thanks for being such a vital part of our prayer team!

You are appreciated and loved!

Chuck...and Carol too

Ileus and Oddities

...or...an idle colon is the devil's workshop.

The discovery by Xray of an ileus (inactive piece of bowel, caused by trauma removing tumor that had attached to the outside of the colon) made a naso-gastric tube essential last Wednesday. Advice: if you ever need an N-G, try to be unconscious first. And I don't have any advice for the resultant coughing and misery. Ah well, just before insanity set in, the doctor ordered the tube removed on Sunday, and within hours I was released to go home. What a wonderful relief!

I'm sure you've figured out by now that this is a very advanced cancer. It's "effusive," which means that it creates fluid all over the place. In the lung cavity, the fluid is called a pleural effusion. In the abdomen, it's called "ascites." and in the rest of the body it's simply edema. My legs resemble corinthian columns.

So I spent all last night sitting bolt upright. The other option was E.R., distinctly unacceptable on the night of an official holiday when doctors' offices have been closed for a 3 day weekend. So the girls kept me company, I slept as I could, and hurray! I'm still breathing this morning. We need to find help this morning, at least get the pleural effusion drained again, and maybe move more quickly to the next stages of my treatment.

I've been relishing the wonderful stack of e-mails and greeting cards and notes. What a wonderful community of friends we have. I strongly wish to reply personally to each one, but I'm not sure when that will be. The difficulty with breathing really limits my energy and ability to get things done. So please accept my thanks and love. And keep praying.

After we search out our next steps today, we'll post another update.

Carol

Making Progress

Today has gone quite well. Carol is able to eat a bit and is taking a reasonable amount of liquids. Discomfort from the incision is about gone, but she is still having difficulty breathing. Do continue to pray for this problem, and for wisdom for us and the doctors. We are concerned that fluids may be building again around her lungs which may have to be removed. We were able to take Carol outside for a little walk in the lovely weather today which she enjoyed.

We appreciate you all so much. Several have asked about visiting and calls. We are hopeful that Carol will be able to take a few brief calls and/or visits tomorrow. If she is resting at the time, we will let you know.

Several have commented about the time stamp on these blogs. That time is Pacific and I have been unable to change it to Eastern...just make the three hour correction.

Love to you all,

Chuck...and Carol too

Good to be Home

What a blessing to be home!

Carol had a reasonably good night with some good sleep, but considerable coughing and some difficulty in breathing.

Please continue to pray that fluid around the lungs will stop forming and that coughing will diminish. We will be in communication with doctors later today.

With continued shortness of breath and tiredness, Carol is unable to speak with callers and visitors. I will keep you updated on that.

Thanks for your love and prayers,

Chuck...and Carol too

Prayer Answered!

Thanks for praying!

After a very difficult night and early morning, the doctor arrived to assess Carol's condition. Her breathing was very difficult with much coughing trying to eliminate mucus that was obstructing the movement of air. It was determined that the NG tube to her stomach could be removed which could be causing a mucus reaction to that foreign object in her body. With that removed, she was able to breathe easier. The doctor said that she could now begin to eat soft food, and if that went well along with the breathing, the incision staples could be removed and she could go home later in the day...and now at 3:30 PM (EST) SHE ARRIVED HOME!

The first thing she is doing is taking a shower, and then into bed for some rest. She is very weak and tired, but so thankful to be home and in her own bed.

Thanks for your concern and prayers. I will try to keep this blog updated daily or as special prayer needs arise. I am encouraging the girls to head home soon, so they can get back to their schedules. We were so blessed having them with us during these challenging days.

Love to you all,

Chuck...and Carol too

Difficult Night

Carol had a very difficult night. Much caughing, increasing mucus which makes breathing difficult. This is the first time that she specifically has asked me to get a prayer request out.

Thanks for praying...We are in His hands!

Chuck...and Carol too

Corner Turned?

We trust that Carol is now turning a corner and that we will continue to see regular improvement. It has been six rather long days in the hospital, but we have all been blessed because of your prayers. She is stronger and is sleeping less during the day with reduced medication, and hopefully she will soon be able to start eating again.

The use of morphine has been greatly reduced, the NG tube is still in, but pump action was turned off for much of the day and we are praying that the ileus (inactive bowel) will continue to improve so that the tube can be removed...possibly tomorrow? Carol was able to take three good walks down the hall today with IV pole and oxygen in tow. As you would expect, she is in good spirits and had us laughing several times with her quick wit.

Today Carol was awake long enough to listen to my reading emails and cards from you dear people. How blessed we are to have such caring, praying friends and family members! I would love to personally respond to each of you, but the days just seem too short to get everything done.

We continue to meet wonderful people at the hospital, and today had a Liberian from the Respiratory Department do some breathing treatments for Carol. He was born at Firestone and is familiar with the SIM ELWA hospital. He has a great burden for the Liberians and plans to return when he completes his medical education in order to help his people. It was exciting to listen to his clear appraisal of the Liberia situation, and we thank the Lord for people like him that can make a major difference in that needy country.

We all watched a couple of beautiful choral groups perform on TV in Carol's room this evening. One of the groups did The Messiah, which was especially meaningful to each of us. Tonight Karin is staying at the hospital. Our three gals are spoiling us!

Tomorrow, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Christmas plans sure have been changed, but He is still the same...yesterday, today and forever!

May the peace, joy and love of Jesus be yours tomorrow...and always!

We love you all,

Chuck...and Carol too

He's Sovereign!

Christmas Eve Morning! It is hard to believe that tomorrow is Christmas. It came so fast. Yesterday we had a sweet couple that we did not know, stop in to see us and leave a stocking filled with gifts for Carol. She is a cancer survivor of three years, and brings a stocking full for each patient suffering with a similar cancer. Included in the stocking was a journal which Carol is not able to use yet, a pill organizer, cookies, candy etc. They actually drove in some miles from another city to make the delivery at CMC where she had been cared for...God's angels at work?

Our plans certainly changed. Karin and family were to fly to Texas to be with Keith's family, Sue and family were to spend time with Jeff's family, and Carol and I planned to be in Washington DC to spend Christmas with Lisa. I am so thankful that we were all able to be together as a family during the week of Thanksgiving before we knew what was ahead of us. We are so blessed by a loving, caring family!

Yesterday I was reading Indeed which focused on God's sovereignty. It was good to be reminded that "NOTHING can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord". (Romans 8:38-39) We know that "bad" things happen to "good" people, but that is okay. I insert quotes around the bad and good because that appraisal may be only in my/our eyes. Regardless, we know beyond any shadow of a doubt...GOD IS Good! While it may be difficult for us to always understand, we believe Paul's statement, that all things are working together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (8:28).

These are trying times for all of us. I would love to say that we always are strong and brave, but we have those up and down emotions, and as I explained to our youngest grandchild (Gavin 13) strong men do cry. We had a good time talking about that one morning when the two of us were up long before the rest of the family prior to Carol's surgery. He had told his mom (Karin) that he was having a hard time not crying and being strong. Sometimes I believe that my grandkids can teach this old man far more than long-time teachers.

It will soon be time for the girls to be up, and we will again head into the city for a day at the hospital. I cannot tell you how blessed we are by your prayers and love. I print out each email when I return home, so Carol will be able to read them, but these last few days she has not been up to even listening to me read them to her. There have been no calls from Lisa this morning, so I assume that no news is good news and trust that today will be a day of progress for Carol.

We wish you all a Blessed Christmas. May that joy and peace that only comes through Jesus be yours now and until that day when all of His people meet in heaven...What a reunion!

Our love to all of you!

Chuck...and Carol too

Some Improvement

We are thankful that Carol rested better last night, and had a somewhat improved day today. The NG tube is quite uncomfortable and at this time she still is unable to take anything orally but a few ice chips and very small sips of water. If all goes well, we anticipate the tube can be removed in a day or two.

Lisa is staying with her tonight, and we are praying that she and Carol get some much needed rest. Saying that, and being almost midnight, I had better get a little shut-eye too before it is time to head for the hospital again.

Thanks for blessing us with your prayers!

Chuck...and Carol too

Praying for You

Awakening early this morning, I was praying for all of you dear family and friends that bless us with your prayers and love, expressed in so many wonderful ways.

It has been a tradition for the two of us each morning to spend time individually reading and praying for family, friends and world situations, and then to spend time together reading a brief devotional and then joining our hearts in prayer, especially for family and friends facing challenges. I am thankful for the girls being here, but do miss my "partner".

Currently we are using a devotional to which our Bible Teacher, Tom Bowers introduced us. It is Indeed, Knowing God With Certainty (Walk Thru The Bible), but over the years we have also used My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers) and others. As I think of the tremendous blessing of you caring, praying friends, I am reminded of something from Oswald Chambers..."My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Then when I stand face to face with God, I will discover that through my obedience thousands were blessed." We have been blessed by your obedience to Christ, and pray that we will bless many through our obedience to Him, even now as we "walk through the valley".

Because of Carol's condition, daughter Sue (RN) insisted on staying with Carol again last night. I pray that she was able to get some good sleep. It is too early to call her for an update now, but we again will head for the hospital as soon as the other girls who are home with me are up and ready. I will try to keep you up to date through the blog when I get home, and as there is something new to report.

Several have asked about visits and telephone calls. Carol is still not up for that yet, but hopefully will turn the corner shortly. I will let you know...your prayers are always important!

May each of us get a glimpse of God through pinholes of obedience to Christ today!

We love you all!

Chuck...and Carol too

Difficult Day

This has been a difficult day for Carol, but in spite of it all, she continues to keep a positive attitude and even comes up with a humorous comment from time to time.

It was projected by her doctor that she would leave the hospital today, but that did not happen. Another tube (NG) has been added to the assortment already attached to her body. This one removes fluid from her stomach. It was not pleasant having it inserted or having it in place, but it is accomplishing its purpose. We continue to pray that the digestive functions that were traumatized by the surgery will soon begin. The pulmonary Department has also administered treatments today to facilitate her breathing and she continues to receive oxygen.

All three girls continue to attend to Carol's needs during the day and help keep her comfortable. She has especially enjoyed their singing of Christmas Carols and other favorites to her. As I listen to them sing, I am reminded of the tremendous love of our father that sent Jesus into the world. What a Savior we have! I wonder how anyone can face times like this without knowing the Lord and resting in love, peace and the truths of His Word.

Thanks for the many assurances of your prayers. We are blessed by them!

Chuck...and Carol too

Fluid Removed Again

We found that the difficulty with breathing was caused by an increase of Pleural Effusion (fluid around lungs) again. The fluid was removed from around the right lung this afternoon, which gave Carol significant relief. There is also fluid around the left lung that is of a lesser volume and is hoped to dissipate without intervention.

Carol was able to take a couple of walks in the hall today, and pain from the surgery has been greatly reduced, for which we are most thankful.

Ongoing concerns for prayer are: (1) Continued wheezing, (2) Accumulation of pleural fluid around the lungs, (3) A low-grade temperature and (4) Needed digestive functions to return.

Join us in thanking the Lord for his peace and loving care. Your prayers are being answered!

If you wish to contact us, please do not respond to this blog, but send emails to: simwilsons@yahoo.com

We love you all,

Chuck...and Carol too

Pray for Carol

Carol had a very uncomfortable night. Breathing is extremely difficult and medications are not of much help.

Thanks for praying.

We are safe in God's hand!

Chuck...and Carol too

Carol's Progress

Today (Tuesday) Carol is much more alert due to less pain medication needed. Late in the morning, the nurses got her out of bed and took her for a short walk down the hall with all of her tubes in tow. Later in the day she was taken for a longer walk, and did well.

We are very pleased with the doctors and staff at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) that have been providing exceptional care for all of us. It is also a tremendous blessing to have daughter Sue who is an RN, checking on things and making sure that everything is being done properly.

Tonight Karin is spending the night with Carol. We trust that they will both get a good rest between the nurse visits to check vitals etc.

Thanks for praying!

Chuck...and Carol too

Thanks for Praying!

As I awoke this morning, I found myself thanking God for what appears to be some additional quality time with Carol beyond our 46 plus years together, and for fantastic praying family members and friends...that is YOU!

A dear friend recently wrote that they were praying for quality...not quantity time for us! I am not sure why we struggle so to stay here when we know what lies ahead. As Carol said prior to her surgery, "I win either way, but my concern is for you!" That may, at least in part, be the answer.

Some time ago our Sunday School class focused on Paul's prayer for the Colossians (Chapter 1), and that is what we pray for you and appreciate your praying for us. I especially enjoy the New Living Translation of this Scripture as Paul prays for them (as is our prayer):

1. For a complete understanding of what God wants to do in our lives.
2. That we will be wise with spiritual wisdom.
3. The way we live will always honor and please the Lord.
4. We will continually do good, kind things for others.
5. Learn to know God better and better
6. We will be strengthened with his glorious power.
7. Have all the patience and endurance that we need.
8. We will be filled with joy.
9 Always thanking the father, who has enabled us to share the inheritance.

Thanks for praying! We KNOW that God is good...always!

Have a wonderful day!

Chuck...and Carol too

Surgery

We praise the Lord that Carol came through surgery today and is in good spirits...which is not surprising. The surgeon removed a large paritoneal (sp?) cancer and found a considerable amount of cancerous cells which will require chemo treatments that will be started within 2-3 weeks, as soon as she can physically tolerate them. We have been blessed with an outstanding surgeon and medical people which the Lord, through your prayers, has provided.

All three of our daughters (Sue, Karin & Lisa) are with me, and Lisa is staying with Carol tonight at the hospital so that I can catch up a bit on rest. Carol is not up to telephone calls or visitors yet, but hopefully will be very soon. We will keep you posted.

Thanks so much to each of you for praying! Through those prayers, God has literally "moved many mountains" that we would love to tell you about later when we both are a bit more rested. Your notes, cards, emails, telephone calls and love have been a blessing to Carol and myself as well as the family.

Our love to each of you!

Chuck...and Carol too

A Merry Heart

The Bible says a merry heart is good medicine. In that case, I should arrive at surgery Monday morning in good health. It's been wonderful to have all 3 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 4 grandchildren here. Saturday evening we all went to SIM's Barbecue where they all said the meat was the best they'd ever had. Then they participated enthusiastically (wildly) in the dancing to a very fine bluegrass band. We all had a fun time.

Today I watched as they created 6 gingerbread houses, and we had a time of heartfelt sharing about our hopes and fears. I feel so loved.

When readers send replies to this blog, they go to my office e-mail, which won't be checked until I'm back to work. So if you want to write, please use simwilsons@yahoo.com. Thanks.

I appreciate all your prayers and love and notes.
Love,
Carol

Relief

On Friday morning I had some fluid drained from below my right lung, and I'm breathing better. We continue to be amazed by the competency and compassion of the medical staff we meet--and we're meeting a lot of them!

We completed the pre-op about an hour ahead of their prediction. By then both Chuck and I were so tired that we fled home and took a nap.

Now Sue and Jeff with Justin and Jeremy have arrived. Lisa is still on the road, but should be here soon. (It's about 6 pm.) Karin, Gavin and Calli are still here, of course, and Keith is flying in about 8 pm. What a wonderful comfort it is to be surrounded by these loving people, and also to be held up in prayer by hundreds of caring friends. Most of all, it's wonderful to be held safely in God's hands.

Surgery Scheduled

Times:
Thoracentesis (drain fluid from pleural cavity) Friday at 10:00 am.
Surgery Monday, 12/19 at 7:30 am at Carolinas Medical Center, Dr. Hall surgeon

Please pray for anesthesiologist, surgeon and everyone involved. And please ask God to give peace and hope to Chuck and the whole family. Thanks.

So thankful!

We're so thankful for our family and friends, and for all the prayers being offered on our behalf. We're thankful, also, for the remarkable way doors are opening for me to see the best doctors so quickly.

On Tuesday, December 13, we saw Dr. Boyd, oncologist. He feels that removing the tumor(s) will bring an end to the formation of this fluid which causes so much breathing distress. So he arranged for me to see Dr. Hall, gynecological oncologist, yesterday (Wednesday). We're sure these doctors are sacrificing their personal time to see me on such short notice. We don't yet have specific times scheduled, but Dr. Hall plans for me to go in tomorrow (Friday) for pre-op clinic and to get the fluid under my right lung drained again. Then he hopes to do surgery early Monday. Draining the fluid will again give me 2 or 3 days of wonderful relief, and it's necessary for the surgery as well.

No, the C-T pictures didn't suddenly become clearer. The lower abdomen is still shrouded by fluid filled with cancer cells, and they can't actually "read" the ovaries. But all the doctors agree that whether it's the ovaries or some other nearby object, the surgery would be the same anyway, so they're going to do it. Dr. Hall will begin with a hysterectomy and will then remove any cancer spots he sees elsewhere. (Sorry; I'm sure there's a more medical way to say that.) The surgery will last 2 to 3 hours, and he says I'll be in the hospital at least until Thursday. We're aware of risks, but we trust God and our doctors too. Soon after surgery we'll consider a plan to deal with the cancer cells that have spread widely through my body.

Karin, Gavin and Calli (from Indiana) drove here on Monday, and have been both practically helpful and spiritually encouraging. Lisa (from Washington DC) plans to come today or Friday. Sue (from Michigan), Justin and Jeremy, and maybe her husband Jeff also, will drive down on Friday. And Keith will come sometime on the weekend. I'm so thankful that we'll have the weekend together, with me fairly functional, before surgery. (James and Liz can't come because her baby is due soon. They faithfully send their love.)

I certainly don't intend to burden you with long messages. It took me a couple of days to figure out how to post messages from home to this spot, so there was a little catching up to do.

Thanks to each one who is checking on me, and praying for me. I love you!

Oncologist appointment Tuesday, December 13

Thanks to God, Chuck and friends, we have an appointment with Dr. James Boyd, oncologist, here in Charlotte. He's the one we most wanted to see--and it had looked like a wait of several weeks. I'll see him Tuesday morning at 8:30.

Since the C-T did not reveal the initial location of the cancer, I don't anticipate any clear plan of action until further tests to find out what kind of cancer it is.

Karin and her children (Gavin 13 and Calli 11) are driving from Indiana today and will be with us for about a week. On Friday, 16th, Sue and her two youngest boys (Justin 20 and Jeremy 18) are coming, and they also will be here nearly a week. Can you imagine a better way to cheer and encourage a mom/grandma?

This year I put up extra ribbons for displaying cards. The Christmas cards and the cheer-up cards are going up together. That's the reality this year. Heartfelt thanks to all who have sent such encouraging e-mails. I'd love to answer each one.

Last evening we went to see the local Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The garden paths are beautifully lighted for Christmas. Inside, we heard a marvelous concert by the St Stephens AME Church choir. The last song was "Jesus, You're the Center of my Joy." I woke up with that song singing in my mind this morning. The entire concert was better than medicine!

Progress

Thanks to God and the efforts of Chuck and dear friends, I will get to see a highly-regarded oncologist next week. The C-T scan this morning confirms the presence of cancer cells in the pleural fluid and also in the abdomen. It rules out the lungs, breast, colon, pancreas and bones as the primary location. But the scan doesn't indicate where the cancer started, so that's the search for next week. Meanwhile, thanks for your prayers. And for all the wonderful e-mails and calls.

C-T done

C-T is done. We're hoping to know sometime today where the cancer started. Then as soon as I can see an oncologist, we can begin to explore options. We are praying, and appreciate your prayers.
Love,
Carol

C-T scheduled

Chuck was able to schedule a C-T scan for Friday morning, December 9. I'm so grateful for his loving care and his successful intervention with all these frustrations and delays. It could be a few days before we learn the result of the scan, but as soon as I know I'll post the information here.

Thanks for your love and prayers.

Carol

I'm not sick

Here's where we'll post updates. Right now we're trying to get in for a c-t scan and to see an oncologist.

As I've said, we feel safe in God's hands. And I'm not sick.

Thanks for caring.

Carol Wilson