Carol Wilson Update

Stage 4 Cancer brought many challenges--and also a host of loving and praying friends. Almost-daily postings to this site are to help my friends walk with me through this journey, and to express my gratitude to them and especially to God...On 7/8/08 Carol passed through that final curtain of death and is now healed. We thank God for her life and "arrival"! Chuck

Thursday, May 30, 2013

On the road again


The trip to Florida with Stuart and Donna went very well.  We had perfect weather with only a couple of brief showers while there, and Stuart managed the trip very well even though he was in plenty of pain after the bone biopsies.  My back also cooperated well and seems to be continuing to improve daily.  I just need to continue the exercises that the physical therapist gave me which are far too easy to put off.  Thanks to all of you that continue to remind me to keep doing them.

Laura is doing well after the scare in Michigan for which we are most thankful.  I even anticipate seeing them at the lake this weekend with most of the other family members when we get together for Calli’s graduation party.  I plan to leave early tomorrow morning for Indiana so do pray for safe travel as I hit the road again...possibly still a bit tired! 

Two new prayer requests…Friend and former co-worker Carolyn is in the hospital intensive care unit with a very serious breathing problem that they are still attempting to diagnose.  They have done a biopsy but at last report nothing conclusive had been learned.   My bosses’ son, Michael, arrived in Iraq a few days ago and has now been sent to a hospital in Jordan where they just did a bone morrow test in an attempt to determine what is causing the sudden extreme pain and enlarged spleen.  Some of the possibilities are most concerning so they are in the process of preparing him for a flight back to the states for further testing and possible treatment.  Do join us in praying for these two dear friends.

Tomorrow morning will come mighty soon and I have a number of things to complete at the office and then pack for the trip, so I need to draw this to a close quickly.  I am so thankful for all of you that so faithfully pray and keep in touch.

Have a blessed week,

Chuck

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Pray and not give up!


“Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  (Luke 18:1) Then he proceeded to tell about the persistent widow.  With the many challenges that friends are currently facing, that has been a good reminder for me not to give up praying.

I talked with Stuart a few minutes ago.  He has just finished a full day of tests at Duke which included the painful bone marrow test.  They will be spending the night there where hopefully Stuart will be able to get some good rest after all of the invasive procedures today.  If he is up to it, I plan to drive them to Florida next week to investigate the possibility of eventually joining our retirement facility there.  Join me in praying for them…for strength, stamina and wisdom in all of the decisions hitting them, along with special wisdom for the medical people as they decide how best to attack his condition.   I am praying for a complete remission!

Justin drove back from Michigan on Sunday and I had the opportunity to spend some time with him before taking Lisa to the airport for her return to DC.  Laura and Ella flew back on Monday and at last report were taking it easy but doing well for which we do thank the Lord.  It will be much better for the little one to hold off for a few more weeks.

I completed my physical therapy sessions on Thursday and now am having to focus on keeping up with the exercises that they assure me will bring me back to normal again.  I am thankful that my back is so very much better, but I still “know that it is there.”

Thanks so much for faithfully praying.  I trust that we will never give up as long as we have breath.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Thanks for praying


Thanks to each of you that faithfully keep in touch and have been praying.  My back continues to improve and I am able to do most things fairly well with the exception of bending over, which is still quite painful but improving.  I have been blessed by so many that have stepped in to help.  Yesterday, friend Don came over to spread mulch for me and when I returned home I found that Rob had mowed the lawn again.  I am blessed!
Thanks for praying for Stuart.  He is now feeling stronger after the every-day radiation last week and it appears that the radiation shrunk the two large tumors.  He will go to Duke for additional tests next week in preparation for a possible stem cell transplant later on.  I know that he does not feel up-to-par but keeps on top of all of his responsibilities.  Few would guess how much he has been suffering.  Always cheerful and ready to help with anything!

I just got word that Laura (Ella’s mom) who in visiting in Michigan was taken to the hospital with labor pains, but is only around the 26th week.  Daughter Sue reported that she seems to be doing better now but I am sure that she will not be as involved in activities this weekend as planned.  Justin has gone up there to be with her and her family.  Do pray for Laura and the “little one”.

With all of the things that I have “on my plate” currently, coupled with so many health issues that friends and family members are facing, Proverbs chapter three has been a good reminder to fully trust the Lord rather than just relying on our finite understanding.  I wonder if Solomon was thinking of his father, King David’s words, when David was approaching the end of his life saying; “And you my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.  If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”  (1 Chronicles 28:9)

Love to you all,
Chuck

Monday, May 06, 2013

Prayer Needed

We were saddened to receive the following update on Stuart's medical condition.  Please pray for peace and encouragement for him and the family and wisdom and guidance for him and the medical people.

Stuart writes…

Over the past year or so I experienced some odd symptoms that went unexplained despite extensive, thorough testing by various medical specialists.  Symptoms stabilized after a while, but doctors continued to be vigilant.  I followed through with regular appointments and testing which remained unrevealing.

In recent weeks some pain resurfaced, taking me back to the doctor who ordered extra tests—tests that were completely normal three months ago.  The result has been a whirlwind.  Scans revealed numerous bone lesions and a couple of worrisome masses requiring immediate radiation (to prevent one mass from invading the spinal canal, and to relieve the pain from both).  I began radiation treatments this past week and was officially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on Friday. 

Doctors are stunned by the sudden, rapid activation and spread of disease which is going to require aggressive treatment.  Most of that treatment will take place in Charlotte, but I will also need a stem cell transplant (if declared medically eligible after further testing) which can’t be done in Charlotte.  I am told that I should be able to continue working (obviously making accommodations as needed) until the transplant which is tentatively planned for sometime this Fall.  That would take place at Duke, where I would be staying for 1-2 months.  I would then return to Charlotte for additional recovery time and medical follow-up.  

This has taken us, but not God, by surprise, and we are already marveling at how He has orchestrated the timing of all kinds of details.  We are still absorbing the magnitude of the news we’ve received, the volume of information we’ve had to process in a short time, and the potential ramifications of it all.  We realize there are plenty of unknowns ahead, but our desire is to continue what God has called us to do here and to minimize the impact of these events on our work here at SIM.  God knows what each day will hold, so we are entrusting our lives and this whole situation to Him, knowing He is good and will orchestrate what is best for all of us.  Only He knows what that will look like from one day to the next. 

We value your prayers as our family embarks on this journey.

Gratefully,

Stuart, for Donna and the Family
 
Your prayers are so much appreciated!
 
Love,  Chuck