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