Pictures from the last few weeks

Cherie snapped this one of me during former President Bush's televised memorial...it's actually just an advertisement for Hillsdale College in disguise!

Always in good spirits!

Many friends provided meals for my parents during Cherie's hospital stay. These are only 2 of them!

Going home!

more flowers

Walking after surgery with the best roommate of the entire hospital visit

One of Cherie's friends acquired a Santa suit

No explanation needed for this one!

More stuff from friends

only some of the goods that came home with her!

Faithful mom resting in a faithful God, with her warm blanket

!

PET scan results and more

December 28, 2018

The oncologist, Dr. Brooks, called today and let us know some of the results on the PET scan:

- There are some other lymph nodes back behind the abdomen, along the aorta area that are involved
- It looks like there is also one in the chest area, more in the center of the body that could easily be cancer, but possibly inflamation
- There's a tiny spot on the liver that the radiologist sees

Cherie has an appointment with Dr. Brooks on Monday. Now that the PET scan results are back he will be discussing the exact plan of treatment for her at this appointment. We were not able to follow up with questions regarding the PET scan, but we will do that on Monday.

We do have an update on the insurance situation:

Liberty Healthshare has given a verbal agreement to pay for up to $50k in medical bills...we have yet to see that in writing. They have told Cherie various other things before and much of it has not panned out, so I am doubting the trustworthiness of this company.

Cherie has applied for emergency ACHHS (whatever the letters are...you get the picture) and has been told by her social worker that she should find out approval by the end of this week. The social worker is on vacation until Monday, so Cherie will follow up with her at that point.

There are some bills rolling in. Cherie is trying to maneuver the ins and outs of how payment works, especially since Liberty has pulled the rug out from under her at this point (especially with nothing in writing). I will be posting a link for people to be able to help monetarily with some medical bills she will be responsible for, even if approved by ACHHS.

Thank you to the many people who have contacted Liberty Healthshare on Cherie's behalf, voicing your concerns. I do believe the sudden turn around in approving the $50k (not yet in writing) is due to these calls and emails from many of you.

What to pray for:

- Pray for my mom. She and Cherie met with a nutritionist that specializes in cancer treatment patients. My mom takes these things seriously and has made all kinds of lists of foods that will help fulfill Cherie's nutritional challenges these next 6 months (and following). These foods are nothing new to my mom, but I do believe she feels the burden to provide Cherie with the very best foods, as well as not sacrificing the things my dad prefers. Pray that she not feel this burden too much, but rest in the fact that God will carry Cherie through this, even if she doesn't get her daily recommended dose of the good foods He has given us on this earth

- Pray for wisdom in facing the medical bills and how to handle them. There are many resources we have found, but we just have not had the time to pursue them and sometimes it feels like a lot of rabbit trails since this world of sickness is nothing Cherie or my parents have ever had to face before

What to thank God for:

- Cherie has had a wonderful Christmas season with many friends and family that have encouraged her in the last couple of weeks. The house is still full of flowers and goodies that arrive daily

- Praise God for providing a good team of people that are assisting Cherie with the ins and outs of being sick with cancer

- Praise God for the snow on the mountains this morning. When she looks out the window she can enjoy a beautiful view of the white flakes that fell last night, covering the mountain with a curtain of beauty

Christmas

December 26, 2018

Cherie and my parents had a wonderful time with friends on Christmas Day. Family from California will arrive this evening and my family will be spending the day in Tucson tomorrow. We anticipate a sweet time of fellowship. Our two college students that are home are excited to see the Gray family!

Cherie will be having the PET scan done within the next couple of days. This will show wherever there is cancer in the rest of her body. We are eager to hear the results from this test, as we've been wondering for some time now where else the cancer might be. I'm certain that many of you have been waiting anxiously to find out the results from this test.

Chemo will be on hold for a little longer until we get insurance figured out. I just want to make sure you are all aware of the frustration Cherie has been having:

Cherie signed up for a new insurance last summer. It's called Liberty Healthshare and it's not a traditional insurance, but a network of people who share costs. It had come highly recommended. On the second day that Cherie was in the hospital this month, the finance guy at the hospital said he had connected with Liberty and everything would be covered after the $500 deductible. That was wonderful news? Then on Wed of this last week we were informed by Liberty that they decided they would not pay for anything related to treatment for cancer. It was new that hit us hard. Since then we have been battling insurance instead of battling cancer and, in fact, we've had to cancel at least one procedure because of costs. Thank you for helping us pray towards a solution. A couple of days ago Cherie signed up for ACHCCS, which I wrote about a couple of days ago. We'll find out next week if she's been approved. We are still going ahead with the PET scan, in hopes that things will work out. If you feel led to write Liberty regarding Cherie's case, I have included the contact info below. I feel strongly about getting the word out about this company, mostly because they claim to be faith based and have dropped Cherie on the coverage when she needs it the most. She had no sure pre-existing signs or diagnosis of cancer previous to her hospitalization. It's important to get the word out that Liberty has refused to pay for anything related to cancer for Cherie, claiming it was a pre-existing condition when she signed up for insurance. The doctors have sent notes and documentation to show otherwise, yet Liberty is still denying coverage. People need to know not to sign up for insurance coverage with Liberty Healthshare, since the same might happen to them!

Here is the contact info for Liberty, if you feel led to pursue giving your feedback regarding their decision to refuse coverage to Cherie for anything related to her cancer. I know a couple of you have already contacted them on Cherie's behalf. Thank you!

Phone: (855) 585-4237

Email: info@libertyhealthshare.org

I will inform you of the results from the PET scan when we are ready to share the news.

Insurance

December 22, 2018

The last 2 days my parents and Cherie AND Cherie's doctors have been fighting insurance regarding coverage. Her insurance, Liberty HealthShare, has decided not to cover anything related to Cherie's cancer. Doctors have written letters and a social worker also went to bat for Cherie. To say the least, I am very disappointed with the choice Liberty has made to not provide coverage and I feel that it's important you all know about the insurance company. When you need them the most, they drop you, claiming you signed up with a pre-existing illness when there's no record of any symptoms of her cancer previous to the discovery of the tumor. If you are looking for insurance I would think twice before signing up with Liberty HealthShare. Please feel free to let them know how disappointed you are to hear this, especially since they claim their insurance is based on Christian principles. There was no knowledge of pre-existing cancer or even any sure sign of it before 3 weeks ago!

Cherie has applied for AHCCCS and that one actually looks promising! Just think: Our tax dollars get to go towards helping Cherie fight her cancer! We will know in about a week if she is approved for coverage. Please pray that she will be approved.

Quick update

December 20, 2018

I need to start by saying that I know a lot of you would like daily updates, even if there's nothing that has changed or ways you can pray. I'm going to do my best to give you those daily updates, even if they're just short and even if it's just telling you that nothing has changed that day. My mom and sister are getting bombarded with texts and it has been very difficult to keep up with all of those...and they are the people that would try to keep up not matter what! There have been many doctors appointments and insurance issues that are taking up A LOT of their time. They want to keep you updated, so I will try to do that daily. Thank you for your prayers and concerns. With that, I know you will all understand the time it can take to send lots of texts trying to update friends and be sensitive to my family's time. Thank you, in advance, for your thoughtfulness and concern. I understand that's exactly what it is and that no is trying to burden my family!

Cherie has been home, living with my parents for over a week now. Those first few days home she had a rough time coping with pain and she even made another trip to the ER, due to issues that are common with the healing process from the kind of major surgery she endured.

I went to visit her this past Monday and, other than a little weakness when walking long distances, she doesn't even seem like she just had major surgery! She seems like herself again! My mom even took her to church this past Sunday!

We visited the oncologist, Dr. Brooks, late Monday afternoon. He was able to go over the pathology report with us and explain what it meant. There are only some things that we know and we now have to wait until the PET scan is done before he comes up with a certain treatment plan. Here are a few things we learned:  During the surgery they removed 20 lymph nodes. 19 of those had cancer in them. There was also a nodule in the omentum that had cancer in it. We also know that the depth of invasion of the tumor in her body had gone through the bowel and into the lining of the abdomen. Once the PET scan is done, it will identify any visible cancer anywhere else and we can decide how to attack it. It will definitely be aggressive treatment. The duration of the treatment will depend on the PET scan results.

Meanwhile, my mom is nursing Cherie back to good health. She has always made nutritious, homemade meals and Cherie is eating those and quickly gaining her strength back!

Now for something that must be shared from the bottom of my heart, with love, to all of Cherie's friends that care so deeply for her. When our loved ones get sick, we always want them to choose the best way to get better. We do research and learn of things that helped other people and we want Cherie to experience the same healing. All of you know that cancer is a life threatening sickness. First, I want to thank you, on behalf of all the Gray family, for trying to help by suggesting ways for Cherie to deal with her cancer. We know that no one wants to step on any toes and we also know that what you share, as far as her treatment methods, is because you love her and want only the best. Our feelings are not hurt! Please know (and take to heart) that we have not shared everything having to do with every aspect of her cancer. We have shared with you the things that are necessary in order for you to pray and understand the seriousness of Cherie's sickness. Because of various factors, Cherie has decided to fight her cancer with chemotherapy. I will keep you updated on those treatments as we go along. She will also be eating quite healthy since my mom is preparing her meals.

Cherie has loved having visitors and we would like to continue that as much as possible. When you visit, she would love to hear about life, your encouraging words, and how you are praying for her. I would ask that you refrain form discussing her choice of treatment with her and trust that, no matter what, God holds her in His hand and He is faithful to the plan HE has for her.

Here is how you can pray:

- Cherie is having complications with her health insurance company. Please pray that this will all get worked out and that God will bring wise counsel in how to deal with the situation. She and my parents are pursuing various possible options.

- Pray for peace for Cherie. It will be a long and tiresome road ahead. Pray that she will be mindful of God's provision and will take this on one day at a time.

-  Pray for the PET scan to reveal every area where the cancer is

- Pray for her oncologist, Dr. Brooks, that he will have wisdom in how to create the best treatment plan for her

Praises:

- Cherie really likes her oncologist!

- Cherie has discovered a plethora of great resources and people in the cancer healthcare field!

- She is sleeping well and eating more each day!

- She has had lots of visitors (within reason) and she loves all the flowers that people bring with them! If you want to visit, please schedule with my mom.

Peace

December 16, 2018

Cherie would like to thank you all for your prayers. Recovering from major surgery is so much more do-able when you have a team of people behind you, lifting you up in prayer!

This past week has been a long week of recovery, but she is gaining strength each day. The week before us will entail learning more information about the cancer as well as the treatment that is ahead. There are still many questions and we would like for you all to bow before our Creator, Maker of all things, and ask that He give us Peace. It will be easy to become overwhelmed. Cherie will need help focusing on the here and now. Pray that her strength be drawn from the only One who can give it.

Once we've had time to meet with the doctors this week there will be a lot to discuss as a family. Please pray for our time together. We will need to pour into Cherie in many ways. Please pray that God will pour His Peace upon us. Pray for the doctors, that a realness would be present in their explanations and pray for our ears, hearts and minds to process what is being spoken. May our only filter be the Holy Spirit.

I will write on the blog again, but I ask for your continued patience. My heart strings will be pulled and stretched these next couple of days of doctors' visits with Cherie.


Our oldest 2 sons will be coming home from college in a couple of days. They have expressed how much they are looking forward to spending time with Cherie. Pray that those days will be sweet.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?"  Psalm 27:1

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings of eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Teach me, Lord. Teach me Lord, to wait.

Passing Through the waters and rivers and walking through the fire Isaiah 43:1-5

December 11, 2018

The last week and a half has turned some lives upside down. Cherie has been faced with the challenges of healing from surgery, my parents have accommodated their schedule to take care of her, and I'm still trying to figure out how to be of help from 2 hours away. I've decided I will attend some appointments with Cherie as she learns more about her new life ahead. She will need wisdom as she considers how she's going to fight this cancer.

It has been quite an educational road as we learn more about our complex human body. We've seen how even a little nerve can cause so much pain when it is disturbed. We've learned the importance of walking after surgery to grow strong and be ready for the next hurdle of this race. We've learned the importance of a "sucker machine". It's really called something else, but I like calling it a sucker machine. It's a plastic contraption that Cherie has to suck on as hard as possible, as often as possible, to strengthen her lungs since she was intubated for the surgery a week ago. She has been up and walking many times per day and she is learning how to manage her pain so her body can heal.

She is meeting with the surgeon today to discuss the possibility of a port and what that would mean. Next week we meet with the oncologist and we'll find out a plethora of information that we will share here on this blog.

Cherie wanted me to tell you all thank you for the beautiful flowers, precious gifts and encouraging messages. If you would like to visit her you will need to contact my mom. If you don't have my mom's number, just text Cherie and she will pass your info on to my mom.

A friend recently shared a passage of scripture that was a reminder of God's faithfulness and love, so I will share it here:

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel. 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, people in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you.' "
Isaiah 43:1-5


Things to pray for:

- Pray that Cherie will have strength enough to research her options when she is feeling well throughout the day. There will be many decisions she'll need to make and will need to be informed as much as possible ahead of time so she can ask the right questions.

- Pray for my parents: That God will keep them healthy and free from sickness as they walk this path with Cherie as her caregivers right now.

- Pray for the surgeon. If the port is going to be put in place it is a simple outpatient surgery. Pray that he will be well rested beforehand and the procedure will go smoothly

- Pray for God to prepare our hearts for what we will hear from the oncologist next week.


Praises:

- We praise God that Cherie is able to eat and drink again, thus making her body heal quickly

- We praise God that my parents are active and healthy, allowing them to help Cherie physically and standing strong with her emotionally

- We praise God for hope. There is no hope outside of Him and I can't imagine going through this without being able to hope and trust in God's perfect will as He sanctifies us daily

"Therefore, my dear friends...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."  Philippians 2:12-13

December 8th, 2018

I should probably let you all know that the last post was a very difficult one for me. I have spent the last 2 days coming to grips with the fact that sitting down to write another post means I have to face the realities of what is in front of me. The thought of putting my hands on a computer keyboard means I have to think about the things that are ahead. It means I have to put my hope and trust in Christ alone for a situation I have no control over and, after a true evaluation of my heart, I've decided I'm not always up to facing the realization that I'm not in control.

 I have also found it will be unrealistic for me to post about my sister daily. Since I have come back home I have had to play catch up on my seasonal chocolate business, as well as spend time with my own family, see my daughter's play, plan meals for the coming week, and try to keep decorating for Christmas!

The last two days at the hospital have been a concentration of doctors and nurses visiting Cherie, trying to help her shake the nausea that she's been experiencing.

 On Wednesday night, just after I left for Phoenix, Cherie got to have some broth, jello, and water! She was so excited to have some food by mouth again! It had been one week since she had any food or water. Any liquids she had were given intravenously. After an eventful evening Wednesday night, as well as into the early hours of the morning, Cherie finally got a private room again. The roommate situation was not...should we say...ideal. Thankfully Cherie had a nurse that helped her get a private room at 3am in the morning. The nurse moved all of Cherie's stuff, single handedly, and even hung her Christmas lights in her new, private room!

The best part of this whole post is that Cherie got to go home today!!!! The nurses and doctors were able to get her nausea under control beginning last night, so they could release her today! She is home, tucked into a bed at my parents' house with her dog, Gracie, at her side. She will continue walking as much as possible (whether she wants to or not) now that she is home and she will get yummy, homemade, nutritious protein shakes that my mom will make for her daily. She is allowed to have all kinds of soft foods now, from ice cream to chicken noodle soup and even some slices of turkey or whatever she would like...as long as it's not salad or anything irritating to her system.

The biggest item on the agenda is to keep Cherie walking several times a day so she will heal well from the surgery. The next item on the agenda is a simple surgery to put in a port cat (also know as a port catheter) so that all medications, blood draws and chemo treatments can be hooked up in one place, without having to be poked and prodded every hour of every day! It's a simple outpatient surgery and it will be very helpful for everything that's ahead of her.

As you are waiting for the next post, you can assume that Cherie is gaining strength, walking, and eating real food as well as enjoying a bed that is not in the hospital. She has moved in with my parents for now and they are the best care givers anyone could ever ask for!

The road ahead is still very much unknown. Once Cherie gains her strength back we do know they will want to start chemotherapy ASAP. We also have yet to learn about some molecular tests that have been done on the cancer, which will help the oncologist develop a plan of action.

At this point Cherie would love to have visitors, but everything will have to be scheduled on a day to day basis, depending on how well she feels each day. Although Cherie would love to have a room full of people that love her, there are some restrictions that come along with visiting. If you are able to get an appointment to visit her  (see below) please don't wear any cologne, perfumes or lotions. These sorts of smells tend to make her nauseous.

There are plans in the works for the body of Christ to take action in helping my parents care for my sister. Since I don't live in the same town, I am limited in helping out physically with the daily list of necessary things my parents will need to help Cherie through this season of her life. I have learned a lot from friends that have been in the very same shoes of having to care for a loved one facing cancer treatment and, in a weird way, I am thankful for that. I have many ways you will be able to help. Plans are being formed and prayer lists are being made, as we learn more about this road that is inevitable. I know many of you want to help in some way. Sit tight. I will communicate many needs that you all will be able to help with in due time. Right now, please pray for Cherie's healing to be quick so she can start treatment as soon as possible.

In my last post I wrote that I would post a list of prayer requests and praises. My emotions clouded much of what I should have written as a follow up to that post. I have needed to refocus my eyes on the only Hope that is in front of me. I pray that I will be able to convey all prayer requests and praises in a post tomorrow, on the Lord's day, one of rest and reflection. My family and the Gray family do covet your prayers.

If you would like to visit Cherie, appointments need to be made on a day to day basis, depending on how she is feeling physically. Tomorrow I will write about how you can visit!

December 6, 2018

Today we heard some difficult news. I can't line it with roses, but I will do my best to convey what you all need to hear.

Cherie met with an oncologist today for a consult. There are some things we know now and some things we still don't know. I will share with you what we know and fill you in when we learn more.

Cherie has Stage 4 colon cancer. It is in her lymph nodes as well as outside her lymph nodes. When the surgeon removed the tumor he also removed the lesser omentum, which is the fatty apron of the abdomen, the protective system in the abdomen. The biopsy has shown it had cancer all in it. So now we know it has spread within the abdomen. Right now there is no evidence that it has spread to other organs, but we won't know that until Cherie gets a PET scan. The PET scan has not been scheduled yet. The oncologist is still waiting for the molecular tests to come back and that will tell him a lot more of the specifics he will need for treatment.

The good news is that the surgeon came in today and told Cherie that she may be able to go home tomorrow! She's going to eat some mashed potatoes and hopefully some ice cream and we'll see how her body tolerates it. Her vital signs are good, too, so most likely she will be going home tomorrow.

So what happens now?

First and foremost, the doctors want Cherie to recover and heal from the surgery. She will need a good few weeks, at least, to fully heal. At that point, her oncologist will come up with a plan for aggressive chemotherapy.

The road ahead is an unforeseen one for each of us, but we rest assured that God has a plan. He is the Maker and Creator of all things. He is mighty. Our hope is in Him. Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. May we be mindful of this as we continue to lift up Cherie daily in prayer.

I will send a list of prayer requests and praises, but I wanted to get this post out and give you all the information as soon as possible. The next post will contain those things that are needed.

Surgeon visit/ follow up and new update!

Dear Friends and Family of Cherie,

Thank you all for your prayers! We are all still praising God for his plan to have Cherie wake up from the surgery without a bag! She was still in recovery until around 9pm. When she got to her room, we told her that she didn't have a bag and, even though she was groggy, she was sooo happy!

Cherie's day started with a text to mom and me, asking for watermelon jolly ranchers! Mom rushed down to the store on her way to the hospital and fulfilled her request. Cherie said it was wonderful to have a jolly rancher! She has been having ice chips throughout the day and that will be all she can have for a couple of days. The doctor wants to take it real slow, giving the colon time to heal well before taking any chances with even water flowing through.

Although she is in a lot of pain, the pain medication takes the edge off pretty well. She was able to get up and walk to the door today and will now be taking a very long nap!

The surgeon came in to check on Cherie. He wanted to know how her pain was and he explained to her that she won't be having anything by mouth for a couple of days. We asked him about the biopsy results from the colonoscopy. He let us know they came back malignant. He spoke frankly, but softly, and with care. As far as the tumor (previously what I referred to as the mass)...we won't know about the results from that biopsy until possibly even after the weekend! Once we get that report it will tell us what stage the cancer is in and the condition of the lymph nodes. He did say he often sends home patients without having the stage results and particulars about the cancer.

How You Can Pray:

- Pray for continued pain relief for Cherie and that her colon will heal well in these next 2 days

- Pray for continued wisdom for the doctor

- Pray for reassurance in the doctor's heart and mind that he made a good decision. He explains to us that any time he re-connects the colon he is nervous until he sees results of it healing well

- Pray for Cherie to be able to walk daily so things will get moving down below and she can go home!

- Pray for Cherie's roommate to be pleasant. She is no longer in a private room (since the surgery). Her current roommate will be leaving today and she will be getting a new one.

- Pray for Cherie's heart to be prepared for the news she receives from the surgery biopsy in a few days

- Pray we can get the results from the biopsy sooner than a few more days!!


Things You Can Praise God for:

- Praise God that she slept well through the night. She's been getting great sleep today so far, which will allow her body to heal faster

- Continue to praise God for this doctor. His bedside manner is personal, frank, funny at times, and it's important to him that Cherie is healing fast and well. We couldn't be more thankful for this surgeon!

- Praise God that Cherie was able to walk a little today

- Cherie was able to thank the surgeon today for doing everything he could to connect the colon back together and not have to have a bag. She said thank you at least three times and all three times he humbly responded with something reassuring


Thanks be to God for his goodness! Thank you, Lord, that this is all in Your hands.


"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

Surgery Results

Thank you all for your steadfast prayers, as many of them were answered!

Cherie made it wonderfully through 4 hours of surgery. The doctor was able to reconnect the colon after removing the tumor. So no colostomy bag and no ileostomy bag! Going into surgery having a bag afterwards was an expectation. The surgery was lengthy, mostly because the tumor was joined to the spleen. It took him a long time to pull the tumor off without doing any damage. There was no unusual blood loss and she is stable, currently in the recovery room.

Without having a report on the biopsy yet, he did indicate that it looks as if it's malignant. The lymph nodes in the area looked enlarged and hard. He did not see any sign of the malignancy on the liver. He said mostly likely there will be chemo, but no radiation.

These next 2 days are important. If there will be any leakage it's usually within the first couple of days. He is going to hold off on giving her any liquids for a couple of days. She can have ice chips and throat lozenges.

The surgeon feels really good about the surgery. We are thankful God chose this man when He created him to bring honor and glory to Him through the use of his hands (and robotics) to operate on my sister today!

My guess is that, when all the anesthesia has worn off, Cherie will wake up as her normal, cheery self. And she will be relieved that she didn't wake up with a bag (no pun intended, well maybe it was)!

Someone named Amy Burton just brought a wonderful meal to the waiting room! We are going to eat it in jubilation and thankfulness for God's continued faithfulness as we wait for Cherie to get out of the recovery room. I will update more later, but I'm hungry now.

Surgery today

The surgery is scheduled for 1pm today. I will update this evening...

December 2, 2018

December 2, 2018

Surgery is scheduled for Monday afternoon. The surgeon will be removing the mass and submitting it for biopsy. It may take up to 5 days to get those results.

Here is what you can pray for:

-          - Pray for wisdom for the surgeon. There are enough unknowns right now that he will have to make decisions during surgery regarding what will be in Cherie’s best interest.

 Pray that he has a restful weekend, with wonderful food and time with friends so that he can be renewed and ready for Cherie’s surgery

-          Pray for rest and ease of pain for Cherie

-          Pray for Cherie’s strength. She has not been allowed to have any food or liquids since early Thursday morning and things will need to continue like this for at least a couple days more

-          Pray for strength renewed daily for my parents and myself

-          Pray for the health of my family as I am away from them to help with things in Tucson right now. Pray for us as we find the new norm from 2 hours away and what that will look like

-          Pray for all of us to stay healthy, free from illness, so that we can be by Cherie’s side while this is all initially unfolding

Here’s what you can give praise for:

-          Cherie now has her own room! And it has a window, which is what she’s been asking for!

-          A good friend brought some Christmas lights into her room to hang. That has set a beautiful tone and put a smile on her face

-          God has given her wonderful, caring nurses and just the right doctors. I did my research on the doctors and each of them has very high reviews!

December 2, 2018

Since you are on this blog  you already know my sister, Cherie, has been in the hospital since this last Thursday, the 29th of November. She went in with massive stomach pains. After an X-ray and CAT scan the Dr. came in and said she might have colon cancer. That was a surprise! She had a colonoscopy on Friday, during which tissue samples were taken. This is where I will pick up with this blog. My entries may not be daily, but I plan on updating whenever there is something new to share. I pray that God be glorified through every entry, as our every hope rests in Him, and Him alone!

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13