I talked with Barbara about an hour ago and learned that Roger will have fluid drained from around lungs today. Tomorrow he is supposed to go to Pinepoint Hospice. He is being given Morphine to help him breathe more easily. Blessed is the name of The Lord!

-Mac

Around 8:30 this morning, Roger called me and said, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!” He also told me he was sucking on some ice! And he also told me that the pain caused by the stent was gone! His throat is sore, but they are giving him plenty of pain meds to control that. He should be going home sometimes today under Hospice care.

My conversation with him reminded me of the power of NOW! Enjoy the moment you have, as it is the one you have. Stop fretting over your yesterdays and worrying about you tomorrows. Enjoy the NOW that you have. “We have this moment to hold in our hand and to touch as it sifts through our fingers like sand. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come, but we have this moment today!”

Amen? Amen!

-Mac

Dr. Bedgood was able to remove Roger’s stent; however, it was a challenge! The cancer is very bad, said he. Hospice will be involved ASAP. He will be receiving pain meds and being fed through the feeding tube. Probably will go home tonight, but I am not certain about that. Please keep this family in your prayers, prayers with feet on them.

Roger will be going to Med Center at noon to discuss with his Doc the various aspects of the procedure to remove the esophageal stent, and then, if the Doc and Roger agree it is wise, he will have the procedure done around 2:00 PM today. I do know that Roger wants to have it removed, if it is feasible.

As you might imagine, Roger is weak and tired. There is an obvious “longing for Home” stirring in his heart. Words don’t come easy just now. I find myself being careful what I write. I will say this: God is loving and gracious and that love and grace have been personified to each of us through the life of our precious friend. It is my prayer that The Presence will engulf his life during these final days of his journey Home.

Barbara is having a tough time, as you know. She has more on her place that anyone could handle. With her own physical problems along with Roger’s she could use a heaping helping of our prayers–prayers that have feet on them.

I will let you know more when I know more.

Grace and peace,
Mac

Roger had chemo today. Wednesday Barbara goes to her Doc. Friday Roger has appointment with Dr. Bedgood to have stent removed, after the Doc has a discussion with him about the procedure. Prayers are appreciated.

Roger and Barbara are at home and happy to be there. He has appointment with oncologist at 8:30 in the AM followed by an appointment with Dr. Bedgood to discuss options regarding the stent.

I am writing this at 4:10 on Monday afternoon. I am told that Roger will be released from the hospital sometimes this afternoon, which on the surface sounds like a good thing; however, things are not always as they appear on the surface. He is scheduled to go to his oncologist’s office tomorrow for chemo. How he will be able to exert the amount of energy necessary to pull that off is difficult for me to imagine, especially in light of the pain meds he is taking. Hopefully, the social worker will get home health involved BEFORE he is dismissed from the hospital! If not, I will be tempted to cuss, but I will try to restrain myself.

Kathy’s Doc is now going to attempt to get the Mayo Clinic to accept her as a patient. Hopefully, that will happen, sooner rather than later.

Shirley is still not feeling very good, as she attempts to get through this bout of pain.

Please continue to pray.

To Him be glory and honor and praise!

Mac

What an incredible day! The prayer time was so powerful! As I said, I wish I knew more about prayer, but I don’t. What I do know is this: He was there and He was not silent!

Thank you so much for making Flo’s 95th very special! I am confident that she was blessed and then some. What a precious prayer she prayed. I will never forget it!

Hopefully, tomorrow will bring some more info regarding Roger and Kathy. I will let you know when I know.

Also: Bob and Joanne are flying Thursday to New Jersey for a two week trip to visit relatives. Please remember to pray from them.

I just got word from Debbie & Dudley that they are almost home from Texas!

Grace to you and peace!

Mac

First, please remember that we are having a covered dish following Sunday’s service to celebrate Carolyn’s mom’s 95th Birthday! Please plan to come and to join the festivities.

Kathy Almand is not doing well. Still has much pain.

Roger is in the Coliseum hospital through tomorrow afternoon, maybe even the weekend. Significant concern as to whether or not his stent can be removed. He is now on considerable pain meds. He is still in good spirits and is ready for whatever God has in store. This man has truly been an inspiration to me, and he continues to be!

See you Sunday.

Mac

Roger is in the ER at the Coliseum Hospital. Fluid will be drawn from around his lungs and, hopefully, something can be done about the stent. I will let you know more, when I know more.