The Doc gave Roger a not-so-good report today. The cancer has spread considerably. His breathing is labored due to fluid buildup. The primary tumor is pressing against the recently installed esophageal stent preventing eating. He is using his feeding tube exclusively. He will see the Doc again Friday. He is upbeat and continuing to trust Him! I spent some time with him today and he encouraged me far more than I encouraged him. Please continue to pray.

Grace to you and peace!

Mac

The funeral service for Cheryl will be tomorrow morning (Wednesday) at 11:00 at Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home in Eastman. Visitation will be tonight from 6-8 at the funeral home.

Roger says the pain in his chest has subsided somewhat, which is a major relief. He is still weak but, hopefully, he will be able to eat something tonight. He did eat some applesauce and yogurt today! Tomorrow is the day for the Barium swallow. Please remember to pray for him, as we want this to be painless! It was so good to see life in his eyes and a smile on his face! I couldn’t help but notice that Roger’s smile produces a smile on Barbara’s face!

Kathy, on the other hand, is not feeling well at all. She had another test done today. Although they don’t have the official report, it appears that it didn’t reveal anything new. She isn’t eating much at all, is losing weight, and, well I am asking God to intervene and bring healing. Please remember her and Travis in your prayers.

All I can tell you about Cheryl’s funeral is that it will probably be Wednesday morning at 11:00 at the funeral home in Eastman. As soon as I know more, I will pass it on to you.

Blessings!
Mac

Cheryl Hendrix Sikes (Richard) died last night at the Coliseum Hospital. She attended GCF for a while several years ago, was married to Richard Sikes at GCF also, I am not aware of any arrangements yet, other than I am supposed to speak at her funeral. She has a son, Bubba, and a daughter, Paula. Please remember this family in your prayers.

Grace and peace,
Mac

Next Sunday, November 17, is Carolyn’s mother’s (Flo) 95th birthday and we are going to celebrate. Please bring a covered dish to church, as we will have lunch following our service. There will be an appropriate Birthday cake made by our Resident Expert! We all want this to be a grand time for this precious lady. Feel free to bring her a Birthday card!

As for today: Shirley Hartley spoke this morning and all I can say is you missed a blessed morning. Her message was spot-on! Many of you were absent today, but not to worry, as she will speak again–soon.

Please keep Roger & Barbara in your prayers!

Grace lavished!
Mac

This morning I talked with Roger and learned that he received fluids yesterday, which did give him a bit of an energy boost. He was scheduled to have a CT scan on Monday but that has been cancelled because it has not been approved by Medicaid. He also has a barium swallow scheduled for Tuesday and so far it is still on schedule. This will, hopefully, determine why he is having so much pain in his chest. It started after the stent was installed and has continued non-stop since. He is unable to swallow due to the acute pain, so he is using his feeding tube exclusively. As you can imagine, these are very tough days for Barbara. Please continue to pray that God will give both of these precious people the peace that transcends understanding.
Grace & peace,
Mac

I just talked with Roger. He is at the Doc’s office, trying to get relief from the chest pain that the stent is apparently causing. He is unable to eat and is experiencing acute pain. He said the PA was setting him up for a barium swallow, but I do not know how he is expected to swallow the barium, when he cannot swallow anything without throwing it up. I do not know when it will be scheduled, but I do know that he has to get some relief soon. He is very weak! Please remember to pray for both Roger and Barbara.

Yes!
We did visit The Cove and had a great time with old friends.

Roger’s procedure was, per the words of the Doc, “messy.” Unfortunately, he had to be intubated in order for the Doc to install the stent. He is at home and will have some pain. Liquid diet for a couple of days. Hopefully, he will be able to swallow now that the stent is in place. Please keep both Roger & Barbara in your prayers.

Grace lavished!

Mac

Roger is going to hospital in the morning (10/30) to have an esophageal stent installed. Please keep both Roger &Barbara in your prayers.
Thanks!
Mac