Back from M.D. Anderson

Well we spent a few crazy days in Houston returning home on Thursday. After many tests, from x-rays to catscans, bone scans and blood work we met with Dr. Phan on Wednesday afternoon. We have been informed that I have Stage 4, incurable cancer that has traveled to some locations in the bones as well as the lymph nodes. We begin some radical chemo tomorrow for about 9 weeks and then they may consider radiation on the bone areas. I appreciate you standing with my family at this time. I am so aware that the doctors are educated, but I am even more aware that they do not have the final word on the matter. God's Word tells us in the 107th Psalm to "give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" then in verse 20 the Psalmist says "He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave". You see God will always have the final word on the matter. As you pray for us, I am asking people to pray the Word of God over us - it will not return void!!! I love you!!! I am so blessed to have the church family that I have and all of you as friends. Pastor Eric Olsen

Hello from Houston

Well we arrived in Houston Sunday night after about an 1 1/2 hour delay. We spent most of the day at M.D. Anderson hospital waiting for the doctor. We saw 2 assistants and finally the doctor. They are going to run some tests. Had blood work and x-rays done today. Plan to get catscans and bone scans tomorrow. If we are able to do those tomorrow we can see the doctor on Wednesday, if not it will be next Monday as she is going out of town. So I might miss next Sunday, but will hate it. We cannot tell you how much we feel your prayers and appreciate it. I love you all and will share more when we have more news. God Bless you all!!!!!! Pastor

Bags Packed for M.D. Anderson

As I mentioned in my last Blog we were waiting on M.D. Anderson. Well, through many God sent individuals Sherry and I will leave Sunday after the morning service to fly to Houston, where we will stay with my sister, and start our appointments with the doctors of M.D. Anderson on Monday, January 14th. Some of the doctors are meeting tomorrow to study up on my case. We will plan to be gone for the entire week, so please pray for us. We are glad for the Lord opening these doors, but the greatest door that has been opened is the one of intercession that many have entered for us. Prayer works and the Great Physician is my primary!!!!!!! Thank-you so much for everything!!! Pastor

A Long Time Coming

I know, I know - it's been a while. There are reasons I have not updated before now. After I finished Radiation on Dec. 7th and had three chemo's on the 10th-12th I had a petscan and catscan done. When we went to meet with the oncologist to review these things on the 12th all seemed rather vague. Well alot has happened in the last week. I have had some back pain and stomach sensitivity. Well on the 31st I decided to go to the E.R. because our deductibles were met and Sherry and I thought that I had a Kidney infection and they could give me an anti-biotic. We were shocked when the doctor came in an said that my cancer had moved to my #12 lumbar and my pelvis with some other suspicious areas. Since then we have met with three doctors that have all verified the findings. Since then God has put people in our path with connections with M.D. Anderson in Houston, so we are planning a trip there fairly soon. The doctors have told us that it appears that the previous chemo has done little, for the only area that is better is exactly where they did the radiation. What is causing the current pain is some lymph nodes that are infected and growing. As many experience with cancer, there are new challenges at every turn. I was amazed when our Radiation Oncologist told us that this would be with me from now on. I thought, I'm glad that's not God's word on the matter. I think I will trust the Lord who declares that "He" is the Lord that Heals us!!!!! Thank-you for your prayers and as things begin to move in this new area I will update much more often. THANKS - I cannot tell you how much I love all of you!!!! Pastor