Wednesday, April 30, 2014

"C" Throat Cancer FIGHT begins NOW...updated

UPDATE:  April 30, 2014


  Here’s an update from “C” whom we have been praying for - answered prayers below: 

Doing pretty well. Feeling better every day. Docs seem over-the-moon happy with everything.  (Keep wanting to asking them if they pray!)  I still have pretty much swelling in my neck where they removed nodes.  And my tongue is still swollen.  But, each day swelling is a bit less.  I am supposed to massage my neck to help with swelling and re-establish the lymph system that's no longer there.  Keeping up my weight.  Dodged the PEG tube bullet last Friday.  Surgeon wanted to have gastro guy insert feeding tube while I was still in the hospital.  I just could not bring myself to go back to the OR one week after the first surgery.  So, I promised that I could keep up my weight and I'm doing it.  Throwing everything in the Nutra Bullet.  Been eating hummus with brown rice, and cottage cheese and fruit puree for snacks.  Figured out how to make pureed cheese "omelet" for breakfast.  Can't chew because tongue still swollen.  Hope this improves soon!

Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the prayers!  Please keep them coming!


Love, C


First Request:  April 18, 2014

Bock - I just heard from C's husband Michael....C's surgery will go until at least 9pm tonight ....they must be doing some type of reconstruction ...I couldn't sleep all night ...had made a huge YOU ARE LOVED sign to hang at her house on my way to the gym this morning...I must have fallen asleep just before alarm went off at 430am....that I NEVER heard! Victor said he tried waking me but i didn't budge.  Ugh. So I texted her a picture of the sign and hope she saw it before she got to hospital. 

So it seems her treatments / order of things are a little different from yours...I don't recall her saying she has to do the treatments for her teeth...which I was quite interested in as I know of children who have such dental issues after treatment...is that relatively new??  And that you had the swallowing / speech evals before all began, which I was also impressed with.  


Thank you so much for update so that we can be praying for specific intentions and the time to be praying for them.  - blessings, Syl 

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Kidney Cancer, David Gotay

Here is a recent fb update on David Gotay, my cellist colleague who is battling Stave IV Kidney cancer.  This man is my hero!

From Dave:

At Mount Sinai getting my monthly bone strengthening infusion. Results from my latest scans show cancer has not spread since January and there has been shrinkage in some of the tumors as well. Chemotherapy is working and although the doctors caution that this is not curative I am enjoying a return to normalcy and have started driving again. No playing yet as bone tumors continue to reduce shoulder mobility and strength but lots of writing arranging and recording in my home studio. 

Mount Siani is a wonderful hospital and the treatment center building is comfortable and modern. They just have me a tuna sandwich which was pretty good, and free!

Treatments up, time to go. 

Thanks for reading, your well wishes are as therapeutic as these treatments.

Thanks to my lovely wife Yuko Naito-Gotay who is always by my side. 

Love you all!

— with Yuko Naito-Gotay.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Chaplet of Divine Mercy





1.  Sign of the Cross.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

2.  Say your intentions.

3.  Our Father.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

4.  Hail Mary.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.  

5.  Apostle's Creed.

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.  I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.  God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, [At the words that follow up to and including ‘and became man,’ all bow.]   and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven  and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.  I believe in the Holy Spirit,  the Lord, the giver of life,  who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.  I believe in one, holy,  catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

6.  Eternal Father.

"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen."

7.  For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)

8.  Eternal Father.

"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen."

9.  For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.  (ten times)

10.  Eternal Father.

"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen."

11.  For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)

12.  Eternal Father.

"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen."

13.  For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.  (ten times)

14.  Eternal Father.

"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen."

15.  For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.  (ten times)

16.  After you have prayed all five decades of the Chaplet, pray the following prayer, which is repeated three times.

"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world." (three times)

17.  After the doxology, pray the following final prayer:  

"Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen."

18.  End with the Sign of the Cross.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Friday, April 25, 2014

God's Check up and Prescription


Prayer for His Grace


Lord, I know that You want only the best for me.
In this walk towards complete happiness,
I will have to go through testing times.
But there will be moments of peace,
of comfort, of joy, of realized dreams. 
I always have the certainty that You will be my side. 
I offer You this day with the desire and the purpose of having You present in each person who is in my path.

Amen.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Prayer for release from Anxiety

Stand Firm in the Lord
…Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Amen.

Prayer of HOPE over ruling Depression

Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.

By Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Prayer For those Battling Depression

Dear Lord, you are our refuge in good and in bad times. In your infinite mercy, bring peace and comfort to those of us who face days sometimes filled with pain and depression. Help us to realize that through you there is joy and the promise of lasting peace. Help us through the rough times. Walk before and beside us so that we may walk in your footsteps and reach out to you in our journey on this earth. Help us to focus on our blessings rather than our misfortunes, dear Lord. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayers. Amen


President Abraham Lincoln battled depression and suicide all his adult life. There were times when for his own safety he would not allow himself carry a knife. Read about Lincoln turning to the Bible to relieve his depression. Let the Scriptures help you just like they have helped so many of us. And sometimes depression can be a purely spiritual thing, read this – Depression Is a Spirit – It Must Be Fought with the Word of God.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Sylvia's List

Can you believe it has been over two years that we have been praying for Steve Emrich - here is an update from his wife Lisa - Dear Lord, bless this beautiful family.  To refresh, Steve and Lisa are good friends of Renee Cassidy - daughter of our fellow prayer warrior Marilyn Cassidy.  

Steve has been home 2 years!
By lisa emrich — Apr 5, 2014 5:36pm
It is hard to believe that Steve has been home from the hospital for 2 years as of today! In some ways it feels like forever and in some ways it feels like yesterday. When I told Steve this morning that this was his homecoming day, he said, "Wow, I can't believe I have been lying in this bed for that long. I really miss you guys."  We miss him too--so much.  I am SO happy that we have been able to have him at home and keep him safe from complications; this is truly a miracle by all accounts! However, nothing will replace how things were before this all happened.  People ask me all the time how we are doing and how Steve is doing. This is really hard to answer. I think overall we have settled in pretty well to this "new normal" with nurses at our house 24 hours a day (praise God for our insurance because I just don't know what I would do without these awesome caregivers!) and me balancing mom/wife/daughter/spousal caregiver/doctor/friend/homeowner etc. The girls are also doing well in school and all of their numerous activities which keeps their minds occupied and off the situation at home. We are still getting Steve out to church, activities when the weather allows and his many doctors appts.  We have been able to wean his valium some more and are looking into a motorized wheelchair that he can control with sip n puff/head controls.  He has been struggling with some increased myoclonus recently which may make this difficult, but the idea of giving him some control over his surroundings is really nice.  However, gorgeous spring days like today make me yearn for the times 3 years ago when we could all go out for a bike ride together or a hike or hang out with our friends.  It is so obvious when I see the girls around their friends dads how much they miss their own. Please continue to pray for our family and pray for Steve to make strides forward in his healing. 
     As many of you know, animals have been a huge part of the girls and my healing process.  We just adopted yet another puppy named Jack (hopefully I will be able to attach a picture above to replace that snowy one ;) ), a rabbit and another guinea pig. I have also enrolled the girls in 4-H to start showing their rabbits and Sarah is working on making the new puppy a therapy dog.  I realize this will seem ridiculous but we now have 3 dogs, 6 rabbits, hundreds of fish, a guinea pig, a hamster, and 3 chickens.  The girls and I handle them daily and have started putting them in with Steve as part of his own therapy (I thought he might go ballistic when I brought the third puppy home but he just smiled and said "He IS really cute." Whew!) I'm pretty sure we are done for the moment and fortunately we have a huge fenced yard to let everyone roam and have their space.
     Life for me has been simply nonstop recently. Our dishwasher died, our air conditioners had black mold all over the insides, I have to recertify my board exams for both medicine and pediatrics this year, and UNC just switched to an entirely new electronic health record; needless to say, that all on top of normal daily craziness has nearly pushed me to the brink. However, finally today, I feel relaxed and able to just sit with the girls and watch a movie.

     I am so thankful for all of you that have continued to keep us in your prayers and have continued to offer your services whether it be dinner or dishwasher advice :0)! Thank you so much! I pray that all of you are enjoying the spring weather and your families and friends!

UPDATE  APRIL 10, 2014
Greg Sturges has Biopsy of Kidney


Need lots of prayers


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 UPDATE  APRIL 1, 2014

Sylvia,

Just wanted to share an update on Luz-she is doing well and scheduled to have her implants finally in early May. While that process is occurring, chemo will be suspended. Dr. Taylor is pleased with the way things are going right now. Thanks for the prayers.


Sharon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE March 11 on Luz

I received a wonderful call from Luz this evening!!!  Luz is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer and found a lump in her groin - had to go for a PET scan today - AND IT IS NORMAL!!!  She was soooo overwhelmed with joy!   Thank you for continuing to pray for her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ORIGINAL POST MARCH 7, 2014

Received message from Sharon Y that her coworker Luz, whom we have been praying for ….discovered a palpable node in her groin yesterday - her oncologist saw her right away and wants her to have a PET scan right away - please pray that this is not a related or unrelated cancer and perhaps just a swollen lymph node.  I had the pleasure of meeting Luz a few weeks back - you would instantly fall in love with her - such a beautiful spirit.  Sharon said that now Luz is angry - understandable.  Lord, let Luz feel all of our love and prayer surround her.

Please keep our Bock in prayer as he undergoes his testing as well.  


Our prayer warrior Betty Collins’ daugher in law Erica is due any date with baby number one!!   Saw Erica last evening - she looks wonderful, but she is READY!!!  I told her we would all be praying for safe and uneventful delivery and healthy baby.

Marilyn's Requests

UPDATE April 11, 2014 AM


From: "Marilyn Cassidy"
Subject: Serious PR
Date: April 10, 2014 at 11:21:03 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,


One of my special intention PRs has taken a turn for the worse, not improved.  Please pray for God's mercy on this person and his family.  Love, Marilyn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: March 18, 2014 at 5:46:15 PM CDT
From: Marilyn
Subject: PRs

Hi Everyone,

My great niece, Erin, who had 5th disease during her early pregnancy, saw her doc today and he said he wants an ultrasound.  Baby is very low and tiny for almost 8 mos. Please pray.  Might be the amniotic fluid, kidney problems in the baby, or any number of possible problems...or none if our prayers are answered.

My daughter, Michelle, has been trying to rent her house in Allentown for a month now.  She has shown the house to 25 prospects, all to no avail.  There have been multiple no-shows, multiple people with abominable credit ratings, some much-less-than-desirable people, etc., etc.  There were two young women living there and one had a job transfer out of state.  That young lady is still paying rent because she was under contract.  As soon as Michelle gets a tenant, she will release her from the contract.  Someone from NY wanted to see the house today at 4 pm, so Michelle woke Reilly from his nap, packed the 3 boys into the car, and the person calls at 3:50 to say "can I come at 5 pm instead"!!!  Please pray that she gets a good tenant soon! 


Prayers also for a special intention.  Love, Marilyn

Just received text from Susie Goodreau asking for us to storm heaven for her dad….he’s in the hospital and dr is suggesting that he have an EGD tomorrow - Susie a bit nervous about her dad going through this procedure.   Thanks so much!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Kiley B, youngster with Brain Tumor

UPDATE APRIL 11, 2014 AM


Cruising right along

Just a quick update to let you know things are progressing nicely.  Kiley is improving in every aspect.  We are excited to be going home on Saturday and are already planning a picnic.  Kiley is having a few issues with her vision so be praying that we get to see a neuro ophthalmologist  soon and that it is an easy fix.  We are really looking forward to a few days at home before we begin radiation, chemo and outpatient speech, occupational and physical therapy (no rest for the weary).  Thank you for your continued prayers.  We are blessed to have each and everyone of you in our lives.  Sheri



UPDATE APRIL 5, 2014 PM

Best Day Ever!

Yesterday Kiley walked to and from physical therapy with only the use of a cane! This was HUGE!  She barely even had to use her wheel chair all day.  The feeling and movement in the hip and knee is really improving, now we are just praying for movement in her ankle and foot to follow suit. Her short term memory appears to be improving as well.  She is having some small issues with her vision which we have yet to figure out.   She has backed off of her pain meds substantially and is feeling all around really good.  Your prayers are being felt in big ways.  We are at peace and are finding joy in life.  Next week she will be getting her staples out and meeting with the radiologist and oncologist again about her treatment.  The oncologist is also looking for a clinical trial that she could participate in alongside her chemo and radiation.  Please pray if this is what we are suppose to do that it would be clear and if so that she would be the one to receive the treatment as opposed to the placebo.  Also continue to pray for Megan as she had to go back home and to work, and for Curtis as he is trying to finish his semester at school.  One more thing Kiley was one month away from finishing her masters at Baylor and we are hoping that the school will be able to work with her to make her graduation possible.  Please pray all the pieces fall together to make this possible.  Bottom line we couldn't do this without you!  We are putting one foot in front of the other only because of your prayers and God's provision.  Thank you.

UPDATE APRIL 1, 2014 PM

First day of rehab


Kiley really enjoyed her therapy today and they pushed her pretty hard! She even had music therapy - although with the Burnett music genes they may not have any success with that. LOL. 

However, soon after therapy was over she began having strong spasms on her right side (her weak side) and ultimately her whole body was shaking uncontrollably This lasted for over 2 hours. This was obviously stressing her out and further compounding the effect. medicine finally got it slowed down and she could sleep. The therapy today was probably just too much too soon after surgery. Pray that tomorrow goes better and she will be able to do some level of therapy but without this result at the end of the day. 

Thank you for your prayers.  Bruce.

UPDATE March 31, 2014 PM
Please offer a rosary for Kiley B...
To pray a Rosary...click Come Pray the Rosary.

Thank you Richard Bockwinkel

UPDATE March 26, 2014 PM

I would like to thank everyone who prayed for Kiley Burnett today. The surgeons were able to remove 60% of her tumor and place some chemo wafers in the tumor capsule. These wafers will work directly on the tumor as they dissolve. She still has a long way to go but can move all her fingers and toes which is a great sign. Thank you again for your prayersI would like to thank everyone who prayed for Kiley Burnett today. The surgeons were able to remove 60% of her tumor and place some chemo wafers in the tumor capsule. These wafers will work directly on the tumor as they dissolve. She still has a long way to go but can move all her fingers and toes which is a great sign. Thank you again for your prayers

Tks...Sue Signaigo

UPDATE March 26, 2014 AM

Crank up the prayers.

Kiley will be operated on today at St. Louis University Hospital.

The surgeons will remove as much of the tumor as they can and then treat with radiation and chemo.

Unfortunately, more cancer was found at her brain stem.

Later,
Robert


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear PG...the "Sigs"...are my family, though not by blood...simply because they are "like" family in every way...except we never fight (I value my health ;-).  Anyway...PLEASE pray for this little girl...Please.

On Mar 21, 2014, at 2:05 PM, Bob S III wrote:

Rick,
I know you have enough to do, but, add Kiley B. to the prayer list.
This is John and Cindy’s niece and the docs just found a brain tumor about the size of a plum.

She is just starting this journey, sooooo…..prayers to her, her family and the doctor team for a safe and quick journey.

Bob Sig III


Prayer for Kiley B...

Almighty and merciful Father, by the power of Your command, drive away from Kiley B. all forms of sickness and disease.  Restore strength to her body and joy to our spirit, so that in her renewed health, we may bless and serve You, now and forevermore.  Amen.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Dan Fath...fighting LUNG Cancer...







UPDATE April 2, 2014


My brother was diagnosed with lung cancer a while back and had 32 radiation treatments and goes in Monday for surgery.  It looks like they will have to take 4 maybe 5 ribs to get the entire tumor.  He is weak from all the other cancer that ran his body down, so we are praying for a second miracle.  

Thanks...Kevin...





It's Chemo Time...and the prognosis is NOT favorable.

Can you imagine these coming Holidays and being with your dear
family, and seeing one of your family "dying" before your eyes?  Pray for Dan...your prayer will fortify Dan's FIGHT, it will lift Dan's family's spirits.  It will make their last Christmas together...

Thanks...
I know you prayer faithful
I know you will pray.

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posted 12/1/2011
Dear PG...we have yet another Cancer warrior...Dan Fath.  He was recently diagnosed with a tumor on his brain and has been taking a number of aggressive chemo treatments.  He needs your prayer.  Please say ONE quick one...right now for Dan.

THANKS
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