The nurse from the OR called to say that Kevin was stable and they had just finished the bronchiectomy (I think that’s the name).  🙂  I am having some major anxiety.  I am praying for the Lord to release this anxiety.  I am praying for the Lord to continue to lift up Kevin’s body for healing.  We prayed in the room, holding hands as a family and I was comforted.  Kurt, his girlfriend Bethany, and Joni just went to pick up Linda from the airport.  Good family friends of mine just surprised me and lifted my spirits so much-Thank you Hoovers!

I will keep you updated!

There is absolutely only one thing that has gotten us through the past 48 hours.  Faith.  Faith in God, faith in each other, faith in ourselves, faith in the doctors and staff and faith in a positive outcome.  Faith is overcoming all. 

Yesterday, we had some huge changes.  After Kevin was put on the ventilator to help with his breathing, we found out storms were about to hit both Lancaster and Baltimore, and the airlift was cancelled.  After about 3 hours, and after a chest tube was put in, the Lifeline team from Johns Hopkins arrived to bring Kevin to his new “home”.

We are now in the Halsted part of Johns Hopkins in the SICU (surgical intensive care unit).  Kevin is stable after some scary stuff last night.  I got some good cries-frankly, I think we ALL have.  However, kevin was in and out of sedation today and I got to explain to him everything that was going on, tell him all about the outpouring of love support and prayers, let him know to stay positive (and he nodded that he has the faith and is going in fighting!), and most of all..to pray with him.

Tonight, around 8pm ET, Kev will undergo surgery to remove what they believe to be a GIST tumor, and to remove a majority of his esophagus.  The remaining part of the upper esophagus will stay, and will then be attached through the left side of his neck, and what’s left of his stomach will be stapled.  After 2-3 months of allowing all the infection to leave his body, and everything to heal, they hope to re-attache his stomach to the remaining part of his esophagus in reconstruction of his digestive track. It sounds risky and intense, and it is.  It will take around 7 hours from prep to recovery for the surgery. 

We were able to get an emergency medical flight for Kevin’s mom, and she will be with us around 10:30 this evening.  Ken and our good friend Marty are travelling down *hopefully* tomorrow night, and Kristi, who has taken Linda to Minneopolis to get her flight, is driving alone the rest of the way to Pa-please keep ALL of them in your prayers for safe travels.

We have a LONG hard road ahead, but we are strong in the faith of Christ our Lord.  I got to pray with the GI nurse practitioner yesterday, and afterwards she told me what an amazing witness Kevin and I will be to others with our faith and belief that God will give us a miracle.  I have been talking to everyone I can here about the amazing butterfly effect of prayer, about how God is showing us the way.  Yes, times are hard, and yes, I do break down.  But then God gives me a peace of understanding that I cannot describe.

Please begin praying now and through the night.  If you can, pray in shifts with your family throughout the wee hours of the morning.  Pray for guidance for the doctors and staff, pray for Kevin’s strength and that Kevin will fight through this surgery, pray for calm and collectness for all of us waiting…pray for EVERYTHING.  What we lift to the Lord in prayer, only He provides. 

Be faithful, as we are.  Pray, as we are.  Understand, as we are.  But most all..BELIEVE, as we are.  You are all a blessing to us.  Thank you.  Love you.  God bless all of you.

God Watches Over Us

Read Psalm 34:4-9

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

HAVING lived through two experiences that changed my life, I have learned that God’s concern for my life is real.

Several years ago, on two separate occasions, I was attacked by an armed assailant. I never thought I would experience such traumatic and frightening events. However, prior to each attack, I sensed God’s presence. Seconds before each attack, I heard the words of Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” Afterward, I understood why God had brought to my mind those words.

Today, after many years, I also know that a Christian is not guaranteed a life free from unpleasant or ugly situations. But God cares for us and never abandons us. We can be secure in this hope.

Lilia Michelle Rivera Martínez (Puerto Rico)

In life’s most fearsome moments, God is with us.

Just arrived in our new home at Johns Hopkins.  I’m feeling very overwhelmed by the mass of this hospital, and still figuring things out.  I’m very tired, so for now, just know Kevin is safe, in the care of some amazing doctors.  He will in tests all night long, so I’ll be napping in the waiting room tonight awaiting the results.  The doctors hope to have some answers by morning.  Pray I can get some rest and that my anxiety will lessen.  Pray for the doctors knowledge and care..Thank you.

The pulmonary Dr. came in today to assess Kevin’s breathing situation.  It was agreed to put Kevin on a ventilator so that it will help him to breathe.  He will no longer be able to talk while he is on a ventilator, so we’ll just communicate by dry erase board.  We asking for your continued prayers as this procedure is done, and Kevin is *hopefully soon* transferred to Johns Hopkins.  Thank you.

It’s 10:48 am Thursday and my list is LONG.  I need to do about a bazillion things before I leave for Johns Hopkins, so let me just take a deep breath, and know that this is out of my hands and the Lord will provide.

*whew*.  Done:)  Ok, now for the update!

Kevin is still in IICU at LGH.  We are waiting for a bed to open up in the ICU at Johns Hopkins before they can transfer him-VIA HELICOPTER!  It’s a shame that THIS is the reason for Kev’s first helicopter ride, but I think we’re both kind of “flying high” (no pun intended) about him on a helicopter.  It’s a shame he has so much pain and won’t be able to truly enjoy the 20 minute ride.  Either way, it will be an experience!

The Dr’s are having a conference call at 11am today to transfer case notes.  It is still unknown as to the type of tumor, but they are leaning at GIST tumor.  http://www.gistsupport.org/  This is a GREAT site the gives information and is SUPPORTIVE rather than Scary.  GIRT tumor, which is a sarcoma tumor, make up only 1% of all cancers found in patients, and are not developed by OUTSIDE factors.  They occur from the bodies tissues.  They are not POSITIVE it is this type of tumor, but it is the closest match they have so far.

We are optimist at being at Johns Hopkins, because they are the #1 cancer center on the East Coast for the past 18 years, and #3 in the entire country.  These are AMAZING statistics, and we know that God is preparing us for an amazing and fruitful journey ahead.

Kevin’s pain level today is quite high, and the drugs are making him a bit delusional (talking in his sleep, etc).  But, amazingly, he’s still able to throw out some of his humorous one liners.  He’s actually become cheesier than me while in the hospital-and trust me, NO ONE thought that was possible!

In the waiting, we ask for prayer for healing, guidance, prognosis, housing in Baltimore, safe travels for Kevin’s family, safe travels for Kevin & I, comfort at the new hospital, financial provisions, and most of all, continued positive attitudes and faith.

Kevin’s faith is UNSHAKEN.  He has been a beacon of light to all of us who are struggling through this.  We remain strong in our faith, and though Kevin’s pain sometimes makes it difficult, he is otherwise unshaken.  He is amazing, and he is my love, my power, my strength, my rock, and most of all…my hero.  I love you.

Some trivia to kill the time…did you know a helicopter ride from Lancaster to Baltimore costs $14,500?  NEITHER DID WE?  I didn’t think gas was THAT high!

Anyways..a HUGE thank you to one company in particular:

Rohrer’s One Hour and Benjamin Franklin Plumbers.  You are WONDERFUL, AMAZING, FAITHFUL people, and to be honest, we would not be making it without your support.  You are providing for us in unimaginable ways and there are no words in the English language to thank you and all those who work for you for everything you are doing for our family.  I can’t begin to imagine how we can repay this debt to you, but we ask the Lord to bless you for the sacrifices and giving you are providing to us.

To our family and friends…you are are strength, you are the reason we are pushing on through God’s grace.  Thank you.

You are all wonderful and so supportive..we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Blessings.

Quick Post Update:

Kevin is being transferred first thing tomorrow morning to John Hopkins Medical in Baltimore, Md.  It appears to be a rare tumor: neither lymphoma or carcinoma.  LGH agreed that at this point, they are ill equipped to take care of him, and are passing the torches.  We are both grateful to finally be moving forward and to be getting world class care at John Hopkins. 

Kevin is very uncomforatable right now due to his extreme coughing and the catheters they have set up for draining the fluid.  He is eager to be at John Hopkins to get the treatment he needs and to move forward towards healing.

The nurse here at LGH is amazing and is working to get an apartment/housing set up for me in Baltimore, and to get some answers for when Kevin’s family comes as to where they can stay.  I will be in Baltimore from tomorrow afternoon until further notice.  Pray that my job continues despite my absense, and that if doors close, God opens new supporting ones.

Pray for knowledge, healing and guidance in our new situation..Love you all.

From Kevin: Thank you for all your prayers and support and all of your financial gifts.  It is all making me so much stronger.  From the bottom of my heart, it is all so deeply, deeply appreciated.  I’m all doped up, so I can’t say much more right now 🙂 Thanks.

This morning Kevin had a catheter put into an area below his heart to drain the fluid that has been causing his pain.  This catheter will stay in for a while to let the area drain and prevent buildup of fluid.  Kevin says he doesn’t really notice it, and it helps him to breathe easier.  They may also do another drain of the fluid around his lung this afternoon, but no word on that yet.

We are still praying for swiftness in the biopsy results.  No word yet…..Keep Praying!

Also, Kevin’s mom is traveling down with our friend Kristi on Friday, and Kevin’s brother is traveling down with another friend, Marty, on Monday to Lancaster.  Pray for safety in their LONG drive and that their time here will be comforting to both of us.  Thanks so much.

Yes, I AM a Jon Bon Jovi fan from time to time-and I think right now, the song Livin’ on a prayer is a good description of our life-at least the chorus line!  Last night was very tiring-Kevin is doing ok this morning, but just lacking rest and having bad fits of coughing.  It’s become very hard for him to be comfortable at all due to the fluid around his lungs and hearts that we found out is not dissipating.

I am relying, as my devotional this morning so fittingly told me to, on prayer.  It is anticipated to take until possibly Friday for the biopsy results to come back, but I have a feeling, and am praying, they come today.  As soon as pathology is back, Kevin can get the procedure needed to drain the fluid, and the feeding tube.  Both, at this point, would be a blessing to his healing and recovery.  Also, at that time, the oncologist can finally prepare Kevin’s treatment plan and get things rolling.

We are both just physically and mentally exhausted and are praying for peace and understanding as we adjust to our new way of life.  I have much anxiety about the upcoming BBQ and everything coming together, as all of our donors for the meal products, besides the baked goods, are on hold.  Pray that Turkey Hill, Herrs and Darrenkamps all come through and in a timely manner!  I pray that you all buy some tickets to help us through this situation, as the hospital bills have already hit our doorstep.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.  We are overwhelmed with thanks and gratitude for all you are doing.

I *HOPE* to have more POSITIVE updates later-we’re praying for positive!

As usual, the Lord presents to me so many different blessings and assurances.  The one for today was to find rest in the Lord.  I’ve talked to many friends over the past weeks, much of whom are worried about me not resting in order to take good care of Kevin.  I am trying, but I find it hard to not immediately go home from the hospital and wrap myself up in laundry, dishes, and our cat.  I find it takes my mind off the situation and gives me a bit of reprieve.  With rest, I worry most about Kevin, as he is having trouble sleeping and getting the rest his body needs.  Pray for healing, wholeness and rest for Kevin and I.

We are also waiting on donors for the fundraiser-pray that answers come quickly and we can get the items we need to have a good meal for the BBQ dinners.

Thank you all for everything you are doing.  You are in our thoughts also…

Rest Awhile

Read Mark 6:30-34

[Jesus] said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

THE activities of this past month almost overwhelmed me! I helped with a four-day retreat, performed a wedding, taught a five-day class on the Book of James – and did my regular pastoral work of preaching and visiting with the sick and homebound. I could add to this list if I wrote down the activities of my three children, but even then I might not believe it all happened. When the phone rings during dinner, I wonder who needs me now and for what.

As I wonder, I even cry out to God at times, “When do I get to rest?” Sometimes I schedule a day of rest only to have my plans changed because someone needs to talk. As I set aside my planned rest, I consider the possibility that maybe I can rest tomorrow.

But I usually just move on with the busy schedule I have planned. In the midst of the latest call, Jesus’ words hit me: “Come away . . . and rest a while.” Jesus often reaches out to me inviting me to rest, but only I can decide whether to enter into the rest Jesus offers. When I do, I find the rest I have been longing for – and the peace of God is mine once again.

Tim Irving (Virginia, U.S.A.)