Wednesday, July 18, 2007

PRAYER WARRIORS NEEDED!!!

PRAYER WARRIORS NEEDED
Dad was taken in after his appointment with his oncologist because they were suspecting another stroke. He had an emergency MRI done, and they found several spots in his brain. The neurologist believes them to be blood clots. Tomorrow (Wednesday) he will have a spinal tap done to determine if the spots are clots or something cancerous. The neurologist believes that they are clots, but they are making sure.

As far as the cancer goes, it has been confirmed that he has pancreatic cancer. The prognosis is not good. He has been given a 20% chance (with treatment) of surviving a year. Anything beyond that is 5%. Any chemo treatments are to improve the quality of life, and not necessarily lengthen his life. If the treatments actually lengthen his life, the doctor said we were talking about a "few short months."

Because of the suspected clots, he cannot start chemo, and he will not be able to start chemo unless the clotting goes away. If a clot moves to the part of his brain that controls breathing, he will be put on a ventilator. If he is on a ventilator, he cannot have chemo....it seems to be a no-win situation. My brother, Todd, has been called home. He is arranging travel and finalizing it tomorrow morning. We're hoping that Micah and Gracie will be able to come home as well.

I keep reminding myself that God is bigger than this and He is the Healer we can turn to. Please pray!!! UNCEASINGLY!

At this point, Dad is only taking family visits, so we are not releasing his room number, but you are welcome to leave him messages on his carepage at carepages.com (search for BobNicholson - no space between names) or send a note. WE SO APPRECIATE THE PRAYERS AND ENCOURAGEMENT!

On another note, Chad and I talked to our boys tonight about the situation. Luke is fully aware of the danger, and he is very scared, as are we. Please pray that our little boys will handle the upcoming days well. As you can imagine, it was a difficult conversation.

We are so thankful for Chad's parents and our family (church or otherwise). They have been very good and supportive. One of the last full sentences my Dad said today that I heard was to Todd. "You keep praising God, Todd, because I'm going to!" He is truly amazing....

Thanks for the prayers!
Michelle Monize

3 comments:

Shoemaker Family said...

You guys have been in my prayers often during this recent surprise trial. Admist the yucky yucky news, so glad to hear your dad's words. Have you heard the song by Mercy Me, Bring the Rain...it sounds like your Dad's testimony right now.

We'll continue to pray for you all...and remember regardless - YOUR GOD IS BIGGER!!!

Allison (Hess) Shoemaker

The Hutsells said...

I just cannot get over how quickly this has all come about. I'm so sorry, Michelle, that you and your family have to go through this. I'm praying for God's glory and that many will seek the Lord and find Him. I'll be telling all of my Christian friends to pray also.

Shawna said...

My heart is broken for you...We will definately be praying for you and your family. Even though I'm sure this has came on so fast, God is in control and will get you through this.

On another note, it is so encouraging to hear your dad's words. It's definately convicting to hear how strong in his faith he is through such pain. The boys have an amazing mommy & daddy and I know you'll get them through this.

your sister in Christ,
Shawna