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=> Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship => Topic started by: EKnight on July 25, 2009, 10:51:55 AM
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I have been hesitant to ask for prayers and knew that when the time was right I would do this.
Back in May our 21 year old son Jack was at college and complaining he wasn't feeling well. He said he had stomach pain and thought that he ate something bad at school since it was the end of the year and assumed they were feeding them expired food. Jack had never done drugs or smoked or drank. He would not so much as take tylenol. But now he was taking tylenol a few times a day. I knew something was awry. Thankfully his school is only 1 1/2 hrs from our home. I made a doctor's appt. for him and we brought him home. That day he had a CT scan, MRI, Blood tests and a physical exam. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer. My husband had in five years ago but to a lesser degree and had his testicle removed and underwent radiation. My husband's brother had it when he was 21 (like Jack) and he had his testicle removed and chemo and another "RPLND" surgery. He is fine today.
Jack had the left testicle removed at the end of May. The tumor spread to a lymph node near the kidney which is why he was experiencing stomach and back pain. Jack has been having chemo treatments since June. He was supposed to start Monday June 15th but contracted the H1N1 flu so they gave him five days of chemo in four days that first week. Two weeks after that I had to take him to the local emergency room because of a fever of 100.5. White blood cells were extremely low. He was to begin another week of chemo that Monday but when we got there, they didn't want to do it because the white count was still low and he had lost weight. Weight gain is a whole other problem for Jack and always has been. When he started the chemo he has 127lbs at 5'8" and that was two months of trying to gain weight. Now he is about 119lbs and his already unhealthy appetite is diminished from chemo and a hundred other drugs. Anyway, chemo was postponed another week. All the while he has continued to complain of back pain which we expected to go away after the first round of chemo. This past thursday he went to see the doctor and complained once again about the back pain. The doctor sent him for another CT scan to put everyone's mind at ease. My husband and son were one their way home when the doctor called them back to the hospital. When the got there the doctor and a surgeon were waiting for them. The tumor had grown to a size larger than Jack's kidney. This we were told was very unusual and rare. The tumor is a mix of cells and one part is called "teratoma" this portion of the tumor is resistant to chemo and radiation and is benign which we knew from the start but it rarely grows. We knew that this portion of the tumor would have to be removed after four chemo treatments. They do the chemo to shrink the tumor and kill off the malignant cells thereby making the RPLND surgery less risky.
Jack is scheduled to have this surgery on Wednesday. It's four hours and besides the usual risks of all surgery there is the risk of damaging the nerves that could make him sterile and damaging the kidney in which case they would have to remove it. Please pray for a most successful surgery possible. Out of all three of my children, Jack has been the least trouble. His positive attitude has been a blessing for the rest of us but with this latest setback, I can see that his spirit is dying.
For me, besides watching your child suffer, it's been extremely difficult to watch a drug free, healthy person-- (and I mean not so much as a cold) go to a severely sick and drug-poisoned person. I hate the chemo, I absolutely hate bringing my child to the brink of death to save his life. I am terribly frightened of what God has in store for me next. I cry at the thought of the possibilities. Although God has given us the strength to endure this process, and I know He will continue to do so with whatever happens next, I can't help but feel weak in the knees. I fear the Lord who is in control of all things.
I have been so long-winded about all this and have not even gone into what a good and decent human being God has made my Jack. He is often a gold nugget in a sea of coal and I am so grateful to have him in our lives. I could not ask for a better son. Although he hates BT because he thinks I am involved in a cult, I can see that God is working through Jack to perfect him and others.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Eileen
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Eileen! OMG!! Don't ever hesitate to ask for prayer!! Please know that I will be praying for Jack and for you! Who around here asks for prayer more often that I?? I know the strength you gain when you know people are praying for one goal! Strength, girl and we know God hears and answers! Remember, Ray says..a prayer that doesn't get prayed doesn't get answered!!
Praying....
Love you!
Kathy :-*
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I wish I had some words of comfort or inspiration (perhaps it best that I leave that to others more capable than myself), for this is definitely another one of those times when I don't get why the Lord does what He does (though I know He does it for His good purposes....and ours). Since I'm not all that good with the inspirational words, I will simply pray for your son, yourself, and those affected by this. I really do hope and pray it be the Lord's will for your son to come through this as healthy as possible under the circumstances.
The Lord bless you and yours in Him,
Rob
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Hi Eilleen
I will remember your family's situation in my prayers
Dave
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Eileen, your precious son, you and your family will be in our prayers. I am so sorry your son and your family are having to go through this.
Lin
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Hi Eileen,
I will pray for your family as you go through this grave trial.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
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Joining the others in prayer for your son and your family.
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Thank you all. I do believe in the power of prayer as last weekend turned out beautiful despite the threatening forecast.
We have truly been graced by God because so far we have been able to handle this. It's amazing to me that whenever I imagined something like this, I was certain I could not handle it. I hate to quote cliches but whoever said if God brings you to it, He will get you through it, was right. I know there is scripture to back that up, I just don't know where it is.
I do feel ashamed that I have allowed other things to distract me from this trial and from BT. I feel like I am being led away and pray that God keeps my mind on Him.
Thanks again, you are a great support.
I am now going to bask in God's warm sun and listen to the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Eileen
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My heart goes out to you dear! God is with you. And with your son. You are in my prayers!!
Beth
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Eileen, I have been reading your words over and over. For almost an hour I have been thinking of what I can say to you.
As I am not eloquent with words I will leave that up to others who are more capable than myself. You must be very strong
indeed to have carried all of this about your son Jack within you. Perhaps your family looks to you for strength, I don't know.
I do know Eileen that it is God Who causes us to pray. At this moment your son's health and welfare is that cause for me.
I am with you now in spirit, and tomorrow, and the next day and next and so on. God willing, I will be there with you and your
son in the hospital on Wednesday, as who knows what tomorrow brings.
May God bless you and your precious son Jack.
Ches
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Eileen,my prayers are with Jack ,you, and your family.
Keep the faith.
I hate to quote cliches but whoever said if God brings you to it, He will get you through it, was right. I know there is scripture to back that up, I just don't know where it is.
CLV
1 Cor.10;13 No trial has taken you except what is human. Now, faithful is God, Who will not be leaving you to be tried above what you are able, but, together with the trial, will be making the sequel also, to enable you to undergo it.
Peace...Mark
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Your son is in my prayers. Also you and family.
hug,
pogo
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Sometime words are inadequet and they fail. This is one of those times. God bless you, your son and the rest of your family and make you strong during these trials. And I know that you know that everything is in God's complete control and your in the palm of his hand...and there is comfort in that. Praying..
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Bless you and your family Eileen, I will be praying. NB
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Eileen, My heart goes out to you , and Jack and all your family. We are all like family here and you should never hesitate to ask for prayers. We all love you and feel the pain with you. When, one member hurts we all hurt. It could be that through all of this Jack will find out that you are not in a cult. He sounds like a very nice son to have. I pray that God protects his kidney and helps him with any treatments that are needed and surgery is safe.
In His Love,
Marlene
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Eileen, you are obviously very close to your son, and I can feel the pain through your words. May the God of all comfort console and strengthen you and your family. I'm praying for a good outcome next week, and that God will completely heal Jack.
Geoff
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Wow, all of your responses have moved me to tears. I wish Jack could understand the love and support that I get here. Perhaps one day he will. I rarely mention BT to him because he gets really angry. But it doesn't matter whether or not he appreciates or recognizes the power of your prayers for us. It matters that you care enough to pray for a stranger in need.
Thank you all so much, I can't begin to tell you how uplifting your words have been.
Eileen
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Eileen.Your strength and courage shines through. I can't imagine how I would cope if this was my own son,who like yours is always well and fit.My prayers joined to all the others.God will see this through.
Peace to all....Ellie....
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We are told to "make our requests known" You and Jack are in my prayers too. Peace and Grace to you in the name of Jesus, Amen
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my sister eileen,
oh my, oh my, oh my. :-\ :-\ :-\ i just want to encourage you with a true story of a man named lance armstrong who is from austin, tx where i live. if you have never heard of him you can google his name. he is currently participating in the "tour de france" bicycle race in france. he had testicular cancer a number of years ago. his cancer spread throughout his body and his prognosis was very grave. but this man never gave up hope. i am not really sure of his beliefs about our Father and our Savior Jesus Christ, but nonetheless, our Father had a plan and purpose for lance. i am also certain that our Father has a perfect plan and purpose for your dear son. perhaps the cancer and the swine flu virus, and all that goes along with that, is the very thing that our Father has had in store for your son in order for your son to be dragged to Him.
i pray for your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength eileen. i pray that our Father will give you courage as you travel this hard road with your son. your love for your son is obvious and will be the catalyst of all that you do during this time. this experience is your persecution and will be used to mold you more and more into Christs' image.
we are here to lift you up when you feel you cannot stand on your own. we will cry out with you to our Father for His mercy and grace on your son. stand strong, stand strong, and be of good courage eileen. He will NOT leave your son, or yourself as an orphan in this storm.
love in Christ,
claudia
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Eileen, I concur with all the prayers being offered for your son and your family. How very scary in this unknown territory. I pray for the doctors handling your son's case, for his kidneys to be ok, for everything concerned with him and for the most positive outcome God has in store for Jack. I will be remembering you daily. Judy
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Eileen,
Thank you for sharing your prayer request. I feel so inadequate to speak words of comfort to you ...
My prayers are with you. May God's Peace and Grace cover your son, you and your family.
Angie
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Eileen, I'm late to reply to this request, I am sorry. You are in my prayers and Jack and all your family.
my love,meee
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I can't believe I only read this now. I have no idea what to type- I'm really bad with words, especially the encouraging and emotional kind... Somehow I lack the ability to type something serious, as I just demonstrated. But I'll keep you, your family and your son in my prayers tonight.
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You, your son, and the rest of your family are in my prayers.
lferretj
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I will let you all know how the surgery went on Wed. or as soon as I have access to the internet.
Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. I trust God hears them.
Eileen
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I'm sorry Eileen that I'm just now seeing this heartwrenching post. I add my prayers and am so sorry for this trial you are enduring. Will be praying for our God to guide all involved in your precious son's treatment, and for Him to strengthen and comfort you and your family.
Love to you in Christ,
Vangie
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From one mother to another, my heart is breaking for you. I pray that God will give you all comfort and strength. Just remember if you can, that God is right there with you in the middle of your trial. Hold on to Him with all your might and He will bring you through it. Love and prayers,
lauriellen
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Eileen, I am at a loss for words, but I have and will continue to pray for your son,you and family.
In Christ
Roy
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Eileen, your son and family are in my prayers. Was very heartbroken to learn of this...
Be of good courage.
With love,
Matty
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Just so you know, Jack went for pre-surgical testing today and as a side effect of chemo, his platelets are too low for surgery on Wed. Plus, he developed some sort of infection on his leg which started out looking like a pimple but got angrier everyday. I think the surgery is going to be next Monday. The waiting game is so anxiety producing. Too much time to allow my minder to wonder. It's going to be a rough week.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Eileen
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Hi folks,
My prayers are with you and yours at this most testing time,
- "And I will wait on the LORD, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him. Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion." (Isa 8:17, 18)
- "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward." (Ps 127:3)
- "Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." (Ps 37:5, 7)
The outcome will always be as the Lord plans and for the eternal good of His children. Though so very hard to endure the Lord walks with you through the valley of deep shadow, you are not alone in this dark place and the Lord is your light. Follow the light because it leads to life, the real life, God's life in Christ Jesus.
Grace and peace to you and yours
Nelson
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It's 11pm here, the night before my baby's surgery and I can't sleep. Please keep him in mind tomorrow. I wish I could express in words what a great kid he is and such a gift to our family. I love him so much and it's hard thinking about him being basically autopsied alive. I know that's crazy to think that way but I can't control my mind. I hope God's plan is in sync with my hopes for this kid.
Thanks again for your prayers.
Love you guys!
Eileen
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Eileen, I will keep him in my prayers. I can relate to how you feel. I think of your Jack and your family.
In His Love,
Marlene
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Eileen, I am sooo sorry I haven't read this post until today. I am truly sorry. I have no excuse. I feel terrible that I'm late to respond. Your son sounds like a wonderfull person. He is truly special. You can be proud, you've done a great job bringing him up. You and I know the Lord does everything for a purpose, even though we might not understand what that purpose is at the time. and I have to believe your son will get through this and live a terrific, successfull and long life. I am praying for you, your son and your family. He's in great hands. Once again, I am sorry that I did not get my reply out sooner.
Darren
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Thank you Darren. There is no need to apologize. You have had your own trial to get through and I am glad you are back at BT.
Jack had the surgery on Monday and so far, everything has gone beautifully. The doctor was able to save the kidney and spare the nerves required to have children naturally. Jack was very concerned about having children and hopefully some day he will because he would be a great father.
He is recovering well. His spirits are a little down because he is not allowed to eat or drink for four days and he had not eaten two days before the surgery. His normal diet does not include fruits and vegetables but last night he told me he wanted fresh fruit!! Now I know he must be hungry!
I thanked God and continue to thank God for sending us the best doctor possible for this surgery and for having the insurance to pay for it.
I pray that Jack continues to heal physically and mentally and that he can get through the last two rounds of chemo without anymore setbacks. Please pray that this trial brings Jack closer to our Lord and that it heals the conflict between Jack and his brother TJ. I pray that they become closer as brothers.
Thanks everyone! Your thoughts and prayers have been a source of strength comfort to me. I wish I had mentioned this whole thing sooner. Lesson learned.
Eileen
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hi eileen,
i am so grateful for your update on jack's surgery. i cannot imagine having to go through what you are going through with your child. but, i hope that if i ever had to experience the journey you are on with jack, i pray that God our Father would work mightily in me to give me physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength. and this is what i pray for you eileen. i also ask our Father to infuse His power and healing into jack, and that your dear son grows stronger and stronger with each day that passes. i am thankful that this time in his life is meant for his learning that God is in control of ALL that pertains to life. and am hopeful that your jack truly understands the benefits of a healthy diet. we can look to ray smith as our example of that truth. i also pray for your son jt that he will be drawn closer to his brother during this time. NOTHING can be more important in this life than loving others, especially family. i will keep you in special prayer eileen because you are my sister in Christ and i love you, AND, being a mother myself i can feel the pain in your heart for your child. please try to go to our Father for your peace of mind dear sister. He will calm your anxiety and He is ever able to carry you through this challenging time.
love in Christ,
claudia
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Thank you for sharing the update. I'm glad for the good prognosis and pray that God will work all the things you ask for to good.
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I'm still adding my prayers for Jack as the doctors & nurses & Loved ones do everything in the natural. I've learned something by you posting this also!
God's Strength to you Sweet Sister!
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Eileen I just read your post it was heartfelt. I have been though a similar crisis but my son didn't make it. we will kept you and your family in our prayers God is with you in this valley. Peggy
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Hi Eileen,
Thanks for the update. Praise God for the good news. Praying that God gives Jack strength for a quick recovery, and ability to cope with the chemo. Also that this trial will bring him closer to our Lord and TJ.
Geoff
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Eileen, that sounds wonderful! Keep posting how things go,please.
I am so glad you finally did post about Jack and everything.
luv U,meee
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Eileen, I am still praying for your beloved son. Judy
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Eileen,
My prayers and sincere best wishes for your son Jack and all of your family. May GOD bless and keep you and may all yourprayers be answered.
In HIM,
PHIL3:10
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Jack was discharged from the hospital on Monday August 10th, one week after the surgery. He was put on a low fat diet of five grams of fat per day. However, his appetite was low and he was unable to even drink until finally he couldn't keep fluids down and we had to go back to the hospital on Thursday August 13th. He remained in the hospital till this past Monday. They were hydrating him and did a CT scan of his intestines. They thought that there might have been a kink which would require them to open him up again and fix it. Thankfully, that was not the problem.
Jack is finding it extremely difficult to eat any food anymore. It's been about three and half weeks since he has eaten a substantial amount of food and he is extremely weak. He can barely walk a few feet without getting winded and causing his heart to race.
As you know, his chemo treatments were interrupted by this untimely surgery. He is expected to receive two more cycles of chemo and he has an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow. I am worried that they will want to begin the chemo again within a week. Jack has gone from 127 pounds in May down to 105 pounds today. He lost five pounds between last Thursday and this Monday. I don't think he can endure the chemo any time soon but I am afraid to hold off on it because the cure rate of 90% is based on a strict regimen of 4 chemo cycles ( on week of chemo two weeks off=a cycle). This "cycle" has already been delayed three times.
I know all is of God but I can't help but worry what God's plan is for my son with all of these unexpected delays and surgery. I'm afraid. It's not that I don't trust God, I do, but that doesn't make it any easier to watch Jack suffer and worry about his well-being. Honestly, I am getting a little p'd off at God for putting Jack through all of this. A perfectly healthy kid now looks and feels so sick all the time.
So we could still use the prayers as apparently it's not over until God says so. I need more strength emotionally and Jack just needs strength overall.
Thanks again for listening.
Eileen
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Eileen,
My pyayers are still with you..stay strong..
Love you,
Kathy :-*
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Praying for Jack and you
Tom
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Same here Eileen. Update us when and if you feel like sharing.
Love in Christ,
Vangie
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Hi Eileen,
I can understand you being p'd off at God. It is impossible for us to see things in the same way that Almighty God does, especially when it's our nearest and dearest that we are watching suffer.
My prayer is, Dear Father, I lift Jack up to you and ask that will give him your healing, and your strength. Let Jack's appetite improve please Lord, that he will become strong enough to receive the rest of the chemo, and that he will subsequently be completely healed. I ask also Father, for strength for Eileen, that she will be able to cope with seeing her dear son suffer all that he is going through, and that You will use this time to grow her faith in You. Amen
Geoff
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Eileen, May God give you strength and endurance. I pray God would give Jack his appetite and also that the delays in the chemo won't matter, when they resume ,the result would be health and full recovery. Father take the worry from Eileen and grant her peace that only you can provide.In Jesus name according to your Will, Amen.
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Eileen,
It's so hard for me to read this... I went through a situation when I almost lost my son in a drowning accident at his daycare provider's pool. The doctors gave me very little hope since Josh was already dead when the ambulance arrived; they started CPR and were able to revive him, but the outlook for him surviving was very discouraging at best. I hung onto God with all I had. For me it was like the Mount Moriah experience when Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18); I opened my hands, let go, and offered him up to God in a spiritual sense. 4 days later I took him home and he was completely healthy again. He never had another problem since. I will never forget this; I learned how precious and fragile life can be.
I am praying for you.
Angie
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I am praying for you Eileen. Its so sad to watch someone you love not eat and need chemo. What , a hard thing to endure.
In His Love,
Marlene
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Eileen,
As a mother my heart breaks for you! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Jack, as well as the rest of your family. May God grant you the strength to endure this.
Peace and Love in Christ's Name,
Tammy
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We went to see the oncologist on Thursday and he looked at Jack and said there is no way we can start chemo anytime soon. He is scheduled to see him again in two weeks and told Jack he needs to gain weight or they will have to call for intervention. I'm not sure exactly what they mean by intervention. Maybe a nutritionist or someone who deals with eating disorders. I can see he is trying to eat but very little. He is hungry but a very little bit of food makes him feel full. I am trying to make him drink as much ensure a day as he can stand.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and continued prayers.
Eileen
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Eileen, I sure know what you are going through. Teresea, is just now starting to eat a little more. She is still with me. I feel we have alot in common right now. She is not my daugter, but she lived with us when she was a child and 11 years of her adult life.
I will keep Jack in my prayers as normal.
In His Love,
Marlene
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My heart and prayers go out to you and yours. God will sustain you. Peace and Grace
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Eileen,
You and Jack are in my thoughts and prayers!
Brenda
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Jack has been doing much better these past few days. Eating and drinking ensure (350 calories a can). He has put on a few pounds and seems determined to keep it up.
I know this turn around is a direct result of your prayers so thanks again everyone.
Eileen
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Eileen,
I am so happy to hear it. Thanks be to God :)
Angie
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Oh, I am so happy to hear that Eileen. Praise God!
In His Love,
Marlene
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praise God our Loving Father! so happy for your jack and for you eileen. thank you also for keeping us updated.
claudia
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Thank you Father God, thank you Jesus.
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Eileen Sorry I haven't wrote lately but I have been praying and keeping up with your updates. I think the last time you posted was Aug.25Th. Your son had started to eat more and gained a little weight. That's great news. How is he doing now? How are you and the rest of your family doing? I am totally upset that these terrible things are happen to such good people. People like YOU, Marleen, Ray, his wife, pogo and her husband. Now my wife's doctor order a bunch of test due to her weight loss. She lost 15 or so lbs in 4 mos. I think that's OK. She switch from a case of reg. cokes a week to a case of coke zero a week. It's still alot of soda. Plus she walks our 6 dogs one at the time down the block every morning. Shes been doing this since we moved in our house. A yr&1/2. But I still worry I'm just scared. Cancer is a disease I fear more than anything. You know that old saying,if you have your health you have everything? At times I believe we get caught up in our daily lives we forget how true this is. I pray and pray for you guys. I have to believe that everything will be OK. I have to. You and yours, Ray and his, Marleen and pogo their family. You are all kind,loving and caring people and all of you deserve a break.
Darren
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darren,
it was such a sweet and loving post you just wrote. i have been sitting here, after reading mepogo's latest thread "a little bit to share", and have been reading through ray's paper on death, and reading over old emails to ray, trying to find some encouraging words and scriptures to give our dear mepogo. and then, as you say, there is ray (and his manuela), eileen and her jack, mepogo and her wayne, and marlene and her teresa, as well as all the sweet babies that ninny brings to us for prayer, and meee's grandson with autism, and my niece with autism, and g. driggs' wife and her weight issue, and on and on and on. there is much suffering for believers on this earth, and indeed "judgement begins with the House of God" and of course, that ain't talking about a literal church house building. it speaks of us. it is true that we all deserve a break, but our break WILL come at our resurrection. i continue to pray for those i have mentioned and those i have not mentioned here. prayer and petition are the best prescription, along with love and compassion, for all that we suffer on this earth.
love in Christ,
claudia
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Hello everyone. Jack had his third (second to last) week of chemo two weeks ago. Once again they had to cram five days of chemo into four days because that Monday was labor day (holiday). He is about 113 pounds now. Still a light weight but I guess it was more important to begin the chemo treatments asap. Last thursday his white blood count was extremely low and he had an infection in his toe but he has been taking antibiotics. He actually felt great yesterday and went out with friends for the first time in months. He will have his last day of chemo beginning the week of Sept. 28th.
Thank you all for your prayers and concern for someone you don't even know. Your support has been such a help to me during this trying time.
Thank you again.
Eileen
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Eileen,
So happy to hear that Jack felt great and went out with some friends yesterday. I will continue to pray for him, especially to gain some weight.
Thanks for the update :)
God bless you,
Angie
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Thank you for the update on Jack, Eileen. Praise God that he's been feeling better.
Geoff
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Thinking of You & Jack