Another Update

I wanted to give you an update on what's going on with Carolyn.

Matthew received a call from his dad last Thursday night saying that things had gone downhill quickly. Carolyn was being admitted to the hospital soon after they got off the phone. Matthew made flight arrangements and went to St Louis Friday morning.

Thursday night/Friday morning, the doctors discovered a tumor on Carolyn's spine. While the treatment worked really well on the bone cancer, a very strong treatment has not worked on the cancer in the liver and during that treatment cancer was able to form on her spine. In talking with her doctor, Carolyn decided to stop any and all treatment over a week ago. Her health has been declining since that time.

Matthew, his dad, and his sister met with the doctor yesterday. She told them Carolyn could pass this week or she could surprise everyone and last another month. She does not appear to be in any pain at this time, but they want to find a facility where she can be placed in hospice care so she can be as comfortable as possible during this time. While in the hospital, they have to continue to draw blood to see how she is doing and continue to wake her up and bother her.

I joined Matthew in St Louis yesterday. Today he and his sister are driving around town looking at facilities where Carolyn can be placed in hospice care.

This is an extremely difficult time for everyone. I have heard several people mention regret for not spending more time with her when they could. No one knew the end was so near or when the last good day would be. I think there will be more family and friends coming into town in the coming days.

After hearing the news of the finality of everything yesterday, I believe everyone is starting to think about a future without Carolyn around. It is difficult to say the least.

I am not sure how to ask you to pray, but I will ask that you continue to pray for the family. God is good all the time and He provides strength and peace. His mercies are new every morning. He knows us best and is able to provide what is needed at just the right time.