Sunday, April 19, 2009

April 19, 2009

Hey everyone:
We pulled into the Kahler Grand Hotel across the street from the Mayo clinic tonight. It took us about 9 hours from Marshall, Mi where we had stayed after having dinner with Heather, Michelle and Greg (Michelle's boyfriend).
For those of you who may not know why we're here, it's because last week we found out that Anne has metastatic cancer of the colon. It came as a complete surprise to us because she is basically asymptomatic--no pain, no rectal bleeding, constipation, NOTHING! It was a surprise to her family doc as well, Thad Rathcamp. But, thanks to him and Dr. Ernie Balcueva, the oncologist, after pulling some strings, we got out here to Mayo Clinic right away.
Tomorrow we are scheduled (sorry, I should say Anne is scheduled) to have a complete physical, go through some lab tests and then only God knows. They have a colonoscopy scheduled for Tuesday, and an appointment with the surgeon on Thursday, but other than that we are in the dark.
We have been blessed in so many ways--great faith, greater friends and family, and plenty of prayer warriors, all the way to Nigeria. I am so thankful to everyone who has contacted us and are praying for us. This certainly can't hurt. The more prayer arrows sent up to God the better. What I am truly thankful for is the fact that we do indeed have a strong faith--something we didn't have when Anne went through the 4 miscarriages she had when I was an atheist and she followed along with me. But thanks to her persistence, we started going back to church about 13 years ago, and the Holy Spirit took over. We both know that no matter what we have to endure (her mostly, of course), that our faith will remain strong and we will to continue to praise God "in the storm".
God Bless,
Tony

3 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for taking the time to post updates. I can't imagine how all this has turned life upside down, yet put things in perspective. We are all thinking of and praying for you, Anne, and the rest of the family.

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  2. Anne, Tony and family, thanks for being willing to take us with you on this journey. We have family praying for you as well.

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  3. Thanks for the update. Anne has been on my mind all day. Anne, I can remember the day before I was to start chemotherapy. The night before was horrific because I couldn't sleep and I worried about everything! That's when I realized that I had to give my whole self to God, and that can be very hard because we still want some control of our own lives. When I walked to Dr. Balcueva's office I remember taking a deep breath before entering through the doorway and saying quietly "It's just you and me God. You're the one in charge. I trust whatever your will may be." but I was still scared as you know
    what. I just wanted you to know that you're aren't the first to be scared. HOld on tight to Tony, the girls, and to God. They'll be your beacon to guide you through all of this. We love you and the candle still flickers for you.

    Love,
    Cathy

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