FEBRUARY 3, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR ANTHONY VAUGHN (OWEN)--I just thought I'd forward this message in its entirety for those of you who have been praying for this family. Thank you so much! Love, Nancy----I can NOT begin to express my thanks to all of our. There are so many of you. Anyone who says this group doesn't pull together when needed is sadly mistaken! We are all 'cyber' sisters and brothers! To all of you--hugs and kisses--I can not repay y'all enough for being my shoulder to lean on! To those VERY special ones--Diane, Kathy, Merce, Wanda, and others (you know who you are)--I wish I could give you all a big bouquet of roses to show my appreciation!! Now for news: 1) Hubby is home and at this moment sleeping in a hospital bed in the middle of the living room. He loves it.....TV, bathroom and kitchen all close by!!!!! Truthfully, we are all amazed how well he is doing! He is doing fantastic!!!!! 2) I flew out Thursday to Balboa hospital to be with Anthony. That in itself is a miracle. One of the professors at my job heard me talking about trying to get to California and gave me a FREE round trip ticket. So off I went. I arrived in San Diego after being searched THREE times! Kathy W. (an airforce mom) met me and took me to the hospital to see my Marine. (Thanks Diane for introducing us.) They may be big tough marines but when they are sick they still want their mommie! We hugged each other and cried, he said "Mom I'm really glad you came!" Then around noon we got the word that they would be discharging him. The doctor came in and of course mom just attacked him with questions. They STILL do not know what is wrong with Anthony, other than it is viral in nature and NOT cancer or leukemia. The normal white cell count is 8, Anthony's is 4. Kathy & I both thought they should've transferred him back to Camp Pendleton hospital for a few more days but they discharged him. To me he doesn't look well, eyes sunk, dark circles, weak, etc.--of course the spot where they took out some bone marrow still hurts so they gave him pain killers for that. So Anthony and I stayed at Kathy's house until Saturday morning when they took me to the airport. The entire time, Anthony kept saying "Mom, I'm REALLY glad you came". And when I looked into those sunken eyes, I saw my 'baby' wanting his mommy so I was glad also. Anyway both my men are on the road to recovery (God willing and the creek don't rise). Now maybe I'll get some sleep and recover also..........this has worn me down! To all of you who have said prayers-------THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!! To all of you who have sent cards, etc.--------THANK YOU ALSO. Anthony said they helped pass the time. The hospital said they would forward any more cards that they receive for Anthony. The doctor did shake his finger at Anthony and say "If you start feeling bad, you best get back here quick!" Anthony is still suseptible (spelling) to infection (still has low white cell count) but he is somewhat better. FYI----Anthony says Camp Pendleton hospital is MUCH better than Balboa. Said food at Balboa "Sucked" but that's kids. I'm just glad he's doing better. So again thank you all so VERY much!!!!!! Kay, A MUCH RELIEVED MOM!!!!!!! (Sent by Nancy Eltrich)
FEBRUARY 3, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR DAVID NICOLAY--I know that all of you have been receiving e-mails from Suzanne with updates on David's prognosis, etc. If I repeat any info it is because I don't know what she has sent out.----We visited with Dr. McCormick on Friday- his blood counts looked good and better than what was expected post chemotherapy. I believe David has been given extra help from above in that he is not suffering except for some nausea which can be from any or all of three things - radiation to the head - it has been about 1 month since that ended, esophajectomy in October (gi tract is still re-grouping-that is my terminologoy) and thirdly, the mestastasis in his liver. He was not eating when he left the hospital but is now eating fruit in small portions, pureed vegetable soup, and eggs. Albeit, he is not eating alot but more than he was. The nausea is controlled with good medication. I read about marinol in our cancer cookbook to be used as an appetite stimulant and the doctor prescribed that for him. It has helped his appetite somewhat and he is really trying to eat. For interested persons, marinol is "like pot in a pill." legal however. He does not exactly have the munchies but it has helped so I am glad about that. David is being fed amino acids, vitamins, etc through his groshung catheter and the "tpn" as it is called is in a duffle bag and not on a pole so he moves around well with it. The food is on a pump and I now know how to change out the bag on my own. (Accountants are very versatile individuals-often resistent to change - but resilient none the less!!!! - my latent fantasy to be "in the clinical world" maybe coming true in a small way!!) Dr. McCormick plans to have him CT scanned in about two weeks as I understand it and she will know then if the chemo had any effect or not. We will visit her again on Friday, Feb. 8th as I suppose we will know more then. It has been one week since the chemo treatment has ended.----David did walk down the street yesterday to vote and is moving around the house somewhat. He was up for most of the day yesterday and is sleeping pretty well at night. As I understand things, he would not be able to have the tpn if his liver was not functioning so we thank God for this blessing. I was told that his organs are all working fine even despite the metastisis in the liver. I gain alot of strength from David's courage in facing his illness and am very proud of all his efforts.----We understand that this situation is quite serious - I think about it alot. - We continue to pray for a miracle because with God all things are possible. I ask all of you to continue to hope and pray along with us and thank him for all that he has done for us so far. A client of mine told me, "Swim close to shore, don't try to take on the big waves - you just can't do that." I think that was great advice. The doctor also told me not to look at this as an 'all or nothing thing. Take it one day at a time.' both pieces of advice have been invaluable and comforting. That is not always easy to do but I am trying.----Chins up to all of you- it is not over and we continue to ask for HIS divine healing. I hope this finds all of you happy and well. Please be in touch as time allows. Call if you like, if David is resting, we will disconnect the phones and get messages later. I am much appreciative of everyone's love and support for us. It make a really bad
situation bearable. To all of you we owe personal thanks for visits, flowers, food , etc, it isn't forgotten, we are just a little slow. If I do not respond to e-mail right away, I will eventually get to it.----We send much much love to all of you. I remind everyone- do whatever it is that you need to do to remain or get healthy! Your family and friends need you! (Sent by Anne Nicolay)
FEBRUARY 4, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR MICHAEL NOVENCHE--Please pray for my son. He is in the emergency room as I am writing. He needs prayers. The tumor is growing and there is pressure on his brain. Please Pray. (Sent by John Novenche)
FEBRUARY 4, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR JUNE NARBER--I just fell down this morning in the kitchen. I slipped on a wet spot on the floor. I hit the wall at a weird angle. My hearing was gone for five minutes but returned. I can't use my left arm at all. I think it is a sprain or a pulled muscle. I can't go to the doctor right now due to finances. I would appreciate your prayers that it heals soon. I've had ongoing problems with my left shoulder as well. I am in pain, but nothing I can do at this time. (Sent by June Narber)
FEBRUARY 4, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR GOLDIE MELLERUP--Please pray also for Goldie Mellerup. She has uterus cancer and will face surgery on 2/13. We hope it has not spread. She is a close friend of some 17 years. (Sent by June Narber)
FEBRUARY 5, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR EVERETT WILKEY--Good evening, everyone! Just to let you know that Leon is back in the hospital. He had a severe attack of abdominal pain this morning around 4 AM. He came on into the Emergency Room at 8 AM and they admitted him. The pain is quite severe. They've been giving him demerol and morphine. The current working diagnosis is acute pancreatitis and ileus of the bowel. He's in Southeastern Med in Room 225. The address is 1341 Clark St., Cambridge, OH 43725. If you do send a card, you should address it to Everett Wilkey as that's how they know him there. I asked him about visitors, and he said, not right now. He said he wasn't very good company while the pain is so bad. I anointed him again, and he also asked me to ask all of you to pray for him.----I received this prayer request today from a local minister. Would you please add him to your list. Thank you ! (Sent by Bill Walker)
FEBRUARY 6, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR EVERETT WILKEY--Tues. evening report on Everett Wilkey----Good evening, Just spent about 3 hours with Leon this evening. He's still in a lot of pain. They are giving him morphine every two hours. The doctor came in to see him this evening. It seems the culprit is his gallbladder. He has a lot of gallstones which is causing the inflammation in the pancreas. The pain seems to be mostly caused by the "ileus" of the bowel. It is a common post-operative problem, and of course, Leon just had surgery October 30th. Apparently this ileus causes the bowels to work too slowly causing a buildup of fluid and air. Right now, the doctor says the best treatment is to let the pancreas and bowel rest. So he continues to only be able to eat ice chips, but he has no appetite. The surgeon is going to see Leon tomorrow and check out the gallbladder situation. He said he may decide it has to come out, or they may decide to wait and make sure it's the gallbladder causing the pancreatitis. He said if we get you well and the pain reoccurs in a couple of weeks, then we'll know for sure it's the gallbladder. Seems strange to me. I would think they would already know?? I think the best treatment is the one we're looking for from another Great Healer. Leon wants everyone to pray that he won't have to have another surgery and that he can have relief from the pain. Will update more as I have it. (Sent by Bill Walker)
FEBRUARY 6, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR LEO VOLK--We found out about a week ago my Dad has colon cancer they don't know how far it has spread in his body yet. (Sent by Ron & Kathy Volk)
FEBRUARY 6, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR ENRICO BENCIVENGA--Thank you very much for caring. Enrico is improving more everyday. God BLESS YOU AND all others that have helped thru prayer. (Sent by family and friends)
FEBRUARY 6, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR EVERETT WILKEY--Please note; other friends of Leon are forwarding these updates to me. Thank you, Bill Walker----Update from Ron Kelly....---- Good evening, everyone! Leon's condition remains about the same. His pain is still intense and he is taking the morphine shots every couple of hours. He says it does keep it under control, but when they're late it takes it awhile to settle back down. The surgeon came to see him today and sure enough, he thinks the gallbladder needs to come out. So, they have him scheduled for surgery at 1:30 tomorrow afternoon. Right now they are planning to do the laparosopic procedure which means they make the 4 small incisions near the navel and go in with the scope with the clippers attached to it and snip it out of there. However, if they find that unsuccessful, they'll go ahead with the traditional gallbladder surgery. Of course Leon is hoping it will just be the less complicated procedure. The doctor said with the gallbladder out, it should relieve the problem with the pancreas. I still don't know what they're doing about the ileus of the bowel problem. That still seems to be the source of his pain. I'll update you all again tomorrow, but it may be late. Nancy and I are planning to go to Columbus tomorrow evening and have dinner with Scott, Nicci and Terrence. Ron Kelley (Sent by Bill Walker)
FEBRUARY 6, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR JUNE NARBER--June Narber's arm is getting better. There is more movement in it now. The pain is less, but is more at night. Possibly a rotor-cuff sprain (or the major muscle in back of arm). (Sent by June Narber)
FEBRUARY 7, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR DAVID NICOLAY--Very quickly I would like to update everyone. David was admitted to the hospital yesterday due to low white blood cell count and fever. He has an infection which they are trying to figure out. Don't know the latest right now. The low white count is normal after chemo- usually onsets around the 10-14 day after chemo finishes. The doctor says he will be in for a couple of days- but to me that means more than 2 but I hope I am wrong. The infection made him very tired in addition to the other things he has going on.----Please keep us in your prayers- I still pray for a miracle and I hope all of you do as well. More news as I have it for you. Thanks for all the support and prayers Much much love, Anne (Sent by Anne Nicolay)
FEBRUARY 7, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR DAVID NICOLAY--Just received a phone call from Anne - she asked me to update everyone...----David's fever has "gone away" - keep praying! FYI - because his resistance is soo... low, he is being kept somewhat isolated (no flowers, balloons, etc) - visitors have to wash-up before entering the room, wear mask, etc. So, please check w/Anne before showing up at David's door. (Sent by Valla Stewart)
FEBRUARY 7, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR PAT PATTERSON--My stepfather, Pat Patterson, is worsening each day. He is having bouts of vomiting and nausea as well as his pain is getting steadily worse. He now has hospice care which is helpful to my mother and the nurses are able to help control his pain with additional medication. We ask that you pray for God's miraculous intervention. No matter what a situation appears to our human eye there is no illness too great for God to heal. We ask for God's mercy and compassion on Pat and his suffering. Thank you all for your prayers on his behalf. (Sent by Linda Moers)
FEBRUARY 8, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR EVERETT WILKEY--Leonard Rinehart wrote: I am filling in for Ron Kelley this evening. Leon came through the Surgery very well today. The Surgeon used the Laparoscopic Technique to remove the Gall Bladder. Some difficulty in locating the "critter" but they retrieved it in just the best time because it was loaded with gangrene and in 36 to 48 hours it would have ruptured and created a very difficult situation, even death. He is very thankful for all the prayers. I visited him this morning at 7:30 and he was resting comfortably. Told me the Night Nurse was very good to him and kept the medication level up to subdue the pain so he could sleep. Ron will give the next update on how long Leon will have to stay in the Hospital. He will still need our prayers for recovery and healing........Leonard Rinehart (Sent by Bill Walker)
FEBRUARY 8, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR DAVID NICOLAY--Thank God!!!!! David is doing much better. He says that he feels better than he has in 3 weeks- that is great news. He is eating again. Like a kid- he showed me his empty soup bowl. Believe me this is a feat! His fever is gone and the doctor was happy with the path reports on bacteria. Not exactly sure what it all meant but she said it came back good. His white blood count had doubled- but it is not yet good enough to come home. They are giving him shots for that, so he seems to be on the mend in that regard. I asked what normal was -it is 10.0 or 10,000. He had a .4 on Wednesday and yesterday it was .8- so we have some work in this area but will check when I go "make rounds" today.----I am much encouraged by the progress- it may only be temporary- but you take the good days and enjoy them. Bear that in mind !!!----I send everyone big big hugs and kisses- Hopefully David will come home over the weekend- I believe that is the goal- so I will keep everyone up to speed. Have a great weekend, more later, Love, Anne (Sent by Anne Nicolay)
FEBRUARY 8, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR TYLER REYES--Just got a call from Stephanie. Tyler has developed pneumonia as a result of his developmental situation -- evidently a flap in his throat that should be closing is not because it has not developed fully, and Tyler has been getting food, bacteria, etc. down in his lungs. He has pneumonia in his right lung. The doctor wants to insert a permanent tube directly into his stomach and feed him that way because he has to spit up so much of what he takes in by throat. Stephanie, of course, is crying and upset. She was scheduled to have eye surgery tomorrow but has postponed it. She is afraid he might die because they also suspect that Tyler has liver problems along with his other conditions.----I just wanted to pass the word around so you all would be asking God to intervene and heal Tyler and comfort the family as they go through this trial. He's such a sweet little boy, always smiling and loving no matter who is holding him. Sheila {Grandmother} (Sent by Rhoda Foust-Great Grandmother)
FEBRUARY 8, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR TYLER REYES--I called Stephanie at the hospital about 5:30pm today and they still had not fed Tyler. She said they keep telling them that they are not that concerned about that since they are keeping him hydrated with intravenous fluids; they're more concerned with the fever and fluid in the lungs than with feeding him. He, of course, is MUCH more concerned with eating. Stephanie said she is able to hold him when he cries, due to hunger, but that now he's just kind of lethargic, since he hasn't eaten in two days. They did put the tube into his stomach -- it didn't go all the way in like it should due to another flap not opening or closing correctly, but they think when they put food in it that it will work okay. They're all just waiting on the food to arrive to feed him. Ely (Reyes-Dad) is not feeling well, so he's going home to sleep and Stephanie is going to stay again tonight. She was up all night last night with Tyler because he was hungry and was mad that she would hold him but not feed him ;-) Maybe if they feed him before bedtime he'll sleep all night. She said he seems to be breathing better, probably because he hasn't been taking in food that doesn't go where it should so he gets all congested.----Ely said Tyler looked good -- no yellow color (they're watching that because of the possible liver disease). They have the fever down, now they're just trying to get the fluid out of his lungs and get him over the pneumonia.----Stephanie did say they were going to have to arrange for in-home nursing care; since he'll have a tube in his stomach, they don't want him going to day care. Stephanie hopes that their health insurance will pay for it! (Both parents are police officers)----That's all for now. I'm going to call back in a hour or so. JD (older little brother) was there and sounded tired and ready to go home with Daddy and take a nap. It's hard on everyone, as you can imagine. Keep up the prayers. It looks like Tyler is making good progress. Sheila {Grandmother} (Sent by Rhoda Foust-Great Grandmother)
FEBRUARY 9, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR TREASURE SCHNEIDER-We do not have a current update for Treasure Schneider--none has been sent to us, however, she does have a Web Site, and I do encourage everyone to periodically go there and take a look. If we do receive an update, we will send it out. Treasure's Web Site address is: http://www.timl.com/Treasure_art.htm (Written by Laura Lee)
FEBRUARY 11, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR LEO VOLK--Dad made it through surgery ok, but very sore. Now the next 72 hours pray no infections set in. We will know on Friday if they got all the cancer, the rest of the tests will be in then, please keep Dad on the prayer list. Thank you. (Sent by Ron & Kathy Volk)
FEBRUARY 12, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR TYLER REYES--The news is not good (about little 9 mo. old Tyler Reyes). I (Sheila-Grandmother) called Stephanie (his Mom) last night and found out that Tyler is now in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and hooked up to a respirator that is doing all the breathing for him. The doctors discovered several things: 1. His heart and stomach are not positioned correctly -- the heart is in the middle of his chest while his stomach is to the left of where it should be. This accounts for the problems they had of getting the feeding tube inserted correctly. 2. Tyler evidently caught RSV (a common respiratory tract infection problem for children worldwide) from the kids at the day care center, they suspect. You can read more about RSV here: http://www.rsvinfo.com/diagnosing/diagnosing.html 3. He also has a bacterial infection in his lungs. 4. They discovered that because his lungs are underdeveloped, they were not expelling the carbon dioxide sufficiently -- which is why he slept one whole day without waking once. This was the day they took him to the hospital. So, they tried hooking him up to an apparatus that would assist in expelling the carbon dioxide and he fought it so much that they just had to drug him to sleep and let the machine do it all for him, hopefully only until his lungs are functioning properly and free of fluids. Then, he had a reaction to the antibiotic they were giving him to fight the pneumonia. The final summary is that they are doing everything they can for him, but he is not aware of anything. Stephanie and Ely went home to get some rest last night but are going back today and Steven is going to call to see how Tyler did overnight. He's going to call me when he finds out more. Stephanie is trying to stay hopeful and encouraged by all they are doing for him, but I can tell she's getting depressed and fearful that Tyler has so many medical problems that only God can save him now. I'm checking into plane tickets to see if I can go down and be with them to help however I can. Please keep praying for him and thank you all for your prayers and support. Love,Sheila Sent in by Rhoda Foust -Great-grandmother.
FEBRUARY 12, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR DAVID NICOLAY--Sorry for the slow news but I often don't get a chance to get on e-mail every day. David came home on Sunday and is doing well. His nausea is much much better and we thank everyone for the prayers and thoughts. He is eating more than before the chemotherapy - something I am very happy about and is interested in getting on his lap top and looking at photos (his passion !!)----He has been resting and whatever the infection was that he had must be gone because he still has no fever and the blood counts went back to normal during the hospital stay. He is in pretty good spirits and fighting as best as he can. He looks better since he is home and generally is doing pretty well. At least, it seems to me that he is better than before the chemo. Every day that is a good day is better than what was before so you count the small blessings. Remember, we are swimming close to shore- that works best.----We will visit with the oncologist on Thursday and I believe an MRI is still scheduled for the 20th so we are ever hopeful that things continue to go our way. I still believe that what medical science can't finish, God will so we continue to pray for a miracle.----As always, we thank everyone for their continued support and prayers. We are truly touched by the love of so many. May God bless all of you as he has us. Even through these trials, we are blessed. More news as it develops, Much much love, Anne (Sent by Anne Nicolay)
FEBRUARY 13, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR EVERETT WILKEY--Just to let you know Leon is being discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. He had quite a bit of post-op pain. The doctor did a CT scan today and everything showed up fine. Also his blood work and everything is back to normal limits. So, he has made a good recovery now and is ready to go home. He sends his thanks and love to all of you for your prayers and concerns. Ron Kelley (Sent by Bill Walker)
FEBRUARY 14, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR TYLER REYES--The latest word on Tyler is that he's still in Intensive Care, on the respirator, but improving. His lungs are clearing of fluids a bit more each day. They are feeding him through the tube that goes to his stomach and he's having bowel movements, etc. as expected. He is still quite "puffy" from the hydrating fluids they keep flowing into him all the time. Stephanie says it's hard for him to open his eyes, he's so puffy. She reads to him and holds his hand during visiting hours and she thinks he knows that she is there. He is moving around a bit more than he did previously, but is still drugged up so he won't fight the respirator; kind of like being half-asleep, half-awake. Sometimes he opens his eyes a bit, but closes them back right away. Stephanie is going to take some of his dimply-smiley pictures in to pin on the wall behind his bed so the hospital staff will know that he really does have a personality. She says she has a recent one where JD is holding him and Tyler has his hands wrapped around JD's head and is smiling so big his front tooth is just shining bright.----For the past three days, Stephanie has said "he's about the same, but getting a bit better". They are telling her that if he continues to progress like he has been and if he will breathe on his own, without the respirator, then he can go back into his own hospital room in a couple of days. I guess the big concern is with him breathing on his own. Since his lung is weak, and now weaker still with the pneumonia and the RSV, there is a real concern about him being able to breathe on his own. That will be the big test. I'll send another e-mail when there is any change from this current status. Love to everyone, Sheila Taylor. (Sent in by Rhoda Foust)
FEBRUARY 14, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR LISA MARTIN--Prayer request for Lisa Martin. The Dr. has given up hope for Lisa, the cancer keeps spreading and the last chemo treatment almost killed her. First please pray that God will bring all her blood work numbers up so that she can come home. Second Please pray for God's Healing power, I believe with all my heart that God can and wants to heal her. All of her updates and her picture can be seen at our website at www.tandlfurs.com (Sent by Tony Martin) (Special note: Please do take the time to visit this Web Site. Thank you. Laura)
FEBRUARY 15, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR ENRICO BENCIVENGA--I want to take this time to thank you again for your prayers. Harry (Enrico) has had a little set back, with infections and he keeps losing his breath when he talks or walks. But we have had hope that he will over come these set backs. Thank everyone who has kept him in their prayers. God bless you all, Love Ruth
FEBRUARY 15, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR ENRICO BENCIVENGA--Since I wrote you he has another set back, he has two blood clots in his left arm. Which we hope will get better with blood thinners and other attention? Thank you again for all your prayers and concern for his speedy recovery. (Sent by Ruth Bencivenga)
FEBRUARY 15, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY--
Treasure Ann Schneider passed away last night in the arms of her dear father. Her little heart was the thing that finally gave out. We are all greatly comforted at this time with the knowledge that she is right where she is supposed to be. I know how many had the hope of a complete healing here on earth, we too kept this hope alive right up until the last. Her last few days were very remarkable, as she was eating, "peeing" (the kidneys had quit in January) and sitting up trying to work on artwork. New hope had sprung up in our hearts and so it was completely amazing to us that she died so quickly and peacefully. Her parents dreaded a painful "drowning" and so with this end, they feel grateful. She received her last package of cards from all you folks that morning and was inspired enough to make a beautiful card for her mother, which said, I LOVE YOU in block letters, and had about a dozen "very's" before the word MUCH. I can not say enough about the comfort we have received through your many inquiries and beautiful cards. I feel certain that the Father above has had his way in this situation, and the Schneider's have a LOT of peace right now. We are rejoicing in His sovereignty. Thank you ALL for your thoughts and prayers! Praise be to Yahweh! Much Love, Vanessa (Sent by Vanessa Lorentzen) NOTE: Treasure's funeral is today February 19, 2002 at 11:00AM in Bismarck, North Dakota. Please send your cards for the Schneider family here and we will forward them on to them. Darwin and I had opportunity last night to sit in on the sharing of family and friends at the funeral home and even though this little girl was only alive for 6 years, she made quite an impact on all who came in contact with her. It is hard when a family looses a child, but when that child is only 6 years old, it can be really tough. Please, my request is that you continue to remember the Schneider family in your prayers and with cards over the next several months as they mourn for Treasure. Thank you. (Laura)
FEBRUARY 18, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR JIM GRAVES--Jim Graves phoned us yesterday to request prayers for himself. I sincerely hope that I can explain this problem so people will understand what I am saying here--if not let me know and I will try again.--I am not a doctor so I do not know the scientific name for this particular part of our brains, but in our brains we all have a filter. This filter when working properly will help us to focus on a conversation with another person or hear a telephone ring and know where the sound is coming from. If this filter does not work properly we will hear traffic noise from miles away, conversations from down the block, sirens from miles away, etc. etc., all at the same time and then if someone tries to speak to this person, all of these noises are jumbled, because the filter in the brain does not work properly. I have done some reading on this particular problem and I have known and observed others who definitely have this same problem I speak of. When and because our filter in the brain works properly, we take it for granted, and sounds do not bother us, because we can seem to automatically block most noise. People who have an improperly working filter are unable to block out any noise around them, they hear lots of stuff all at the same time and like anything else that is physical, there can be different degrees of it--mild cases and severe cases and multiple in between cases.----As Jim described his problem over the phone, I could understand what he was talking about. He apparently works in a factory where they build things and they are allowed to play radios there, and Jim is not near the radio all the time and he has spoken to management about the radio and they have turned it way down at times and even then, Jim is unable to block the noise from the radio out. Because of his inability to block this noise even when turned way down--it severely irritates and incapacitates Jim to the point of becoming angry and to the point where he sometimes has to leave work. It sounds like this is a long time trial that Jim is having with this. He is trying to find a different job, but does not seem to think that will happen any time soon. Please pray that God will heal the filter in Jim's brain which would allow him to block unwanted noise. Jim was also concerned that demon influence may be involved here. Please pray for Jim's complete and total healing. Thank you. (Written by Laura Lee)
FEBRUARY 18, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR GERALD JOHN KLOSS--Prayer Requested for: Gerald John Kloss. He had heart surgery in September 2001 and has been waiting for double hernia/enstrangled intestines surgery. He did have this surgery last Monday, 2/11/02 and has been in daily severe pain since coming home. He is having difficulty walking and getting up/down. He saw the surgeon on 2/18 who removed the 13 staples and was concerned with the swelling. Gerald is still in pain and requests prayer. (Sent by Gerald Kloss--Edited by Laura Lee)
FEBRUARY 21, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR MICHAEL NOVENCHE--The operation was successful! The doctors removed a large portion of the tumor. We don't know the exact percentage. We will know after the MRI tomorrow. He will begin chemo immediately. He is weaker on his left side but that was to be expected. We are just so happy that he made it through this delicate operation. Thank you so much for your prayers. Actually , there are no words to express our gratitude. God Bless you for caring. From all The Novenche's----NOTE: Michael Novenche's Web Site address is: http://www.geocities.com/michaelnovenche/
FEBRUARY 22, 2002--Vanessa Lorentzen has informed us that Treasure Ann Schneider's (6-6-95 to 2-14-02) Web Site is currently being updated. They would like to share Treasure's very short life with those who are interested. Treasure's Web Site address is: http://www.timl.com/Treasure_art.htm PLEASE, continue to pray for and remember the Schneider family as they mourn the recent loss of their daughter. The family did have funeral insurance, however this tradgedy in general has taken a toll on them financially--if any are able to help them as they get back on their feet again great--other wise just continue to pray for their financial healing as well. Thank you (Written by Laura Lee)
FEBRUARY 22, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR ZANE GRAVES--Jim Graves is requesting prayers for his 23 year old son who is very depressed to the point of possibly taking his own life. Zane is in great need of some lifestyle changes, which would be productive in helping him to hold down a steady job. Jim is really worried about his son's over all health and is requesting urgent prayer for his son. Jim also says things for him are a little better after he requested prayers for himself. Please continue to pray for Jim and please pray urgently for his son Zane. (Phoned in by Jim Graves and Written by Laura Lee)
FEBRUARY 22, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR M. R. HUBERT--Kindly pray for us and the work we do here among challenges. (Sent by M. R. Hubert) Note: He has a ministry of helping others in India.
FEBRUARY 22, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR DAVID NICOLAY--To all of Anne and David's Family and Friends: I do not want you to think that I've forgotten all of you, but its hard to give you any real substantive news. Its "day by day" for both of them. Last week David had an extremely bad week, he didn't eat anything from Wednesday till Sunday am. By Saturday night he was very frail and weak. I would have thought that we would have been headed back to the hospital by Monday. But with a new medication started on Saturday pm, within 24 hours he was a completely different person - he even ate a hotdog (in small, small bites of course) on Sunday. This week has been a much better week for them both. His definition of eating alot is still much different than we would like - a banana, a few eggs, and a pop tart would be a big day - but some days he's able to eat more and others less. He still has the IV bag with the nutrients going, and Anne reported to me this am he's gained about 6 pounds from his all time low.----Many of you have asked me many, many times what can I do for them. Other than continued strong prayers, the only thing I can think of is volunteering to sit for a day. Anne does not feel comfortable leaving David for more than a half day at a time by himself (he feels comfortable, she doesn't - the ultimate boss wins on this one). There are several of us who can work from home who have been alternating days, in addition to Anne's mother who comes in for several day visits. So there is no immediate need for assistance, but it dawned on me today, for those of you who want to do something for them, this is something that would be meaningful to them.----I know many on this email are from out of town - as I can't put email names with all the names, I'm sending to all. Anyone interested in volunteering to sit for half or whole days, please email me the following: Your name, Telephone no., Days that you would be interested in assisting.----I will put a list together of everyone's names/no's and availability and give to Anne as a resource for their needs. Do not feel that I'm pressuring anyone - its the only thing I can think of in response to various inquiries.----Our prayer group continues to meet at their house on Sunday afternoons - David really seems to enjoy this time as well as all of the friends gathering and Anne. So for those of you who can not join us physically, a silent prayer between 4:00 and 4:30 will put us all together. Talk to you soon - have a nice weekend. (Sent by Suzanne Haggard) NOTE: If anyone is interested in assisting David and Anne as stated above and you do not personally know them, you can inquire at
[email protected] and I can tell you if you live in the same state as the Nicolay's.
FEBRUARY 22, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR SAM WEBB--Prayer Request for Sam Webb who has just been diagnosed with a "fast growing type" of cancer of the bladder and is currently waiting for treatment. (Sent by Norman Chrestenson)
FEBRUARY 23, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR J. BRYAN WHITLOW--My situation involves my employer, and their refusal to accommodate me any longer (job is threatened due to the Sabbath). I have been sent to second shift and had it worked out to work a flexible schedule for Friday's. Co-workers complained and the carpet was pulled out from under me. Now after accommodating myself with my vacation and personal time, which will run out soon, I might face termination if my "bad time" goes over the limit. The EEOC is now on it and I expect to hear some news in the next few weeks and months. I have been with them for 8 years this Februrary.----Please pray for reversal of decision. I will obey GOD, rather than man, but if HE needs me to witness for HIM every Friday, I would be more than willing to do so at my plant thru word and example. I will be getting married May 25th, and would naturally like to have a steady income and familiar job; but, whatever God wills. (Sent by J.Bryan Whitlow)
FEBRUARY 24, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR JIM TURNBLAD--I just received word that Jim Turnblad needs our urgent prayers. He had been making progress in regards to his battle with the cancer, but he is now battling a very serious staff infection. The doctors do not expect him to make it through the night. His brother, Bob is requesting prayers for him. (Sent by Dona Fehr)
FEBRUARY 25, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR THE TURNBLAD FAMILY--You may have already heard but I wanted to get this out just in case some haven't. This evening at about 5:30 PM Jim Turnblad ended his battle. As the apostle Paul said "he fought the good fight". He may have lost the battle but Jesus knows He won the war! My sister-in-law, Jolinda, and I were with Connie and Jim's parents this afternoon and evening until the family and Myers arrived to be with them. Please continue your prayers for their comfort and help through their grief. There is a song on one of the Myers Brother's CD's that Jim loved. I think it speaks volumes about Jim and how he lived his life and about Connie too. "The measure of a man is not how tall you stand, how wealthy or intelligent you are. 'Cause I found the measure of a man, God knows and understands for He looks into the bottom of the heart. And what's in the heart defines the measure of a man."----Jim was a giant in God's eyes I believe. He and Connie sure are in mine. If anyone would like funeral details send me a message and I will reply as soon as I have more information. YSIC, Linda Schreiber (Sent by Dona Fehr) NOTE: If you need funeral information please inquire at
[email protected] and we will try to hook you up with that information.
FEBRUARY 26, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR THE TURNBLAD FAMILY--The visitation for Jim Turnblad will be held from 4-8PM on Thursday, February 28. The funeral will be held at noon on Friday March 1. Your heartfelt prayers for Connie, Jim's parent's Randy and Dorothy, and the entire family are much appreciated. (Sent by Dona Fehr, Edited by Laura Lee) NOTE: If you need funeral information please inquire at
[email protected] or phone us at (701) 258-7172----Cards may be seperately addressed for Connie Turnblad (Jim's wife) or Randy & Dorothy Turnblad (Jim's parents). Please also check on our Web Site under January 2002 prayer requests for some address information for direct mailing of cards to the Turnblad family or you may mail cards here, and we will forward them.
FEBRUARY 27, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR DAVID NICOLAY--We thank everyone for their continued support, prayers and concern. David had the results of his MRI of the brain on Monday and we learned that the tumors have continued to shrink and that there are no new ones. This was terrific news. I hope all of you will take a moment and thank God for this. We ask for your continued prayers for him with the other metastis in his body. He has been suffering with nausea for the past few days and really has not eaten anything since Saturday. We are going on day four now. I am concerned but he just mentioned that he was going to have some breakfast after the home health visit at 9:30 so we will see. I pray constantly and hope all will work out. He does not look as good as he was looking but is on a "pain patch" now and that really had him drugged pretty badly yesterday but he got plenty of rest with more or less little nausea. David is a real trooper and the doctor told him that he really has been through alot and he is continuing to fight.----He will have a CT scan of the abdomen and chest on Thursday and we hope for some good news from that. Please keep his staff in your prayers as well. They have had difficulty with the equipment this week and things are getting pretty hectic for them.----I hope this finds everyone well and happy. Your continued prayers are much appreciated. Much love, Anne (Sent by Anne Nicolay)
FEBRUARY 27, 2002--PRAYER SERVICE FOR DAVID NICOLAY--There will be an impromptu prayer service at the Nicolay house tonight beginning at 7:00 pm. It may last as long as 12 hours depending. Any and all participation is welcome. If you can't join us, please pray during this period.----Many thanks, Anne----This prayer service should not alert anyone- David is feeling better today however, the ct scan tomorrow is a big day and I want all the Godly support we can get. (Sent by Anne Nicolay)
FEBRUARY 27, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST FOR VINCENT EVANS--Today, I received a special urgent prayer request.----Vincent Evans five months old was diagnosed with Leukemia. He has already had a blood transfusion and is to under go chemo treatment. I find it hard to imagine a five month old baby going through a blood transfusion, let alone having to undergo chemo treatment. Please pray for not only Vincent Evans but his parents as well. I am sure that they are devastated by this turn of events. Let us all pray for Our Father's will be done. (Sent by Ed Schneider)
FEBRUARY 28, 2002--PRAYER REQUEST AND UPDATE FOR TONY & LISA MARTIN--Please pray for Lisa, the Dr. says its just a matter of days probably. I cannot loose her, I just can't, you can see her beautiful smile at www.tandlfurs.com I beg again a thousand times please pray. Tony (Sent by Tony Martin)
