The Struggle Has Ended

Greg Hewlett passed away on January 17th after nearly eight years of battling colon cancer. While we grieve his loss, we are comforted to know that he is with his Lord.

If you would like to leave your thoughts on Greg, please see this thread.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Greg's honor, please see this thread.

Saturday, December 27, 2003

Pressing On To Joy


Greg took his first steps yesterday as he continues his excellent recovery from liver surgery this past Monday. His progress continues to be remarkable and we all were impressed with his strength, determination, and grit.

Items removed on Friday: Foley catheter, IV in jugular, epidural. The removal of all of these so early signifies that his liver function is good and his blood should clot well. This is great news and a real answer to prayer for swift healing.

Of course, great progress does not mean that there are no difficulties or dangers. Please keep the following requests in mind as you pray for Greg:

* That the doctors would let him out of the hospital at the right time, that he and Christine would find the best place to stay in Houston for up to a week after release from the hospital, and that the transition to the new living situation would go well.

* That the wound from his jugular IV would would heal when the bandage is removed today.

* For dealing with the effects of droopiness and incoherence now that he is on morphine instead of the epidural.

* That he would regularly practice the breathing exercises prescribed for him, and that he would not develop excessive fluid in or around the lungs.

* That no infections would develop.
Greg asked me to pass on his thankfulness for the many notes that came to him as a result of the patient contact system at MDACC. Any notes received are printed and hand-delivered to Greg or Christine and they have drawn tremendous encouragement from them. He is also checking the website as and when he can, and will hopefully make a post of his own very soon.

8 comments:

beti g. said...

Greg, it is so encouraging to have been praying for your progress and to see this happen. Even my Catholic mom has been praying and has the appropriate candles lit to the right saints on your behalf. Praise the Lord.

richard s said...

Greg, again I have been so blessed by your faithfulness to the Lord. Every time I read one of your updates I am reminded of how blessed I am. You have been a real pillar of faith in such adverse situations. It was great to see you the other day in Richardson. If you get a chance to e-mail me, I would like to know a little more about Christine's migraine situation. I have had migraines for years but have found some good meds as well. Anyway, I will continue to pray for you and your wonderful supportive family. God bless!!!

Maria & Craig said...

Greg and Christine- we are so encouraged to hear you are doing so well. WE praise GOD, for the wonderful healing so far. You are in our prayers daily. Continue to be a good patient!
Love, maria & Craig

sarah said...

Greg and Chris - We are so thankful to hear about the good news. Keep up the hard work! We hope that your stay in the hospital will be over soon and that you can rest and recover in the comfort of your own home.

Dan And Syd Christen said...

Oh Greg, Dan and I are so happy you are doing so well; and Mark,Thank you for being so faithful about giving us updates.
We continue to pray for your swift recovery ,with little pain (for both of you)
2004 is gonna be good !!

Josh Geiger said...

Saludos, Greg & Christine! We rejoice with you over the great results from the surgery, and we will continue praying for Greg's full recovery. We love you, Josh for the Geigers

john and debbie ciavola said...

Love always, you are always in our prayers.

Steve said...

your endless faith, strength, and courage,
are incredible and inspirational