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.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Cancer is mean

Today did not go so well. The scans showed two relatively large lymph nodes by the trachea "Y". The cancer is spreading. These were normal just three months ago. Due to the quick growth and size, Dr. Eng said they are inoperable. I'd like to confirm with the surgeon, but surgery does indeed seem difficult given their location and instability. She wants to move right away to aggressive chemo to fight them. I may get a biopsy or PET scan back here in Dallas for more confirmation, but she and Dr. Rodriguez were pretty sure what we're dealing with. I'm going to make some calls tomorrow to better understand things. But it doesn't look good.

There was also a tiny lung nodule, like the other six I've had removed. By itself, it is not a big problem, and could be resected like the others were. That is not the focus of attention right now.

So how am I doing? Let me illustrate to you my mindset. After meeting Dr. Eng, I spoke with Christine on the phone (she stayed in Dallas due to her condition) and decided that I really wanted to go back today to be with her, even though she thought maybe I shouldn't drive after that greuling day. I walked out the hospital door, picked the car up at the valet, and started driving. And driving. I drove about a fifth of the way to Dallas before I realized I had left my suitcase, laptop, and everything else back at the hotel. I had to turn around and go get it all. Then drive the same route again, only this time in heavy traffic, to creep back towards Dallas. Frustrating.


24 comments:

Madeleine said...

I'm so sorry, Greg. That's really rough. I can relate to the going back on top of everything else because you were so preoccupied and stressed that you forgot. May you receive the comfort and restoration of your soul that you need this weekend. May the Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace. And we will commit all those other details to the One who slumbers not nor sleeps ~ the One Watching Over Israel.
Love, Madeleine

Doug McCammish said...

We'll continue to pray, Greg. We know your faith will be strengthened and not shaken.

Dan And Syd Christen said...

Greg--We can not even begin to" know how you feel" ! you guys have been through so much--I am constantly amazed at your faith,patience and sense of humor. I have shared your writings so often here at work and people get strength from your insites and thoughts.I have told so many people that have friend and relatives dealing with cancer of your web site--you can't begin to know how many-total strangers -out there -that are reading your words and coping with their situation -because of you.
God is usinsg you in a mighty way and He is still in control-
We are praying for you "without ceasing"
Dan and Syd

Wayne said...

Greg: You have been, and will continue to be, in my prayers and thoughts. This is indeed discouraging. Let Kathy and I know if there is anything we can do, in addtion to praying.

Davo said...

Cancer is mean, but you're one mean dog too, and God is meaner still. All I can say is that I look forward to your every update when things are not going so well. I even tend to skip over updates when all is well. I look forward to you teaching us all through your experiences, brother. You're one in a million.

Chuck Roberts said...

Greg, I am so sorry.
You are one Christlike, courageous warrior.

Doug said...

...the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Margot Thibodeau said...

My heart goes out to you and Christine and your folks. I agree cancer is a mean dirty trick! We continue in our prayers for you. Margot and Joe

Carl said...

Greg
In my previous life as a traveling salesman, I have departed on business trips without my bag, and without my wallet. I know how that feels. I do not know how this discouraging news feels, because I have never personally experienced the news of cancer returning. I do know how I feel about asking our Maker in His Son Jesus's Holy Name to heal both you and Christine. And I know why I am still asking. I read in the New Testament about the old woman asking the corrupt judge to rule in her favor and the man waking his neighbor up in the middle of the night to borrow bread for his unexpected guests. Both of these people persisted and didn't stop until they got what they were requesting. If Jesus gave us these parables about persistence in prayer then you understand why I am still requesting healing for you and Christine. And I don't plan on giving up, and I think I have a lot of company.
Carl

Julie Burck said...

Our hearts are breaking with you. I took Charles to VBS today and he was singing the song
"This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."
I didn't really feel like rejoicing or being glad, but seeing him up there singing his little heart out, smiling, doing the sign language they showed him...I wished you were here to see it. It made me feel better. Now I can't get the song out of the head! It made me want to believe it! I do, but it is hard. Praise God that he reminds us He is good and in control even when our hearts our sad!

Jim Williams said...

Greg,
Keep remembering that the battle is not yours; its the Lord's. Commit everything to Him and trust in His Perfect Will. I pray that the Lord will bless both you and Christine with just what you stand in need of, just when you need it, and just when it will help the most. Your faith and your courage has brought you this far, so I know you are not about to give up now.
Jim

Neil & Ginny Williams said...

Greg,
Ginny and I will continue to pray for you and Christine. We are right around the corner. Call us at any hour if there's anything we can do.
Neil

Judy Dominick said...

Greg,
I'm so sorry to hear the news. You and Christine will be our thoughts and prayers.
Judy

Brian Marquis said...

Oh... my heart is heavy with this news. God has stretched your faith sooo far, and now he asks you [and us] to walk with him even further. Why this? Why now? I don't know. The "why" escapes me...
BUT, the "how" is ever-present. The Holy Spirit is the "how" - the means by whose power you shall overcome this trial... and somehow, that power is made perfect in weakness. I still don't quite "get it" myself, I just know personally that it's true and I am constantly humbled and amazed by His mysterious ways of doing this.
May our mighty God, the Redeemer of Israel, whose kingdom is come and is coming to restore His creation, bless you and redeem your body from the power and onslaught of this insidious disease even now, in this time, for His glory and your healing. May He also fill you with the joy of His salvation and the peace that surpasses all understanding as you wait upon Him. Amen!
"Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord... [He] will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." -Deut.14:13

Marcy McCammish said...

Greg,
Philippians 2:9 and 10 says that God has given
Jesus a name that is above every name (even cancer)and that at the name of Jesus every knee smust bow in heaven and on earth....
The curse of the law is in Deuteronomy 28. Verse 61 says. "also every sickness and every plague which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed."
BUT Galatians 3:13 says, "Christ hath redeemed us
from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us...."
Jesus died to set you free from cancer, also.
Ephesians 1:21 says that [Jesus is] far above all principality, and power, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that whcih is to come.
Our prayers are holding your arms up as you stand
in the Name of Jesus.
Marcy McCammish

Connie said...

Greg, my husband told me he told you about the rain prayer.. = ) I figure if Elijah can pray .. I'd give it a shot..
Greg... I just want you to know that I think your pretty awesome.. and I admire your courageousness.. and your faith walk.. I know God hears all our petitions.. and is answering them even now..
FYI our whole church of prayer warriors are praying for you and my personal prayer warriors outside of our church are already in agreement with Greg and I for your complete recovery! Continue to believe.. and plz don't allow any doubt to hang around for any length of time.. If it trys to.. take every thought captive.. and then I want to encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith!!! That washing of His Word.. is amazing!!! We love you and Christine and are standing in agreement until you're completely healed!!!
Looking forward to an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness!!!
Connie Pettitt

Martha Gessick said...

Greg and Christine: know you are so loved and we all hope that helps. My family continues to pray for you and I've asked many friends at work to do the same this time as before. Our great God is good and he will continue to provide strength to run the race. May this also bring you comfort. Sorry that Christine continues to feel so poorly; I continue to lift her up to the Lord also.

Jan Hurst said...

Greg, we are so very sorry to hear that you have once again been hit with yet another challenge. You and Christine are so often on our minds and in our prayers. God bless you and be with you. Love, Steve & Jan

John & Debbie said...

While we were hoping for better news from you, will shall continue to keep you and Christine in our prayers.
Love, John and Debbie

St Louis Hornes said...

Mom (Ruth)e-mailed us about your latest news. We don't know how you feel, but we are praying. Your faith is an inspiration to many.

Nancy and Bob said...

Greg, our hearts are so heavy and saddened by this news. Your title summed it up in the best possible words: "cancer is mean" Its effects on the human body and mind are devastating beyond imagination. But still greater than cancer is our Lord. When Bob and I were going through the darkest moments of our walk through cancer, I imagined (just like you do) that God's hands were surrounding that wad of cancer cells -- not allowing them to spread or to work their evilness. In fact, even today, this is still our prayer because cancer is such a relentless scourge. Please call us when you need a ride or an errand done -- we are here for you. Our hourly prayer for you is the Lord's covering:
". . . the beloved of the Lord shal dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders." Deut 33:12

Annette (TCA) said...

This news breaks my heart! Greg, you are an awsome guy. Wish I could be there to help with whatever treatment you have. Just now that am think about you and will continue to keep you in my prayers.
"Your nurse"
Annette

Andrew said...

CRAP!!!

Pat Roach said...

Greg - I am frustrated with you. And praying. - PGR