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.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Anti-climactic

I'm still groggy, so can write more later.

I remember getting the epidural, getting positioned on the tracheotomy table, getting the Versed high, and then I remember no more. It was very strange to wake from general anesthesia in the recovery room and not have been cut.

The cancer has invaded the wall of the trachea at the spot where it branches from two pipes to four on the left side. It is slightly into the upper and lower lobe pipes. Thus, the whole lung would have had to go. Dr. Hofstetter discovered it when he decided to do a quick bronchoscopy before cutting into me - just to see what he might be dealing with. He decided based on what he saw that the other plans are better.

It's a bummer. Surgery is the only sure way to completely kill a tumor. But this turn of events makes it clear that with all the back-and-forth of deciding on the best treatment plan, that this surgery was not the right plan.

I'm going to meet with Dr. Eng tomorrow to get the interpretation and new plan. I have two other weapons - FOLFIRI chemo, which last time we used it worked really well at knocking the tumors into nearly-dead state, and radiation, which two weeks ago was plan A.

I haven't really figured out what all this means in the loopy state of my mind. It hurts to talk - all scratchy and irritated. I'm going back to sleep.

12 comments:

Sarah said...

Greg - glad to hear that you are okay and they made the right decision.

Ruth said...

We interpreted Mark's post to mean Hofstetter cut you open and changed his mind then.
This has been the day from hell for me. I can't imagine what it was for you and your family. Will you save me your leftover pain pills?

Judy Kovacs said...

Greg!! Praise God for the wisdom of the doctor! I'm sure He has another plan for you to discover. I'll keep praying for you, Christine and your family (I'm sure in many ways it's harder on them than on you.)
Love, Judy

Winnie Krienke said...

Hi Greg: I am glad to hear you are OK too. Also praise God for the wisdom of dr. Hofstetter's decision. I will keep praying that God gives dr. Eng wisdom and do diligently to pursue your chemo need.

Winnie Krienke said...

Hi Greg: I am glad to hear you are OK too. Also praise God for the wisdom of dr. Hofstetter's decision. I will keep praying that God gives dr. Eng wisdom and do diligently to pursue your chemo need.

Josh Geiger said...

Brother Greg - We are praying for you and we love you! "Have I not commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you...." Joshua 1:9
Josh for the Geigers

BoB & Sandra said...

Happy Monday Greg,
Thank you for taking time to keep all of us updated. I do remember well the navigation problem. I have that book still and will pull it out infrequently to practice. Our visits with you have always been a high spot. Your consistent courage has been that encouragement for us when we think things are going bad. Some years ago a priest shared with me that to be inspired is to be touched by the hand of God. I say to you that we have been inspired by your journey.
When you have a need, let us know what we can do to assist. Please extend our sincere regards to your Lady Christine.
God Bless,
BoB E. & Sandra.

Wayne Bowman said...

Greg - I'm glad the Doctor had the wisdom to inspect prior to starting the operation. Kathy and I continue to hold you and Christine up in prayer.
Wayne and Kathy

Linda Anderson said...

Hi Greg, I am the prayer chain coordinator at Trinity Harbor, and Syd Christian has been sending emails for me to post on our Prayer Chain, you are an inspiration to us, and we will continue to pray for you, in fact you may be an inspiration to those who will be keeping up with you and your situation. God be with you and your family. We hope in faith and in God's divine intervention to see you soon. Linda Anderson

Sandy said...

Hi Greg!
So glad they didn't cut you for nothing!
God can work through Plan A or Plan B!
You and Christine are both in my prayers.
Love you,
Sandy

Jean and Dick said...

Greg and Christine,
We prayed yesterday and God protected you with the wisdom of the surgeon. We pray today for more wisdom, for patience, for knowing the presence of our dear Savior. Above all, may you know that Jesus is interceding with the Father for all that works together for your good, for all that will conform you to his image.
Our sincerest love, Dick and Jean Gaffin

Cynthia Andrews said...

My family and I continue to pray for you and your recovery. We pray God's will for you, but we also are asking that the cancer goes and stays away. Why not ask for a miracle? God bless you and your family!