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.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Going to being heavy chemo

Dr. Eng and Dr. Hofstetter strongly recommended I go back on the strong chemotherapy that I took much of 2007. It's called FOLFIRI with Avastin. We need to shock this tumor activity back into submission.

I start Monday. It makes you feel very, very crummy. It is a fourteen day cycle I will repeat until May's reassessment. There are varying degrees of crumminess during the cycle.

I haven't really thought through how I'm going to tolerate this. My folks drove me back from our aborted Houston mission yesterday. I may need to call upon them to continue to care for me next week depending upon how sick this stuff will make me. Christine's parents have really helped out as they are currently caring for her. When you're our age, aren't we the ones that are supposed to be taking care of our parents? We're fortunate to have them.

12 comments:

Chara said...

We'll keep praying. Please let me know if there is a practical way I can help or if you want to just hang out with us while in Houston.

Lynn Scroggin said...

God, in his infinite wisdom, has chosen your path. We will pray for your strength and healing and your abiding faith. God bless you. Lynn Scroggin (TPC)

Wayne Bowman said...

Greg - Let Kathy and I know if there is anything we can do for you and Christine. You continue to be in our prayers.
Wayne

Denise said...

It was good to hear that you have a surgeon who is prudent and has your welfare in mind. I will continue my prayers for you and Chris both, and for your caregiver parents. My prayer for you.....that you can tolerate the chemo and get to a better place. Your journey has been so difficult and I admire your courage and trust in God through it all.

Dawn Moore said...

You and your family are heavy in my thoughts and prayers. Mow through that chemo and be done with it AND watch it work! I lift you up! In Jesus' name. AMEN
Dawn and son Grant

Dawn Moore said...

You and your family are heavy in my thoughts and prayers. Mow through that chemo and be done with it AND watch it work! I lift you up! In Jesus' name. AMEN
Dawn and son Grant

Dawn Moore said...

You and your family are heavy in my thoughts and prayers. Mow through that chemo, be done with it AND watch it work! I lift you up! In Jesus' name. AMEN
Dawn and son Grant

Madeleine said...

The steadfast Lord of the Lord never faileth; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is Thy Faithfulness, O Lord. Great is Thy Faithfulness.
Here's to the death of the tumors! May the chemo work; may the Lord sustain and comfort you.
Prayers for you and Christine and your parents.

Scott Rogers said...

Greg:
I know it doesn't mean a whole lot coming from me, but please know, dear brother in Christ, that I am fervently praying for you, standing in the gap, and lifting up your arms so you have the strength to carry on.
You don't know it, Greg, but my children look at you as a role model for perseverance. Whenever they feel like giving up, I will hear them say "I gotta do this. Remember what Mister Greg's going through and he doesn't give up?"
We've got yours and Christine's picture printed out and on our refrigerator right next to the missionaries that we pray for on a daily basis. So, you're covered in prayer, brother.
We love you.

Verdell Lessman said...

Greg:
Hang in there, Greg! Marilyn and I pray for you always. It is evident from what we have read about your cancer journey that you have a relationship with God. That relationship will provide you with a sense of connection and involvement rather than isolation, helplessness and hopelessness. Connecting with God helps people cope. Hopefully the "chemo journey" will manage the tumors to the degree that a hiatus will be a blessing in the future. I am presently taking that same journey. I'm now in the third round which includes 28 cycles. I take the same chemo ingredients you have mentioned plus leucovorin and aloxi. The aloxi is truly a gift, since it has eliminated the nausea from the list of other side effects for me. Continue to look forward and not backward. God will help and be with you in this journey.
God Bless You!
Marilyn and Verdell

Winnie Krieke said...

Hi Greg: I will keep praying, for you and your family, God has chosen you to be our role model for perseverance, may God give you lots strengh and comfort.

Anne Marie said...

Dear Greg,
I stumbled on your site through YouTube. I am so impressed by your sense of humor, courage and strength. I live in NY with my husband and two girls. We wish the best for you and your family and know you all are in our prayers.
Anne Marie