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, October 20, 2010

A lot of bad news to swallow

Dr. Modi came by at the end of his day to meet with me personally in
my room.  "The cancer is progressing."

The CT they took of my chest looking for blood clots and source of
chest pain revealed something we weren't looking for.  "Multiple
pulmonary nodules" throughout right lung.  (That's my good one.)

Also, the elblow biopsy results show the same cancer has spread to my
arm.  Very rare site for this to happen.
These things make them suspect the fluid around the heart is
cancer-related.  They won't know that for sure until surgery, which is
looking more likely.
The focus now is on relieving the heart.  I will stay here in a cardio
room, under monitor, waiting to see if drugs can fix the fluid.
Tomorrow they make the call as to whether and what kind of surgery is
necessary to get rid of that fluid.

That's all I feel like writing now.
I love you my friends walking with me on this path.

47 comments:

Ruth said...

Oh, Greg, I'm so sorry. This is the last thing John and I were hoping to hear. But our Father knows the desire of our hearts and we trust him even when we don't understand. Our prayer continues to be for your healing, and for you to experience his peace in trusting him in all things, even this. Love you!

Unknown said...

Praying for you as we have for so long and will continue to do. You continue to encourage, inspire and honor GOD through all of this. May HIS peace be your constant source of comfort...
Jim and Coco

Peter Enns said...

My heart truly goes out to you, Greg.

Max said...

Hang in there. Those of us working in biotech want to be the cavalry to ride to your rescue. You motivate me. We needs people like you.

I saw the Hump at our 20-year (we missed you, dude). He said he's been working for TI for eighteen years. I said that I was deeply grateful to TI for supporting you for all these years.

Stef Rosi was also there. She just had a scare with breast cancer. I'm not sure where she is with her treatment, but her hair is just starting to grow back in. She looked punk. :)

Alan K Hunt said...

Dear Greg, I'm so very sad and sorry to hear all this. I've been thinking of and praying for you, and will continue. I look forward eagerly to praying for you with the group tonight. Our Father is so good, listens so intently, cares so deeply, is so worthy of our trust. "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Cor 12.9

Stephanie, David, Parker & Caroline said...

Hey Greg. Sorry to hear this. We love you lots and continue to pray for your healing. May God encourage and guide and bless you through these next days.

Anonymous said...

weeping with those who weep . . sorrowful yet always rejoicing . . I love you brother . . there are times when words are insufficient . .

Mike E.

David Lieb said...

We're thinking of you and your family, Greg. Keep inspiring us.

ps, go Rangers.

Unknown said...

Oh, Greg. My heart is breaking for you & your family. Your faith & your courage are so inspiring. I echo all of the other comments here ... I will continue to trust God and His perfect plan for you. Continued prayers for you.

Anonymous said...

Greg, I am soo very sorry to hear this. I will continue to pray for you that God brings peace and healing to you! You are an inspiration to me and always have since I met you at CCPC!! I love ya Greg!!

Amanda

Ryan Tompkins said...

Greg, I'm crushed to read it. Please know that we love you and are praying.

Anonymous said...

Greg, I am so sorry to hear this. We love you and we are here for you and praying with you. I ditto what your other friends have written here. We are grateful you are in our lives. Love, Michael, Kristi, John and Sarah

Anonymous said...

Greg, I'm so sorry to read this. I will be praying. In God's love, Mary Rynsburger

Henry Chu said...

Dear Greg and Christine,

My dear brother, we will come to Jesus together....His word, Come, Ye who are weary and heavily laden, and I will give you rest, let us take a rest in Jesus.

My dear brother, we refuse to lose heart, and will yield even more of ourseleves to Him, who hears and guards all that we have entrusted to Him. We set our hope in Him, and will focus on the cross. In whatever circumstances, we know, salvation is to be found in no others, except in our faithful shepherd, who live inside us, and suffer along with us.

My dear brother, I will gently sing in my heart, and may you hear them, those timeless classics that have calmed my souls
Rock of ages cleft for me.
Precious Lord, hold my hand.
Be still my soul....
Sweet hour of prayer...
All the way, my Saviour leads me..
Leaning on the everlasting arm

The crown of life awaits those who resits temptations and overcome. This is the crown of a life well lived. Suffering along with Jesus, and glorification along with Jesus.

Jesus had also suffered in the body, and those who have suffered in the body are done with sin. Jesus had also suffered in the body, and we are to equip ourselves with such attitude
...Paraphrased from the Book of 1st Peter.

Your brother, Henry

Anonymous said...

Dearest Greg,
God promised to be with us always. May you feel His healing and comforting hands as you endure yet another difficult trial. I'm so sorry to hear that you are having more serious challenges. It was so good to see you when you were here and you did look so good. Love, Jan Hurst

Colleen said...

Greg, I'm so sorry. We will be praying for your strength through this.

Anonymous said...

Greg - very sorry to hear this. I'm joining the chorus of prayers on your behalf - Tom

Dave Thom said...

Greg,

That is a lot of bad news to swallow. I'm in tears. At my age, they come easier anywaqy. I've been reading about "death" lately in all the artistic flourish that "those who are not dying" think they understand. To tell you the truth, they have some great insight, one especially recognizing that the acceptance of death seems to be a spiritually important step in the relationship one has with HIM, and not only In Him, but in one's grip on reality. To hold one's being away from Him or to deny reality seems to have a built-in poverty of reality and will make life even harder when in fact, it can be richer. You are not withholding yourself from Him, you are facing His will for you with an excellence beyond artistic expression. Or in fact, you are quite the artist. Or, once again, you are in fact quite the slab of clay, being formed into a magnificent vessel. Please keep us posted now more than ever.

Judy Dominick said...

Greg, that's overwhelming. Praying for God to strengthen you with supernatural grace and power, as well as a special and deeply personal revelation of his glory to you. You are loved, my friend.

Anonymous said...

Dear Brother,

We are walking in prayer with you and Christine through this valley. Our comfort is that our Father is walking with you, holding you by your right hand. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you...and we will do the same.

All our love in Christ, Cody, Julie, and Isabelle

David said...

Greg and Christine, we echo each and every sentiment that has been made in the comments! Words are insufficient, but our Lord and Savior Jesus is more than sufficient, and in Him we find comfort.

I thought of you earlier today, as I read about a new book in memory of J. Alan Groves. Part of the dedication reads, "To Al’s students (this includes you): May you have 'ears to hear and eyes to see Jesus.'"

We love you and continue to pray for you.

hoppsinhaiti said...

There are even folks in Haiti praying for you Greg. Greetings from Ben & Heather Hopp

Anonymous said...

Greg, I a so very sorry to hear this news. My prayers continue to be with you.
Annette (TCA nurse)

Anonymous said...

Greg, you probably don't remember me. I met you and Christine a few times back in 2004 when I worked in Houston. I have since moved on, but have continued to follow your blog for all of these years. You have impacted and inspired so many people, many of whom you probably don't even know. My prayers are with you. I so wish that things were different.
Bobbi (genetics from UTMDACC)

Miriam said...

Dear Greg,

We are still praying for you in England! We are so sorry to hear the news. We will continue to pray for God's strength and comfort for you, and for you to be able to glorify Him whatever the circumstances.

Love from us all,
Miriam, Andrew, Eleanor, Charis & Nathaniel

Shadowphone said...

We're praying for you guys.

Jenny Ruppel said...

Dear Greg,
Thank you for the update. Your willingness to continue to share your story is courageous and appreciated. As I read your words I am reminded of the years I have been reading your posts...I found your blog when I needed information and comfort and your faith and willingness to share brought both. We have never met, but I have read your words with a hopeful heart, and my hope continues to hold you in prayer. I wanted you to know that you have been a source of strength for this traveler, and that I am praying with you and your family for continued miracles. Thank you. Jenny

Richard Steenson said...

Please know that Cindy and I will be praying for you to have the strength to continue the gallant battle you have fought so far.

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog for many years and praying for you. I will continue to pray as you go forward in this journey.

Anonymous said...

Greg, I wept for you upon reading this. Will pray for you, your healing, and that you would experience peace now more than ever.

-- Jay

Theoretical said...

Greg, I'm truly grieved to hear this news. I'm praying for the Lord encourage and bless you during this difficult Providence.

-Scott Hooker

Unknown said...

Hugs to you, Greg. So sorry you are going through such a scary time. I will be praying for you.
Andrea Marshall BHS Class of 86.

Mike Shepard said...

Greg, keep fighting and I'll keep praying.

Unknown said...

May you feel the Lord's presence with you and may He give you grace upon grace to follow Him through this valley. May He continue to surprise you with His provisions day by day. May you be filled with praise for His mighty works. The words of Psalm 139 come to mind ~ a good meditation.

Love you!

Unknown said...

Dude, let me know if you want to play some poker.

DWMC said...

We WILL continue to pray. Marcy and I were so devastated yesterday when we read your post but we believe He has a plan. Your strength and courage and faithfulness have meant so much to us over the almost 30 years we have known you. You have made such a wonderful impact on this world. Love, the McCammish family.

DJ Segler said...

Difficult news for sure. We will keep praying for you.

-DJ

Anonymous said...

Greg-
Our prayers continue strong for you and will always. God is with you and you are "amazing" to so many people and the list grows. We have friends and our family lifting prayers up to God for you. In a song that we cherish by Mark Harris (4Him), he sings - "Let it be, All for the Glory of You. Lord every moment, all I say and do. Let this Life I live be - All for the Glory of You." - Love, John and Debbie

Unknown said...

Greg,

this grieved me to my core to hear this. We (Byron, Beth, Robert, and Philip) will all be praying for you. (Even if they don't comment, I know my parents read your blog!)

Robert, who has been inspired by your faithful example time and again over the years
PS - Chalk one more up to the "Go Rangers!" crew

Anonymous said...

Greg,
We are praying for you. May God give you peace and strength.

Michelle and Matt Turner

Anonymous said...

We have followed your FB and Blog through the years and have always been impressed by your courage and strenth when faced with so much adversity! You truly have been an inspiration to many and will probably never know how much you have helped others through your example. We are so sorry that your news was unhappy but will continue our prayers for you! Jill, Jim, Amelia and Charlotte

Anonymous said...

Oh Greg ...

Joe M said...

Greg,

I learned about all this at our 20-yr reunion when I ran into Max, David and other old friends. You were the only one from our suite missing. Sure miss you pal.

Check your message board on Facebook to contact me if you get the chance

Unknown said...

Greg and Christine,
We are sorry to hear the news. We will continue to be praying for you both. God bless you both with strength and peace and His love.
John and Kelly

Unknown said...

Greg and Christine,
We are sorry to hear the news. We will continue to be praying for you both. God bless you both with strength and peace and His love.
John and Kelly

GL said...

Greg, so sorry to read this. Stephanie and I are praying.

J.P. Churchill said...

It is, indeed, a lot of bad news, but please know that there are lots of us out here hoping and praying for you. Hang in there, Greg ...

John Churchill
john.churchill@scouting.org