Update on my Sister-in-Law, Nora

I've been meaning to write this update for a few days but, just didn't get it done.  If you would like to read the other posts about Nora, check them out here.  Otherwise, this is the latest from my brother, Jeff

Update: just returned from the Cancer Center. Thank you for your continued prayers. Jan. 18 Nora will be undergoing surgery to have the cancerous tumor and left lung removed. Dr. was optimistic that it is a slow growing cancer, but won't know for sure until he removes it. If so, and they are able to remove it all (he's not sure if he was able to see all of it, what he sees may be just the "tip of the iceberg"), then there is a good chance there will not need to be chemo or radiation. Please continue to pray for this major surgery, that there will not be complications and that it will get all of the cancer

In addition, the one obstacle that needs to be passed is an echocardiogram tomorrow. Dr. thought he heard something and wants to make sure she doesn't have a leaky valve in her heart, which would make things more complicated
(December 29, 2010)

As of today, I have not heard if they have gotten the results of the echocardiogram yet.

So, right now, they are preparing for surgery on January 18th to remove the lung.  Obviously this is major surgery so prayers are appreciated.

My niece, Brittany, wrote an article for a blog about this road they are walking.  Feel free to read it by clicking here

Update on Nora

I thought in this post, I would copy info from my brother Jeff, my sister-in-law Nora and my niece and nephew - all who have written some informative and even encouraging posts as they walk this journey. 

First, from Brittany, my niece:

Today we found out that my mom, Nora McMaster, has stage three lung cancer. She has never smoked in her life, so you can imagine this was a shock to our entire family. On December 29 she will meet with her cancer specialist and her surgeon ...who will be responsible for removing part, if not all, of her left lung. We know that God is in control, but we also know that this will be a hard battle for all of us to face. We ask for your continued prayers and support throughout this time. Any comments of encouragement you wish to leave on this wall for Nora would be greatly appreciated and I know would help her get through the rough days ahead

Than, my brother has posted the following:

Thank you all for your prayers. Nora had her biopsy on the mass in her left lung, and the doctor told us after the procedure that she has stage 3 lung cancer (we are still dealing with the shock that, of all places, its in her lungs when she has never smoked). Next week, on Wednesday, Dec. 29, we have our first appoi...ntment with both the oncologist and the thoracic surgeon so they can prepare the plan of attack

as well as this

 Looks like treatment will involve chemotherapy, radiation, and the removal of at least part of a lung. God has been wonderful in directing us to good doctors who are being proactive and thorough, and He is continuing to do so by giving her the same oncologist that treated Lance Armstrong. Our God is awesome and is gi...ven her the best that there is! Please continue to pray that God is glorified as we walk this road

And Nora wrote this:

 just got home from the biopsy (still loopy from drugs)....The dr has informed us I have stage 3 lung cancer. They have made an appointment with a thorastic surgeon and an oncologist(one of the best in the world, he was lance armstrong's dr) next wednesday..I know God is in control, thank you for your continued prayers

And finally from my Nephew Brandon

 For those who dont know, my mom cancer is stage three, and will know have to be endure chemo, radiation, and eventually surgery to remove part of, if not all of her left lung.........

I felt the need to share each of those so that you have the "story".  Pray for each one of them as they walk this road.  I will continue to post updates as we learn more after her next appointment.

Again, if you would like contact info for Jeff and Nora please feel free to let me know.  I know that they would appreciate prayers, cards, and any other encouragement.  Nora enjoys reading, decorating (so magazines she would enjoy!), and Coffee

Thank you!

An Unexpected Piece of News

I think we often walk along in our daily lives, planning, dreaming, and living each day the way we think it is meant to play out and than, something happens.  (To think, my original post for tonight was on planning for 2011 - I'll save that for another day). Something unexpected; something not wanted; something that makes us hurt, angry, question many things, and wonder what God is trying to teach us.  Sometimes, I want to stomp my foot and say "God, I don't need to learn anything else, leave my family alone!" But that isn't how He works, is it?   I would like to share a prayer request with my blog readers, something close to my heart because it impacts my very dear family

This is my brother Jeff and his wife Nora.  In other posts I've talked about Jeff - he is the middle of the three boys. Nora is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.  She is funny, kind, very caring and a fantastic home decorator.  I go to her home and it always looks like a million dollars (but I know she creates it all for hardly a dime).  Over the past few months she has undergone various testing and, I think I'll just quote my brother's post from his facebook page . ..

We are "asking for prayer for my best friend and wife of 23 years as she begins her battle with cancer. After a lot of testing that finished with a chest CT scan last night, the doctor spoke to both of us to let us know that she has lung cancer (in spite of the fact that she has never smoked.)"

 

I know that both Jeff and Nora are trusting God fully right now and will walk this journey each  with a strong testimony to share with those around them.  Yet it is still something so difficult to hear - and when it is your own family, your whole body hurts for those you love so dearly.

 

So, faithful blog readers, I ask you to add Jeff, Nora and their two children, Brittany and Brandon, to your prayer list and pray for them daily.  Pray for strength, wisdom and understanding.  Pray for wisdom on behalf of the doctors. Pray for complete healing.  And maybe you feel a burden to help them or encourage them - feel free to contact me for information on how to contact them. 

 

Thank you.