I have always noticed how cancer patients, along with their families eventually become amateur experts in understanding what cancer is, and the process it takes to recover. So far, we have not become "fluent" in the technical terminology. Nevertheless, we do know at this point that Ellen has ovarian cancer, and she will be needing chemotherapy. In regard to the details, we will do our best to explain the situation.
About three weeks ago, Ellen went to doctor because she had found some vaginal growths that worried her. The doctor told her that it was vaginal polyps and that it would have to be surgically removed. They were not sure if they were cancerous, but told Ellen that they would be able to do a test after her surgery. The surgery was successful.
Ellen receives health care through Kaiser Permanente and was referred to some experts in Sacramento. It was at this clinic that Ellen got a CAT scan. What the doctors found was the following: a lesion in her liver, tumors upon her apron (her belly), a tumor in her colon, ovary, and her breast bone (not easy an area to operate on), and we think the biggest tumor is in her spleen. They also saw that Ellen has had the cancer for a year without knowing it, and that the cancer was now in stage III. This came as a great shock to Ellen and her family. The doctors did say that Ellen was fortunate not to have a more advanced condition after having cancer for a year, and were hopeful that both chemotherapy and surgery afterwards would be able to help her.
This Tuesday, February 10th, Ellen will be going to see her doctors for her chemo consultation. We have already seen God's hand at work in this situation because they were going to put it off until February 26th. However, she recieved a phone call saying that her appointment was moved up and that she needed to come in for her consultation right away.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
PRAYER NEEDS #1
There is a lot to be praying about at this point. First of all, we are praying that God would heal Ellen of her cancer. We believe that God can do anything, and that when the church prays, miracles happen. Whether God uses the gift of medical science, or the prayer of a child to administer his healing touch, we will be giving glory to God. It is our hope upon hope as her family that this would be a moment when God would display his glory through Ellen's life. However, we know that the decision lies within God's heart. God is so good and compassionate, and if he desires that it is time for Ellen to be at home with Him, we will continue to trust in his good purposes. However, it is our prayer that it would be God's plan whether she is healed or not. God never designed sickness and sorrow to be a part of this world, but because of human rebellion, suffering is a part of our experience here on earth. In Jesus, we are able to taste the kingdom of God. So please join with us in praying that the kingdom of God would visit Ellen in a powerful way.
1. Pray for Ellen as she decides what to do about her daycare. Her daugther, Marie, is willing to take over, but Ellen would need some more help.
2. Pray for peace and comfort for Ellen and Ellen's family. Ellen has two grown up kids, Marie and Lars, and a daughter-in-law, Amber, who all love her dearly. There have been tears, sleepless nights, and anxiety experienced during this time. Pray that God would give Ellen's family wisdom so they know how to care for Ellen during this time.
3. Pray for the right caretakers for Ellen as she undergoes chemotherapy. Whether the daycare continues or not will also determine where Ellen will be staying. Pray that we will be able to have wisdom to prepare for her as she receives treatment. If Ellen does decide to close down the daycare, pray that God would give her the strength to face such a transition since this is where her heart lies.
4. Pray that God would give the doctors wisdom, and that the chemotherapy will treat Ellen's cancer successfully. Also pray that God would give Ellen favor with the doctors so that she receives the best treatment possible. We are so grateful for the doctor who intervened on Ellen's behalf so that she would be able to be treated as soon as possible.
5. Pray that God would work through the church to minister to Ellen, and that Ellen would experience God's love in a powerful way. It is our hope that during this time, Ellen would never feel like she is walking alone, but would sense that she is appreciated and loved more than ever.
1. Pray for Ellen as she decides what to do about her daycare. Her daugther, Marie, is willing to take over, but Ellen would need some more help.
2. Pray for peace and comfort for Ellen and Ellen's family. Ellen has two grown up kids, Marie and Lars, and a daughter-in-law, Amber, who all love her dearly. There have been tears, sleepless nights, and anxiety experienced during this time. Pray that God would give Ellen's family wisdom so they know how to care for Ellen during this time.
3. Pray for the right caretakers for Ellen as she undergoes chemotherapy. Whether the daycare continues or not will also determine where Ellen will be staying. Pray that we will be able to have wisdom to prepare for her as she receives treatment. If Ellen does decide to close down the daycare, pray that God would give her the strength to face such a transition since this is where her heart lies.
4. Pray that God would give the doctors wisdom, and that the chemotherapy will treat Ellen's cancer successfully. Also pray that God would give Ellen favor with the doctors so that she receives the best treatment possible. We are so grateful for the doctor who intervened on Ellen's behalf so that she would be able to be treated as soon as possible.
5. Pray that God would work through the church to minister to Ellen, and that Ellen would experience God's love in a powerful way. It is our hope that during this time, Ellen would never feel like she is walking alone, but would sense that she is appreciated and loved more than ever.
GET TO KNOW ELLEN
If you do not know Ellen that well, she is the sweetest lady. She has two grown up kids, Lars and Marie, and she runs a daycare called Farm Friends in Santa Rosa, CA. Ellen is a gentle soul that loves to care for others. If there is someone in need, she is ready to take them into her home. If you are a guest in her home, she won't let you leave without feeding you.
Her daycare is not just her vocation, but it is where her heart is. Ellen absolutely loves children, and enjoys just letting them be and have fun. She is quite creative, having worked on a degree in Art History, and keeps the children entertained with crafts and fun activities. Yet, did you know that Ellen also loves animals, and usually always has either ducks, goats, chickens, rabbits, or cats running around in her back yard? Visiting her home can be quite an experience because the animals are a part of family. Of Coarse, they all live outside, but once in awhile there will be a little visitor brought inside which does not cease to amaze the children. Ellen also has a green thumb, and in the midst of her busy schedule, will spend her time watering the plants after the kids leave.
Marie is Ellen's firstborn, and is 33 years old. She just completed her degree in Psychology at Dominican University. She is planning on continuing her studies in Nursing, but wants to take care of her mother during this difficult time. If you ever have any questions about health food and healthy living, you can always ask Marie. She knows a lot about health and fitness, and it's no wonder she always looks so beautiful. She is currently attending church at New Vintage Church in Santa Rosa, CA.
Lars is Ellen's son, and will be 31 years old on February 25th. He and his wife, Amber, are currently studying at Fuller Theological Seminary. Lars is getting his Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, and will be graduating this spring. Besides having a gift for caring for others, he also has quite a sense of humor. The Proverbs say that laughter is good medicine, and making people laugh is another one of Lars' gifts. Lars enjoys the outdoors, and is always looking for an adventure. Everyone who knows Lars will tell you that there is never a dull moment when Lars is around. Lars and Amber hope to finish school off campus in order to help Ellen.
Amber, Lars' wife, is also graduating from Fuller this spring as well. She is studying Worship, Theology, and the Arts and is currently working on a demo CD as her Master's Project. Amber loves to sing, and has a passion to pray for those who are hurting, sick, or in need of encouragement. Amber hopes to pursue the ministry, and is praying for God's direction right now. Her parents are Gary and Patty LeDonne, who you may know from church.
Ellen is a very beloved woman, and a gift to those who know her. Our hope is that she knows how much she is loved, and that she has many people who care for her health and well-being. (Shhhh: She will be 61 years old on March 6th, so don’t forget to wish her Happy Birthday!)
Her daycare is not just her vocation, but it is where her heart is. Ellen absolutely loves children, and enjoys just letting them be and have fun. She is quite creative, having worked on a degree in Art History, and keeps the children entertained with crafts and fun activities. Yet, did you know that Ellen also loves animals, and usually always has either ducks, goats, chickens, rabbits, or cats running around in her back yard? Visiting her home can be quite an experience because the animals are a part of family. Of Coarse, they all live outside, but once in awhile there will be a little visitor brought inside which does not cease to amaze the children. Ellen also has a green thumb, and in the midst of her busy schedule, will spend her time watering the plants after the kids leave.
Marie is Ellen's firstborn, and is 33 years old. She just completed her degree in Psychology at Dominican University. She is planning on continuing her studies in Nursing, but wants to take care of her mother during this difficult time. If you ever have any questions about health food and healthy living, you can always ask Marie. She knows a lot about health and fitness, and it's no wonder she always looks so beautiful. She is currently attending church at New Vintage Church in Santa Rosa, CA.
Lars is Ellen's son, and will be 31 years old on February 25th. He and his wife, Amber, are currently studying at Fuller Theological Seminary. Lars is getting his Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, and will be graduating this spring. Besides having a gift for caring for others, he also has quite a sense of humor. The Proverbs say that laughter is good medicine, and making people laugh is another one of Lars' gifts. Lars enjoys the outdoors, and is always looking for an adventure. Everyone who knows Lars will tell you that there is never a dull moment when Lars is around. Lars and Amber hope to finish school off campus in order to help Ellen.
Amber, Lars' wife, is also graduating from Fuller this spring as well. She is studying Worship, Theology, and the Arts and is currently working on a demo CD as her Master's Project. Amber loves to sing, and has a passion to pray for those who are hurting, sick, or in need of encouragement. Amber hopes to pursue the ministry, and is praying for God's direction right now. Her parents are Gary and Patty LeDonne, who you may know from church.
Ellen is a very beloved woman, and a gift to those who know her. Our hope is that she knows how much she is loved, and that she has many people who care for her health and well-being. (Shhhh: She will be 61 years old on March 6th, so don’t forget to wish her Happy Birthday!)
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