:hug:GARY ~ we are continuously sending up ^prayers^ for strength, peace, comfort, and yes, even JOY, during this time for you & yours. DH & I pray daily for you ... BTW, I noticed how you mentioned a feeling of "sadness" after the tests. DH & I went through that every time we went for the Alzheimer's tests and he remembered less each time. It was very upsetting and caused such sadness for us for some time afterwards; but as each week goes by, the LORD is giving us more strength & peace & courage to face the days.

I wanted to encourage you becuz the test results for Pat Belair were discouraging too, but when the surgeons finally went in to explore, they discovered they were mistaken -- the tumor wasn't as big as they thought and it was in the clear, so they were able to remove it with no problem at all. We are praying the same thing will be so for you too. Don't be a stranger, we want to support you in any way we can ...

Let me share an interesting prayer for cancer patients that was in my evening devotionals this week --

"Thank you GOD, that the doctors discovered the cancer in GARY's body so early. Thank you GOD, for our gifted doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other health care providers; and the support of family & friends. Thank you GOD, for all the modern treatments and medicines available to us in NA. Thank you GOD, for the Medicare, OHIP, and $monetary funds$ to pay for all these treatments too. Thank you GOD, for the FAITH, HOPE, and COURAGE to face this trial. Thank you GOD, for your STRENGTH, PEACE, MERCY, and COMFORT through this process. We Thank you GOD, for the gift of LIFE, and for your endless LOVE!"

I am using this prayer now for anyone facing cancer or any other serious health concerns -- it is just so very positive, I think. It was written by that great Christian man, Dr. Robert Harold Schuller (with some minor modification by me); GOD bless him always (BTW, he has Alzheimers/dementia now too, so we pray for him & his wife, Arvella as well).

PLUS, here's another nice prayer ...


Prayer for Those With Cancer

Bless, Oh God ...
all who struggle with cancer.
Empower them with hope
for each and every day.
Provide them with loving
and tender care, laughter,
and the support of love.
Grant them ...
courage when they are afraid,
comfort when they are in pain,
and your blessings ...
when all else seems hopeless,
that in their fight with this illness
they may continue to praise you
and glorify your name.
Amen.

~ Vienna Cobb Anderson ~


Yes, BARGOO ~ there are so many ways that GOD can give us hints, ideas, direction, and guidance -- through his blessed Holy Spirit, through other people, and/or circumstances. That's another great example ... :)

Rosebud, thank you for sharing that prayer for cancer patients.
I think other illnesses or conditions could be substituted for cancer. God is able, no matter what.

Sorry I don't normally come on this thread but I've been worried about our friend Gary.

Just wanted to let you know Gary you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Clydegirl ~ no apology necessary -- you are always welcome here; and I know that GARY appreciates all your support!


PRAYER REQUEST ~ for our neighbour, JEAN's, little dog. The poor little darlin' was attacked by a large stray dog yesterday afternoon while tied up in his own yard. He is in the animal hospital right now recovering from surgery as he ended up with a punctured lung. Prayers the little guy will make it as his family loves him so. Even DH was crying over him; they are buddies. Thanks!

(BTW, the other dog was put down.)

Praying for Jean's precious lille dog that he will make a conplete recovery.

GOOD NEWS UPDATE ~ just wanted to let you know that JEAN's little doggie is back home now. He isn't very active, but he looks pretty good for what he went through, and they have him in a body brace for his ribs, chest, etc. Unfortuneately, he has some fear in him yet, and won't stay outdoors without Jean by his side. I know it will take him some time to get over that scary experience. Thanks so much for your prayers for him as he continues to recover from his injuries ... :)

BTW, we were just talking to Jean, and her dog's name is "BO", and an adorable little, 3-year old, off-white, Chitzu. They brought him home becuz the vet isn't in the clinic this holiday weekend; and they were charging her an exorbitant price to keep him there. For xrays, tests, cleaning up his cuts, meds, and hospital stay -- they charged them $1200.00 so far :yikes:, and they're not finished!

Then, BO has to go back for a closer examination on Tuesday or Wednesday. At first, BO was quite quiet and lethargic, but today he is energetic, barking, and much more spry -- so I think our prayers are being answered for him. Being so young will help him recover better. Jean said all we can do right now is pray for him; and I said, "That is the best thing we can do for him!" Plus, I told her that you are all praying for him too.

So thanks, becuz Jean was quite worried that she was bringing him home to die, but she's encouraged by his energy today. Let's pray for healing inside, no infections, no fever, and that the bad cuts & wounds on his stomach/chest will heal completely.

So happy to hear about BO and that he is on the mend. I always get so upset when something like this happens because of neglegent owners. I hope they do know who owned that dog and he can be made to pay their charges at the vet. Will continue prayers for him

Praying that Bo will continue to heal.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers. You are the greatest!

Angie and I met with my oncologist last Thursday. After all the tests and scans were done I have esophageal cancer. It has broken the wall of the stomach and into 3 lymph nodes but not into any other organs.

I will be startig a program of pills and chemo soon for 3 months to see if the tumor will be small enough then to remove by surgery.

I will stay in touch but it is real difficult for me to sit in my chair at the computer for very long....the pressure it puts on my back for some reason.

I have kept you all in my prayers.

Gary, thoughts and prayers continue for you. Sending many good thoughts your way. Pop in when you feel like it and let us know how you are doing.

Gary, thank you for keeping us posted. You are in my prayers daily. I sent you my email address, if the chemo kicks you in the butt and tires you out perhaps Angie can keep us in the loop.

Gary, I'm praying for you and Angie. :hug:

Prayers for Gary and for all the other requests posted.

And, thanks for the prayers for our situation. DH's union got a meeting with the company last Wednesday. A former co-worker has contacted us, as well as several members of upper management (with certified letters on their way). She had quit in June because she had found concrete evidence of fraud and had turned it in, but was fearful for her safety. She believes some employees have blamed my DH for the investigation that's been started, as the evidence had been submitted anonymously, so they 'connived' a way for DH to be blamed for 'problems' at the plant. The union submitted wrongful termination paperwork and the company has 30 days to respond. The union is hopeful he will be reinstated quickly, but basically, we just need him to be reinstated to make sure he has his retirement pension and then he'll be looking for a new job...that is, unless those who are truly responsible for the fraud and the wrongful termination are themselves terminated.

So, thank you for continued prayers. You're all in mine. Take care!

:hug:GARY ~ yes, thanks for the update; we can direct our prayers more specifically now. I am actually encouraged by what you said -- for "All things are possible with GOD!" Prayers for strength while taking the chemo rounds; that's exactly what they did with Pat Belair here; we will pray for continued containment as well, plus for comfort & peace for you, Angie, and your family too ... :hug:


UPDATE ~ Jean says that BO is up and walking around the house; actually, DH went over and saw him and was quite amazed at how much better he is doing. He can't come outside just yet, but we continue prayers all the wounds heal without infection or fever. Thanks so much for your prayers; I know it means so much to Jean and her son, Daniel.


PRAYER REQUEST ~ Btw, Jean's son, DANIEL, (only in his 30's) could use some prayers too -- the doctors here believe he had two heart attacks this summer; and since then, he has been having some chest pains too. He just had to drive down to Sudbury (which is quite far: about 300 miles) to see a heart specialist, but was so disappointed that they didn't do any tests and he only talked to him for 5 minutes. All that way just for him to tell Daniel to see his own general practioner for updates/reports, so I suggested he ask for a video conference next time if it's just for a consult. Daniel was hoping they would try to find out what the cause was, and if they could do something about it. It's very frustrating. You know, if you die or almost die (like Eric Southward), then they jump through hoops to get to the bottom of things; but I find them too lackidaisical about prevention and investigation in some cases. So, I am also praying that his family doctor will be more aggressive on his behalf; he's too young to just let this go ... thanks!


HI RONNI ~ thanks for the update about your husband; will continue prayers on his behalf (and all of you really becuz I'm sure this is stressful for the whole family too). :hug:

Thanks be to God for all of you!