 Posted Thursday, February 09, 2006 8:51 PM
|
|
|
|
Hi, friends:
I'm a Principia grad (1988) and ex-CSer and need prayers for my little friend Patrick, who has seen a recurrenct of neuroblastoma, a rare child cancer, after being totally clear of the disease for more than two years. Now Patrick -- he's almost 8 years old -- has a cancerous tumor and the prognosis isn't good.
Doctors say the tumor is not only wrapped around a kidney but also around many main arteries. His mother, Janet, tells me the surgeon is willing to operate next week to remove what he can, but that will only "bid Patrick more time." The oncologist told her that because of the tumor he won't be a candidate for the immunotherapy drug trial. As for chemo, it, too, will only extend Patrick's life, not save it. (The drug trial has been stopped for now because a couple of the nine kids worldwide on the drug have had an adverse reaction.)
I saw Janet this morning and said that so long as Patrick hadn't given up, I wasn't about to, either, and that I was still praying for a miracle and keeping the faith. I also said that I'd always cherish every day I've ever had with him if he doesn't make it and that I'd see him in heaven.
It's almost three years to the day that we first found out that Patrick had neuroblastoma.
Life certainly has many twists and turns, and Janet, David, and Patrick's identical twin, Logan, have endured much, especially in the past couple of months. Patrick has been really strong through everything; that's why I'm still hopeful despite the picture.
What an inspiration he is! Any prayers all of you have for Patrick would be much appreciated.
We really need a miracle.
Take care,
Garey
|
|
|
Posted Friday, February 10, 2006 6:08 AM
|
|
|
|
Dear Garey,
I am filled with prayer this morning for you, Patrick and his family. The world is full of mystery and there is so very much that we can never understand, but I believe this is so that we will be led to cling to the One who understands, sees and knows all. No matter what condition Patrick's little body is in, and no matter where his little spirit is, he is NEVER separated from the love and care of our heavenly Father. Moment to moment, God holds him in the palm of His hand and every hair on his head is counted and blessed.
God is good and we can trust that even when what the world presents to us appears to say otherwise. He is closest to us when we need Him the most. . . . . .
Precious, Holy Father, please send your strength, love and bounty to Patrick this morning and bless him with your peace, comfort and joy. Let your Holy Spirit wash over his family and guide them in their interactions with the doctors and caregivers and help them to see your plan for Patrick. Guide the surgeon's hand and bless the sweet child with healing only you can provide. We ask these things in Jesus name and remember that in all ways and for all time, Your will be done. Amen.
Grace
|
|
|
Posted Friday, February 10, 2006 7:16 AM
|
|
|
|
Grace:
Thanks a lot. Your wonderful prayer is just what we need at this time.
Kind regards,
Garey
|
|
|
Posted Friday, February 10, 2006 3:23 PM
|
|
|
|
| I'm so sorry to hear that Patrick's cancer has returned. My prayers are with you and the family.
|
|
|
Posted Saturday, February 11, 2006 4:00 AM
|
|
|
|
dear gary,
I am so sorry to hear of this, and wanted to contribute a link that I have found very resourceful when focusing on prayer and healing. many times I have a hard time focusing on prayer when it pertains to an ailment or serious disease. In christian science we were encouraged to make our daily prayers for the world.....well, here is how I go about praying, it calms me and gives me focus......may it bless you all.....
healing scriptures
God Bless,
Frogs25
Fully Relying On God for Salvation
|
|
|
Posted Saturday, April 15, 2006 12:21 PM
|
|
|
|
Hi, friends:
Got some good news about my friend Patrick, who's had a recurrence of
neuroblastoma.
His tumor has shrunk significantly. Originally 3.26 inches long x 2.48
inches wide and 2.24 inches thick, the tumor now is 1.22 x .626 by .88.
He's undergone lots of chemo and radiation in recent months. A
fundraiser for his parents, to cover costs should he need to go to the
U.S. for treatment, brought in C$35,000.
Patrick's been able to play hockey all winter -- he scored a few
goals, too! -- and lead a mostly normal life with only a few visits to
the hospital. He has been home-schooled and like a lot of other
8-year-old boys doesn't like his teacher!!!
Janet and David are dealing with the oncologists and doctors to decide
their next move. J&D would like doctors to remove the remaining
growth. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks again for all your prayers. I know Janet, David, Patrick and
twin brother Logan appreciate it. I have appreciated the postings here. Everyone is so eager to pray for Patrick. Thank you.
Garey 
|
|
|
Posted Saturday, April 15, 2006 4:20 PM
|
|
|
|
| Thanks for the update, Garey. I'm glad things are going well.
|
|
|
Posted Wednesday, July 19, 2006 5:37 PM
|
|
|
|
Hi, friends:
My friend Patrick, who has had a recurrence of neuroblastoma, a rare child cancer, was able to get on the immunotherapy drug trial last week. The treatment was quite hard on my 8-year-old friend. He's such a trouper, and I hope he still has some fight left in him. He hasn't been eating that well recently and this afternoon he returned to Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario complaining of a sore leg. It was a sore leg in 2003 that led to the discovery of this cancer. We don't have the results back from his CT scans and other tests this afternoon.
Any prayers would be much appreciated by his twin brother, Logan, and parents Janet and David. Not to mention "Uncle" Garey.
Kindest regards and many blessings,
Garey
Prin class of '88
|
|
|
Posted Sunday, July 30, 2006 10:30 PM
|
|
|
|
Hi, friends:
Patrick's prognosis is very poor. His parents don't think he'll live much longer. What a courageous boy he's been though this ordeal. He now has something like eight tumors, three of which have merged into a large one, and the neuroblastoma cancer has spread outside his abdomen and is in his bone marrow.
Just to think that just over five weeks ago Patrick was having all kinds of fun at his street party, on World Cup Sunday three weeks ago he and his twin brother, Logan, played video hockey at my place, and two weeks ago he and I played video hockey at his place. Not much before that he was playing soccer, and we thought Patrick had a decent chance to make a full recovery, especially if he made it to the drug trial. He started on the immunotherapy drug in early July but quickly went downhill.
I keep praying for a miracle, but if Patrick doesn't make it, I will thank God for 8-plus years of absolute joy being Patrick's friend. I've also said to his parents that I know we'll see Patrick in heaven someday. I have ultimate faith in that. He's been a wonderful friend.
If you can, please say a prayer for him.
Many thanks,
Garey
Prin grad 1988 and ex-CS
|
|
|
Posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 7:42 AM
|
|
|
|
|
| | |