Sawmill and Timber

Special Requests. => Standing in the need of prayer. => Topic started by: joasis on January 16, 2008, 07:21:13 PM

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Title: Kirk's Mom
Post by: joasis on January 16, 2008, 07:21:13 PM
As we kick off the new forum, lets not forget that Kirks Mom could use our thoughts and prayers guys.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: mike p on January 16, 2008, 07:30:45 PM
will do
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on January 16, 2008, 07:31:34 PM
Thanks Jay. I really appreciate that.  

It has now been three weeks since her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and the biopsy JUST got scheduled today for next Wednsday, which will be excatly 4 weeks from the day they told her she had 3-6 months to live.  The "system" has eaten a whole month from her without even a hint of starting the treatment they say she can have that will "possibly" give her some more time.  Its frustrating to say the least.   >:(
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: The WoodButcher on January 22, 2008, 06:00:04 PM
Hello and God Bless you and your Mother Kirk. She is in our prayers. I just lost a Brother in law the same sudden way. 6 months ago we didn't know he was sick and now he's with the Lord in Heaven. Be strong and Praise God while in the valley and He WILL lead you to the mountain top. I know it's EZ'r said than done But He IS our Comforter. God Bless You & Yours.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on January 23, 2008, 03:54:15 AM
Kirk, I have asked Alice to include you mother in her prayer chain in the part of the country.  We pray for the best, for your family.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on January 23, 2008, 10:02:26 PM
Got back a little bit ago from St. Louis.  It was a pretty rough day as the biopsy results came back before my Mom was even out of recover.  Definatly Cancer and very progressive, unfortunatly.  We have been praying for the tumor to be benine but that didnt happen.

As things progress I will continue to pray for her healing, comfort and salvation, the most important part of her future.  I appreciate everyones calls and prayers during this time in my life.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: joasis on January 24, 2008, 05:31:04 AM
And there are more prayers and thoughts coming from this direction...I know how much it hurt to loose my Mom..thankfully, it was quick and she did not suffer a lot....but how i wish i had the time back to spend with her....spend all the time you can with her Kirk...and maybe a miracle will happen...sometimes not in the way we expect.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on February 06, 2008, 04:23:05 PM
The miracle we are seeking now is her salvation.  She is very resistant to talking about it unfortunatly. 

She has gone down hill fast this week.  She is supposed to start chemo tomarrow but Dad doesnt think she is going to put up with the side effects. He is afraid she just doesnt have the fight in her. 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: JP Sinclair on February 11, 2008, 02:02:26 PM
Best wishes Kirk,
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on March 22, 2008, 09:28:35 AM
Spent most of the day with my Mom yesterday.  She got another zap of chemo on Thursday and it seems to not hit her until two days later so we did our Easter dinner Friday. 

She is holding up well and actually is excited that she is still doing well at 3 months, which they told here would probably not happen.  She goes back to Barnes the first of April to start radiation.  She will be down there for 6 weeks so I will head to their place and take care of the animals for them. 

She has taken an interesting turn emotionaly and is going to speak at one of the Hospital Dietary meetings.  She hopes to be an inspiration for others who are overweight, smokers, diabetic, and sedintary, which are 4 of the top 5 factors related to panchreatic cancer.   She is now at the point where she is convinced it was those factors with her life that put her in the position she is in so she want others to hear her testimony on the importance of life over food, cigarettes etc. 

We never knew she smoked growing up but turns out she smoked for 17 years and neither myself or my two brothers ever knew.  She had quit when we got into Junior high but I guess she smoked all through high school, nursing school, and several years there after before she quit. 

Still praying for Salvation and healing! 
Thanks for everyones support.  Its greatly appreciated. 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on March 22, 2008, 12:33:44 PM
We are still sending thoughts of prayer and all for everyone in your family from this neck of the woods.  (Pun intended) :D
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: joasis on March 22, 2008, 05:56:10 PM
Still in my prayers as well. Maybe a miracle will come her way.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on April 03, 2008, 05:52:43 PM
Got back from St. Louis today after spending the whole day at the Hospital.  Best day I have ever spent in a Hospital. 

First visit with her Oncologist confirmed her tumor has SHRUNK 28% with 6 weeks of chemo which he said is very very positive.  Even better was her CA numbers (blood markers) have improved 53%  :o  The Dr. was overwhelmed with that result. 

Went from that Dr. down to the Radiologists.  One made the comment that her improvement is exceptional compared to other patients and the primary Radionlogist said he is focusing on making sure she makes it another 5 YEARS!   

Todays news was a huge emotional relief for my Mom as she has been counting the days and now she can truly look forward with a glimmer of hope!  When we went to lunch she acknowledged that we can quit having her memorial dinners each week.  That was her way of trying to deal with what she expected to be her last meal with family each week.  He attitude improved 100% today!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers!  She is by no means over this but when Barnes Hospital Dr. tell you 5 years compared to the local Dr telling you 3 months its a huge relief.  Now we just need to keep praying things go as well with the radiation treatment which will start in about 4 weeks.

Thanks again to everyones prayers!  God does answer them! 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: mike p on April 03, 2008, 06:29:16 PM
that sounds great kirk great news
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on April 04, 2008, 07:31:14 AM
That is marvelous.  Prayer is a powerful force, for sure.  Thankyou for the terrific update and news.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on September 04, 2008, 07:30:48 AM
My Mom is finishing up another round of Chemo, which this time is very hard on her after the beating she took with 6 straight weeks of radiation, 5 days a week. 

The radiation was very successful in the fact that here CA numbers are down into the 50's compared to a high of 285.  The Doctors were very encouraged and wanted to her to endure one more 6 week round of Chemo. 

She finished that Chemo yesterday and will go back to Barns for a an MRI and a determination on the possibility of operability of the tumer, if there is still one left. 

All your prayers are appreciated! 

Thanks!
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on September 04, 2008, 08:16:28 AM
Things are sounding great, Kirk.  Thank you for the update.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: JP Sinclair on September 08, 2008, 01:41:08 PM
Good for her Kirk - The mind is an incredible tool and it sounds like she's getting good news and keeping her fighting spirit up!. 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on September 11, 2008, 08:23:46 AM
:angel: :angel:  CA19 numbers less than 10 (0-30) is normal. 

Oncologist stated that they show NO SIGNS of cancer in her blood work :angel:

The tumor size has not changed from the last MRI but the Radiologist said that is not uncommon as it may now be nothing more than a dead tissue mass, which is what they believe considering they have no cancer signs in her blood work.  :angel:

Yesterday was a major answer to a lot of prayers and I thank everyone for their prayers.!

Its been a tough 9 months on her, more so mentally considering they gave her only 3-6 months to live, but now she actually can look forward to years of life!  :angel:
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on September 11, 2008, 09:02:23 AM
Prayer is a most powerful force, Kirk.  Thank you so much for a very positive update.  This will help make my day a great deal better.

 :D
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Auminer on September 21, 2008, 03:01:02 AM
Just got around to reading this thread.

Wow, being new here, I didn't know you guys knew our Lord.  What a wonderful group, and a wonderful testimony to our Father!!  Kirk, I truly hope and will pray your Mother will acknowledge her true Savior and what He has done in her life.

Blessings on each,
Dave
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on September 21, 2008, 04:53:46 PM
Thanks Dave, I apprecaite all the prayers!

I spent a few hours with her today and she is doing so so after another round of chemo. Not sure when they are going to stop the chemo as her blood work is good. 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on December 20, 2008, 05:14:29 PM
Another great visit a few weeks ago with the DR.  Moms CA19 marks are less than 10 and vague signs of any tumor. 

The 24th of this month is the one year mark of her being told she only had 3-6 months.  Now they are talking 5+ years or more. 

We are pretty happy this Christmas as not only do we get to celebrate the birth of our Lord but we have our Mother with us, which is something we didnt think was going to happen 12 months ago. 

I want to thank everyone for their prayers as they are greatly appreciated. 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: mike p on December 20, 2008, 07:36:05 PM
sure glad to hear that kirk
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Murf on December 22, 2008, 10:31:46 AM
We are pretty happy this Christmas as not only do we get to celebrate the birth of our Lord but we have our Mother with us, which is something we didnt think was going to happen 12 months ago.

I don't think a person could possibly imagine a better Christmas present than that!!

Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on December 25, 2008, 11:39:59 AM
Home for Christmas.  What a great tribute to the power of prayer.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on December 26, 2008, 05:17:26 PM
Got word today that Dr. Strausburg at Barns, best gastro surgeon in the world, called my Mom and wants to talk with her about surgery.  Apparently they do believe the mass they are now seeing is nothing more than a dead cancer tissue mass. 

She is going to Barns to meet with him on the 5th of January.  God is truly working miracles.   This is the very Dr. that told her the tumor was inoperable last February.  Now he believes such progress has been made that its an option. 

Thanks everyone for your prayers! 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: danweb on December 26, 2008, 06:45:32 PM
Hey Kirk, I just read this thread for the first time. Sorry i am so late, but I am going to pray for your mother and her spiritual soul as well. I am truly happy to hear of our Lords wonderful mercy and healing touch upon your mother. And I also am thankful for his good graces on your family as well. I know that was a great blessing that you had , just watching as god worked his miracles. God bless you and your family.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: mics_54 on January 02, 2009, 11:42:50 AM
I am happy for your good fortune and hope your mom gets better everyday. Kudos to the doctors and staff on a job well done!
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on January 02, 2009, 08:33:03 PM
Thanks dan and mics_54.  Your kind words are greatly appreciated as are your hopes and prayers. :angel:
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on January 13, 2009, 05:10:55 PM
Looks like all is well right now :angel: 

Moms tumor was not visible on the MRI and her CA19 numbers are perfectly normal.  NO SIGNS OF CANCER!   :angel:

No need for surgery since they cant see anything and the blood work is clean!  Thank you Lord!  :angel:
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: mike p on January 13, 2009, 09:14:46 PM
thats so good to here
thank god
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on January 15, 2009, 08:51:38 AM
Another tribute to "the Word". ;D
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on November 14, 2010, 07:28:29 AM
Well guys it will be 3 years December 24th that my Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She has been putting up a fight like no one they have ever treated.  Unfortunatly, this past few months the 2 1/2 years of treatments have caught up to her and she can no longer tolerate them. 

They say if the cancer doesnt kill you the chemo will. Any more chemo and she in fact would already be with the Lord. 

Three weeks ago she insisted on at least a reduced level of chemo as her blood markers are climbing and the cancer has in fact spread to her lungs and liver.  She was hoping to buy some more time.  After the second week of treatment she was zapped.  She could not even get out of bed anymore. 

That lead to a trip to the hospital for the second time in two months.  After more tests its evident that her fight from a medical standpoint is over.  She is now in Hospice resting comfortably and being visited by 40 years worth of Nurses and Dr's. at the very Hospital she spent her whole life working at. 

We could take her home and provide the same care but she refuses to have my Dad left with a memory of her passing at home.  She has insisted on staying in Hospice at the hospital.

We have been blessed to have had another 2 years and almost 11 months with my Mom as they only gave her 3-6 months when she was diagnosted.   

The real blessing is she has excepted Christ into her heart and is at peace with her situtation.  A Dr. friend of hers just passed, Dr. Dove, who was diagnosed with the same thing 10 months ago.   Even after the Wipple procedure he did not make it a year.   From the time he went into Hospice he lasted three weeks so she has it in her mind that is all she has left, which is 2 weeks.

Personaly from what I have seen, we have probably 4-6 weeks depending on how fast the cancer does its part to her organs.  She is only taking in a few glass's of water a day and two small cartons of milk. 

At this point she can get out of bed on her own and go to the bathroom so she still has lots of strength to fight but with such little calorie intake its just a matter of time.  Unfortunatly she has conviced everyone its going to be no more than a couple more weeks but I suspect much longer considering the level of strength she has now.  I feel for my Dad as he has been at her side every step of the way.  If I can be HALF the Husband to my wife that my Dad is to My Mom I will feel like I have accomplished something.  I have seen a side of my Father I didnt know.  After a week in the Hosptial watching him take care of all the little things like trimming her to nails, rubing lotion on her feet, putting on her socks etc you can see the Love my father has for my Mom.  They have been together since High school.  Mom is 75 and Dad is 77. (Dont get me wrong, I Love my wife with everything I have in me, it just seems like not enough after wathching my Dad this week)

I wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate your prayers as its clear they are being answered in many ways!  We have had almost three WONDERFUL years to spend with my Mom and most of all, she has excepted Christ!  Thanks for all you poeple have done!  We appreciated it!

My wife and I have been going over to the Hospital for a day and a half, then return to take care of our animals here on the farm, spend the night then go back over and take care care of Dads Horses and visit with my Folks for a day and a half spending the night at their place.    Its time like this having animlas to take care of make it real tough.  Half tempted to butcher all the chickens but then we wouldnt have any of the great eggs we so enjoy.

I will keep everyone posted how things go. 

Thanks again for everything!
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: joasis on November 14, 2010, 08:13:11 AM
Thoughts and prayers my friend......my I wish I had more time with my Mom, you have been truly blessed.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: mike p on November 14, 2010, 07:41:20 PM
your family is in our thoughts & prayers
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on November 17, 2010, 12:38:15 PM
My dear friend, Kirk.  You folks are now in the prayer chain, here on the Tree Farm.  You are a fortunate son to have such folks.  Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Carl Middleton on November 17, 2010, 04:26:19 PM
Kirk, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I lost my dad to cancer when he was only 47 years old. He suffered 16 months with it. Not a good way to go. Again I'm sorry. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on November 21, 2010, 10:10:50 PM
I Appreciate all the prayers and kind words.  God is working his miracles! 

According to all the staff in Hospice, she is not a hospice patient like they have ever had!  In fact, we have seen 13 people come to hospice since she checked in and they have all passed. 

Mom on the other hand is fighting like nothing ANYONE has ever seen.  She may very well come home this week!  She is eating, walking on her own, sitting up in a chair most of the day and for the most part living a normal life with no pain.

She has been off the Moraphine for 4 days and demanded her appointment for Barnes Hopsital be rescheduled so she can get her MRI done and have better idea of what is realy happening with the cancer.

We are still praying for a miracle with total healing and if its the Good Lords will, it will be done! 

Going over this week to fix corner posts and fence boards for Dad so he can keep the horses contained then check on Mom at the Hospital.

Again, THANKS FOR THE PRAYERS! THEY ARE WORKING!
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on November 26, 2010, 05:35:57 PM
Mom came home from Hospice the day before Thanksgiving.  She walked on her own from the car to the house and yesterday we all went out for Thanksgiving dinner and she ate more food in that sitting than she ate the whole time in the Hospital. 

Later that night she ate again and was able to enjoy all three of her boys with her for the first time since her father died 15 years ago. 

All is GREAT today as she is eating well and not having ANY stomach problems like she was weeks ago. 

St. Louis Monday for more tests and reading of those test results on Thursday!  Total healing is in our Prayers for her! 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Carl Middleton on November 26, 2010, 07:43:33 PM
Thats great to hear. Spent thanksgiving at my moms too  ;D
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on December 01, 2010, 08:26:53 PM
Turned out we got test results today! 

only a 3mm change in a lung tumor and NO change in the pancreatic tumor.  The Dr's said this is truly a miracle.  Thats a HUGE statement coming from one of the top cancer hospitals in the country. 

We have been blessed!  We went to lunch today and mom used her walker to get around and let me tell you, she got around better than she did this time last year.  She ate her whole plate of food with no complaints and wanted desert on the way home!

The Dr's have no explanation as to how or why she is doing so good.  I let them in on little secret, PRAYER!  God is working his stuff in my Mom!

Thank You Lord and thank all of you for your prayers! 
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: mike p on December 01, 2010, 10:08:17 PM
thats great news :)
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on January 02, 2011, 11:31:51 AM
What marvelous news, Kirk.  The power of prayer is truly, ;D great.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on January 02, 2011, 03:21:47 PM
We spent Christmas with my folks and Christmas eve marked 3 years since her diagnosis that they gave her 3 months.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: ChuckinVa on January 02, 2011, 05:49:04 PM
Hey Kirk. I have traveled a similar path that you are on. I lost my Mom to lung cancer February 25,2009. My mom had been a believer and a witness all of my life. During her illness which was stage 4 when discovered, she was a witness both to her family and the the Dr's and nurses around her. She had a regular email newsletter where she let he prayer warriors know of updates of Dr visits and tests. When we had things to praise God for she praised Him mightily. and when we didn't ,she encouraged others to get to know the God that she knew. Through the storm she continued to praise God for her life and looked forward to the time that she would be with him for eternity. She was given 3- 6 months to live with her diagnosis but lived another 18 months beyond that. It gave us more time with her but it also took it's toll on her body. It allowed us over time to come to accept that this was God's will for her and that we were participating in something that he had control over and that was peace. It was hard to believe that someone who never smoked could die from lung cancer. Here is a link to her story in her words from her former pastor at his new church. I hope it is encouraging. [ http://www.bealembc.org/blog/latest/faith-through-the-fire.html ]

CHUCK
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on January 02, 2011, 07:12:17 PM
Thanks so much for sharing that Chuck.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Kirk Allen on February 06, 2011, 02:01:46 PM
Mom has gone home to be with the Lord on Thursday morning at 3:34 am.  I was able to be with her right to the end and know that she faught the good fight while she could and is now in a better place with no more suffering.

Thanks to all for their prayers! 

Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: joasis on February 06, 2011, 08:09:00 PM
Thoughts and prayers my friend, May God bring peace and comfort.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: HaroldCR - AKA Fla.-Deadheader on February 07, 2011, 12:01:42 PM

 My condolences, Sir.
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: mike p on February 08, 2011, 09:22:32 AM
your in our thought s & prayers
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: rider257 on February 08, 2011, 07:12:38 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Dan
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Carl Middleton on February 09, 2011, 04:47:52 AM
Our thoughts and prayers to you and yours.
Carl
Title: Re: Kirk's Mom
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on March 13, 2011, 07:15:27 PM
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, Kirk and family.  We have you in our prayers and thoughts, as well.  I have been dealing with the death of a very good friend, down the road and have lost 5 former students in the last few weeks.  I had one yesterday, where the sister asked me to make her wooden urn.  That was a long day.