OT: Kathe Update -- 6-06 -- Prayers Requested

[Buck Elliott]

Have had several requests for updated info on Kat's condition lately. I deeply appreciate your interest and concern. It means a lot to both of us.

The past several weeks have been a most incredible roller-coaster -- some days almost good, some bad, and some very much worse. She has been on chemo-therapy on a daily basis for what seems like years... but has only been what..? maybe 6 weeks..? I tend to lose track of the actual elapsed time, lately. Her doctors increased her dosage to the maximum, along with some new, high-powered antibiotics for the MRSA. A bonemarrow aspiration and check revealed MRSA (but no cancer) in the bone marrow, that was not responding to AB treatment.

Some days, she is full of hope and determination; other times, the hope fades, but the determination remains. Several nights ago, both seem to have about run out, and in anger and frustration, she pulled her IVs and demanded to be released from the treatment center. She eventually let herself be talked into staying, at least long enough to finish the present chemo course. She was tired of the constant pain; tired of the constant, overwhelming nausea and vomiting

My first call yesterday was not from Kat, but from her nurse, who announced that Kat had contracted septicemia (blood poisoning) and that her temperature was rising rapidly. By mid-afternoon, they had her back in the hospital, in an ice bed, with a temp of 107. The doctor described it as a modern-day version of the O.T. plagues of fire & hail. She became very delerious as the temp continued to rise. By late last night, she was convulsing severely with a temp of 110. I didn't think that kind of temperature was even survivable... She had hands laid on her and received a wonderful blessing, after which the convulsions lessened, as did the temperature. By 6:00 this morning, she was resting better; still shivering, but with a temp of "only" 104...

The prognosis is very gloomy at this moment, and we wait out each hour, never knowing what the next hour will bring. Kathe has fought SO hard to win this battle, and might have had a chance to win it -- at least for a while -- had it not been for the MRSA, which she "caught" in the hospital... I am at the point of telling her that it's all right to move on -- to leave us -- if that's what she needs to do; that she doesn't have to stay -- not for me, or for anyone else, but that maybe she needs to go home -- where there is no more pain -- no more sickness -- no more suffering.

Your prayers for Kathe would be a great comfort to her, and I'm asking for some of that for myself, as well. "Tough" only carries us just so far -- then we need "strength..."

I thank all of you, who have sent PMs and e-mails, and who continue to include her in your earnest and heart-felt prayers. You are and have been a source of strength to us both. May God bless you all for your faith and your actions.

[Dave]

God bless you and her. So sorry for you all's ordeal.

[Borregos]

You will both remain in my prayers.

[slimster]

Prayers said. "In Him, all things are possible".

[Jaguarundi]

Godbless and Godspeed .

[RKrodle]

God bless both of you and prayers will continue Buck.

[gak]

Prayers said.

[JReed]

May God look after you both. I pray he grants you the strength that you will need to help her fight and that he continues to grant her the strength she needs to keep fighting.

[bsaride]

Prayers up for strength, soothing of edges frayed, painless recovery and and end to hospital stays.

[Rusty]

Buck, I've been praying for the two of you right on. When I first heard I thought at the time it didn't sound good. I didn't want to ask for fear of what the answer might be.

My wife has been a nurse for 34 years and during that time she has learned something. God know us all and how we need to say goodbye. Some need time to get used to the idea, some are better doing it quickly like taking off a band aid.

I pray God will comfort you both with his Holy Spirit.

Prayers continue.

[kimwcook]

Buck, I'm so sorry to hear that. May you and Kathe receive all of God's blessings.

[Noah Zark]

Continuing on the list . . .

Noah

[gamekeeper]

I'm praying that you both find the strengh you need, God Bless you both.

[Hobie]

We will double our prayers for all of you. Thank you for taking the time to let us know what's happening.

[salvo]

Buck my prayers are with Kathe and you.

[Thunder50]

Prayers sent. Keep us informed, and we will keep they prayers coming.

[Steelbanger]

Buck,

I have had Kathe on my prayer list since your first post. I am sorry to learn of the worsening of her condition and will continue to keep both she and you in my prayers.

I lost my wife to cancer after her two and a half year battle and know full well all the emotional turmoil we go through while watching a loved one suffer so much. I pray God gives you the strength to maintain a positive attitude even though at most times it seems an impossible task.

Frank

[Blaine]

Thanks for the update....Tell her we care.

[iceman]

Prayers for both of you. Buck I don't know what to say other than hang in there we are all hoping and praying for both of you. There are no suggestions I can give you, as I have never been in your situation. I can't even imagine how hards it is for you. Feel free to vent your feeling here or via PM. I may not know what to say, but sometimes venting helps. Best of luck friend.

[2ndovc]

My thoughts and best wjshes are with you both.


jason

[firefuzz]

My hope and prayers are with you.

Rob

[KWK]

You two have my regards.

[TedH]

Our prayers continue........

[rjohns94]

Buck, My prayers are unceasing for Kathe and You. her strength and determination is a testament for the beauty of her as a person. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything. Blessings

[AJMD429]

That has to be the hardest thing you'll ever have to deal with. My prayers that you'll be of comfort to her, and she to you, as you deal with it all. The part of you being ripped away will hopefully be balanced by the part of her which is with you and will be forever.

[Lobo]

Buck,

Prayers sent....again.

[JerryB]

Buck, I'll keep praying for God to heal her, but I will pray also that God's will be done in this, God is still in the healing business. We never know why some folks have to suffer like they do, but we do know that God's plan covers each and everyone of us from birth to the grave. He told Paul that His grace was sufficient when Paul ask Him three time to heal his "thorn in his side". Just hang onto God's hand.

[DixieBoy]

Buck - Prayers are coming from me here too. This is something I've been through too and it is beyond hard. Know that you're not alone. - DixieBoy

[papasan]

Prayers on the way for both of
you.

papasan

[piller]

Prayers sent. Hang in there Buck. She needs your strength now more than ever. Remember the battle where Moses held up his staff and the Israelites won, but if his staff dropped they lost. Moses needed help from his friends to keep his arms up, and they came through for him. If you need someone to prop you up, don't hesitate to ask. You have more friends here than you realize.

[Ysabel Kid]

Prayers continue!

[RIHMFIRE]

Prayers sent......for both of you!

[fordwannabe]

May God Bless you both, prayers for healing, strength and faith. Tom

[C. Cash]

I will sure continue to be in prayer for Kathe and you. Very sorry you guys are going through such a hard time.

[Grizz]

Prayers Up for Kathe and Buck !
Our Hope is in You Lord.
Hang on to your Hope.

[Rexster]

Prayer continues.

[Dave B]

Prayers sent