Latest Update

Dad spoke to his cancer doctor on Monday and there is a spot on his liver that they are concerned about. We don't know size or extent of invasion, just that it is there. The doctor would like to do another CT scan to get a closer look. Daddy is considering his options right now and will get back with MO Cancer Associates this week. We'll keep you up-to-date as we know more. Dad is very weak and tires easily, but his spirits are good. His voice is so strong. He spoke for a few moments on Sunday and it was just so amazing how comforting it was to everyone to see him and hear him behind the pulpit. He's still "The Papa!"

Thank you to everyone for all of the food and cards and calls and concern.  Mom is realizing how important not having to cook is and you are making that possible everyday! We all appreciate it each day!

Much love,

The crew in Moberly

PET Update - nothing yet

Dad is still waiting on results from his PET Scan.  He spoke to one of the nurses at MO Cancer Associates who indicated that the team there wanted to compare the old CT Scan with new PET Scan.

So, the waiting continues.  When I spoke to him on Thursday & Friday, he was upbeat and excited to see what God was going to do... and so are we!  Please believe with us that God will do a creative work in Dad's body.  No matter what the reports, God is still in control and nothing can diminish His power or authority!

As soon as we know more, we'll post it here...

Scott

Wednesday

  Dad's had a busy two days.  On Tuesday, the 20 staples were removed from the 10" incision in his abdomen.  The incision is healing well and the drainage area is quickly closing up, which means less dressings to change.  He is still very weak and has "very little stamina" as he said this afternoon.

  Today, Dad went for the PET Scan.  For those unfamiliar with the term, he was injected with a radioactive solution that ran through his blood stream while he was inside a machine similar to the one shown here (conveniently borrowed from our friends at Wikipedia!).  The details of the scan will give the oncologist a 3D image of his body and the location of the remaining cancerous pockets.  The tumor that was removed had split open and poured cancerous cells into his body.  So, even if the scan comes back with no further cancer found, the doctors are recommending a six month regimen of treatment to "mop up" any rogue cells.
   Considering treatments such as these cost as much as a house, Mom & Dad have many things to consider in addition to the treatment itself.  Here's some prayer requests to consider:

- Dad's strength to continually grow
- The existing cancer to be annihilated
- Wisdom for Dad to choose the correct treatment plan
- Strength for Mom in the midst of this situation
- God's provision for financial & spiritual blessings

Sorry for the lack of info over the past week.  Once Dad got home, we all kind of dropped back into our routines!  It was nice to hear that so many of you were following the blog... We will continue to update the site every few days.  When tests are scheduled, we'll let you know in advance and as soon as the results return.  Thanks to everyone for the comments, prayers and love.

Scott

This Week's Update

Dad attended church this weekend, sitting on the front row to enjoy the services.  He is still weak and moves slowly as a result.  His voice is strong when I speak with him and I'm proud of him for not trying to jump back into the fray with both feet.

On Wednesday, he will have a PET Scan to determine how much cancer is left in his body.  Based on the results, the oncologist will recommend a treatment regime of chemotherapy.  We are praying that the Scan comes back negative and that he is cancer-free.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Dad and Mom.  There are still many items that need to be resolved and the Lord is in control!

Scott

Talk about a Resurrection!

So maybe the Mcgarvey family has had a true resurrection on Easter Sunday!

I left Vernon Sunday morning praying for his strength, because he was so exhausted from the weekend.
But when Glynnda, Jaime, and I went in to see Vernon after Sunday morning service, what we saw was amazing. There Vernon sat with food in front of him. He had not eaten in six days.
Talk about a miracle!

Talk about God's Grace being sufficient for us...
He had enough strength to visit with family and friends for four hours straight.

Did I say that it was Amazing?!

On Sunday the Doctor talked about getting Vernon's blood oxygen count up or they were considering a blood transfusion.
Well, we pleaded the blood of Jesus and his oxygen levels went up!

Jaime and I were planning on visiting Vernon Monday after work, but he told us over the phone that he was feeling great and don't bother with the trip. The greatest news was that he was getting released from the hospital on Tuesday afternoon!

Glynnda and I went and picked up Vernon this afternoon. He was so excited to get out of there.
His first request from me in the car was a big juicy cheeseburger:)

As soon as he got home, he just stood over the dinner table chairs looking out the window at the nature sanctuary he had created. The skies might have been overcast, but the sun was shining down on his life:)

I ran to Wal-Mart and picked up a few prescriptions and some new house slippers, because the ones used at the hospital were definitely contaminated:)

Besides a few calls and visits from friends, Vernon was able to rest and quickly adjust back into the comforts of "The Lodge".

Johnathan

What does Vernon want for his first meal at home...

Whopper Jr with cheese;)
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

He's home!

I got off the phone with Dad as they pulled into the garage a bit ago. He's a happy man to back in the confines of his own place. He'll return in a week to have the 20 staples removed from the 10 inch incision in his abdomen. After that comes the PET scan for cancerous cells in the rest of the body.

Many, many thanks to all those who have called, visited, posted comments, sent cards, flowers and love. We're not done with this process! We'll continue to post updates here in the days and weeks to come. Please help us pray the incision heals properly and the PET scan comes out negative... the doctors have documented cancer... now God can document a miracle!

Scott