Update 11/12:  An Update from Craig’s wife, Betty:

Craig and I are tremendously grateful for all your calls and emails, and for covering us in prayer these past two weeks.  I know many of you have been receiving little bits of news here and there - I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to fully update you until now.   

Craig had his surgery on Oct. 29 and the doctor was able to remove all of his tumor.  Unfortunately, the tumor was not benign as originally hoped.  Craig has been diagnosed with glioblastoma which is a grade IV brain cancer - the most aggressive form of brain cancer.  He has been back home for over a week now and is recovering very well.  He is up and about and has not noticed any mental or physical deficits. He will be starting radiation and chemotherapy this upcoming week.  The treatment will be six weeks, after which time he will continue to receive some form of chemo and continue to be monitored through MRIs at 2-3 month intervals for recurrence.  Because it is a grade IV brain cancer, we have been told by the doctors that it will almost certainly return.    

Craig and I could never have imagined ourselves in this place two weeks ago.  It still feels incredibly unreal – we have never been so scared in our lives.  There have been times in these last two weeks where our spirit has been completely broken, where we have felt so utterly beaten down and hopeless.  But in this time, we have also felt restored and lifted up by your prayers and support – we have experienced God’s love so strongly as expressed through all of you.  We feel so loved – thank you for this gift, we are forever grateful.   

While we are aware of the realities of the prognosis, Craig has far too much to live for – he fully intends to be a survivor and has tremendous fight in him.  We know the difficult road ahead of us, but Craig’s Auntie Mabel reminded us of God’s wonderful promise in Isaiah 40:31:  “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  Our Pastor Eugene told us to be bold in asking God to grant us a miracle and have faith that somehow glory and praise will be given to God through this, so we ask that you join us in being bold in asking for this miracle.   

As Craig begins his radiation and chemo this week, we also ask that you will pray that his body tolerates the treatment - specifically protection from fatigue and nausea.  He has lost a lot of weight these last few weeks and cannot afford to lose anymore as his body needs to be strong and healthy to withstand the treatment – so please pray that he will have the appetite to eat and gain weight.  And J and K – may they feel stability and know that our love for them is always constant and near.  And lastly, please just pray for a constant renewing of our minds and spirits so that we may remain faithful and hopeful.   

All our love and thanks – we cannot do this without you.

Update 11/5:  Today is Craig’s birthday!  Please leave him a note to let him know how much his church community is thinking and praying for him.  Craig is recovering, feeling better, and strengthening up for the weeks ahead. 

Update 11/1:  Craig is now discharged from the hospital.  Craig and Betty thank each of you for your thoughts, notes, email, calls, and prayers.

Yesterday, they received some difficult news.  While the doctors successfully removed three golf-ball sized tumors from his brain, there is a difficult road ahead.  It was confirmed that the tumor was cancerous and a stage 4 cancer [the most aggressive cancer].  The likelihood of the cancer returning is high.  More than ever before, they need your prayers and care.  They’ll be meeting with their team of doctors on Monday to set a course of action for the weeks and months ahead.  While things may appear difficult, may we approach God in boldness for healing of Craig’s body and for the daily strengthening and renewal of their spirits.

Update 10/30: Received word last night that the surgery was completed and the tumor removed.  Craig is recovering. However, there’s possibility of some very difficult news. Unfortunately, what was initially diagnosed as a benign tumor is likely cancerous - 80% probability according to the pathologist. The complete diagnosis and pathology report will be released in 3 days.  As you can assume, this was very difficult new for them.

Please continue to keep Craig, Betty, and their larger family in prayer. Minhee and I had the chance to visit Craig today at the hospital.  In spite of the surgery yesterday, he looks great.  They’ll learn more about their situation on Thursday or Friday.  The church will utilize this blog to help keep the larger church community updated in order that we may pray and care for them more deeply.

****************************************************

10/29 | I heard some not so good news about a congregant at church yesterday. After hearing the news after the 2nd service, I called and went to visit Craig and Betty at their home to pray with them.

Craig is only in his 30s and a wonderful guy. In the past couple weeks, Craig was experiencing some discomfort, dizziness, headaches, and general illness. I actually remember chatting with Betty about it couple Sundays ago - it wasn’t that big of a deal.

After couple visits to the doctors, Craig went once more just this past Friday for an MRI for some clarity to his illness. And on Friday, he was told the reason why he was feeling so much discomfort and it was the absolute last thing he could have imagined. He was told that there was a tumor in his brain and that he needed to consult a neurosurgeon ASAP. And just like that, he is scheduled for surgery to remove that tumor in his brain this morning [Monday].

Such is life. Unexpected events take place. How will we respond?

Even under difficult circumstances, I enjoyed visiting and praying with Craig, Betty, and their children today. Please join me in praying for them as Craig has surgery today.