A Note From Mary

I arrived home Friday evening...had a wonderful time with our daughter, Beth and son in love Todd and five grands. We traveled over 5000 miles. What cherished memories and quality time with this family. They love the Lord and to see these sights through their eyes was pure joy for me. And the prayers of the children for their Pawpaw and other things were simple and refreshing. To be able to share with them in daily life gave me many opportunities to speak to them about the faithfulness of GOD and how HE has our best in mind at all times. Our oldest grandson, Jacob is 13, Andrew 12, Garrett 9, Ellie Rose, 5 and Micah is 3.
John had scans done on Friday morning and we meet with the oncologist on Monday at 10:15 am. He is still questioning what he should do as far as treatment. He has become weaker...not getting out of bed much today and the tumors we can see have grown. His white blood count is good but his platelets are very low. He is extremely nauseated and not keeping much down.

Pray for wisdom, surrender, peace, rest, good and meaningful conversation, ability to be open and honest with those around us and that above all else that the GOSPEL will be seen in our lives and that GOD will be glorified in our hearts and lives.

We love you and are so grateful for the body of Christ which is loving us well.

IN HIS ARMS,
Mary for us all

The Rest of the Story

The Rest of the Story

The second round of chemo has been very difficult for John. From Thursday, June 28th, when I first arrived in Brevard, NC, until July 5th, when I went to visit my grands in Atlanta, Ga, John's condition was less than favorable.

Our brother, Gene, came on Friday evening and stayed with us until John had the first day of chemo at the Brevard Infusion Center on Monday. On Tuesday morning John and I went to St. Joes's Hospital in Asheville, NC. July the 4th was an exciting day with visits from dear friends from Spartanburg, SC, and until early Thrusday AM, John's treatment had gone well. However, as the day progressed and by the time John and Mary's beautiful daughters and sister-in-love (Miki) arrived, he had developed a psychosis from one of the chemo drugs. Heather, Jennifer, Jonlyn, and Lynn (Mary's sister) were incredible in their efforts to support and encourage John during this time. Mary was never more than a call away, and made decisions continuously. The girls were either with their father or arranged dear friends to assist until he was dismissed from the hospital on Saturday and beyond.

Due to much confusion, John contacted his pastor who recommended that John visit his Christian surgeon before meeting with the oncologist on Wednesday, July 11th. Dr. Bridges was most helpful in calming and preparing John for his upcoming meeting with the oncologist. I met Jonlyn and John at the Infusion Center with the understanding that we would meet with John's oncologist. Despite Jonlyn's best efforts and a 30 minute wait, we were all disappointed not to see Dr. Chan.

As you know, John as been here with me in Greenville, SC since Wednesday, and will return home tonight.

Mary will be home on July 21st. John has an appointment with the oncologist on July 18th, but will not make any decisions on future treatments until he and Mary can have prayerful time together after her return.

Prayerfully,
Peggy

P.S. Words from John

I feel your prayers constantly and know you are holding me up to the Father. I see your prayers being answered continuously. I am very grateful because this continues to be a fiery trial, but I do not find it strange.

When I am weak, He is strong, and enables me to glory in my infirmities. It is a grand adventure.

Love and prayers,
John

A note from Peggy

Just a brief note to let you know John is doing well in Greenville, S.C. He is out by the Reedy River, just a few steps from my office. He has had a nice long nap on one of our mother's throws while I work. He has spoken with our dear Mary several times today, and says she is a "happy little camper." It is wonderful to hear her laugh again and see pics of her smiling face with her grands, or Beth and Todd at the Tetons.

The guys here at the plant want to give John his own office, and have told him his name will be up tomorrow (Mr. John) - with a star by his name! :)

Jonlyn and I were with him yesterday at the doctor and his white blood count was very low. He is on an antibiotic, but has a fairly good appetite considering. He is weak, but resting in God's grace.

Thank you for your prayers for John, Mary, the children and all the Linville family. He often becomes tearful when speaking of his "prayer warriors" and how good God is (all the time.) Tomorrow, hopefully, you'll have words from him.

Prayerfully,
Peggy Haden (John's sister)

HOME

Dear Friends,

I was shocked to have called today and hear that Dad is coming home. This was a drastic change from yesterdays report. Several of his levels (white blood count, potassium, oxygen, hemoglobin)  were low, and his body was worn out and needed help moving. BUT thanks to the Lord and with your prayers he slept all night last night and woke up feeling 100% better than before. Thank you for your continued prayers and for all those who came to help us while we were in the hospital, those who were Jesus' arms to embrace us girls when we were hard pressed, to those who simply came to hug Dad and show him your love and support. The toxicity in his brain was causing him to not act himself, and he doesn't remember too much but I know he was and is very grateful for each one of you!

As always we will be posting any news that comes our way <3

Heather for us all

Still in the Hospital

I am updating to let you know we are still in the hospital with Dad, He is done with the chemo treatment but his oxygen levels have been low and he has some toxicity in the brain from the chemo and are treating him for that at this time. We are needing prayers for rest and peace of mind. Dad is very restless due to the toxicity. Please pray that the Lord will give wisdom on what the next step is.... I will write more info in the morning! It has been a long week and we are clinging to the Father for grace. Dad wants you to pray that he seeks first the kingdom of God! He says Thank you and He is doing okay!

Thank you, Heather

CHEMO

My "help" was needed Friday night so I went to see Dad, it is always hard to see him in pain. The house had gotten too hot and was raising his temperature. It had already been 48 hours since he had eaten and keeping fluids down was a task in and of itself, so with the weather being so hot it only added to his discomfort and pain.
 With the amazing help of Aunt Peggy (Dad's sister) and Uncle Gene (his Brother) Jonlyn and JT we were able to keep him from going to the ER. He went in yesterday to check his levels and they were able to give the chemo which was HUGE! He has been having to wait until his levels were up enough. He was dehydrated so they gave him fluids as well, he is now back at Saint Joe's Hospital for further treatment, and will be released sometime tomorrow. Please pray with us that He stays strong and can continue to fight this crazy battle. We are grateful for all the love, encouragement, calls and cards. It brings us all joy! I spoke with Momma today and they are having a GREAT time out west. They had just left the badlands. She says she sends her love and is grateful for all who have stepped in to allow her to go enjoy this time with Todd, Beth and the family. 
Will keep the updates coming as more news comes in...

Heather