Update on Aaron - 12/28

 

Family and friends,

This is the update e-mail I prayed fervently I would never have to write and yet knew it was likely.

As you know Aaron has been in the hospital since Wednesday. They believed he had a bowel obstruction. We have since discovered that it is a condition that can happen in individuals who lose weight very quickly and become severely underweight. What has happened is that a major blood vessel is pressing upon a section of the small intestine, causing it to be partially obstructed. Praise God that they were able to place an feeding tube that extends from his nose through his digestive system passed the point of obstruction so he is able to receive nourishment.

Unfortunately but not surprisingly, the CT scan on Wednesday showed that the cancer has grown. It has now invaded his left abdominal wall and he has tumors in his rib cage on the right side as well as multiple tumors in his abdomen.

My husband is the strongest man I know and has spent his life fighting. He fought cancer as a child, managed to live with stage 3 chronic kidney disease for more than 20 years, and had now spent the past 2 1/2 years battling pain and cancer. He is a fighter. Yesterday, we were told that he is at the end of his fight. The cancer is growing; he is growing thinner and weaker. His oncologist as well as other specialists who have cared for him in the hospital agree with this heart-breaking realization. We have been told to expect 2-3 more weeks with him. As Aaron and I talked about what this meant, he told me that he is ready to be done fighting. He is ready to go Home to Heaven and be with the Prince of Peace. He is in such pain, so uncomfortable, and understands that we have exhausted all medical options. Once my darling, courageous, amazing, brave husband is discharged, he will be begin hospice care. His parents, sister, and best friend have spent the day with him, his brother-in-law will join us at the end of the weekend, my dad, step-mom, brother, and sister will be coming in tomorrow and my mom and step-dad will remain at the house to provide Benjamin with a sense of stability and safety while we navigate our way through this scary, difficult time.

Please join me in praying for the following:

*Praise that Aaron has peace about his decision to rest.

*Prayer for pain management

*Prayer for comfort, strength, and peace for me, Benjamin, our families, and friends

*Praise and prayer that he will not suffer much longer if that is the Lord's will for him.

*Praise that family can come to be with him while he can enjoy their presence.

*Prayer to God to bless our time together as husband and wife before He calls him home

*Prayer for clear communication as we prepare

*Prayer for the nurses who will be coming to our home to help provide care for Aaron.

*Praise that he will be made whole and perfect and be without pain or cancer!

Love,

Jenny