postponed again

The surgery is now planned for Wed., Aug 5 at 2 pm.

Surgery Update

Nichole's surgery has been postponed, most likely until Mon., Aug.3. Her colon had to be irrigated, so she is now in the hospital on a liquid diet that will help get things moving, so to speak. She is comfortable, and well taken care of.

Upcoming Surgery

Nichole will be having her surgery tomorrow afternoon, Wed., July 29. The surgery is so extensive and major (maybe 10 hours!), that Norm is taking the day off to be with her. Please pray that no cancer will be found, that things will go smoothly, for a speedy and easy recovery, and that God would accomplish what may seem impossible to us, that is, that Nichole would be able to return to her previous role of a healthy wife and mother soon.

Nichole's spirits

Many of you ask about Nichole's spirits. She is not easily swayed or shaken by her feelings. Nichole is settled and grounded in her saving faith. Nichole does have excruciating pain, and feels discouraged at times, (like anyone in her position would), but her spirit remains the same as it has been since the day God saved her. Her spirit, like that of all Christians, is a spirit continually revived by God Himself. Thank you for praying for her spirit, and thanking God for the spirit of righteousness that He has given her. Please continue to pray for her physical well-being.

Prayer Requests for July 24

Nichole met with the surgeon who is going to perform the surgery to correct her urinary tract and colon problems. This surgery will also determine if cancer is present. Please pray that it is not. Please also pray for a painless recovery from this complicated surgery. So complicated is this surgery, and so many uncertainties are involved, that Nichole has been feeling discouraged, and has found it difficult to think rightly in the midst of it all. Nichole spends much time lying in bed, and feelings of uselessness come over her. She tries to fight these feelings and remind herself that she can serve God on earth the same way the saints serve Him in Heaven-by adoring Him, worshiping Him, and giving Him praise for being worthy. Please pray that these reminders will be effectual, and that she will know and feel that her life is not in vain.

July 23

(This is Shawni, the Greenes' nanny, updating for Nichole...)

Nichole is home from the hospital after a two week stay. Praise the Lord, she does not have a blood clot in her leg, does not have any infection in her blood, and is finally free of the C-Diff infection. She is now waiting for her doctors to set a date for her next surgery, which should fix several problems, and will also determine whether the cancer is back or not. She has an appointment with her surgeon tomorrow. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Good news on July 22

The best news is the good news of the gospel, but I know you are all wanting to know about Nichole. Nichole is at home, feeling better, but dealing with unpleasant side effects of the medicine that is helping her feel better. Nichole can still use help around the house, and as my own health is unpredictable, I would like to remind all who read this of my sincere offer to help you to help Nichole. Whatever I can do from home (watch your children), I will gladly do. Just drop me an e-mail juniperzoo@hotmail.com. Thanks.

July 16

It seems Nichole was released from the hospital earlier this week, but shortly after arriving at home, she checked herself back in to the hospital due to intense pain. Please pray that she will be relieved from pain soon and able to return to her family. Thank you.

July 12 update

Nichole is currently in the hospital and expected to be released soon. She had a small surgery last week that went very well, and did help some with pain relief. With the good news, there is also some bad news, and that is that the doctors have discovered a large blood clot in Nichole's leg. With that bad news, there is also more good news, that being that the reason for her recurring, painful infections was found. There is a hole in her inner workings allowing toxins into her bloodstream. If and when this hole is fixed, Nichole will have a great relief from these painful infections. Thank you for keeping the Greenes in your prayers, and serving in whatever capacity you can.

Nichole will be home soon, and could really use some help this Friday, July 17. Please call her if you are able to help on that day.

July 7 update and more

Nichole is at home, waiting for a surgery that will tell her if the cancer's back. This surgery will also ease the pain in her kidneys and the pain caused by the obstruction in her colon. There are many things that must be considered before setting a date. There are many opportunities to serve and help her family, especially with childcare in the afternoons. If you would like to be included in an e-mail list to receive updates on the current needs, please e-mail Patti at hal19229@yahoo.com. As she is mostly bedridden at this time, Nichole's focus now is on worshipping God in spirit and in truth, as He calls all His children to do. Nichole asks your prayers in helping her see past the frustration and helpless feeling of lying in bed most of the day, and instead greeting each new day as a joyous opportunity to worship our great God.

If you would like to help, but feel that you can't on account of your own kids, please know that I will gladly watch your kids so that you can help Nichole. Due to physical limitations, I can't make a commitment to help Nichole except from my own home, so I would be glad to make it easier for someone else to help her. If there is any other way I can facilitate your helping Nichole, please e-mail me at juniperzoo@hotmail.com.