Sorry about the confusion about the date of the surgery! It has been clarified by another of Nichole's friends in the last post. She will be having the surgery at 5:00p.m. on this coming Thursday, the 23rd. Mark your calendars and remember to pray for them. I will keep you posted.
If you are interested in helping the Greene's with anything, please email Sue Leber (lebersue@hotmail.com). She is coordinating all of the help for the Greenes. Shoot her an email and let her know that you are interested in helping, and she will send you the schedule. Thanks so much, Sue, for all that you are doing to help them out! Your eternal reward awaits!
Please continue to pray for the Greenes as they spend time together this week. Pray that their time is sweet, and that they continue to trust the Lord! He is the Great Physician, and will guide the hands of the surgeon, whether he knows it or not...isn't that amazing? God's sovereignty rules over all, including the details of the operation, the competence of the surgeon, the outcome, etc.
Let's continue to pray for them, and plead with the Lord for a successful surgery! We desire for Nichole to live many more profitable years. Her testimony of faith, her boldness with any who encounter her, her godly parenting and "wifing"... she has been through the fire and has remained faithful. Her's is an example for us to follow! Let us pray to God for His mercy and healing grace.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
ALRIGHTY THEN!
I HAVE SPENT TIME WITH NICHOLE, AND SHE HAS A RADICAL SURGERY SCHEDULED FOR NEXT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23. IT WILL BE A BIG SURGERY, VERY INVOLVED. SHE'LL HAVE A LONG IN-HOSPITAL RECOVERY TIME, AND SHE WILL BE VERY GLAD TO HAVE VISITORS N THE DAYS AND WEEKS FOLLOWING THE SURGERY, ESPECIALLY HER FRIENDS WHO ARE NURSES (JULIE.) PLEASE PRAY FOR HER PHYSICAL HEALTH, AND FOR THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF HER FAMILY WHILE SHE BE AWAY FROM HOME.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Surgery
I just spoke with Nichole a few minutes ago and she is doing well! She and Norm returned from Chicago yesterday where they had a few doctor visits, but mostly just enjoyed what they called their "second honeymoon". They enjoyed their time together and did many touristy things (visited the Sears Tower, and "painted the town red" in Nichole's terms). Thank you for your prayers for their time there.
The doctors there at the cancer treatment center confirmed that Nichole should proceed with the surgery, and told them that they would receive the best care here in Los Angeles. The surgery is scheduled for this Thursday at 5:00p.m., and should take 4 hours. This is a radical surgery, and will require quite a recovery period. Nichole will be in the hospital for a couple of weeks (at least), and will not be able to do much for quite a while after she comes home.
The doctors (5 total that Nichole has seen) have generally agreed that the surgery has somewhere around (probably less than) a 50% success rate- meaning that there is around a 50% chance that they will get all of the cancer and "cure" Nichole of her cancer. There are other possible complications that would decrease the success rate. Pray that the surgeon's do not find these "complications"!
Nichole has also asked that we pray for the people that she was able to witness to in Chicago. She had the opportunity to speak with several cancer patients, and some with little hope for survival. She also was able to be a light to doctors and nurses there. Pray that they will remember her hope and her perspective- as we have all witnessed, Nichole is facing this with such courage because of her hope in the Lord and her total trust in God. How can anyone not see this, even as they interact with her for a short period of time! Pray that many would search for the Lord through Nichole's testimony!
Ansel and Noah will be starting school soon (at the local school). Pray that this would be a smooth transition, not adding any emotional stress to the boys, but rather blessing them with friends and good teachers. Pray that they would get the best teachers, and would make friends quickly and settle in easily to the transition.
Nichole is also asking for prayer for her new doctor who will be performing the surgery. He has been called a "pioneer doctor" in his field, and will be using creative and new ideas for Nichole's surgery. Pray that he would be successful! Pray also for Nichole's testimony with him as she shares the gospel with him and displays Christ to him.
We have all been so encouraged to watch Nichole go through this trial and to hear of her faith in the Lord. Haven't you? Nichole is a glowing example of Christ and has blessed so many and encouraged all of us with her example. Please let her know how she has blessed you with a note or comment (here!). Your encouragement means a lot to them! I'm sure her testimony as she has gone through the fire has blessed you and touched your heart, and caused you to evaluate your own life and heart in light of her circumstances. Please let her know!
Lastly, I would ask you if you could consider helping the Greene's as they are finishing up their guest house. They need to have someone move in to help take care of the family while Nichole is unable, but several things need to happen for that to be possible. The most important of their needs is that of setting up a septic tank. If you have any experience with this (plumbing, etc.) please let me know. If you are handy, could do research, and take care of this for them, that would be great! Let's relieve the burden from them and help them out! Let's care for them and allow them to be blessed by the body of Christ, and I guarantee you will be blessed even more!! You can email me if you can help, or if you have any questions. kurtjulieandkids@gmail.com. Thank you again for your care and support of the Greene's, and please continue to pray for them during this time!!
The doctors there at the cancer treatment center confirmed that Nichole should proceed with the surgery, and told them that they would receive the best care here in Los Angeles. The surgery is scheduled for this Thursday at 5:00p.m., and should take 4 hours. This is a radical surgery, and will require quite a recovery period. Nichole will be in the hospital for a couple of weeks (at least), and will not be able to do much for quite a while after she comes home.
The doctors (5 total that Nichole has seen) have generally agreed that the surgery has somewhere around (probably less than) a 50% success rate- meaning that there is around a 50% chance that they will get all of the cancer and "cure" Nichole of her cancer. There are other possible complications that would decrease the success rate. Pray that the surgeon's do not find these "complications"!
Nichole has also asked that we pray for the people that she was able to witness to in Chicago. She had the opportunity to speak with several cancer patients, and some with little hope for survival. She also was able to be a light to doctors and nurses there. Pray that they will remember her hope and her perspective- as we have all witnessed, Nichole is facing this with such courage because of her hope in the Lord and her total trust in God. How can anyone not see this, even as they interact with her for a short period of time! Pray that many would search for the Lord through Nichole's testimony!
Ansel and Noah will be starting school soon (at the local school). Pray that this would be a smooth transition, not adding any emotional stress to the boys, but rather blessing them with friends and good teachers. Pray that they would get the best teachers, and would make friends quickly and settle in easily to the transition.
Nichole is also asking for prayer for her new doctor who will be performing the surgery. He has been called a "pioneer doctor" in his field, and will be using creative and new ideas for Nichole's surgery. Pray that he would be successful! Pray also for Nichole's testimony with him as she shares the gospel with him and displays Christ to him.
We have all been so encouraged to watch Nichole go through this trial and to hear of her faith in the Lord. Haven't you? Nichole is a glowing example of Christ and has blessed so many and encouraged all of us with her example. Please let her know how she has blessed you with a note or comment (here!). Your encouragement means a lot to them! I'm sure her testimony as she has gone through the fire has blessed you and touched your heart, and caused you to evaluate your own life and heart in light of her circumstances. Please let her know!
Lastly, I would ask you if you could consider helping the Greene's as they are finishing up their guest house. They need to have someone move in to help take care of the family while Nichole is unable, but several things need to happen for that to be possible. The most important of their needs is that of setting up a septic tank. If you have any experience with this (plumbing, etc.) please let me know. If you are handy, could do research, and take care of this for them, that would be great! Let's relieve the burden from them and help them out! Let's care for them and allow them to be blessed by the body of Christ, and I guarantee you will be blessed even more!! You can email me if you can help, or if you have any questions. kurtjulieandkids@gmail.com. Thank you again for your care and support of the Greene's, and please continue to pray for them during this time!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Chicago!
Norm and Nichole left for Chicago today to see a specialist there. This is the "last opinion" before proceeding with the radical surgery the doctors here want to do. Praise the Lord that they were able to make this trip, and be comforted knowing that they've done their best and can rest in the Lord's care. Pray for the kids while they're away, and pray that they would receive the best care while there, and enjoy the time they have together! I'll try to keep everyone up to date with the news. Thank you on behalf of the Greenes for your care for them!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Decisions
I spoke with Nichole last night and again, was encouraged! Nichole is certainly leaving the sweet savor of Christ wherever she goes, and is a shining light for the gospel!
Yesterday, Nichole was invited to a "Cervical Cancer Convention" of sorts (at a Hilton!), and had the opportunity to interact with doctors and other patients that have experienced cervical cancer. Nichole was excited to tell me about her interview on camera. She was asked, "How are you dealing with you situation emotionally?" To which Nichole immediately launched into a gospel presentation. She told them of her hope in Christ, her eternal home, and her loving God. She was so excited for the gospel to be heard, and it sounds like the Lord gave her just the right words. The video may be circulated among doctors and others, so please pray that certain parts will NOT be edited out, as we know our media likes to do... Many, I'm sure, saw a sure hope in her eyes like none of the other patients had, and she spoke openly and clearly about the Lord! She would love it if you would pray with us that we will meet some of those people in heaven someday!
Nichole has also asked for prayer for her doctor, Dr. Friedman. He is Jewish, and he has been seeing Nichole since early on, and Nichole has had multiple opportunities to share the gospel with him. She may change doctors soon, but wants us all to pray for Dr. Friedman with her.
Norm and Nichole are waiting for the pathology reports to be seen by another doctor so they can make a decision about the surgery.
1. Please continue to pray for their wisdom in making a decision. Pray that Norm and Nichole would rest in God once the decision is made, knowing that they did their best, and that our Good God is in control, no matter what the outcome!
2. Please also pray for the kiddos! There will be a lot of people in and around the Greene household once again, which can be difficult on the kids. What precious kids they are!! Pray that the kids would band together, love on each other, and be a help around the house, as well as to be cooperative with all of the helpers.
Thank you, again, for your prayers and encouragement and help. Norm and Nichole covet your prayers through this fiery trial!
Yesterday, Nichole was invited to a "Cervical Cancer Convention" of sorts (at a Hilton!), and had the opportunity to interact with doctors and other patients that have experienced cervical cancer. Nichole was excited to tell me about her interview on camera. She was asked, "How are you dealing with you situation emotionally?" To which Nichole immediately launched into a gospel presentation. She told them of her hope in Christ, her eternal home, and her loving God. She was so excited for the gospel to be heard, and it sounds like the Lord gave her just the right words. The video may be circulated among doctors and others, so please pray that certain parts will NOT be edited out, as we know our media likes to do... Many, I'm sure, saw a sure hope in her eyes like none of the other patients had, and she spoke openly and clearly about the Lord! She would love it if you would pray with us that we will meet some of those people in heaven someday!
Nichole has also asked for prayer for her doctor, Dr. Friedman. He is Jewish, and he has been seeing Nichole since early on, and Nichole has had multiple opportunities to share the gospel with him. She may change doctors soon, but wants us all to pray for Dr. Friedman with her.
Norm and Nichole are waiting for the pathology reports to be seen by another doctor so they can make a decision about the surgery.
1. Please continue to pray for their wisdom in making a decision. Pray that Norm and Nichole would rest in God once the decision is made, knowing that they did their best, and that our Good God is in control, no matter what the outcome!
2. Please also pray for the kiddos! There will be a lot of people in and around the Greene household once again, which can be difficult on the kids. What precious kids they are!! Pray that the kids would band together, love on each other, and be a help around the house, as well as to be cooperative with all of the helpers.
Thank you, again, for your prayers and encouragement and help. Norm and Nichole covet your prayers through this fiery trial!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
More Prayer, Please!
I think I could title every blog entry "pray", but I'll try to be a little creative (see above). I spoke with Nichole today, and she seemed energetic and hopeful. She talks about the cancer like it was a pesty rodent in her house- "Agh- they tell me it's gonna get me in a year- not if I can help it! I'm gonna do whatever I can to get rid of this..." I mean to say that she is in good spirits and hasn't been dragged down (okay, I'll admit I struggled to come up with a good anaolgy, and don't think that one was good). She is fighting for her life because of her kids and her husband, doing all that she can to try her best to beat this. She is still trusting in the Lord's sovereign hand, and resting in His goodness to her.
Nichole has been pursuing other doctors to get second opinions, and would appreciate your prayers for her to be able to get more answers through cancer specialists. She has an appointment with a specialist in her type of cancer (next Wednesday, I believe), and is looking at other possibilities. Pray that God would bring her to the places that He wants, and that she would receive adequate information to make difficult decisions. The surgery that her doctors want to do would be radical, to say the least. Her doctors are wanting to do that surgery now, but Nichole is holding off to explore just a few more possibilities. Pray for her! She is encouraged, but please continue to hold their sweet family up in prayer!
Please also pray that Nichole would find balance with being on the phone (doctors, specialists, etc.) . She is finding that she is on the phone a lot, and is wanting to be cautious with that, since she has four precious little ones to care for! Thanks again on Nichole's behalf. She has been tremendously blessed by all of the phone calls and notes, the care she is given- the support of the Body of Christ.
One request... though Nichole would answer every call if she could, please opt to send her a note with your encouragement, so she can take the time when she has it to read and be encouraged! Thank you for your understanding! You can email me if you need her address! kurtjulieandkids@gmail.com
Nichole has been pursuing other doctors to get second opinions, and would appreciate your prayers for her to be able to get more answers through cancer specialists. She has an appointment with a specialist in her type of cancer (next Wednesday, I believe), and is looking at other possibilities. Pray that God would bring her to the places that He wants, and that she would receive adequate information to make difficult decisions. The surgery that her doctors want to do would be radical, to say the least. Her doctors are wanting to do that surgery now, but Nichole is holding off to explore just a few more possibilities. Pray for her! She is encouraged, but please continue to hold their sweet family up in prayer!
Please also pray that Nichole would find balance with being on the phone (doctors, specialists, etc.) . She is finding that she is on the phone a lot, and is wanting to be cautious with that, since she has four precious little ones to care for! Thanks again on Nichole's behalf. She has been tremendously blessed by all of the phone calls and notes, the care she is given- the support of the Body of Christ.
One request... though Nichole would answer every call if she could, please opt to send her a note with your encouragement, so she can take the time when she has it to read and be encouraged! Thank you for your understanding! You can email me if you need her address! kurtjulieandkids@gmail.com
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Please Pray!
Greetings! Nichole asked me to update her blog again (it's been a while!) so I will gladly do so. Nichole has recently received bad news... there is growth that the doctors weren't aware of that was detected in her most recent testing. Nichole can feel the pressure of the tumor (we assume), and the doctors want to operate in the next week or two. She hasn't been told the complete diagnosis at this point, but should hear tomorrow. Nichole continues to trust the Lord and rely on His promises, though it is admittedly difficult! This morning she told me, "I'm not going down without a fight!" She is seeking all the help she can get, and has the advocacy of so many at Grace.
1. Pray that the Lord would lead them to the best decision, quickly.
2. Pray that they would be at peace with the choice that they make, knowing that the Lord had made the decision before the beginning of time.
3. Pray that Nichole would heal quickly.
4. Pray that she would savor each moment with her family and precious kids.
5. Pray for the body of Christ to overwhelm them with support in every way.
6. Pray that their faith would be unwavering.
Please consider a way that you can show your support for the Greene family. There are many ways to help! Your prayers, a note of encouragement, help with the kids, spiritual encouragement for both Norm and Nichole, the kids, etc. This is your opportunity to serve and uphold a struggling family in the body of Christ! I guarantee you will be blessed beyond measure. Don't waste the opportunity!
1. Pray that the Lord would lead them to the best decision, quickly.
2. Pray that they would be at peace with the choice that they make, knowing that the Lord had made the decision before the beginning of time.
3. Pray that Nichole would heal quickly.
4. Pray that she would savor each moment with her family and precious kids.
5. Pray for the body of Christ to overwhelm them with support in every way.
6. Pray that their faith would be unwavering.
Please consider a way that you can show your support for the Greene family. There are many ways to help! Your prayers, a note of encouragement, help with the kids, spiritual encouragement for both Norm and Nichole, the kids, etc. This is your opportunity to serve and uphold a struggling family in the body of Christ! I guarantee you will be blessed beyond measure. Don't waste the opportunity!
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