Ken Is Now In Heaven With God

Since my last post a lot has happened. My wonderful husband and closest friend went home to be with the Lord at 2:31 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2007. Although he suffered much pain over the past few months, he was not in any kind of pain for the last two days of his life here on earth. He met his glorious Lord and Savior face to face last Friday and is now free from sickness and pain.

Services will be held for him on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Community Church in Whitefield, Oklahoma. The church is located about 1-1/2 miles West of Whitefield on Highway 9. Whitefield is about 23 miles from Eufaula on Highway 9 East. Interment will be at Bower Cemetery in Longtown, Oklahoma. He is now at Gregg Funeral Home in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Visitation is from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday night about 7:00 p.m. we will have a very informal gathering of family and friends in the Gregg Funeral Home Chapel. This will be a time of sharing our love and appreciation for Ken and precious memories of him.

After the interment at Bower Cemetery, everyone is invited to go back to the church for lunch with the family.

I appreciate all of your prayers, phone calls, visitation, and food that have been brought in the last couple of weeks. You were all precious to Ken (and I) and he loved all of you very much. He will be greatly missed by many.

I love you,

Mary

Rev. Kenneth L. McCoy

If you come by the house to visit Ken, you will see his new Minister's License displayed near his bed and he will tell you all about how proud he is to have this license. Ken has had an Exorter's License for many years. An Exorter's License allows him to be able to preach, minister in the hospitals, prisons, etc. Obtaining the Minister's License allows him to be able to do all of theses things and also perform weddings and funeral services. Our pastors, Rev. Bill & Mary Fitzer, came by the house Wednesday, August 15th, and officially presented Ken with this license.

We thank God for these wonderful pastors who care so very much about Ken and I. We are so blessed to have Bill and Mary as pastors as well as friends. We also thank God for our beautiful, loving, caring, and giving church family that has gone to extra mile for Ken and I through the last few months. Besides praying and loving us, they have been coming by the house with well wishes, groceries, and prepared meals that have been such a tremendous blessing. Most days I have not had the time or the strength to fix a good meal and this extra effort on their part has been a tremendous help to us. God is so good to us.

Yesterday Ken had a very good day which we know was the result of answered prayer as the day before he was in so much pain that I didn't know if he could stand anymore. The hospice people have been so wonderful. They come out every weekday and bath him and take care of anything he needs. His doctor has changed his meds and this also has caused him to rest much better. Please continue to lift Ken up in your prayers. He and I definitely could not make it through this without all of you who pray and encourage us daily.

Ken is Having a Better Day Today

Today has started out being a good day for Ken. I am so very thankful because until yesterday things were a bit rough. We really didn't have much hope for him and were praying that God would relieve him of the pain that he was in. On Friday Ken asked that we give him more prednisone because he felt that the problem he was having was with that Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Karen called the home health about talking to the doctor about this and the doctor put him on 4 prednisone a day for a week and will taper down to one again in four weeks. This has helped Ken quite a bit. For one thing, it seems to be taking down the swelling somewhat in his left leg and has given him a appetite again. It is wonderful to see him eating again, as before he really didn't care to eat anything much except for a health shake (Herbalife) or some yogurt. He really like the health shakes and they are so good for him as we put fruit and yogurt in them and they are full of vitamins. This morning he had a scrambled egg, a small glass of OJ, and a health shake. Also he asked me last night to start giving him his Poly-MVA doses again. He has to take them orally and we cannot get him to the clinic for the IV doses.

Karen had to go back to California yesterday. She had planned to stay another week, but she found out that the apartment she is staying in is not being paid for by the traveling nurse company she works for when she is not working at the hospital, so last week cost her $400 in rent (Laguna Beach). She has to complete four more weeks on her contract and then she will be back home. Our son, Craig, arrived Saturday and will be staying with us all through this week. He is such a wonderful help to his Dad and I and we appreciate him so very much for taking a week of his vacation to be here. Also, Jeffrey has gone back home as his school starts tomorrow. He has been with us all summer and has been a tremendous help. Tresha and family has been here almost every day helping do what is needed. I praise God for our kids and grandkids!!

On Saturday, Ken wanted the kids to give me an early birthday party as Karen and Jeff were leaving. My birthday is not until the 28th. I will be 66 years young!!!

We had a great party with cake and ice cream. Yum!! Ken ate a piece of cake and two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. We were so surprised as he had not been eating anything solid. He sure enjoyed it.

Birthday Party Attendees

Left Side of Ken: Jacob, Emily, Karen, & Tresha

Right: Jeff, Craig, & Mary

This picture shows Ken with a smile! We had the camera set on the timer and Karen had to jump in to get in the picture and Craig got cut out of this one.

Yesterday (Sunday), our friends and adopted kids, Diana and Rick, came by to see Ken and told us that they were bring dinner for us yesterday evening. Diana made our favorite beef enchilada casserole and chocolate sheet cake. Can you believe Ken ate some of the casserole and wanted chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream and ate the whole thing! We were so amazed. (I have been giving him anything he wants to eat if he will eat it. Of course, I had to give him extra insulin that evening but his sugar level was good this morning. Diana and Rick really cheered Ken up. Diana and Ken carried on with their bantering back & forth and had us all laughing. It was really good for Ken. Thanks Diana & Rick for a wonderful dinner and an enjoyable day!! We love you!!!

This is the first time in two days I have been able to post anything. Every day brings new challenges. I am so thankful for Tresha, Karen, & Jeff being here with me as I don't think I could have made it through yesterday. Ken has really been facing a battle within himself and the medications he is on creates a lot of emotions in him. Yesterday he decided would be his last day on earth and he was just going to give up and die. He refused to eat or take any of his medications. He called his two boys on the phone to say goodbye. He told Tresha, Karen, Jeff, Mark, Emily and Jacob goodbye. Then Justin, Derek and Andrea called to talk to him and he told them goodbye. He had them call his young friend, Steve from the church, to come by and talk to him.

Of course, earlier in the day I finally had an opportunity to go get my hair cut and get a pedicure (I had not been to the salon in months and I looked a bit like a shaggy pup!) and all of this was happening while I was gone. When I came home I walked into all of this gloom and doom. Ken said his goodbye to me and we were all blubbering a lot. Finally, God send two wonderful faith-walking saints of God into our home named Lil & Sue. They had come to encourage Ken and pray for him as they had done the week before. We told them he had given up. These precious ladies went straight to the church and began praying and interceding for Ken, along with many others who knew the situation--Sis. Clark at the Prayer House and all of her intercessors, our wonderful pastors, and many that God had called to pray. Immediately things began to change. Ken came out of his depression and decided to give it one more day! We were in the kitchen eating hamburgers and he asked to eat. He drank a Herbalife shake and then, to our amazement, asked for a hamburger. He had not eaten solid food in days. The hospice nurse came by to see him thinking he was dying (as we all did) and saw him eating the hamburger and said to him, "Well it look as if you changed your mind!"

After church, our pastors, Bill & Mary, came by to see him and really got him cheered up. They then officially presented him with his new minister's license. You may now call him Rev. Kenneth McCoy. He was so very proud to get this license. We took pictures which I will post as soon as I can get them downloaded from Karen's camera.

Ken told us last night that tomorrow we would have a blowout! Now, we were not sure what that meant to him, but today (Thursday) has been a party for him. Friends and family began coming by to see him at 8:00 this morning and we had a steady stream of visitors until later this afternoon bringing cheerfulness, prayers and food. He talked and talked and talked. Visitors today were Sue, Teri & Tom, Wayne & Wilma, Priscilla and H.R., and Donna W. Of course, Mark, Tresha, Emily, Jacob, Karen, & Jeff were here today too along with two nurses and the physical therapist!!! Whew, what a blowout day Ken had. He was so very happy to see everyone. This was so good for him. Thank you all for coming by.

It is now 1:00 am and he is resting and has been for a few hours. He hasn't slept this long for several days. I think Ken has really enjoyed all of the attention and has definitely appreciated everyone who has come by and called to cheer him up. God has blessed us with a wonderful family and lots of great friends. We love you all!!!

Rhonda Is Home From The Hospital

Rhonda went home to her house last night; she was homesick; she wanted to be in her own bed and be around her own stuff. I am so glad she felt that way; it means she is really feeling better. She is doing so much better than I anticipated; God is good.
Retha

Thanks so much for your prayers for Rhonda. Please continue praying for her complete recovery and total healing. God is an awesome God!

Thank God for Wonderful Children

God is so good to have given Ken and I wonderful children who care about us. Karen & Tresha have been such a blessing...especially this week. Karen is a RN and has been such a great help in taking care of Ken. Tresha has been there for anything we need. She lives about 3 miles away so she is here often.

Ken has had a rough week. At first I didn't know if he would live through the week. He had a good day yesterday and I know it was because of all the prayers that have gone up for him. God is truly an awesome God!!

The hospice people have been a blessing also. They have provided Ken with an oxygen concentrator so he can have oxygen 24/7 if he wants it. His pulse oxygen count was 94 before the oxygen, which is good, but the oxygen has given him that extra boost that he needed.

Please keep praying for Ken as he desperately needs his healing to be complete. Thanks so much for your prayers.

Love,
Mary

Here are some pictures of Ken and I with Ken's three children, Bryan, Craig, and Tresha and their families. The last photo is of everyone that was here for a McCoy Family Reunion. Ken's three children, their spouses and all of their children. (Ken's children are just like my very own even though they are my Stepchildren. They are wonderful children.) Ken's Sister. Rena; her daughter, Melissa; and Melissa's three children were here. These photos were taken on June 19, 2007, while Ken was undergoing chemo and radiation:

Bottom Row: Craig, Ken & Bryan
Top Row: Mark, Tresha, Bobbie, Sheri & Mary

Bottom Row: Emily, Cameron & Braxton 2nd Row: Craig, Ken, & Bryan 3rd Row: Jacob, Mark, Tresha, Bobbie, Sheri, & Mary Top Row: Alex, Kylie & Alyssa

Bottom Row: Alyssa, Danielle (Great Niece), Braxton 2nd Row: Craig, Ken & Bryan
3rd Row: Jacob, Rena (Ken's Sister), Tresha, Bobbie, Sheri, Mary & Emily
Top Row: Alex, Shelby (Great Niece), Michael (Great Nephew), Michael's Girlfriend, Kylie, Melissa (Niece), & Cameron

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Here is a note from Retha about Rhonda. I thank God for her healing!!:

Rhonda Is Really Bored at the Hospital

Rhonda may come home tomorrow, Tuesday, if her fluid levels are still good like they were today. She'll stay at my house a few days before going home. She's doing so good, I doubt she will stay with me long. They moved her to another room because her room was too hot. Her new room number is 3003; her new phone number is 272-4279. She is really bored up there.
I really appreciate all your prayers and asking your churches to also pray for her. It gives me a lot of moral support knowing I have a loving family and friends to turn to in times of crisis. It's really a miracle that I'm not a basket case right now. We are all still praying for my sister Mary's husband, Ken, who also has cancer; we're praying for a miracle.
Thanks, I love you,
Retha

The last few days have been really rough! Ken went on another helicopter ride last Thursday night with Air Evac. His left foot and leg became very swollen and I thought he was getting another blood clot. We went to the ER in Muskogee again (3rd or 4th time this year--I've lost count). I called everyone to pray that he would not have another blood clot and, praise God, he did not!! His blood flow in that leg was good and xrays did not show a clot.

I praise God for our wonderful friend, Barbara, who lives just a few blocks from the hospital. She was able to get over to the hospital to be with Ken by the time he arrived in the helicopter. It took me 45 minutes to get there and the helicopter arrived in 9 minutes. Thank you so much, Barb, for being there for us!! They did not keep Ken much to our surprise. The doctor in the ER spoke to him very frankly and told him that he just needed to realize that there is nothing they can do to help him. She was kind, but it was so hard on him to hear their report.

The next day we began to make plans to go to OKC and stay in Karen's house for a month so Ken could complete his Poly-MVA treatments, but he has not been able to travel. His leg is still swollen and the doctor's say it is from the cancer in his pelvic area. Ken has been very sick and is on a lot of pain medication.

We finally had to get him signed up on hospice so that we can get the help we need. They are going to send someone out 5 days a week to help me do the things that has been very difficult to do for him--bathing, changing his bed with him in it, etc. He is a big man and I cannot do everything he is in need of right now.

I praise God, also, for the wonderful friends that have been coming by to pray for him. Two beautiful angels, Barb and Reba, came by this afternoon and prayed for him and sang to him. He was so lifted up and encouraged and has felt so much better since they were here.

Karen, our daughter, will be here tomorrow afternoon and is going to spend some time with us. She is a wonderful daughter and also a registered nurse. Tresha, our youngest daughter, has also been a tremendous help. She keeps my dishes washed up, cooks, and helps take care of her Dad. What would we do without such great kids and friends.

We're not giving up or giving in! We are still standing in faith believing God for an absolute miracle!! God is still on the throne and the devil will not win!! We have the victory and are overcomers through Jesus Christ!

Love,
Ken & Mary

Below is a recent post from Retha about Rhonda. (Friday, August 10th):

Wednesday night they had to keep Rhonda's arms and legs restrained because she was trying to pull the stomach drain tube out of her nose. With all the pain medication, she didn't know what she was doing; she was going to kill all of us. Thursday about 1 pm the doctor pulled the drain tube out of her nose and I untied her. They moved her to a regular room. She had a nurse stay in the room with her until 11 pm last night. Her daughter Sarah spent the night. She is doing so much better; 150% turn around. She had little bites of ice than little bites of pop-cycle and took a few sips of water. She is having to learn to swallow again.

Jeff just came in to report: Friday, 4 pm
Swallow test: she ate a little cracker with some barium? paste that tasted good. She swallowed it while being ex-rayed and she passed the swallow test. So, today she received real food; beef broth, jello, ice cream, tea and cranberry juice. She is getting back to normal. They also took out the catheter so she can walk around.

P.S. Now I'm down with a sinus infection. Down, not out. My doctor called me in a Z pak.
Retha

Praise God for His Healing Power

Good morning! Just to give you an update on Ken & Rhonda. Ken has really been having a tough time. He listened to a Victory Christian Center healing CD all night last night. He is trying so very hard to understand all of what is happening to him and to stand in faith believing that God is healing Him. Of course, it is impossible to understand, but we do know that God is an Awesome God and we know that He heals the sick in body.

Ken has been in a lot of pain with his back. The Physical Therapist (Jason) finally came yesterday and worked on him quite a bit. It seemed to help some. Jason is going to try to come back today or tomorrow. The nurse came yesterday, also, and reinserted the catheter. This has been a big help for both of us.

Jeffrey has been a wonderful help this week. He will be going back to school soon and we will sure miss him. Tresha & the grandkids came over today and helped so I could go to the church this afternoon to get some of my work done. It was a nice break.

Thanks so much for your prayers for Ken & Rhonda. Here is an copy of a post from Retha about my niece, Rhonda:

August 7, 2007

Jeff talked to the doctor this morning; he said the biopsy they did, show 3 out of 9 lymph nodes they tested, were cancer free. That’s a pretty good chance they got it all. Rhonda will still have to take Radiation and Chemo after she recovers from surgery. She will be in the hospital about a week after she gets out of the Critical Care Unit; and recover about 6 more weeks before she can start the Radiation and Chemo.

She had a test yesterday and her stomach doesn’t seem to be leaking anywhere from the surgery. They will probably do a test today to see how good she can swallow. They may take the stomach drain out tomorrow; they’re not in a hurry to do that. Her biggest complaint is the large stomach drain tube in her nose. She has absolutely no patience for recovering; she wants the drain tube out of her nose and she wants out of the hospital, like yesterday.

Please pray also for her anxiety; she constantly pulls at the tubes and tape on her chest and nose. She has a port on the right side of her neck for the I V’s to enter the blood; and another drain tube on her chest to drain off the old blood from the surgery; about a 3 inch wound on the left side just below her neck where they entered; and several stickers that monitor her heart beat, etc. She has a long wound from her breast bone to the lower part of her stomach that has staples. She just can’t keep her hands off all this.

Thank you so much for your prayers; I believe she will make it through this.
A special thank you for Betty's daughter, Cheryl, and Neil's wife, Kathy, for staying hours with Rhonda to give Rhonda's daughter, Sarah, and me a much needed break this weekend.
I Love You,
Retha

WE PRAISE YOU, LORD, FOR YOUR MIGHTY, POWERFUL HEALING POWER. WE ASK YOU NOW TO TOUCH AND COMPLETELY HEAL AND RESTORE KEN AND RHONDA! THANK YOU ALMIGHTY AND WONDERFUL GOD!!

WE'RE HOME, AGAIN!!

Sorry I haven't written in a couple of days. I have had my hands full getting Ken settled in his new bed, etc., etc. etc. Yesterday was definitely a challenge. It all started Thursday when I went back to the hospital. His other doctor (internal medicine) came about 6:30 p.m. and said, "You're going home!" Wow!! We were so surprised because the heart doctor said that he had to wait another day. Well, everything went into high gear at that moment. I went over to Barb's house to get my belongings and came back to get Ken's things all packed up. Needless to say, it takes forever to get discharged from the hospital and we didn't leave there until about 11:00 p.m. . .that put us home about midnight!! Our son-in-law, Mark, came over and helped me get Ken in the house and into the bed. I thank God for a wonderful son-in-law who is always willing and ready to help us do anything we need. I wouldn't trade him for anything!!

Yesterday was a really rough day for both of us with the new routine of sleeping in the hospital bed and the fact that his legs were completely immobile by this time. He was in bed for 8 days in the hospital, and only got up in a chair twice on Thursday--the day he went home. Ken has been in a lot of pain with that sacroilliac muscle but finally today he got himself adjusted in the bed where it relieved the pain somewhat. He has to wait until Monday or Tuesday for the Physical Therapist to come out. The Home Health nurse got him resumed with treatment yesterday and drew blood to check his count. To our surprise it was 4.0, but they said that it was normal for the blood to get too thin as they are still trying to get it adjusted. . .2.0 is the target.

I have great news about my niece, Rhonda. She came through the surgery very well, but it was a very long surgery and she has a long way to go, but I know God has been with her and the doctors, and will "never leave her or forsake her". . . .that is our promise from the Word of God. Here are the latest updates from her Mom:

August 2nd:
They took the tubes out of her mouth; she still has one in her nose and one in her chest; she looks a lot better. She could talk a little, but most of the time she is out. Sometimes she talks and doesn't make any sense when she is half awake. She's still in a lot of pain. Jeff stayed this morning; I stayed this evening and Sarah is staying the night. I'll probably relieve her around 3 or 4 am.

August 3rd:
Rhonda got up and sat in a chair a while this morning; the nurse was amazed because she didn't have to help her at all. She also got on a pain pump this morning. All her hair is falling out all over the pillow; I guess she will be bald in a few days. We have a pretty good routine; Jeff stays days with Rhonda and picks up Jeffrey in the evening from day care and keeps him until morning; Sarah stays from about 8 pm till 3 am; I stay a while between their times; like...3 am till 9:30 am and 4 pm till 8 pm.

Thanks for your prayers, phone calls, and encouragement for Ken & Rhonda.

We love you all!!
Ken & Mary

More on Ken & Rhonda

Ken called a few minutes ago to tell me that he will not be going home today because now they have his blood too thin. It was 2.3 which is a little over the limit. They said they would keep him another night to take care of the overlap on his blood. They are trying to get him stabilized at 2.0. The bed was just delivered and set up in his favorite spot in the living room (in front of the TV). I got him satellite for Christmas last year and he is really enjoying the selection of channels and the nice clear picture. We had an antenna before and most of the channels were snowy, etc. Ken sounded in good spirits, but he is sure wanting to come home. I have his bed all made up and ready for him. Maybe tomorrow..... I will be staying in Muskogee tonight with my dear friend, Barbara, who lives just a few blocks from the hospital. She has been such a wonderful friend through all of this and has been to see Ken often. I praise God for Barb and for all of my tremendous friends and family. We would have never made it without you!!! Ken and I cherish all of you.
Love,
Mary

My precious niece, Rhonda, came through her surgery. Here is a note from my sister, Retha, Rhonda's mother: (Photos of Rhonda and her baby, Jeffrey, and her daughter, Sarah & Jeffrey; both taken about 2 years ago.)

I just got back home from the hospital; I went there right after midnight last night. Rhonda did pretty good for the shape she's in. She has tubes in her mouth and nose and her face is really swollen. Every time she starts to wake up, she starts breathing too fast; they said it was from the pain. She can breath on her own but they are leaving the breathing tube in her lungs until they get her pain under control. I got back home at 8 am and Jeff is going up there after he drops off Jeffrey, Rhonda's 3 year old, at the day care. Jeff brought Sarah to my house about midnight to rest because she was up the night before the surgery helping her mom pack, and she stayed at the hospital all day yesterday. They brought their stuff to my house before they left for the hospital. They will stay with me until Rhonda recoups. Rhonda will be in St. Anthony hospital for about a week. I don't know when or what room they will put her in after CCU. (critical care unit) I thought it was ICU. (intensive care unit) Guess I'm behind times. Go figure.
Thanks again for all your prayers; I love you,
Retha

Ken Is Still In the Hospital

Ken did not get to come home yesterday as they are still trying to get his blood thin enough. There are standards they have to go by and his count was 1.6 yesterday and it has to be 2.0. I am home right now waiting for a hospital bed to be delivered. He has been having back pain from that sacroilliac muscle that was pulled and the bed will help him a lot. It will have a trapeze bar so he can pull himself up in bed. That will help tremendously. He is also getting a bed tray delivered. He will get physical therapy again when he gets home so he can get back up in his wheel chair and on the walker. His legs are so weak from being totally bedfast for the last 7 days.

My niece, Rhonda, had her surgery yesterday and it lasted a long time. I am waiting to hear how she did during the surgery and how she is today. If I hear from someone before I go back up to the hospital to be with Ken, I will write it on a post.

Keep praying for Ken and Rhonda. Thanks so much.

Love,
Mary

Ken May Come Home Today

This has been a long six days and I came home last night to get things ready for Ken's return home. They have had him on blood thinners to dissolve the clot in his left lung and the doctor told me last night that he may send him home today. Ken had been having a lot of pain in his back from a pulled muscle (sacroilliac). Also, he is experiencing pain in his right lung due to the cancerous nodules. He needs a lot of prayer.

Because of his back and other conditions I am trying to get a hospital bed delivered so it will be here when he gets home. He has to sit or lie in a reclining position to relieve the pain in his back. Tresha, Mark and I are going to do some furniture rearranging in the back part of our living room today. I will have to store some of our furniture. Ken did not want to be stuck in the bedroom and I don't blame him.

Also, the doctors removed the catheter on the weekend that he has been using for about 3 months now. This also presents a definite need for a hospital bed. I don't think they are going to reinsert it because Ken continues getting urinary tract infections.

As far as the Poly MVA goes, I will have to give it to him orally in bigger doses because I cannot transport him back and forth to Edmond now. It is 300 miles round trip three days a week. It would be very dangerous to transport because of the blood thinners that he is on. Also, right now he is not well enough.

God is still in the miracle business and Ken and I have not given up hope for his complete healing and restoration. We both need strength--spiritually and physically. We appreciate all of you for your prayers, concern, and encouragement. God bless you.

Added note about my niece, Rhonda.
I just found out that Rhonda is having surgery today for esophagus cancer. They are going to completely remove her esophagus and pull her stomach up to make a new one. She will have to learn how to eat all over again. Please pray that God will guide the hands of the doctors and that Rhonda will have a complete recovery soon. Her teenage girl, Sarah, and her little three-year old boy, Jeffrey, really need their Mom. Rhonda is a sweet young woman and deserves to be able to be here on this earth for her children.

Ken Is In The Hospital Again!!

Ken is in the hospital again in Muskogee Regional with a blood clot in his left lung!! Thursday evening he began coughing and having severe pain in his chest. My son-in-law, Mark, was here when this all happened and he & Jeffrey helped me get Ken in the car to take to the hospital. He seemed to be having problems in his lung and we thought he might have pneumonia. I started driving toward Muskogee and got almost to Eufaula and the pain in Ken's chest was so severe that he was screaming in pain and I thought he was having a heart attack. I put on my flashers and drove through Eufaula extremely fast passing everyone in the way and got him to the Eufaula Hospital. They determined he was not having a heart attack but knew something was definitely going on. The nitro they gave him did no good so they said they needed to send him to Muskogee if they had a bed in ICU. I am a member of Air Evac and told them that I wanted Ken lift-flighted by helicopter (which Mark had already alerted Air Evac). Ken had his first ride in a helicopter ambulance. The paramedics were wonderful and Ken said that ride was so much better than the ones he had had to take by ground ambulance.

Ken is still in ICU and will remain there through the weekend. We didn't find out until last night at 6:30 what was wrong with him. They pain has subsided somewhat, but he is still in pain when he takes a deep breath or coughs. They have him on blood thinners to dissolve the clot. He had all kinds of test taken all night Thursday night and all day yesterday. I will find out the results of the cat scans, etc. today I hope.

After being up all night Thursday night (except for sleeping about three hours in my car and many times dozing off in a straight-backed chair in his hospital room) I was exhausted and came home last night to get some sleep. I slept for about 4 hours and then become wide awake so thought I would update everyone on Ken's condition. Please keep him in your prayers and he desperately needs them. Thank you so much. God bless you all.

Mary Ellen

P.S. I received a wonderful praise report yesterday on my voice mail from my friend, Barbara, that I had requested prayer for concerning cervical cancer. Praise God that her test came back negative for cancer. Thank you, Lord for answered prayer!

Also, I received a call from my granddaughter, Andrea, yesterday morning with the announcement that Ken and I were going to become great grandparents for the first time in about 7-1/2 months! That means Karen will be a grandmother. Oh my goodness, are we old enough to be great grandparents?!? Probably not, but we're going to be and are excited!

He's Looking Good!

This photo was taken last Wednesday night after church. We celebrated a surprise birthday party for a member of our church, Al, who turned 77 years old on 07/17/07.

Ken really looks good doesn't he? He has gained back about 8 pounds and the color in his face is good. God is so faithful to our prayers!!

Friday Ken had his 9th Poly-MVA treatment. This morning Ken and Jeffrey went to a men's prayer breakfast at our church. They had a good time and then came home and started working on the hot water line to our bathroom sink that needs fixed. Ken is teaching Jeffrey how to do some plumbing!

Tomorrow we will be going to church for Sunday morning service and then for another Poly treatment on Monday. More later . . .

He's Getting Better & Better

What a miracle! Ken is doing so very well. Sunday he went to church and after church he had Jeffrey drive him over to see H.R. (a man from our church) that had just gotten out of the hospital. Then they went to the Muskogee VA. No, not to be admitted, but to see Dale (another man from our church) who is in the VA Hospital. Ken & Jeffrey prayed for the men and Ken was so excited when he got home that he was able to go visit them and pray for them.

On Monday & Wednesday Ken had his 7th and 8th Poly-MVA treatments. Instead of going home to take a nap after his treatment on Wednesday, he had Jeffrey bring him straight up to the church (early) for Wednesday night service. It is still amazing what God is doing! I praise Him every day for his goodness.

We want to thank everyone for all of the emails of encouragement and well-wishes. Also, thank you again for your prayers for Ken and Rhonda (my niece).

Here is two emails from Retha about Rhonda:

July 16th
Praise the Lord; Rhonda was able to come home from the hospital today. She can once again take in liquids without them coming back up, so I guess the cancer was shrunk by the chemo. She is scheduled for surgery to extract the cancer on Tuesday of next week.
Thanks for your prayers,
Retha

July 17th
Rhonda just called me and told me she ate some tuna with mayo on it and kept it down. WOW!
Retha

Please keep Rhonda and Ken in your prayers--YOUR PRAYERS ARE WORKING!!!

Also, please prayer for a beautiful young friend of mine and my "adopted" daughter, Barbara Williams, who I just had some tests done regarding cervical cancer. We're believing God for a good report for Barbara!!

Special Prayer Request

This is not an update about Ken, but about my niece, Rhonda. Rhonda is in her 40's and has a small child. She desperately needs our prayers and we know God is able to touch Rhonda. This is the email I received from my sister, Retha, Rhonda's mother:

Rhonda has been on a liquid diet for a while now; she can't swallow food. Last night she couldn't keep liquids down and this morning nothing stayed down. I took her to her doctor's office and he put her in the hospital. She will start radiation and/or chemo today to shrink the cancer so she can eat. Her doctor said it may or may not shrink the cancer; please pray it does. The doctor said every cancer is unique and he can't say if that cancer will react to it or not. If it doesn't, they will have to put a tube into her stomach to feed her. They want to shrink the cancer as much as possible before they extract it.

Another Good Day

Today, Ken had his 7th Poly-MVA treatment. Tresha and Emily took him to Edmond today so I could get some rest. I worked all day yesterday and up into the night creating a Video Tribute for a funeral this morning for a friend's Dad. He was 89 years old. It was raining again today, so I went to bed about 11:30 a.m. and slept until about 3:30!! I guess I needed the sleep. They seemed to have a good time and I was thankful for the help.

Thanks again for your prayers. They're working!!

Ken Is Doing AMAZINGLY WELL!!

God is so good! It's amazing and a miracle how much better he feels. The home health nurses who come to see Ken say that they can't believe how good he looks. When they read his thick chart they are expecting to see a very sick man (which he was two weeks ago) and they are just amazed at how good he looks. His blood chemistry test that was taken two days ago was perfect! Now how amazing is that!! God truly has answered our prayers!!

I apologize for not writing in the last few days, but it has certainly been a very busy time. Ken went to church on Sunday and really enjoyed it. Monday I took him to the clinic in Edmond for his 5th Poly-MVA treatment. He had his 6th treatment on Wednesday and tomorrow he will have his 7th treatment. After each treatment he feels even better than he did before. This is just amazing to me because I can see the difference and he can feel the difference. The Physical Therapist worked with him on Tuesday and today and gave him new exercises to do to get him walking again. He has been doing a lot more things for himself. He is getting around quite well in his wheel chair and soon he will be using the walker. I don't believe it will be much longer before he is walking again on his own. Praise the Lord!!

These lyrics from the song "God Is Truly Amazing" describe how I feel:


He is a friend when you're in need
He is a problem solver
He is the strength that never lets you fall
He'll be your peace, faith is the key.

My God amazing is He
Giving you peace if you only believe.
Faith is the key
In time of need
My God, amazing is He!

God is truly amazing!
God is truly amazing!
God is truly amazing!
Our God is truly amazing!

Fourth Poly-MVA Treatment

Ken received his fourth Poly-MVA treatment today. We were on our own today and did very well. Normally, Jeffrey is with us and helps me with the wheel chair, but he is in Nashville with the youth from his church at a youth rally and a 12 hours of prayer vigil. Rowena is at home nursing her sick car.

It is amazing how much better Ken looks and feels. His eyes were looking sickly just a few days ago and now they are brightened up and the color in his face is good. He has been doing his exercises and I know he will be up and walking again soon.

Ken Is Doing Well

God is so good! Ken is really doing well. He received is third Poly-MVA treatment on Monday. They gave him a full dose this time. We didn't realize he had been getting partial doses, but they said they started out gradually. He didn't have a treatment on Wednesday due to the holiday. The physical therapist came out on Tuesday and evaluated Ken. He came back today and began with some exercises for Ken to practice each day. These exercises will strengthen his legs and help him to begin to walk again.

We were so very blessed to be visited by two more of our grandchildren over the 4th of July holiday. Derek drove in from San Antonio about 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. He had planned to be here sooner, but had car trouble. It was so very good to see him. He is a chemistry student at Trinity University and is working on research at the college this summer. He is now 21 years old and has one more year to get his Bachelor's Degree. He plans to continue in school until he receives his doctorate. Wow!!

Derek and I picked Justin up at the Tulsa Airport Monday evening. Justin seems taller every time I see him. He works in New Hampshire for Westinghouse in the Nuclear Division and puts together nuclear reactors. What a responsibility! It was great to see Justin again after 1-1/2 years. He said he would be back to Oklahoma for Christmas.

Ken and I were so glad to see our grandkids and it was so nice of them to come to see their Grandpa and Grandma. We are so blessed. It was especially nice to have Karen's three sons here with at all at the same time. Jeffrey was so glad to see his two brothers.

We especially want to thank my precious sister, Rowena, for being here with us for over a week. She has been such a big help. We missed her today as she went back to Oklahoma City to take Justin to see his Dad and other Grandmother. Jeffrey went with them as he is going to Nashville with his church group for the weekend.

We will be going to Edmond tomorrow for another treatment. Thanks for your prayers for Ken. They're working!!

RAIN! RAIN!! RAIN!!!

It's hard to believe that it is the 4th of July week and we are covered with water--literally!! Our daughter, Tresha, lives on the lake and yesterday the lake began to creep into her house. She said it was about 10-12 inches deep this afternoon. If more rain comes down from Oklahoma City it will get even deeper unless they open the gates up higher at the dam. Thank God they have their main living area on the upper floor. They had time to get everything out of the downstairs before the flood waters came in. Eufaula Lake is 8.0 feet above normal. They are letting the water out at 40,000 cubic feet per second through the gates and turbines. All Oklahoma lakes and rivers are overflowing.

Ken was able to go to church this morning and really enjoyed it. Everyone was so glad to see him. It was nice to have Derek, Jeffrey, and Rowena attending church with us. Derek came in from San Antonio about 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning. He had some battery problems with his car or he would have been here earlier. We will be picking Justin up at the Tulsa airport tomorrow afternoon.

Rowena and Jeff will be taking Ken for his third Poly-MVA treatment tomorrow morning and Derek and I will head for Tulsa to get Justin. Tresha, Mark, and the kids will be coming over tomorrow night to see the boys. We're looking forward to a great time.

I really appreciate my sister and my grandkids. They have all been such a big help with Ken.

Saturday At Home

Today has been a very good day for Ken. He seems stronger than ever before. He can walk a few feet but still needs to get his muscles built back up in his legs. He wheeled around for a couple of hours this morning in his wheel chair giving instructions to Jeff & Jacob about boxes he wanted moved in our back room which we have been using for storage. I am so thankful that he is doing better and his strength is returning.

Ken plans to go to church tomorrow. We hope to see some of you. He will probably come to the second morning service.

Second Treatment Completed

Today we drove to Edmond for Ken to receive his second Poly-MVA Treatment. He did very well and was finished in 45 minutes. The drive takes about 2-1/2 hours one way, so we spent the day in the car. We made a couple of extra stops in OKC and stopped by the post office and grocery store in Eufaula before driving home. We had a very good day. Ken slept part of the way home, but he has been awake all day otherwise. He feels very good and looks better than he has in quite a while. We praise God for all He has done and for Jeff and Rowena for their help.



Jeff's brother, Derek, will be in tomorrow from San Antonio and their other brother, Justin, will be here Monday from New Hampshire. It will be great to have three of our grandsons here over the 4th of July holiday.

Justin, Derek, & Jeffrey

The last time the three boys were here at our house together was December 29, 2005. This picture was taken as they were driving out of the driveway to go home.

This Has Been A Good Day!

Wow! How good it is to be home!!! Today has been good. Ken slept last night for about 12 hours. I was really getting concerned about him. He is not one to sleep for more than four hours straight. But, I know he was absolutely exhausted after all he had been through. His body was trying to catch up. This afternoon he has been doing quite well. All of his muscles are working again. He was a little sore in his right shoulder this morning, but hasn't complained this afternoon.

My sister, Rowena, has been with us for a few days and has been a tremendous help as well as encouragement. Jeffrey and Grandpa Ken worked for a while reorganizing our back room (we are trying to make a bedroom for Jeff). Ken got a little tired so he layed down for a nap. He looked so comfortable that I layed down with him. We slept for 3 hours. It was great!!!

Tomorrow we leave for his cancer treatment with the Poly-MVA. We are just going to drive over to Edmond and back home. We're not spending the night anywhere. Rowena is going to stay here and hold down the fort and Jeff and I are going to take Ken.

We are so glad to be able to be home that we're sure looking forward to this weekend. We are praying for things to become routine again. It seems as if each weekend has brought a new surprise as we have ended up in the emergency room the last two weekends.

Thanks for your prayers . . . . more later!

Note:
After writing this post, I just read an email from my sister, Retha. Her daughter, Rhonda, needs our prayers. Here is what Retha wrote:

My oldest daughter, Rhonda, was having trouble with reflux for quite sometime; she had an MRI done on her stomach and esophagus. They found a mass in her esophagus and did a biopsy a week ago. It is a very rare form of cancer. Yesterday she told me she would have a Pet Scan next week and her doctor would get together with a surgeon, Chemo-therapist, and Radiologist to decide the best procedure for her after her insurance company okays everything. They told her to file for temporary disability at work; she works for FAA.
The mass is from 2 to 4 inches long and may have grown outside the esophagus; if it was under 2 inches it would't be too much of a problem to extract it. They can use an upper intestine to replace her esophagus.

Rhonda is still a young woman and has a very young little boy. He needs his mother. Please pray for a miracle for Rhonda.

WE'RE HOME, AGAIN!!

Praise the Lord!! Ken can move his arms and legs again!! We have been through a wild 3 days. After 2 days of severe pain and inability to move, Ken has almost fully recovered after taking two 20 mg. tablets of Presnisone. The doctor said that this disease is totally unrelated to the cancer and that Ken would have to take the Prednisone every day for the rest of his life or the disease would come back.

I talked to the nurse at the clinic where Ken is to take the Poly-MVA about him taking the Prednisone (cortisone) and she talked to the doctor and they told me that cortisone may interfere a little with the treatment by making it less effective, but that they would administered a higher dose of the Poly to make up the difference. We are going back to OKC on Friday to get his second treatment of Poly-MVA. He has missed two treatments because he was in the hospital down here in Muskogee.

I just thank God that Dr. Kyger was able to diagnose the Poly-myalgia rheumatica condition that attacked Ken's body. He had a similar incident that happened to him about three years ago where he was unable to move his head and shoulders. He was hospitalized for 7 days in the Muskogee hospital and they ran every test on him known to man almost. They treated him for tick fever, but testing later showed that he did not have this condition. They thought he might have lockjaw, they did a spinal tap because they thought he might have meningitis, and did a week of blood analysis, etc. only to send him home and tell him they did not know what was wrong with him. It took weeks of physical therapy to help him get moving again, and it was very painful. I believe he had this same condition at that time, but no one was able to diagnose it. He went through weeks of pain and rehabilitation when if the correct diagnosis was made all he would have had to do was take some cortisone and he would have recovered. Ken and I want to thank all of you who prayed for the doctor to diagnose him correctly so he could be treated. It was truly a miracle this morning when I saw him raise his arm and scratch his head for himself. Jeffrey, Rowena and I spent two day feeding him, scratching his head and nose for him and rubbing his eyes. Just imagine if you could not move your arms and you had a itch!! The morphine they were giving him made his nose itch terribly and he couldn't rub it. How helpless he felt!

I just want to thank God for healing my husband! God is an awesome God as I saw a manifested miracle this morning in that hospital room. This is encouraging all of us and building our faith to believe for his complete healing and restoration of his body.

Thanks again for your prayers. God bless you.

Love,
Ken & Mary

Thank You for Your Prayers for Ken

Praise God Ken has a treatable condition. The doctor thinks this most recent attack on his body is polymyalgia rheumatica meaning "many painful muscles and joints". He said that he is not sure, but if Ken responds to the treatments he would know by tomorrow morning. Here are some links to this explanation of this condition that I found quite interesting: http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068806/ and http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/polymyalgia-rheumatica.html

Ken's present condition is exactly as described as symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica on these websites. Ken started treatment for this disease today with prednisone by tablet and magnesium sulphate through IV.

I called the nurse where he is getting his natural treatments with Poly-MVA and she said I shouldn't give Ken the Poly MVA while he is on the prednisone, but I could give him the CO-Enzyme Q10 and the Vitamin D3. These websites show that he will have to be treated for this condition from 1 to 2 years or the symptoms will come back. I don't know how this is going to effect his natural cancer treatments. I will need to talk to the doctor concerning this long term treatment if Ken actually does have polymyalgia rheumatica.

My sister, Rowena, drove down to Muskogee from Del City today in the rain to help us sit with Ken. She is with him now and Jeff and I went to lunch at Golden Corral and then to the library. I am so thankful for my family and friends.

Ken is doing much better today. He found out that the morphine shots were not helping him that much with the deep muscle pain, but that the Lortab and Tylenol were. These are both anti-inflammatory medications, so I guess that is why they worked better. Yesterday he was so drugged up on the morphine, but today his mind is clear and he has been cutting up and kidding with anyone who comes into the room. He still cannot move his arms and left leg, but he is doing a much better pain-wise.

Well, I'd better get back to the hospital. If you would like to call one of us at the hospital, the phone number is 918-684-2227. Ken cannot reach and pick up the phone, but one of us will be there with him all of the time.

Thanks again for your prayers.

Love,
Ken & Mary

Ken In Hospital Update

Hi all,

Mary asked me to post this update as she is at Muskogee Regional Hospital with Ken.

The doctor said he "thinks" Ken has a treatable condition;polymyalgiarheumatica. It has to do with his low immune system. It is NOT a virus. He has been placed on medication to treat this condition and should feel 100% better by tomorrow, according to the doctor.
Thank you for your prayers. :)
Teri

Ken Really Needs Our Prayers

I came home to get some rest and pick up a few things we need. Jeffrey is with Ken. He had a great morning yesterday and went to church with Jeff and I. He had a little bit of a stiff neck when he woke up in the morning and his jaw was hurting a little, but he walked several steps to get in Jeff's truck and went on to church and had a great time. We came home and took a short nap and when he sat up his left leg wouldn't hardly move and was very sore in the muscles. He was determined to go back to church where we were having a fellowship meeting call and inside picnic. We got there at 6:00 p.m. and he was having trouble with his arms and shoulders being sore. He was sitting at the table in his wheel chair. I fixed him a plate of food and he had a hard time eating anything as both his jaws were locking up. He said he wanted me to call the nurse and she said to get him to the ER. Mark, Jeff, and another guy had to lift him and put him in the car seat. We got to the ER in Muskogee about 7:30 and the paramedic had to lift him and drag him out of the car into the wheel chair. After running a cat scan of his head and doing bloodwork they said all they could see wrong was that he was a little bit dehydrated. They put him on an IV and admitted him to the hospital. He was in excruciating pain in all of his muscles except his right leg. He still is and cannot lift his leg and arms or open his mouth without pain. They have run tests all day long and we have not heard the results. They are giving him morphine shots every hour and lortab in between if he needs them. We have to feed him as he cannot feed himself and only liquids at that. He is terribly thirsty and his throat is sore. Please pray for him and no one seems to know what the problem is. His hemoglobin count was 12.9 which is better than it has been for weeks and all the other blood profiles were good. His only problem was the dehydration which wasn't severe.

I'm on my way back up to the hospital as I cannot sleep. I am so concerned about him, but I know God is able to raise him up. I called the Poly-MVA nurse and she said this could not be from the Poly as it is only vitamins and minerals. If anything it should be giving him more energy which it has been for several days. I think he has a virus but I'm only guessing. We should know something tomorrow morning.

Thanks for your prayers. We are not defeated!! God's Word says that He heals all diseases and that is what I am standing on.

Finally, A Day At Home!

Saturday at home has been nice but busy. There is a lot to do when you care for someone who is wheelchair bound. Ken has had a good day, however, and is resting after a nice bath in the shower. The ulcers on his radiation burn area have cleared up so there is no open wounds now. Now it is itching him like crazy. I guess this is part of the healing process. The silvadene cream contains both silver and sulfur which have great healing properties. It is actually called Silver Sulfadiazine Cream.

The home health nurse came out this morning and completed the admittance papers. They will be back on Tuesday for a regular visit. Also, the physical therapist will be contacting us soon. Ken will be going back to Oklahoma City Monday for his second Poly-MVA IV. He is taking the Poly orally today.

Jeff has been a big help today getting the house ready for Ken & the nurse. We are having to move everything around to make room for the wheel chair. I had to make a place for all of the medications, bandages, etc. My house looks like a pharmacy!! The VA is keeping us well supplied in medicine. The nurse had to go through all of the bottles and her list was a full page long including all of the vitamins he is taking.

Ken just awakened from his nap is talking to Karen on the phone. He is doing so much better. I praise God for all he is doing.

Thanks again for your prayers and encouragement. God bless you all.

First Poly-MVA Treatment

Today Ken began his first intravenous treatment with Poly-MVA. We are trusting God for a miracle in his body. Medical doctors have told us that there is nothing more they can do for him. Surgery, more chemo and radiation are not recommended.

On Wednesday we had a consultation with the doctor whose clinic administers the Poly-MVA. Jeff was with us and he understood how the antioxidants and minerals work to cause the cancer cells to destroy themselves much better than we did. Palladium Lipoic Acid is one of the active ingredients in the Poly-MVA. After talking to Dr. Rothwell, we couldn't wait for Ken to begin his treatments. He began taking oral Poly-MVA along with several other recommended vitamins and minerals on Wednesday afternoon. He will take the Poly intravenously on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a total of 8 weeks. Ken made the trip to Edmond very well. It is about a 2-1/2 to 3 hour drive to Edmond from home (one-way). We stayed in OKC two nights and returned home this afternoon. Ken is a little tired, but is doing very well. The ulcers have healed in the area of the radiation burns on his buttocks. I have been continuing the wound care of putting silvadene cream on them.

This excerpt was taken from the Poly-MVA website www.poly-mva-com :
"Palladium Lipoic Acid exists as a liquid crystal, which makes it a powerful anti-oxidant agent, which helps the body generate energy. Hence Poly-MVA that is a variant of Palladium Lipoic Acid (LAPd) acts as an anti-oxidant supplement and helps us lead a life free from many diseases. In the Palladium Lipoic Acid formulation Palladium serves as a shipping mechanism to facilitate the uptake of Lipoic acid. Palladium Lipoic Acid (LAPd) complex serves as a powerful treatment to any kind of cancer. Lot of research has been done on the subject and results prove that LAPd complex when taken as a nutritional supplement like Poly-MVA acts as a cancer deterrent. The results achieved from the tests conducted on cancer patients are heartening. Out of the people who opted for a dual treatment of chemotherapy and palladium Lipoic Acid (LAPd) the response rate was as high as 77%. Researchers have concluded that Palladium Lipoic Acid (LAPd) is a safe, non-toxic nutritional supplement, which effectively helps increase the life span of a cancer patient without compromising on the quality of life he leads."

There is a lot more to read on the poly-mva website if you are interested in reading more about it.


In case you did not see my last email update, I am posting it here:

Ken came home yesterday. It has been a very busy and long week. The doctors say there is nothing more they can do for Ken as far as the cancer goes. They do not recommend anymore chemo or radiation. The tumor that was 13X9 cm is now 7x7x7 cm. That is good news. They say the tumors in his lungs are multiplying and growing. They had him on liquid antibiotics for the 4 days he was in the hospital to get rid of the staff infection and urinary tract infection. They ran a new CT-Scan and an echocardiogram. The ejection fraction on his heart has improved a little. Last time it was 20% and now it is 20-25%.

I have checked Ken out of the nursing home and brought him home permanently. Home health will be coming in along with physical therapy starting Friday. Ken needs to be able to walk again as he is pretty much wheel-chair bound from being in bed so long. The sores in the area of the radiation burn are beginning to heal. We are applying silvadene creme twice daily when dressing the wounds. This is helping him a great deal.

Ken is in good spirits and is so glad to be home. Today we have a consultation with a doctor in Edmond to talk about starting him on nutritional therapy with the Poly-MVA which is anti-oxidants taken intravenously. This will build up his immune system and will fight and kill the cancer cells. Please pray that we make the correct decisions concerning this treatment. I know for sure that traditional medicine is not going to cure him, but I know God is able and we are still believing for a miracle. The Word of God says that He "heals all diseases"!!

Jeffrey is with us and will help me with Ken. Jeff is 17 years old now and we're so glad he will be spending some time with us. Tonight we will be staying at Karen's house in OKC (Jeff's Mom) because I have an eye doctor's appointment tomorrow morning at Dean McGee Eye Institute. Just a checkup. Karen is back in Laguna Beach for a three-month contract with the traveling nurse agency where she is now employed.

Our children and grandchild have been such a blessing to us and we appreciate them so much. All of you who have been praying for Ken and I.....we could never express our gratitude enough. I know we couldn't have traveled this journey in our lives without God, family, wonderful friends and pastors, and many prayers. Thank you so much.

Love,
Ken & Mary