[Scrapin Pat]

My brother Mike had surgery this week for colon cancer. They removed his tumor, he avoided having a colostomy and we were all feeling pretty positive. But the pathology report is back and the cancer is in the lymph nodes. He is looking at chemo - 12 sessions one every two weeks for 6 months. I am so frightened for him. He has struggled for years with refractory depression and now this. It's just so unfair to have one more thing to struggle with. He is only 48 - has three kids. So he needs all your prayers as do we as a family. I have to trust God will see him through this and show me how I can best support him. I am trying to take one day at a time and not panic but I'm struggling.

[Jo Corne]

oh Pat, you, your brother and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers. May he have an easy time over the next 6 months and a full recovery. I hope that he finds the strength to fight the depression as much as he can. let him know that we are thinking of him
please keep us up to date on how you all are
God bless

[needadietcoke]

Pat- my thoughts and prayers are with your whole family as your brother fights this cancer. I pray that he will be able to fight not only the cancer, but the depression as well. Hang in there.

[jeschaff]

Pat, I'll be praying for your brother and your whole family as he goes through this.

[Shelbi]

I am so sorry to hear this.
I will add my prayers to the list.
Cancer can be such a nasty disease.
Michelle

[April Showers]

So sorry to hear about your brothers illness. Praying for him and his family.

[sunnie2004]

Absolutely you family & brother has my thoughts for a recovery of this whole thing.

Caren

[Peppi]

I can understand you so well. Many prayers for recovery and strength and courage for your brothers, your family and you!

[Sherry Lynn]

Pat you, your family and your brother will be in my thoughts and prayers as he battles this disease! Praying that he will face his enemy with positive vibes!

[ginaMO]

Your brother and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

[carych]

Pat -

You and your brother, and your family, are very much in my thoughts and prayers.

[MaryJo]

Oh Pat, I am so very sorry to hear this news ! I can only imagine what you are going through as a family. Well, you can definitely count on me to be praying ! I have added your family ad especially your brother and yourself to my prayer list . Please keep us informed on how everyone is doing.
You know they have really come along way in dealing with this horrible disease,, and I know that God loves all of you so very much. So you hang in there and just keep believing for your brother! I hope all of these prayers and support from all of us, will give you renewed strength !

[debilou]

Oh, Pat I can't even imagine what your Brother and your entire family must be going through. Many hugs and prayers for him and your entire family during this very hard time.

[goofyemt96]

Pat, Your brother and family are in my prayers!! Keep us posted!!!

[Burnsie]

Pat, I pray for your brother, you, and your family. I know this is a difficult time.

[Julie - scrapaholic]

Oh Pat, I am so sorry to hear this news, and of course your brother as well as your family will be added to my prays.

[PBarnes]

Pat, my prayers are with your brother Mike, you and all your family. Best wishes to you all.

[HeidiD]

I'm so sorry to hear that. You are getting best wishes from me for a full and fast recovery for your brother, and peace and comfort for everybody!

[CRS]

Pat, I am sorry to hear this. I will keep your brother and your family in my prayers. This will be a challenging time for you all.

[AnnBK]

The burden is lighter when it's shared....we'll carry as much as you will let us. Prayers are headed your way. Best wishes.

[KellyChron]

You and your family are in my heart. I from experience that it is sometimes harder on the family than it is actually going through things like this. I pray for nothing but the best results.

[floss]

Pat,your brother is so lucky to have you at his back.My heart goes out to you and your family.Try and keep your head up and take one day at a time.

[lorac]

My thoughts, love and prayers are on their way to you. Keep us posted on how your brother is doing. Cancer is a nasty disease, but it can, it does, and it will be beaten. Keep the faith.

My love to all in this trying time.

[Zaz]

Pat, maybe you want to tell your brother that all these people care and are praying for him. I know from my own experience that knowing that others are concerned for me and my family and are taking the time to pray really lifts me up. A positive attitude really seems to help with cancer.

We'll be praying and hoping you'll update us.

~Zaz

[jmaussie]

I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Cancer is such a horrible insidious disease. I lost my DH just over 11 years ago, to a malignat brain tumour. I understand your pain, all I can say is hang in there. Even in the gloom there is and can be much happiness. My prayers go out to you and your brother and his family.

Janene

[ManiakMama]

Oh Pat, I'm so, so sorry. I will keep him and you family in my prayers.

[Cole]

I'm so sorry...I'll keep your brother and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[Scrapin Pat]

Thank you all for your positive thoughts and your prayers. I am amazed sometimes when I concretely see how God answers prayers. I was so struggling on Wednesday - really grumpy and in tears sometimes - because I was stressed about Mikes surgery. I was praying so hard wanting this to be fixed RIGHT NOW.

But in the midst of it all I was able to see small answers
My car broke down but I was able to get it fixed right away so I didn't have to postpone my trip to the cities to see Mike on my day off. It was spendy but I was blessed enough to be able to write a check to cover it.
It even got fixed on a time line that let my husband drop me off to pick it up and make it to work at the hospital for the evening shift.
Mike did well with the intitial surgery and didn't have to have a colostomy (yeah!)
And for a family that struggles to keep connected sometimes we (my Dad and siblings) were all rallying and supporting Mike and connecting with each other.
And then when I had a moment and looked for distraction I went to my computer and read Ro's muse of the day that talked about how life gives us both sadness and joys - she wrote "If we never felt sad, we wouldn't appreciate being happy. If we never had disappointment we wouldn't be grateful for successes. If we were never sick, we wouldn't feel the wonder of strength"
And then I thought about what a gift it is to digi scrap because it helps me concretely count my blessings and to have this supportive community.

So thanks - you are all a blessing!

[Launa]

Your a blessing to all of us too Pat! I will keep your brother and your family in my prayers. God does answer our prayers, sometimes we are just suprised how He does it! Keep us all updated, we are here for you!

[AKP81]

Oh, Pat, my heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. I can't imagine how tough this must be, but be assured I will be lifting your family to my Heavenly Father.

He knows EXACTLY how you feel and what is going on. He will be your comfort and support. Just lean on Him and TRUST Him.

We don't understand why these things happen, but there is a time and purpose for ALL things.

We love you and will continue to pray.