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Thank you so much for your prayers and encouraging words.  It means so very much!  As many of you are aware, in March of 2006, June was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.  This is a scarring and hardening of the lungs from an unknown cause.  While there is no cure, the disease can be managed.  We are so very thankful for your prayers.  God is faithful!

Updates:

January 26, 2010

Another visit to Duke University Medical Center and another good report!  On January 21 we celebrated my birthday at Duke Medical Center.  I'm thrilled that the pulmonary function test and the six minute walk again indicated that the disease June has been battling is stable.  We are thrilled that God has arrested the progress and put it in remission. It may have even been a little better than four months ago. Her doctor remarked that even though IPF was indicated by the biopsy in 2006 that this disorder is not behaving like IPF.  IPF usually worsens rapidly.  Prayer does make a difference.  After about eight hours at the clinic we had a great evening including eating at one of our favorite restaurants in Durham.  Life is good and meant to be celebrated!  Thank God for each and every one of His wonderous blessings!  And thank you for your love and prayers!

September 10, 2009

Good news from today's appointments at Duke University Medical Center.  The CT Scan showed no significant change in the scarring of the lungs since the last scan.  Also the pulmonary function test and six minute walk actually showed some improvement.  The improvement in the lung diffusion was impressive.  It looks like the inflamation has decreased even though the cough has been worse.  We're going to try something new---a drug just recently released that has few side effects that hopefully will keep the disease in remission.  Praise the Lord for His wonderful grace!  Thanks for your prayers.  We're trusting that the good trend continues.  Sometimes it's an up and down ride, but at least this is one of the ups!

April 8, 2009

Today seems like such a good day!  June is doing much better after another battle with the flu, and I feel very encouraged.  Her last visit to the pulmonologist on April 2 indicated that the lung problem was staying stable.  Her next appointment will be in September.  In the meantime she will see a specialist in immune disorders to further explore the possibility of an immune disorder being the underlying cause of the fibrosis.  She is still coughing quite a bit, but we are thankful that God has granted healing to the extent that he has.  Thanks for the prayers!

March 4, 2009

I brought June home from the hospital today.  It's been a long five days.  She is feeling much better but not over this yet.  The diagnosis is acute pyelonephritis.  In her case it is an infection of the kidney.  The lab was not able to grow a culture, so we don't know what strain of bacteria it is.  She is taking an antibiotic that we hope will be effective against this bacteria.  The CT scan yesterday indicated an infection on the right kidney.  This along with elevated white blood cell count, fever, chills, blood in her urine, and pain all indicate this diagnosis.  She is still in pain but nothing like she was having previously.  There is no blood in her urine now.  I think and hope we are on the road to recovery.  Thanks you for your prayers.  It means a lot to us!

March 3, 2009

June is still in the hospital but seems to be feeling better.  She is still running some fever and has some pain, but much better than it was.  Today she had a CT scan with contrast.  We haven't received the results yet.  So I guess we are still going on the assumption that it is a bad infection, but not certain.  At least she is feeling better and wishing she was home.  I am feeling so pulled, but trying to be with her when I can but also trying to keep work going.  The spring Life Tour started with a great service at Bristol Monday.  Thursday we will be at Faith A/G, Ferrum, Va; Friday at Faith A/G in Salem, and Saturday at 1st A/G, Oak Hill, WV.

March 1, 2009

After June came home from the hospital February 5, she came down with intestinal flu.  She had a bad week with all that goes with this.  After she got over this, she started having sever pain in her side/back, then she started passing blood in her urine along with vomiting and chills.  On Friday, February 27, her doctor told her to go to the ER.  The ER at CAMC Memorial admitted her to the hospital.  I was in Atlanta for a SEU Board of Regents meeting.  My flight from Atlanta to Washington was delayed because of weather causing me to miss my flight to Beckley.  After spending the night in Washington I made it home Saturday afternoon.  I was very concerned when I found that her chart stated her problem as acute kidney failure.  She was really out of it.  Couldn't even speak coherently.  I think this may have been because of the morphine she was being given for the pain.  Her potassium level had bottomed out.  Anyway, today I was able to talk to her urologist.  I was much releived to learn that her kidneys are function okay.  There are no stones.  It seems the main problem is an infection that has reached the kidney.  She's receiving antibiotics and potassium through the IV.  Today she was feeling much better, even laughing some.  This morning she had 102 degrees of fever.  They haven't been able to grow a culture, but the fever indicates that the infection is still present.  I think it is responding to the antibiotics.  Thanks for the prayers.  She is responding and doing much much better.  God bless!

February 5, 2009

I brought June home from he hospital today.  She will have followup visits with her family doctor and cardiologist.  We are glad the the arteries were clear, but still wondering what is the cause of the chest pain.  Maybe it's something to do with the lung problem.  I just wish it would all go away and everything was back right again!

February 4, 2009

June had her heart catheterization today.  All checked out good.  The arteries are clear and the stent from 2004 is working fine.  Tomorrow she is having a bone scan, and then probably come home from the hospital.  It is comforting to know that the pain is not from the heart.  Other than being bored, she seems to be doing fine.

February 3, 2009

June has been having chest pains for about a week.  Monday I took her to the emergency room at Charleston Area Medical Center.  After numerous test, nothing has indicated heart problems yet.  Tomorrow she will have a heart catheterization.  This should determine for sure if it is heart of not.  I hope she will be able to make our Israel Trip in March.

January 15, 2009

Praise the Lord for good reports from June's doctor visits at Duke University Medical Center yesterday and today.  Yesterday she saw her orthopedic surgeon for the one year followup after her hip replacement surgery.  The xrays and exam confirmed that she is doing great!  Unless she has problems, she won't need to see this doctor for two years.  Today was the pulmonologist (lung doctor).  The "six minute walk" showed very little drop in blood oxygen.  The pulmonary function test showed a considerable improvement since the last visit.  The FVC (forced vital capacity) was about the same as three months ago (67%), but lung diffusion had improved 25%!  The is how well oxygen is transfered from the lungs into the blood).  The doctor was very happy!  Three month ago it was getting much worse.  The disease is stable again.  This is not typical behaviour for IPF.  He seems facinated with her case.  I can tell he is trying to understand what's happening---these changes are rather unusal for this disease.  His opinion is still that there is an underlying autoimmune disorder that flares periodically then spontaneously gets better.  Whatever or however God is doing it, this is a good report!  I think one of the greatest factors are that the prayers going up before the Lord are making a difference.  We just need to keep the faith!  God is good!  Thank you for your support and continued prayers.

 

October 11, 2008

Yesterday was June's quarterly appointment with her pulmonologist.  The results were not as favorable as the previous tests.  Her lung capacity was slightly decreased, but the lung diffusion was 30% worse than six months ago.  We were suspicious that something was changing since her cough has been much worse lately.  The doctor ordered more blood work and gave her an order for oxygen to use when she exercises.  After we get the blood test results the doctor thinks we probably need to start treatment with drugs to stay ahead of the disease.  He thinks if we use a lower dose of prednisone combined with another drug we can avoid some of the very bad side effects she experienced before.  We are still optimistic and know that the Lord is with us---whatever!  Our trust is in the Lord, and we are thankful for every day that God grants us!

 

July 5, 2008

We were very pleased with the reports from June's doctor visits this past Thursday.  The high resolution CAT scan show that the scarring in her lungs is stable.  There was no change from a year ago.  She still has lots of fatigue and weakness.  What's causing this is a mystery.  Also, the hip surgeon said the replacement hip is looking good.  All in all she is doing well.  While I would like to see a complete healing I'm happy with stable!  When I look back to where she has come from with the illness, I can only praise the Lord!

June 24, 2008

God is faithful!  June continues to do well.  Let me share a wonderful event that happened in April.  On Sunday morning when we were preparing to leave for ministry at Glad Tidings at Hurricane June shared with me how in the night the Lord spoke to her and told her to sing in the morning service.  She hadn't been able to sing in over two years.  When she would try she would either begin coughing or not have the wind to get the notes out.  The Lord even told her what song to sing, "Take Up Thy Cross and Follow Me."  I got my guitar and we found her key.  In the service when she began to sing, she started out having difficulties, but as she continued her voice started becoming stronger and clearer.  She finished strong!  We had an awesome service!  She was able to sing again in a couple of other services and also at District Council!  It's a miracle!  Lately she does seem to be coughing more, but I know the Lord is at work even when our faith is being tested!  Her next appointment with her pulmonologist is July 3rd.  She will have another high resolution CAT scan and pulmonary function test.  I'm anxious to get the results!  Thanks for continuing to pray for us!  Our desire is to continue whole heartedly in the work of God.  We need His touch above all else!

April 18, 2008

I have great news today!  Yesterday June had her visit with her pulmologist at Duke University Medical Center.  We were thrilled with the results.  The pulmonary function test actually showed that certain functions of her lungs had improved about 15% since her last visit in August.  The doctor seemed amazed.  "This is not behaving like IPF."  It seems she is gradually getting better.  We try to keep in mind that this is an unpredictable disease.  Comparison with a p.f.t. in 2003 indicated that her lungs have decreased in size about 10% in this 5 1/2 year period.  If thing remain stable this is not too bad.  He ordered several new blood test that have only recently become available.  Some blood is being sent to the Mayo Clinic for test.  Her next appointment is July 3rd.  We will learn more when she has another high resolution CAT scan and get the results of these blood tests.  For now we are very happy that she is doing better.  Thanks you for your prayers!

 

March 28, 2008

June is doing execellent since her surgeries.  She in physical therapy now to rebuild the muscles in her hip and leg following the hip replacement surgery in December.  Since her cataract surgeries she doesn't need glasses anymore except for reading.  She seems like a new person!  Being without the constant pain from the bad hip is such a blessing.  Her next appointment with her pulmonologist is April 17.  We will know more about she's doing with the lung disease then.  Thanks so much for your prayers.  Our Lord has brought us a long way in the past couple years.  We are so thankful!

January 29, 2008

June is doing very well recovering from her hip surgery.  She is getting a bit restless at being confined, but I think that's good.  It means she's feeling better.  She seems very happy, especially with me doing the cooking, serving, laundry, housecleaning, shopping, bathing, and whatever.  LOL.  I'm glad I could be off during this time to devote myself to taking care of her.  Tuesday she has the cataract surgery on her right eye; a month later it will be the left eye.  Something very good has come out of this; she is now writing poems and posting on Starlite.  Her pen name is barbie june.  If you would like to read her work, just click this link:

http://www.starlitepoetry.com/poets/barbie_june

If you would like to send her an email, I'm sure she would like to hear from you.  She especially likes to read comments on her poems.  You can email her at:  barbie_june@gmail.com.  After her doctor appointments on February 12, we plan to make a trip to Texas and see the family.  So far all is looking good!

January 12, 2008

It's been 2 1/2 weeks now since June's hip replacement surgery, and she is doing well.  She's needing less pain medication and getting a bit more mobile.  She will be using the walker until her return appointment on February 12.  She's not supposed to put over 50% of her weight on her right leg.  This past Thursday we saw the eye specialist at Duke University for evaluation of her cataracts.  It's confirmed now; she will have cataract surgery on the right eye February 5th.  She will have to wait about a month before she can get the left eye done.  She's very excited anticipating getting her vision back.  He sight has been very impaired by the cataracts.  Step by step we are getting her fixed up and back together again.  Her lung condition seems to be about the same.  Thanks for the prayers.

January 4, 2008

All is going well with June.  Every day she's doing better and getting stronger.  I brought her home from the hospital Sunday, December 30.  It was a long drive, but she made it well!  The stitches come out Monday.   I'm taking good care of her.  She's really learning to get around with the walker, use the leg lifter, and work at getting more comfortable.  Still relying a lot on pain pills, but that's normal.  We wish each of you a very Happy New Year and best wishes for a great 2008!

 

December 26, 2007

Hello!  I writing this from the hospital room at Duke University Hospital at Durham, NC.  Today June had hip replacement surgery.  She is doing very well and so far having very little pain.  That may change soon as the meds wear off.  LOL  At least we know that this pain will soon pass, and that she will be mobile again.  The doctor confirmed that there was bone necrosis.  Next will be getting her cataracts fixed.  The appointment with the cataract doctor is January 10.  Thanks for your prayers and interest.  We are doing well!

 

December 19,2007

    All went well with June's doctor appointments yesterday at Duke University.  The hip replacement is scheduled for December 26.  She's excited about getting a new hip and the mobility it will give her.  Also, she has an appointment with the cataract specialist at Duke on January 10.  Maybe I can get her "looking good" again.  LOL   She's not seeing so well now.  The lungs still seem to be stable.  The problems she now facing are most likely secondary problems caused by the corticosteroids she was on in 2006.  Maybe if we can get these things fixed, with the lungs stable, we'll be able to get back to enjoying life!  Thanks again for your prayers.  We are doing well!

November 2, 2007

    I'm glad to report that June seems to be doing well lately.  She's preparing for her surgery next month.  Tentatively, the hip replacement surgery is scheduled for December 26.  She still struggles with shortness of breath, but I think the lung disease is about the same.  It's still classified as being in the mild to moderate stages and stable.  She's have a lot of pain from the hip and anxious to get it fixed.  We go to Duke for pre-op screening and consultation December 18.  She's supposed to give a pint of blood earlier for the surgery.  All is well thus far.  Thanks for your prayers and support!  I think she's managing the disease a lot better.

August 28, 2007

     Our pulmonologist was able to get us into the Rheumatology Clinic at Duke University much earlier than expected.  The visit on August 22nd was very informative.  The two doctors we saw both agreed that June didn't have a connective tissue disease.  Rather, as the xrays later confirmed, she has a bad hip, avascular necrosis.  It seems the high doses of steroids she was on last year have attacked and killed part of the hip bone.  This explains the pain she has been experiencing.  So, she will be needing a hip replacement.  We are waiting for clearance from the pulmonologist and an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon.  At least this is something than can addressed.  The problems of her locking fingers and pain in her hands can be treated with injections.  We are hopeful that if we can get these things fixed, and if the lung disease will stay stable, maybe we can get back to some kind of normal living (whatever that is!).  Thanks for your prayers; we really appreciate all that you do for us!

 

August 3, 2007

    Yesterday was another quarterly visit to the ILD (interstital lung disease) Clinic at Duke University.  Each time we seems to learn a little more about the disease.  We went down to Durham Wednesday evening and enjoyed dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Elmo's Diner, in the 9th Street district.  It was a very enjoyable evening.  Then it was Thursday morning and appointment time!  

We were pleased that the pulmonary function test and the blood oxygen levels haven't changed much in six month.  We are praising the Lord that the lungs seem stable for the moment.  Since the numbers are not that bad; the disease is still rated mild to moderate.  Since June has been experiencing more shortness of breath and coughing lately while the numbers are not that bad, Dr. Meltzer is wondering if this problem may be something else besides the lung condition.  She gets fatigued very easily and also has a lot of weakness in her legs and hands.  It may be that the muscles that expand the chest are weak and causing some of the breathing problems.  Because of this and quite a several other symptoms, he is refering her to the rhuematiod department for evaluation.  Evidence seems to be pointing toward an Undifferentiated Connective-tissue Disease.  Maybe in a few weeks we'll know more.  This and taking blood for another ANA (antibodies) check is about it.  We keep hoping that something will be found that is treatable.

So after a morning of tests and the doctor visit, and lunch at another favorite restaurant, The Blue Corn, and made our journey home.  June does plan to make General Council.  Maybe we'll see some of you there!  Thanks for caring, and especially thanks for the prayers!

May 9, 2007
    We made our quarterly visit to Duke University Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic last week, May 3rd.  The pulmonary function test results were a little worse than three months ago.  Dr. Meltzer still thought the disease was basically stable, with just a slight progression for the worse.  He still classifies it mild to moderate pulmonary fibrosis.  He's still looking for a possible underlying systematic disorder.  She is to see a rheumatologist to have this checked out.  The only appointment she could get with the doctor he wants is next November.  All in all it was a good visit.  Her next visit is in August.  She has been coughing a lot more lately, and the weakness in her hands and legs is about the same, or maybe increasing some.  Her family doctor thought the cough may be caused by a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotic.  She does seem to be doing a lot better since taking the antibiotics.  She struggles constantly with fatigue.  All in all, I think we are doing all right, just a little weary.  Life is still good, and we have a lot to be thankful for.  Thanks for reading, and maybe saying a prayer for us.  We are doing well.  God bless!

April 1, 2007
    June has been doing much better lately.  She recently spent a couple of weeks in Texas with our oldest son.  She still is very easily fatigued.  The weakness in her legs and hands is about the same.  She does seem to be coping better.  At times the cough is still very bad, but she seems able to control it much better.  After attending a church service, she has a very difficult time for a day or two.  The scents and perfumes really do a number on her.  Maybe she'll learn some way to cope with this also.  All in all, things are much better.  Her next appointment at Duke University School of Medicine in May 3.  Thank you so much for your love and prayers.

February 2, 2007
    Yesterday was June's appointment at the ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease) Clinic at Duke University.  She had another pulmonary function test and a high resolution C.T. scan.  We met with Dr. Eric Meltzer, the ILD specialist.  It appears that the disease is stabilizing.  The  pulmonary function was about the same as three month ago, maybe a little better.  Also, the C.T. scan was about the same.  This is good news.  Most of the blood test came back negative.  There was one that indicated an antibody in her system, but it's not one that can be identified by a lab test.  Dr. Meltzer still favors an autoimmune disorder rather than the diagnosis of idiopathic.  Since she is stable now, he will continue to monitor her progress.  She is controling her cough better too.  She is still weak and fatigued, but better.  She is in a pulmonary rehab program at Princeton.  This seems to be helping.  Our next appointment at the ILD Clinic is May 3.  That she is stable is very good news!  Thanks for the prayers, they mean so much!

January 2007, Background Information
    The local doctor who diagnosed the disease, prescribed steroids and a chemotherapy drug.  She responded very badly to these drugs, getting so weak she often couldn't get up by herself.  There where other bad side effects as well.  In June, she was referred to Duke University Medical Center for a biopsy.  Through this referral we were able to transfer her care to a pulmonologist at Duke.  The drugs, which had been ineffective in treating the disease, were discontinued.  She begin to feel much better, continually gaining strength.  While the disease is still progressing, she is feeling much better and much more her old self.  At least we are back to dealing with the disease instead of the side effects of the drugs.  At this time medical science has nothing to offer other than a lung transplant.

January 2007
    June's pulmonologist refered her to a new clinic at Duke.  It's the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic; it deals only in ILD, June's disease.  The doctor we met with said that there are over 200 kinds of pulmonary fibrosis.  He wasn't satisfied with the diagnosis being idiopathic.  Idiopathic means unknown, it is a diagnosis of exclusion, when no other cause is found.  He did an indepth evaluation.  If we can identify what kind of pulmonary fibrosis it is, the disease can be better treated.  Also, several experimental programs are in the works.  For the first time, we have hope!

    Her next appointment is February 1.  She will have another high resolution C.T. scan and pulmonary function test.  This will help determine the progression of the disease.

    She continues to feel better and better, but still experience a lot of fatigue, often feeling nauseous.  However, the improvement has been dramatic.  Thanks you again for your prayers.  I'll try to post updates as we learn more.  We know God works miracles!  Our faith is still strong, knowing we are in His hands!