Dear Family, Friends & Colleagues
Had a bolt out of the blue two weeks ago when I was diagnosed with an active tumor in my lower bowel. After a CT scan the tumor was found to have metastasised (travelled) to the liver. There are a number of small lesions (between 2 and 4mm in size). The surgeon has decided to excise the tumor at Bendigo Base Hospital next Wednesday 25th Feb. I'll be recuperating for approx. 4-5 weeks and then having chemotherapy to treat the lesions on the liver. The prognosis (a million dollar question) is good in the short to medium term. The chemotherapy will not be curative, that is, it will not heal the lesions completely, but if I respond to the chemotherapy I will go into remission and that should give me a quality of life for some years.
The last week has been a long and emotionally draining one. Our family is slowly coming to terms with what's happening and preparing ourselves for a long and uncertain journey.
We have had so much support and offers of practical help which confirms our faith in human nature.
ACCESS ministries has been extremely supportive. I will be taking sick leave during the rest of term 1, possibily with some light duties - this will depend on how I recuperate.
We have a request - we are mindful of your wish to send us your love and prayers and to know what's going on, but we don't want to be inundated with phone calls - hence we have started up this blog site for you to place your comments (if you wish) or just check in to see what the latest news is with my condition.
Marg will make every attempt to update the blog regularly. If you add your comments, I will make every effort to respond whilst recuperating.
Thanks for your support and concern.
Blessings to you all
Ray
29 comments:
Just to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. Love Dawn x
Dear Ray, Marg and girls. Bruce and I are just blown away by this news. Our hearts, our prayers and thoughts go out to you. We know that sometimes the road we travel on is uncertain, but we also know that it is the God of all creation who has gone before us...It sounds like you have heaps of support, but if there is anything we can do - please ask...we are here.
With love and prayers....Emily & Bruce
Unc Ray - You do know why they design hospital gowns that way, don't you? To make your stay
more bare-able... ;o)
Thank God above that the Ollerton's are one tough bunch of cookies!! Our love and prayers are with you, Aunty Marg and my spunken little cuz's, as always, every day. We may be far in distance but our love is always close by.
If knowing that someone cares helps the healing process, then you should be feeling better already....
*BIG HUGS* Trac. (your Niece) xxxx
Hey there Ray and Family
so sorry you are facing this challenge, may God be with you and have a speedy recovery..will be praying
with love
Julie Reiher
G'day Ray,
I was stunned to hear the news of the big C. Hard to know what to say, but be assured you are in the thoughts & prayers of the boys from Ballarat during this time....blessings to you and your family.
Andrew S-Cox
Dear Ray, Marg and family,
Much of God's love, via many people, is coming your way.
Graham R.
Thinking of you and the family.
Peter W
Hey Ray,
How very mod of you to blog about this!
I really hope the op goes well. (My nana had bowel cancer when she was 40 - 60 years ago - and now she's 100!)
All the best,
Heidi
was the coffee ok
Ray & Marg, Keep up the positive spirit Ray - Marg - please don't ever hesitate to let us know if you need anything to help in any way we can - Love
The Knowles family
Ray, the Committee of Gisborne SC Chaplaincy wish you all the best for your operation and recovery. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Kind Regards
Bronwyn
Hey Ray,
This unexpected turn in your road, sounds like the next part of your journey is going to be a real challenge. We will be travelling with you in our hearts and prayers.. for daily strength and God's peace....Barb & Ken M.
My thoughts and love are with you all. Am sending you giant hugs...Ollie
Wow! huge news Ray... our God is bigger than huge and no weapon formed against you shall prosper... we will miss you at breakfast meeting this thursday but you & family will be in our hearts & prayers, Beverley
Hi Ray, Marg, Andrew, Tahnee & Marli so sorry to hear the news Ray. I am sure with your positive atitude that you will come out of it stronger than ever. A few of my mates have had similar happen to them, and seem to be doing really well. Just from being positive.
Keep on keeping on.
Gary and Patricia
Dear Ray & Family, It is not often that someone so amazing comes into your life that you will always remember the kindness and joy that person brings to you in times of catastrophic adversity. Ray you are an inspirational person and I will be thinking of you and your family during this tough period in your life and look forward to seeing you again as bright and happy as you always are.
With Love and Hugs
Donovan
I'm glad that I had coffeee with you the other day, Ray, because otherwise I would be stunned. Fancy having Donovan on your list. Boy on my school bus told me his sister went out with Donovan - and I believed him! Remember that I am presently underemployed so at the command of the Ollerton family.
Love to all. Marilyn.
Dear Ray,Marg,Andrew,Tahnee & Marli,
Our thoughts will be with you Ray, and your family on Wednesday and in the months ahead as you fight the fight and WIN the battle.
Love to you all, Pete & Robyn Wickham.
Just checking the blog site and the latest news
God Bless
Aunty Margaret xx
Thinking and praying for you all, so pleased to hear the operation went well.
Please let me know if i can do anything for you.
God bless Elaine Anderson
Hi Ray, Marg and all the tribe, glad to hear that everything went well with your op. Always a stressful time for everyone. Nothing wastes more energy than worrying, so, as you have done in the past. Keep on doing those ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Pass our love on to all the family,
Love, Gary, and she who need to be obeyed. Patricia
Hi Ray!
Well..... I leave chaplaincy for a few months and look what happens!!!
I rang Narelle today as part of my voluntary work at Foresst St Uniting Care and got the low down on your health.
God is great and there is nothing that is out of his care, including you. Walking with God through this sort of stuff is the only way to go as you would understand.
Take care. Keep your sence of humour in tact.
We are praying for you and the family.
Blessings.
Linda A Bendigo
Hi Ray, Marg, Little Ol and the girls,
Sorry to hear about your illness. Hope everything goes ok for you all. We will be thinking of you all and praying for you.
I hope we can be in speaking touch soon. Looking forward to having a chat.
Steve, Linda and the boys.
Dear Ray,
thank you so much for your updates. Your steady faith and indomitable good humour and spirit are an inspiration as usual!!! May you, Marg and your girls continue to know Christ's comfort and counsel.
Thinking of .. and praying for you.
Debbie C.
Hi Ray
Will absolutely keep sending our prayers and love to you. You are such a strong person who has always provided strength when that is needed to others - it is our turn to send that strength love and care back to you. with love blessings and light Bill & Anne Bardsley
Hi Ray
Am walking every step of this journey with you, Marg & family. It is so important to know that you are not alone. Sending you much love & light that you so deserve.
Jane, Marnie, Ryan & Alexia
Am so pleased that you are home. PUHLEASE do not now get caught up in the fires...would be too, too much.
Am sending GIGANTIC Cyber-hugs and kisses to you all. You are no more than minutes from my thoughts. Ollie xxx
Hi Ray
thinking of you as you face the next step in this journey . I will be with you in spirit as you meet with the oncology team ,I know you will face whatever chemo is chosen for you with strength good spirit,and integrity.
My love to you Marg and the girls
mumxoxo
Welcome to Hong Kong! We wish you a fantastic holiday and look forward to hearing about your exploits.Have agreat time!(: megan
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