Karena had her scan on Monday; then for the next few days we discovered the extent of the medical problem - the cancer is back, now in the bowel, and growing rapidly and they cannot operate. Chemo would be permissible if she regained her strength but would be unlikely to have much effect. We are told she may live 3 months, but I will be surprised if that is the case, things seem to be changing very quickly. I have resigned from my job and will look after our children 24/7 for the foreseeable future.
Karena, my wife for 16 years, is on her final journey. Fairly soon she will be with the Lord forever, in his presence where there is no mourning, no crying, no pain....
The day before yesterday we got the christmas tree up and decorations out....without Karena's artistic flair though so it's not quite as good as normal, but the girls did a pretty good job (B+me just bung everything up !). I was glad to get that done to try to make Christmas a special time for the children still, albeit with unwelcome news hanging over our heads.
Karena has been transferred to the Dutchess of Kent House which is a palleative care unit. She has a fabulous room which includes a spare bed for a visitor to sleep in, sofa and comfy chairs, big TV, dvd player etc. We did a family film with chinese takeaway the night before last.
Their goal is to try to make her as comfortable as possible and hopefully for her to be able to come home for Christmas (either Christmas day or even better...Christmas eve) but that is by no means certain.
Yesterday was heart wrenching as we told the children the news....we cried, we hugged, we prayed, we cried some more....then I brought the children home and we did dvd and a pizza, and all went up to bed together. Karena's sister stayed over at DKH with her last night.
Appreciating your prayers :-
- that Karena will be able to come home for a last family Christmas with us all together
- for strength of faith and hope for Karena in these final days/weeks
- for our children to be able to laugh and to be able to cry and to be confident that, in spite of the circumstances, God IS in control.
Craig, I don't know what to say except that we're praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI spoke to someone in church about what an inspiration you and your family have been and what a testimony it has been to see Karena going all out to worship God at the front of the church when she's been able to make it. God truly is glorified by you in how you are handling your situation.
I'm reminded of Karena's prophesy for the church turning to God as a sunflower turns to the sun and I know that this is the case for Karena, that she is turning to God for her sustenance, knowing that he is in total control and will be with all of you through this.
Thinking of you all.
Becky and Dan C x
OH Craig...words are not enough at this time...but please do know I am praying for you all...you have all fought a great battle and have known God is sovereign all the way through....
ReplyDeletePlease pass on my love to Karena and a gentle hug to her
and for you and the children...may you know Gods tender mercy in these days.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all - give Karena a hug from us.
ReplyDeleteLove always
AJ & UM XXXXX
What can we say? We love you guys and nothing seems enough right now. We will keep praying - we have an amazing God. All our love to you all. K & G xxx
ReplyDeleteGod bless you family Mackay, in this season of change. We pray Karena, you and the children know the strength in our God's rod and staff of comfort as you travel through this valley. This is very sad news but we stand with you and pray for all that you have asked. We are inspired by your courage, patient endurance, humility and your ability to be human in this, to laugh, cry, smile and weep.
ReplyDeleteloads of love to you and God's grace on you all. The DS's xx
Hey Craig,
ReplyDeleteI guess there's no right thing to say but Dave and I will pray for you, Karena and of course the kids through the next few months. Karena was such an incredible influence on my journey to finding God - I don't know where I would have been without all the time and prayers she invested in me. Please give her a hug from us and let her know we love her very much.
Take care of yourself,
Helen and Dave
Craig......I am so sorry that this is happening to Karena & your family....Deb has kept me updated all these years about your wonderful family, and reading your blog I can see the love you all have. We are all praying for you here in the States....I hope you get your Christmas wish...
ReplyDeleteThinking of all of you,
Roni
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Craig
ReplyDeleteWords are not eoungh ...Just want you to know am thinking of you all and sending lots of love to you all
Michelle and Andy
Craig, sorry we have never met but I am Reuben and Remi Norvilles mum at Aldryngton (AKA Sarah!!) Karena and I spent some extremely funny phonecalls over chemicals about the school pool!! Please give her a Norville hug and the children of course who we all know so well from netball. Go girl......you are an inspiration and an absolute scream of a lady who makes us laugh with your wit! Much love to you all. Sarah Norville xx
ReplyDeleteSame here.
ReplyDeleteRemembering last Woodley carnival netball final, in the rain, dodging doggy doo but laughing, shouting hard for Ben, Leonie and crew and always with one of Karena's blindingly beautiful smiles. Keep those smiles coming and you will all be in my thoughts. ..oh, and like Sarah - Karena has the best cheeky wit - she makes you feel naughty just talking with her! Lots of sincere love to you all. Barbara, Leonie Bennett's mum xx