Melvin Cox - Fresno, CA

[dbserv]

Brenda's BIL, Melvin Cox, is in the hospital. He was rushed to the ER on Tuesday and they found cancer yesterday. Here is what has transpired, in the words of my daughter, as she has kept the family informed:

My Mom went to Fresno last night to be with Aunt Sharon. I just spoke with my Mom on the phone. She said Uncle Melvin should be having a colonoscopy in about 15-20 minutes from now (12:17pm). The said the procedure should take about 30-45 minutes.

Here is what is going on as I understand it (Janel correct me if I'm wrong anywhere) - Uncle Melvin has been having intestinal problems for awhile now. He has been having a lot of problems for the past five days and has hardly eaten anything. Last night at the hospital they had him drink 1/2 gallon of a liquid that is pretty much a "drano" for humans. It should clear your system out, but it did not do anything. They are anticipating having to do some sort of surgery today, the colonoscopy should tell them what the next step will be or what type of surgery they will be performing. His stomach is extremely bloated and he is in severe pain.

Lets pray for his pain to be managed well, that the procedure will show clearly what the doctor's next step of action should be and that the issue is easily resolved! As I hear any more news I will let you know.

Clarissa

Family...

I just heard from my Dad. (Please Janel if at any point I get anything wrong, please let us know, this word of mouth thing is not 100%, but I am trying to get the information out as soon as it comes in). As of now (2:19pm) Uncle Melvin does not know the information I am sharing with you below. Please do not call Aunt Sharon or my Mom as of yet until Aunt Sharon has the time to gather her thoughts, the family and whatever else needs to be done before they tell Uncle Melvin.

(update before I clicked send my Mom called: just got off the phone with her...they are telling Uncle Melvin right away)

The colonoscopy showed that there is a 100% blockage of the intestine and the doctor said he has confirmed that there is cancer (he can tell by what he saw). The amount of cancer is unknown and more information will come as they continue tests over the next several days. The doctors are planning on doing a colostomy probably tomorrow..

This is all of the information I have now. As I find out more I will pass it along. I don't even know what else to say other than lets band together in prayer trusting the Lord that He is in complete control and asking for peace and courage.

Clarissa

Clarissa is on a field trip today, so she asked me to send out a quick update note.


Melvin will be having surgery @ a bout 2:30 p.m. today. They will be removing as much of the cancer as they can, see the extent of any that they cannot remove, and install a colostomy.

Please keep him in your prayers.


Praise the Lord that he has not needed any pain medication since last night. That is definitely the hand of the Lord and an answer to prayer!!!


Thanks.

Dan

I just got off the phone with my Mom. Uncle Melvin is out of surgery and word just came from the doctor. The surgery went longer than expected and he is still in recovery. The doctor said the tumor/s was larger than they had anticipated. The tumor was around some arteries; therefore, the doctor was unable to remove all of it. There are some residual tumors that will be treated with chemotherapy over time.

We praise God that the cancer did not spread to any major organs!!!!! We all know how strong Uncle Melvin is and we know our Lord is even stronger! The family is remaining strong and trusting wholeheartedly in the Lord. They thank everyone for their prayers and ask for them to continue. We trust fully in HIM that all will be well and we praise HIM through this storm!

Love to all....

Clarissa

Please be in prayer for Melvin, his wife Sharon, his mom Irene, and his kids and grandkids. Also, please pray for Brenda who is there providing support for Melvin and the family.


Melvin was a COGOP minister for several years in the 70's and 80's and has continued in ministry outside COGOP in various churches as God has led them over the years.


Thank you.

[JanB]

I am praying.

[RamboPreacher]

prayer is real and continues

[rjc]

Praying