"We really need your prayers today and the coming days. I came back from Oklahoma City (getting Mary Elizabeth settled back at college) very sick. Have not been well since we left last Saturday and was not well Wednesday when we saw you. Just didn't know what was going on but should have asked for your prayers then!
Found out Thursday that I am jaundiced and have all the discomforting symptoms that come with it, right now the worse being the extreme itching all over my body and not able to sleep which I didn't even know was a symptom. My liver levels - bilirubin, phosphates and others are extremely high. Doctor is trying to get to the bottom of why. I have been in rounds of tests since Thursday afternoon. I had an ultrasound and catscan yesterday, tons of bloodwork checking for hepatitis, etc. Not good and of course very concerning and unsettling. The ultrasound didn't show anything so that is why he ordered the catscan for more detailed study of the pancreas. The liver has been disturbed or damaged for some reason. Will have more tests to see if any other obstruction in bile duct or any other organ or intestines show up. Really appreciate and need your prayers. With all going on with the hernia surgery, the trips to GA and OKC, the wedding, emotions of getting Mary Elizabeth settled and leaving her again and a little thing called ministry/work has me emotionally charged unfortunately plus all the physical discomfort....
Again, blessings to you all! Kathy and I covet your prayers right now, for clarity for the doctors to figure out what is going on, treatment and most of all my healing!"
Sunday's email to choir (8/20/12):
"We received some disturbing news yesterday (Sunday-8/19/12). Dr. Gaspard came to see Ken and told us that the CT scan showed a mass in Ken's pancreas. It is about 3cm. The size of a racket ball. We are told that there is only a 5% chance it is not cancerous. Ken will be undergoing further tests today and possibly a stint in the bile duct to relieve the jaundice. Please pray for Ken for healing and a miracle in the name of Jesus. Pray that this would not be cancer. Please pray for wisdom as we make critical decisions about surgery, where we should seek treatment and doctors. Please pray for the girls as they process this very difficult news. Pray that the Lord would be glorified in all that is done and in our lives as we face this trial. We are trusting in God's faithfulness, love, and grace to cover us as we seek His perfect will and purpose in our lives. We will let you know more as He leads us through the many decisions that must be made in the next few days. He is the God who heals! We are clinging to Him and are so very grateful for the privilege of your love and prayers in our journey."
In His love and grace,
Ken and Kathy