**Due to so many requests coming for copies of my wife's story, we decided to post it here on our web-site, so it would be available any time to those who are interested. Text of song is at end of page.*

The Personal Story...

Mrs. Patricia McGrath

"THE PEACE OF GOD - that eternal calm which lies far too deep in the praying, trusting soul to be reached by any external disturbances." - A.T. Pierson

I was in the Lachute hospital, August of 1993, waiting for the results of tests, when I read the above statement in the "Daily Bread". Little did I know how precious this realization of the peace of God would be to me in the following months.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 1985 and had a mastectomy in November 1985, followed by 9 months of chemotherapy. From September 1986 to August 1993, I was very healthy, so I was shocked in August 1993, when they told me the fluid that had been taken from my lung sacs was cancerous.

I experienced many tests, surgical procedures, and much chemotherapy between August 1993 and June 1994, but I have been so thankful for my Heavenly Father's presence with me. He said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." "When thou passeth through the waters I shall go with thee." He keeps His promises.

I realized more and more each day that no matter what happened I was in God's care whether I lived or died.

I am so thankful God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for me and rise from the dead so we have victory over death. What a hope He gives us.

I accepted Christ as my Saviour when I was five. Over the years, I've learned more and more about Him and it has been in the difficult times that I've learned the most. I know God really understands how I feel.

I'm so thankful; I know I'm going to heaven when I die. That's the wonderful hope we have in Christ. 
The doctors told me I had 8 months to 2 years to live. I had to deal with the nearness of death. I told the Lord I was ready to come "home" to heaven, but I was also human enough to want to stay here with family and friends as long as possible.

(The doctors had told me in June 1994 that I needed to prepare for my wife's funeral as she had only 2 weeks to live - Eric)

I know many people prayed and still are praying for me and my family and I thank them all. The Lord has given me back health and strength for now. I give Him all the glory. He still wants to use me and I ask for His guidance each day. There are so many people who need God's peace. I'm thankful to Him for the doors of opportunity He opens for me to share about Him.

In Psalm 139, it tells me God created me in verse 13; that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in verse 14; and that God ordained my days before I was even born in verse 16. I really like verses 17 and 18 - "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast are the sum of them! Were I to count them they would out number the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you." He thinks of me and is with me all the time.

How precious His presence and His peace are. Praise God for His unfailing love.

Pat McGrath

P.S. UPDATE: Pat’s cancer returned in June, 1999, in her neck. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation, finishing her treatments in January of 2000. She continues to enjoy good health. We are grateful for the wisdom that God has given to our doctors, and for the advances that are happening in the medical field. We are truly grateful for the prayer support of so many of our family and friends as well. God is so good!

PS: Pat's cancer has return in January 2003, and she is undergoing treatment for this fourth round of dealing with this disease. Many are praying and we are so grateful, as we have come to appreciate and recognize the power of prayer. - Eric.

Feb 26, 2003

Today Pat saw her gynecologist and he has updated us as much as they can at this point. He very gently made us aware of the full range of possibilities that lie before us, from operating and having to say, “Sorry there is nothing we can do”, to the other end of being able to operate and fix things. And then reviewed some possibilities in between – i.e. chemo, stent to assist kidney, etc.

So while we do not know a whole lot more, we now have in place the process to make things definitive. The gynecologist is going to consult with the urologist and they will operate together and set a date. They will decide which one of them has the first operating date.

So we are going away until next Friday. We are not able to go to Florida, as we could not get any health insurance, as Pat has had treatment within the last 90 days, so we have come up with plan B, which is to go to Niagara Falls Ontario and rest by the pool at our motel there. So we leave first thing on Thursday morning and travel to our daughter’s and son’s-in-law home for two nights and then over to the falls on Saturday.

We are so grateful to so many of you who have written to assure us of your prayers on our behalf. We ask that you pray for God’s perfect will to be accomplished and to give the surgeons much wisdom as they operate. We are praying that these next few days will be very restful, as we have both been fighting a cold for the past week and our bodies have become worn down. So pray particularly that Pat will be well rested and recovered to face her surgery.


We send our love and deep gratitude to you all.



March 10th, 2003

The gynecologist phoned to say that he and the urologist have consulted, but they want to consult with the oncologist before proceeding. Unfoprtunately, the oncologist is away for March break. As well, the surgeries in Sudbury have been scaled back to emergencies only, due to surgical staff being away for the break as well. SO it will be after the 17th that we might hear further. Another wait through which to pray. Warmly,

Eric

April 19th, 2003
It is now confirmed that Pat will have her surgery on May 2nd here in Sudbury. She will have one further scan on April 22nd, prior to the surgery. There is an outside possibility that should the mass have disappeared that she would not need surgery. We are thankful, too, that the visitation ban that has been in place due to SARS, has been adjusted and now one person per patient is allowed to visit. So Eric will be able to visit during Pat's hospitalization.

Thanks for continuing to pray.

May 3rd, 2003

As you know, Pat underwent surgery yesterday morning related to her ongoing battle with cancer.
The news is not good as a result. For the most part it presented as an inoperable situation. The doctor was able to remove her ovaries but could not remove the uterus. He said that the tumour was massive and that the uterus was bogged down with tumour, and the fear was that if they tried to remove the uterus and the mass, Pat might begin to bleed and possibly bleed to death on us.

Sections of the tumour were taken and pathology reports will be back in a week. The doctor said that there is two possibilities - one that it is the breast cancer and the second is that it is a new (ovarian) cancer. While neither one of them are good news, if it is breast cancer that presents the worst scenario, because it indicates that the breast cancer is moving around the body and probably is in places like the brain, etc.

If it is ovarian cancer, they can possibly administer chemo but again it still is not good news.
Pat will be home possibly on Monday from the hospital.

Now the good news - we have a Saviour - a hope and a home! While we have been dreading this news for 18 years now, we are so glad that we have the good news that Jesus Christ is alive and because He is alive, we too shall live. Pat knows Christ as her Saviour, and so when God decides He wants her in heaven, her home awaits her! Without this hope we would have nothing but darkness.

Pat and I trust that you too, know this hope. If this news had been delivered to you, would you have God's peace in your heart? If we can help you know God's peace, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be glad to share with you God's love leading to God's peace.

Thank you for praying and we covet your on-going prayer support in the days that lie ahead.

Love to you all,
Eric

May 6th, 2003

We had to re-admit Pat to the hospital this evening, as she was not having success at keeping any liquid or food on her stomach. Neither was there proper bowel function.

After admission, they began an IV and inserted at tube into her stomach through her nose and that brought relief almost instantly. By Friday she was doing quite well - no tube - no IV, able to eat small amounts of soft foods. The doctor has indicated that she might be able to come home on Saturday May 10th.

Thank you for your many calls, cards and notes.
They are deeply appreciated, but above all thank you for praying.

May 13th, 2003

Pat came home on Saturday from the hospital, feeling much better, than when she first came home. She went in on Monday and had her staples removed and then on Tuesday had a stent inserted in right ureter. The doctor said the left ureter was only partially blocked by the tumour, so did not require a stent at this time.

Pat has doctor's appointments in mid-June, so she has a month to rest and strengthen for the next leg of the journey. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and love shown to us in so many ways.



May 21st, 2003

Pat was re-admitted to the hospital on the 21st, suffering an infection from the stent that was inserted in her right ureter. Then she developed an allergic reaction to the antibiotic that she was receiving two days later.



May 26th, 2003

Pat came home from the hospital today, doing quite well, after her most recent stay



June 2nd, 2003

Pat has been home one week now and she is getting stronger every day. She is getting to the point where she is assuming many of the household chores, and is doing "Mr. Mom" out of his second career!

Lord willing, this coming week we are going to take a little excursion and see how she fairs. We are going to visit her Dad and his wife, who live about 3 hours away, and stay overnight with them. They happen to live next to our conference centre, where Pastor's conference is on this week, so Eric is looking forward to getting in on a couple of sessions.

This will be a nice break for both of us. Thank you again so much for your prayers and encouragement during these days.

You have meant more to us than we could ever express.

June 12th, 2003

We had our visit with Dr. Lopez, the oncologist, this afternoon and the news is not the best. He was very forthcoming and we both came away appreciative for his candor and he answered all our questions.

He found four or more new nodules on Pat's right neck, in the area where the other lump was. This indicated to him that the hormonal treatment is not working any longer.

So he is recommending chemo - one Pat had when we lived in Quebec, but when she did so it bothered her heart. He says that is because she was in such a weakened condition from the cancer having been around her heart and lungs. So he is hoping that it will be more tolerable this time.

In response to our question, he told us that chemo up-front would minimize the painful effects that the cancer will have later on and so recommended it. He agreed that it was Pat's call to start as well as to stop it whenever she desired. But he also indicated that he did not want to interfere with her good health right at present. So Pat will begin her treatments the week of July 14th (in case we decide to take one more week after camp meetings) or July 7th, if we go right home after camp. Should she get sick in the meantime, then he recommends that she begin as soon as possible.

He also said that Pat has a 40% chance that the chemo will be helpful - however it will not cure the disease. If she falls into the 60% then there is no sense in pursuing it further.

So he has order a test to check out her heart before she begins chemo and then will monitor her heart and blood counts before, during and after chemo. He will see her next on the day she has chemo.

He remarked again to us how Pat is such a marvel to them that she is still alive. He said that he has seen very few women this far past breast cancer. And they gave us a nice compliment by telling us that we were a great couple, who asked the right questions and they recognize our faith too.

So the news is not good but we will dwell on the fact that Pat is healthy now and will deal with the sickness and weakness when it comes. And it is Pat's call as far as continuing treatment. She is not excited to deal with pain and suffering from chemo, when it seems that eventually the disease is going to win out. She wants to be able to enjoy the time left with our family, as much as possible.

We love you all and while this will be a difficult time for all of us, the Lord will be gracious and faithful. The greatest factor that we have going for us is the eventual reunion in heaven, when we all get there!
Love with much gratitude for your prayers

July 13, 2003 We saw the doctor this afternoon and we told him of our decision not to have chemo. He told us that - 1) there was only a 1 in 2 chance it would work; 2) if it did work, the cancer builds up a resistance to it in 4-6 months and would be useless and then the disease would take over anyway; 3) he supported our decision, but will be prepared to try chemo if we decide to when complications begin to arise, but it is not going to make much difference; and 4) that chemo was just a delay of the inevitable - from man's perspective.

Pat is really at peace with leaving her life in the Lord's hands and trusting Him for her future. No chemo means that the life she will have at least will be enjoyable without the worries of side effects from the chemo and the possibility that the chemo would take away from the quality of her life, rather than the disease.
So once again we are grateful for your prayers and encouragement. The Lord is faithful and has never failed us yet, so we know we can trust Him, even when the road is fog-covered ahead.




July 28, 2003

Dear praying friends:
We are so grateful for all of your notes, calls, and prayers. We thought it about time that we sent out an update. Pat continues well, not showing any signs of the advancement of the disease at this point. We are truly thankful for each day that she is healthy, and express our gratitude to the Lord for them.

A friend did a needle point and framed it for us with these words in it:

Trust Him

Trust Him,
When dark doubts assail thee;
Trust Him,
When thy strength is small;
Trust Him,
When to simply trust him seems the hardest thing of all.

Trust Him,
He is ever faithful;
Trust Him,
For His way is best;
Trust Him,
For the heart of Jesus is the only place of rest.

Trust Him,
Then, through darkness and sunshine
All thy cares upon Him cast,
Till the storms of life are over
And the trusting days are past.

How precious are these reminders to us.
And how grateful we are for each one of you who are standing with us in prayer at this time. God does respond and we are thankful for those who stand in the gap with us!!

Warmly in Christ,
Eric & Pat



September 2nd, 2003

Dear praying friends:

We would like to update you on Pat and her situation.
She had a visit with her oncologist on Wednesday with the following information being given to us:

1) They do a test called a "tumour marker" which is a test as we understand it to mark the spread of the cancer cells in other parts of the body, through the blood. Normal is 30 - in July Pat was 90 and we have to wait one more week for the August number. If it is the same or higher then the doctor wants to start her on a new cancer medication.

2) The bone scan showed a spot at the base of her neck. The doctor said it might just be arthritis and Pat is having no pain so we are doing nothing with it at present.

3) The ultra sound showed that the kidney was not emptying properly on the side that Pat had the stent put in in May. This brought concern that the stent was becoming ineffective and that other procedures might have to be undertaken.

This morning, Pat had her stent changed at the hospital. It went very well - better than last time Pat said. The doctor discovered that the ureter was kinked and the stent had not be inserted far enough last time or had slipped and allowed the kink. So that is a blessing and answer to prayer.

Thank you again for your prayer support and many notes of encouragement they are a blessing and strength-source to us.

We are blessed by the Saviour's love through you.



September 20th, 2003

Dear Praying Friends:

Yesterday we received some positive news from the doctor. They have been doing a test called a "tumour marker". Tumor marker levels often indicate the amount of tumor mass in the body. Lower levels mean less tumor tissue. We were told that normal is around 30. In July Pat's reading was 90.8. We received word yesterday that her level had dropped to 74.7. We are not sure what this means in the overall scheme of things, but it is in a positive direction. We believe that it will take a couple of more of these tests to indicate a trend.

Once again we are grateful for your prayers, and most grateful to the Lord that Pat is free from pain and completely able to carry on with her normal functions and activities. God has used you significantly to encourage us and to remind us we can trust Him.

Warmly,
Pastor and Pat



October 10th, 2003

Dear Praying Friends:

When we went to the oncologist on Wednesday, he noticed that Pat's creatine level was almost double her previous report 6 weeks earlier. So he immediately sent her for an ultra-sound, which revealed that her left kidney was not emptying properly. He arranged for a "hurry-up" appointment with the urologist this AM.

The urologist confirmed that now the left kidney is not working properly. So on October 21st, Pat will have the stent in the right ureter/kidney replaced and a new stent inserted in her left ureter/kidney.
While this is indication of the progression of the disease, the short term news is better than we expected. We were anticipating that she would have to have a nephrostomy catheter (a tube into the kidney connected to an external sac to drain urine). We thank the Lord for His blessings along the way.
Thank you again for your prayers and encouragements.

Warmly,
Eric



October 21st, 2003

Dear Friends:

We wanted to update you once more, as we are so appreciative of your prayer and written support.
There are two matters we want to share with you:

1) You will remember that last time we wrote to you we were able to report that the tumour marker number had dropped. Initially it was 90.8 and then in August it dropped to 74.7 and now in October it is back up to 97.4 Normal is 30.

2) Also Pat went this morning to have a stent replaced in her right kidney and a new one inserted in her left kidney. The exchange on the right side went fine, but the doctor was unable to insert a stent on the left side, due to the advancement of the disease. The doctor is scheduling her for surgery to insert a nephrostomy catheter and an exterior drainage bag.

3) The doctor also discovered that she has a bladder infection, which we see now as probably being responsible for the pain Pat has been having the last few days.

So the next step is to await the date for surgery.

Once more we are strengthened by the knowledge of your prayer support and encouraged by your e-mails and personal notes and encouragements that come by snail mail. We know God has a plan that is unfolding exactly according to His time table, and so we await His steps along the way. That is an easy comment to say, but we must confess that sometimes it is more difficult to live. But our prayer has always been and continues to be that His perfect will would be accomplished and that through these times, His name would be glorified.

Warmly in the Saviour,
Eric



November 20th, 2003

Pat had her next appointment this afternoon with Dr. Lopez, our oncologist and there are some further developments.

Last week, Pat required two blood transfusions, as her blood count dropped significantly. Also her heart rate and blood pressure have both risen. This has necessitated new medication to help with those two areas.

He also discovered that the stents are not working and so she will have to go in and have a bi-lateral nephrostomy (tubes inserted into the kidneys, leading externally to sacs). They are doing this as soon as possible, probably by the middle of this coming week.

He also noted that there is progression of the disease as is noted in the increased size of lumps on her right neck and now the appearance of a couple of nodules on the left side of her neck. He told us of a treatment that has little or no nausea and no hair loss, called Navelbine (vinorelbine). He encouraged Pat to try it and see what it might do. It is a weekly intravenous injection at the hospital. So we are proceeding with this treatment as soon as the nephrostomy situation is cared for - probably Thursday each week.

The doctor said that by the end of six weeks there would be evidence if it was working or not, by a reduction of the hardness of the nodules in Pat's neck.

He also told us that we don't have to worry about the tumour marker number any longer, because the activity in her neck is a far more precise and readily available to show what the disease is doing and what the treatment may do.

Once more we are grateful for your faithful prayer ministry on our behalf, and for the many encouraging notes and practical expressions of love to us as a family. You may not realize the strength that we draw from the knowledge that so many care.
Thank you.

Warmly in Christ,
Eric



November 26th, 2003

Pat had a bilateral nephrostomy today and is home this evening. Please pray for her as she adjusts to having these sacs attached to her legs and then as she begins a chemotherapy treatment next week.

Warmly in the Saviour,
Eric



December 16th, 2003
Just this note to advise you of two things -

1) Pat had one of the tumours in her neck break through the skin on Friday. The nurses have a applied a special dressing and the doctor has prescribed a salve to be applied; and

2) Pat began her chemo treatments on Monday and she has tolerated it very well. She will be receiving one treatment each Monday, which is a 1/2 hour injection.

We continue to be grateful for your prayer, e-mail and snail mail support and encouragement. The Lord is truly good.

Warmly,
Eric



January 12th, 2004

Dear Friends:

We saw the oncologist today, and together he and Pat appraised her situation as being positive. After 4 weeks of chemo treatments (1/week), there has been a noticeable decrease in the size of the nodules in Pat's neck. While she has lost over 15 lbs, the doctor is attributing this to the drainage of fluid from her body, due to the tubes and sacs working effectively.

So the decision has been made to continue the treatments, indefinitely. Pat will need to have what is called a "PICC" installed in her arm. This is a direct assess into the vein with a special site for the injection of the chemo. This particular chemo is very hard on veins and the PICC eliminates that soreness and possible injury. So another piece of paraphernalia attached to the outside of her body. This will be on her upper right arm. It requires that she wear a protective covering over it, and it is very important to keep it clean, so that infection does not become a problem.

She has a better appetite the past few days as well, and has sensed some improvement in other areas as well. She still tires very easily and must rest regularly.

So she will continue on a schedule of having bloodwork on Mondays, chemo on Tuesdays and a nurse visiting on Thursdays each week. She returns on February 19th to have the nephrostomy tubes and sacs changed.

We were reminded again today that is not a cure procedure, but an easing of the symptoms for now. We are thankful for the measure of relief that it is bringing. Pat is pain free and is as comfortable as she has been for some time now.

Once more we are so grateful for your faithful encouragement and support through prayer. We sense strength from the Lord during these days and thank Him for you all so much.
Philippians 1:3-6

In the Saviour's love,
Eric



February 11th, 2004

Dear Praying Friends:

Thank you so much for your intercessory ministry on our behalf. We sense the peace and strength that only the Lord is able to give during days like these.

Pat had her next check-up with the doctor today, and he was pleased with the way the chemo is working. The lumps in her neck are much reduced and there seems to be a softening in the stomach area as well.

Pat is tolerating the chemo very well, and her PICC line is working quite well, too. This really speeds up her chemo treatment and eases the pain and possibility of vein damage,if done in other locations.
While she still tires easily and is unable to do what she once did, we are grateful for the measure of good health that she enjoys at present. We are grateful to our daughter and our niece, who journeyed up this past weekend and went through the house and left us "spic and span" again.

"Accidentally", we have discovered a couple of tidbits, we pass along for you to pray about. In a report the Doctor completed, we saw that he indicated that Pat's treatment is called "palliative" chemo, and also, while he has never said anything to us, he wrote on this report that his prognosis was 12 months.
While we could be alarmed by these items, it just reminds us that it is not Dr. Lopez, who controls the boundaries of life, but it is the Great Physician, our God, who sets them. And we know that He never makes any mistakes, and never does anything but love us. So we continue to trust Him for each day and are grateful for every pain-free day that passes.

You all know the evil that lurks on the Internet, but Pat and I have been overwhelmed by the power of the Internet in our lives, as each of you have stood with us through these days. Friends and family from all over the world, and some we don't even know about are praying. Isn't great to know that God answers prayer? And we know that His answer, whether it is "yes", "no" or "wait" is always the correct answer.

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,we hope and pray that you will do so. We often reflect in wonder at how those without a personal faith in our heavenly Father will bear up when the tragedies of life hit. And they will hit - none are immune. If we can be of any help along your spiritual pilgrimage, drop us a note. We would be only too glad to share Christ with you further.

You are special to us!
With our love,
Eric & Pat



March 1st, 2004

Hello friends:

Pat saw her oncologist today. Not much new to report. He is pleased with the way the chemo is/has deflate the tumours on her neck. But told us that there was little if any change in the large mass in her uterus.

Pat continues to feel well and Lord, willing we will be taking some time off and do some day trips next month. Our schedule for visiting the hospital and with nurses, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays doesn't permit extended trips.

Once again we are grateful for your prayer support and for the many notes we receive. The Lord is good and we thank Him for you.

Warmly,
Eric




May 3rd, 2004

It has been awhile since we have sent out an update, and so thought following Pat's visit today, we would do so.

The doctor found nothing to be alarmed about and was pleased that Pat is still maintaining a pain-free, symptom-free health situation. Other than tiring easily and needing to rest each afternoon, and seek to have a good lengthy night's rest, she is doing remarkably well. While not able to do heavy housework, she does manage to do most of the rest.

She will continue on the chemo that she is taking each week. As we mentioned before there are very little side-effects from this chemo, for which we are grateful.

We have enjoyed a few weekend visits with family and friends, and have been so blessed by the many words of encouragement we have received by many who have shared with us the fact that they are praying for us. What a blessing! What a strength we sense from each of you who stand with us. We feel so spoiled by our heavenly Father, as He ministers through His family.

Thank you!
Warmly in Christ,

Eric



May 31st, 2004

Pat had her next appointment with the oncologist today, and we have some good news.

Beginning this next week, her chemo is being reduced from a weekly schedule to a bi-weekly schedule. This is for the summer months, and the doctor will re-access things in late July and see if we can continue on this regimen.

From a practical sense it will free us up at least one week in two, although the nurse will still come each week, and now may have to perform an extra duty of cleaning the PICC line on the "off-chemo" weeks.

Once more we are grateful for your prayers and encouragement,,.and for you many notes and love. It is so reassuring to know our God is in control and His perfect plan is unfolding for His purposes.

Just a reminder that we still can made a CD copy of our testimony shared on March 14th, 2004 to you, should you want one. We ask that you send us $2.00CAN plus the cost of postage to wherever you are, and we will forward it to you immediately.

July 14, 2004 We have had a new restaurant called Perkins open here in Sudbury. It is an American chain and this is only the 5th store in eastern Canada. We were the first ones to celebrate an anniversary there, so they told us they had to make up a song to sing for us, after our supper there. Also, unknown to us, they sat us at table 36-04. Our 36th anniversary in 2004! Hmmm...cool, eh? Another year together for which we are so grateful! Praise the Lord. Thanks for your prayer concern and support .

July 29th, 2004

Pat saw the oncologist today, and we received the news we expected.
She has been experiencing a sensation of firmness in the area where the tumor is and some redness on her neck area. Also the blood test called a tumor marker was elevated today, so she is back on weekly chemo sessions. The new schedule is blood work on Thursdays and chemo on Friday mornings.

Thank you for your prayer support and encouragement.
You are a blessing to us.



August 27th, 2004

Pat saw the oncologist today, and while there were some symptoms that were still noticeable, he has encouraged us to continue on with the present regime. That program includes weekly bloodwork and chemo. Pat's next appointment will be October 8th.

Thank you again for being such a great supportive family to us. Your encouragement and prayers continue to be a source of strength to us, as the Lord uses you to minister to us.




October 1st, 2004

Praise the Lord!

I was able to attend our youngest child's wedding on Saturday September 25th, 2004.
Phil married a lovely Christian girl named Heather May - now McGrath! Yeah! We are so happy to have her as part of our family, and so thankful to God for bringing them together.

I was thrilled to be part of their day and so thankful to God for His tender loving care which has kept me well enough to be able to be there with family and friends.

We were planning on a week of holiday the week after the wedding, but needed up spending a quiet week and getting some much needed rest at a lovely cottage thanks to Cottage Dreams program and Steve and Yvonne, the owners. We enjoyed the beautiful surroundings.

I give praise and thanks to my Lord and Saviour that I was well enough to attend Phil's wedding.
Thank you Lord!
Thank you for praying for me.

Love,
Pat



November 19th, 2004

Dear Praying Friends:

Pat saw her oncologist today and we received a very encouraging report from him. latest CAT Scan shows no progress in the tumor in her uterus - her tumor marker test has been consistently in the 60's for the past 6 months - her hemoglobin is holding its own and all of her other blood work was normal. So he is confident that the chemo she is taking is working fine and encourages us to stay the course, which we are glad to do.

We also had opportunity this morning to let Dr. Lopez know that we have a prayer family of over 600 people around the world praying for Pat. When we told him this a big smile came on his face, and he didn't say to much more, but after he left, his nurse, Sharon, said to us, "You can add one more to that figure. I am so excited about your case and what is happening. I am praying for you, too"

So thank you to all of you again for your prayer encouragement over these many months and years now. It was on November 5th, 1985, that Pat had her first surgery for breast cancer. So we are now entering our 20th year of God's grace and mercy to us. We praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness, and for the privilege of giving the credit where it is really due - to God alone!

Blessings to you all at this Thanksgiving season for our American friends, and then shortly to all as we approach the wonderful Christmas season with family and friends.

We love you all,
Eric & Pat



December 11th, 2004

Pat was admitted to the hospital tonight after I took her to emerg. It is 4:15 AM and I have just returned home from the hospital. She is not in her room yet, but it is so crazy in there, they weren't sure when she would be taken up to her room.

The emergency doctor discovered she has a blocked bowel. He is not sure whether the blockage is external (i.e. the tumor pressing on it) or if it is internal. So he admitted her and referred to the surgeon on call, who will be assuming her care.

They have put an NG tube (nasogastric tube) down her nose into her stomach. She had this before following her surgery back in May 2003.

I am going to bed shortly and will go back to the hospital tomorrow when I get up



December 12th, 2004

Pat is now in protective isolation, as her immune system has been compromised due to very low white cell count. The surgeon is leaning towards this being the tumor blocking the bowl and has discussed the possibility of a colostomy to reduce the blockage.

Thank you for your many messages assuring us of your love and prayers. They both are so important to us and we are very grateful to the Lord for our family of prayer warriors.



December 13th, 2004

UPDATE ON PAT:

The surgeon has indicated that x-ray is now suggesting that the large bowel may not be involved, as it seems clear now. But the x-ray has indicated that there is something showing regarding the small bowel. Pat had the NG tube removed and was able to have fluids today.
So for the time being surgery is off. The next few days will be crucial as we wait to see if the bowel will return to its normal routine. Pat is free from pain and resting quietly in the hospital, still in protective isolation.

Thanks again for your prayers and encouraging notes.
I print them out and take them all into Pat at the hospital to read.
She is always encouraged with them.



December 16th, 2004

I have my dear wife home with me once more, as of this afternoon.

She has been discharged to the confines of our home with little movement, as her white count is very low, and her immune system is compromised. So no large crowds, or visitors with any sign of any illness (sniffles, coughs, runny noses, etc). But she is home and that's great!
PTL!

Thank you again for all your prayers, notes and assurances of your on-going care and love.
We so deeply appreciate them.



December 18th, 2004

We are very glad to be able to report that Pat is well on the mend following her recent illness. She is eating well, and her white count is almost back to normal. She will be staying in this weekend, but probably venturing out a bit next week.

We want to acknowledge our faithful church family and local friends. They have prayed with us, delivered warm foods, and Christmas baking to our door, and have been of such encouragement to us. We are spoiled by the Lord to be so loved and cared for. So a big thank you to all of the local folk who have been so loving and caring.

And to you our distant friends, we continue to be grateful for the strength the Lord has given us through you.
May you have a very blessed Christmas, experiencing His joy, peace and love during these days.



March 1st, 2005

We have been getting many requests concerning Pat's health - many asking for an update. We haven't sent anything out since December 18th, 2004. We live by the adage that "no news is good news", however, we do appreciate your prayer support and to pray intelligently, an update is necessary.

Early in the new year, Pat spent 15 hours in emergency. While she had been in the hospital, they had changed the nephrostomy tubes. We have a three site hospital at present in Sudbury. She normally has this done at one site, but because she was in another site already in December, the doctor came over there and changed them. While the doctor changes the "inner tubes", the nurses change the "outer tubes". However on this occasion, since the nurses did not have the proper tubes to make the change, they decided to use the old outer tubes. This was a very bad decision, as they became infected and then blocked causing a very serious infection that sent Pat to hospital. It was only after receiving two IV antibiotics and a lowering of infection level that she was able to return home.

Later, we learned about something called sepsis - a very serious infection, that has a death rate of 60%. We were told that this was the concern they had and prompted such quick action in getting her infection under control.

Since that time, other than colds which we both have been dealing with, life has been fairly normal. Pat has had to deal with the infection again, but now the oncologist is telling us that we can expect this as a normal part of the progression of the cancer. He has provided Pat with sample bottles, lab requisitions and antibiotic prescriptions, so that as soon as she realizes that she has possible infection, we can get a sample to the lab and she can begin an antibiotic right away. Then they will alert us as to the results of the lab results afterward. But they do not want Pat waiting until lab results comeback before starting the antibiotic. Time is of the essence in battling infection, of course.

We are just about to head off on 3 weeks of "vacation". The first part is what one might call vacation, and second part is four days of medical procedures, and then the third part is what you might call "days of joy" We are going to spend time with our daughter and her family and some time with our son and his wife in southern Ontario. Part of that will be babysitting our two grandboys, while their parents get a few days of R&R.

Again we are grateful for your encouragement and prayer support. We keep reminding our doctor that God is the One who is at work in Pat's life, as he voices his amazement at having a patient 20 years after initial cancer surgery, having been through what Pat has been through. It provides an opportunity to try and help Him understand God's grace - that it is not about who we are but it is everything to do with who He is! Thank you for praying for Dr.Lopez and nurse Sharon too.

With our love,



May 6th, 2005

Pat saw the oncologist today, and he is concerned on several fronts.

First of all she has another kidney/bladder infection, for which he has prescribed an antibiotic.
And then some other things have caught his attention, and he has sent Pat for a chest x-ray, as well as a Cat scan, and to see the surgeon, regarding a bowl examination.

He has suggested that, depending upon the results, it may mean that she will have to have some radiation treatments, to seek to shrink the mass, which he thinks is interfering with the bowel.

Thank you for your on-going prayer support and encouragement. They are deeply appreciated by us. We continue to look to the Lord for daily strength, for which we find Him so faithful in providing.



May 10th, 2005

Today Pat saw the surgeon and the news is not good.

His examination revealed that the first 10 cms of the large bowel is full of tumour and has indicated that that will soon close off.

His recommendation is that she stop the chemo that she is currently receiving and possibly entertain some radiation and possibly a colostomy. He also said that they will do everything they can to keep her comfortable.

We will meet the oncologist now, and map out the appropriate course of action, depending on what their prognosis is.

Again how deeply appreciative of your prayers and support we are, and our determination is to trust the Lord through these darker days, from the human experience.
Of course, we know they lead to eternal day, where our heavenly Father abides and our hope is for sure in the Lord!!



May 16th, 2005

Pat saw the Dr for radiation this afternoon and she begins her treatments tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1:30 PM - for two weeks - five days a week.

They have given her several new meds to try and ease the problem with the bowel. They say that the radiation may cause things to worsen before it gets better because radiation will cause swelling but then 6-8 weeks after the radiation is over, the effects will maximize for the good.

If this does not ease the situation, then a colostomy will be next and they are irreversible so they want to delay it as long as possible but they said that Pat could request one anytime the discomfort and pain was more than she wanted to deal with.

She is going to have her picc line out tomorrow as she will not be receiving anymore chemo.
She had her cat scan and they need to wait for the radiologist to read it and give them the full details but the doctor could tell that the whole lower abdomen is very involved with the tumor.

We continue to be grateful for the Lord's grace moment by moment and for your encouragement along the way, too.



May 29th, 2005

Pat was admitted to the hospital tonight with several problems. They are trying to sort them out and determine what the cause is, so it is best they have kept her and will do the testing etc. necessary to find out the cause(s). I will drop a note when they have studied things further.

Thanks for praying.



May 31st, 2005

Thank you for all of your kind notes and prayers. I have printed them all off and taken them to Pat in the hospital, so she has access to the encouragement and blessing that they are. Please accept this as your personal thanks from us both.

They have been able to see some progress on her bowel blockage, and she was coming along quite well yesterday, but then began vomiting through the night last night. So today the doctors have order x-rays of her abdomen area.

Also she has been having difficult with her balance, needing to "hang" on to me while walking. She also has had pain across her back and down her left leg to her foot, with numbness in her foot. The doctor said today they will be doing a neurological workup on her to see if they can discover the cause of these symptoms.

The medication they have given her for nausea and another drug along with it (not sure what that is for yet!), are making her quite sleepy. This is not a bad thing as she needs her rest. She was not having good sleep patterns her at home, being up from her bed, on the couch, in her chair, etc most nights. So she needs her sleep!!

Again we appreciate your prayers and encouragement during these days. Thanks for follow-up notes asking about Pat. Again I hope you understand that it would be impossible for us to respond personally to every note we receive, but we do receive them and the blessing attached through them.

Love to you all



June 1st, 2005

Last night it became necessary to insert a Gastro-Nasal tube in Pat to ease her stomach situation. Also they have taken her off all food and liquids and are nourishing her through an IV, until her bowel and stomach settle down.

During the night, she got up to go to the bathroom and her legs are so weak that they gave out on her and she grabbed the bed but her arms were to weak to support her and she fell. We thank the Lord for His watch care, as there were no broken bones.

I am heading into the hospital shortly to be with her.

Thank you for your steadfastness before the Lord on our behalf.

With our love



June 3rd, 2005

Dear Family and Friends:

Today the doctor has decided to remove all the tubes and IV's from Pat. From this point on she is in the Lord's kind and gentle hands.

I have been blessed to have this special gift from the Lord as my partner for almost 38 years, and in His perfect plan, it seems He will be calling her back to Himself shortly.

All of our family were able to get home and speak with her and share with her. She has known everyone and has spoken to them all. While she doesn't remember their visit, she has been very much aware of them at the present moment.

She continues to be very comfortable and pain-free, without any "pain management", for which we continue to thank the Lord.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us in prayer and fellowship. His grace is an amazing attribute to share in. Great is our God and worthy to be praised!

One prayer request is that our adopted son, who has been out of touch with our family for several months now has not yet been contacted. We do not know where he is. Pray that the Lord will lay it on his heart to call home.

I will not send out any further updates until this next segment of our lives is completed.

Please accept our gratitude. You have all been so gracious to us with your kind notes and messages. Our son and daughter sat and read them all to Pat this morning. She kept acknowledging them and laughing at the smiles as they were read. It brought joy to our hearts to see her respond to your expressed love.

With love,
Eric



June 15th, 2005

McGrath – Patricia Esther (1947-2005)

Entered into peace and rest in the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, June 15th, 2005.
Beloved wife of Eric, devoted mother of Steven of Brampton, Nancy (Don) of London, Philip (Heather) of Cambridge, and daughter-in-law, Marlene of Brampton.
Loving grandmother of Erica, Branden, William, and Jackson. Daughter of Victor Thompson (Eleanor) of Huntsville and the late Dorothy Thompson, step-daughter of Ruby McGrath of Lively, sister of John (Doris) of London and Elizabeth (Mike) of Michigan.

A private family burial in the Waters Cemetery will be held, prior to visitation which will be on Friday, June 17th, 2005, from 6-9 PM at Cornerstone Community Church, 225 6th Avenue, Lively, Ontario.
A memorial service will be held at the church on Saturday June 18th, 2005 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Gideon Bible Memorial Plan, or to the Patricia McGrath Memorial Fund, P,O, Box 118, Lively, Ontario P3Y 1M2, would be deeply appreciated. Local donors can go to the TD Canada Trust in Lively and make a deposit to account #6227793. Funds will be used to purchase new and needed equipment for the Chemotherapy unit at the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre.

Thanks for the many many notes we have received. They are deeply appreciated.

With warm affection,

Eric



THE FINAL CHAPTER

Dear Family and Friends:

Yesterday we had Pat's memorial service. What a wonderful time of praise and tribute to her, but of course beyond her to her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I was so proud of our two children as they paid tribute to their Mom.
Phil our son read Proverbs 31 - "The Virtuous Woman", and our daughter Nan, read the tribute she had written for the occasion.
Our daughter-in-law, Heather (Hez as she likes to be known) read "Finally Home" at Pat's request.

The rest of us sat and rejoiced in what we were hearing and praised the Lord for His faithfulness in and through Pat.

We estimate that 200+ people gathered for the service and many of them spoke to me afterward and their comments mostly revolved around the idea that the service and what was said was an accurate reflection of her life and devotion to her Lord and her family.

I was so grateful that our family was home for this time. It was a time of deepening of relationships with each other, and a time to hold each other, weep with each other, laugh with each other, and most of all be grateful for each other, and what God has accomplished in our lives.

I spoke briefly at the end of the service and shared with the folk that of our almost 37 years of marriage together, cancer had been front and centre for 20 of them. However, we have seen that, rather than cancer be a great big ugly enemy, it has been in some ways a "friend", as all of us came to trust the Lord in a deeper and fuller way. I am so thankful that it has not embittered our children, but has drawn them closer to the Lord and taught them the necessity of trusting Him at every step.

The memorial fund for Pat will be open until the end of July, and then the funds received will be turned over the Chemotherapy unit of our Cancer Centre to purchase the needed equipment. Also audio CD's ($10) and video DVD's ($20) of the memorial service are available.

Again our hearts are so grateful for your love, encouragement, and prayers during these days. We praise God for His provision to us through you. May He bless you significantly in return.
You all are dear friends to me.

Warmly,
Eric



June 20th, 2005

TRIBUTE TO PAT:

Eric, I wanted to write a short tribute to Pat and wondered, if other people have written, if you would consider sending them out as part of or instead of Pulpit Supply for a week or so.
We grieve our loss, but are so delighted that she gets to be with her Savior.
May God continue to uphold and bless you.

Sharon for the Bouchards



June 25th, 2005

THANK YOU –

We, as a family, are grateful for the many expressions of love and encouragement showered on us during the recent loss of my wife.
Thanks to all who contributed to the Gideon Bible donation program (200+ Bibles).
Also, special thanks to all those who made donations to the memorial fund in Pat’s name (currently at $1800).

We are grateful to: Dr. Carscadden, Dr. Lopez, Dr. Knight, the nursing staffs at the cancer clinic, at the chemotherapy unit, and on 4th floor P.C.
Your loving and compassionate care and concern is so appreciated.
Our gratitude to Alan Barnard, of Cooperative Funeral Home, for his professional and compassionate assistance with burial details.
Thanks also to the staff at Perkins Restaurant who cared for many of our meals and who showed warmth and tenderness on our visits.
To the congregation of Cornerstone Community church, we extend our heartfelt thanks for allowing us to use your facility, and for caring for the set-up in preparation for the service and visitation.
And a note of sincere gratitude to the ladies of the churches who prepared and served our refreshments during visitation and following the memorial service, under the leadership of Vimy Patry and Aldene Forbeck.
And to all who sent cards, brought food, provided housing, and visited, we thank you for your generosity and condolences.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

The Eric McGrath family.



July 1st, 2005

I came across this on my desk this AM and thought it appropriate to send along, as an encouragement to each of us, to care for relationships in the moment!
Warmly, Eric

If It Were The Last Time

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two
to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day,
well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's",
And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget,

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight...

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss,
and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say "I'm sorry," "please forgive me, "thank you" or "it's okay".
And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited ...
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot eat away at peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot invade the soul,
it cannot reduce eternal life,
It cannot quench the spirit,
It cannot lessen the power
of the resurrection.

Anonymous

August 16, 2005 Today my son, Phil and I, on behalf of our family and each of you who gave so generously to Pat's Memorial Fund, were able to present to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation a cheque in the amount of $2600. These were funds which many of you donated in memory of my wife Pat following her death on June 15th, 2005.

These funds will be used for purchasing equipment for the chemotherapy unit, where Pat spent a great deal of time each week over the past two and a half years.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and love and respect for Pat, so enabling us to make this presentation.

An article will appear in Sudbury's Northern Life newspaper either Wednesday, Friday or Sunday of this week. The online address is: http://www.northernlife.ca/. There is no guarantee that it will make the online edition, but should you be interested, you can check there.

Once again our deepest thanks for your love and encouragement.