Health Update
 

HEALTH UPDATE, Wednesday, October 15th, 2014 @ 3:38 PM

I underwent extensive Pulmonary & Cardiology testing at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor on Monday, October 6th. I just finished a phone conversation with the attending Pulmonary Professor who informed me that instead of having one lung disease I actually have two:

Emphysema, commonly called "smoker's lungs," although I stopped smoking almost 30 years ago, and Idopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; neither of which can be treated, therefore all medical treatments have been cancelled effectively immediately.

As a result, and seeing that I am no longer able to even dress myself, shower, or walk more than a few feet, I am being placed under in-home Hospice Care.

Despite all this seemingly "bad news," my mental well-being remains high, for I know that there is a Master Physican that is able to do exceedingly above that which even the most educated and experienced human medical professional could ever do for my physical health, therefore my hope for whatever "tomorrows" He might have in store for me is where I place my trust!

Your continued prayers on my behalf are requested, coveted and are most sincerely appreciated.

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Praying here. It's good to see your faith and hope displayed here! :thumbsup

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Sorry to hear the news Bro. Prayers will be going up.

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From a human point of view, this is heart-breaking to read!
Hospice?!


You are posting about choosing to embrace, from a human point of view, your own imminent death.

What are you thinking?

Literally-- what is on your mind? What does this feel like to you? Is your decision to stop medical treatment a decision that is supported by your family? Your church? Your conscience?

Any idea on when you can expect your transition to occur?

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God bless you freind. I'll pray for your health in Jesus name.

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I hope my questions aren't rude or too personal.

It is not every day that a person opens themself up to discuss something as personal and intimate as death.

It is not every day that a person gets to talk with someone for whom death is imminent.

This is AMAZINGLY BRAVE of you! I am STUNNED!

My Grandma has been placed in home hospice, but she is 96, unable to communicate, and unaware of the world around her.

No one can ask her much of anything right now and expect a response.

But your situation is different!

Death is staring you in the face and basically, you're refusing to blink!

My hat is off to you Sir!

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Bro. Lafon, will certainly be praying for you that the Lord will bless you richly as only He can, especially facing the situation that you are. We will continue to hold you up in our prayers.

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Not to worry, my friend, your comments are neither rude nor too personal.

I read this Quotable Quote many years ago, and have never forgotten it, and in recent times during my affliction I’ve remembered it often:

“It is good that a man think often of his own death” (Author Unknown)

Since that moment more than 15 months ago when I was first informed that there were NO medical remedies for my affliction, and that the mortality rate was 100%, I’ve never known either fear or worry, for I KNOW whose I am, and have been assured by Him who cannot lie that there awaits a much better life just beyond the seemingly darkened veil of the grave.

Paul advises us that the transition from this present life to our eternal abode with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is a mere “twinkling of the eye,” so why worry; indeed, the inspired writing of Solomon reveals that “the day of death (is better) than the day of one’s birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1, emphasis added), for only by the means of the death of the body am I to obtain my eternal reward.

The decision to terminate further medical treatment was not mine to make, but the medical professionals that have been responsible for my care, however, I did concur with them. They have been most passionate and caring and I sincerely appreciate all that they have done to insure that the quality of my life has been the very best that they were capable of accomplishing.

Regarding my prognosis: because of the possibility that a blood clot from my lungs could become detached at any given moment and travel to my heart, causing the normal blood flow to halt, death could occur at any time. I am well aware that each moment I remain alive in this body is truly a blessing from my Lord, for which I am most thankful, for because of my family and friends I would truly enjoy hanging on for as long as He allows. I know that if there remains something which He knows that I can do to assist in the plentiful harvest of souls that stand in desperate need of salvation, then if it be His will I will be here to do my part, however small that might be.

When I speak to my son later this evening to inform him of the conversation between myself and the medical professional team that have been caring for me, I will request that if my passing occurs, that he post the news of it here.

My faith in God's healing power remains strong, and as long as I am able to breath and communicate with Him, I know all shall be okay.

Thanks to you, as well as all others who've responded, for your concern and continued prayers.

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Praying for you and your family. God bless you.

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God bless you brother Lafon. You've certainly run this race with patience!

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This is heartwrenching news Bro Lafon but,
yet, I am so blessed by your words....your faith.
You know without a doubt to whom you belong
and are not waivering in that faith.
I will be in prayer for you and for your family.

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I will pray for you.

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Lafon, as someone who works daily caring for people such as yourself, I'm both saddened and happy for you. As you posted, the prognosis isn't good and there is no treatment. Hospice is a wonderful nursing entity that will allow you to live your last days in the best comfort possible. In case I never get to 'see' you again, it's been a pleasure having discussion with you and reading your posts. Hope to see you on the other side, brother.

This made me cry

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Thanks for the victorious report Brother. It may help some of us in our own time of passing to consider what you have said. I have considered my own probably more than most as I suffered both heart attack and stroke in my lifetime.

May Almighty help us to keep our gaze fixed on him that we may end our lives with the sense that our mission has been accomplished.

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While your illness is sad, your faith is very uplifting to read. Keep on good soldier of the faith.

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Isn't it!

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None of us are promised tomorrow. He can place himself on Hospice to make his last days comfortable while any of us can die suddenly at anytime without warning.

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All the more reason why we should think often of our own death, and strive diligently in taking the necessary actions to make our calling and election sure, huh?

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That's correct. Thinking of you daily.

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The Psalmist David said unto God, ""It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I may learn thy statutes" (Psalm 119:71).

From David's words I realize that being afflicted with a deadly, incurable disease will serve to accomplish one of two things in the lives of those that are inflicted: it will either "drive" them to a closer walk with God and faith in the principles contained in His written Word, or it will cause them to become "hardened" and withdraw even farther from God.

I am reminded of the recent news which told of a young woman whose diagnosis of inoprerable brain cancer caused her to change her residency from California to Oregon, because there it is legal for a physican to prescribe medications which would enable her to, in essence, commit suicide as a means of escaping the debilitating pain "anticipated" as a result of being inflicted with this disease. And if memory serves me correctly, she did just that just nineteen days ago. I think they call such an act "death with dignity" or some such phrase.

Almost 18 months ago I was also diagnosed with an inoperable disease in which there are no known medical remedies, and which has a mortality rate of 100%. In fact, I was encouraged to even accept Hospice care to assist me ikn whatever way might be required as I contended with the affects of the DUAL diseases of Idopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema, to which I declined and to date have managed daily living beyond even my expectations.

And, like the young woman I've mentioned, I was also presented with a choice: to take steps to end my life and thereby forego whatever pain and suffering might lie within my future, or I could draw closer to God and seek His guidance and comfort, and yes, perhaps even a complete healing if that is what He deemed best for me. I chose the latter.

Since that moment when I chose to live whatever number of days, or perhaps even years the Lord would allow, which seems as if it were only yesterday, I've been exceedingly blessed. Except for the usual aches and pains that are a "natural" part of age (after all, I am almost 76 years young), the only debilitating thing that I've experienced is a loss of stamina which severely restricts my mobility.

My appetite has remained normal, my breathing, with Oxygen therapy 24/7, of course, has continued to remain at normal levels, and most importantly, my intellectual abilities have not diminished which has allowed me to continue to enjoy dialogue with others about God and the principles inherent in His written Word. With the utilization of a motorized scooter I am able to enjoy a reasonable degree of mobility, attend church activities (as the weather allows), and even be an integral part of a weekly Bible Study group (a dear friend transports me back and forth to it).

Indeed, I feel most blessed of God to be able to do all of these things, and do not hesitate to give Him the credit for each new day in which I am able to enjoy my family, friends, and others which would never have been possible had I elected to take the same course as the young woman that I mentioned. And while it is not been granted to me the privilege or right to condemn her for her decision to end her life instead of reliance on God for His help, and possibily even healing (whatever her eternal fate will be is His alone to decide), I'm just so thankful to Him for being alive at this very moment.

Also being continually sustained by the prayers of countless others, I'm happy to be able to say, most heartedly, "Today is the greatest day of my life!"

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You are in my prayers, Lafon--and I'm just down in Monroe, please don't be shy if I can do anything for you. (Bbyrd009, Mark W)

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What a contrast between your situation Lafon, and the woman who chose to "die with dignity". I was so blessed to read of how the Lord is undertaking for you, and blessing you as you face this situation every day. You will continue to be in my prayers!!!

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Praying tonight for you brother

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Your prayers on my behalf are appreciated more than I am able to express. I draw tremendous strength in knowing that there are lots of God's saints petitioning Him for my continued strength and healing. Thank you!

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I appreciate your continued prayers, and offer of help. By keeping me I your prayers you're already rendering me the best assistance possible. Thanks!