A first-hand account from a friend
My name is Warren Pettit and I am a good friend of both Will and Angie. I arrived in L.A. yesterday afternoon and have been witness to this most recent update. With Angie’s permission, I offer this first-hand account of the last 24 hours.
The Grays arrived mid-afternoon at the ER and, after being parked in the hallway at H03, they began the waiting game. It is my understanding that the UCLA Medical Center is one of the best hospitals in the country, but it is almost one of the busiest. There are, by my count, 31 hallway stations where overflow patients are parked waiting for beds in the hospital. Will was assigned H03, just steps away from the ambulance entrance and right across from the two trauma rooms. It was an especially busy evening and a number of serious injuries came through the door passing our hallway gurney and into one of the trauma suites. Among the admitted injuries was a fellow who had been run over by a bus. The EMT who presented the patient to the trauma team announced, and I loosely paraphrase, “Male patient run over by bus…..I have no idea how he got run over by a bus.” I guess the dark humor keeps everybody going.
Various people came by and poked/prodded Will throughout the afternoon and evening. At around 7:30 p.m. a young doctor came by to announce that the medical team had decided not to perform surgery. That was good news and bad news. We were happy to have some decision being made, but pressing the fellow for further details was futile. In some ways, he was nothing more than the messenger; providing information that had been decided “behind the curtain”. We had no idea who was behind that “curtain” and how this decision was being made.
At around 9:30 p.m. another young doctor came to give Will her full attention. After a review of Will’s previous seven months of treatment, we began discussing Will’s current condition. She confirmed that the lesion had damaged Will’s vertebrae and that they could see bone fragments in his spinal column. Then, she announced that they also detected multiple growths in his lungs. This information hit us like a sledge hammer. Up until Thursday afternoon, the consensus was that Will had made it to a clearing, if not out of the woods. Now, there is not only a growth on the spinal column, but also multiple nodules in the lungs. It became clear very quickly to the doctor that we had not been informed of that news and that this was devastating information. I do not envy doctors and she handled the situation with grace and empathy.
During this consultation, Peter Chung and Jae Lee, both physicians and friends of the Gray’s arrived in the ER. They came bearing water, bananas and various kinds of healthy snacks. The young female doctor brought them up to speed and they had opportunity to look at the MRI scan. I don’t know either of these men, but it became clear to me very quickly that their demeanor betrayed a concern and seriousness about Will’s condition. We remained in the hallway, saturated with fluorescent light, conversation, beeping monitors and crying children. Then, a small miracle. At around 11:15 p.m. they announced that a bed had opened up on the 5th floor. Within the hour we were in a private room and the immediate chaos seemed to diminish. After some more conversation, Peter, Jay and I took our leave, promising to return today.
I arrived back at the hospital around noon. The most pressing issues as I write are:
- Will needs a chest brace to support his spine. Apparently the department that provides these braces is closed on the weekend. Without it, he will be bed-ridden until Monday morning; just one more roadblock in a road strewn with debris. It’s the “small” things like this which create frustration. I can empathize with patients who have a love/hate relationship with a medical system that can perform miracles and then overlook some of their most basic needs.
- A definitive course of action regarding the lesion in the spine needs to be made. The surgical option is very invasive and fraught with unintended consequences. They would ostensibly remove the lesion, run a biopsy to confirm the cancer and attempt to repair the spine. It would take several weeks to recover and and the concern is that Will is very weak and the surgery would really put him down. Radiation/steroid treatment will presumably shrink and remove the lesion, but it does not address the damaged vertebrae. Moreover, radiation weakens the bones and makes it difficult if not impossible to have surgery on that site in the future.
- Finally, everyone is preparing for a discussion of the overall treatment strategy for Will. It’s clear that the cancer has returned, it’s aggressive and possibly moving throughout the body. I’m reluctant to write this, but a quality of life discussion may be next.
Those are the details. Here are the emotions.
Will looks really beat up. He’s lost a lot of weight, and as I hold his hand, his grip is weak. Angie has not fared better. She is rail-thin, her skin is blotchy and she has trouble eating. I’ve seen a half box of tissue disappear soaking up tears. It’s heart-breaking and depressing.
But…..
The grace. The hope. The desperation. In amounts that I have never before encountered. Will and Angie have no way to understand how they’ve touched my family, my mother who lives in Canada and prays for him everyday with her seniors Bible group. If I hadn’t lost my magic wand I would wave it over this entire situation and make it all go away.
Pray. Hope. Then, pray again.
On their behalf,
Warren
GIVE MONEY
25 Comments
Claire
March 25, 2013Praying for you all from Singapore! We are kneeling before our sovereign Lord, pleading for Him to shower His mercy upon you all. Persevere in Christ who has saved us from our sins.
Kristy
March 24, 2013You are strong! Prayers and more for you and all of your family.
Heather
March 24, 2013I am praying as are many of your hometown Paris people!
kayla koep
March 24, 2013prayers.
Clint Walker
March 24, 2013Will and Angie,
Betsy and I have been thinking about and praying for you all a lot lately. Our hearts are broken over what you are having to endure.
That’s not why I’m posting though. You probably didn’t know this, but I work in the spine field now. I actually design the devices used to repair the fractures like the one you have!
Anyway, I know several of the top surgeons that specialize in tumors and have contacts across the industry. I have not worked with anyone in LA yet, but I have reached many of my most trusted friends across different companies (including competitors) and regions today for their recommendations. Please reach out to me with a personal email, call us, or message Betsy on Facebook. I will tell you what I have found out so far, and also tell you who you might want to consider outside of LA. The specialists in dealing with tumors affecting the spine have people travel to them from all over the country. There is one in particular on the East coast that I know personally and would trust with my family…which is what you are, extended family!
I hope to hear from you soon. God bless you all!
Clint and Betsy Walker
Sarah Jugo Brown
March 24, 2013Sending love and prayers from DC. Thought if this hymn after reading these heart breaking updates. Praying, trusting, and hoping with you.
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
Amanda Held Opelt
March 24, 2013Prayers from Boone, North Carolina. We hurt for you and we are boldly begging God for healing.
Patty Lyle
March 24, 2013Praying fervently from VA that the comfort sent from the Lord via His saints surpasses the needs you have right now and in all of the days to come. May the arms of our Lord embrace you all as you cling to Him and His promises. Praying with hope. We know that our Redeemer lives.
JoVonna
March 24, 2013Dear Angi&Will,
Our hearts are so heavy. The news was overwhelming and shocking.
Only the Lord knows… So many why’s ??? In the midst of suffering His fellowship is all we can cling to. Faith is tested and growth happens.
We pray for an outpouring of His tender loving kindness to be one with Him in spirit. To know Him deeper and sweeter through the pain. This is our prayer for an experience of so great a love that amazes you & keeps you strengthened to fight on.
Jana Hargis
March 24, 2013Will and Angie,
I will be praying for healing and comfort as only God can provide. My heart cannot even fathom the difficult journey you have walked and still have to face. I admire your strength and persistence to praise HIM through all of this. What an example of love and faith you both are to the rest of us! Please know you are in my daily prayers and I will never stop!! Sending love and comfort to you! May god surround you with his angels and hold you close. Much love.
Jana Hargis
Autumn and Jay
March 24, 2013Thank you for the update, Warren, and for being there with Will and Angie. Our hearts are broken as we pray earnestly for mercy, healing, and wisdom for all involved. We shed tears and cry out on their behalf. With love and solidarity from Boston, Autumn and Jay
John and Marketia Jenkins
March 24, 2013Will & Angie:
My wife and I as well as our Sunday School class at Englewood Baptist Church, Jackson, Tennessee continue to life both of you up in prayer, even as we did this morning. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27.
Blessings,
John and Marketia Jenkins
Amy Rapier
March 24, 2013‘…holding a hand you can not see, that’s what faith must be…’
strength to keep hold of His Hand; endurance to overcome the obstacles;
peace to rest in His Hands….
valerie vidmar
March 24, 2013i am a friend of a friend (Reva Williams). Thoughts and prayers from Rochester, NY. There are no words for how sorry I am. Sending as much hope and peace as I can muster to you all.
Robyn Florian
March 24, 2013I don’t believe we’ve met, but I just learned of your challenging health journey via the Pettit’s. I will join our mutual friends in praying for you from Greenville, IL.
Jessica Hogan Grimes
March 24, 2013I pray that Christ will continue to wrap his arms around you and hold you both. I pray for grace and mercy to be poured out on you.
Adam & Jessica Grimes
Kathi Davis
March 24, 2013Hi Angie and Will,
I’ve been following you through John’s posts and was encouraged by the last one, but saddened by this recent update. I will continue to keep you both in my prayers…for healing, strength, and the kind of peace that only God can provide. Hugs.
Bethany and Craig
March 24, 2013Dearest will and angie, we treasure you so. Praying every step of the way.
Carrie Furr
March 24, 2013I’m am so sorry to hear about these updates. I hate that you and your families have to endure this. I pray for His mercies to be poured out on you all.
Katie
March 24, 2013Praying and asking for God’s grace and hope in this unbelievably trying time. Praying for a peace that truly passes understanding to guard your hearts and minds.
Katie (sister of Jenny Leininger)
Emily Ringering
March 24, 2013I’m a friend of a friend (Leah Larocco)…prayers and love from denver.
Cindi Idle
March 24, 2013I had spoken to your mom, Angie, just this week and she was very encouraged. To hear this latest news saddens me tremendously. I have been praying for you both and will continue to do so. I have no words. But, through the Holy Spirit interceding on my behalf, be lifted up. Much love you and your family.
Curtis Bowden
March 24, 2013Will and Angie, I am a colleague/friend of Kelly Ross (Angie’s sister). I have been praying non-stop for you two. I cannot imagine what you two are growing through, but your strength has helped me push through some tough road blocks of my own recently.
God Bless you.
Curtis
Danae Marquis
March 24, 2013Will and Angie- Many praying for you here in Ohio! Our hearts are sorrowed with you and amazed at the blessings we also recieve from you! Praying Gods healing hand but most importantly praying Gods will to be served. Lots of love going out to you!
dana ferrell
March 24, 2013My heart aches for you. But I will stand strong for you, as you will stay strong for us. <3