Prayer Warriors

The Hogue Family

Bill Hogue

Tue, 7 Mar 2006
Dad will begin his chemo treatments this Thursday (09Mar) @ 10a.m. My brother and I will be alternating days and nights throughout the remainder of the week and weekend to make sure Dad has someone there.
Please continue to pray for strength and increased faith during this time. We don't know what lies ahead but we do know who controls it.

God bless you all.

Randy Hogue

------------------------------

Tue, 7 Mar 2006
Thank you for the offer, my friend. Right now we are handling everything fairly well but we have only just begun the journey and only the Lord knows what the future holds. We are digging in for the long haul but having friends like you and Kim gives us a great deal of comfort.

Randy

------------------------------

Thu, 9 Mar 2006
Update on Bill Hogue...

He began his first chemo today at 11a.m. and will need to return every week. This first treatment will take approx. 6 hours.
The remaining treatments will be approx. 3 hours.

The doctor said his restricted breathing is being caused by the tumors but will get better as they shrink. He will be giving Dad oxygen in the meantime.

Ready for an answered prayer?!

All three scans (PET, MRI, bone) came back negative! Just two tumors in the lung! Praise the Lord for answered prayer and for prayer warriors that aren't afraid to bend their knees!

Please continue to pray, my friends. We are not out of the woods yet.

God bless each one of you!

Randy

------------------------------

Thu, 13 Apr 2006
Update on Bill Hogue...

Dad went for his weekly chemo treatment today but the doctor felt he was too weak and would not be able to withstand the treatment. As a result, treatments have been postponed and they are now trying to re-hydrate him to a normal level.
It was suggested by the doctor that we stop the chemo altogether and call in hospice due to dad's weakened state.
Dad said he felt if he were to stop and sit down for a while, he would be gone.
Dad has had good days and not so good days but I honestly felt he would beat this terrible disease but it appears that was not in the overall scheme of things as Dad has physically and emotionally given up the battle.
God bless each and everyone of you for your prayers, thoughts and kind words. Please continue to lift my Dad up as he enters into the next phase.

For Him alone,

Randy

------------------------------

Fri, 21 Apr 2006
UPDATE ON BILL HOGUE...

Dad had a Cscan Wednesday (19th) and the results were discussed yesterday (20th). The doctor said both tumors have reduced in size, the smaller one being the most significant. He has stopped Dad's chemo for one month. During that time he is to continue eating any and everything he can find and increase his fluids.

God bless each of you for your prayers and thoughts. The power of prayer continues to be evident in Dad's day to day improvement and it has strengthened the family beyond words. I will continue to give you updates as things change.

For Him alone,

Randy H.

------------------------------

Thu, 27 Apr 2006
Good morning, Keith!

For the past few days, I have been unable to access your website and I wanted to see if everything was okay with you and your family. You are probably well aware of this, but I wanted to let you know just in case.

Dad has been given a reprieve from the chemo for a month to build up his strength and muscle mass. During that time we have found someone that will help him with the rehab process who is also a cancer survivor.

The Lord is in control of this and all things but sometimes the impatient human side wants to see positive results and wants to see them now. Life is full of tests. I hope He grades on a curve!

Have a great day, my friend.

Randy

------------------------------

Mon, 8 May 2006
Update on Bill Hogue...

My Dear Friends, Family and Prayer Warriors-
I wish I had some uplifting news to pass along but unfortunately, I do not.
Dad continues to go down hill. He remains weak and lethargic and will only drink and eat if he is forced to and as a result, continues with borderline dehydration. He simple doesn't have the strength to continue the battle.
On the positive side, we have hired a new lady that will start this morning. She will cook, clean and make sure Dad takes his meds. She is a true answer to prayer as we move into another phase of this battle. We are in prayer that she will be able to cope with Dad and his "attitude".
Those of you who know my Dad or any of the Hogues are aware of the famous "Hogue Hard-Headedness" and as long as there is a glimmer of hope and a prayer in our voice, we will continue to pray and hope for God to intervene in this situation. Please consider yourselves honorary members of the Hogue family and join us in this hard-headed stand off!
Seriously, God bless each and everyone of you for your continued prayers and concern. Can any of you imagine going through something like this by yourself, without friends and family to lift you up? I thank you for your strength.

For Him alone,

Randy

------------------------------

Wed, 24 May 2006
Update on Bill Hogue...

Not good news, Folks. After spending the last five days with Dad, we have come to the realization that he needs 24 hour care. He has begun to fall quite frequently and his legs are now too weak to support his body. The Oncologist said there will be no more chemo and for us to call in hospice. We began 24 hour care on Tuesday at his home. Dad was unable to sit up this morning to take his meds and would only take a couple of sips of water. He hasn't eaten anything since breakfast yesterday. As a result, we have had him taken to Rockdale Hospital where he can be treated accordingly. If he comes home, hospice will be there and whatever adjustments that are required will be made at that time.
Thank you all for your prayers, well wishes and cards. My family and I deeply appreciate your concern and love. I will update you as thing s change.

God bless you,

Randy

------------------------------

Wed, 24 May 2006
Addition to today's update on Bill Hogue...

Dad is now in Rockdale Hospital. The two tumors in his left lung have grown significantly (Doctor's words) and have blocked air passage, which began the creation of fluid. So, now Dad has pneumonia. He will be in the hospital for several days while they decide what to do next. It is starting to look like the original prognosis of six months was highly exagerated. More as it happens...

Randy

------------------------------

Fri, 26 May 2006

Keith-
The latest on my Dad...Tuesday (23May) the Oncologist gave Dad 6 months. Wednesday (24May) the Oncologist gave Dad 1-2 weeks. Please pray for strength for my Dad and family and we enter into what appears to be the final stage of this terrible time.
Thank each and every one of you for you prayers and well wishes. They have been felt and are greatly appreciated.
Also, thank you, Keith, for creating the Prayer Warrior section on the school's website and for placing Dad in there. This section will be a blessing to all who enter. A place where we can read about those in need and then be given the opportunity to take those needs to the Throne of God and lay them at His feet! What a powerful thing. I can see it becoming a daily part of everyone's lives; get your coffee, go to the website, and check on the latest updates in the Prayer Warrior section. What a way to start the day!
God bless you, my friend.

Randy Hogue

------------------------------

Wed, 31 May 2006

Update on Bill Hogue...

Dad has been moved to a hospice facility in Dunwoody. His health continues to decline but he is alert enough to tell us he wants to go back to the hospital. According to the doctor, the hospital is not an option and going home is definitely a bad idea. We are trying to help him realize he is in the best place for the care he needs. Not an easy thing to do.

God bless you all,

Randy

------------------------------

Fri, 2 Jun 2006

Update on Bill Hogue...

The Hospice just called. Dad has slipped into a non-responsive coma and his blood pressure has dropped to 60/40.
It looks like he's coming to the end of the battle.

Randy

------------------------------

Sun, 4 Jun 2006

Dad passed away Sunday morning at 5:00. Visitation will be Monday and funeral on Tuesday. Not sure about times yet but will pass along as soon as everything is finalized.
Thank you for your prayers and kind words, my friends.

Randy

------------------------------

Sun, 4 Jun 2006

Final update on Bill Hogue...

Visitation: Monday 6-8pm
Funeral: Tuesday 2pm
Directions to Haistens Funeral Home (McDonough):
I-75 south to exit 216 (GA 155), turn left over bridge.
Haistens is 1.7 miles on your left.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund
McDonough, GA 30253

God bless you all,

Randy

------------------------------