Christian Photographers Community

I've posted an update from Ed's Facebook post today.  Please pray for Ed and Donna and post to let him know you are doing that.

Thanks!  Click HERE (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=13326.msg190972#msg190972) to read the update from Ed.

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Let's all join together and pray earnestly for Ed McMurray's wife, Donna, who has lung cancer.

Here's his post on Facebook tonight:

Some of you know that my wife Donna has lung cancer. She is in the hospital now because she had too much fluid retention in her lungs and legs plus high potassium number.
The cancer board will discuss her case tomorrow and treatment could begin as soon as the final pathology reports are in.
It all started because she had a cough. The x-ray revealed that the spot seen in 2012 had grown.
We covet your prayers.

Just prayed for Donna and Eddie.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Eddie and Donna.
I will say a prayer every day.
God bless you both

I will be lifting Eddie and Donna up in prayer in the coming days.  Prayer is a powerful weapon. 

Praying!

My prayers for Donna and Eddie ... Our God is able ....

Ed, I pray for the Lord's peace for you and your wife during this difficult time.  May our Lord direct the doctors in His will.

I agree with others here who are praying for y'all. May our Lord be praised through your difficulties, and may you each find rest in His loving care.

Ruth Ann

 :) Hi Ed.  Will be praying for you at this awkward time in your life.

Noreen and I got the best news's that we could today that the infection is gone and we are just so thankful to the Lord.  Again thankyou for all the prayers over the last two plus years praise the Lord.  Gordon and Noreen. :cp:

Hello Ed, you don't "know" me but I send you a prayer for healing for Donna and peace for both of you each and every day to come.

Thank you for all the prayers on behalf of my wife Donna and I. We really appreciate them.  We know that God is in control and are comfortable for whatever He lays out before us.

Donna gets out of the hospital today and I welcome her home.   We wait now for the pathology report on the last test and then a sit-down with the doctor to discuss a plan of action.  The cancer in her right lung and surrounding lymph nodes is non small cell adenocarcinoma....which is a better than small cell.  That's the good news.  The bad news is it is not curable so she will be on treatment the rest of her life.

Dear Ed and Donna, 
I know of several people going through this diagnosis of treatments "the rest of their lives".  They are all doing well and with some changes in lifestyle, they continue on normally.  My very best to you.  You two have been married about as long as we have - hugs and prayers. 

Prayers going heavenward for you, Eddie, and your dear wife, Donna.  God is able, and He loves both of you.

Posted on Facebook today by Ed...


Well today is the day Donna and I have been waiting for...the day we find out what the game plan is and what the prospects are. We got the answer.

She has stage 4 cancer. If certain elements are present in the cancer she can take a pill. If not, it is chemo every 3 weeks. We were told she would feel better with the treatment than without.

She was given one year, maybe more. Different people react differently to treatment. So we live life as it is. When we say, "It is what it is" we say that with confidence of eternal life after this life on Earth has ended.
A long time ago, Donna and I committed our lives to Jesus Christ and we allow His will for us, it is what it is. What we will do in the months/years to come is to draw closer to each other and closer to our Savior than we ever have. He will see us through this, of that I am confident.

What we pray for......is that all of our family and friends will accept this free offer of eternal life. After we're gone from this temporary life, we will be waiting on the other side for you to arrive..............be there.

What a refreshing, godly attitude!  God bless them!

 :)  Hi Ed. and Donna  I have so many people that the same as you Donna and most are Christians and they have been able to have the same feeling's as you both do.  It is wonderful That our heavenly Father gives us strength to get through this.. As I was sending this my oldest brother just called me from Scotland and his youngest daughter has found out that she has cancer.   Her name is Fiona and she has 3 children .  I do not have the details yet but when I get them I will pass them on.  Also pray for her salvation.  All our love to you and God' richest blessings to all on C.P..   Gordon and Noreen. :cp:

Praying Ed, May you know God's presence as you walk through the coming days.

We celebrated 55 years of marriage yesterday with a group from church giving us a "Flash Mob" (whatever that is)  They sang some hymns using words about us and to us...on our front lawn.  Donna said this was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

We got the test results.  Her cancer is terminal stage 4.  She will do chemo (she may decide not to)  They've given her 1 year, 6 months without treatment.  As expected she feels miserable and I think discouraged.

We live one day at a time and are confident that God's plan is the best for us....whatever happens.  We do not give up hope entirely, for we know many are praying for a miracle.  We know this is possible as Donna was healed back in 1977 when she should have died.

Thank you for all that are praying for her.  There are people all over this country and Canada (perhaps world) praying for her, many we do not know.  That is God's networking in action.

Ed I'm just now getting online to read of this diagnosis for your wife.  I admire your attitudes ... it is often such a different story with those who do not know the Lord or have any faith in what the future holds. 

My daughter, Joy, is the same way.  She is receiving chemotherapy for her Stage 4 cancer, but living a full and happily optimistic life.  A real testimony for all who come in contact with her.

I'm definitely praying for you and Donna during this time.

Prayers continue for Donna and for Joy!

Here's an update Ed posted on Facebook:


We're home Toto, we're home. First chemo treatment done. Everything was pretty much as we expected. The chemo drip area is nice, great caring staff. Our nurse had been in the area since 1996. They 3.5 hrs max.....it was 3 hrs.
We don't know what exactly to expect in regards to side effects of the chemo, but Donna is ready. Thanks to all of your prayers and encouraging words.

Someone told us that many people have no reaction to the first chemo.  We're praying that Donna doesn't have any reaction to any of the infusions of chemo.

Once again thank you for your concern and your prayers.  Donna is greatly encouraged by them.  So am I for that matter.

Ed, may you and Donna continue to be surrounded by the peace of God as she goes through the treatments.

Ed, may God's love surround y'all as you go through this journey together.

Ruth Ann

Donna had her 2nd chemo this past Tuesday.   Same thing as last time.....no bad side effects except being tired.   Yea !!!!!!

We know that many people are praying for her and she is greatly encouraged by that.  We have also heard from many cancer survivors.  One is from a classmate of mine that is an 8 year survivor of stage 4 lung cancer.  This was really encouraging to us, since that is what Donna has.

We are switching her treatment to Karmanos Cancer Center at DMC.  Our next appointment is this Friday.

Thanks to all of you for praying for us.

Ed:  You and Donna have such an uplifting attitude - I know friends going through this challenge as well and they have put their entire thoughts into trusting Lord as well.  It is a privilege to "know you two".   

So pleased for you that there are no bad side effects.  I continue to pray!

Tests after chemo # 3 indicated red blood cells low and she's tired so she got a pint of red blood cells to build her up.  Also the Xray showed the tumor had shrunk 1/8 inch.  At least it shrunk.

Chemo # 4 infused Tuesday.  The transfusion of red cells worked, a little.  She is less tired.  We see the doctor next week for a new look via PET scan and review of chemicals she's getting.

We are greatly encouraged by reports of lung cancer survivors.  We appreciate all of the prayers going up on her behalf......all over the country and Canada....perhaps even overseas.

We'll get through this.  "The Lord Is The Strength Of My Life."

Ed, it seems to me that any shrinkage of the tumor seems to me to be a good sign.  Praise God for answered prayers - which continue until you can tell us she's cancer free! :thumbsup:

Thank you for the update, and we continue to pray the tumor continues to shrink until it totally disappears!  Our God is able!

I read this on Facebook, however just saw it here.  Prayer continues.

Just back from Karmanos and hearing the latest results from PET scan last week.

For the uninitiated a PET scan shoots a sugar compound into the blood stream and it goes right to any cancer. Cancer shows up as illuminated. In other words the brighter the image is and the more images there are.....the worse the cancer is. It also indicates the size of the tumor.

The PET scan from Henry Ford in June showed the tumor to be 1.456 x .787 inches (a total mass of 1.145 inches) and it was pretty bright in the lymph nodes around the cancer.

The Karmanos PET scan indicated the tumor had shrunk by more than half. It is now .7086 x .6299 inches (a total mass of .446 inches) The lymph nodes brightness was now barely discernible.

The chemo for tomorrow was moved ahead one week with one chemical removed. The next step......the board will review her case on Thursday this week. The result could be radiation, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Then another review by the board.

We are thankful for the good report today. We can't help but feel it all resulted from the prayers on mom's behalf and of course the chemo.

Thanks for bringing this update.  The result of the PET scan certainly sound good and I'll keep praying for continued shrinking of the tumor.

Quote from: Ed on October 05, 2015, 12:17:58 PM

Just back from Karmanos and hearing the latest results from PET scan last week.

For the uninitiated a PET scan shoots a sugar compound into the blood stream and it goes right to any cancer. Cancer shows up as illuminated. In other words the brighter the image is and the more images there are.....the worse the cancer is. It also indicates the size of the tumor.

The PET scan from Henry Ford in June showed the tumor to be 1.456 x .787 inches (a total mass of 1.145 inches) and it was pretty bright in the lymph nodes around the cancer.

The Karmanos PET scan indicated the tumor had shrunk by more than half. It is now .7086 x .6299 inches (a total mass of .446 inches) The lymph nodes brightness was now barely discernible.

The chemo for tomorrow was moved ahead one week with one chemical removed. The next step......the board will review her case on Thursday this week. The result could be radiation, 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Then another review by the board.

We are thankful for the good report today. We can't help but feel it all resulted from the prayers on Donna's behalf and of course the chemo.

May our Lord send the Comforter to bless and uphold y'all as you go through these treatments. My prayers are with y'all.

Ruth Ann

Donna had begun her 5th week of radiation.  She will get 33 treatments in all, with the last one on Dec 10th.  She will get a CT scan on the Dec 29th and we see the doctor on Jan 4th.  We are expecting a good report.  The doctor said, "Then we will give her a rest."  I took that to mean further treatment might be needed.

She's very tired, still has the "cancer cough", still painful swallowing.  She's losing weight, but I think the doctor convinced her she needs nutrition and offered a couple of suggestions.

Time and time again we reflect that we know that everything that happens is in God's hands and we are comfortable no matter what the outcome.

Thank you for your continued prayers...we have seen evidence of them.

You certainly have the right attitude, Ed.  And I pray that Donna will feel better, stronger, and the cough will go away.  I pray you can enjoy the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas in peace, joy and love.  Blessings to you both!

Ed, I pray that the report on January 4 will be good news and that she won't need any more treatments. 

Thank you for the update. I've been wondering how Donna is doing.

Ruth Ann

Please continue to pray for Ed and his wife.

Here's his update from today on Facebook:

"Ed McMurray

Donna is on hospice now. They've drained her lung 3 times and they'll drain it again tomorrow. The fluid has cancer cells. They put in a catheter so we can drain it at home....no more runs to the ER.

She sleeps good....for that I'm thankful. She eats a little. She still likes to watch "Love It or List It" on TV.

I think I might not post anymore updates...it's hard facing reality. But then again maybe it's theraputic.......We'll see."

Thanks, Pat. 

We need to continue praying for Donna and also for Ed.  As some of us know, it's very difficult for the caretaker who watches a loved one suffer.

I've walked in his shoes. I'm praying for both of them and for those who love them.

Ruth Ann

Sorry I have not been on in quite some time....things just got away from me.

Donna is resting peacefully. The meds help her do that.  A new med (a 12 hr time release capsule) is supposed to help her even more to remain comfortable.  Breathing and lower back pain is what bothers her the most.

I thank each of you for your prayers and your concern.  Donna & I appreciate it.

While we don't like the final outcome of this situation, we are both comfortable with whatever God has in store for us.  We know that many are praying for a miracle and we really believe it is possible for we experienced one 39 years ago when she almost died with a ruptured spleen.

BUT we do not want to invoke our desires into God's even better plan.  When we say, "His will be done" we really mean it.

I will be praying also!

Here is a post from Ed's Facebook today:

"So what's up in the McMurray househoild. Some of you are privy to how things are going through our kids or through private msg's.

Donna is is stage 2 of 3 stages in this process. She's weak, but eats some, drinks water and LOVES ice chips. Good thing I bought an ice crusher when this all started.
Mornings are a fog.....isn't that how real life is...roads are foggy in the morning, but the sun soon burns the fog off. Well, the Son burns it off with Donna. By 1 pm she is at her best for the day.

As this process progresses, we trust in Him more and more. Like when she says "I don't like living like this, I just want to die." We literally cry out to God for peace that will let her drift off to sleep.....it comes."

I'm so sorry y'all are going through such a difficult time. My prayers for you continue.

Ruth Ann

Ed, praying for strength and peace for you and Donna.  The peace and strength that we know can be given by our Lord.

God is so good to answer your prayers and give Donna rest.  We are all supporting you with our prayers.

Ed posted this lovely photo of Donna and him in their front room today!

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1934563_10209028288405803_7695758442703097295_n.jpg?oh=e6068fb8bc92e5bf900dd69d8665b64d&oe=5787DEAC)

What a sweet photo.  I can certainly sense the love of this couple.  May God continue to hold you in His loving arms as you travel through this dark valley.  Prayers continue.

What a lovely photo ... I can relate so thoroughly ... my prayers continue.

Things have pretty much settled into a routine around here.  I'm learning some tricks to move her without hurting her.  She takes so little to make her happy and comfortable.  Every so often a flash of the healthy Donna appears during our conversation.....a smile, even a stare if I say something out of line, or she'll ask a good question. 

Sadly her mind thinks one thing, but something else comes out of her mouth.  I have to figure out what she means.  Most of the time I luck out and guess right.

We have been told what to look for when the end is near and some have started to exhibit themselves...like the flattening of the ear lobe.  Her pulse rate is high, but her breathing rate is "normal."

Two weeks ago we were told 2-3 weeks.  We end each night in prayer and each of us surrender her to Jesus if He should come in the night.

I think that this is a beautiful photo of Donna...


(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/12512326_10209169457854951_6416971128276563590_n.jpg?oh=99b36cc99653b713d60f77a05eb8029f&oe=577E48D9)

Thank you for sharing your journey, Ed. And thank you, Pat, for the photos. I see the love of God Himself in this couple.

May our Lord uphold each of you with His strong right hand.

Ruth Ann

Posted by Ed on Facebook...

Beyond The sunset By Hank Williams

ED MCMURRAY·SATURDAY, 2 APRIL 2016

Should you go first and I remain to finish with the scroll
No lessening shadows shall ever creep in to make this life seem droll
We've known so much of happiness we've had our cup of joy
And memory is one gift of God that death cannot destroy

I want to know each step you take that I may walk the same
For someday down that lonely road you'll hear me call your name
Should you go first and I remain one thing I'll have you do
Walk slowly down that long long path for soon I'll follow you
In that fair homeland we'll know no parting beyond the sunset for evermore



I've been listening to Bill Gaither songs today and this one especially strikes home with me.
As I sit beside Donna and watch her sleep, I watch her chest go up and down with each breath knowing soon she'll take her last one.  That's when this song's reality kicks in.  For she will go first, and I'll remain......but some day I will walk that long road and call her name.

"Donna,  I'm here.  Donna, I'm here." 

And it will be as if it were a twinkling of an eye when she went first and I remained.

Here's a nice post from Ed on FaceBook:


Well my tortella soup passed muster by the house expert. Sandra said it was good, Ethel Orr said it was delicious. Today Donna had some and deemed it "good."

Donna passed away this morning and is with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

"Absent from the body, present with the Lord"


Please join us here in the Sympathy area (http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=13444.0) to post messages of condolence to Ed and his family at this sad time.