Welcome to our Dad's Caringbridge website. Today August 2, 2021 is Dad's 78th Birthday. For those who don't know for the last couple of of years our Dad ( Steve Culbertson has been dealing with a disease called MDS. MDS has caused his platelet count to continually be very low and he has had to go for blood tests 3 times a week for over a year now. . If his platelets fall below 20 then he is sent down to the hospital for a transfusion. I would say over the last several months he has been averaging 2 transfusions a week. The doctors have been treating him with Chemotherapy , thankfully it is not the kind of chemo that slows him down ( much ) and his regular golf games have continued along with a little fishing and working in the woods where he loves to be. Dad's spirit, and faith remain rock solid. Our understanding is that eventually MDS results in most cases in an acute form of Leukemia. Unfortunately Dad had a new development last week with the diagnosis of a second cancer, one that is very rare, so rare in fact that his Oncologist had never even heard of it. I can't even pronounce it. There was good news and bad news in this diagnosis, the good news is the doctor said when it is found it is usually systemic and needs to be treated with a heavy chemotherapy , with Dad however they only found one tumor and they have chosen to do radiation on this area instead of chemotherapy. That was a relief and a huge answer to prayer. This time has been difficult for Sharon also, she has struggled with terrible back pain and continues to struggle with the leg where she had failed knee replacements . She has a very hard time sleeping because of her pain. She had back surgery last Monday July 26th and her road to recovery has been very difficult. I am sure the stress of Dad's illness is not helping either. We hope that in sharing thier story that ( you) thier friends and family will lift them up to the Lord in prayer for healing, comfort and peace during this difficult time. They are both leaning in and trusting the Lord, but life on this side of heaven at times can just be hard, and this is a time they also need to lean in to the body of Christ for prayer . Jesus said in his word " I have said these things so you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart for I have overcome the world" . Jesus is our conquering King, cancer is no match for him ! I am thankful that our parents are trusting in the Lord for everything they need, we would certianly covet your prayers on their behalf. With love, Steve and Sharon's kids
