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Art’s Story

Site created on May 24, 2019

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I'd like to share my husband's story from health to the hospital. On March 28, Art complained of lower back pain when he came home from work. He thought it was the workout at the gym and he treated the pain as a muscle ache. We took walks around RiverBluff High School each evening and he thought the walks were helping his back get better. But as the weeks went by, his pain increased running down both legs and his left foot began to drop. On May 3, he agreed to see an orthopedist to assess his symptoms and get help. An MRI was scheduled for 2 weeks later and we went home to wait. The next week the pain became unbearable, he couldn't sleep at night, and walking became increasingly difficult. He agreed to let me take him to the Parkridge ER on May 10. Dr. Tanner listened intently to our concerns and agreed to order an MRI. It was that night that we learned that Art had a large mass growing in his spinal cord. We were referred to Dr. Seth Molloy, neurosurgeon, and admitted to the Palmetto Richland Hospital on May 13. Three days later, Dr. Molloy performed a lumbar laminectomy in hopes of removing a benign tumor, but instead the tumor was malignant and could not be resected. We waited 6 days for the pathology report and then learned that Art had a rare and aggressive cancer called Glioblastoma of the spinal cord. By this time, the tumor had taken Art's ability to stand and walk. Throughout the whirlwind of events, we have felt God's presence and we trust that He has a glorious plan in all of this.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Tracy Spires — Jun 4, 2019

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26

This morning Art met his Lord and Savior face to face. Our hearts are broken as we loved him so much and will miss him deeply. We are grateful that his pain and suffering are over. We know the Lord our God is near the brokenhearted and He will sustain us in the days and weeks to come. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.

Read More of the journal titled "June 4, 2019"

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