Pastor James Roberts

Finished With Treatments

2006-12-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Pastor Roberts is officially finished with his radiation treatments. We are so thankful for this! He didn't seem to have any problems with the treatments, and everything is looking up, just in time for the holidays! Thank you all for your prayers.
God has been so good to our family!
And I am expecting this next year to be one of many blessings.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Kendra

First Week of Treatment

2006-12-06T07:20:00.000-08:00

Pastor Roberts started his radiation treatments this week. So far everything is going well, he has had two treatments since Monday.
He has a total of five treatments this week, and three treatments next week. Thankfully, that is all he needs at this time!

Thank you to you all for your prayers.

Kendra

Radiation Therapy

2006-11-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

Pastor Roberts will begin radiation therapy on Monday. His doctors have agreed that he only needs 8 or so treatments on his nose and seem to be very positive that this will solve the problem.
We appreciate your continued prayers and will keep you updated.

Kendra

Excellent News!

2006-11-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

Pastor Roberts got some great news today! His CT scan came back clear...no sign of any cancer or anything to cause concern. His doctor even said he wasn't sure Pastor even needs to have radiation on his nose, but a couple of other doctors on the cancer board want him to see a radiologist. So, Pastor will be meeting with a radiologist soon. God has been so good! Thanks to you all for your prayers! God hears the prayers of the righteous!

Kendra

A Much-Needed Rest

2006-11-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

Pastor and Sis. Roberts are away on vacation. Pastor is doing very well, and is relishing in his much-needed rest! Thank you all for your love and concern. He is doing just fine, and I will keep you updated as I get more information.

Kendra

Wonderful News!

2006-11-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for being patient and waiting for my news.
Guess what? Pastor Robert doesn't have lymphoma! The U of M cancer board met last night, and they've decided that he has something that mimics lymphoma, but is not. Whatever it is, it is more localized, and will only need to be treated with a small amount of radiation! Thank God! He may have a gene that generates cancer, and if that is the case, Katie and I will have to go and be tested for this gene. We will find out about that on Tuesday, I believe. Pastor will still have to go for a CT scan on his head because he's had a head cold that will not clear up, but I am believing that God is going to take care of that as well!
Thank you all for your prayers and concern.
I will keep you posted on further updates.

Kendra

CT Scan and Blood Work

2006-10-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

Pastor Roberts will be going in for a CT scan and some blood work on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Please keep him in your prayers and Sis. Roberts as well.
Thank you for all of your phone calls, comments and emails. You are wonderful friends and family.
We love and appreciate you all.

Kendra

An Urgent Prayer Request

2006-10-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

Please pray...my father has been diagnosed with large cell lymphoma. I don't have any more news at this point, but this is an aggresive cancer, treated with chemotherapy.
We need all the prayers you can muster at this point.
I will be back with updates.
Thanks,
Kendra

Your Quarterly Update

2006-08-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone. I haven't had much to post here in the past couple of months. Pastor Roberts is doing just great!
He went to his quarterly checkup last week, and the doctor is very pleased with his progress. He has no signs of cancer and is doing absolutely great.
He is also on a diet, and is excited because his suits are getting too big! Way to go, Daddy! I'm proud of you. :)

Thank you all for your love and support.

Kendra

X-Ray Update

2006-05-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

It turns out that Pastor Roberts' leg is NOT fractured. Thank You, Jesus! Apparently he has been a little lax on doing his stretches, and the leg is tightening up because of it.
All he needs is a little more exercising of the leg, and he should be fine.
Thank you all for your prayers.

Kendra Lynn

Strange News

2006-05-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well, Pastor Roberts received some strange news regarding the MRI he has last week.
He may have a FRACTURE in his leg! This could explain why he's been having so much trouble with his leg lately.
His doctor told him that sometimes radiation makes a person's bones more brittle, and that he may have a fractured leg.
He goes on Wednesday for xrays on his leg.
Please say a prayer that this is easily fixed.

Thanks.

Kendra

Happy 56th Birthday!

2006-04-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hey, Daddy, Dad, and Grampy:
Just wanted to stop by and wish you a very happy birthday.
I'm so glad that YOU are my daddy, and that you are my pastor.
You are such a good and wonderful and Godly man, and I can name off many dozens of people that would agree with me. :)
You are a marvelous Grampy and a great father-in-law.
I thank God that He gave us YOU!
May you have a wonderful day, and a very blessed year.

We all love you very, very much.

Love,
Kendra, Scott, Merry and Kelsey

New Happenings

2006-03-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to update everyone and let you know that Pastor and Sis. Roberts are doing just fine.
Pastor is feeling well and working hard at substitute teaching and pastoring. He is working almost every day, so the girls and I don't get over to see him much during the day anymore.
Sis. Roberts just started a new job as a substitute secretary/receptionist at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She is very excited and is really enjoying things so far.

I am going to have to redirect my life to go along with theirs now. :) I am starting to help Scott out with Online Solutions, Inc. I'm (supposedly) his secretary, although, the girls keep me away from the job alot of the time. However, this spring and summer I will be doing my best to stick to it, and get alot accomplished. I know its possible, I just have to buckle down and do it. :)

Dad, I'm glad you are feeling so well, and that things are looking up right now.
Momma, I'm so happy you found a great job and that you are doing something you enjoy.
I love you both.
Looking forward to getting home and back into the swing of things.

Love,
Kendra

Biopsy Results

2006-03-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Thank You, Jesus! Pastor Roberts' biopsy came back negative! Thank you all for your prayers. His doctor wants to do some more testing just to be sure there is no more cancer, but for now, the report is a good one!
God is so good, isn't He?

Biopsy News

2006-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

Pastor had his needle biopsy today. He came through it just fine, but we won't have any news on the biopsy until Wednesday sometime.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

We love you all.

The Roberts Family

Another Biopsy

2006-03-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note:
Tomorrow Pastor Roberts will be having another biospy on his leg. Please say a prayer for him.
Let's join together, believing in faith that God's hand is on Pastor Roberts.

Thanks for your continued love and support.

Kendra

News on the MRI

2006-02-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

We finally got some news on the MRI that Pastor Roberts had done a few weeks ago.
He will have a biopsy on March 6th.
The MRI was not definitive, so they are going to take some tissue and test that.

Please pray for him and for all of his family. This news is disappointing and I, for one, am wondering what God's plan is in all of this.
I know God can touch him once again, and I am believing that with all my heart.

We covet your prayers.

Kendra

An MRI and A Prayer Revial

2006-01-24T21:53:00.000-08:00

Pastor's leg has been giving him some trouble, so his doctor has called for an MRI.
He will go for the MRI on Thursday evening and hopefully we will find out what is causing him so much trouble.

The main thought is that it may be scar tissue that has built up, and he is also going to physical therapy to help with mobility in his leg. I believe that everything is alright...and that God is going to touch him, yet again.

Please help us pray that all goes well.
Our God is awesome, and He knows what is best for us...and He wants what is best for us...He is a miracle-working God, and I believe that my dad is going to be just fine!

Also, Pastor Roberts has called a prayer revival for the next few weeks...and so far...God is doing a work among us! I really feel that we are on the brink of an incredible revival, and that our church will never be the same!
Thanks, Pastor, for helping us strive to be closer to God...I believe that prayer changes things!

God bless.

Kendra

Christmas Pictures

2006-01-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

Here are a few cute pics of the grandkids at Christmastime! Boy, did we have to work HARD at getting cute pictures of them! Hope you all appreciate our hard work.

Kendra

Merry and Kelsey at Aunt Katie's house

2006-01-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

Zach in his Christmas clothes

A New Update

2006-01-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone:
I know its been ages since I last posted, but there hasn't been much to tell!
We had great holidays with all of our families and friends, and now we are settling back into the groove of things.

Pastor Roberts went today for his checkup and his chest x-ray came back clean, so no worries there. He's been having some trouble with his leg, he thinks he hurt it while we were in Tennessee for Christmas. The doctor wants Pastor to get a MRI done, just to make sure everything is fine, so I will be posting an update on that afterwards.

Please continue to keep Pastor and Sis. Roberts in your prayers.
We love and appreciate you.

Kendra

Grandparents and Grandchildren

2005-12-10T02:55:00.000-08:00

I managed to get this picture of ALL of the kids with Grammy and Grampy! Boy was that tough! Those little boogers are WILD! Its not perfect, but at least they aren't crying.

Grammy, Grampy, Zachariah, Kelsey and Meredith

Grampy and His Favorite Kids

2005-12-04T22:30:00.000-08:00

I was going through some pictures from this fall, and found this GREAT picture of my dad and all the grandkids! He's the world's greatest Grampy, and all his babies just LOVE him!

Enjoy!

2005-12-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Grampy and the kids

Happy Birthday To You!

2005-11-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom,
I know your birthday isn't for a couple of days yet, but I wanted to make sure I posted you a birthday note, and I actually have a couple minutes of free time, so here goes.

I just want you to know that you are the very best mom. You have taken such good care of Katie and me and our families, and I am so thankful that you are YOU!

This year is a "big 'un" for you. :) 50...but take comfort...you don't look like you are 50. And you are such a beautiful lady. Thank you for being an example of grace and love to me.

I hope that your birthday is a very happy one, and that this next year is your best yet!

I love you, Momma...more than you know!

Love,
Tweety Bird

A Thank You Note

2005-11-12T17:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the church for your love and support. We appreciate your gift and your love that you showed to us on Pastor Appreciation Day. We are looking forward to using our gift card and going to a nice dinner. Thank you all. We love you.

Pastor and Sis. Roberts

Pastor Appreciation

2005-10-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad:

Just wanted you to know that Scott and I really appreciate you.
You have been there for us through thick and thin, and you've been there for our church through the same.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we wanted you to know that we appreciate you.
This has been a rough year for our family and our church, but you have stood strong.
We look to you as excellent examples of Christian love in action.

Thank you for being the best parents and the best pastor and pastor's wife we could ever ask for!

Love,
Scott and Kendra

Homecoming

2005-10-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

Today Pastor and Sis. Roberts flew home from California. They had a nice, relaxing two-week vacation, and were very happy to come home to their grandchildren. :)
Scott, the girls and I met them at the airport tonight with hugs, kisses, and welcome home signs!
Merry and Kelsey held up signs that said, "Welcome Home, Grampy and Grammy!"
Scott and I held up a sign that said, "Praise God, You're Home!"
We spent the last two weeks living at their house and taking care of Brandon. (which wasn't a bad thing...we're just exhausted and ready to be back in our own home!)

We're thankful that Pastor and Sis. Roberts were able to get away for a much-needed rest.
Thanks to all of you at church who helped hold down the fort while they were gone!

WELCOME HOME, PASTOR AND SIS. ROBERTS!

A Well-Deserved Rest

2005-10-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

Pastor and Sis. Roberts will be on their way to California tomorrow morning for a well-deserved vacation.
Please pray that they have a safe and happy trip, and that they come home refreshed and in good health.

They have had a rough year, but God has seen them through it, and has blessed them. Now they have the opportunity to go and rest up before the holiday season, and I am happy to see them having a vacation!

Say a prayer for Scott and me as well. We will be taking care of their house and their foster son, Brandon, while they are gone! (Not that we mind, but I'll be juggling all kinds of school, work and church schedules! Whew....its mind-boggling.)
Thanks for all your prayers and support.

May God bless and keep you all.

Kendra

Looking Back With Thankfulness

2005-09-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

I've just been reading over this blog from the beginning until now, and it's made me thankful. There are so many friends and family members who have shown us such love in this difficult time. You've not only said nice things, but you've done a lot for us, too. Many of you call from time to time and ask how Pastor Roberts is, and that is an encouragement to us. Even though it's been 9 months since his diagnosis and surgeries, we still feel such gratitude for our loved ones and their concern.
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement.

Sis. Roberts

Another Milestone

2005-08-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Grampy and Grammy...the time has come.
Tomorrow your first grandchild will take the first steps toward her education.
Yes, that's right. Tomorrow, September 1st, 2005, Meredith will make her first visit to her new preschool.
A bittersweet time, to be sure.

Can you believe that three years have passed since she came into this world, and into our hearts?
Its absolutely amazing.

I'm so thankful that Merry has YOU for her Grampy and Grammy. You are a great man, Grampy, and you will use your teaching skills to help her at this new time in her life. She's really blessed to have you.
Grammy, you are the best Grammy that my little girl could ever have. She is so blessed to have you to take such good care of her.
And so am I.

I love you, Daddy.
I love you, Momma.

p.s. Thank you both for showing me how important it is to be a good parent. And thank you for raising me in a Godly home...being an example for me. I only hope that Scott and I can pattern our parenting to reflect the Godliness you instilled in me.

A Good Sermon

2005-08-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Just wanted my dad to know that he preached a really great, pastoral sermon today. :)
Good goin', Daddy.
I especially appreciated the plug for respecting those in leadership.
You are a great pastor.

I love you.

Kendra

Thanks from Pastor Roberts

2005-08-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

To Kendra,

What a wonderful daughter you are! Thank you for all your love and your diligence in keeping this blog up-to-date for all of our friends.

To my wife, Patti,

Thank you for being there with me every step of the way when I know you were suffering, too.

To Katie,

The hardest thing for you was that couldn't be here much during this time -- but I know you were with me in spirit, in your prayers and in many a phone call. You are wonderful!

To all my friends,

Thank you for all the prayers and wonderful comments you have left here on this site. Others of you who are either a part of our church or live nearby helped in ways that you could and it made all the difference. I cannot tell you how encouraging it has been for me over these past months. I love you all.

To the Lord,

Thank you for bringing me through this and for the hope of more life, an enjoyable life with my friends and family.

To God be the glory,
Pastor James Roberts

Just An Update

2005-08-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone:
Just a quick update for you all. Pastor Roberts is doing pretty well these days, however, he could use your prayers.
His leg is giving him some trouble lately. He has some edema(swelling due to the radiation treatments)and it is really bothering him. His leg tends to swell up if he's been on it too long, or if he has had a little too much excercise.
We would really appreciate your prayers for healing.

He has found a couple treatments for this particular ailment, but his doctors have not prescribed anything at this point.

I will keep you all updated on how he is doing, but please pray that God would heal him of this.

Thanks to you all.

Kendra

Meredith and Kelsey Lynn

2005-07-27T23:10:00.000-07:00

Here are some new pictures of my girls. I was asked to post a few more on this site...so here they are. Enjoy. :)

Doing GREAT!

2005-07-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hey, everybody.
I havent' posted in quite sometime, just because there hasn't been much news. :)
However, Pastor went to the doctor for a quarterly checkup and was given a clean bill of health. Everything is looking well, and he is feeling great.
I really thank God for his healing touch and the strength that He has given our family through this entire ordeal. He really is a GREAT God!
God bless you all.

Kendra Lynn

A Note from Sis. Roberts

2005-06-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'd just like to say that it is wonderful to see my husband back to his usual self.
He was a very "reluctant recoverer". It's possible that I just made up a new medical term, but you get the picture!
He didn't enjoy sitting or laying around for six months. And it's nice to see him getting out and about. I know he is relieved to be active once more.
Thanks to all who have kept him in your thoughts and prayers through this crisis.
We love and appreciate all our friends.

Feelin' Good!

2005-06-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hi, everybody.
Sorry its been so long inbetween posts.
Pastor is doing remarkably well! He says he's feeling just about back to his normal self. He's back teaching Bible study and preaching, as well as all his other tasks, and enjoying his family and life to the fullest. :)
I am especially thankful during this Fathers' Day for my dad. I thank God that he is here with us this year, and that he is doing so well.
Truly God has blessed us!
Much love to you all.

Kendra

The Healing Process

2005-06-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Pastor Roberts is feeling much better, but his body is still going through the healing process. He's been spending alot of time at home, trying to heal, and is ready to be back to normal! He is in good spirits, though, and very appreciative of all the support from the congregation, family and friends.
Thank you, from him, to you all.
You are greatly loved and appreciated.
May God bless and keep you.

Kendra

Its Finally Over!

2005-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

It is finally over. Pastor Roberts is DONE with his radiation treatment! He is very excited about that! :) (as you can imagine.)
He is still pretty burned and sore, but the doctor has assured him that he will start healing up in a few days, and will be feeling much, much better very soon. :)
Thank you ALL for taking the time to pray, call or send a card through this whole ordeal!
It is wonderful to have good friends to lean on in times of trouble.
We love you.

The Roberts Family

Almost Through

2005-05-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well, Pastor Roberts is almost through his radiation treatment. :) Only two more to go, and boy, is he happy about that! The past month or so has been pretty rough on him, so he's anxious to put the radiation behind him and get on with the healing process.
We will keep you updated, thanks again for all your prayers. :)
God bless you.

Kendra

Please Pray

2005-05-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone. This is the first post in a week or so because Scott and I just got back from a Lynn family trip to Disney World. We had a marvellous time, but are happy to be back home.
However, we got back home and have seen that Dad is really having a hard time with this radiation. He is very burned, and the skin on both of his legs is very sensitive and he is uncomfortable. He is debating whether or not he should continue on with his last eight sessions of radiation. He has to constantly slather on aloe vera, and it hurts him just to walk or move.
Please pray that God would ease his pain, and help him through this time.
I hate to see him so miserable, and I know that prayer works, and that God can heal his skin and make things more bearable for him.
Thank you all for your continued support.
God bless you.

Kendra

Pastor Roberts' Treasures

2005-05-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone. Well, I just thought it was about time to add some photos to the site. Hope you all enjoy them. Most of them are of Pastor Roberts' treasures, his grandchildren. First are my (Kendra) children. Meredith Kathryn is three. Then comes Kelsey Elizabeth who is almost two.

My sister (Katie) has one little boy. Zachariah Nathaniel who is seven months old.

Pastor Roberts is the best Grampy in the world. (Not to mention the best Daddy!)

He loves his children and grandchildren unconditionally, and we all love him back just the same. By the way, Grammy (Sis. Roberts)loves us all just as much as Grampy does! :)

Anyway...we hope you enjoy the new photos.
God bless you all.

Kendra

Our New Assistant Pastor

2005-05-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well, Pastor Roberts will finally have some help around the church! Bro. Zane King has been helping out since Pastor found out about the cancer, and he and his wife have been a huge blessing to our church.
The church voted last night to bring the Kings on as Assistant Pastor and we are very excited about this! They will become an official part of the Westland United Pentecostal Church on June 1st.
We are looking toward the future with Bro. Zane and Sis. Alissa King as a part of WUPC.
As for me, I am especially thankful that my father will have a good, Godly helper in the ministry. I have all confidence that the Kings will be a great addition to WUPC.

Love,
Kendra

1/3 of the Way Through

2005-04-28T02:59:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everyone.
Well, Pastor is 1/3 of the way thru his radiation treatments. He's doing well, except that his skin is irriated pretty badly, and itchy and chapped. Please say a prayer that the irriation will go away. He's pretty uncomfortable right now.
He's looking forward to summer, and no more daily trips to the hospital!
Thanks for all your prayers and support.

Love,
Kendra

Doing Just Fine

2005-04-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hello. Well, just thought I'd let you all know that Pastor and Sis. Roberts are doing just fine. Sis. Roberts got the temporary cast off her left foot, and the doctor says she doesn't need a cast. She's walking along with no problem, no walker and she's able to wear her shoes! (which is a great relief to her!) She played the piano yesterday in service, and we had an awesome service. :)
Pastor is back to preaching and teaching, and singing in the choir (which I am personally VERY thankful for!).
Things are looking up, and we are so thankful to all of you who have been praying.
God bless you.

Kendra

Update on Pastor AND Sis.Roberts

2005-04-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hello, everybody.
Sorry its been so long, but here is a new post for you.
Things are going well for Pastor Roberts. He is doing well with his radiation and his physical therapy. He is in good spirits and keeping himself busy. :)
Sis. Roberts could use some prayers, though. On Tuesday she fell down her patio steps, spraining her right ankle, gashing up her left shin, and fracturing the top of her left foot! She is okay, but obviously in some pain.
Please keep her in your prayers.
Thanks to everyone for all your love and prayers these past few months.
God bless you.

Kendra Lynn

First Week of Radiation

2005-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Well, Pastor is almost through his first week of radiation. He seems to be doing quite well with it. His leg is a bit sensitive, but he hasn't complained of any pain. He said that his leg gets pretty warm at times in the area that has been radiated, but other than that, things are looking pretty good.
Thank you all for praying for him.
He's doing well, and is grateful for all your prayers and support.
Love,
Kendra

Feeling Well

2005-04-11T01:21:00.000-07:00

Pastor Roberts had his first radiation treatment this morning. When I talked to him afterwards he was feeling just fine and looking forward to seeing the girls and me this evening for his birthday dinner. He says that he had no pain, and that the only thing that bothered him was the preliminary tests that they did. He had to lay in the same position for over an hour and was tired afterwards.
Thank you to everyone that said a special prayer for Pastor Roberts today. We KNOW that God has His hand on him, and that all of our prayers are being heard.
Much love,
Kendra

Happy Birthday!

2005-04-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

I failed to mention in my last post that Monday, April 11th, is also Pastor Roberts' 55th birthday!
Happy Birthday, Daddy! I hope that this year brings you health, wealth, and happiness. :) And also revival in Westland!
You are a good man, maybe the best I know. :)
I love you very very much.
Kendra

Starting Treatment

2005-04-09T00:14:00.001-07:00

Hello, everyone. Sorry that its taken me so long to update the site! We really didn't have anything new to say up to this point, but we now know more about the radiation treatments and such.
Pastor will start treatments on Monday. Please keep him in your prayers on Monday, and I will be updating the site with more info on Monday evening or possibly Tuesday.
We appreciate comments on this site, so feel free to leave a note to Pastor Roberts.
Thanks again for your prayers and support.
Kendra

Chocolate...Yum!

2005-03-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

Just a note to thank the Michigan District for sending a nice basket FULL of chocolate to Pastor Roberts! The ENTIRE family benefited from your thoughtfullness. But more importantly, thank you for your continued prayers. Pastor is feeling pretty good...walking around and enjoying the beautiful weather and playing outside with his granddaughters.
He begins his radiation next week, April 6th, so please pray especially for him that day.
Thanks again.
May God bless you all.

Kendra

Feeling Better

2005-03-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

Well, Pastor Roberts seems to be feeling much better. He is practicing walking without his cane. (using it only when his leg is feeling weak) And he is going about his daily business, almost like normal.
The new game with Merry and Kelsey is that Grampy chases them around the house with his cane. They run from the cane! Amazing what will entertain children (AND their grandparents!).
Pastor will be starting his radiation in just a couple weeks. He has a special cast that he will wear over his leg that will allow only the area where the cancer was to be treated. He will wear this cast during every radiation treatment.
We are very thankful that God has kept His hand on Pastor Roberts during this whole ordeal. And we are very thankful that his treatment will soon be over.

Oh, one more thing. Please keep Sis. Priscilla Spears in your prayers. Visit www.makescentsco.com to view her story.

Thanks.
Kendra

Back To Church

2005-03-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody.
Pastor was back at church today. :) He sat with Scott and Meredith and me, instead of on the platform, but it sure was good to see him there! :)
Thank the Lord, he is healing quickly.
Thanks to Bro. King for preaching the Word today. You and your wife have been a huge help to our church and to our family.
God bless you.

Kendra

Just a Quick Note

2005-03-17T22:08:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody. Just a quick note to tell you that Pastor will begin his radiation on April 5th...or right around there. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner treatment ends! :)
Thanks for all your prayers.

God bless.

More Good News

2005-03-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

Daddy went today to meet with the doctors regarding his radiation treatment. He will begin radiation in about a month, it will last for 35 days, or roughly seven weeks. The immediate side affects are not very severe. His leg will appear to be very sunburned, and he may feel some fatigue. However, his doctor said that most people continue working and going on with their lives during radiation treatment, and he doesn't foresee any problems with fatigue for Dad. So, that is GREAT NEWS!:)
Long-term side affects are few, and not severe. His leg may appear to be slightly swollen from now on. But that is it! Isn't God great???
Dad says he is VERY encouraged, and really feels like God is bringing him through this thing.
(Our whole family is VERY encouraged!)
Thanks for all your prayers...please keep them up!
With much love,

The Roberts Family

Encouraging News

2005-03-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

Pastor went to see his doctor today, and came back with yet another good report. (God is certainly watching out for him!)
His wound is healing up very well, and the doctor was pleased with his progress. He will be meeting with the oncologist soon to discuss radiation treatments, but they probably won't begin them for another two weeks.
He begins his physical therapy on April 6th.
When I talked to him on the phone he told me that he and Sis. Roberts are very encouraged and really feel like everything is going to be alright. Thank God for His wonderful power!
Please continue to keep Pastor Roberts in your prayers.

Much love,
Kendra

Improvement

2005-03-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone. I saw Pastor today, and he seems to be continually improving. :) He is tired of sitting in his chair. I could tell because he spent quite a bit of time swinging his cane around, almost knocking over a lamp, jostling the couch cushions, teaching Meredith the WRONG usage for a cane! That's a grampy for ya though, I guess. Grampys are good for riling up the grandchildren. :)
He's walking with a cane now, and getting around quite well.
Thanks for all who have sent cards and brought meals in the past week. You are wonderful.
Thanks to Bro. Zane King for taking over Sunday services again....you and Sis. King are much appreciated.
God bless you all.

Kendra

A Special Thank You

2005-03-12T00:49:00.000-08:00

Pastor Roberts asked me to post a special thank you today. He wants to thank all of his neighbors who have pitched in and helped to keep his driveway and walks clear of snow, and also to the Lubbe's who made him some wonderful soup not too long ago! :)
You all are very much appreciated. Thank you for being such wonderful neighbors.
God bless you.

Very Good News!

2005-03-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hi, everybody! Well, my mom called me today and said that the pathology report came back from the surgeon today, and they got all the cancer! Wonderful, huh? :)
The report said that the cancer is still considered a low-grade cancer, which is great, but dad will still undergo radiation therapy. Thank God for taking care of him through all of this! Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Much love,
Kendra

Recovery

2005-03-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Hello. Pastor Roberts is still doing well. He's in a bit of pain, but seems to be handling it okay, and is walking pretty well with the walker. I think we will know a bit more about the pathology report this week sometime. They had to test some of the tissue around the tumor just to be sure that there was no more cancer. I think we will know the results of the testing in the next few days.
Radiation treatment will probably begin in the next couple of weeks. Please keep Pastor Roberts in your prayers as he goes through this treatment. It won't be fun, and he needs all the prayers he can get!
Thanks to everybody who has sent flowers or made meals or sent cards....you are all very much appreciated!
God bless you.

Kendra

Home at Last

2005-03-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hello, everybody. Dad made it home just fine yesterday. He found it hard to sleep last night in a regular bed rather than an adjustable hospital bed, but seems to be in good spirits this morning.
He's still having to walk with a walker, and told me that walking is quite painful at this point, but he presses on. :)
He can go up and down the stairs, leaning on the banisters, so that's a plus.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers during his recouperation.
I'll continue with the updates when I know more.

Love,
Kendra

Coming Home

2005-03-04T22:52:00.000-08:00

Pastor Roberts will be coming home tomorrow afternoon. He is really happy about that, and so is his family! We all miss him very much! :)
He's a little worried about the radiation treatments that he will have to go through, so I ask for special prayer that God's hand would be on him as he goes through treatment.
Thanks to all who visited or called during his hospital stay.
Also, thanks to those who are working hard to keep WUPC going strong while Pastor Roberts is recouperating. We appreciate you.

Kendra

Progress Report

2005-03-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

It looks like Pastor Roberts will be staying in the hospital for another night. Everything is looking good, and going well, but his doctor wants him to stay and just make sure things are healing as they should. He may be coming home tomorrow afternoon or evening.
He is able to walk a bit after taking his pain medication, and we are hoping that his walking improves in the next couple of days.
He's not in alot of pain, and is resting well in the hospital, so we have nothing to worry about at this point. :)
Thank you so much for all your prayers, and support.

God bless you.

Kendra

Day One - After Surgery

2005-03-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody.
Things are still looking good. Dad's had some pain today, but I think he's doing pretty good. They took him for a walk this morning, and are talking about possibly sending him home tomorrow. We shall see.
Thanks for all the positive comments everyone has sent. You are all wonderful blessings to our family.
A special thanks to the General Board of the UPCI and to Bro. Carpenter for your timely, and very thoughtful prayers.

Love,
Kendra

Pastor Roberts' Second Surgery

2005-03-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Well, folks, Pastor's surgery is over. Things went better than expected, and he was only in surgery for a little over two hours.
The surgeon removed the tumor and said that she felt confident that not much muscle was damaged. There were also no major nerves damaged in the process.
He is still in recovery at this point. I haven't heard whether or not he's fully awake, but we thank God that He kept His hand on Pastor Roberts during surgery.
Things are looking up and I will keep you all updated.
Thank you so much for your love and prayers.

Kendra

Good News

2005-02-28T21:18:00.000-08:00

Well, there were some setbacks this afternoon, and Pastor didn't get in for his procedure until after six this evening. I received a call from my mom around nine saying that he came through the procedure just fine and is in no pain. The surgeon did not encounter any difficulties, and things are looking good for his surgery tomorrow.
As of yet, we don't know the time of his surgery tomorrow. Please continue to pray, and I will be updating the blog hopefully tomorrow evening.
Love,
Kendra

More Procedures

2005-02-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

Hello.
Well, Pastor went in this morning for a vein-mapping procedure and some other procedure that will cut off the blood flow to the tumor in his leg. That way they will be ready to remove the tumor tomorrow.
Please continue to pray that God has His hand on Pastor Roberts' life...and on Sis. Roberts as well.
Bro. Anthony Harper came for the end of service yesterday and prayed a very powerful prayer over Pastor Roberts.
We are so grateful to Bro. Harper, and his devotion to the Pastor.
Thanks to everyone for all you are doing.
Much love,
Kendra

Preparing for Surgery

2005-02-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hello, everybody.
Pastor Roberts will be going in Monday, February 28th for a procedure before his surgery on Tuesday. Please keep him in your prayers. This surgery will be harder to recover from than the last one, and none of us are looking forward to that.
Merry, Kelsey and Zach have been spending alot of time with their grampy this week, which I KNOW he's enjoyed! :)
Thank you to all you who have brought a dish for Pastor and Sis. Roberts, or cleaned the snow from their drive, or just called.
We appreciate you all, and couldn't do this without you.
Kendra

Back In the Pulpit

2005-02-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

Thursday night was Pastor Roberts' first mid-week Bible study since the surgery on his lung. It was great to see him back and preaching the Word. Today was his first Sunday back in the pulpit, and he did a wonderful job (as usual) and preached a great sermon! It was good to hear him again, especially in light of the fact that on March 1st he will have his next surgery, which will require a greater recovery period.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
We appreciate you all.

Kendra

Pre-Op News

2005-02-16T22:54:00.000-08:00

Pastor went today for his pre-op meeting. It looks like this surgery on his leg is going to be very complicated, and involved. He has to go the day before the actual surgery for a procedure, and then have the surgery the following day.
They will probably have to cut down into the muscle of his leg, and he will have radiation on the edges of the area where the tumor was, after it is removed. The radiation may take up to six weeks. Also he will be looking at physical therapy, and possible nerve/muscle damage to his leg.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers...not only for his health, but for his spirits...he is a little down after the meeting today.
Thank you all.

Kendra

Pre-op Exam and Tests

2005-02-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody.
I haven't posted anything in a few days, due to having walking pneumonia! But I'm better now, and am able to resume my duties. :)
Daddy goes tomorrow for his pre-op exam and I believe, some more tests to prepare him for his March 1st surgery.
Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I know that God has His hand on him, and that everything will be alright.
Thanks for all your love and support.

Kendra

Thanks from Sis. Roberts

2005-02-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

I'd like to personally thank all of our friends, family and neighbors who have sent comments to James. This site is an encouragement to us both. We are keeping a positive attitude toward his up-coming surgery and recovery. He's done so well after the first surgery! We give God the glory!

Upcoming Surgery

2005-02-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone. Sorry for the delay in a new posting, but my little Kelsey and I have been pretty sick the past few days.
Here's the latest. Dad goes on the 16th of this month for a pre-op exam regarding the tumor on his leg. They've scheduled surgery for March 1st. Please be praying that this surgery goes very well...God is working, I believe it!
As far as the MRA on Dad's leg last week goes...he told me that he won't be getting news back on that. Apparently that was for the surgeon's benefit and not ours. :)

Thanks to Bro. Anthony Harper for taking over last Thursday night's Bible study. :) You are very precious to us, Anthony!
Also much thanks to Bro. and Sis. King for coming and taking over the past couple of Sundays. You are a very GREAT blessing to us and our church.
God bless you.

Kendra

Pathology Report

2005-02-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

Hi, everybody! Well, the pathology report from Dad's surgery last Monday came back today. His lymph nodes are free of cancer! Praise God! Thanks to all of you who have been praying for him.
Also, he goes in tomorrow, Wednesday, for a MRA scan on his leg. I'm not exactly sure what this scan is for. All I know is that it has something to do with the veins surrounding the tumor in his leg. I suppose we will know a little more about this by tomorrow evening.
God is good all the time! :)

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

2005-01-30T00:57:00.000-08:00

Well, Pastor is getting back into the swing of things, slowly but surely. He's planning on attending church today. (He, of course, will not be preaching or playing his trombone!) We will see how he does just sitting back and enjoying the service! :)
Thanks to Bro. Zane King for taking over the service today, and to Bro. Donnie Castaldini for taking over Thursday night Bible study. The Pastor and his family really appreciate all your help.

Recovery

2005-01-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

Well, Pastor Roberts seems to be recovering very nicely.
We took Merry and Kelsey over there tonight to visit "Grampy and Grammy" and boy, was it a joyous reunion! Meredith just couldn't leave my poor dad alone! And I think he enjoyed every minute of the attention. :)
He is feeling better and even talking of getting back to his everyday church work. (And his least favorite task, paying the bills!)
Thanks to all of you who took time to visit this past week, and for the cards and phone calls. We appreciate all of the love and support.
:)
Kendra

Coming Home

2005-01-26T00:46:00.000-08:00

Hey, everyone! Just another quick note to let you all know that Daddy will be coming home this afternoon sometime.
I talked to him this morning and he said he was feeling pretty good, but still a little groggy from the pain medication they've been giving him.
I think he and Mom will be happy to get out of the hospital and back home. :)
Thank you all for your kindness, calls, visits, postings, etc.
We love and appreciate you all.

Kendra

Hospital Days

2005-01-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to inform you all that Dad is doing fine...seems to be recovering well. He is a little uncomfortable and sore, but he's up to visitors, and will probably be home on Thursday.
I went to see him tonight, and he got up and walked the hallway, and was sitting in a chair reading his book when I left. :)
Thanks to all who have called him or gone to visit.
We love you.

God bless.

The Lung Biopsy Results

2005-01-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:
Today Pastor Roberts had his lung biopsy. Things didn't go as well as expected, and one of the spots on his lung turned out to be a small tumor. The cancer is called Adenocarcinoma. Scott looked up some info on it, so here you go.

Scott’s Summary
This type of cancer is rarely detected and treated in stage 1 or 2. (Before spreading or with early spreading) so we were fortunate to catch it this soon. Most diagnosis are made later, when this cancer has already spread significantly and the survival rate is much lower.

From Harvard Medical School Consumer Health Information Website
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/24402.html

Adenocarcinoma Of The Lung, What Is It?

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is a type of lung cancer.

Like other cancers, adenocarcinoma is the growth of abnormal cells. These cancerous cells multiply out of control, and form a tumor. As the tumor grows, it destroys parts of the lung. Eventually, the tumor's abnormal cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the brain.

Adenocarcinoma is more likely than other types of lung cancer to be contained in one area of the body. It also responds better than other lung cancers to treatment.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer. Most of this type of cancer is found in smokers. However, it also is the most frequent type of lung cancer seen in nonsmokers. It also is the most common form of lung cancer seen in women and people younger than 45.

The surgical team today was able to remove the tumor from Dad's lung, but because it was cancerous, they had to remove the lower lobe of his left lung, as well as a few lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are being tested for cancer, but the doctor has high hopes that they will be normal.
If that is the case, nothing more will need to be done to Dad's lung.
If all is well, and he heals fine from his incisions, in two to three weeks, he can get the tumor on his leg taken care of.

Thank you, EVERYONE, for all your prayers and support to our family! We are surrounded by wonderful friends and family, and we are so thankful for you all.
However, we want to send out special thanks to a few friends who spend the day with us in the Family Waiting Room at U of M hospital.

Pastor Nate Nix, and Bro. Joel Dunning, Pastor Anthony Harper, and Bro. Ron Brown, Bro. Donnie and Sis. Kim Castaldini.

Thank you for coming and sitting with us, and comforting us when things were uncertain. You all are HUGE BLESSINGS to our family. We love and appreciate you.

Thanks.

A Prayer Request

2005-01-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

Pastor Roberts goes in Monday morning for his lung biopsy. This will be an actual surgery, and in fact, he will be admitted into the hospital and will spend at least one night there. There appear to be TWO spots on his lung, and although his doctor doesn't believe them to be malignant, they must be removed and tested. As stated before, if they are malignant, Pastor will lose part of his lung.
This posting is to request special focused prayer on the evening of Sunday, January 23rd, and the morning of Monday, January 24th. Please pray that Pastor Roberts' lungs are cancer-free, and that God does a mighty work on this great man of God.
Thank you all for your wonderful support, love and prayers.

Lung Biopsy Update

2005-01-19T01:33:00.000-08:00

Hey, everybody:
Here's a new update on Pastor Roberts. He goes tomorrow morning to meet with a new doctor about his lung biopsy. They are planning on doing the biopsy Monday morning. This will be an actual surgery. Pastor will be asleep, and they will go in and remove the growth on his lung. They will test it, and if it is cancerous, they may have to remove part of the lung itself.
Please pray with us that this spot is NOT cancer! God is a healer, and He can do a mighty work, if it is His will.
I will be giving a new update possible Monday night on the results.
Thanks for your love and support.

A Note from Sis. Roberts

2005-01-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
I just wanted to thank all of you from Westland United Pentecostal Church for your prayers and support at this time. In the service today (Jan. 16th) you all showed a wonderful expression of love for your pastor as you gathered around and prayed for his healing and strength. It means so much to us that you are near. We love you,

Sis. Roberts

Decisions, Decisions

2005-01-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

Dad is in the midst of trying to decide on whether or not to have the lung biopsy. In the meantime, he is checking out alternative cancer treatments, mainly having to do with nutritian and vitamins. Some of the treatments look very promising, but there is still a lot of research to be done.
Thanks to all of you who have called, written cards or just given hugs in the past week or so.
You are all loved and appreciated.

The News

2005-01-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

Okay. Daddy talked to his doctor this morning. The tumor in his leg is a low-grade sarcoma. Possibly easily treatable. However, the lungscan he had shows a 1.2 centimeter SOMETHING, which may or may not be related to the lump in his leg. A lung biopsy may be in Dad's near future. So, I guess that the news is not good, but not TOO bad at this point. Please help us by continuing to pray for his healing.

The Waiting Period

2005-01-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

Hi, everybody.
First of all, I'd like to thank all of you who have taken time to visit this site. Your love, support, and especially your prayers are so important to our family.
Well, we find out alot more tomorrow. Sometime tomorrow Dad will talk with a team of people who will determine his treatment plan. I'm anxious to know exactly what is going on, as you are, I'm sure.
Please keep us in your prayers tomorrow.
I will post a new update as soon as I can.
God bless you all.
Kendra

The Beginning

2005-01-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

Last week, the first week in January, 2005, my father, Pastor James Roberts was diagnosed with cancer. We know very little at this point, but its kind of scary just because the "C" word was spoken. I myself had a rare skin cancer at one point, so I know that not all cancer is fatal, but it still scares me.
My dad is a great man, and I know that many, many people are praying for him. And I know that God answers prayers. I am confident in this.
The purpose of this blog is to keep all of our friends and family updated on his progress, and you all are welcome to make comments to us as well.
Thank you for your continued love and support.
We will know more on Thursday, January 13th.
I will get new info to you all as soon as possible.