But now, O Jacob{Jessica}, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Big C Little c

Posted by Jessica's Little Brother Chad

Most of you already know my sister Jessica. You know her as a minister, a confident,  a friend, a family member. What you might not know is that Jessica has been sick. For the past four months she has battled a barrage of sickness from bronchitis, to the flu, to whooping cough.  More recently Jessica has struggled with severe anemia.

Doctors eventually started to ask questions about why she has been so sick, so long. This has lead us down a path of investigation. The original thought was that Jessica might have an auto-immune disease order, however this possibility has since been ruled out. As other investigative testing continued Jessica continued to get more sick. She developed a severe pain in her hips and lower back, this pain along with continuing anemia recently landed Jessica in the hospital. Over the past few days during Jessica's hospital stay our family has been overwhelmed by the out pouring of love from the community that has supported Jessica for the last 29 years. However, it is with a heavy heart that I must request your continued outpouring of love for Jessica and our family at this time because what I have to tell you next is one of the hardest things I have ever had to write.

During Jessica's hospital visit, her doctors did several tests and scans. These scans have revealed several lesions on Jessica's hips and lower vertebrae as well as, a large tumor in her right kidney. Doctors quickly did a biopsy Monday morning of the lesions on Jessica's hip and it has been confirmed that Jessica has cancer. As you can image this is difficult news for our family to process at this time. As I am sure it is difficult for you to learn of this news as well. Further tests will occur this week including a PET Scan as we continue to investigate and study.

It is my hope that this blog will serve as a platform where we can all stay connected, and encourage one another together as we fight this cancer. My family will be posting updates as quickly, and as frequently as possible, so that we can all stay informed through out this process. Visit often, as this will be the best way to stay up-to-date. In turn please use the comment section below to post encouragement for Jessica. Also feel free to email encouragement to our family at GetBetterJess@gmail.com. Texts and emails are also grey ways to encourage but please know Jessica may not be able to respond to them all.

With the harsh reality of this news the next steps are already being planned and as soon as we know them we will post them here, but for now please pray. Pray as often as you can, and boldly ask God for healing. As Jessica told me the other day cancer starts with a little c, but Christ starts with a big C.  - My God is Greater, My God is Stronger, and he will be glorified through this.

Love in Christ,
Chad

Click for an Update



25 comments:

  1. Jessica has been the source of strength for so many of us. Now it is our turn to rally round for her. Prayers ascending from the Scroggs family.

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  2. Prayers from your family at the Troup County Sheriff's Office.

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  3. Jess, you are the best friend a girl could ask for. I love you so much and I miss Tuesday lunch dates more than I can say. I wish I could snap my fingers and be back there with you right now. Fight hard my friend. We will be there again soon! I love you so much!

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  4. Jess you are a very out going person in the short time that i have got to know you. you have a big heart and will help anyone that you can, i pray that God heals you so you can be back at home where you belong. you are a fighter and i will not stop praying for you and your family. God has you in his hands. You are such a fun loving caring person, just like your mom and dad. I love each of you. If there is anything i can do please let me know. Please God bless and hold this family in your hands.

    love mel

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  5. We will be praying for her, Jason, and the kids. God can produce miracles and prayers are being sent now

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  6. Jessica,

    The Royal Prayer Warriors have got you covered day and night!

    We love you.

    Beth, David, Suzy and Mimi

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  7. We love you, Jessica, and we are praying for you.

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  8. Thanks to all for all the prayers for Jessica and her family. Thanks Jason for taking care of my little girl. I am proud of you. We WILL kick cancer in the butt. Love you Daddy

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  9. Courtney Cook (Bennett)April 11, 2013 at 4:42 AM

    Jess, prayers to you and the entire family. I wish I could come see you, but know you're in my thoughts and prayers. The Big C has got your back. Love you dearly.

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  10. The Southside Atlanta Special Needs community sends prayers to all y'all!

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  11. Hi, there. I just came across your posts from someone who had it posted on Facebook. I don't know a lot about the history, but have recently been doing a lot of research on something called the Gerson Therapy. It looks to be very beneficial to those suffering from cancers and other sicknesses. Netflix has a free documentary called, "Dying to Have Known" and "Food Matters." I just feel impressed to share this and hope that you all are able to get the relief you need. Sending prayers your way.

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  12. We love and miss you. We are praying for a miracle. Andy, Angie, Kinsey, Sydney and Natalie

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  13. thinking about and praying for your entire family!!

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  14. Jessica, we serve a might God. I am praying for you and your family and every doctor and medical professional that is treating you. Stay strong. Much love. Teresa

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  15. Vicky Olivent
    Brooks' & Reeves' Memaw

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for what you've meant and continue to mean to Newnan FUMC and especially to my family, the Leebern's. We're also praying for GOD'S peace that passes all understanding.

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  16. Love you Jessica and we've been praying for you and your family. You can and you will be stronger and better!

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  17. My sweet, sweet friend. I so wish I had words to express how much you mean to me. You have taught me patience, kindness, service and so much more. Your love for children and our awesome God is an example that I strive to follow each day. Know that I will be with you every step of this journey. You are not and never will be alone. My prayers never cease. Kick'n c through Christ all day, every day! My love, Hollie

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  18. Hi Jessica,

    We will keep you in our prayers. Lord please keep your loving arms around Jessica and her family and please heal her in Jesus name. Amen

    Jessica from Louisiana

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  19. I love the words Robin Roberts mother told her when she began her battle last year...she said "take your mess and make it your message". I think that God has picked an awesome messanger. I have never met you but your mother in-law was my oldest daughter's kindergarten teacher. My daughter saw her the other day and we are keeping you and your family in our prayers. We will continue to follow your journey with love and prayer.

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  20. Jessica,

    We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Scarlet & Eric

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  21. Our dear friend Jessica, sometimes there are just no words to describe what our hearts are feeling. Though you have now become a victim of this dreadful disease, we are claiming in God's word, that you shall become a survivor. You have already experienced your first miracle, that of being gifted with more than triple the funds that Chad had requested. My words may be of little comfort at this time, but as you contemplate what may be ahead of you, just be assured that we will be among the many prayer warriors who will accompany you throughout the coming days. We love you and will unceasingly pray for the wisdom of your physicians, for strength for you and Jason & entire family, and for you to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit at your side always. In His Love, Faye & Fletcher Helms

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  22. Jessica,
    I don't know you personally, but reading your story really touched my heart. I want you to know that no matter what things may appear to be, remember God has the final say so. Just trust and believe in Him.

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  23. Our hearts are heavy to learn of this news. We will continue to lift your family up in prayer. Carolyn and Charles Hill

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  24. What a FANTASTIC time we had sharing the day painting with you at Sunday's fundraiser Jessica! There is no mistaking Jesus Christ's grace, love, and GREAT understanding flowing through you to comfort US in how we are hurting for you! You are an amazing woman, and God is not even close to being finished with you yet! Let's hurry up and get this "thing" taken care of so we can move on together to good times! Praying for peace, comfort, and clarity for you and your family.
    Love, Debbie Hembree

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  25. Jessica, what an AWESOME woman you are! Remember we can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength! Praise God! Thoughts and prayers go up for you and your family!

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