A Friend in Need of Prayer

[PhoenixCadet]

All,

I hate that something like this is one of my first topics on the new forum, but I know many will be able to help.

The father of two friends of mine (sisters), USMC Lt Col Jeff "Oly" Olson, Ret., has just been diagnosed with cancer. It was originally found in his pancreas, and after a short time (few days) was found to have spread to his lungs and liver. Very recent intel now states he has a stage 4 cancer in his upper lymph nodes (head and neck).

This all developed literally in the past 3 weeks - and it didn't make matters any better when doctors who had originally given him 5-6 months to live, lessend that to 1-2.

Lt Col Olson served 24 years in the Marine Corps as a fighter pilot (retiring in '97). He served in Desert Storm (where he met his wife), earned the Bronze Star, and commanded VMFA-232.

I ask that you pray for Colonel Olson and his family. We're all going through a hard time with this, especially his two daughters. Luckily, they're all strong Christians, and know the Lord is in control.

Thank you,
Alex

[C.A.P. Flight Officer]

All,

I hate that something like this is one of my first topics on the new forum, but I know many will be able to help.

The father of two friends of mine (sisters), USMC Lt Col Jeff "Oly" Olson, Ret., has just been diagnosed with cancer. It was originally found in his pancreas, and after a short time (few days) was found to have spread to his lungs and liver. Very recent intel now states he has a stage 4 cancer in his upper lymph nodes (head and neck).

This all developed literally in the past 3 weeks - and it didn't make matters any better when doctors who had originally given him 5-6 months to live, lessend that to 1-2.

Lt Col Olson served 24 years in the Marine Corps as a fighter pilot (retiring in '97). He served in Desert Storm (where he met his wife), earned the Bronze Star, and commanded VMFA-232.

I ask that you pray for Colonel Olson and his family. We're all going through a hard time with this, especially his two daughters. Luckily, they're all strong Christians, and know the Lord is in control.

Thank you,
Alex


USMC Lt Col Jeff "Oly" Olson has my prayer and many more. He sounds like a great man who does not deserve to die like this. I will be praying for him and I will tell my syblings to pray for him.

[SlightlyCatholic]

I'll pray for him today. Thanks for letting all of us know.

[Kiwi]

They are in my prayers too.

[reddog]

Some things are difficult to ask for, prayer shouldn't be, but it is for some. I think it's a manly request on your part to do so, Alex. And, I will..
Easy Brother,
Reddog...

[PhoenixCadet]

All,

I appreciate the prayers, and I know Colonel Olson and his family do. Colonel Olson is currently at home after a stay in the hospital. I'm not quite sure on the specifics, but I do know he had a +105 °F fever, which was recently brought down and (last I hear) was somewhere around 100 °F. He hasn't been able to eat much at all - and doctors found out that there is a matter with his gallbladder. Having it flushed (if they haven't already) will supposedly help him with his nausea so he can get food down.

Alex

[txb&b]

Didn't see this until now, PC. I am so sorry to hear this sad news and will keep Lt Col Olsen, your friends and you in my prayers.

It's been 1-1/2 months since you initially started this thread. Are there any updates on Lt Col Olsen's status that you can share? Your description of his diagnosis/prognosis reminded me of my aunts and how aggressive her cancer was. If it's God's will that He call this fine Marine home in the near future, I hope He makes the journey for him as quick and fairly painless as He did for my aunt. I know I don't say it often enough, but God Bless all the angels of Hospice and Home Hospice that do such a remarkable job of helping patients and their families through the final transition.

[PhoenixCadet]

In a report from Mrs. Olson dated two days ago, the cancer hasn't spread any more within the pancreas and liver, but certain things are definitely getting worse. More tumors are showing up on more lymph nodes. He also has possible evidence of blood clots, hardening of the arteries and an umbillical hernia.

The Olson family is still in strong faith, though.

Thanks for the thoughts!

Alex

[PhoenixCadet]

I regret to inform everyone that my friend, Lt Col Jeff Olson, passed away at 2345PST Thursday, January 15th. He was surrounded by his wife, daughters, and brother. Thank you all for your prayers and God bless you.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/flyboy8/ColonelOlson-1.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/flyboy8/ColonelOlson2-1.jpg


Alex

[wukong]

High Flight
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling
mirth of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred
things you have not dreamed of - wheeled
and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.
Hovr'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along,
and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up, the long, delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand, and touched the face of God.


by John Gillespie Magee, Jr., September 3, 1941

[reddog]

PhoenixCadet,
I am sorry for the loss of your friend and mentor. I'm sure he's in good hands and with friends.
Sir, your posted poem led me to do a bit of research on John Magee. This night I learned something, thanks for posting. Great poem..
Easy Brother,
Reddog...

[txb&b]

My deepest condolences on your loss, PC.