Archive of Fr. Bill’s Prayer Updates
Introduction
In April 2018, Bill Mouser's physicians discovered that he had a form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (diffuse B-cell). Subsequently, he received three one-day infusions of a chemotherapy cocktail, followed by 15 administrations of radiation to his left neck, the only area where lymphoma could be detected via a PET scan. All this therapy ended in mid-September 2018.
For the next three years, clinical examination failed to detect any new enlarged lymph nodes in Mouser's neck or armpits.
In April 2021, a visit to the local emergency room revealed that Mouser's spleen had doubled in size over the preceding 12 months. A PET scan revealed advanced lymphoma in his spleen, in lymph nodes between his spleen and liver, and in lymph nodes of his right neck. Subsequent genetic investigations of the DNA of cancer cells revealed a rare and very aggressive form of lymphoma, generated by yet a different form of leukemia that had undergone a very rare “transformation.” The prognosis for this syndrome is extremely poor. Statistically, overall survival post-diagnosis is approximately 10 months.
A re-examination of the biopsies from 2018 showed that Mouser had this rare syndrome at that time. Nevertheless, he had survived approximately 36 months instead of 10! His condition in 2021, however, was dire. He was admitted to William P. Clements Jr University Hospital on June 1, 2021, to begin a three-month course of aggressive chemotherapy.
During the course of his therapy for lymphoma, Mouser requested the prayers of a number of Christian families, colleagues in ministry, and friends. These “prayer updates” are archived here in order to provide a record “from the trenches” for others in the future who may undergo the challenges of therapy for an aggressive form of immune-system cancer which is extremely difficult to treat. Additionally, these updates provide a window into the spiritual challenges posed by a life-threatening disease.
It is Mouser's conviction that everything we see and hear, everything a Christian experiences means something. Consequently, he looked continually at the course of his cancer therapy for object lessons embedded into all that he experienced. In the light of God's Word (i.e. the Bible), Mouser evaluated his circumstances, including various trials and difficulties he faced, and he was encouraged when he discerned valuable spiritual insights intertwined with the challenges he faced. These he began to share with those who were receiving his prayer updates.
Many who received these updates asked Mouser if they could share them with others whom they knew were ill or were facing difficult trials. Such requests are a primary reason these updates are now archived here - so that others facing spiritual challenges, especially from life-threatening illnesses, may benefit from lessons that Mouser discerned in his own challenges from his own cancer.