Final Update (#58) on Ernie Gregory

(Ed.  This note continues the updates from Kevin Troller on Ernoe Gregory's battle with cancer.  It picks up from the previous series of updates with update 31)

Update 58: 

I just landed in Houston, and on the drive home, received a text from both Maura and Ernie Jr. that Ernie died peacefully today, surrounded by family, about 4:30pm East Coast time.  I called and spoke with Ernie Jr. to again convey the love and support from our community.  Ernie is at peace in the loving arms of our Savior Jesus, no more discomfort or confusion.  He is probably already sharing his stories with the angels; and I know his relatives that preceded him have welcomed him with open arms.  I will get the information from the family about the day/time/location of services.  I can tell you from talking with Johanna this weekend, that in lieu of flowers, that Ernie would have preferred anyone wanting to make donations do so to the American Cancer Society and Wounded Warrior.  It was nice to see family, friends, and our colleagues that visited Ernie and his family this weekend.  We should all be so lucky to have impacted so many people in a positive way; and to be loved and remembered as Ernie is.  Thanks also to those of you that have been discussing how to memorialize Ernie in meaningful ways.  He would have been humbled by all of this.  Bud Klumpf and DFAS-IN have been working the dedication of a conference room to Ernie for a while now.  I saw Al Runnels note about an ASMC scholarship; and I shared emails with COL Eric Zellars, Commandant, US Army Financial Management School about ways they can memorialize Ernie.  There are several of you on these notes from DASA(FO) and ASAFM&C; and I'm sure you are thinking similar thoughts.  Michelle, Judy, Kathy, Brian, and Glenn -- it was great seeing you this weekend.  More to come as I get info on the services for Ernie.  God's timing is ALWAYS perfect !!!

Update 57: 

It's Sunday and Ernie is mostly asleep, restless, seldom opens his eyes now. The nurse just left with advice to keep him comfortable. The morphine will comfort the restlessness. It is not expected to be long now.

Please pray for Ernie's comfort.

Update 56: 

I'm on a 6am flight out of Houston landing at Reagan National at 11:40am tomorrow morning, rental car, and on my way to Dumfries.  I should be at Johanna & Ernie's around 1:30pm.  Kevin

Update 55: 

Talking with Mrs. Gregory today, Ernie is declining quickly.  He is not responding at all, and he's not eating or drinking.  Friends and family have been stopping by; which helps Mrs. Gregory a lot to not be alone.  Johanna asked for all prayers possible for both Ernie and the family.  A very tough time, especially as quickly as Ernie is declining.  I'm still trying to see if I can get out this weekend; the weather in that area could be a challenge getting in.  Please join me in prayer for Ernie and his family ... there is no doubt that God is very present in this situation. Kevin

Update 54: 

Thank you to everyone who has sent notes today.  Special thanks to Graham Mackenzie and Juan DeJesus who provide this link from Mr. Gregory's retirement in 2004.  If you weren't around Ernie for most of his career; this is a great tribute to him and the leader he's always been !!!
http://capitolwords.org/date/2004/09/08/E1529-3_tribute-to-mr-ernest-j-grego
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Update 53: 

I just spoke with Mrs. Gregory this morning.  Some issues with hospice and the care they are providing; but that seems to have been resolved.  They come out 5 days a week, every morning Monday through Friday.  They don't come out on the weekend right now.  There was a bit of a scare in that Ernie is hardly eating or drinking, and his responsiveness has been drastically reduced.  He wasn't responding to his name; but eventually he answered that he wasn't in any pain.  His words are very limited.  It seems as though he is deteriorating quickly.  He is not able to get out of bed at all, he is very weak.  Friday was an unusual day in that Ernie asked specifically for pizza, which they got for him, and he enjoyed eating.  Johanna thinks he is aware of family and friends; he just doesn't respond much anymore.  Johanna's brother and wife have been at the house since Saturday; so there's been help and comfort for Johanna.  They will probably be leaving in the next couple of days.  Johanna said it is OK for people to come visit if you're in the area; just call first to make sure everything is OK when you want to visit.  Home phone:  703-491-1910.  Never stop praying ... this situation is in God's hands ... and His timing is ALWAYS perfect !!!!

Update 52.

All,
I just spoke with Mrs. Gregory and I am sad to say that the news is not what we have been praying for.  Mrs. Gregory asked me to share with you that Mr. Gregory came home from rehab late Friday.  The doctors felt that Mr. Gregory was too weak to continue rehab.  Mrs. Gregory called in hospice (3 days per week) and has a nurse that assists her 4 hours each day, Monday-Friday.  Mr. Gregory is alert, talking and is not in any pain, but he is very weak and has poor mobility.  While in hospice care, there are no plans to resume chemo or radiation at this time.  Mrs. Gregory appreciates your prayers during this difficult time.  Perhaps this would be a good time to send Mr. Gregory a card or message to reinforce the love and support I know you all have for him and his family.  If I get another update before Kevin returns home, I will share with you all.

VR,
Michelle Doyle

Update 51:  Ernie will not be going home today.  His strength has not improved and the therapists are recommending he stay longer to see if more time will add strength.  Right now, it’s unknown whether it will help.  Please keep him in your prayers as well as Johanna and the family.  I know they would all like to see improvement, strength, and Ernie enjoying more quality of life.  These are tough times and our prayers are needed.  

Update 50:  Ernie is still in Rehab in Fredericksburg; no changes to report.  There is some talk that he might be released on Friday; but there is no certainty of that today.  Mrs. Gregory and their children were with Ernie over the weekend.  If you’ve tried to call the nurse’s station and be transferred to his room to talk with him, you probably did not speak with him.  I’ve not experienced Ernie picking up the phone since he got there.  My wife, Mary, and I will be leaving this Friday, taking my Mom for a 10-day trip to Ireland.  I will try to send one more note before I leave on the 18^th, so don’t be alarmed that hear nothing from me until after the 28^th.  I’ll get caught up as fast as I can when I return so I can send you an update.  If any of you see or talk with Ernie, and you’d like to update everyone on this list; that would be fabulous. 

Update 49:  To begin with, let me report that Ernie and Johanna’s 46^th wedding anniversary is this Sunday. We all wish them a VERY Happy Anniversary.   Ernie was moved from Fairfax Inova to rehab late Wednesday night.  He is now located at Health South Rehab, 300 Park Hill Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.  The rehab is located behind Mary Washington Hospital.  The main rehab number is: 540-368-7300.  The nurse’s station number is: 540-368-7379.  So far I can report that Ernie has not taken the move well; and is not happy to be in rehab.  Whether that is pain, frustration, disorientation, etc., I can’t say.  The family is looking into home health care nurses that might be an option.  A very difficult situation for all involved, and certainly deserving of all our prayers.  In closing, today is the 14^th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  Definitely one of those days that everyone remembers where they were, what they were doing, and how the tragedy galvanized our never-say-die American spirit.  That’s the spirit I pray fills Ernie as I’m typing this.

Update 48:  Happy Labor Day weekend. For all of you that have labored, and that’s all of you – this weekend is for YOU !!!  If you have a favorite college football team and they played this weekend, I hope they won.  I just spoke with Mrs. Gregory, and it’s been a good weekend so far.  Kathy, Cookie, Maura and Ernie Jr.  all visited yesterday.  No changes to the info I last provided.  It still looks like he’ll be going to Fredericksburg for rehab; although the exact day he’ll be leaving is up in the air.  I called Ernie’s room, but no answer today, so I can’t give you anything specifically from him.  More to come this week.  Peace, love, and don’t forget to tell your loved ones .. that you love them !!!

Update 47:  

Ernie will remain in Fairfax Inova until maybe Monday or Tuesday, and then sent somewhere else for rehab for 7 – 10 days, maybe Fredericksburg.  The doctors want to give Ernie workouts 3x daily to build up his strength, and will also give him medication to help stimulate his immune system.  They want Ernie to get stronger before they start chemo again. The phone in his hospital room has been replaced and it works fine now.  703-776-8074.

Update 46: 

I spoke to Juan who was able to visit with Ernie last Saturday, and this past Wednesday when Ernie was taken to the hospital.  Ernie recognized him, which was good, and Juan was able to give him a big hug and convey the well-wishes, support and prayers from all of us.  I just talked with Johanna, the doctors are evaluating Ernie’s heart as he seems short of breath.  Also, his platelets are low, and he seems physically weak.  The steroids Ernie is on will make him weaker, so they’ll try to wean him off of them as soon as possible.  He’s doing some physical therapy at the hospital to help with his stability.  The doctor told Johanna not to be upset (AS WERE WE) that the tumor didn’t shrink more.  He said it often takes a while for the radiation to take full effect.  The doctor was happy there was shrinkage, however slight it was.  He was happy that the tumor didn’t grow.  Bottom line, Ernie will probably be in the hospital for a while.  Hospital:  Fairfax Inova,  Address: 3300 Gallows Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042.  The main hospital number is:(703) 776-4001.  Room 614.  He has a phone in the room: 703-776-8074.  I called his room number, it rang, but when Mrs. Gregory picked it up, I could hear her, but she could not hear me.  So they’re looking to get a different room phone.  Today’s info sounded a whole lot better than on Wednesday.  Hang on tight, this is going to be an up and down rollercoaster ride of info and emotions.  Please keep the prayers coming !!!

Update 45: 

Paymasters, some worrisome news.  I just got a text message from Maura.  Ernie is back in the hospital with swelling in the brain tissue.  Doctors will be treating him with a heavier dose of steroids, and will probably be moving him from Woodbridge to Fairfax so he can be with his oncologist.  I got a note from Billy Barker that had a great statement that I think we can all use:  "When our arms can't reach people who are close to our heart, we can always hug them with our prayers."  Billy, thank you for that.  Time for all of us to hug Ernie with our prayers; and please don’t forget prayers for his family and for the entire medical team assisting and treating him.  I’ll send more info as I get it.

Update 44:

  Results of the MRI, Yes the tumor has shrunk to some degree, but the doctor wasn’t specific.  Ernie was told he’ll get more info when he sees the oncologist and/or the neurosurgeon.  That might be this Thursday, and might be on September 13.  It didn’t sound like a whole lot of discussion happened; and a bit anti-climactic.  Ernie and family aren’t happy with the brevity of discussion and lack of info today.  Still no plans to do any more radiation; but there could be more chemo.  So let’s all give Thanks to God for no growth in the tumor; and to some degree there was shrinking.  We all need more info – and I’ll provide that as I get it.  God is in charge; and none of us should doubt that !!!!  Keep the cards, letters, notes, visits, and prayers coming !!!!

Update 43: 

This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it !!!  I just got off the phone with Mr. and Mrs. Gregory.  It’s been a great weekend with visits since Friday from Michelle, Judy, Arty, Juan and Mayra.  Here’s some comments I heard after the visits:  “Mr. Gregory felt great and was in a very talkative mood.  He seemed even more mobile than when we saw him previously.  We reminisced about old times and laughed when none of us could recall a name, even though we all knew who we were talking about.  We’re so glad that we were able to visit today!  The only complaint Mr. Gregory had today was that he hates his beard….I told him since it’s white and there are less than 4 months until Christmas….just go with it and he’ll make one heck of a Santa!!  Knowing what Mr. Gregory has been through….I think he seemed remarkable today – gives me hope that the chemo/radiation are working!!!!”  Great comments; thanks to all that have been able to visit – you know when you see him how much he appreciates seeing you.  On that note, Mr. Gregory has an appointment on Tuesday to find out the results of his last MRI; and then an appointment on Thursday with the oncologist.  So, please keep the prayers coming.  I saw a movie today titled, War Room.  A Christian movie about the power of prayer.  It indeed was a powerful movie, I encourage you to go if you see it’s playing at a theater near you.  With that I’ll sign off, hoping you all enjoyed an awesome weekend.  I’ll be back on Tuesday or Wednesday to pass along the news about the MRI.

Update 42: 

I have no news today, other than today being “MRI Day” !!!  As you read this, please lift Ernie up in prayer.  Our God is a MIGHTY God, and if it’s His Will, that tumor can be gone or greatly diminished.  Often in prayer, we don’t have, because we don’t ask.  Let our prayers be BOLD in asking for a complete restoration of Ernie’s health and well-being !!!!

Update 42: 

Hello Paymasters.  Not much to report since last week.  Mr. Gregory had a good weekend, and his MRI is still scheduled for tomorrow.  He probably won’t get the results tomorrow, but I’ll let you know as soon as we find out.  Judy was able to visit yesterday, and she said, “It was a nice surprise as to how well he looked.  He is getting very distinguished with his newly acquired beard.  He says he doesn’t like it.  So far it’s nice to see that all our prayers are working.  I pray that tomorrows MRI will yield the best possible news.”  Judy, we couldn’t agree more.  I spoke to Mrs. Gregory last night, and she said the 2d round of cards and notes have been coming in; and both she and Ernie are very grateful for the love, concern, and prayers from our Finance and FM Communities !!!!   Please let me know if there are others you’d like me to add to these updates.  All I need is their email address.

Update 40:   

Happy Wednesday and ALL today brings for you.  Ernie is at the doctor today for blood work evaluation.  His blood count is a little high, so that’s being looked at.  Today is also a day for both his speech and physical therapists to visit.  The physical therapist comes to the home to work towards building some leg strength for Ernie.  He’s been pretty sedentary through all that’s happened; which isn’t good for his stability on his legs and feet.  No change to the schedule to do the MRI a week from today.  Hopefully all our prayers will result in some really positive news.  After Russ suggested we all send another round of cards, I went out and got several “Get Well” cards.  While our focus has been on Ernie, the truth is I know several other people battling one issue or another, and I decided to send out several cards to people I should be letting know they are in my thoughts and prayers as well.  Ernie will love the batch of new cards and well-wishes.  Barbara (Heffernan), I thought it was neat that on the first round of cards, that both you and I had sent Ernie the exact same card – a turtle wrapped in a body bandage.  It’s a small world !!!  Lastly, suggestion of the day.  Have you seen all the wildly creative potato chips that Lays has created?  So far I’ve seen New York Reuben, Greektown Gyro, and Biscuits and Gravy.  Amazing that they’ve cooked all the flavors in the chips, and it does in fact taste like its namesake.  I’ve now convinced myself it’s healthier to eat the chip instead of the entire sandwich with bread, cheese, etc.  Give it a try if you see them.  Please let me know if there are others you’d like me to add to these updates.  All I need is their email address.

Update 38: 

The week ends with a day of rest.  Mr. Gregory got out of the hospital  and had a couple of days of visitors and family, and found himself tired.  Judy and Michelle intended to visit today, but found out today was not a good day for a visit.  That’s the good part of calling in advance so Mrs. Gregory or someone at the house can advise if the day you want to visit is a good day.  I also called today and spoke to Maura who confirmed Ernie is very tired and spending the day resting in his recliner.  On days like today, I don’t speak to him, I just get the update, and I wait for a better day when he’s rested and feeling good to chat.  Next week are doctor’s appointments, and we should hear some indication on when they’ll want to do the MRI to see the effects of the radiation and chemo on the tumor.  I’ll pass that news along as I get it.  I hope you all have a GREAT weekend.  Please keep the prayers coming – not only for Ernie, but for Johanna and the family that are serving and supporting Ernie during these times.  Just like our Paymaster motto:  To Support and Serve !!!!

Update 37: 

Oh happy Wednesday !!!  I just got off the phone with Ernie, and he sounded wonderful.  He got plenty of rest last night, he’s feeling good today, he had a big breakfast which was nice to hear, and you could tell in the conversation he has laughing, smiling, and just having an overall great day.  He’s glad to be out of the hospital and back at home.  He was surrounded by family and friends that I could hear in the background, so we didn’t talk long.  Since he had a good breakfast, I asked him if his taste buds were coming back, and he said they were.  No news on when the next MRI will be done.  Mrs. Gregory said the doctor will discuss that with them when they see him next week.  Please pray for GREAT results on that MRI.  Wouldn’t it be a miraculous report to hear the tumor was gone or greatly reduced?  My God is all knowing, all loving, and all powerful.  The GREAT healer.  It can happen !!!  Let me also say how much I enjoy hearing from you in between these notes.  Michelle, Judy, Russ, Al, Ron, Bob, Sam, Juan, Tony, Jackie, Val, Kathy, Louie, Don, … Thank you for your kind notes.  Don Carter, Billy Barker and Bob Speer, it was great chatting with you on the phone.  I am so proud to have served with such a group of GREAT Americans; who honestly love and care for each other.  We are incredibly blessed to share the camaraderie that we do.  Even as Ernie battles this tumor, he has succeeded in bringing us all together and sharing notes and stories.  It’s important we stay connected, that we always support each other, and that we pray for each other.  I wish you all a fabulous Wednesday.  May God bless you and your families abundantly !!!

Update 36: 

Ernie is returning home today; probably by dinnertime from the report I just received.  That means that his blood and oxygen levels are where the doctors want them to be.  Great news to start this week !!!  So if you’re wanting to call or visit – you can focus on his home again.

Update 35

Ernie is still in the hospital, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, 2300 Opitz Blvd, Woodbridge, VA. The hospital phone is 703-523-1000. Ask for the oncology nurse station on the 2d floor. He is room 241, but the phone in the room is a long way from his bed. The nurse has to go in his room to hand him the phone, then transfer the call into him. I was able to talk to him for quite a while. He asked me to tell all of you that he is fine, and as soon as his blood levels get where they need to be, he will be released and be back home. I have no more info than that on what the doctors are waiting for.  It doesn't sound like his taste has returned, so he's still not eating much. He sounded good and in good humor. Best word i have is he might be released tomorrow or Tuesday.  He has had visitors from church, so if you are near Woodbridge, you might stop in to see him. Keep the prayers coming.

Update 34.

Nothing new to report.  Ernie remains in the hospital, resting, and being treated for the blood clots.  The soonest he’ll be home is tomorrow; but that is not a given.  No new complications since the last report, so that’s good.  Cancer is something that’s touched everyone’s life.  Either those that have it; or you know someone that does.  Great ending Bob, Kick Cancer’s Ass !!!  Thanks for all the prayers; and thanks that we’re part of such a loving and caring community – Paymasters !!!  To Support and Serve !!!!

Update 33: 

I apologize for the 2d update today, but the doctor’s diagnosis is different than I’ve stated.  It is not pneumonia.  Ernie has blood clots on both lungs that traveled there from his legs.  Doctors will insert a filter to prevent further clots, probablytomorrow.  So Ernie will not be home tonight.  We all know blood clots can be very tricky and dangerous.  Keep those prayers coming !!!

(I got several notes about the wording of my last 3 notes.  Let me clarify.  I am passing along information the family receives from the medical staff.   The doctors originally diagnosed the problem as pneumonia; but after more testing and evaluation, changed the diagnosis to blood clots on the lungs.  In no way am I a doctor doing the evaluating – I’m merely the reporter.  As info gets updated or changed – I pass it along. )

Update 32: 

Ernie is still in the hospital, going through a lot of tests to make sure all is OK.  His oxygen level was down, so he’s getting oxygen, which has made him much more talkative.  A good thing.  From the 4 hours in ER last night, through testing today, they are checking for any blood clots, clogged arteries, any type of blood infection, any occlusions in his blood veins that might have contributed to pain in his legs, and testing for COPD.  Very thorough exams and testing.  So far, nothing to report from all of that.  Mrs. Gregory said they still intend to send him home today if the tests are OK, and his oxygen levels are fine.  Thank you for sending these updates to those in your network that know Ernie; and please, Keep those prayers coming !!!  

Update 31

No wonder the last couple of days have been rough - Ernie has pneumonia and is spending tonight back in the hospital. Maura said he's already feeling better being on oxygen. Keep those prayers coming. I'll keep you posted.