Monday, October 26, 2015

Update

We are sorry for the long delay in updates.  Eric's treatments with Opdivo and Herceptin seem to have failed in stopping the cancer from growing.  This means that we have exhausted all of the treatment options available to him.  The cancer is growing rapidly through his head and brain.  He recently had surgery to have some of the tumor removed from his mouth and throat to keep it from closing off his airway.  He is home from the surgery now and seems much more comfortable.  He has enjoyed being home with his family and being in his own home again.  His condition is deteriorating quickly, but he is comfortable at home and is not in very much pain.  Mostly he is very sleepy. All of his children are here at home with him except his son Spencer who is on a mission, but he was able to call and talk to Spencer over Skype before the the surgery.  He is still the most faithful man we know.  He never complains, despite the great difficulties he has gone through, and still has complete faith in God no matter what the outcome.  Before the surgery, even though speaking is extremely difficult for him, he taught us all a family home evening lesson based on 2 Nephi 2:25 "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy."  He talked about finding joy in the Lord, even during our trials.  We have never seen anyone personify that lesson more.  The last four years have been extremely difficult and and painful for him, yet he has been cheerful and uncomplaining even during the worst of times and we truly have had a joyful four years despite the trials.  He has had complete confidence in the Lord and has never once complained or asked "why me."  He has simply trusted the Lord and continued to more forward.  Despite this not being the outcome any of us wanted, we still have faith in the Lord and know that he is taking care of our dad and will continue to take care of him.  Thank you all for your prayers, love and support.

-The Vogels

26 comments:

  1. Continuing to pray for you, my friend.

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  2. Prayers are with you all, but seem to be so small in comparison to how richly our lives have been blessed by you.

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  3. We are so sorry for your sad news. The Bartholomew family continues to keep you all in our prayers.

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  4. Eric and family, we love you so much. My heart is breaking but I feel such a deep sense of gratitude for being allowed a glimpse of this man's faith. You are ever in our prayers. Love, Erin and Travis

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  5. We love you all. We are so blessed to know you and call you family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  6. We send hugs tonight to everyone! We love you all. So sorry to read this. You are all examples of great faith, hope and love.
    Send our love to your dear mom and dad.
    Thanks for the update.
    Jessica and family

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  7. Vogel's-
    You are all like family to me. This breaks my heart! There just aren't words. Thank you for sharing your deep faith with me. You all are amazing. My love to each of you and to your amazing dad, who had been such a positive influence for good in my life and in the life of so many people around the world!
    I love you and pray for you all each day!
    Eileen

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  8. Our love and prayers are with all of you! ❤️ Our three year old still prays for him in his prayers. He will grow up knowing what an amazing man Dr. Vogel is! I also have faith in the Lord! Whatever the outcome, I know He has power over heaven and earth, and that Eric has been and still is in His hands and touches many lives through his example! Thank you all for your examples and sharing your amazing, loving, kind, Christ-like husband and father with all of us. ❤️

    We love you Dr. Vogel!

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  9. Dear Eric and JoLynne and family:

    I am Erin Thomas’ sister, and while you all don’t know me well, I know some of you through Erin. I’ve been following this blog for a few years and echo all the words that Erin wrote in her comment. It has been a huge blessing and privilege to be fed by Eric’s and your family's amazing faith, testimony, and love of God and all His children. Every time I have felt spiritually or physically weak or challenged in some way I have turned to the many words that Eric has expressed here and inevitably felt renewed and strengthened. This summer I have been dealing with a medical issue of my own (something really minor in comparison to Eric’s issues, but nonetheless challenging for me), and one night during a particularly bad situation I was inspired to remember something Eric wrote that helped me to make the right decision about what I needed to do. It may seem small, but it was a huge deal for me, so thank you for your part in helping me through that! I have continually kept you all in my prayers and put your names on the temple prayer roll as recently as this past Saturday. May the Lord continue to bless and comfort you all during this time. Love, Susannah Thomas

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  10. I'm sorry for the news. I am greatly blessed by having Eric in my life. My prayers continue for all of you and him. Thank you for sharing you strength and your faith with me. All my love and prayers,
    Dave

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  11. We keep up on your information when we visit the office. Our love goes out to all of you and have wanted to come by but don't want to interrupt. please tell Eric we love him and thank him for the great opportunities to serve others and feel his love for us. Your family is in our prayers daily. We love you. The Shumway's.

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  12. It is hard to hear this. Our family too has been praying for Dr. Vogel for the past four years. We too have been blessed by his faith and his willingness to share. We have learned much from your family. You will continue to be in our prayers through this next part of the journey.

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  13. Eric, We will ever be strengthened by your faith and example of righteousness, and by your eternal family's unflinching loyalty, selflessness, and faith in Jesus Christ, our founder and finisher. Angels will attend thee. All of you. Love from the Magleby's.

    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/but-if-not?lang=eng#18-

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  14. My dear Uncle Eric and family, you are all truly wonderful and courageous followers of Christ. My heart is with you all. I will continue to pray and think of you. I love you all.

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  15. I have been following this blog faithfully since it was started. My faith has been and will continue to be strengthened by your example, Dr. Vogel. I still remember your kindness to a young poor kid just out of college who really needed to get caught up on dental work. I've always looked forward to coming to your office and have really treasured our friendship over the years. Thank you for all you have done for me. You and your family have been in my prayers since the beginning. I will continue to pray for you to have peace and for the angels to be with you.

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  16. To Eric and Family, Our prayers are with you daily. Thank you for your kind and wise examples.

    The Starks Family

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  17. Our family has prayed for a miracle for the past 4 years, dear Brother Vogel. We realize though that there has been a miracle, and that is that you have been here for four years with your family. You have been a true example of a follower of Christ, unwavering in faith. Thank you for the lessons you have taught us. We love you and your family. Kenny & Holly Peterson.

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  18. Dr. Vogel, you and your family have been such an example of unwavering faith and love. Awhile back, I attended the funeral of a friend who "graduated" from this life sooner than her family would have liked. She too, never let her faith waiver. Remarks from a visiting authority of the Church stated she had beaten the cancer, even though it was the catalyst that was used for her return. He explained she had beaten it because she had not let the cancer dim her faith nor her spirit. Dr. Vogel, you have slaughtered that beast! Thank you for all you have done in your practice for not only my family, but for others. Thank you for being the inspiration we all need to know we can have courage to defeat even the worst of trials as we go thru this journey called life. You and your family have been, and will continue to be in our prayers.
    The Lindstrom's

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  19. Dear Eric,
    Everyone makes a difference in this life, some in small ways and small in big ways. You have done both, in small ways through your smile and genuine interest in others, and in big ways through your many trips to give volunteer service to the needy throughout the world. We will never forget our experience with you in Belarus and the generous service you offered to the people of Vitebsk. We have treasured our association with you. We have prayed for you and your family throughout your years of treatment and have been inspired by your faith and your positive attitude. Thank you for being such an example of kindness and love. You have changed us. We continue to pray for you and your family and to thank the Lord for your remarkable service.
    Don and Janelle Jarvis

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  20. We love you. You have filled the world with love your whole life through. Thank you.

    Tyson & Angela (Dastrup) Willis Family

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  21. Love and prayers to all of you. Your dad is such a great example of faith and humility. May the Lord keep you all in his constant care. Nancy Dyer

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  22. Dear Dr. Vogel, my husband came home from a visit to your office today and gave me an update on you. It saddened my heart. You are a wonderful man, a wonderful example to all who know you. You are such a great dentist. We have missed you so much. We are praying for Cuba!!!! We are praying for you and your dear family. I believe in miracles if that's what the Lord desires. God bless!!!

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  23. We love you President Vogel! The Oaks :D

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  24. Thank you for sharing your faith and testimony. Our prayers are with you and your family. Love, Bart and Renae Mangum

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  25. Dear JoLynne and family,
    We just heard the news.
    We are heartbroken.
    We are thinking of you.
    Many prayers.
    With lots of love,
    Shaunna and Jim George and family

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