Sister Porter's Condition
A number of brethren have requested that I make occasional reports through the papers relative to Mrs. Porter's condition of health. I shall be glad to do this as I have opportunity. First, I wish to express our appreciation for the hundreds of cards and letters that have come to us from all over the nation. It would be utterly impossible to answer all of these. But be assured that we are deeply grateful for them. Also we are genuinely thankful for the financial assistance that has come in many of the letters. All of these will receive a personal acknowledgement. Then, too, we appreciate the interest manifested by many writers in recommending various cancer clinics and treatments that claim to give relief, or even cure, all types of cancer. Investigation has been made concerning a number of these, and careful investigation concerning the clinic that has been recommended by many more than any other clinic. A report of wife's condition was sent to this clinic, as we did not wish to overlook something that might result in a cure, but word from them tells me that they are unable to reach her condition.
But now I may report that her condition, by means of skilled physicians and surgeons, the prayers of a great brotherhood, and the providence of the God who is above all, is somewhat improved. Her suffering has been terrible, and had it continued, she certainly could not much longer have endured it. As a last resort, it was decided to perform major surgery. It was a very delicate and dangerous operation, in which certain nerves along both sides of the spine were severed and pulled apart, that could have resulted in permanent paralysis. But we took the long chance and had it done. She came through without paralysis, and the unbearable suffering was relieved. Following that she began to regain strength, she began to relish food and is now able to be up for short periods. A steel brace will be made for her body, and if nothing unforeseen develops, we will be able to bring her home from the Memphis hospital within a few days. We recognize the fact that the improvement is temporary, that the bone cancer — multiple myeloma — has not been conquered, and in harmony with the usual course of the disease, that she will yet have to face the grim reaper before a great while. But doctors think she may now have a chance of living a year or more. It is only a chance, of course, but we are happy beyond words for even this much improvement, and we shall continue to pray that before her brief time is consumed, something may be found that will prolong her life beyond what we now are conditionally promised. It so happened in my own case a few years ago and it might happen again. We ask that you continue to pray for us that it may be so.