Pray for Lynn Elverd healing from cancer w/spine fractures (Updated 6/16/23 - 100% remission) - Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul

Basilica parishioner Lynn Elverd, a veteran servant of our Altar Ministry and Religious Education program, had been having back pain with difficulty walking and lifting her arms for several weeks. She went to the ER on August 26, 2022, and discovered she had multiple spine fractures, later determined to be a result of Kappa Light Chain Myeloma, a cancer that is treatable but not curable.

Lynn is married to Don Elverd. They have three sons, a daughter, and one granddaughter.

Read the the updates below, and please pray for Lynn's full healing.

Updates

Update 6/16/23: Following several months of chemo treatment in Chattanooga and a stem cell treatment in Nashville, Lynn is now in 100% remission! She will need chemo for at least 5 years to stay in remission. A cure is being developed for her cancer, and it is projected to be available in 5 years. Lynn's mobility and pain level have improved significantly. Her immune system is suppressed while she recovers. Please pray for Lynn's full healing.

Update 2/15/23: Lynn received the good news that she is at 90% remission going into the stem cell treatment in Nashville. This morning they took out her stem cells and are sorting them for the good ones. She is losing her immunity during this critical process. She asks for prayers for hope and strength through the long haul ahead.

Update 1/16/23: Lynn is preparing for a month-long stem cell treatment at the Sarah Cannon Center in Nashville beginning in February. The treatment will wipe out her immune system. After this she will return home to recover, repeat all her immunizations, and hopefully be in remission. Lynn received the Anointing of the Sick on January 14 in the presence of dear friends. Please pray for Lynn and Don during this challenging treatment and recovery.

Update 12/13/22: Lynn Elverd has completed about a third of her planned six months of chemotherapy for Kappa Light Chain Myeloma, and her doctors are saying she is on track towards remission. Her pain has lessened and she has progressed from a walker to a cane. She is starting water therapy to increase her strength. Lynn would appreciate continued prayers during her treatment.

Update 10/21/22: Lynn is tolerating the treatments pretty well so far. She is also having PT twice a week, so she is getting stronger and having a little easier time getting up from her chair and moving around, and she is managing her pain better. She's still having a hard time with eating with most things not appetizing or tasting good to her, but she is sounding a lot more like herself than last week. Next week is her week off from treatment. She said she misses everyone at the Basilica and says hello.

Update 10/13/22: Lynn Elverd is home from the hospital and has started her chemo treatments. She is getting her meds via a shot in her abdomen two times (Tues and Fri) on week 1, oral meds the 2nd week, and will be off meds the 3rd week. This cycle will repeat, and then her doctor will re-evaluate her to see if she has responded to the treatment.

Good news: Her prognosis is good, and she is expected to respond to this treatment and live for many years!

Right now she is not feeling like herself and still has the terrible pain in her back. Eating is difficult with loss of taste. While undergoing chemotherapy, she needs to be careful about picking up any kind of virus, so she cannot receive visitors. It is a very difficult time for her. With her pain, she is having a hard time texting, but she would appreciate phone calls from friends.

Reaching Lynn Elverd

While undergoing chemotherapy, Lynn needs to be careful about picking up any kind of virus, so she cannot receive visitors.

With her pain, Lynn is having a hard time texting, but she would appreciate phone calls from friends, which she is able to take if Don or someone else is there to answer the phone for her. Her phone number is: 423-991-9340.

Earlier we had started a meal train to help Lynn, but this will be postponed until ther is a need. We will keep you posted.

Intercessory Prayer

St. Gemma Galgani, patron of spinal disorders

St. Gemma Galgani was miraculously healed of tuberculosis of the spine that had her bedridden and in constant pain. she is known as the patron of those suffering from back- and spine-related pain and illness.