Hi My name is Shannon Woods. I am raising money for my brother in Christ Corey Smith and sister in Christ Terri Smith to help pay bills while Corey is out of work. Here is an updated version of what is going on with Corey

While we are still waiting on biopsy results, the doctors know enough to diagnose Corey with multiple myeloma. Myeloma is a blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow and, at this time, has no cure. However, it can go into a remission-type state. That will be the goal, and the doctors believe Corey will get to that point.

Right now, he is receiving a general chemo to keep things calmed down—one they aren’t expecting to cause too many symptoms. Once they figure out exactly what kind of multiple myeloma it is, they can use the exact chemo that he needs. He will take medications for the rest of his life in the form of pills and injections (not infusions). It will be treated just like high blood pressure. He may also require stem cell transplants.

The “mass” (actually not a mass, but a collection of dead cancer cells, just like Pastor Andy) we all knew about near his spine caused an open lesion. This allowed cancer cells to leak out into his body from the bone marrow.

The cells died, but when they did, they burst and released large amounts of protein and calcium into his body. That is actually what caused his kidney stones!

Because of the protein and calcium, he is having major kidney and liver problems right now, which is why he is requiring ICU care. The goal at the moment is to get his kidney and liver functioning properly again. There’s still a chance they will need to do dialysis—that will be our next prayer. They aren’t 100% sure this hasn’t caused some permanent kidney damage. Time will tell, but the doctors are hopeful. He is still very sick.

I know there have been messages about wanting to visit, but at this time his immune system is overloaded, and keeping ANY sickness away from him allows his body to focus on healing. Please if you can donate do so, if you can not please share and pray for Corey and that His doctors figure this all out and get him better and back to what his new normal will be soon. Thank you all in advance for prayers and support!!!