We got the results back from the liver biopsy and talked with Dr Majithia. I have stage four cancer and it is incurable. They will give me chemotherapy to extend my life as long as possible. While they can make no promises, the doctor’s best guess based on statistics is a year, maybe more, maybe less. Because I am young and in good shape, my odds are better but it all depends on how the cancer reacts to the chemo. There will be no surgeries planned as that lowers quality of life.
The kind of cancer is fast moving and nasty – it’s not the worst, but its on that end of the spectrum compared to breast and prostate cancer. Outside of a miracle, this will end my life. There is a small chance that they can find a specific genetics-based drug based on my mutation type to fight it better, and they have already sent my results away to find out. The doctor said its not a zero chance, but it’s very small.
Now, on to the important stuff…
I know that my Redeemer lives and I know in whom I believe. He is able to to kick this cancer to the curb if He wishes. I’d like that very much because I want to meet the wonderful Godly women Dakota and Kadin marry and I want to walk Kasey down the aisle to put her hand in the hand of a man who loves Jesus more than life. I believe Karen and I are a great team and have lots more we can do together for His sake. But if that’s not His plan, then He has an even better one and we will wait to see it unfold. One of my favorite songs ever has the below lines in it – seems like an appropriate time to share.
If I Stand by Rich Mullins
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver of all good things.
So if I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through.
And if I can’t, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You.
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs.
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home.
If I Stand – YouTube
The Coddington Tribe could use some prayer as the news is hitting hard. Dakota is by himself in Oregon (with his Resonate family of course) but not with us. Kadin leaves for college Wednesday and will be alone (except for new Resonate friends). Kasey will be here but is really struggling.
______________________________________________________________________________
To Karen, Dakota, Kadin and Kasey –
Scripture perfectly speaks my heart from me to you:
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body…Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:20-24, 27
Love Always,
wes/dad.
I’m very saddened by this news. I first met you and your wife in Oceanside when you were ministering at the movie theater. My daughter and her husband were stationed at Camp Pendleton. God spoke to both of their hearts and they were baptized by you, there in the ocean. It was a fabulous day.
I pray our loving God will heal you. May He comfort you, your wife and children.
Renee Powers
Lodi California 💜
So sorry to hear this news Wes!! I don’t know if you remember but I was best friends with your sister patty and was at your house a lot lol 😂 you have a beautiful family and I know you will always be watching over them no matter what !! If it’s ok I would like to put you on our prayer list at my church Restoration Fellowship in Virginia.. love and big hugs to you and your whole family ❤️ 🙏
Prayers all around from the Johnson crew.
The Kitutu’s are heart broken. We are asking ourselves as to why this happened to a dear friend and a family we have embraced. The answer to our question will not be what we are hoping for. However, from what you shared we are comforted by the faith in you and that you know that there is life after parting from this world. That comforts us. Please be informed that we are sincerely in prayers for you and the family surrounding you at this time. We pour our love to you and trust that God will walk along with you. You will surely find favors from our never failing able Father who can miraculously turn the impossible to possible. He will win this fight. We love you and the family. He w
Thank you for your inspiring (and candid) expression of faith – I am moved and blessed by Christ in you my brother. Asking God’s best for you and your precious family.
You and yours have been in my heart for all these years. How I treasure the short time we had together! No one I have ever known has your strength, your compassion and your faith. Cancer has met it’s match. ❤️
Wow, I so agree and appreciate your thoughts and words ❣️
Wes dear brother, my heart is very heavy upon hearing this news. I take some comfort in witnessing the spirit with which you are facing this, but selfishly I will continue to beseech God to heal you because I know he can. I pray for Karen and the kids that they experience the peace that comes only from our Father.
With all my heart,
Chuck
We have been – and will continue to pray for you all. I love the sentiment that you shared in this blog – your confidence in our Good and Loving Father is evident – and the things you have written are true! God is good – He loves you and your family – and He will take care of you all. This cancer is NOT incurable – if the Father desires to see your days lengthened for His glory. We love you all – and are here for whatever you need.
God bless you – and thank you again for your consistent and faithful testimony!
Hey brother. This isn’t the news I expected or hoped for, but I do know that one much greater than me has you in His hands and loves you and your family. I remember sitting at our men’s group with you, and your smile and laughter being such a light. I remember you announcing your reluctant move to San Diego like it was yesterday. I miss you, I’m sad and a bit confused and wish there was something I could do besides pray. But that I will do. Love to you and your family. Let me know if you need anything.
Praying and remembering with thankfulness your impact on my life.
My lovely, lovely Wes. We have walked with the Lord and shared what he has given us with open hearts and minds. I love you so. Even with eyes filled with tears, I know that our wonderful Lord loves you more than any of us can and will be with you now and forever. I boldly ask for healing, but even more that our wonderful God will be glorified as he has always been in you and that whatever is left for any of us in this present world will be an example of the love God works in us. Love you……
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
❤️❤️❤️😇😇😇🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 : to you and your family,
Praying for a miracle and may the God of all comfort, comfort you all as you walk through this trial. ❤️
Well, this really stinks. I know this is an understatement and I am struggling to find any words that don’t sound trite. You, Karen and the kids have already faced challenges far greater than most experience in a lifetime…and now an even greater one is ahead of you. Know that we are all holding you up in prayer back here in Oneonta. Stay strong, keep focused and find peace daily.
Wes and Karen, I have no more wise or loving words than those you shared above (Philippians 1:20-24, 27) . Kathy, Matt, Tina, Allie and I and their spouses are all praying for God’s will, as it is perfect and far better than we could possibly imagine. We love the whole Coddington Tribe. #keepthefaith #viacondios
Wes, I was simply thinking of you today when I stumbled on this post. I’m so sorry to hear the difficult news. Sharon and I will be praying for you. I think fondly of our lunches with Paul at Brothers Pizza in Langhorne! You are a good friend. May the Lord give you strength to face this challenge.
Brian Weber
Wes… It’s been a long time, but this news is heartbreaking. We will be lifting you and your family up in prayer. I’m praying whatever happens you will all experience God’s peace and find rest for your souls in the midst of it all.
Reading this news made me cry. It makes no sense that someone who loves God, life and his family so much would have to face death at such a young age! It is a horrible reality check that we really have no idea when out time on earth is over. Although it was hard to read, your words of faith and courage are inspiring. I will be praying daily for a miracle and for comfort for you and your wonderful family.
Breaks my heart but this challenge is no challenge for us that repent and pray to God through Jesus Christ. God hears you and I and His answer is perfect. I pray you and your family feel Him near you and walking with all of you none of us could love you more than Him. We have a living Savior that can’t take His eyes off of us now more than ever.
I pray with all my heart that God’s going to use one of His Miracles on you because we are not ready to let you go!! We need you in the flesh still!! But I know that God’s plan is best so I trust in Him and lift our sweet Coddington family up in prayer for strength, wisdom and courage. Mark and I love y’all so much!
Wes,
This is such hard news, and it has come way too soon. You have a beautiful spirit (despite what I said in elementary school) and the world needs more of it. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. I do hope that they are able to identify gene-specific therapy. 🙏
Wes my brother,
Your life has been an example of Godly living and while many people search their whole life wondering what their purpose is, you never had that problem! You knew from a young age how to serve, how to love, how to live and how to have fun and enjoy those in your life! I thank you for being “you” and know I love you brother! For some reason, the other day, I caught myself smiling at work as my mind was wandering back to our men’s retreat and paintball in the woods. Lol. I’d like a rematch. Maybe when the disease progresses and I have a small chance of beating you! Lol You were the best that day. You’re the best always! Prayer, love and more prayer my brother.
You have been and will continue to be in my prayers. The road is difficult and it seems the ask is impossible but our Redeemer lives! And so the difficult is doable, the impossible possible. We will pray for a miracle and that you and your family, no matter God’s answer in this, will be able to come to a place where it is well deep in your souls.
Much love from NY!
I am shocked and saddened by this news of your health, but I am inspired and encouraged beyond belief at your faith. You are an inspiration to me to walk in faith and to constantly keep my eyes looking upward. I appreciate how you successfully persuaded my husband to come to the marriage workshop you hosted. I pray for you and your health and for God to grace you and your family with a miracle. I know that however things turn out, we know our Savior was and is in charge!
Love,
Fran
Absolutely praying for you and your family, Wes. Praying for His supernatural peace to surround you all and for the great physician to do what He does best. Nothing is certain in life, but I pray despite knowing news like this, that this coming time with your family is rich with love, joy, faith and goodness. You are an incredible pastor and example for us in our tribulations. Lots of love & prayers from the Fontanas.
Wow Wes! Horrible news to say the least. I remember fondly the one time I ticked you off! Haha. Remember our camping trip and the Risk game? You had wanted to team up to beat the girls, but I’m the “cheer for the underdog type”, and broke our alliance at the worst possible time for you. Needless to say, the boys didn’t win that one!
Anyways, I admire your testimony through these hard times, and am praying that either through your life or death, your faith will remain strong as a lasting legacy for your family, friends, and all the people this illness will bring you in contact with. Miss you brother, and wish we were closer.
Tears. No words. Your Faith continues to inspire. Praying the purpose in all this is used mightily to Glorify the one our Hope is in. Continued prayers for you and the family. Love ya.
Saddened to hear that Wes. May the Lord give you and your family strength in this time. I still remember when you came to talk to our youth group at our small Chinese church. Your love for Jesus and for us truly left an impression and helped shape many of our own walks with Christ. We’ll be praying for healing so that you can continue to work for Him!
P Wes man brotha this hit me hard when I read this, the Moore family will intentionally make sure we pray for you and your family consistently! We are resonating with everyone here in that we will pray for God’s willingness to move His healing hand. We love you man, and appreciate your heart, strength, and transparency it is changing me as I write this and my family. We really love yall!
Tyrone
Oh Wes and family….we are praying for you like crazy. Colby and I still mention “Crash and Bernie” ALL the time!
We’re praying for you all… our hearts are aching with the news. May the God of all comfort be with you and surround you with peace and hope in the unseen. Much Love from the Rustrum Clan.
Dear Wes,
I know one thing for sure- my words are empty.
At the same time I also know that we are serving a mighty God. Anything is possible for Him. Period.
I love you brother! You are such an inspiration to sooo many people.
Praying for you everyday.
Christo & Faith
Wes,
I am very saddened by this news. Although we haven’t seen each other in more than 15 years, I have always thought about you and the family. I remember you teaching Sunday school at Bible Fellowship as well as youth group on Wednesday night. You are evidently a strong man not only physically but faithfully in Christ. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that the Lord will pull you through this.
Dear Wes, Karen and family,
Our hearts were so saddened to hear this report. It is not what we wanted or prayed to hear. Yesterday, I was reminded to pray as Jesus did – “Father, take this cup from me, YET, not my will, But thine be done.” That will be our prayer – humanly, “God take this cup of cancer from Wes, Yet, Not our will, but thine be done.” We love you all. XO
Hi Wes,
I saw this post through a friend. God loves you and has made you well, has made you whole, and has forgiven you, giving you eternal life. Jesus took not just your sickness, afflictions, and iniquities on the cross but the worlds so that who ever would come to Him would have freedom. Cancer is no exception and Cancer does not come from God, this Cancer has no rights in your body, because your body was bought and paid for and really is not even your own. I will stand with you in agreement brother that this Cancer cannot stay and needs to go right now in Jesus name.
Psalm 103:1-5
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he
does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender
mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
1 Peter 2:22-24
He never sinned,
nor ever deceived anyone.
He did not retaliate when he was
insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he
suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly.
He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and LIVE for what is right.
By his wounds
you ARE HEALED.
Dear Wes,
My heart aches for you and your family yet rejoices in the knowledge that in ALL things His way is perfect. Your words are a testimony of your faith in Jesus Christ and a reminder that to be with our Lord is our ultimate prize. I’m not sure we ever met. I work at Riverstone Church, formerly Bible Fellowship, and was Cam’s support staff when he was on staff here. We prayed for you during your first medical crisis and will continue to do so. May your family find courage and strength in Him as we, an army of believers, storm heaven and lift each of you by name to our Great Physician, Healer, Comforter and Savior.
You have walked with God since a little boy and God has made you the man you are. Jesus will never leave you. We seek a miracle and I believe in Isaiah 38-39 king heziaka. The lord will extend your life and each day will be a miracle and a testimony mayGod grant you deep strength love and joy with your family. The Aloisio family will be in prayer
So sorry to hear this news Wes!! I don’t know if you remember but I was best friends with your sister patty and was at your house a lot lol 😂 you have a beautiful family and I know you will always be watching over them no matter what !! If it’s ok I would like to put you on our prayer list at my church Restoration Fellowship in Virginia.. love and big hugs to you and your whole family ❤️ 🙏
No great words of wisdom or comfort come to my mind. Other than to let you know that our family has valued the years we spent with you and your family ministering together and the influence you and your family has had on our kids. The “Tribe” is certainly in our thought and prayers.
Wes,
The Speers family is lifting you up in prayer🙏🏼 asking for healing and restoration in your body in Jesus name amen.
Wes,
The Scorzafava family is praying for you and your family. I remember praising God when I saw your brother at Word of life family camping ground. Take it one day at a time. I will start running soon again. I bet I can “smoke You”. Lol
We are praying for you and asking a healing touch by God for your body. We know that God is capable and a God of miracles. You having such a strong faith is an inspiration!!
Some things in life just issue a gut punch and take your breath away. This news was that for me. I wonder Why, God? Yet we trust that He is sovereign and in control of all things. We pray that the answer to this is a divine miracle that would bring Him honor and glory that many would see and believe. Thank you, Wes for your strong faith which is witness to what God has done in the past. I know many have seen and believed because of that and there will be many more to come. We love you all and pray for you and grieve with you. Your family is beautiful inside and out. What a great testament to you and Karen! We are lifting all of you up.
Wes and family
Thanks Wes for this update. I am sad on hearing this news. Your perspective in the post adequately depicts what I have observed and experienced from being around you the few times I have had the privilege to do so. Praying for strength for you and the family. Praying everyday is special for each of you as you live fully PRESENT in the now. Praying for God’s grace to be on display in you and through you. Praying for a cure and for you to be able to see the events fulfilled you mentioned in your post above.
Our HOPE is built on nothing else but Jesus!
Dear Karen and Wes,
Chris and I are holding you both up in prayer. May God give you strength, courage and grace in this difficult period of your life. We’re praying for a miracle of healing on earth but know that whatever happens, God will get the glory.
I feel blessed to call you friends.
Cheryl
Who am I but a nurse from you past.
As dark as things are it is true we are testaments to the lives we touched, the ideas we inspired and the memories of who we are and were. I remember you often and thank you for all you shared. Now it is time for you to take from us the wishes and prayers we have to offer.
You Touch many people,
Some people are just that way.
You Rock
Michael Supon
Love and prayers to you and the family.
Love and prayers for you and the family.
HI Wes and Karen, Paul David Tripp wrote in an emailed devotional today, “One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, poetically penned these words for his epitaph:
The Body
Of
B. Franklin, Printer,
Like the Cover of an old Book,
Its Contents torn out,
And Stript of its Lettering & Gilding,
Lies here, Food for Worms.
But the Work shall not be lost,
For it will as he believ’d
appear once more
In a new and more elegant Edition
Corrected and improved
By the Author.
There is a Forever on the other side of this life. Eternity is not a mystical creation of overly spiritual people. Forever is a reality. It is the product of God’s plan and design. And once you believe in Forever and live with Forever in view, not only will you understand things you have never understood before, but you will live in a radically different way than you did before.” In Christ, Tom
Wes & Karen,
I am so convinced that God is preparing for His return. Why? Well, I keep hearing of Godly men being taken home…
To those whose testimony to me has had significant impact, I make note of them especially. Among them are R.C. Sproul, Ravi Zacharais and now it appears that the list may also include Wes Coddington? My friend and brother in Christ, I will be praying that all merciful healing and care be given you in order that you may indeed survive to see the determined plan of God upon your family and that they could witness it by your presence. I still recall your infectious spirit and I wish to confess to you that those seeds of joy continue to stoke my heart for the love of Jesus bro. I/we love you guys and have missed saying that face to face. Pale as it is in comparison, I just recently (last week) had a stroke. Although I was spared by having a minor (TIA), it sobered me and served to remind me of the fragility of life. I pray that the Lord will choose to use every moment of your days ahead together to testify of His enduring love and care for you and for your family. I pray that through this time, that God richly imparts His wondrous presence…as often as you need. May souls come to a saving knowledge of Him through it all.
BTW – What’s your E-mail?
Wes and Karen, We have precious memories of you and your family in Oneonta. Our hearts ache for you and your children as you face the overwhelming and unwanted news of stage four cancer. What a hard week for everyone in the midst of Dakota being in Oregon, Kadin leaving for college and Kasey home with you and Karen watching and struggling. We join the many on your prayer team in praying for miracles and surprises along the way of this journey. The impact of your life is evident by the many comments. I love your verses from Philippians and especially 1:20. I have hung on to it throughout the ups and downs of my life. .
Praying much for God’s special touch on each of you. Bob and Nancy Jonsson