Hard news from James Alan Shelton

When we reported last week that James Alan Shelton had been hospitalized, we all hoped to hear good news by now. Instead, James received some very difficult news earlier today.

He shared this statement…

James Alan Shelton - photo by David GartlandAs I promised earlier in the week, here is an update on my medical condition. On Monday I had a full body PET Scan at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee. The scan revealed a mass in the pancreas and one in the bowels, both of which we were previously unaware. In addition it has also spread to the liver. These are all cancerous and we were told that it is Stage 4. The only treatment option is chemotherapy which will not make the cancer go away but will hopefully slow it down. We were told that life expectancy with the treatment was eighteen months to two years.

To offer a better chance of survival, plans are being made for me to go to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. This is supposed to be the top cancer treatment facility in the country. We hope to get an appointment down there next week. At this time, I am still planning on continuing in my position as lead guitarist for Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys as long as my health will allow. Right now I am just taking things a week at a time. I plan on putting my trust in the Lord and turning this all over to Him.

My wife Greta and I do ask for your prayers and support during this difficult time.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.