The first entry in the private online journal Gary Carter’s daughter set up to share news with family and friends as he battles four cancerous brain tumors is from The Kid himself, discussing how he discovered the awful news.

The family has graciously granted ESPN access to help inform the public, which has offered an outpouring of love and support. The family expects to hear further news at Duke’s cancer treatment center Wednesday on the preliminary diagnosis of a Grade 4 glioblastoma.

The journal is filled with uplifting psalms and lyrics as well as details of the family’s trying experience, and even talks about visiting the beautiful chapel on Duke’s campus as well as their appreciation for the recent crowd recognition at Citi Field.

Here’s the emotional introduction …

My story began last Thursday, May 20th when I wasn't feeling myself and a little confused with daily endeavors. I was forgetting things, repeating questions and tired all the time. I went to the doctor on Friday, May 21st for a checkup of something completely unrelated to my situation now. After conversation, the doctor ordered an MRI to see why I was feeling "out of it". The MRI showed on Friday that four small tumors were found on my brain. They are located on the back, left side of my head. We were shocked of this news but took immediate action and called Duke medical center for guidance. The head doctor was going to be returning to Duke on Thursday so we were going to wait until then to leave. On Saturday, May 22nd, I was spending time with my family and went to church that evening. My pastor, the elders, family and friends laid hands on me and prayed for me. I was filled with emotion and I felt the presence of God. I was also still feeling out of sorts and fuzzy. My wife Sandy decided that we should leave for Duke the next day instead because things were changing and it was getting scary.

Among those who have signed the online guestbook with well-wishes and spiritual messages: Bert Blyleven, Jerry Royster, Howard Johnson, Phil Niekro, Buddy Bell and Tommy Hutton.

Here are brief excerpts from the online journal, written by Carter’s daughter Kimmy -- again, with gratitude to the family for their openness in this trying time.

May 25

We have received so many wonderful phone calls since Friday from friends, family, MANY of dad's former teammates, coaches and Hall of Famers. Each call has been special and touching for dad. Not many phone calls have ended with dry eyes.

During brunch today, another special phone call came through on my cell phone. My phone has been kind of the go-to # for a lot of this weekend...

Anyway, I answered the phone and heard a kind voice from a man that asked for dad -- I naturally asked who it was and I was so excited....yup...it was Coach K (Duke's head men's basketball coach). Dad was honored to talk with him for about 20 minutes...he encouraged dad and was incredibly nice. That was very cool for dad. And yes, that phone call ended with teary eyes.

May 27

After the biopsy was completed this morning, we anxiously awaited news on what is causing Dad's tumors. It is with a heavy, yet hopeful heart, that I share with you the news that Dr. Friedman shared with our family early this afternoon...that he is 90% certain that the tumors are malignant. We won't know the official diagnosis until early to mid next week once the lab results come back.

It was very hard for all of us to hear, as we have been hoping and praying that the tumors would be benign. Lots of tears have been shed in the hospital room today, and we are all a bit scared of the unknown. As we try to process this news, we are leaning on each other and the Lord for strength and courage. We understand that we have a long road ahead of us, and we're doing all we can to mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepare for the journey.

May 28

Dr. Friedman wants us to call him "Henry" at all times. He is a kind man who genuinely cares. My family asked every question possible and this is what Henry told them. He said that he is about 99% sure that dad has a Grade 4 glioblastoma. We will find the ABSOLUTE/DEFINITE prognosis on Tuesday so we are hanging tight for possibly other news.

Dad's tumor is not operable since it is like a snake of tumors that are connected across the back of the brain. The biggest tumor is on the left side of the brain. Henry is extremely positive and is saying we are going for it, attacking it and doing all we can to shrink these tumors. He explained that we are not fighting to prolong Dad's life, instead, we are fighting to cure him completely. He is encouraged that dad will be able to fight well because he is so young, strong and healthy. This will not be an easy road at all, nor is this a simple battle but WE WILL FIGHT. Dad has the best care and has great teammates/doctors. My mom is his #1 teammate overall.