Finally at 4:30am I got out of bed to check my email. The first email I read was from my friend Andy. Her son Greg and his wife were married less than a year ago. She became pregnant but because of complications she lost the baby. For the last 5 1/2 months she has been in the hospital. They ran test after test but could find nothing. This last week she was transfered to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Within days she was diagnosed with rectal cancer at age 25. They did exploratory surgery and found that the cancer has spread considerably and there is no treatment. She will be going home this Saturday to spend the remaining time with her family. She also has a 3 year old daughter Emma.
After reading that devastating email I went on to my next email from my dear friend Erin who lives in Texas. We attended Capernwray Bible School in England together several years ago. When her and her husband Layne first married almost eight years ago he had a seizure and they discovered brain cancer. He had surgery to remove most of the tumor and radiation to remove the rest. They have been going in every six months for check-ups and up to this point everything has been in good shape. Until yesterday. He went in for his check-up and they found a walnut size cancerous tumor again on his brain. They will be doing a biopsy next week to find exactly what the best course of action will be. The doctors told them that this tumor is not operable because it is located where memory and consciousness are. If they operate they run the risk of loosing both memory and consciousness. Layne and Erin have 2 young boys Paxson is 3 and Preston 18mon.
I tell you these stories to remind you that life is short. My prayer is that God would reach down with his healing hand and touch each one of these lives and those around them with his healing power. If it is not God's will for them to be healed, my prayer is that we as humans would see just a glimpse of what God's plan is. I know that with God all things are possible so I pray for my friends that his peace would overwhelm their lives and that they would lean completely on him.
Most of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another. My mom lost her life to cancer just over a year ago and it has been devastating to say the least. But with the support and love of my family and friend and the healing work of Christ I can say that I know God has his hand in all things. Saying that I ask you to take some time and read my brother's blog. This is a cancer support blog and the beginning of a cancer support foundation focusing on teenagers and adults. You can read Derek's story there and soon will be able to read Brenton and Lukas' story there as well as mine. This is a place to seek refuge and encouragement. To hear that it sucks and truly know that someone else understands. If you have a story to tell and would like to share it please let me know and I will get you in contact with Derek to have your story published on the blog.
"For I will turn their mourning into joy
and will comfort them and give
them joy for their sorrows."
Jeremiah 31:13
"Come to me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
and will comfort them and give
them joy for their sorrows."
Jeremiah 31:13
"Come to me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
1 comment:
Good reminder! My dad just had surgery to remove his prostate for prostate cancer. They think they were able to remove it all so we are blessed. Think of you often and hope your family is going well. Miss our time together!
Post a Comment