Good evening family and friends. It’s been awhile, I know. Paul is doing well. He definitely has his challenges and is finding his NEW NORMAL. He is able to eat and drink most things, though smaller portions and less spicy seem to be what works best for him. He met with his oncologist this past Friday, August 29, and Dr. Yee told Paul that he’s overdoing it. Does that surprise any of you who know my husband? He’s been working full-time again, he’s been playing golf once or twice a week, and is working in the yard a little. Hummm, and his doctor says maybe a little too much, too soon.
Bloodwork was done Friday as well, and all the numbers are still too low. They have gone up, but not anywhere close to what they need to be. Paul finished his last round of chemo on July 21. I remember one of his doctors saying it would be quite awhile before the chemo is completely out of his system. He is growing hair again…and even shaves some. And he’s gained back two more pounds!
He is scheduled for his next CT scan on September 23. Dr. Yee plans to do them every two months. He reiterated that this is a cancer that likes to return. We know about that already. One of the men that we’d been keeping in touch with, who had this same cancer, passed away in July. And we just heard of the passing of a man we’d met, whose esophageal cancer had spread to his lungs. And we know another man whose esophageal tumor is inoperable. We’ve been given the statistics, and we know the doctors hope they gave Paul enough chemo. I’d like to add that we are aware of three men, with this same cancer, that are doing very well! And when you think of all Paul has gone through, he has made great progress—he is mending, and improving in all areas! Thank You, Jesus.
We go forward hopeful and expectant that the Lord IS preserving Paul’s life. And we are grateful. Some days ago I came across a passage I’ll share—
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED BECAUSE OF THE KING OF ASSYRIA AND THE VAST ARMY WITH HIM, FOR THERE IS A GREATER POWER WITH US THAN WITH HIM. WITH HIM IS ONLY THE ARM OF FLESH, BUT WITH US IS THE LORD OUR GOD TO HELP US AND TO FIGHT OUR BATTLES.
That has a lot to say to us. We know we have been in a battle with this cancer. It’s a journey I could not have imagined just one year ago. God has allowed it for His purposes though, and we have been the recipiants of His grace, His compassion, and His strength. And I believe He has a reason for all we’ve gone through. We have felt His hand upon us from the very beginning. And the message has been consistent—TRUST HIM. Our hope is not in the strong chemo drugs Paul was given. Our hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth. AND WITH HIM, NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT. And the bottom line is—
Matthew 6:27 WHO OF YOU BY WORRYING CAN ADD A SINGLE HOUR TO HIS LIFE?
Isn’t that true. We could live always looking over our shoulders for this “army” of cancer to return. Or we can stand on God’s Word to us in the first hours of this journey—
Romans 4:18-21 AGAINST ALL HOPE, ABRAHAM IN HOPE BELIEVED AND SO BECAME THE FATHER OF MANY NATIONS, JUST AS IT HAD BEEN SAID TO HIM, “SO SHALL YOUR OFFSPRING BE.” WITHOUT WEAKENING IN HIS FAITH, HE FACED THE FACT THAT HIS BODY WAS AS GOOD AS DEAD—SINCE HE WAS ABOUT A HUNDRED YEARS OLD—AND THAT SARAH’S WOMB WAS ALSO DEAD. YET HE DID NOT WAVER THROUGH UNBELIEF REGARDING THE PROMISE OF GOD, BUT WAS STRENGTHENED IN HIS FAITH AND GAVE GLORY TO GOD, BEING FULLY PERSUADED THAT GOD HAD POWER TO DO WHAT HE HAD PROMISED.
We are well aware that this cancer is a bad one, but we serve a LIVING, ALL-POWERFUL GOD who has given us His word to stand on, and stand we will.
I came across an old email from my friend, Veda, dated January 17, 2008. She wrote—I don’t pretend to understand why as Christians we go through trials and why we are asked to be joyful when we are in pain. But think about this for a minute–whenever people go through these horrible trials and come out through the other side and then share about their experiences–what do they say? They say that they would do it all over again to learn what they’ve learned. That they wouldn’t give up that experience for the world. And that they are thankful! I am excited to see what God is going to do. It’s going to be a miracle and remember–a miracle is something that only GOD can do! I am an optimist by nature, I can’t help it. Whatever happens–the things we see and don’t see–He is in control! He is always at work.
Those are good thoughts to leave you with. Goodnight.
Love, Diana
September 2, 2008 at 12:22 am |
Paul and Di,
Some days my heart is so heavy and burdened—full of prayer for your family. As I drive—I pray, as I clean house—I pray, as I …well, you get the gist. Some days I just pray so much, and then there are other days that I feel such joy for all that God does to us and for us. My heart is overwhelmed during these times, both the burdened times and the joyful times. I think this is how God keeps me within His constant earshot. He wants me near Him—so that I can hear Him. Does that make sense? I know that my trails are different from yours, and that my joys are different, but He still keeps me right by His side. He is my father—in every way, just as He is your father. What an awesome thing to realize! Our God is our Father! He loves you all so much. He will always walk with you, love you, care about you, be there for you, talk to you, heal you, provide for you, dry your eyes, protect you, comfort you,…oh my gosh and so much more! I get excited just thinking about who God is! Don’t give up! Don’t be discouraged, don’t worry about the future (it’s a waste of time) don’t be afraid, don’t be sad—be thankful, be happy, be fearless!
May He bless you and keep you. I love you, and I pray!
Your friend, Veda
September 4, 2008 at 6:38 am |
Paul, Paul, Paul. You don’t have to do everything and be everything at once! You’re making me tired just thinking about it all.
Paul and Di, I am praying to our lovely Savior, and the Lifter of your head, for those sweet, deeply personal outpourings of mercy, renewal, and restoration. No body knows you like He does. May you find your rest in Him while He builds you up. I love you guys.
Becky
September 11, 2008 at 5:32 am |
Just dropping by to say you both are never far from my thoughts. It was good to read a positive report. Every day going forward is a blessing so enjoy and be thankful and praise the Lord.
Been a busy summer for us (my sis, brother-in-law and me). They bought a fixer upper house in a small town about 20 miles from Omaha and finally we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Should be moving in about 6 weeks, I think.
Carol and Kenny’s little 7 year old grandson got his angel wings and flew to Heaven last week. He fought neuroblastoma for 2 years. We understand the uncertainties with this horrible disease called cancer. ““““““““““““`Oops, my cat is writing now. Always in my prayers , a Sacramento friend, Judy