I have cancer.
September 2, 2021
I have cancer.
“...when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go... and after Jesus said this to Peter, he said to him: Follow me.” ~ John 21
We begin now a journey that we would not have chosen. Death moves from being a far off, inevitable door to a lurking, whispering presence. He is no friend of mine, no beautiful mystery. Today is the morning after the News, and our eyes are fixed firmly on our champion, Jesus. He has never been a peddler of spiritual trinkets in either Amy’s life or mine. For us, Jesus has always been the giver of life, the one who holds destinies (including ours); It is not strange for us to lean into him and feel our need for him - this is how we have lived.
It has been in my heart for the past 5 years that at some point it may please God to use my strengthens for his glory. He, very unhelpfully, continues to be more interested in my weakness. But, this weak instrument in the hands of God would have it no other way.
While we now know that it is cancer, there are many unknowns still. Yesterday’s consult and bone marrow biopsy (not fun, by the way), yielded more consults and radiation today, more scans tomorrow.
Here’s what we know so far:
- I have many, but not all the markers for a multiple myeloma. Further testing will bring clarity. My bone marrow is creating cells that are unhealthy... slowly. They then drift through the blood and end up congregating places in my body. I’ve got one a little larger than a golf ball in my shoulder (you’d think a guy would feel that, but nope). Soon we’ll find out if there are more.
- It is very treatable, but not curable. My doctor would add not curable yet. He’s hopeful there will be a cure within the next three years. I have less hope in those kinds of statements, but I’m no medical professional.
- Without having had any real tests to help us yet, our doctor said to think 10 years or more. The bone marrow biopsy will help determine where we are in this process. 10-14 days until results come back.
- We like our doctor. For others in this unwelcome fraternity, you know how much this means.
Today is the first day after. We are standing well. We are currently rejecting pity and receiving prayers. We know that God will be made great in the days ahead. It’s our prayer that his glory will be revealed through supernaturally healing me from this illness.
To the powers of this world, despair, anxiety, oppression, fear: We renounce you in the Name of Jesus.
To friends near and far, known and unknown: We receive the prayers you give on our behalf.
To our Father: We love you and we trust you.
Dave (for Amy, Charles and Owen)
He lives. He reigns. He loves.
It’ll be a few weeks before we know more. Until then...