There's Light at the end of the Tunnel!

 

It's been about a year since our cancer journey began with David. I say, "Our," because it has definitely been one that has affected each of us in the immediate family and many beyond our little huddle. 

With the conclusion of the chemo treatments in June, our prayer was that the next news we received would be that he was cancer-free; that wasn't the case, however. Although we learned in August that his scans showed the cancer was in remission, we also learned why David's health had continued to decline. For those who read my posts, you probably know that due to his compromised immune system (likely due to his inability to eat), he had an abscess in his colon that ruptured and caused a fistula to his bladder which ultimately led to sepsis. Ugh! The procedure to repair didn't go exactly as planned, so here we are - David has been living with a colostomy, aggravated by a softball size hernia that developed in the fall for the past several months. He's been a trooper through it all, but the whole situation has taken a toll on each of us, most significantly David. To those who have lived for years with any type stoma, I applaud you. I don't mean that in a small way, either; I know that the reason you have one is likely to save your life. 

Well, we have good news to share! David had another PET scan right after the first of the year, and he is STILL cancer free, which means he has now been over six months free of that horrid disease! I could tell he was anxious prior to our meeting with his oncologist last week, but hearing the news that there were no signs of cancerous growth lifted his spirits immeasurably! He will continue to be seen by the oncologist every three months for the remainder of this year, but unless he has symptoms again, there will be no more scans. Prayer works, y'all! Thank you, thank you, thank you to each of you who have spared even one second of your time to offer up a prayer on his behalf; we will continue to thank you and to praise our merciful God for David's improved health!

So what next? Honestly, we're not 100% sure, but we do know that on Tuesday, he will check into Northside for hernia repair and colostomy reversal surgery. His expected stay is from three to five days with approximately six weeks to full recovery. We are both looking forward to a return to normalcy even if that means redefining "normal." We have plans to make a trip to Cooperstown in June for a baseball tournament with our grandson and to Isle of Palms in July for our family vacation which makes us incredibly hopeful that we will make those plans a reality. We're even talking about slipping in a little beach trip before June if at all possible. Oh my, what a difference a year makes! 

How can you help? Keep up the prayers, hang on for the ride, and look forward with us as we approach the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. I think a see a bright light as we're rounding the bend!

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”
- Psalm 18:28

  

New Beginnings

"...every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" - Semisonic

At the beginning of 2022, as with the beginning of most new years, we had no idea what the year would bring, but wow, were we thrown for a loop! With David's cancer diagnosis early in 2022, we did a lot of "processing." With his treatment and devastating side effects, we processed even more.

As the summer of 2022 came to a close, we faced the reality that although his cancer was in remission (praise God!), he was faced with a future filled with uncertainties, primarily because of the complications cancer caused in his body. Although we were very private at the time, many of you know that as a result of his weakened immune system and the resulting surgery due to the abscess in his colon, he has lived with a colostomy for the past several months...not exactly the outcome we had hoped for when he had his "corrective" surgery. Yes, life throws you curves, but you DO learn to swerve! We've learned to zig-zag quite a bit these past few months! 

Last week, though, David had a colonoscopy (full disclosure) with his surgeon, and he was determined to be ready for his corrective (reconnecting) surgery! We had hoped for February, but the news that it could occur in January was like music to our ears (or more likely, divine intervention!)  Although he was a bit groggy on the way home after the procedure, he called the doctor's office to get on the surgery schedule and that same day, we learned that his surgery has been scheduled for January 24! What a beautiful way to start 2023! 

To those who have cried with us, prayed with us, brought or sent meals to us, or simply thought of us through this journey, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Life doesn't always turn out the way we expect it to, but with faith in the One who makes All things happen, we can each be confident that no matter the outcome, we are NOT alone. God is constant, He is present, and He will not forsake us!