A Summer Of Refining
Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 11:27PM This summer has been one that neither I nor my family will soon forget. It was truly a summer of refining. We had planned on a summer of celebrations and fun, but what we experienced was something much more.
I early April, I was diagnosed with Stage 2C Testicular Cancer. After surgery to remove the tumor, I had an abdominal CT scan which showed some enlarged lymph nodes. After consultations with a Radiation Oncologist and an Oncologist at Johns Hopkins, it was decided that I would undergo chemotherapy. It would consist of 3 cycles and each cycle would be 5 full days of chemotherapy followed by 1 quick treatment the following 2 weeks. Well that was the plan, but one of the many side effects of the chemo is the destruction of the white blood cells. The 3rd week of each cycle was delayed due to my white blood cell count dropping too low for any treatment. Each cycle was originally planned to be 3 weeks but was actually stretched to 4 weeks each time due to my lowered white blood cell counts.
My treatment has taught me that it does not matter what we plan or think we know, if it does not line up with God’s plan it does not mean much. We thought that we knew what our treatment schedule would be, but we had to adjust our plan. We had planned on celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in early June, but because of my weakened immune system we spent our anniversary apart.
On Father’s Day weekend, we found out that Janie was pregnant with our 5th child. Sadly, on July 25 she had a miscarriage and we lost the baby. It was the first day of my last cycle. A day that had started with some joy and hope of seeing the end of my treatment ended at the hospital with tears and despair. We had made plans for that week to celebrate Livia and Virginia’s birthdays as best we could, but again our original plans were changed.
It seemed each new week would bring new disappointment and challenges. I lay in bed one night, unable to sleep, crying out to God to use me however He needed, but to please spare my family any further stress and heartache. My wife and I desperately want to be used by God, but it is difficult when you feel as though that you cannot handle anything more. I thank God that He is faithful!
Throughout the summer, at every turn, every disappointment and crisis, God was there. He was there with meals during my treatments. He was there cutting our grass when I was too weak to do it myself. He was there watching our children so my wife could be with me during treatments. He was there throwing our girls impromptu birthday parties when we couldn’t be there. He was there sitting in a waiting room with my wife while I was getting a treatment. He was there giving me a ride home when my wife couldn’t be there. He was there visiting me and praying with me while I was getting treated. He was there delivering groceries to us. He was there praying for us from near and far. He was there sending us notes, cards, and messages of encouragement.
The love and help with which we have been blessed has touched us deeply. Our church family has wrapped their arms around us and shown us the love of Christ. God intended the church to help one another and share their resources. Not any sort of socialist, utopian fashion, but the church coming together to help those in need. How do we say “Thank You” to the many friends that reach out a hand to help? All we can do is Thank God for each and every one of you who cooked for us, watched our kids, cut our grass, prayed for us, or helped us in any way. You have all touched us more than we could possibly ever express. Thank you for all you have done!
As of today, my doctor has told us that I am now in remission. The CT scan shows that the cancer is gone and all of my blood tests show that I have no tumor markers indicating any new tumors are growing. I will have to follow up with him every 3 months for the next year to monitor my blood and CT scans, but as of now I am cancer free! We are praising God for His faithfulness throughout all of this and His healing touch!
Reader Comments (8)
I had no idea!! And I am sorry to hear about the baby Janie and the cancer diagnosis, Troy. But am so excited that God's plan for you was healing and even though you didn't get to know the little one. Be strong that they are in heaven with God and you will get to be with him/her/them one day. I know it doesn't help to hear that necessarily because they are still not with you and heaven could be a long way off but God works in mysterious ways!!
I love to see people's faith living out!! Janie you are one of the most grounded Christian I know!! Love it!! :)
Love to you both!!
xoxo Teri