When Cancer Comes Calling
Cancer comes in the life of nearly everyone at some point. We are either diagnosed with it or a loved one is. In times past a diagnosis of cancer was tantamount to an impending death sentence. When my father was diagnosed with colon cancer 45 years ago chance of survival was only about 15 percent and he died not long after diagnosis. Today due to early preventative exams and advances in effective treatment nearly 90 per cent of people diagnosed with colon cancer survive.
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is still a scarry experience even with the current cures which would have been considered a miracle a few years ago. Twice last year I faced the possibility of a cancer diagnoses affecting my life. I was having acid reflex like problems and sought medical assistance for that. The doctor put a camera down my throat to examine my esophagus and discovered a hiatal hernia. He also discovered a lump on my small intestine. Then came the cancer scare. As the doctor explained the only way they could determine if the lump was cancerous was to remove it with about five inches of my small intestine. While I was under sedation they would do a quick biopsy of the lump. If no cancer they would then sew me back together. If cancer were found they would then take our more intestine and parts of other organs.
That did not sound appealing at all. To add to my stress two doctors told me if I did not get the lump removed it would almost certainly become cancerous within a year. I was faced with some choices, none of which sounded good. I was leaning toward doing nothing. I reasoned, since I am a senior citizen how much longer will I live with or without the operation? I am still of sound mind and physically able to take care of my own needs. In the future that might not be the case. Would this be a good time to pass away? As a follower of Jesus Christ I have tried to do his will and had no fear of seeing his face. My big reason for not leaving was I did not want to leave my wife whom I adore. It came down to my wife and children wanting me to have the operation so I agreed.
I came through the operation fine with no sign of cancer but the recovery did not go well. I ended up with three infections that almost did me in. Finally I have mostly recovered. Before I got to that point the Dr. told my wife she had an aggressive form of cancer and her chance of survival was only 40 percent. Now he thinks her chance of survival is much improved. She has had one chemo treatment which was accompanied by an infection which made her very ill. The loss of hair which accompanies chemo is happening now. She is in good spirits and has faith she will recover. Her faith is giving me hope. I have appreciated family and friends who have been so willing to help with caregiving and any other way they can. It has been very difficult being a caretaker to someone who has been so ill but I consider it a privilege to serve some one who has been such a joy to be with for so many years.
Jesus spent his entire life serving others at no financial gain for himself. He also taught us to serve our fellow man with no expectation of financial gain but a reward of living with him and the father in the next life. He also taught us to help the poor which would come from our own personal wealth. In spite of the love I have for my wife I have still struggled with selfishness as I thought how her illness was preventing me from playing outside with my big boy toys. I also struggled with being patient as her needs were constant. Her sickness allowed me to learn to put my needs and desires aside for her.
We all have to leave mortality at some time. We both have tried to serve the Lord and our fellow man and have faith we will see each other again when we part and rejoice with the Lord.
This is a blog for conservatives and people of faith.