857 Hours | Update on Dad
When you start the cancer journey
there really is no way to anticipate
the journey ahead.
Every diagnosis differs.
Every body responds in a vastly different manner.
Every day holds its share of ups and downs.
Yesterday we spent 3 1/2 hours in the hospital
while Dad had his CT scan.
I'm so grateful for the Stratford General Hospital
and the care he receives each time he walks through these doors.
This journey has held countless appointments.
Waiting for his number to be called.
Praying the chemo is working.
Grateful for the little pops of color and sunshine streaming through skylights
in an otherwise cold and sterile environment.
I'm grateful for continued traditions
even amidst the cancer journey.
even amidst the cancer journey.
Our yearly trip up to Canada on Thanksgiving weekend
is always a special time,
one we no longer take for granted.
While we can see God's good hand all over
Dad's cancer journey,
it's still hard.
Dad has been quite discouraged of late,
and rightly so.
Weary of the fight.
Most mornings start off okay
but by early afternoon
his energy is gone.
Physically wearying.
Emotionally exhausting.
Where weariness and exhaustion intersect,
there's bound to be discouragement.
Sometimes deep.
Always hard.
Coco knows she's on medical duty when she's with Grandpa.
She assumes the position,
never too far from Dad's side.
I really do think dogs know when someone's not feeling well.
I'd bet money on that one!
Since Dad's first chemo treatment in February,
10 months ago,
he's logged 857 hours of poison
pouring into his body,
from slow drip to fast infusion
to everything in-between.
He'd say his main side effect is weariness
with a few other side effects that have surfaced.
He's basically lost his taste buds
and doesn't sleep well at all.
He's had sinus issues that cause daily nose bleeds.
All that aside,
I do think there is something quite
wonderful about the fact that he is still able to do
what he loves:
teaching the Word of God.
Dad continues to have a really good quality of life,
all things considered.
He still preaches most Sundays.
He was able to teach two full weeks at Senior camps this year,
once in June and once in September.
He leads a Bible study on Wednesday afternoons in Stratford.
This morning he recorded a radio spot
at myFM Exeter.
They were gracious about letting me bring along my camera
so it was fun to see the inside of the recording booth.
We continue to be so thankful for your prayers
and
kind thoughts and words
and
loving notes of encouragement.
We see God's good hand
all around us,
especially in each of you that care
for Dad and Mum and our entire family.
Next steps?
Lenny flies in Wednesday evening.
This Friday at 10am
we meet with Dad's oncologist in London
to review Monday's test results.
Following me on Facebook will be the best place
to find updates on Friday
as I won't have access to my computer
and will only be posting on Facebook.
Feel free to pass along updates to your circle of friends/churches,
especially for those that aren't on social media.
So we wait.
And we hope.
And we pray.
And we know.
We know that
whatever the outcome of Friday's appointment,
God is STILL good
and always will be.
Always.