Another Interruption

It seems my cancer adventure continues. My recent CT scan detected a relatively small 3 x 4.8 cm. growth in the same area where my previous two surgeries have been. So, to be safe, I’m flying tomorrow to Manila where I’ll have surgery probably either Tuesday or Wednesday (19th or 20th) to remove the growth. Assuming it’s positive for cancer cells, this will be a re-recurrence within the site of my original cancer – a very rare thing to happen.

When most cancers metastasize (spread along blood or lymph channels) they enter organs such as the liver or lungs and begin to multiply there. Mine hasn’t done that, which means there is still a good chance that, once this spot is removed, my long term prognosis is still pretty decent. Of course, the fact this growth has appeared means it could happen again. So I will need to continue with regular check-ups. Such is the nature of cancer.

Martha and Jonathan will be staying here in Iloilo with Dan and Kathy Lockhart, dear friends who have been living here for a year and a half as Southern Baptist volunteers through First Baptist Church of Azle, Texas. Assuming this will be like my surgery in Nov. ’08, I’ll recover in the hospital for a few days, rest a few more days at our Guest Units, then fly back to Iloilo before the end of the month.

Psalm 139 has been precious to me… “Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book, the days that were ordained for me were all written, before one of them came to be.” As I face another interruption, I will “count it all joy” to have a new opportunity to proclaim God’s goodness, regardless of my circumstances. Indeed, the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.

I’ll have Martha send out an update later in the week. Thank you for your prayers and have a great Resurrection Day celebration.