Enjoying a field of cosmos, Japan's salute to fall Omniscience defined
“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts,’” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV).
What a roller coaster month it has been. Except for the Lord’s message to Cheryl on September 4 that she should, “Sit still, my daughter” (see the archives of this blog), this month would have been unbearable in many ways. On September 4 we were told that Cheryl’s respiratory doctor suspected her cancer had returned. Then, a couple of hours later, another doctor denied this possibility. We returned home feeling “off the hook,” but not much better emotionally. Actually, the physical symptoms that mirrored everything Cheryl was experiencing before her cancer was found in March were back in full force, so we wondered how this second doctor could be right. In fact, he misread the CT scan.
On September 15, Cheryl’s radiologist and urologist agreed with 90% certainty that the cancer had indeed metastasized into three tumors in the area where the kidney was before surgery in April. Their suspicions were confirmed on September 29 after multitudes of tests, leading us into a new phase of life: living with cancer. This translates into an oral anti-cancer medicine (Sutent) taken daily for 28 days followed by 2 weeks of rest, with the regime repeated forever. Yes, forever. Indeed, we are living with cancer.
From our relatively short experience with cancer, we’ve learned as never before the meaning of Isaiah’s words above. We cannot understand God who is omniscient. But we can trust him. And this is exactly what we have committed to doing—long before cancer became part of the picture. We will continue doing what we have always tried to do: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Please pray with us that the Lord may be glorified in every way as we learn the joys—and challenges—of living with cancer.
Two related praises
We stand in complete awe of God’s loving care and tenderness in preparing us for what was to come even before we had a clue that anything was wrong! (As we said already, please check the archives and read, "Sit Still, My Daughter," for the full story of a holy experience. Needless to say, we are full of praise to our Heavenly Father.
Our second related praise comes from the doctor’s office the day the recurrence was confirmed and Cheryl began the anti-cancer regime. Towards the end of the doctor’s visit, he commented randomly, “You’re taking all this news remarkably well.” Smiling, Cheryl replied, “It’s because we believe in God.” Two sentences—that’s all. But we’re still smiling because of having received this wonderful opportunity to be a witness for the Lord because of cancer. God is so good!
Some related prayers
In addition to praising God, we are also praying about several related concerns. Please join us in praying about the following:
►That Cheryl will be in the 90% group of people whose side effects are not an issue with Sutent, allowing them to lead normal lives (even including working full-time!);
►That Cheryl will be in the 30% group of people for whom Sutent is effective (meaning the cancer is kept stable or, better yet, the tumors begin to shrink and, with the help of the Great Physician, they even go away and the cancer is declared in remission);
►Assuming the above, we also pray that the next CT scan—after one or two rounds of Sutent—will show positive response within the three tumors that have been detected;
►Pray that her hemoglobin deficiency will be corrected soon to restore Cheryl’s energy level;
►That insurance questions will be answered soon and as easily as possible;
►That in the midst of getting used to this new lifestyle, we’ll be able to concentrate well, sleep well, and carry out our responsibilities well. Especially pray for Bernie who carries significant responsibilities at Tamagawa Seigakuin and Tamagawa Church; and,
►For our family, especially our children, Benjamin and Stephanie, as they suddenly feel the physical distance that separates us.
