Cancer Hits Close to Home

I never thought we were exempt from Cancer, but always hoped that John & I would get through our lives without facing it personally.  Which I'm sure is more common than not for people.  Yes, we have close loved ones who have or are working through various types of cancer,  however, John & I have been so well, other than arthritis pain for myself and chronic pain syndrome (Fibromyalgia), we feel so blessed overall. 

So, here we are in our 60's, both of us now Retired, and Cancer hit!  But, the prognosis is excellent and "peace, like a river, attendeth our soul/s". (from the song "It is Well with my Soul") .   How can that be?  Attitude, attitude, attitude!  And a deep knowing within my soul that my God is still in charge .   So that when such a THING like this comes along, my heart & mind immediately goes to that Truth.  John also is facing this new challenge well and that gives me peace of mind.  Will see how he copes once treatment starts!  I'm so grateful that he had already planned to retire before being faced with this challenge since, he won't have to struggle trying to continue working and being tired or whatever the side effects will be.    

I know that Cancer is still feared and people still don't want to talk about it - known as the big "C".  But, then when I constantly reminded myself that we weren't exempt, it has helped considerably!  I use to say quite regularly that "why not me/you?" when someone would complain that something happened to them which just didn't make sense - especially, since we were Believers on Jesus Christ!   That in itself didn't make sense to me!  So much so that nothing that happens, unexpectedly, causes my heart to jump, fear to grip me, or start questioning "WHY ME?" Why not me?  We live in a fallen world, and I'm still part of the human race - yes, I have been forgiven my sin, cleansed and set free from it's power over me, BUT, I'm still living in this world and God's Word does say that "rain...sun...rises on both the righteous and unrighteous..."(Matthew 5:45) Guess I take this to mean that we aren't exempt from the sufferings of this world or the blessings which are common to all men - evil or good.  However, the greatest promise of all to us who are God's Children - part of the Family of God, apart from knowing our future is secured and we do have an Eternal home to look forward to, is that His presence is always with us and His power is in made perfect in our weakness & continually at work in us!  That is the best truth to know especially when the big "C" hits close to home!   

So...now John is facing Radiation/Chemo over a 3-4 mo. period beginning January 5/12.  The cancerous tumour is in the right side of his neck.  He was happy to know that he didn't need to shave off his beard!  Even though he could loose his hair, he's not going to rush to shave it off!  The Nutritionist said he can't afford to lose the 15-20 lbs. that is very likely with the treatment, so they will keep a close watch over him and has given him tips today that I'm sure he'll have no problem with except getting food down when his throat is sore!!   

Personally, I will also have to pace myself physically and discipline myself  when there are things to be done & he won't necessarily have the strength himself to do all that I have come to depend upon him for.   Guess Cancer, or any chronic illness or sudden accidents, etc., is never an individual thing, huh!   Family, friends, and faith in a loving God who will "never leave us or forsake us", prayer support, all help to move us through to success!!   Because, we both know in our hearts that success is there for us and the strength to bear up when weakened is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen!

Still feeling blessed,  Jeanine 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

John decorating the Christmas Tree and looking forward
to seeing all of our kids & grandkids over the
Season.  

New Life Challenge

Since we've moved into our new home - an apartment, John put his notice in at work for the end of the year, adjusting to new surroundings - life continues to bring new challenges. 

About 5 wks ago John went to the Doctors to check out the swelling in his neck, on the right side, that came & went over the past 3 months.  It was discovered there was a lump through x-ray and MRI.  Therefore, an appointment was made with the ENT Specialist.  That has brought us to our new life challenge - CANCER! 

The Specialist booked him an appt. for a tonsillectomy and almost 2 wks. ago he had his day surgery.  Everything went really well and he was awake & alert when Elisa & I were brought into the recovery room.  But, ever the comedian, he could talk and wanted to know what time it was.  Not just once!  But many times!  So the nurse, Janet, brought over a small desk clock and set it on his legs! 

He went back to sleep...and Elisa & I went to the Cafeteria to get some supper until we could take him home.  Also, we had a challenge with getting his pain meds. since the Dr. forgot to put down the quantity!  I was so grateful for Elisa!! She did all the running around that was needed between pharmacy (where I ended up waiting) and the 3rd flr. & the nurse! FINALLY, it was all done and we were able to get his meds and bring him home around 6:30! 

Then...we told the nurse to catch John when he came out of the washroom if she wanted him to sit in a wheelchair for the trip down so I could pick him up! He wouldn`t have agreed to that so readily, so Elisa & I headed out to get our cars right then.  It was really great having her there with me all afternoon and to have a second pair of ears to grasp what the nurse said as to the next step. 

It has been a positive recovery and he did everything he was suppose to - rest, drink lots of liquids, and eat according to the day by day schedule & take his pain meds every 4 hrs.  Yes, he did have some pain, sore ear when chewing, and very tired!  But, overall he did really great. Having Michelle, Dan, Elijah & Dakota here for a couple days was also a positive!  She really helped me to make the move especially to walking to the grocery store & to get his paper which is not far away, but I'd never walked it yet!  So encouraging for me having her here as usual during these periods of change. 


We went back last Tues. to get the pathology results and it is positive for squamous cell carcinoma in the surrounding tissue, and positive for a tumor.  That means further treatment of Radiation and or chemotherapy.  We will know all those details on Tuesday afternoon this week.  


John opening Get Well Card from our American Thanksgiving gang and belated
birthday gift and cards from Elisa, Darek, McKenna & Jaden



The general atmosphere around here has been good and positive. God has really spoken to my heart with a verse from Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  That has been His directive to us and I know that God is faithful and will lead us along this part of our journey together! Whatever is next, everything will work out for our good and, in Christ, our hope for the future is bright!