Friday

June 6, 2025

    Another week, a day late, sorry. It's been a busy week.  On the merkel front, I had my 3-month follow-up with Dr. Tran, my surgical oncologist. It wasn't what I thought it was going to be.  My impression was that these three-month check-ups would be blood tests and scans, but this was just a Q and A visit. Dr. Tran doesn't want to do any scans until the area is completely healed from the radiation, and I just had the important blood test at the end of April so that won't happen again until the end of July. We did learn that my score on the blood test was "0" which was great news.  That means that two months after the surgery there was no trace of cancer cells in my body.  That test will determine much of what happens to me in the months and years to follow.  Getting "0's" should mean that I'm cancer free.  If the number goes up, more testing and checking will follow. 

    Overall, she was happy with my progress.  She checked the surgery site and commented on how the radiation got rid of the scar.  The skin is looking well and should be completely normal by the end of the month. She was also happy that I feel great and am keeping active. Later this month I will have my three-month check-up with the dermatologist.  

    I'm hoping that my experience, and sharing it on my blog, will help others as they face similar hurdles. A woman in our fellowship group recently learned that she had two different types of uterine cancer. She'll be having surgery on July 3rd and then they will follow-up with either chemo or radiation. I then learned that a very good friend of mine is being checked for a genetic heart problem that has already taken different members of his family. They're hoping that medication will keep it under control, but a heart transplant could be in the future. I'll be praying for both of them, for healing, and that this experience will enhance and strengthen their faith of bring them a better understanding of what faith in God truly entails. 

    John 12:46

          I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in             darkness.

    John 20:31

        but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;            and that believing you may have life in His name.

    It is only through my faith that I have been able to keep such a positive outlook over everything that is happening.  Faith that God is in control.  Faith that God will use this for His glory and my good. Faith that He is with me, listening to me, and comforting me, and Faith that even if the cancer eventually wins, I actually win because I will be in heaven with Him.  I can't lose. 

    John 3:16

        For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him         shall not perish, but have eternal life. 

    Romans 10:9-10

        because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God         raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified,            and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 

    Philippians 1:21

        For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

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