Thursday

July 24, 2025

    The dermatologist appointment went well, nothing new to be concerned about. Tuesday I will be having the special blood test which will highlight if there are any markers or antibodies present to indicate a recurrence of the cancer. Prayers would be appreciated. 

    Monday, I had my hernia surgery.  It went well, but the process had a few hiccups. My surgery was originally scheduled for 11 AM, but Friday the hospital called and told me it was switched to 4:30 PM because of an emergency surgery the doctor was needed for in the morning. I arrived at the hospital at 2:30 and taken to pre-op around 3:30. We then learned the doctor was just getting out of surgery and had another one before mine. I finally was in the operating room before 7:30 PM. The surgery was over around 10 and at that hour, the doctor decided to keep me in the hospital overnight. I had a nice single room and great nurses throughout the experience.  It took a while to get cleared and signed out on Tuesday, but I was finally able to go home at 6:00 PM. I'm doing well, two days later, minimal soreness and no real pain.  I took a couple of Tylenol on Tuesday night but nothing since. They were very cautious and deliberate with me which I think is a combination of their attention to detail, and their attention to a recovering cancer patient. 

    I shared last post about getting new specialists and I met with another new one today. My hematologist recently retired, and I met with my new hematologist at the Hoag Cancer Center, a very nice facility.  She is also an oncologist so I imagine she will eventually be doing double duty with me in the days and years ahead. I have appreciated that every new doctor I have met I liked and felt comfortable with their personality, knowledge, and skill level.

Philippians 4:19...     And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in                                       Christ Jesus. 

    While things have been going well for me, it's been a tough week emotionally because of news I received about a longtime friend of mine.  I've known Dave for over 40 years.  He recently learned that he has a genetic heart defect that runs in his family. They were running tests on him and things took a turn for the worse very quickly. He has been hospitalized at Cedar-Sinai and on the list for a heart transplant. I believe he might be in surgery tonight as they decide if they have a heart that is a match, or if they give him a pump to keep everything flowing until one becomes available. I would appreciate your prayers for my good friend and his wife and family. 

    I've shared about the two women in our fellowship group who have also been dealing with their own cancer diagnosis. One has had her surgery and will be starting chemo soon.  There may be radiation, too. The other is on medication to shrink the tumor before having surgery and starting her chemo.  Please pray for them both and their families.  Cancer is definitely one of those situations where the cure can be as rough as the disease. 

    Though prayers, to the world, seem like a useless endeavor, I am convinced from my own life and from listening to others that prayer is the most powerful advantage that Christians have in this world. The ability to talk to God, praising and worshipping Him while bringing our requests and concerns before Him is an amazing experience in the Christian walk. 

James 5:16...     Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may                             be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Romans 8:26...    In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we                                 ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless                                         groans. 

Ephesians 3:16..    I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power                                             through His Spirit in your inner being.

     I hope that all my friends going through tough times know the Lord and rely on His faithfulness, peace, and gentleness. This journey has been so much easier and smoother for me as I know that He is there with me and has given me strength to handle every situation. 

Isaiah 41:10...    So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will                                     strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with righteous right hand.