Thursday

July 3, 2025

    It has been one month since my last post. I have been doing quite well. I've reached the point where I'm so close to normal that I have to remind myself that it really happened, it seems like a different time and different life.  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your divine mercy and healing. 

    When it was suggested that I write this blog about my experiences, the person specifically said, "You can help the rest of us when it becomes our turn." I hope that is true, especially since during this past month, two different ladies in our fellowship group were diagnosed with cancer, one uterine and the other breast. The woman with the uterine cancer had her surgery today. We are praying for both of them, and their families, and I hope some of the thoughts I've shared, and verses I've pointed to might prove beneficial to them during this time. 

    When this year started, I had 2-3 medical procedures/issues I was going to take care of but when the cancer diagnosis hit, everything else took a back seat.  Now that I'm past the initial rounds of my cancer diagnosis and treatment, I'm making plans for the other things.  First up, hernia surgery.  I've had three different pre-op clearances the past two weeks and because of them, I now have an official cardiologist and pulmonologist.  Two new specialists.  I joked a while ago that you know you're getting old when you see your specialists more than you see your primary care physician. I've been cleared by everyone, so the surgery is a go for the 21st.  After that, a dental implant. 

    I'm sure my insurance is eager to see me move over to Medicare in 6 months after this past year.  Cathy and I are going to spend July learning everything we can about Medicare and supplemental insurance so I can keep the same level of care going forward.  

    My follow-up with my dermatologist is coming in a couple of weeks.  I don't think he'll find anything to worry about, but you never know.  I should soon hear from the blood test company to schedule the specialty blood test for markers and anti-bodies.  We'll be praying for a 0 which should mean that the cancer didn't metastasize anywhere else. A crooked number will probably lead to more testing.  

    I am so grateful for God's blessings throughout this experience and beyond, and even though I'm doing well, I don't want to forget where I was, and how He comforted me, strengthened me, and healed me. 

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

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