Thursday

March 12, 2026

    Just when you think you've found calm waters... I thought I was going to write today about being done with my year-after checkups, scans, and tests. I did have a dental procedure this week, part two of an implant. It went very well and the dentist did a great job with the anesthesia; I didn't realize when I fell asleep or when I woke up.  From my perspective, I was awake from beginning to end.  I wasn't, but it felt that way. There's been little pain since the Tylenol 3 wore off, and no bleeding. After that, I anticipated a quiet week of relaxing with little on the schedule. 

    And then... I contacted the colonoscopy specialist my GI wanted me to see. I anticipated there would be an evaluation and assessment appointment and then we'd schedule the colonoscopy. Turns out this doctor only specializes in surgical procedures, and they scheduled me for April 2. My GI had said I should do the follow-up in 3-6 months, but when she sent the referral in, she labeled it urgent. Huh? I've got a call into her to make sure she's okay with me doing another procedure 2 months after the last, and to learn a little more about the "urgent" part. She didn't make it seem that urgent when we met last week so what exactly did she find? Prayers would be appreciated. 

    This was a great week to be listening to Job on my daily walk. I, and many of my friends, have been through a lot this past year, but nothing compares to the trials that Job faced.  Or the trials that many people face today: bombs dropping in Israel, Iran, and much of the Middle East; hurricanes ripping through the middle of the country destroying everything in their path; famines, gang violence, and trafficking throughout the world. As I've gone through my "valley of the shadow of death" I've tried to keep a positive perspective on everything. I've lived a great life, I've got an amazing wife, family and friends, I've had access to good doctors and medical insurance, and I have a savior who has promised me an even better life when this one is over. I have no complaints. As Job makes it clear, God is God, and there is no way I can comprehend or understand His ways. There aren't always simple answers, but there is always God, doing what is best for my good, and His glory. 

Romans 8:18... For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 

Romans 8:28... And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 

    The ancient world used to believe that every success a person had was because of their righteousness before God, and every tragedy was because of the sins they had committed. Job's three friends were called out by God because they tried to blame Job for everything that had happened to him, just like the Pharisees asked Jesus who sinned, the mother or father, that caused the blind man to lose his sight. God challenged Job. Was he there when the world was made?  Did he know anything about the creation? Did he have the power the God has?  Job answers... (and repents)

Job 42:2... I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

    If there is one thing I've learned through all of my various experiences, cancer journey included, is that "life happens."  We aren't always sure why, but we can be always sure who is in control, and who is there to walk us through it. 

Jeremiah 17:7... Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 

Isaiah 26:4... Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. 

*Colonoscopy update: my GI said it was okay to have the procedure on April 2nd, the 3-6 month window was more of a "no later than." It was the assistant who contacted me so I'm not yet sure about the urgent part beyond what I already knew; some of the polyps were larger and they have better surgical equipment at UCI than the diagnostic equipment at the medical center. It's about being careful not to damage the colon.