Monday, August 1, 2011

Dealing With Deadly Uncertainty

I can't recall a time since 2008 that we have faced so much uncertainty and fear.  Hopefully, we trust God with it better now and deal with it in healthier ways.

Heidi's Bone and CT scans a couple weeks ago showed 3 new tumors, on her skull, rib and lung.  Her Oncologist is not changing anything until either her tumor marker lab results or her symptoms worsen.  At that point, they will try a different chemotherapy.  Which is frightening, because there is no assurance a new chemo will even work (two others have failed in the past).

To complicate matters, last week my own, new Oncologist found a mass on my prostate.  So we are hoping it is post-bladder-chemo inflammation and not more cancer.  But we won't know until he does more diagnostics, including a cystoscopy on August 17th.  That cysto will also be the one to show whether I have new bladder tumors.

Tough stuff to deal with.  Our time investments in friendships, exercise, dieting, hiking, kayaking, joking around and more importantly, prayer.. these all make it easier to handle than in 2008 when we we first learned about the cancers.  But it is still really hard.  And in a way, living each day more fully just makes you long for longevity even more.

My own new motto I am trying to act out in this time of uncertainty:
"You can achieve serenity without handing cancer the house keys".

We love and appreciate all of you reading this.  Thank you.

- Joe

9 comments:

  1. Dear Joe and Heidi...what a hard place of uncertainty again, indeed. You continue to be such an inspiration in your honesty, perspective, and strength. I love your living of each day to the fullest. May you find that serenity and peace each day. We love you and continue to pray with you!!
    Mary

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  2. Yes, a hard place to be. Balance has to be hard with so much looming. Of course I wish and pray for good outcomes and also for peace and strength.

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  3. Dear Heidi and Joe will be there the middle of August. Finally we will see your beautiful property

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  4. There are so many uncertainties with this disease. You just have to take it one day at a time and live each day "to the max!"
    May the peace of the Lord surround you and sustain you.

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  5. Dear Joe and Heidi,
    I am so sorry to see this news of new growth and tumors. I have been on new job training and have been out of facebook for a few weeks. I am just now able to catch up. My prayers are always with you during this uncertain time. Peace and blessings to you.

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  6. All the best for Cysto...God Bless you both!
    I hope it came out clean!
    Indian Guru

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  7. Lifting you both up in my prayer right now! Stay strong. Keep the fight!!!!

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  8. Really I am feeling so sorry about your news of tumors.Think positive all is well.

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