Those of you who’ve been reading this blog for a while will know that I have Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare cancer which originates in the salivary glands (although it’s not there now). My doctors have been chasing it around my body for nearly ten years now. My last operation was over Christmas 2007, when they removed half my liver, along with a lump the size of a tennis ball.
Recently, I was diagnosed with recurrence in my lungs. I have one 1-5-2cm lump in each, plus another 5 or 6 “maybes” scattered around. After a few more months of observation, this means that in September and October I’ll be recapitulating the two thoracotomy operations I had in summer 2006, when they cleared my lungs out last time. Again, they’ll probably be about six weeks apart.
The title of this post comes from the fact that in the past, God has taught me a great deal through having cancer. This post (also linked above) gives a few of the things I’ve learned. But it seems that there’s still more, so here I go again :-)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Hey man, you’re in my thoughts. Hang in there – you’re might courageous!
Best wishes Gerv. Your attitude and continued faith are an inspiration to me when my struggles lead me to question my own.
Gerv, you are in my prayers. God Bless you!
You are in the thoughts and prayers of myself, my wife, and children.
Gerv, you are one inspirational guy both in work and life.
Thoughts are with you.
Don’t stop fighting!
I am sorry to hear about your recurrence. My family and I will keep you in our prayers. I trust that God has a plan, but I don’t pretend to know what it is!
Gerv, I believe that in this life there are very few occasions for us to “pick our own fights”
God be with you.
“Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Well this is no doubt horribly un-christian, but on reading about your recurrence my immediate thought was “Bugger!”
But you have thought about these things more than I have, and have an impressively deep acceptance of God’s will for you in these things.
Sorry to hear it has spread again. Hopefully all goes well and you’ll have a good recovery.
Good luck, you’re a stronger man than most.
Wanted to say thanks, and that God’s using your illness to encourage others, namely me. The link to your prior post about your cancer (and the link to John Piper’s website) were encouraging.
Will pray for you.
Thinking of you often. I have followed your story as I also walk the path of ACC/AdCC (someone really needs to figure out which is the most correct acronym!). Please let me know if I can put any of my super medical librarian skills to use for you and your caregivers. Thank you for recording your experience – the more we can tell others, the more they will be ready if they find that they have joined us. Stay strong.
Thank you for the biblical reference. It is so applicable and I will read it to others. Stephen Pruitt