www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/23

This devotional really spoke to me about not being wrapped up in circumstances but rather clinging to the hope that we find in God. Yesterday was a tense day around our house since we knew Isaac was seeing his specialist and getting his test results back. Our son Scott called as soon as Isaac was done at the doctor’s office and we were all on speaker discussing what the doctor had said.

First, the good news. Isaac’s CT scans and bloodwork were clear, showing no malignancy currently present. So, there was rejoicing when we heard that.

The doctor presented three options for treatment because the cancer they removed is extremely aggressive. According to the doctor, this type of cancer most often attacks the abdomen and all of the organs there. The first option is testing every two months. Isaac will have to have bloodwork and or CT scans every two months, regardless of whether he chooses to do the other options or not. The second option is preventative chemotherapy. Of course, there are numerous side effects. Isaac plans to discuss this option with the oncologist when he sees him tomorrow. He is leaning towards just option one and hoping (praying) for the best outcome. The third option is very radical in that they would do surgery and remove his lymph nodes in his abdomen as well as part of his intestines, the area that they think the cancer would head for next. The doctor did not recommend that but he said that if what the cancer attacks is no longer there, it cannot survive, so it is an option. Isaac definitely does not want to do surgery again unless it is necessary. He is still suffering from being sore from the first surgery.

So, in the good news department, clear tests and more to follow. Apparently, this cancer does not just disappear as the doctors had originally reported. So, vigilance is key. Isaac will talk to the oncologist tomorrow and listen to his recommendations before he makes the final decision, but he is leaning towards just getting tested every two months and dealing with the cancer problem if it rears its ugly head again. I would prefer the preventative chemo, but that does interfere with his normal routine and I can understand why he doesn’t like that idea.

Isaac is handling this well, if a bit stoically. He is resigned to whatever comes next and needs a big faith boost. I would like to spend more time with him feeding him with the Word and prayer, but so far, he has no time or interest. His “why, me” attitude has not turned into bitterness, just a resignation that somehow he is under a dark cloud that he cannot escape. I should say here that Isaac had a tough childhood because his sister is non-verbal autistic and from the time he was six, Iris became the priority. So, this is another blow for him and I want to be able to reassure him that God loves him all the time, in all ways and that He didn’t send the cancer to punish or pick on him. Please pray that my husband and I get the time to share truth with Isaac and that God will open his heart to hear and accept it. He has always been curious about our faith, so I pray God will open the door and let us in to help him through this.

I appreciate all of the prayers so far; your love and caring have helped me to face each day’s new challenges. I will post what Isaac finds out from the oncologist and what he recommends once I know anything. I am not enjoying this journey, but I am so thankful that I am not taking it alone.

By the way, my son sent me a nice photo of Isaac in the doctor’s office, looking out the window and wearing his eclipse glasses. He got to see part of the eclipse anyway. And he is really looking forward to his trip to Austin the first week of May. I am happy that he has something to look forward to that will be fun for him. God is good, even when the situation stinks.