Our Journey Through Harry’s Cancer

The following posts are snippets from updates I sent to family and friends. I wanted to share them with you to give you a sense of how powerfully the LORD carried us through this three-year journey.

1 - UPDATE ON HARRY – ORAL CANCER

September 22, 2014

Dear Friends and Family:

You know we would much prefer to have this dialogue face-to-face with each of you; however, it’s more important that the information get to you in a timely manner, and we couldn’t possibly get to all of you before you would hear about it through the airwaves!

We have received some pretty stunning news today…Harry has been diagnosed with oral cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). While this is not an uncommon cancer, it seems to be changing fairly rapidly.

In a nutshell, here is what we know:

· First and foremost, God has gone ahead of us to prepare the way, and He will carry us through the complete process…faithfully, gently, lovingly, and completely!

· Several tests were done today at University of Michigan to determine current status of the cancer.

· Surgery is going to be scheduled soon, and biopsies will be done during the surgery to confirm the margins are clear (that they “got it all”).

· The surgeons are Christians (praise God!), and have agreed to (and, in fact, encouraged) prayer prior to the surgery.

· They expect this may be a long surgery, with a week-long hospital stay (U of M).

· Post-surgery may require radiation (depending on pathology reports during surgery).

· Recovery time estimated to be 3 months. God willing, we are expecting a complete recovery!

We realize that’s a lot of information to absorb, but felt it was important to get the facts to all of you. We will let you know when surgery is scheduled and will keep you informed as things proceed.

We ask for your prayers and praise for the LORD Who is our strength when we are weak, Who holds us with His righteous right hand, and Who reminds us, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Once again, we are given the gift of experiencing James 1:2-3 firsthand: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance…Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord promised to those who love him.” James 1:2-3, 12

The joy is only possible as we witness God’s personal touch and realize He is involved in every detail! Once again, we are focusing on the blessings…and they are everywhere!

Blessings abound…always!!

Love to all,

Harry & Carol