Cancer Confirmed
thank you for the prayers!

although today did not hold all the answers that we had originally had hoped it might, the day did bring us up to speed as to what the next step had to be. Jim had his colonoscopy (sp?) this morning, in which they found a large obstruction that was malignant. The good, now we know the source of the internal bleeding, and the cancer, and now we can attack it. The bad, he goes into surgery tomorrow to remove the tumor, and that can obviously carry complications.

So as to what we have ahead of us. First, we need a clean and successful surgery. Then after the source is removed, we wait approx. 3 weeks to begin extensive chemotherapy, to attack the cancer that has already spread to the lungs and the liver. Obviously, the next couple of weeks are imperative that things go well. Also, we need the cancer that has already spread to slow down a bit, to allow for the recovery of the surgery. The oncologist suggests, however, that the bright-side of an aggressive cancer like this, is that it tends to be highly reactive to chemo.

We still have a very steep up-hill climb ahead of us, and need some things to go right, in order to have the successful result that is so badly desired. However, I know that today, both Heather and I felt the Peace of the Holy Spirit, almost as if God was laying the ground work to begin His miraculous healing. I know that Karen also feels His presence, as she attempts to face the days ahead.

I cannot think those of you enough that have continued to outpour from your hearts the love, prayers, scripture, encouraging words, and willingness to do anything and everything. From one perspective we were not prepared for the challenges and obstacles that God has placed in front of us; however, in the same regard, look at how God the Father has prepared us.... (1) From the foundation of our Faith, God began preparing us by directing us to Trust in Him, (2) from the blessings he has showered our family with, with friends that are compassionate and passionate for Lord, God prepared our lives with fellow believers to call on when we need prayers; (3) and with a medical staff that is not only exceptionally trained, but that have a personal and invested interest in doing their very best for their fellow colleague and friend, Jim, God hand picked the staff and prepared them for the duty at hand. It is truly amazing, when you look back, seeing just exactly how God has prepared us for this challenge.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (New International Version)
v9. However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"[a]— 10but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."

thank you for being apart of the preparation, and thanks again for being apart of the here and now! As things change I will continue to try and keep you updated.

thanks again!
rjs