“I have a little news to share.”
I knew dad was taking medicine for a recent issue but it turned out the medicine was no match for the mass occupying most of his bladder.
With the biopsy looming two weeks later, I protected my thoughts like a mama bear, refusing to allow “what if’s” to sink in and do their damage.
There’s a comforting thread of normalcy that hangs in the air between the moments of not knowing and knowing.
Two weeks following the procedure, the phone rang. The cancer was aggressive, possibly penetrating the nearby muscle. It would be another two-week wait before learning the biopsy results, answering the dreaded question about the lymph nodes.
“If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they that wait for Him. He is worth waiting for. The waiting itself is beneficial to us: it tries faith, exercises patience, trains submission, and endears the blessing when it comes. The Lord’s people have always been a waiting people.” – Charles Spurgeon
There’s nothing fun about waiting, especially when it concerns someone you love. But it does give the heart and mind time to meld together, strengthening the muscles that bow to God’s sovereignty.
On October 11th, we learned cancer had not spread to his lymph nodes. Let’s just say my happy dance learned a few more moves and this daughter couldn’t be more thankful. He still has a ways to go with the removal of his bladder scheduled in November but it’s the first major step toward healing. (We found out yesterday that his surgery is today!)
In the weeks that have passed since dad’s initial phone call announcing “a little news” I would be lying if I didn’t confess the desire to cling to the comforting thread of normalcy where my only waiting time involves a Keurig.
How lovely is the mundane, the normalcy of our days.
But they are to be treasured, not idolized.
It’s a hard lesson I didn’t even know I needed to learn.
Watch for the final two posts of 2019 coming up Tuesday, November 12th (Tiny House Tuesday) and Tuesday, November 19th.
Tiny House Tuesday will unveil the NEW front door color! (Yep, the chartreuse is gone and I can’t wait for you to see it on the 12th). If you’re a part of our *tiny* kindred community you’ll find the first snapshot of the new door color in today’s Monthly Letter.
For the 19th, in addition to the post, I’ll share a special download for Christmas, KEEPING CHRISTMAS.
Depending on how things go with dad, I plan to share pictures of a decorated tiny house in December, and if you’re a subscriber, watch for your personal tour via video!
A lot of exciting things are happening up on the hill. Thank you for your prayers and for simply being here.
You are a blessing.
Image source by Pixabay.
Hi Cathy. I am sorry to hear about your dad’s bladder cancer. My dad had his bladder removed 3 or 4 years ago. He has worn a bag ever since and has done fine. He decided from the start that it was not going to slow him down and it hasn’t. I will pray for the same results for your dad. Blessings and hang in there. God is good.
Thank you, Sheryl. Your words are very encouraging! I’ll pass them onto dad. 🙂
Prayers for you, your dad and your family, Cathy. So glad for the good news you’ve already received – I’ll be waiting for more good reports from you!
Thank you, Jesus, that your will is to heal us and give us a good outcome!
The new door color looks good, too.
Thank you, Connie! So far, so good. (I’m glad you like the new color!)
First of all, thank you for sharing so candidly about your own experience. You’re exactly right in that time is divided into before that horrible word is uttered in regard to a loved one and after. Oh yes, mama bear mode. I remember it, and how it fueled me, so well. It can be a very helpful thing — as I said, it gives you the energy to fight. But please (and I hope I’m not overstepping), find regular times to take a break from being mama bear and let others around you take care of you — nurturing and caring for you. 🙂 Your father, his medical team, and your family are in my prayers as I go through the day. Please don’t hesitate to reach out (text or call is best) if you have a specific need (no matter how small it may seem) or just want to talk. I’m a good listener. 🙂
You’re not overstepping at all! Thank you for sharing your wisdom, and especially your prayers. And thank you for the sweet card. You made my day. ((( HUGS )))
I smile at how you settled in to wait and God brought things forward so quickly. Jesus, please show us all how to stay in touch with Your plans. Amen <3 with earnest prayers
Good afternoon Cathy, thank you for sharing your lesson. How applicable to our every day life. And I thank Jesus for stopping the cancer’s road to the lymph nodes. Lord, please remove the illness in its entirety as You came to minister to the sick. Do a work in Cathy’s dad as You have been doing in her. We trust You to bring whatever Your will is to completion. In Jesus name, Amen
Thank you for your earnest prayers, my friend!
Yes and amen, Julie!!! Thank you.
Hey Cathy, rest assured I’m doing the happy dance with you, although it’s likely not as pretty as your dance. 🙂 But I’m so glad for the good news of cancer not affecting the lymph nodes. And thankful for your update online in how well the surgery went. Continued prayers for your dad’s recovery and waiting in excitement for what the Lord’s doing behind the scenes!
Thanks so much for your continued prayers. They are priceless! Blessings, friend.
Friend, know that your dad, you and your family are placed before the Lord in petition and intercession. May you all know the embrace of our Father, peace that is truly beyond understanding, and praise for knowing The Great Physician is at work.
It’s true – what Spurgeon stated – we are “a waiting people”, and our waiting is worth all that God gifts to us. Love you, friend!
Thank you, Charla. We — especially dad — have felt the sweet embrace of our heavenly Father. Prayers are making all the difference. Love you!
That is so wonderful that the cancer has not spread. Praying for a solid and healthy recovery! Hugs and prayers!
Thanks so much, Angie! The first round of tests showed nothing in the lymph nodes and now we await the second and “final” test done during surgery. Your prayers (and hugs!) are priceless. 🙂
I said a prayer for you and your father.
Thanks so much, Robin! We appreciate your prayers more than you know. Blessings!
Prayers for your daddy! You are so right: How lovely is the mundane. We don’t appreciate that until we are challenged otherwise.