Hello, family and friends. It has been a little bit since we updated the blog. Since we last talked, there have been some developments, and we can now share more about them.
Chemo ended, and we had received news that, according to the MRI, there was little to no signs of the tumor left. We celebrated and rejoiced and, by all accounts, things were looking good. I heard from my oncologist team that things on their end were hopeful. But, I still needed to have a scope done by my surgeon to confirm those results. A scope would be able to take a closer look at the location of the tumor more than the MRI could show. So, we were thrilled with the current news, but didn’t feel like we could fully take the weight of all of this off our shoulders just yet.
My parents got a bell for me to ring in front of the church and a sign was put up on my office that I had kicked cancer’s butt. What can I say, we were hopeful and celebrating where we could.
We were hopeful that ‘Bruno’ had shrunk and surgery would be avoided. Since chemo ended, I have been feeling so good that I did not want to take the next step, if there was any. I was ignoring phone calls from the doctor’s office for about a month and a half, and finally, they called me from a number I did not recognize and I answered it. They got me, I was stuck talking with them now!
This call was to schedule with the surgeon and to verify the good news that ‘Bruno’ was dead by having a scope done.
The day had arrived, and I did the lovely prep that was required for that visit. Anna and I got into the surgeon’s office and waited for him to come into the room. All the while praying that he would see NOTHING and get the all clear.
He came in without much talking and began the examination. It was much more in-depth (and I mean that literally as well) than the last time I saw him. After a good examination, he explained to Anna and me what he saw and the necessary next steps.
He proceeded to tell us that I had a good response to the chemo but not a complete response. The tumor had shrunk, but a little bit is left and would require surgery to remove it fully. We asked a lot of questions and were devastated to say the least. It felt like I was punched in the stomach, and we just sat and cried in the office at the end.
I have been devastated to take next steps with surgery. Anna and I looked into other options, and all roads keep coming back to the location of the tumor being a deciding factor. Bruno’s location makes it difficult for other forms of treatment to kill the cancer cells. Radiation isn’t recommended because of my age and long term affects on my young-ish body. More natural approaches to treatment seem to be quite expensive and would require me to go out of state for several months. My naturopath doctor is also convinced that surgery is probably my best option at this point.
The surgery is now scheduled for January 8th and will be quite extensive. My surgeon has said that I will be in the hospital for at least three days after. I will be resting and then working from home, probably for a few months, while I heal and get used to a new normal for my body. Remarkably, the surgery will be done robotically, with just a small incision. About 3/4 of my rectum will need to be removed, and I will have an ileostomy bag for at least 3-6 months, unable to travel long distances for about a year. After a few months, I’ll be scheduled to go in for another surgery where a reversal will be done. We are hopeful about the process and feel confident in this surgeon and the work he can do.
The surgery is called: Robotic assisted low anterior resection with diverting loop ileostomy (Click to go to Google search if you want)
Of course, it isn’t easy to think of my body going through this and the changes it will have on my lifestyle and abilities. The Lord is working out the details of our insurance (which we thought would have to change before surgery in the new year), and he is continuing to meet our needs. We are so grateful for our church body, who is once again being patient with this unplanned process and they have been huge prayer warriors for our family.
I’m very grateful for a band of pastors, some even retired, who have offered to help feed the sheep at Park Place in my absence. These men have been dear to me throughout this process and I know our church will be in good hands with them at the pulpit. Anna and I had the thought of having these pastors preach through a series we are calling, “The -ologies” where they will teach on the different core doctrines of the Christian faith. We have realized that many, even some who have been in the church for a long time, need to be better equipped with these core tenets of the faith, and we are excited for this season of growth and spiritual development for the flock in our care.
Thank you for continuing to pray for me, my family, and our church body. Thank you for the continued outpouring of sweet cards and support. We are truly grateful for all of the gestures, big and small, and we definitely feel so supported in all of this.
This song by Phil is still my anthem during this time
Psalm 23:1-6 has also been a comfort to me during this time.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”
Into The Mind of Josh 