What the Doctor Told Us

A long time ago I posted some thoughts regarding the phases of cancer. I do not mean by that the “levels” or “stages” of cancer. I mean those phases I have watched as I have walked with friends through the labyrinth of cancer over the years. Those phases basically would be three.

• Phase One – I hope it’s nothing serious. Sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes it is. When it is serious, a hope is dashed.

• Phase Two – I hope the treatment works. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it does not. When it does not work, a hope is dashed.

• Phase Three – I hope God works a miracle. Sometimes He does. Sometimes He does not. When He does not work a miracle, a hope is dashed and I get to talk with those left behind about hope at the funeral.

It has been and remains my intention concerning the path of cancer to see each phase as a platform for representing the lasting and undashable hope that we have in Jesus Christ. It has been and remains my intention concerning the path of cancer to be more articulate about such truths as the gain of death and the better-ness of being with Christ rather than to become an expert on the world of oncology.

Why do I say this? Because, three times I have been in phase one and, as of today, I have entered for the second time into phase two. The first phase-two experience was a squamous cancer on my cheek which was easily removed. This time around is a bit more serious. A 1mm carcinoma has been found on my prostate which portends the likelihood of more. Also, there are other features of the organ which bear watching.

At present Judy and I are of a mind to get the player off the court. That is, to have the prostate removed or radiated while the cancer is still small and relatively unaggressive. If I were seventy-six the issue would not be as important. But, I’m not seventy-six. Having said that, we are aware of other options and will probably do some research. However, please let me ask a favor based on other observations with folks dealing with health issues.

I would be much more interested in talking about the trustworthiness of my Lord than about the untrustworthiness of the medical profession. I want this phase, wherever it takes me, to be exactly that platform I mentioned above: a time to express confidence in my God. By that I mean, not confidence that he will remove the overall threat of this particular cancer, but that he will see me through to the best conclusion and, in the grand scheme of things, that he will draw others to his unconditional forgiveness, love and destiny.

Judy and I will look at options and we will make a choice. If our choice does not “work” or if a doctor messes up, I would like to be supported by my friends in my confidence in our sovereign God.  (We do say we believe in his sovereignty, right?) That confidence represents Him far better than giving way to hand-wringing over how vulnerable and unprotected we think we are in the face of sickness. To be frank, some of my counsel has not always “worked” and there have been times when I have messed up. Yet, God has worked in lives in spite of me.

So, here we go on this next adventure. I am so grateful that God nudged the two of us toward retirement. This way, if there is going to be more of a journey than we anticipate we will not distract this wonderful church family from their ministry to the community to which He has called them. Yes, I know they would be more than willing to walk with us; and in some respects, in this age of e-mail and Facebook, they probably will keep pace with us even after we have moved. Yet, my personal conscience has always been sensitive about imposing myself on a church if physical (or mental) issues debilitate me. Each individual and each church must weigh that thought. I make no judgment and would thoroughly support those who choose differently. Nevertheless, that is where my heart lies.  

As always, keep on keeping on.

Pastor Comings