Let me start at the beginning...
No, not Genesis 1:1 or the Big Bang...or August 18, 1954 when I was introduced to planet Earth!
February 19, 2019
It was on that day that my world was turned upside down. I went to the doctor feeling really nasty and thinking I might have pneumonia. A chest x-ray showed a "circular density" in the lining of my left lung. A quick succession of scans and tests and biopsies revealed malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Wow!
I was referred to specialists at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the University of Washington Medical Center with the hope that I might qualify for a clinical trial using immunotherapy.
Nope.
A scope and biopsy of my right lung showed that the mesothelioma had metastasized and my diagnosis was changed to "palliative care".
In other words, there was nothing they could do for me with stage 4 malignant pleural mesothelioma except maybe try to prolong my life using chemotherapy.
No thanks.
Was this it or was there any hope?
I'll be honest. There were some really dark days during those initial weeks of one more piece of bad news after another. There still are some rough days if I dwell on the way that my world has been rocked, or if I mull over the possibility of leaving me wife and children and grandchildren, or if I focus on the stark reality that I have this enemy inside of me seeking to suck the life out of me.
I don't want to die. I still have a lot of living that I want to do!
And so this journey has led to lots of research and reflection...
And it is on that journey that I invite you to join me.
Thank you for listening and thank you for caring and supporting.
Till next time...
I'm definitely IN. So thankful to do this journey with you.
ReplyDeleteSuper Cindy. Nothing like having a life partner with whom to battle this thing and to keep the cancer person's head upright when it wants to flop other directions. Onward to the fight!
ReplyDeleteDave, I'm terribly sorry to hear of your fight with cancer. But, I'm out here praying for you, and cheering you on in your fight. You are such a CLASS ACT! You have done so much good for the world. Keep up the good fight!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the courage to share. Much love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteDear Dave,
ReplyDeleteI have only met you a few times and remember you well from the talk you gave at a Kiros breakfast. Your story of how you came to creating the Coffee Oasis is so moving. Thank you for openly sharing your journey. You and your family are in my prayers daily.
There just aren't enough words to express the feelings I have for you and Cindy. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I love you, Cindy and all the family so very much Dave.
ReplyDeleteOpen hearts, open home, open journeys... you are truly free and showing us the way... we all love you!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Dave,
ReplyDeleteYou are in my heart and prayers. I don't even have the words to express my condolences. I was incredibly blessed by your discipleship training during my time working with you. I pray for healing for mind, body, and spirit, and for a peace that surpasses all understanding, and that your family be incredibly surrounded by love, and that the Lord bring a hedge of protection around you and your family during this time. You are sooo loved by our community. You have created a legacy of love and truth in this world. Your life has truly been a blessing and testament to others.
Dear Dave and Cindy, I don´t even know what to say. I am moved by the news and ready to see how the Lord will work in your life during this time. I always admired you and respect your service to the Lord. And, then, we come to this point where we want to see God maybe in a different way. May the Lord continue holding you in His hands!
ReplyDeleteSorry, that was Oscar Campos, so you know.
ReplyDeleteDear Dave,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you and your family since hearing this news. I am Ethel Martin's daughter, living in PA near my Mom. Your family has always been precious to ours and when I watched a video yesterday about Coffee Oasis, I saw your dear Mother in you the whole time:) Praying for you and Cindy. We know the Lord works miracles today!!
Just remember that it is the God above that controls the days we have on this Earth. It is his will to share you with us all and the work you have done through the Coffee Oasis. Your friend, Mick Hersey, the Flag man from WASSAR.
ReplyDelete