Saturday, November 23, 2019

PleurX Catheter + Somber Reflection

Monday, November 25, is the day!

I will be going in to have a PleurX catheter placed in my left lung pleural cavity

So that I will be able to manually drain the fluid that is accumulating

On a daily basis, if necessary

Hopefully eliminating regular trips to the ER to have a thoracentesis (lung drained)

If you can "look forward" to something

That you really wish you didn't have to do

But know that it is a good thing to do

Then...I'm looking forward to Monday morning.

Cindy and I do have peace about this decision

But continue to covet your prayer for the success of the procedure

On a much more somber note...

Nine days ago a Puget Sound pastor "intentionally took his own life"

The notice said that "he believed he could no longer continue the battle"

His battle included chronic pain, PTSD and depression

There is a whole lot of pain out there

That I've increasingly become aware of and much more sensitive to

Because of my own cancer journey and daily battle

Physically, spiritually and mentally

That I'd never had to face before

But, as I described it to Cindy yesterday,

At times can feel like each second seeming like an hour

Day after day after day!

Which can very easily make life seem very hopeless.

Thank you again so much for praying for me and supporting me in my battle

Which I know God has used

In the midst of the times when I'm asking

How can I keep doing this?

or

Why do I keep doing this?

To keep me fighting and hoping and trusting

In the midst of the battle.

Thank you again,

Dave

8 comments:

  1. Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty. The suffering and fight is very real, and we are praying for you fervently. You are so brave and loved beyond words by so many.

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  2. Praying for peace and success on Monday ��❤️��

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  3. The ?? were posted as praying hands. God knows.
    Keep going, brother Dave. You are on an important journey! In the love and power of Messiah Jesus, Stu

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  4. Praying for you and Cindy! Your willingness to keep fighting and winning this daily battle is much bigger than you think and know. Keep saving souls! It’s so worth it! Love you both and keep pressing on friends! In Him -Sid

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  5. Thank you for sharing, Dave. We’ll be praying for the procedure to go smoothly and for easier breathing with lungs that are not filled with fluid.
    No one can know another’s struggle. We all face struggles, but each one is different due to our perspectives and experiences. I don’t know that pastor but I will pray for the family and their broken hearts.
    We appreciate your sharing your journey with us and we know it isn’t easy. Opening up with the raw emotions and your faith taking a pounding is not a place one would choose to be. However, your honesty and pain are revealing a life of honesty and openness - something that has been in your character all along. And it is encouraging that your integrity remains intact. You’re a good leader. We continue to pray that Father blesses your journey. We pray for strength for you and your family. And we pray for miraculous healing in the name of Jesus.

    - Ru and Steve

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  6. Thank you for letting us know what your needs are and how we can pray. This is a tough battle you are experiencing. As one person said, this battle is highlighting your life of honesty and openness that has been in your character all along. And many people are noticing that and are being impacted in ways you might not ever know. Praying for you sir!

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  7. By now, that PlureX should be well in place. And getting it emptied will be a whole lot less fuss than a doctor visit. Praying for you this day 'cuz this is still not what you'd wish for.

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  8. Keep trusting brother. You are an inspiration to me.

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