Hail Mary!
(for you non-football fans, a "Hail Mary" is a desperation pass thrown into the end zone at the end of a football game with the hope that it will be caught and the game is miraculously won at the last minute!)
That is how my oncologist repeatedly described my chances of success in beating this cancer
When we met with him yesterday.
The immunotherapy and chemotherapy that I will be beginning Friday, January 31st
Have the slight possibility of being successful
But my condition has become very serious.
He showed us a CT scan from March 2018 when the tumor was first discovered
And then showed us a CT scan from when I was in the hospital last week.
The tumor has probably grown by 15-20 times in the last 11 months!
Very discouraging:(
Medically speaking
He was very honest in estimating my chances as less than 10%.
We know that God is still in the business of working miracles
And it is a miracle that we're looking at to turn this around.
I will be having a port inserted tomorrow morning
For the therapy infusions.
The biggest challenge at this point
Besides mentally and emotionally grappling with the reality of my mortality
And preparing for the very real possibility of death
While at the same time not giving up hope
Is pain management
I am hurting a lot of the time.
That's about it for now...
Thank you again for your support and prayer and encouragement:)
Specifically I'd ask that you pray that I can keep my mind on things above
And not grovel in self pity or grouse about the lot I've been given.
Heaven is an incredible hope!
Please pray for Cindy and our kids also...as we journey this together.
With much love and appreciation,
Dave
Lee and I love you Dave. Thank you for all that you have done. God is good.
ReplyDeleteDave, I love you brother and will never stop praying for you. My hope is that a Hail Marry is what is in store! You are loved dearly! Keep battling dear brother!
ReplyDeleteI love you Dave! Praying for you and your beautiful family in this time
ReplyDeleteWe love you Dave! We continue to pray for you and your family♥️
ReplyDeleteRu and Steve
Praying without ceasing. Thank you for showing us how to be Kingdom citizens.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and the family, Dave.
ReplyDeleteWe'll continue to fervently pray for you, your family, and your health care team. We love you Pastor Dave! -Elisa
ReplyDeleteAsking God for his mercy, for him to turn these slim odds into a testimony of his power made perfect in your weakness.
ReplyDeleteDave, your in my heart buddy. I pray for you in my own silly way everyday and truly hope for the miracle. You are a most wonderful and impressive friend who has touched my life in a most unexpected way. You will always be....to me...the epitome of love and hope.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Dave. Thank You for sharing this journey. Even through these insane medical challenges you continue to demonstrate God’s love and hope to everyone around you and change people for the better.
ReplyDeleteStill praying for you all. Much love.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you Dave. You have touched so many peoples lifes in your life, mine included. You are a true saint and man of God. I pray that you have less pain and you continue to be blessed. Love Mike, Neva, Mariah, Malia, Neyo and Mayva Young.
ReplyDeleteDave, you have been a significant Christian leader in Kitsap County, and above all a faithful servant. I so admire your compassion, vision, character and persistence. I hope and pray God will give you more time with us. Nevertheless, like you stated, heaven is an incredible hope. Resurrection life in the New Creation is a future beyond our imagination. May God with you day by day.
ReplyDeletePraying for you today. "In the beginning God..." I love those verses that say, "But God..." Today I was encouraged by Psalm chapter 25. Love you! Praying, but God.
ReplyDeleteOh Dave..this is such grievous news. Our hearts are heavy, and we will continue to pray for you and your family. This is very hard..we love you and your family so very much ❤️
ReplyDeleteDave, so very, very sorry to hear this news. Praying for you and Cindy and asking God for mercy, healing, pain relief and comfort. Such affection and respect for you both
ReplyDeleteLove you all so much
ReplyDeleteLove you, Dave.
ReplyDeleteJim & Anna
Love you, Dave. Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteDave and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteHave followed you here and through Pat and Jenny a bit. You are in my thoughts and prayers very very often. Am sending hugs. And holding you before our Father. Mercy Jesus, mercy.
Chris and I are praying for you and the whole familia, joining hands with others in Kingston for many prayers for you. God is good. You are in good hands.
ReplyDeleteDave and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteBonnie and I have followed your health trials since the beginning...praying, talking and listening much. We will continue to do so now. I've known you for a long time my friend and count you as one of my best friends. I remember your dad at times and all the attributes he stood for. It may be that God wants you with Him now Dave. If that is so then we will need to deal with that. I love you both Dave and Cindy and know that God loves you as well.
Praying for you and ever grateful for the difference God makes to our communities and youth thru Coffee Oasis. Thank you for listening to God and bringing his hope to lives. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteDave, we love you, and think about you and pray for you each day. May God comfort you in your affliction. Rest in Him. You are a blessing to many people, including us. God bless you and your family! Shelley and Bob
ReplyDeleteBe strong and of good courage. God is your refuge and strength. You are loved dear friend.
ReplyDeleteLord, You have taught us that faith as small as a seed can grow into an amazing tree.
ReplyDeleteToday we give you a little seed of faith, placed firmly in the ground of your word. We water it with truth. The warmth of your love will make it grow. Today we ask by faith that you would bring healing from this cancer. We place our trust in you. May this seed sow healing into every area where the cancer has emerged.
We love you Dave! We will continue to pray that God gives you a peace mind, strength, unwavering faith, and that you are surrounded by family and friends! Amen
ReplyDeleteDave you are facing this trial with grace and great courage,Jesus will take you the rest of the way. God speed.
ReplyDelete