My last post indicated that I had become pain-free following the ERCP surgical procedure.
Unfortunately, that was short-lived
And pain has come back.
It seems that I was needing to experience yet another challenge in this journey
And so I am now dealing with a bleeding stomach ulcer
Because of the oral pain medications I have been taking.
I am now on medication to deal with the ulcer
But as of today, Sunday, March 14,
The pain in my abdomen and tightness in my chest
Only seem to be getting worse.
It is very discouraging
To move from one pain to the next to the next
Wondering if there will ever be a break or solution to the pain
With questions plaguing me:
Is this really only a stomach ulcer?
Is the cancer spreading and what's really behind all these complications?
How much more can I really take?
Is this quality of life?
And so it continues to be really tough traveling this cancer journey...
There was good news on Monday
From the Cardiac CT scan.
It showed that there were
No blockages in the heart
And that the walls of the heart were functioning normally.
Whether or not the tumor is impacting the heart
Is the big question remaining
And so my cardiologist has scheduled an MRI on March 25
To assess what impact the tumor may or may not be having on my heart.
My brother and fellow pastor, Scott Pennington,
Passed from death to life
Into the presence of the Lord
This past Tuesday, March 9, at 12:03pm.
NO MORE PAIN!
That seems very attractive...
The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 12
That God's grace is sufficient
For the sufferings and weaknesses that we are facing.
I am finding it very hard
As this journey drags on
To trust and rest in God's sufficient grace.
I find myself too often consumed with the pain and misery
I am experiencing.
I guess that is how I need prayer most right now...
Thank you for listening, praying and being the encouragers that you are.
I appreciate you all,
Dave
Again, thank you for sharing your experience with us who are paying attention to your journey. You are a man who has lived life in service to others, and you continue to do so now. I have such admiration and respect for you Dave. However, I'm completely sorry this is the story you have to share. Be Well!
ReplyDeleteDave, you may not remember who I am, but Matt and I and our son, Devon, came to the original Coffee Oasis in Bremerton with PBF church to help sort hundreds of books for the new bookcases. Matt and Devon helped with the new bookcases and I was upstairs sorting the books. We also volunteered to bring sandwiches to one of your teen gatherings. I'm so sorry you are ill and in pain. I pray that Jesus removes the cancer and the pain and makes you well again. It's been a long haul for you.
ReplyDeleteDave, I am praying for you ��. I hope you receive better results soon. I know that it is a difficult dealing with the cancer. I saw ��it with my mother and a really close friend. I will continue to pray for you to not suffer any pain from it. A miracle would be removing the pain. My God bless you. Your friend always, Chris Gawron
ReplyDeleteOh my friend...I've typed and erased three comments. None of them seem worthy to hold any comfort or consolation in such a desolate and agonizing time. What weariness you and Cindy feel. Thank you for being so honest and not sugar coating any of this. Your faith is no less with it's grievances or doubts. Wrestling with you in spirit and in prayer. You and Cindy are so loved. You are not alone. You are not rambling needlessly. Your Heavenly Father is holding you so close as you struggle on. I am continuing to pray. Praying psalm 23 over you tonight. Love, Julia, Thad and Lovisa.
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry to hear this. Continuing to pray.
ReplyDeleteLifting you up. Lifting you all up Dave. J & J
ReplyDeleteThere are no words. Know that I am praying..you are so previous
ReplyDeleteDave [and Cindy, of course!] - there is just nothing kind about this illness. If the physical toil wasn't enough, the emotional and spiritual pull is wretched. Prior to this post, you had been on my mind the past 2-3 days. Particularly at night. I continue to pray. And will pray that your cross of the finish line will be with your head held high and eyes fixed on Jesus.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the loss of your brother, Dave. Knowing that he is free of the bondage of this world gives us peace. The peace that we all hope for knowing this world is not our home. Praying for you and your family during this time.
ReplyDeleteDave, my heart goes out to you as I know too well the frustration and discouragement of living from one complication to the next. Though very different, the journey going on ten years of a steady decline and loss of function that I have been walking with my husband through feels like a never ending fight that we just cannot win. Recently, Ron has had days that he cannot make it even about our bedroom abs we have been forced to wonder what will happen we he cannot do that anymore. The pain, and difficulty I see him live through every day, well....just sucks. We have been trying hard to find out testimony right now in the middle of the struggle. To find out peace in being in chains, because we know that if we can, than how many might see this and turn to Christ? Ah, but this is no easy task! No, it has been the hardest test of both our faith. I pray that you and Cindy lift each other up. That when one is too burnt out to keep pushing forward, the other will be strong and lift that one up.
ReplyDeleteBrother, I do know that you have been an inspiration to me as you have repeatedly pointed to our hope in Christ. Weather to heal in this life, or to show us mercy and life moving on to eternity, I know he holds us close when we are struggling most, “for God is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalms 34:18. Praying for your heart and spirit this morning. May our Lord wrap his arms tightly around you, and hold you up when it’s too hard to stand on your own. May you feel his peace as he whispers to you in the quiet places that he will never leave you or forsake you. May his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. ❤️
Dave and Cindy,
ReplyDeleteMy catholic friends talk about identifying with Christ in their suffering.... bringing the pain and sorrow to the cross to join Jesus there. I do not understand this very much, but I am much drawn by the idea of joining my pain to the cross, offering it up to God.
I pray for you every night. And then some. I am so thankful to walk behind you in this Coffee Oasis journey. Kingston is better for it.Thank you.