When I thought of
2013 I thought the toughest things I would face was turning 40 and figuring out
what to buy my wife for our 18th anniversary. Then January 26th
happened.
January 26th
I went to have my yearly physical. My job pays for us to have a complete
physical every year as a part of our wellness plan. During the ultrasound of my
throat they found a lump on my thyroid. The Dr. assured me this was common and
not to worry, but recommended me to see an endocrinologist. Wednesday, February
13th I met with Dr. Amanda Cunningham. She explained everything to
me and then performed another ultrasound. She then informed me that the lump
was fluid and solid, which meant the solid had to be biopsied. She took a
sample and then went to check to see if she had enough for the
pathologist. She returned to explain
that it did not look good and that she needed to biopsy the lymph nodes as
well. She called me on Monday February 18th to tell me that the
biopsy had come back to reveal that cancer was found in the thyroid as well as
the lymph nodes.
Cancer!
Remember the hardest things I had to
face this year? No problem on those now.
My first response
was fear. Then peace. You know the peace the Bible refers to as the peace that
passes all understanding. See God had shown me over the weekend that it would
be OK. Now my only issue is “between now and OK”. That is my theme. I know He has
this planned out. I know He will provide. I have already felt the love from
family and friends. It is the time “between now and OK” that is not going to be
easy.
I am going to
have my thyroid removed and all the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. A 5 to 6 hour surgery and 2 to 4 day
hospital stay. This is not going to be
fun!
So why am I
telling you this? Number one is to encourage you to have a yearly physical.
Number two is to pray. Pray that God
gets the glory from this. Pray that healing comes. Pray that provision will be
there. Pray for my bride and son to trust Him. Pray that I not be too much of a
baby during the recovery process :-). I
cannot tell how thankful I am for people who have already reached out to my
family and me. God truly provides!
In Him
Mike
Hey Brother! Angie just told me today about this. I'm encouraged by what you have written here and thankful that you have the peace that passes understanding. I will be praying for you, Heather, and Owen. I know that you will all have differing struggles as this is worked out by our Sovereign Lord. so "between now and ok" if there is anything at all that I can do for you don't hesitate to call me.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Mike. Not only for your healing but that the Lord would shine through the broken places in your life as you walk through this. Great post -- really puts things in perspective.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike... you don't know me but I met your wife at the Relevant conference over a year ago. I am so sorry to hear about your cancer, however, I have a friend who had it several years ago and if they catch it early, it is very curable! I did have my yearly physical finally this year! Just know that the peace you feel around you is GOD'S sustaining strength and love for you! Saying a prayer for you now and blessings on you and yours!
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