No More Denial

We have been in denial. Denial that Mike has Lung Cancer, because he has looked and felt healthy since his first lung surgery\thoracotomy over 18 years ago, and even though we have known that the tumors have been slowly growing the last 4 years, we were still in a bit of denial, hoping and praying that they would just “behave” and go away. When Mikes PET scan lit up and the brain MRI showed a small metastasis there was no more denial. He has now been on the clinical trial for 17 days and is doing well. The worst side effect is some neuropathy in his hands, which isn’t a common side effect so if it gets worse they will have to cut his dosage. We are treating the visits to Rochester as day dates and are going for coffee, out to lunch and on walks in between appointments, which helps mentally.

We’ve also been in denial that our last child would be moving out and off to college, leaving us empty nesters. Jackson was just 1year old when Mike was first diagnosed with Lung Cancer, and now he is a 19 year old Wartburg College freshman. We know he is in the right place and are so happy for him, but it is hard on us because he brought a lot of joy and laughter to our home, and.....time just went too fast!

James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Just Breathe,

Paula