Friday, June 5, 2009

Preliminary Results


When I got home, my housekeeper was waiting on the front porch for me. She said she wanted to go back in the house with me. Once I set my things down, she said that there was a message on the answering machine, and she was sorry but she had heard it when it came in. I knew what she was talking about right away. It was Dr. M. with the preliminary results we've been waiting for. However, the results are not set in stone. I guess there is still some question. So, they are being forwarded to Cedars-Sinai for a second opinion.

But, for now, he believes that Michael's cancer is primary kidney cancer. To my knowledge that's not a cell type, and perhaps that is what they are still trying to figure out. He wants to see us next week on Thursday or Friday to discuss everything and come up with a plan. I've already put in a call to our Dr. Joey for his input. We won't make any decisions without his advice.

I called Michael with the news as soon as I could. He took it in stride like he does everything. Bless his heart.

This does not come as a surprise to us. I've been very actively doing research for the last three weeks since the initial diagnosis. I'll be frank. Kidney cancer is a killer. This is going to be a tough fight. Please continue to pray. Our prayers are well-received in Heaven, and they can make a big difference. My grandmother sent me a little note and a devotion she liked yesterday. I want to share this with you because it's about prayer:

I'm comforted by Paul's words: "The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses" (Romans 8:26). Here the apostle uses a verb that means, "to help by joining in an activity or effort." God's Spirit is joined to ours when we pray. He intercedes for us "with groanings which cannot be uttered." He is touched by our troubles. He sighs often as He prays. He cares for us deeply - more than we care for ourselves. Furthermore, He prays "according to the will of God" (v. 27). He knows the right words to say.

Therefore, I needn't worry about getting my request exactly right. I need only to hunger for God and to reach up, knowing that He cares.
David Roper

25 comments:

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

u have stopped me in my tracks my friend. I can't believe you are both facing this. I do know one thing. If any couple can get through this it will be you.

Hugs, prayers, positive vibes and love.

Lea

C's Mom said...

Hugs, J, hugs.

Jenna said...

I will be praying for you...

Alyson and Ford said...

So sorry about the news. There is so much information on line, maybe there is new treatments, new trials.
Keep praying.

Alyzabeth's Mommy for Eight Months

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry that you received confirmation today...
Just wanted you to know that I'm following along and thinking about you.
Sarah

Sandra said...

I have no words. Just hugs....

~Kristen said...

Always praying for you both... your faith is strong and will guide you through this.... (((hugs))))
~Kristen

Anonymous said...

Hugs and prayers.

Daniella said...

I sent you an email the other day but wanted to comment here that my brother had Kidney Cancer in 1999 and is completely cancer free today. There is hope... Michael and you are in my prayers...

Michelle said...

Oh Joannah. I'm so sorry. You have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Sending healing thoughts to Michael and strength for you.


My word verification was "trust" :)
I always get the coolest word verifications when I come here.

Special K said...

Praying for you both.

AprilMay said...

Oh no!! OK. So now you start the fight! And you let God do His work. And it will suck sometimes~but please know you have many, many people who love you and are praying for you..some whom you've never even met. ;) Thank you for trusting us with your husband!

Kristin said...

I am so sorry to hear this news, but it's good to have a diagnosis and be able to move forward aggressively and with a plan.

You and Michael are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

OK, first of all, you have a GREAT housekeeper. No one needs to hear messages like that alone. But know this- we are ALL uplifting you and Michael in our prayers. And God is listening.

wzgirl said...

Hugs, friend. xo

Shannon said...

Praying for you both. I know you both will fight this tooth and nail.

Kate said...

I am so so sorry that you are facing this no matter what the form, but I want for you to be through this identifying, the learning what it is, and on to fighting it. Knowing more about what it is will help you fight it Joannah- Folks believe that by naming things we give them power, I disagree-- I think by naming things, by knowing them, we can call them out, we can address them directly, we can be more specific in what we choose to do. I wish on you all good things as I always have, and yes, know we are here - there is power in positive thought and please feel yourself buoyed by us. I know it may not be tangible, I cannot fix it or take it away, but I can send love and hold you and Michael in my heart and I do.

Kate

Kayce said...

Keeping prayers going and sending many hugs.

Jill said...

Joannah, I'm so sorry to hear this. I love the devotional that your Grandmother sent you. Know that you guys have SO MANY people praying for you. We know who the Great Physician is and nothing is too big for Him.

Covering Michael in prayer.

((hugs))

Elaine said...

Joannah, I am so saddened to hear this news. I just want you to know I will be praying for you, and I will also add your family to our prayer list at church. Cancer is big, but God is bigger!

Anne Marie said...

Thinking of you both...

Anonymous said...

Joannah,
You have prayed for me this past year and I will do so for your family. - Stephanie

Jacquie said...

Hugs and prayers to you both.

Sugar Cookies And Hope said...

All I can give you are my thoughts, my prayers and my deep desire to make things right for you and for your sweet husband. I hope you can feel the love I am sending.

M3 said...

Oh Joannah, I am so sorry to hear this. I have been hoping and hoping that you would get some really good news. Sending you huge hugs, good thoughts, and all my prayers.