2 Cor. 4 16-18

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18







Friday 22 April 2011

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

As we drove home from the doctor’s office we said to each other, this just does not seem real. It is like a dream from which we have not awoken yet. God is an amazing God who is upholding us in remarkable ways. I can’t explain it or comprehend it; only God can give us this inner peace that we walk in day after day, a peace which surpasses all understanding.

Yesterdays test and PET scan results were no surprise to us because I already felt that inside my body things were changing.
Doctor James Bond told us that the cancer is Renal Cell Carcinoma at stage 4, an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly.
The PET scan revealed that the left kidney has a large tumor, the left lung has a larger tumor and the right lung has multiple cancer spots, the adrenal gland is also affected by cancer. I can now feel the effects of the cancer on the lung itself because at times I have difficulty breathing or catching my breath. He also told me that operating on the lungs is not an option because there are too many places where the cancer has taken hold.
Next week we hope to see an Oncologist to determine the best way to treat the cancer.  Dr. Bond felt the options would be a combination of Chemo/Radiation prior to doing surgery.  If  kidney surgery was done before chemo/radiation they would have to wait at least four weeks before starting Chemo/Radiation.  We also will visit the kidney specialist again on May 3, to get his opinion on what the best options are for the kidney.
As we continue our journey we are amazed at the amount of people that are praying for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your prayers, cards, calls and emails. I pray that God will bless you too as we go through this trying time.
John

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
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5 comments:

  1. jen22 April 2011 at 12:35

    Dear John and Henrietta & Family: "Songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee..." beautiful words during a difficult time, and all because of the work of the Lord Jesus - celebrated especially on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. May He give you the words to the songs of praises. With love and prayers, John and Jen and fam

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  2. Jenny Jansen22 April 2011 at 13:18

    Dear John and Henrietta;

    Another step forward in your journey. Where this will lead we do not know...only God knows, and He tells us to trust Him day by day, and in each passing moment, He promises to give strength to meet our trials here! How precious these promises are when what we read or sing becomes reality. So we continue to pray that God will continue to carry all your burdens, and give you His special comfort, love and guidance. You are so dear to our hearts, and we ache for you both, but will continue to pray that God will give you His perfect peace in whatever lies ahead. As we reflect on His sacrifice for us today, we take comfort in the fact that He has done everything perfectly, and is still doing everything perfectly. Psalm 116

    With love Henry and Jenny.

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  3. Anonymous23 April 2011 at 11:45

    Dear John and Henrietta,
    We are praying for you that you may know the peace and help our God gives in time of need. May His peace surround you each day and step of the way. We will be praying for you both and that there may be help thru treatments.
    Mick and Lena Marie Vander Griend

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  4. Anonymous24 April 2011 at 14:18

    Dear John and Henrietta,

    I'm over at Kevin and Carol-Lynn's for Easter dinner, and we were thinking about you and read your blog. The opening verse (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) is very touching and there's so much truth in that and that's our only hope. I hope to see you in May with Darla and Lola. Our prayers are with you. Take it a day at a time and only through Christ can we walk this path.

    Love always, your sister Helen.

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  5. Foppe VanderZwaag25 April 2011 at 08:14

    Dear John & Henrietta,
    Last night I preached on John 11:25,"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." Martha believed Lazarus would arise on the last day, which was her comfort for the future, but Jesus draws attention to Himself for present comfort! May it be yours also. Praying for you and yours. In His love, Foppe

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