For I know the plans I have for you..........

Plans, we make them every day, even as little as going to the grocery store. Everything is planned; we can’t do without doing some kind of planning in our life. I do the same, although I have to say that my planning does no longer include long term planning like I use to do. Yesterday this again became a reality for me as I plan, hope and pray for certain things, however God has His own plan set out for you and me.

This is the Bible text that caught my attention this morning and again made me aware that everthing is Gods plan, not ours. Jeremiah, 29:11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Myself and many other people prayed for me to be cured from cancer and I had great hopes that I would hear good news from the Oncologist, however, it was the opposite. As I mentioned in another posting, I had asked for a second opinion on my condition and to be seen by another Oncologist and asked to be sent to the Vancouver Cancer Centre, both requests were granted several weeks ago.

Our visit at the Vancouver centre started with an Oncologist from Australia who is here on a one year visit to study more on cancer. He said "I won’t forget you anymore; you are my first Canadian patient I get to see". He was very thorough and went into great detail with many questions. After one hour another Oncologist joined us, they both had studied the CT scan results and the treatment history of the last year. I was amazed that we were able to spend two full hours with two very nice and knowledgeable Oncologists. It was a very blessed and worthwhile visit where I learned a lot.

I was told that the cancer continues to grow, although not rapidly, there is growth and every time a little adds up to more each day. The Adrenal gland also showed an increase in size, both Oncologists believed that it was due to the cancer having metastasized to this organ. However, no definite conclusion was made and there is little that can be done about it. Surgery is not an option because the other Adrenal gland was taken away in July and every person needs at least one. I was also made aware that Kidney cancer is a cancer that is very unpredictable, able to flare up at any time and able to take over rapidly.

The end result was that I was given several choices. I could go back to my original Oncologist or more Chemo Therapy treatments or two more months without doing anything and take the “wait and see” approach. With the input and approval of both Oncologists I choose the option of two more months of no treatment followed by a CT scan. They both felt that it would be safe to do so; however, if complications would arise I can go in and see them at any time.

I also made the decision to continue my visits at the Vancouver Cancer Centre where I will be treated and/or advised by both these Oncologists. I believe this to be quite unique and see it as a huge blessing to have two Oncologists who are so knowledgeable and caring. This means a little further to travel but I am willing to do that. I must give a big thank you to those who treated me at the Abbotsford Cancer Centre with great care and love. We will continue to pray for the Oncologist at this Cancer centre who tried his utmost to make it all work.

Of course I would have loved to hear a different message from these doctors, but this is the way God is planning it. There must be a purpose and reason, otherwise it would be different. I am much at peace with it, so is Henrietta. No matter how difficult or intense the battle may become, if we enter the battle with Jesus we will always be victorious, even if it means death. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I know that many wonder how long I will fight this battle with cancer and how long I will possibly live. I can’t answer that question, however, I know and believe that God has this in His hands and I can say “Amen” to the text from Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

But what about you, are you going to see tomorrow? Are you ready to meet your Maker? Don’t take for granted that tomorrow is yours, God may have different plans.

Where you die—when you die—or by what means is scarcely worth a thought, if you do but die in Christ. Roland Hill (1744-1833)

The clip that I posted is one that I used before, I find it a powerful example and worthwhile to watch.
I thank you so much again for showing your cares and prayers in so many ways.

God bless you all.
John