One Day at a Time
Let me share with you how this simple saying works so well in helping us navigate life.
Last Thursday evening I spent time putting together a post speaking about my cancerversary.
After preparing it for posting I chose to let it “sit” overnight so I could review it one last time with fresh eyes before making it public.
My Original Post
This time of year holds some significant anniversary highlights for me.
On Sunday, May 4, 2014, I accepted the call to serve as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Kennett Square.
Early May is also my cancerversary.
Sunday, May 1, 2016, was one of only a handful of Sundays I have missed due to cancer.
I was in the hospital as the doctors tried to figure out why I was having a hard time breathing.
- Tuesday, May 3, Dr. Sarhoa told me I had stage IV colon cancer.
- Thursday, May 5, I was in surgery getting my port put in.
- Monday, May 9, was my first chemotherapy treatment.
A lot has happened over the last five years.
Anniversaries are moments to be still and remember the journey. To give thanks for each piece of the road you have traveled.
Early Fears
I have found myself in a very reflective mood as I think about the fears and concerns of those early days.
One of my early disappointments was not being able to do all the outdoor projects Nancy and I had in mind. Over the past five years, we have taken care of our initial list and even added more. The way we work together is different. I serve as supervisor and consultant. Nancy does most of the manual labor. I step in and work for as long as my body will allow me and then mutter something about not being the person I once was while I resume my role as supervisor.
Five Years of Treatment
It took me a moment to capture all the treatment I have been through over the past five years.
- Four rounds of systemic chemotherapy
- Microwave ablation
- My hepatic artery pump
Putting it all down on paper was a bit exhausting. Maybe this is why I feel like I need a nap most afternoons? [Read more…]
