Sometimes you just have faith (08/18/2014 Update)
Posted: 08/18/2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 9 Comments
When I was first diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer a friend told me that I was now in a marathon. He advised me that there would be many challenges and I had to prepare for the long run. After six surgeries, 23 chemo treatments, countless tests, scans, and doctor visits (in a two year span)… Yes, it is a marathon! We were hoping I had crossed the finish line. But the race continues.
The scan results found three suspicious masses on my liver. I am now facing another reoccurrence of the cancer. The doctors are determining the best approach for this next battle. We are weighing pros and cons between a couple options. The first option (which we are leaning towards) will be surgery followed by intense chemo therapy. I will be undergoing a PET scan on Wednesday this week to determine if the three lesions found on the MRI are the only signs of cancer. Assuming the PET scan does not show any other evidence of cancer I will likely do the surgery soon and then follow-up with six treatments of intense chemotherapy. If the PET scan shows additional signs of cancer we will likely adjust the approach. In that case we would start with intense chemotherapy and reassess surgery after three treatments.
Both options will require intense chemotherapy. This chemo will include all the previous drugs, plus a new drug. It will be a double whammy. The hope is that this will make the difference in this war…
The good news is that there is still a chance for a complete remission! So once again we are asking for your prayers. For my family and me, my doctors, and all struggling with cancer (patients and support).
Father in Heaven, Thank you for gift of today on this great earth. And thank you for the gift of each other. Continue to teach us Father. Show us how to Love as you Love us. Give us strength to overcome the challenges in life. Guide is to increase our Faith so that we will always remain in you. Send us healing Lord so our ailments are removed. This we ask through Jesus Christ. Amen
I will keep my focus on Jesus. And ask him for the strength I need to continue this marathon. And I will remind myself that there is a plan. Albeit, one that we don’t understand right now. And sometimes, this time, I will simply keep the faith!
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Thank you in advance for all your prayers and support during these challenging days.
Sincerely,
Philip
Phil's Blog 
Keep up the fight, my brother. You are an inspiration of faith and strength!!! Our prayers are with you!!!!!
So much wishing the news had been better . . . and thankful for your amazing oncologists! I’m continuing to pray for a merciful touch and healing from Jesus. He is faithful.
Praying that the PET scan will show only the liver lesions so that you can begin the optimal treatment soon. You have certainly been through a lot in the past few years. Your faith and strength inspire all those around you. I’m praying for you, Connie & your family, as well as those that manage your care.
Sorry to hear your marathon continues. Your strength and faith are inspiring. Keep fighting.
We are praying for you, Connie and the family. You truly are a symbol of strength and strong faith!
Phil: Thank you for continuing to share your journey with us. Your focus on Jesus is inspiring. I like these verses from Psalm 119:
169 May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. 170 May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. 171 May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. 172 May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. 173 May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. 175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. 176 I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
It is so comforting that the LORD is with us every day of our lives. I’m continuing to pray for you, Connie, and your family.
Krea
Hi Phil, thanks for the update and my thoughts\prayers are with you. FYI, I’m at UoM Wednesday for an appointment at the Taubman Center. Perhaps we should request WKKF frequent “visitor” perks!
Take care, Tim.
What a poignant poem. The light will find you and all of us. Keep the faith. You are the best of us. You are our example. You have strength, wisdom, perseverance, stamina and tenacity in everything you do. What a vexing adventure this is. I hope we find the cure and stop this insane disease. Blessings and health to you and to all those suffering. Love you!
Thanks for the update Phil. May the good Lord watch over you and everyone involved with your care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All the best as you continue to fight this battle.