Sunday, March 13

For it was by hope that we were saved;but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who hopes for something he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Romans 8: 24-25 (Good News Bible)

Cancer- a word none of us want to hear but probably most of us will hear at least once in our lifetime. Cancer has touched my life too many times. Most recently with my husband, Ed. A routine doctor visit brought us to a colonoscopy which brought us a cancer diagnosis.

We were shocked as he is not old enough for yearly colon screenings but certainly old enough to the non discriminating world of cancer.

However, as our journey began, I felt different. I watched my mother in law fight for 18 months until she passed away in July and I watched my mom slip away before that in 2012. All the teams of doctors told us the same thing- we can't stop the cancer but we can make them comfortable. Both of these amazing women fought a tough fight and remained positive until the very end.

Ed's doctors told us from the beginning that the cancer Ed has is very treatable and that the goal will be to make him cancer free. Can they do that? Well, we are finding out that yes they can. Since undergoing 28 radiation treatments and oral chemotherapy, the surgeon can no longer see the tumor in the scope. He is confident that he can remove the tumor and reattach the colon with minimal loss of tissue. This is huge- paving the way for a long and bright future.

Surgery has been scheduled and we are entering into Phase 2 of our journey. I can't help but wonder as God gives us only what we can handle, did this happen now for a reason?

I want to believe God's time was now during Lent, a season of renewal and restoration, a season of HOPE.

Lord, Watch over all of us in this season of Hope. Be with those who are sick and need your comforting arms and those that care for them. Remind us that you only give us what we can handle. In Jesus' name, Amen

Mary Aho