It has been a long time since our last post and Val has been doing wonderful! Her hair is growing back nicely and she is generally feeling well. We have a good, proactive plan of doctor follow-ups for the foreseeable future. The next major task on the horizon is reconstruction surgery. That is still a way off due to letting her skin heal from the radiation treatments.
In addition, it has been neat to see the opportunities that Val has had recently to participate in various cancer research studies. The doctor’s she has been working with are tied into several studies. Val has been able to participate in a handful so far and we see that continuing in the future. There have been a couple that have involved me as well! I got to learn a killer foot rubbing technique that is similar to acupressure to help with side effects of chemo / radiation!
Many of you who know me (Marc), know that I like to keep track of major life events. I write them down, ponder them, etc. I just love marking off special times of year and reflecting on what has transpired between birthdays or anniversary, etc. Just ask my kids when it comes time to celebrate one of their birthday’s!
Well today is one of those markers in time. Exactly one year ago today, at 3:30pm I received the phone call from Val that confirmed her diagnosis of “invasive lobular carcinoma”. What a shock to the system. What a year it has been. Even now as I type these words it hits like a ton of bricks.
On that day a year ago, I wrote the following Bible verse in my book:
“So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.
When I wrote that verse down in my book I had no idea at just how much I would fear and be dismayed. Let me just say it was and has been much….. But in looking back over the year and seeing God show up time and time again in the big and little things, He continues to show us He is upholding us. It is a remarkable testament to the faithfulness of a loving God. Over and over again in my life it is easier to see God present in the trials than in the comfort.
Over the year, I “collected” Bible verses, devotionals, and quotes to help sort out all the we were going through as a family. Some of these have made blog posts like the story of Gideon’s 300 men taking Midian.
You can read that one right here:
https://gordonfamilysite.wordpress.com/2016/04/17/update-5/
It has been therapeutic today to spend time re-reading and tracking where we have been as a family. We have learned many things that I continue to pray do not leave us as things settle into this new normal. One of them is to just live today as today and let God be God. No more, no less. It has really helped me not get so wrapped around the axle with things this past year. I must admit there are many times I stumble and forget, falling into old patterns, but I am grateful for the God’s patience and grace.
We continue to be thankful for each and every one of you! You have all shown yourselves to be God’s hands and feet as you have helped with our physical, emotional and spiritual needs. We ask that you continue to pray for us. That we would have our eyes open to God’s will for our lives and that we would use all that He has taught us to further His kingdom and His agenda!
Marc
The Gordon Family Site 