May 5, 2007

Update on Dad

While we are doing updates, here is the letter my Dad sent out with regard to his carcinoma:

Here is some information that I think you would scold me for not telling you. I shared it with the folks last evening. Now I'm sending it out on line.
In recent weeks I have watched a small spot on my face. Didn't look like much - something like a tender spot that my razor irritated. However, I finally decided to have a doctor look at it. A biopsy was scheduled. The doctor said the sting from the novacain would last about ten seconds.

For the record, it lasted fifteen.

The results came back positive - a carcinoma. Whether it is basal cell or squamous cell is still not certain. So, now I have an appointment with a specialist next Wednesday (May 9th). As the word has gotten out, especially through prayer requests sent out by Andrew and Daniel, folks have dropped me a line to let me know that they are remembering me in prayer. It is so good to hear from them. Part of my reply to correspondence contains this generic paragraph which I thought I would send along to you as a general expression of where things are.

In recent days God has been reinforcing the word "platform" in my thinking. The events of our lives are platforms upon which we can represent Christ. I have no idea what direction this is going at the moment. At this point I am a little suspicious that there is more than just one small spot involved. Next Wednesday will probably tell the story. My Dad has had to keep watch of skin cancer for several decades.

His brother died of cancer which developed from skin cancer. Several years ago, with another cancer scare which proved to be a false alarm, I worked through how I wanted to approach each stage which I have observed in walking with others down that path. Representing him well does not mean stiff-upper-lip. It takes into consideration all of the emotional ups and downs of facing one's mortality. It embraces the "through" of Psalm 23.

Keep on keeping on.

Make a big deal out of God.

Make a big deal out of people.

Posted by Andrew on May 5, 2007 10:17 PM.