Not out of the woods yet (technically)

Just to give everyone an update on my progress…

Saw the onocologist today in Florence. One of the bloodworks from a couple weeks ago came back a little higher than it should be, but everything else indicated I have/had stage 1 testicular cancer. He said he’d be surprised if I would need chemo, but it all would depend on a few things: 1. The bloodwork from today comes back better than the previous sample and 2. The results from my upcoming MRI, bone scan, and CT scan, all are negative (in a good way).

So yeah, I have a fun day ahead of me next Wednesday: An MRI of my brain, a bone scan to check what else… my bones, and a CT scan for my chest (the last one I had was for my abdomen and pelvic areas). These tests are all to make sure it hasn’t spread to other places in my body, given the aggressive nature of the cancer that was in the tumor.

Needless to say, I share all of this for a reason: so that others can keep me in their prayers! I trust God for a complete healing, but it’s also good to see when His people are responding to a need… even when it’s dear-old-me.

Oftentimes the pastor has to be the “strong one” and give off the appearence of a “cool hand”. In my case, I’ve played that role well (because I have sincerely put God first and have the assurance God will lift this from me) but at the same time, it can be hard for me to express the sufficient gratitude for others’ support, as well as being open enough to share this with people “outside my circle”.

Like most folks, I don’t want to seem like a cancer victim (I’m not!) that will sport a yellow Livestrong bracelet. Instead I know I’m a victor because of the peace, healing, and strength that Almighty God grants this bag of flesh they call Chris Honeycutt.

I used Romans 8 in my sermon this past Sunday. I love this chapter because it so multi-layered, yet precise in describing the nature of the suffering of His children and the hope we should have in Him.

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

I believe good will come from this ordeal, because no matter what, God will get the glory! Maybe my life experience will inspire others that have pain in their lives and don’t know the answer (or His name) that will help them through it.

Again, I covet your prayers and I thank each and everyone of you that have indeed prayed, read this blog, called by phone, or have sent messages via email, ePrayer Wall, Twitter, or Facebook. It means more to me than you may know.

Blessings!

PC