Thank you for hanging in with me for over eight months of my cancer journey. Your presence in my journey is valuable beyond measure!!!

I'd also need to thank my devoted wife for supporting me. Keep her in your prayers too, and the spouses of cancer patients you know.

When we as a couple go to the doctor and talk about progress or needs, she participates with me. But it is complicated for a spouse because most of the time she watches and wonders when she can't feel what is actually happening inside of me during each moment and each step. I experience each day and every step. Because I deal with the effects of the surgery constantly, my recovery, physically, emotionally and spiritually is different, maybe even ahead, of her recovery.

I am thankful that God has given me healing and remarkable progress (I jogged a full mile last week ✌️✌️✌️!!!)

When the doctor announced the results of the scans on Wednesday, we were both very thankful that there was no new cancer and that I do not need another surgery.
 
After the doctor examined my scar and hip, he said, about the tightness and tendencies to stiffen, “These will be a lifelong reminder of all that your body went through.” In other words, these results will remain.

I can live normally with those issues, so I will use the life-long-reminders to remember your support and the many and broad variety of victories that I have experienced so far as a cancer patient.
 
We scheduled the next set of scans for six months from now. Then I will get a CT scan of the pelvic area and the chest.

As the doctor was walking out the door I asked, “Why do we need to do a CT of the chest?”
 
His answer helped me to understand what it means to be a cancer patient.
 
“That is the nature of cancer. You can’t just cut out cancer. There could be microscopic cells lying dormant that could become a problem. We need to be diligent.”
 
I understand that to mean, my tumor grew for an unknown reason. It had to be removed or, like a dandelion in the lawn, it would make seeds and spread. By removing it, we got rid of a big problem. But, that did not remove what caused it in the first place. We don’t know what caused some cells to go rogue and grow into a malignant tumor. That is why my tumor is registered in a database and frozen in a laboratory somewhere to be used for research. Understanding the cause is a major step to a cure of the cause.

Once a cancer patient, always a cancer patient--until they cure the cause.
 
Still, this week’s news is good, and we live with the hope that the rogue cells were an anomaly and that I will be fine with no recurrence of the cancer.

We live with hope that God will be adequate and always present no matter what. Caring friends will be His hands and feet of support in any way we need.

We will live with greater awareness of the vulnerability of life and the value of care expressed by family and friends.

We will live with new appreciation for each day.

We are thankful for my restored mobility and the ability to walk, jog, mow the grass, walk upstairs to the bedroom, take out the trash…

When we are tempted with doubt, fear, laziness and distraction, I pray we will remember the lessons of this journey and live with greater intensity and purpose.
 
But as the patient, I need to remember that my spouse’s journey is different than mine. The destination may be the same, but the timing, process and coping methods are different because of a different perspective and experience.
 
The spouse of a cancer patient needs attention too. They need someone to be present with them and hear their story—not the story of the patient. How does it feel to be going through this as a spouse? What are your worst fears? May I keep checking on you/or find a Stephen Minister/or someone to walk alongside you on this journey?
 
The spouse needs the support of someone outside the family because each of the family members has their own journey to consider.
 
You can help the spouse remain healthy while the patient is working to get healthy. When you walk alongside someone suffering with cancer, you will also have the opportunity to help the spouse.
 
In other Care Pastor news from our Best Care Ministry Network, Richard Powell of Colorado Community Church, is experiencing a major health crisis. You can join his Caring Bridge account to show your support and stay updated on his condition. Please pray for Richard, his wife,  his special-needs son and all who are affected by his serious illness. Richard is a giant in the ministry of Care. As he has cared for many, we hope he will feel the care of many, as I have.
 
Care matters for everyone! 

Your life matters, 

Chaplain Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Hettinger
303.905.0478