I've been dreading writing this. It's real easy to say a prayer for someone else, to try to give comfort to a friend, but when it comes to asking for prayers it's a whole different thing. I guess when you actually type it out and do the asking you have realized that the situation is real and you need all the help you can get.
My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this week. He went in and had a CT and bone scan done today to see if it's spread, should have those results next week. We know it's in God's hands, and that whatever the outcome we know Dad is ready mentally, physically and most important, spiritually. But we would sure like to keep him around many more years, and to not have him go through any more treatments than needed. He's 74, but I'd bet most people would guess 10 or 15 years younger if they didn't know his age.
He has had regular checkups, especially since he had a heart valve replaced a few years ago, and after my mom died of cancer almost 12 years ago (leukemia brought on by the treatments for non-Hodgkins lymphoma). His PSA tests have been good, really low numbers, and during a check up this past summer the doctor didn't feel anything of concern when doing the ol' glove test. But back in October he realized he was having to pee a little more often, and the stream wasn't quite as strong. He just figured at 74 things had to start slowing down a bit, so he didn't think much of it. But after a few weeks he decided to mention it to his doctor, and he had them check his prostate again just after Christmas. They found a lump in his prostate, and did a biopsy, taking several samples in and around the prostate and of the lump itself. This past Wednesday he got the news that it was cancer, and there was cancer in 7 of the 11 samples they took from tissues around the prostate. Today's tests were to see just to what extent it may have spread, and to determine a course of treatment.
Having gone through the cancer thing with Mom, plus one of his best friends and hunting buddies died last year of another form of cancer, he knows a lot about what questions to ask, what treatments he might be looking at, etc. But I can imagine it's not quite the same as finding out that you're the one facing the fight.
So I ask you all to keep him in your prayers and pray for good results from today's tests. Thanks, it means a lot.
10-4 GoodOyster! Will remember your dad in our prayers. A few months back I asked folks to pray for my wife and the Lord blessed her with healing through the quadruple bypass. Prayer is a powerful thing and I'm glad to hear your dad is prepared spiritually to face this issue. Treefarmer
Prostate procedures have come a long way. A friend of mine had P. cancer and they removed his in it's entirety with a robotic arm. No chemo no radiation. He did tell me that since the surgery when he has to pee, he has to go right then. He can't hold it at all
Good luck to your dad, Gary
Those prayers will be coming! god speed to a good recovery and chasin that cancer away!
I'll put this on our prayer chain at church brother. Good to know your dad is ready spiritually. That's what'll give him the peace and strength he needs in any eventuality.
