Health update

I finished the last of my 33 proton therapy treatments on March 20 just as the COVID-19 crisis got underway. This past Wednesday I did something that I have not done since I walked out of Emory’s Proton Therapy Center in Atlanta on March 20—I went into another building other than our home.

I had my first visit with my surgeon since January. We talked about some minor post-surgery and post treatment issues, but as expected, he affirmed that the next steps would depend on the PET scans of my head and body on June 29 at Emory. I have an appointment with my radiation oncologist on July 8.

A friend recently asked me if I was worried about the results of the scans. My immediate reaction was “no.” I feel like I owe it to my dad, Pete, not to worry because for the past several decades of his life I chastised him for worrying about everything.

However, there is a much more important reason that I am not worried. Before my first surgery, the Lord led me to claim Joshua 1:9, and since that time I have had such a peace about where I am during this season of my life. Even not being able to get hugs from family and friends for the past 12 weeks has not discouraged me. I am basically restless and need to be busy all the time, but the Lord has given me a calmness and a content feeling that I can only attribute to Him.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9