Today we gathered with most of my 13 younger brothers and sisters to celebrate our dad’s birthday. It’s not really until Thursday but we did it early because on his birthday he’ll be going in for major surgery to deal with his recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer.
I’ve thought about blogging this many times over the past 3 months as he has been unable to work, in and out of the ER, doctor’s office and hospital, waiting for a diagnosis. I think I was always waiting for the firm diagnosis, which didn’t come until just a couple of weeks ago.
After that, we actually breathed a sigh of relief. We had all, I think, fully expected the diagnosis and it was frustrating when tests kept coming back with inconclusive results. Once we finally knew the problem – or rather, once the doctors finally knew the problem, it actually seemed to feel like a little less of a problem.
Strangely enough, in spite of his significant, increasing, and near-constant pain, the tumor appears to be very small and contained. This was much better news that we expected. We are finally looking forward to treatment and the surprisingly good chance of a cure since his case was detected much earlier than is typical.
But that’s not to say that we aren’t concerned about Dad’s surgery this Thursday, and I would be remiss if I didn’t ask my biggest group of friends to pray for him. His name is Steve B, and he will be having a Whipple Procedure on his 56th birthday. This is major surgery with general anesthesia and a ventilator, followed by 2-3 days in the ICU, 8-10 days in the hospital, and a 2-3 month recovery period.
Your prayers would be deeply appreciated – by us of course, but I think even more so by Mom and the younger children who still live at home. While 7 of us are married adults now, 4 are still very young (ages 12-15), and 2 more young adult daughters also live at home.
And of course, we rest in God’s will, knowing that He holds us all in His hands and His perfect plan for each of us was laid before the foundation of the earth.
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You have my prayers now, and on Thursday, and whenever I think of your family.
Hi Kim, I will add your dad to my prayer list. My father in law had the Whipple Procedure operation in December. He is now at home, eating small but regular meals and is hoping to get back to work in a few months. God Bless You and your beautiful family. xx
We will be praying for God to give His wisdom to the medical team and His peace to your Dad, Mom and the rest of the family.
Sincerely, the Thompson family
Absolutely, Kim. I’m praying for your dad’s full recovery and restoration of health.
I will definitely be praying for your dad, as well as pass it on to my parents and Cory. The diagnosis of cancer is not an easy one for a family. I don’t know if you guys knew, but my dad was diagnosed two years ago. I’ll be praying that your dad has the right frame of mind and will keep strong in Christ. Trials like these definitely test the faith and a good support system is crucial. I hope the surgery and treatment is successful. May God be with your dad and your family.
I am so privileged to pray for your family and your Dad’s surgery.
I will be praying for your dad and your family.
Praying for your Dad and the whole family!
We will be praying for your Dad!! Thank God it was caught early…
Oh and happy belated birthday Kait!!
I’m glad you shared. Burdens are eased by sharing with those who can help you carry your burdens and concerns… I will be praying.
(hugs)
@Bianca I had no idea. I hope it’s in remission now?
You have a gianormous amount of people out here in cyberspace who love and care about you and your family. Know that we are all praying for your Dad and your family!
Norah
Praying for the very best outcome for your Dad!
Praying for your Dad. cancer is such a scary word. My dh was diagnosed with Cancer in 2003 just following his 41st birthday. He had testicular cancer and it had spread through his lymph nodes up into his neck, that is where we noticed a lump. He went through Chemo and is thankfully in Remission. We recently went through another scare where they found spots in his lungs. His Mom died of lung cancer. Thankfully after many Ct scans and close check-ups with the doctor they declared it wasn’t cancer. I will be praying for the entire family because that is also who cancer hits.
I am praying for you and for your father!
You are in my prayers. I lost my Father and both of my Grandmother’s to this. Praying your Dad will be healed…
Kim, I’ll be praying! I’ve had two aunts with the same procedure done. Lot’s of recovery time! He’ll need prayers just as much after the surgery!
In my thoughts and prayers!
Of course we’ll pray for him and your family. Good luck.
I will be praying.
Hi Kim,
I’ve been reading your blog for maybe a month now but haven’t yet commented on posts or introduced myself, I’m a ‘young married’ from Sydney Australia, once I saw this post I knew I had to leave a comment and say I will pray for your dad, because next Monday is the first anniversary of my dad’s passing (bone cancer) and I know both how devastating the ‘c word’ can be and also how much strength there is to be gleaned from knowing those around you are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. So I will pray for your dad and yourselves, both today – Thursday our time (Australia) and tomorrow (Thursday your time)
All the best,
Julieanne
Oh dear!
I will pray for your dad’s health and for your family.
Kim,
You will all be in our prayers.
Blessings,
Shanna
Yes, Perry. There’s only been surgery, which wasn’t easy but we’re thankful there was no chemo needed. It’s been a scary road, but God has been teaching all of us about faith and trusting Him. I’ll be praying for Kim’s dad and for the family to give him the support he needs.
Wow, that is a tough diagnosis. I will pray pray for God’s mercy and grace to be with your family as your Dad goes through all the medical stuff. God’s perfect will can overcome a human diagnosis. I hope he is recovering soon.