Light in the Darkness
What a ride we’ve been on the last few weeks, we feel like we’ve been on a roller coaster with our emotions. You know when your stomach drops and you just feel like puking….. but, no surprise, God is good. He brings clarity and light in our daily life, even if it is chaotic, and He can bring it from the most unexpected places.
Friday was our transplant meeting and if one thing came out of the day, it was that we would definitely seek our transplant from another center. So much wasted time and resources. We walked away knowing at this time, we definitely need to seek a second opinion on treatment options and transplant options.
The summary is, if we pursue removing my kidney after chemotherapy, which is the “best” option, we would have to wait 2 years before qualifying for a transplant. That would mean dialysis for at least 2 years. Unfortunately, even once I would receive a new kidney, the medication I would need to take “could” cause my previous Lymphoma to return and cause additional medical issues.
That being said, I am so grateful God used the transplant meeting to shine some light on the need for obtaining a second opinion before we proceed with any further treatment. Although the day was stressful and filled with much “wasted” time waiting for doctors, it was a blessed time with family and our really good friend. We had wonderful conversations as we waited for extended periods of time and great insight was offered as well afterwards. Those moments were precious and I wouldn’t trade them.
Stressed, anxious and at wit’s end, those are the emotions we’ve been feeling, and God, as He promises, is walking with us each step of the way. One of the names of God is, Immanuel, God with us and as He walks with us and works in us He is bringing us clarity and shining light in answering our prayers.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23)
We are incredibly grateful for all your prayers and we really feel the difference in our daily life as we are lifted in prayer by so many friends and family. What God says in scripture is true:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
I have to say, I am amazed at the love of the body of Christ coming together. There are so many of you praying for us and we are overwhelmed by your love. Praying for one another and shoulder each other’s difficulties is what Christ intended for us all. Lifting up the daily concerns of our lives together as the body reveals the love of Christ for each one of us. Prayer brings comfort and peace, but most of all, prayers of the body of Christ fill the gap when we simply no longer know what to pray. For us, some days we are simply so overwhelmed we don’t know what to pray….but….knowing you are carrying us in prayer, we are able to push through and rest in our Lord.
This really causes me to ask: Are you authentic with those you trust? Do you have a support system, a body of believers you can call upon to pray with you and for you?
Please know, this is of the utmost importance in our lives. This is how Jesus calls us to live. Living life in this fallen world is not easy, in fact it can be quite difficult. However, as believers, if we are living life in fellowship with other believers, lifting one another in prayer, connected as one body, together, God blesses us abundantly. He will bless you with support, love and insight into daily living in a way that is amazing.
“Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” (Psalms 43:3-4)
I pray you will step out in faith today and share your struggles with someone you trust and love and may God shine His light on your current circumstances, bringing you comfort and peace.
Your sister in Christ,
Julie, I have a team of prayer warriors that have joined in carrying you through this journey. We are glad to hear you are seeking another opinion. Thanks for offering amazing encouragement to others as you go through this trial. Sending love and prayers.
Thank you for sharing all of your struggles with us all. I am a firm believer in second opinions, although it requires a lot of time and energy, it is well worth it!!! Even if you have to travel out state it could be worth it! We will continue to keep you and your family and team of doctors at the top of our prayer list! As you know, the power of prayer is powerful, recently we saw that in a young boy who was in need of a heart transplant, on deaths doorstep numerous times, was blessed with a new heart, many ups and downs and a difficult journey for sure, but just this last week after months of hospitalization and rehab he went home and is doing remarkably well! Just had to share a positive story where prayers were answered, so I continue to pray yours are as well!!!
Julie thanks for the update. Happy you will seek second opinion. Only God!
Praying for you
What a disappointing day for you. But prayers are always continuing for you and to give you and your family strength. Thank you for always taking the time to let everyone that loves you know what is going on with each step of the way. May some good new be coming to you soon. Love you, Bev &a Gary