General Update

Cycle 6 of 24 (Continued)

We continue our journey and are grateful that is continues in what is somewhat manageable – or at least predictable, even though not ideal.

We find time for walks together, escaping on an outing, and time to go to the temple together every few weeks.

I misspoke this week when we spoke with the shift coordinator for Thursday morning as we were leaving the temple. When she asked how Doris was doing, I spoke up saying, “It is pretty much the same as yesterday, except it is like yesterday.” By that I meant to say each day is its own day, and the predictability is helping, but it does not seem to be good days, and bad days, but rather good times and uncomfortable times taking turns through each day. And the times of relative comfort or discomfort have some pattern to them, but it is not entirely predictable. Much of how Doris feels is reactive to the timing of the oral chemo pills, meals that are planned to coincide with the medication, and what the meals consist of. Since the timing is consistent, the variability seems to be attributable to the content of the meals.  

Still if I were to phrase it differently, I would say, “Today is much like yesterday, except today we got to go to the temple.” We are grateful to have a temple close enough to visit when it works with about a 20-minute drive. It is there that we are reminded of the eternal nature of our lives and our Heavenly Father’s plan for our happiness. There is peace and quiet, love and kindness expressed if only with a smile, and a source for divine comfort for the long haul that is ours.

I am grateful that my sweetheart is experiencing success medically in her treatments. With the kind attention of her primary care physician, who is also in treatment for cancer, Doris has received some additional support and help with the day-to-day challenges as well as a plan to evaluate other effects of the treatment.

We were able to attend church today for about 30 minutes, which included the administration of the sacrament and listening to the talk given by our friend. We listened to the rest of the meeting via zoom, which included a young returning sister missionary, and some words from our stake president who was with us today.

The message of Music and the Spoken Word today included this quote from William Shakespeare’s play As You Like It, Act 2, scene 1: “Sweet are the uses of adversity”.

Derrick Porter’s Message

 

From Doris:

Thank God For Cancer

Six months ago, I was told I have an aggressive form of Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Since that day, I have seen the hand of God blessing me and guiding me. I have received miracles and anticipate receiving future miracles.

Yet through all of this, I have yet to thank Heavenly Father that I have cancer. It has been easy to thank Him for the blessings of strength, medical care, answered prayers, love of family and friends, and positive responses to treatments. But I have never felt grateful that I have cancer.

In Doctrine and Covenants 59:7 we read “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.” It does not say I am to only thank God for my blessings. 

On this week when we celebrate Thanksgiving, I have made a decision. I will thank God that I have cancer. I do not feel grateful, but I have faith that in time, He will change my heart. Though it seems impossible to imagine, I truly believe that because of Christ’s Atonement, one day I will feel grateful.

In the meantime, I will be obedient to His commandment and each day in my prayers thank Him that I have cancer.