'Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this." Proverbs 3:4-6 The Message
While biopsies may not be fun, Doug has settled into a regimen of obtaining them yearly. It's been two and half years now since his diagnosis of prostate cancer. Initially, we were in a state of grief and emotional distress. The word "cancer" evoked countless emotions within each of us. Over time, God has taught us many things about ourselves and also about Himself, the Great Physician.
In January, Doug had his third biopsy. This is our second "cancer free" biopsy. The doctor can not explain where the cancer went, because the course of treatment we chose was holistic. Doug's treatment plan was a change of diet and a decision to pray our way through it. Our initial decision was based upon the type of cancer and fully supported by his doctor. In fact, Doug and I were inclined to seek surgery or other options, but his doctor recommended we proceed slowly. He said, "research showed the type of cancer he had was slow growing." We chose to have yearly biopsies and bi-annual check-ups with blood-work, etc.
In January, Dr. Morgan said, "I don't know what you are doing, but keep doing it. I can not find the cancer. We know it was there and we know we have not done anything to remove it. I know I am biopsying in the correct area, yet it is NOT showing up."
Doug said, "God can take it away!"
Dr. Morgan jumped up and hugged Doug and said, "Stay focused on that!"
Doug was Dr. Morgan's last patient of the day. It was a beautiful sight to see Doug and Dr. Morgan basically skip down the halls chatting about how good God is as we prepared to leave.
Doug will continue to have biopsies and tests as scheduled. With each positive result we are thankful for the time we have been given and pray God continues to bless us with many more years together. Doug and I have learned to trust God with each moment of our lives. We have also learned to embrace the blessings and adventures in our path. Each day is a new day; keep your focus on God and trust Him with every detail of your lives.
By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea Bowling Perdue
