Chapter four: I’m not good at being constant, but cancer is

Despite my good intentions when I started this blog last year, I haven’t done well at posting regularly.  It isn’t that I didn’t want to, but life happened and I didn’t continue what I started.  I have still been learning, but not reflecting on it or writing about it, so the learning hasn't gone as deep or stuck as well.  Apparently, the universe took note and is sending me back to school.   

A month ago, I noticed a new growth.  Two weeks ago, we had a biopsy which came back positive. We don’t have a date yet, but there will be surgery sometime this month to remove the rest of the tumor.  On the positive side, this surgery will not be as radical or complicated as the last one.  On the other hand, there is evidence that the cancer has spread to my lymph system. Part of the surgery will be to take lymph nodes from my neck to see if the cancer has spread there.  If the genie is out of the bottle, there will be more treatment. 

Part of the reason I stopped posting to Facebook is the way Facebook has changed. I enjoy interacting with the peeps out there but not the toxic stuff that has invaded the space.  If any good can come from trials like cancer, it is the opportunity to be with each other in our pain and suffering.  In its best form, that’s what the social media world is good for.  I have grown from sitting with the pain of others who share their challenges and have been blessed by the support of those who have sat with us.  Lisa is struggling with the uncertainty and continued threats that these health challenges bring.  I know that God has been and will continue to be with us in this, but it is still hard.  If you’re of a mind we would welcome your thoughts, and especially prayers, on our behalf.  I am absolutely certain that the prayers offered by so many on our behalf last year were heard by Heaven. We felt lift and healing beyond the power of the medical community and know that God was with us.   Thank you for friendship, love and support. 

And I will write more.

Steve

Comments

  1. Tom and Courtney RussellJune 4, 2022 at 11:27 AM

    You definitely have prayers from the entire Russell clan, near and far. We love you guys!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJune 7, 2022 at 11:03 PM

      Steve and Lisa, you are in my prayers. You are both good and true. I know there isn't a "fair" card we get to wave around when we face crazy hard struggles. I also know it takes strength and faith to face the struggles with a good attitude. You are an example of learning and strength. Love you both. Kim A

      Delete
  2. LoriJune 4, 2022 at 1:03 PM

    California Gabbiti will keep you and Lisa in our prayers. We love you guys.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 4, 2022 at 1:19 PM

    This breaks my heart. Much love to you, Steve. 💛

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 4, 2022 at 4:43 PM

    Dear friends we love you much and always in our prayers. As you know these bodies are subject to much with challenges unthinkable. So we press on like you have and thank Jesus Christ for the ride

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ron and KathyJune 4, 2022 at 7:02 PM

      We are with you and your family in prayer. We know that the medical team working over you will be guided by the hand of the Lord

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJune 6, 2022 at 3:45 AM

    Sorry. Going through something similar.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rhonda Wall July 24, 2023 at 7:19 AM

    Dec 2021 I had my thyroid removed due to cancer caused 100% by stress. Worse than adopting 4 mentally ill children was the interference by neighbors and friends giving them places to run away to, cell phones when they were grounded, transportation, money. My relief comes from hoping to educate my neighbors and friends about mental illness and how to actually families survive it.

    ReplyDelete

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