On December 13, 2011 I got a call from my dad. As he informed me that he had been diagnosed with Colon Cancer, the news caught me off guard. Just as everyone will say "I didn't think it'd happen to me," I, too, really did not expect it.
"How far along is it?" I remember asking him.
"Stage 3."
Whoa. That's serious. I had to sit down and gather my thoughts. "My dad has cancer"... That sounds weird! And how am I suppose to respond to that?!
The rest of that finals week and then my weekend in Arizona were that same way: numb. I wasn't sure how to respond, and thought that maybe it wasn't actually true.
But it was, and 6 days later he was going in for surgery to remove the cancerous part of his colon (in hopes that this would take away the cancer and he would not have to do chemo). Well, he had surgery and they successfully removed the cancer in the colon. But after they opened him up, they found cancer in the small intestine as well.
More words you don't want to hear: It has spread. Stage 4 (of four). Chemo Therapy.
But God is good, and we also received the news that it was not on the lymph nods. This is wonderful because it means that it won't spread any further than where it is at. It is also very uncommon for a Stage 4 cancer to not be found in the lymph nods, so we are thankful.
We spent the next week in the hospital as dad recovered. It was a slow recovery, but it was awesome to be together as a family. I realized then, too, what true love is. My parents have always set a wonderful example of a great marriage, and as I watched my mom consistently be there for my dad, taking walks with him, staying up late, sleeping in a chair by his bed, I hoped that someday I can be even half the mom and wife that she is!
For the first couple days, dad was on an epidural which basically took away any pain that he could have had. It was great. But once they took that out, and his digestive system didn't wake up right away, they had to resort to a tube down his throat in order to remove what was currently in his stomach and wasn't passing through. He had the tube for a couple days, which hindered him from talking or feeling well at all. Seeing dad like this was hard since he is usually very talkative and upbeat.
Christmas day the tube came out and he felt great. It was a different Christmas for all of us, but what a blessing to still be able to be together as family, no matter where we are!
My brother and I were also blessed to be able to be with the extended family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I can't help but be thankful for the close relationships I have with all of my extended family. I am very close to all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. I know this isn't something that every family gets to have.
The next day after Christmas, the doctor released him, and my dad came walking through our front door that evening. It was so wonderful to have him home. Not only was I getting lonely being at home by myself, but it hadn't been Christmas in my mind without dad around. The joy of having him home was enough, but we also got to celebrate Christmas on the 28th. After cinnamon rolls for breakfast, we popped in the yule log DVD, distributed presents and began opening. This is probably my favorite part of the holidays: traditions.
Dad has a long road ahead of him, starting chemotherapy on January 16th. But there is something that I will never forget my mom saying, "This is the cup that God has given us. We will take it, and we will rely on Him."
I love my family, and am very thankful for them each day, especially in this time! We are touched by all the love, prayers, and encouragement we have received the past month, and as the reality sinks in, we are only drawn closer to the Lord and His comfort and strength!
"The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.
I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.
You will make known to me the path of life;
In your presence is fullness of joy;
In your right hand there are pleasures forever."
Psalm 16: 5, 8-9, 11
Jenna's Journal.
