Dear Praying Friends,
Christmas is a
special time of joy and it is just around the corner and so I am reluctant
to share such a serious prayer request at this time. I went to the doctor
for a routine physical examination December 10. It was also to find
out about the pesty cough I've had since August. Becky insisted I get
a chest x-ray. After the x-ray I was called back into the Dr.'s office
and informed that I had multiple lesions on both lungs. I was then referred
to a Pulmonary specialist. It was confirmed to be metastasized cancer
from an unknown source. A subsequent CT scan and multiple blood tests
last week reveal I have a 8-10 cm tumor on my right kidney. On Monday
the 17th I went to the hospital for a biopsy of one of the nodes in
my left lung. This was an out-patient procedure in the form of a fine
needle aspiration but took several hours.
They had to use a CT scan over and over to get the right spot on my
back for the needle to go in. My next Dr.'s appointment is Thursday
the 20th when he will share the results of the biopsy and then refer
me to an oncologist for treatment.
Bryan had a few
days leave from the Coast Guard so he came down from his duty station
in the Bay area last Friday night. We asked Jeremy to drive up from
Santa Barbara - we broke the news to the three kids last Friday night.
It was a tender time filled with tears and hugs. We also shared the
news with our church family at Foothill Bible Church Sunday morning,
so we feel a lot of moral support.
I ask you first
for your prayers for me and my family during this challenging time.
This news also comes at a time when I'm gearing up for the busiest time
of year for me: preparing for the annual medical mission
outreach to the Philippines in April. I know I have a big God and He
is indeed able to make this thing nothing. In any event it is my desire
He be glorified in my life. This year I celebrated my 30th "spiritual
birthday." Knowing Christ personally since 1971 and being in full-time
ministry since 1973 I've learned that He is faithful in all situations.
I know He is with me in whatever lies ahead.
God bless you this
wonderful season and thanks for your prayers. I'll update you as we
learn more.
Doug Sutherland
