December 3, 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

I am so thankful for your prayers regarding my recent Prostate Cancer diagnostic tests. They all went well without much discomfort.

Tomorrow, December 4th, Anne and I will visit my Urologist, Dr Shibutani, to determine a course of treatment. I ask that you pray for:

1. 
   God’s wisdom for Dr Shibutani
2. Our ability to listen well and ask the right questions
3. Our ability to discern the right course of treatment
   

In preparation we have read Dr Patrick Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer. We learned much important information:

1. Every man’s situation is different: no "one size fits all"
2. There are many treatment options available
3. This is a complex and frustrating disease
4. There is no big rush to begin treatment
   

You might ask how am I doing? Here is my answer. I am amazed at the deep peace and joy I am feeling in my heart. God’s Spirit has been lighting up the Psalms in very powerful ways. Here is a sample:

Psalms 124:1-8 [personalized] If the LORD had not been on my side—let Tom say— 2 if the LORD had not been on my side when men attacked me [when I learned of the diagnosis], 3 when its anger flared against me, it would have swallowed me alive; 4 the flood would have engulfed me, the torrent would have swept over me, 5 the raging waters would have swept me away. 6 Praise be to the LORD, who has not let me be torn by its teeth. 7 I have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and I have escaped. 8 My help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalms 119:114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Psalms 121:1-8 [Personalized] I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let my foot slip— he who watches over me will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over me will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over me—the LORD is my shade at my right hand; 6 the sun will not harm me by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep me from all harm [harm in my life is my addiction to comfort, convenience and control]— he will watch over my life; 8 the LORD will watch over my coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalms 127:1-2 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. [I am thankful for good solid sleep each night]