Many of you are already aware of the health challenges Jim has faced this year and have been supporting us in prayer, for which we are so grateful, But for those who were unaware let us briefly bring you up to date.
In December 2016 Jim had surgery to remove a colon polyp. Biopsy showed a small Neuroendricine tumor (NET), fully encapsulated within the polyp. In March he had parathyroid surgery, and that biopsy revealed another NET. This prompted a PET scan which showed two more tumors. We learned his NETs were grade three (most aggressive) and Stage four because they had metastasized, and they are treatable, but not curable.
The oncologist’s prognosis was ten months to a year without treatment, and perhaps one to two years with treatment. The doctor was quick to admit “I am not God”, and we wholeheartedly agree.
Psalm 139 reminds us, “Our days were written in His book before there was one of them” - so the best doctors and treatments can do, or the worst mistakes made, will not change the Lord’s allotted number of days.
Jim has been undergoing biweekly chemotherapy treatments for six months now, and the PET scans have shown the two measurable tumors have been reduced in size, and no additional tumors detected. He is now on a maintenance chemo treatment with PET scans every eight weeks to monitor progression. Overall Jim is feeling remarkably well. As the oncologist predicted, the treatments have been “highly tolerable.” We are so grateful.
The Lord has also used Jim’s diagnosis to put into motion a plan to retire in 2018 and close Wright Engineering Associates. Jim had often reminded the Lord that he never aspired to be self employed. It was the Lord who led him into the consulting business twenty years ago, and we wondered how the Lord would lead him out. Now we know.
A passage Jim has been claiming is: Psalm 112;4,7 (ESV) “ Light dawns in darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful and righteous. He is not afraid of bad news; His heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.”
Cathy has likewise found comfort in the scriptures. Jeremiah 17:5-8 has been a passage she has put to memory and it claiming to keep her focus on and trust in the Lord alone.
We will post updates as they occur. Thank you for your continued prayers.
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