Bombarding Heaven

Tonight I wish that I was coming to you with better news.  I wish that we could together bombard Heaven with shouts of praise that "Patrick is cancer free."  I cannot do that tonight.  However, I am certain we will all continue to bombard Heaven with prayer for the Shaws.  And we will continue to praise Him - because although we do not understand (and we even do not like) these current circumstances - He is still worthy of our praise - simply because of who He is.

***

On Monday evening, Patrick and Emily received a phone call from Dr. Friel, Patrick's colorectal surgeon at UVA with the results of the biopsy he had on April 23rd.  The biopsy was positive for cancer cells.  Therefore, the "area of concern" seen on Patrick's PET scan and recent MRI was cancer.  At this time, the Shaws have not been explicitly told whether this cancer is a "new occurrence," "recurrence," or cancerous tissue "left behind" after Patrick's surgery in August 2013.  

Patrick and Emily have not yet met in-person with Dr. Friel.  However, it is their understanding that his proposed treatment plan includes highly invasive surgery to remove both Patrick's bladder and prostate.  For this reason, the Shaws are seeking a second opinion before proceeding with further treatment.  While they agree with the "diagnosis," they are hoping that another physician may offer a less devastating treatment option.

This Friday, May 2nd, at 1:45pm, Patrick and Emily will be meeting another doctor at John's Hopkins.  Please be in prayer over the Shaws as they travel.  Please pray for their safety, their expenses, and their clarity of mind as their being "emotionally overloaded" is an understatement.  Please pray for a divine appointment.  Let's shower this John's Hopkins physician and his staff with prayer!  Agree with me in praying for this doctor's knowledge, expertise, wisdom, kindness, decision making, attention to detail, accuracy, and spirit.  Most importantly, the Shaws specifically ask for prayer that major surgery and organ loss can be avoided.

Let's also lift up Patrick and Emily as they face monumental decisions once they have gathered the necessary information.

***

Tomorrow there will be a SUNRISE.

God will still be who He is.

God is still in perfect control over Patrick's life - and His plans are good.