Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Cancer: The New Battle

I have so much to be thankful for . . . yet a long road ahead of me. Though I would love to expound on everything and completely delve into the details of my recent diagnosis, I am going to attempt to make this short, clean cut, and as simple as possible.

Pretty much, a week ago I went to the doctor's office for a suspected labrum tear. I had been having severe pain since December. To make a long story short- I am facing something far more difficult than I had anticipated.

The doctors found a large mass in my shoulder. The doctors are looking at this as an aggressive type of bone cancer- most likely Ewing's Sarcoma. Although there are three different types of cancer they are considering, due to my age, the size of the mass, and the aggressive nature of this mass- Ewing's looks to be the most likely diagnosis.

Today we were able to develop a game plan. This Thursday I will have my PET scan to determine whether the cancer has spread, or is contained. Next Monday, I will be heading back up to have a surgical biopsy. My doctor will remove both a section of my bone and the mass. They will also be installing the port for Chemotherapy during the surgery. Hopefully we will have the results of the biopsy by next Thursday. They will be treating the cancer with radiation, Chemo, and surgery, chemo again- and finally reconstructive surgery to repair the cancer-eaten bones. (If it is positive for Ewing's Sarcoma)

So what do I say... How do I process a diagnosis of an aggressive cancer only 2 years after my diagnosis of T1D? How do I cope with this? 

Honestly, at this moment, I can't. All I can do is depend on the strength that only God supplies. I'm in a blur... I'm obviously still in shock... And I'm still scared to death at the thought of trying to balance this all along with Type One...

Yet I think about a few verses that have really comforted me during these times:

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 
 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."

 II Corinthians 1:3-5

God is allowing these trials in my life for a definite reason! I know that I can trust Him even when my life is turned upside down.

I would ask that you please pray for me as I will be starting treatment very soon after the biopsy results come back. 

Also please note that I have comfort in these three things:

1) An amazing support group of praying friends all around the world
2) The fact that I have it, and not anyone of my siblings (I wouldn't want it any other way)
3) The peace that God is providing for me at this time

I promise to keep you updated! Thanks again for all your kind words of encouragement and prayers!

With much love,

Caleb




15 comments:

  1. Praying for you! Thank you for sharing your heart and these amazing verses.

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  2. Caleb, I just heard about this yesterday and I've been praying every time I think of you and your family... which has been often!!! I'm so thankful for your testimony and I will keep praying! Hugs to you all!! ~ "Aunt" Tricia

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  3. Caleb, I, and so many others, are lifting you and your family up in our prayers and wishes. Sending you guys so much love and support. You can do this, brother!

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  4. I am sorry for your diagnosis, I will say a prayer for you.

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  5. Thoughts, prayers, and a whole lot of energy being sent your way. I pray for a peace in you mind and heart and you are given the strength to do what you need to.........fight.

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  6. Caleb we are praying for you and your family as your coping with this news! Thanks for the update. Isaiah 26:3-4 are very encouraging verses that help you!

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  7. Caleb - thanks for the detailed update. My parents (Pastor and Mrs. Shore) were here when we first read about your situation. So, they keep asking me for updates. I will be sure they see this. Know that we are praying for you! My Caleb is 7 years old and every night he asks to pray for the "other Caleb". (For some reason he cannot remember your last name. :)) So, yes, you are daily being prayed for at the Metcalf's. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. - Rachael Metcalf

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  8. What an awesome testimony you are. I will be praying for God to do great and mighty things for you! Jeremiah 33 : 3 When I was going through a very dark time God gave me Psalm 61 : 2 " When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock which is higher than I. " Love you all.💜

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  9. Isaiah 43:2-5 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God...Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee...Fear not: for I am with thee..."

    We are praying for you and your family that God's peace and comfort will be with you. We understand how scary this all is. God is with you.

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  10. Our family and our church are praying for you!
    Ed / Heather Wynn

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  11. Praying for you,Caleb. May God give you the strength and courage each day.

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  13. Caleb, you are such a bright spot in our community and in my life. My thoughts are with you on this journey - one I so wish you weren't taking. The whole DOC is pulling for you.

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