We know that the statement, “There’s more to life than cancer,” is true, although we also know that cancer will consume much of our life for awhile as we continue trying to make the best choice for treatment. (More on that below.)

One of things that will keep cancer from actually consuming our lives is the fact that we have such a full and busy life. However, that’s also the very thing that presents such challenges for us in trying to research options and make the best decisions for treatment. Trying to run a very busy ministry and keep up with our children’s incredibly taxing medical schedules, leaves very little time for extra doctor appointments, research, and reading. We have forty-three appointments now scheduled for January, and we already have thirty-three appointments, one surgery, and one procedure under anesthesia scheduled for February.

And a trip to Tampa.

Weeks ago, Scott and I began planning a trip to Tampa. There are a couple of churches there who have welcomed us to speak, and two book signings for our book. We also planned to attend the annual Blackthorn Memorial Service again this year. Over the past few days, we have talked about whether it would be best to cancel this trip and focus on trying to make these decisions about Scott’s care.

In the end, we have decided to continue with the plans for the trip because for right now, we are mostly waiting on people to get back to us with answers to questions, anyway, before we can make any decisions. So we wanted to share that itinerary with you in case any of you might be in the area. As always, we would really love to see any of you who could make it to any of the events below. You would be welcomed at any of them (in fact, we would love to not be the only ones at our first book signings.) 😊

Would you please share this info/post with others? This is short notice, and we’d like to be sure the word gets out there.

The details are as follows:

Friday, January 29, 2016
5:00 PM
A small group gathering and Q&A with us at The Coffee Barn and Bakery
1147 S Broad St, Brooksville, Florida 34601
http://www.thecoffeebarnandbakery.com

Saturday, January 30, 2016
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Book Signing at Family Christian Bookstore
3700 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809

Saturday January 30, 2016
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Book Signing at the home of Garry and Jan Seitz
5052 Shady Lake Lane Lakeland, FL 33813

Sunday January 31, 2016
12:00 PM
TSC Orphan/Adoption Presentation at New Life Church of Tampa
4300 E. 7th Ave Tampa Fl. 33605
http://www.iglesianuevavidatampa.org

Now, back to the topic of cancer. We saw a doctor today and will be seeing some others in the near future, but we don’t expect to have enough information to make final decisions for at least a couple of weeks. We are anxious to make a decision, let all of you know what’s going on and how you can help, and move forward. Waiting is hard, and while prostate cancer is known to be slow-growing, the location of Scott’s makes his a little tougher and the best treatment a little unclear. We want this taken care of and to get a clearer picture of the long-term prognosis, but we want to be careful while considering all of the choices out there.

So we would appreciate it so much if you could bear with us, hang on while we work through these very confusing details (everybody has a different opinion about everything!), and continue praying for us and sending encouragement as God places us on your heart. We will definitely be sharing more practical ways that you can help as soon as we know more. But as I said, it’s probably going to take a couple more weeks before we get enough information to share.

In closing, we wanted to share this with you. We have been absolutely astonished by the flood of texts, emails, and Facebook posts of love and support.

One sweet friend brought us a dinner along with lots of fruit, fresh baked whole-wheat bread, and flowers. This was such an encouragement to our hearts.

Another friend has kindly organized meals for the kids while Scott and I are in Tampa next week.

And one dear friend wrote us a letter and included a link to a song called, “Carry Me Through”  We have decided to grab onto this song as our theme song for this current chapter in our lives. It struck us as poignant for our situation. I have pasted the lyrics and the link at the end of this post. Take a minute and listen to it.

We can’t even find words to express how much it means to see what a beautiful circle of support God has built around our immediate family. Multiple times over the past few days, we have said to each other, “We are so loved!” We are awed. Thank you with all our hearts.

Here are the lyrics to our follow-God-through-cancer-theme-song, “Carry Me Through”:

There’s a mountain
Here before me
And I’m gonna climb it
With strength not my own

He’s gonna lead me
When the mountain beats me
Carry me through
Carry me through

There’s a river
Here before me
And I’m gonna cross it
With strength not my own

He’s gonna save me
When the river takes me
Carry me through
Carry me through

But, Lord, be gentle
I’m just a man
Please don’t crush me
With your heavenly hand

Oh, Lord, remember
I’ve tried so hard
I’m walking toward
Your kingdom, Lord

There’s a city
Here before me
And I’m gonna get there
With strength not my own

He’s gonna carry me
When I get weary
Carry me through
Carry me through

Oh, Lord, be gentle
I’m just a man
Please don’t crush me
With your heavenly hand

Oh, Lord, remember
I’ve tried so hard
I’m walking toward
Your kingdom, Lord

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Carry me through

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Oh, sweet Lord
Carry me through