Good News

No metastasis, PRAISE THE LORD!!! No words to express how I feel at the moment. I was really concerned about my CTs. But the Lord is good and has performed another miracle. Thank you Jesus!!!

On Thursday I met with Dr. M to discuss my case and treatment options. She will perform surgery on Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. (EST). She will take more margins this time and is concerned about wound related issues. Because I received a high dose of radiation on my leg during my first cancer treatment, and the margins will be bigger, there is a high risk of wound problem(s). This is the focus of my prayers at moment. My recovery will take longer compared with four years ago. However, no radiation or chemo has been recommended this time, Al-hamdulillah! ('praise the Lord' in Arabic :)

One of my favorite Bible passages is found in Matthew 6:25-34. If you are facing any problems today, going through a detour in your life, I invite you to read this passage of scripture today. There, you learn to take one day at a time, seek God first, rest your cares upon Him, and trust that He will take care of you - what a beautiful and complete picture of God. Is there any better promise for me and for you today? I'm going through my detour with Him. How about you?

The future

(Written on October the 8th)

Everything so far indicates that I'm out of remission, a medical term which means the cancer has returned. It’s been exactly four years since my first diagnose. My children were much younger, but they remember everything. Unlike 2011, this time I live thousands of miles away (Egypt) from my treatment options. No more the convenience of a fifteen-minute ride to the doctor’s office and a couple minutes to the radiation treatment place. I'm writing these words from the plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean. In a few hours I'll be landing in Virginia and then on to Maryland for I journey that only God knows how and when will finish. 

If for whatever reasons you're afraid of the future, uncomfortable about the unknowns of life, meditate on the words found in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the Lord,' plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" - What else could I ask for?!

Detour # 2

It’s hard to believe but here I am, taking another detour.  Like before I want to use this blog to accomplish three things: (1) keep family and friends informed. (2) keep a journal of my walk with God through the situation. (3) encourage those who might be going through a difficult time (detour) in their lives.

Honestly, I had no intentions of blogging on this topic again :-) (I actually don't like to blog) yet life is full of detours and I’m going through another one. Detours: sooner or later it happens to all of us. I don't know why it’s happening again. I choose not to ask. I believe there is a purpose for everything under the sun (Eccles 3:1), and it might be that this illness is for the glory of God, just like in the story of Lazarus (John 11:4). 

I'm going through tests and doctor's appointments this week. I'll know more about my situation in a few days. It's hard to describe the feeling of such a moment; a time when your life gets off the ordinary path and moves into unknown and rough terrain. The future is in God's hands. For now my soul gets comfort and hope in the beautiful words of Psalm 91.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.” (v.1-2)

May your trust be in Him and may your detour bring glory to God as well.