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CCW GOLD MEMBER POETRY CONTEST WINNER Posts : 644 Age : 72 Join date : 2013-02-03 Location : Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Subject: Flat Down and Free Tue Jun 27, 2017 5:08 am
I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. At my family physician the last two PSA readings showed a modest increase in signal level. Sent to the urologist. Biopsy done and results showed malignancy.
There have been subsequently a bevy of tests and I am still waiting for a CAT scan. Stategies for resolution of the problem will follow with Dr. Blair Egerdie.
Just about a month now I have been wearing a catheter and bag...and hobbling. On indefinite layoff from my factory job. Employment Insurance Disability arrangements pending.
But the items of good news are many. Financial help. Love and support from family, friends, workmates and members of my new church. I have also tried to occupy as much as possible in a low-key way. Drives in the country with Hilary. Phone chats with my kids Lauren and Jordan and my brother Scott. Publishing in hard copy with much delight several of my ebooks. Reading and reading (Nouwen, Tozer, Lucado, Chambers, Scripture, Longfellow, Angelou, Service, Anne Cleeves and Wilbur Smith).
There is some humiliation in all kinds of medical staffers dealing with the "plumbing". Also several bouts of pain and blockage necessitating night trips to Hospital Emergency. But bottom-line, no big complaints or worries.
Worries? This is cancer Doug! Ah but I have seen many people overcome, including my father-in-law Hourd and my grandmother Blair and my friends Paul and Sam.
And so I find myself flat down. Uncertain. Vulnerable. Weeping occasionally over the inscrutable. But gloriously sensing the comfort, attention and marvelous hands-on of Jesus. Also a new larger than life understanding of Trinity and agape love (John chapter 17).
Prayer still needs help, but hey I'm already on my back looking up...
some of my thoughts from almost 6 years ago. HHHMMM.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Malignancy
[size=13] I can waste a body I can shatter dreams I can raise my threat Through a thousand schemes. I can rob a home I can stunt a life I can tear the bond Of a man and wife. I can pull the blind Down on hope or joy And the neighbours'talk I will oft' employ. I am given more Than my powers are due I just feed on fear And the schemes come true. I am named with awe In the Hall of Waste I have Slewfoot's praise Seen him face to face. I have often heard When their end is nigh How they doubt their God How they curse the sky. But it troubles me That a few gain power As they choose to smile In my meanest hour. As they give loud thanks For a life to date And they lean on Christ For tomorrow's fate.[/size]
oneagleswings ADMIN II
CCW GOLD MEMBER CCW SUPPORTER 2X POETRY CONTEST WINNER Posts : 4323 Age : 64 Join date : 2011-08-30 Location : south carolina
Subject: Re: Flat Down and Free Tue Jun 27, 2017 5:29 am
"Down" yes...but in no way "out", He is closer to you now than ever! Breathe Him in, exhale any "malignancy" out (not talking about cancer). You are His now and always and that is no boast...simply fact. Jody and I love you too Doug. In a way, i'm actually happy for you...I know from first hand experience what must come the more the "besetting" upon a follower and believer :) Romans8:28 is in full effect. A much deeper cleansing is occurring in you right "now".
Doug Blair ADMIN II
CCW GOLD MEMBER POETRY CONTEST WINNER Posts : 644 Age : 72 Join date : 2013-02-03 Location : Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Subject: Re: Flat Down and Free Sun Jul 02, 2017 4:16 am
[size=51][/size]
Down Below
“Prostate” Word often haunts Men over sixty Stories of strain And humiliation Now come my way. Biopsy shows growth. Host of procedures Hospital tubes Bleeping monitors Space-age scanning beds. And I Vulnerable Flat down and Needing help Way beyond myself. Darkness chuckles In a moment’s threat. But Father is here And Christ’s gentleness Looms large. Captain of victory Over sufferings Takes my hand With that unspoken “Chin up, Son. I am in this.”
Doug Blair ADMIN II
CCW GOLD MEMBER POETRY CONTEST WINNER Posts : 644 Age : 72 Join date : 2013-02-03 Location : Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Subject: Re: Flat Down and Free Sun Jul 02, 2017 5:16 am
And if you have any word of exhortation Brother, say on...