I have cancer.

For many, that is an incredibly scary statement.  Cancer can lead to months and even years of treatment.  Some of the “cures” (radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery) are difficult to endure.  Patients often experience painful treatment, nausea, loss of weight and hair, removal of body parts, loss of employment, financial destruction, a weakened immune system, unforeseen side effects, loneliness from the inability to go to family functions and worship, and much more.

And every year, many die from cancer or complications. 

Like most families, cancer has hit my family hard.  My grandfather died from lymph node cancer.  My father-in-law died from lung cancer.  My daughter had bone cancer, and we weren’t sure she was going to make it. 

And now it’s my turn.

Fortunately, my cancer (prostate cancer) is common and in the early stages, it is very treatable.  I’ve had it for at least two years, watching it under the care of a doctor.  Now, my doctor tells me that the tests show that it is moving from low-risk to intermediate-risk, so it is now time for me to begin treatment. 

Because cancer is such a common thing and has impacted many families in our congregation, I have decided to be quite open about my cancer, my diagnosis, my treatment, and my thoughts.  I want ABC members to see—as we have seen many times before with some very godly people in our congregation—how a Christian faces a trial.  I pray that I will be up to the task, that I will be honest and faithful, and that I will be an encouragement to others. 

Here is my situation and my thoughts:

I go to my doctor for an annual physical every year.  My primary care doctor caught it early with a standard blood test and referred me to a specialist.  I asked for a second opinion and ended up at the Mayo Clinic, and I am trusting my care to them.  I highly recommend that everyone gets and goes to a primary care doctor regularly and follows their advice.

I’ve received good advice, love, and prayers from other men who have successfully been through prostate cancer treatments.  It has been quite helpful and encouraging.  I highly recommend being transparent with medical issues, for then we can be surrounded with good people to help, pray, and encourage.

I’ve also received questionable advice.  I’ve been told to take certain supplements or go to a clinic overseas.  I’ve been told to give up all sugar and meat and to drink vinegar or even hydrogen peroxide.  The advice was always well-intentioned, and I tried to receive it graciously, but I choose to get medical advice from medical experts.  I highly recommend that believers limit giving advice beyond our expertise, lest we spread misinformation.  I further recommend that we seek medical advice from those trained in medicine.

After prayer, talking with doctors, and talking it over with my wife and family, I have decided on a treatment plan.  I highly recommend lots of prayer, and I highly encourage men to listen to their wives!

As a result, I’ve chosen to enter a clinical trial that tests a new cancer treatment.  The treatment uses short bursts of steam to kill the cancer cells rather than using radiation or prostate removal.  There are some unpleasant short-term side effects, but it offers fewer long-term side effects than other treatment options.  It has worked well in the early trials, and it may become a new standard treatment option that will help others.  If it doesn’t work, then other treatment options like surgery or radiation could still be used.  The clinical trial lasts for five years and includes all follow-up care, MRI’s, and other tests—all at no cost to me.  It will all be done at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.

So, with that said, here are some of my commitments:

I won’t say much about my cancer or treatment on Sunday mornings.  Worship is a time to focus on God and not on the pastor.  I won’t avoid the topic, but it won’t be a major topic of discussion or prayer on Sunday mornings.  I don’t want people to hear about Jack; I want them to hear about Jesus. 

I will share a few more details as they arise during our Wednesday prayer times; that is when we pray for each other.  I want to be treated like any other member with a medical issue—there are many of us. I am not the only one.

I will gladly answer any questions you may have, and I deeply appreciate your concern and prayers.  Though I won’t say much from the pulpit, it is not a taboo subject.  Feel free to talk to me about it, ask questions, and pray with me.

I will take two to three weeks off this month (starting October 9) for the procedure and recovery, but I don’t anticipate that much more time off will be needed.  There is a chance, though, that the treatment may need to be repeated in a few years. 

I will be honest and open about my diagnosis and treatment—but I don’t want to whine or complain. As I’ve said many times, real men don’t whine. 

Cancer is a scary word, but with God’s help, a loving family, a loving church, and the power of prayer, I am not scared or worried.  God will be with me.

Life, for believers, is the great adventure of following and walking with Jesus.  Cancer—like many other trials we may face in life—is one of the challenges we face along the way.

I look forward to the continued adventure of following Jesus and serving God together!