Do you ever find yourself "buzzing along" in life? Busy, busy. So many things to do. Family, career, work, church, exercise, etc., etc., etc.
In the year 2000, one summer day, I did what I had been doing for years. That was getting a physical from my doctor. Did it matter that I was turning 50? Didn't seem to, because I felt fine. Suddenly, upon meeting with my doctor, an analysis of my blood counts revealed an abnormality. My white (immune)and red (hemoglobin) counts were low, however I felt fine. After repeated tests, the same issue remained, so I was referred to an Oncologist.
He told me that I should have a bone marrow biopsy. Suddenly, it hit me that something might be wrong. Unfortunately, my intuition was right. On my 50th birthday, I received news that was like getting a "two by four" hit me on the side of the head. My Oncologist proceeded to tell me that the results and analysis of my bone marrow biopsy indicated that I was diagnosed with a condition referred to as MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome). Another way to put it is that I had a problem with my bone marrow not producing mature cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets). In the old days it was referred to as pre-leukemia.
Dr. Tsarwhas proceeded to tell me that finding MDS in me (50 is young) was rare and that the medical field did not know what really caused it. He proceeded to tell me that MDS is not genetic and data correlated a probability of exposure to pesticides, benzene or other toxins inherent in our envrionment. There were no known cures except for the possibility of a cure through a stem cell transplant. Furthermore, that eventually (next 2 - 5 years), I would need blood transfusions due to my blood counts projected to fall further. It was unknown at that time how the condition would progress. Yet, bottom line (a financial term that I tend to use :>), I felt great, had no symptoms, and was told that I had this condition that might some day affect me.
This news hit my family hard, but I knew that God was the great physician and had a plan. I just had no idea as to what that plan was. Putting aside the anxiety of not knowing what this meant to my life, my career, my health, God made it clear through prayer and scripture that my primary focus in life was no longer about doing and controlling things myself. I suddenly was thrust into a position that faith in Him was my primary focus. For the first time in my life, I had no control over this diagnosis and prognosis.
I am comforted by God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
Little did I know about the journey that was ahead of me at that time.
My next blog posting will cover the last 8 years.
Thank you all for your continual prayers.
