2025 – A Summer and Fall of Surprises – God has a Plan and Purpose for Our Lives – Part IV

This week, I had a PET Scan appointment on Tuesday, which the oncologist ordered to make sure we understand the extent to which the cancer has spread or not. So far, the cancer appears limited to two lymph nodes. If confirmed, then surgery would be the solution, preceded by some chemotherapy, to removing the lymph nodes and curing the cancer – that would be great!  I have a consultation with an oncology/surgeon at the Georgia Cancer Center/MCG this Friday to hear the PET scan results.

You must be your own advocate, having a “pants on fire” attitude, so that the process timeline doesn’t get away from you, particularly when you’re dealing with an aggressive form of cancer, such as esophageal. With my voice being hoarse and raspy, I often ask others to speak on my behalf, particularly my wife.  Otherwise, we often get “what did you say” as a response, and with a lack of vocal inflection and emphasis, the message can get lost in the exchange. I hear Botox can help by fluffing up vocal cords, perhaps restoring some of your voice. At least that was what RFK Jr. was doing at one point to improve his vocal delivery, but his voice still sounds rough to me. Sometimes, I shy away from social interactions because of my voice, but at least I can speak, and could be worse, as my son Ben tells me all the time. 

As a break from the action, Ben and I went to car show last Saturday at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church.  We attended in past years, but this year I noticed the older men in attendance with all their infirmities, and for the first time I considered myself one of them. I didn’t like it – I still have my energy, but weight loss and soreness from the recent esophageal stent slowed me down some. Let me just say it was a different experience from talking to owners and even considering purchasing one of the classic cars. Not this year.

Last Sunday, my family celebrated my birthday by coming together at the Olive Garden, one of my favorite restaurants. We had quite a crowd, with lots of fun and reminiscing. I noticed lately I tend to get more emotional and start to cry when I interact with my kids and grandkids. I understand why, and must keep this in check, because of the reaction in kind, particularly among my daughters. All that said, I am so proud of my kids and their accomplishments! 

I do best when I live in the moment and not get caught up in the “what ifs” of the future. This reminds me that God exists in the moment, in the instant, and my state of consciousness/prayers are continuous, a form of “pray without ceasing”.  Thereby, God accompanies you on your journey and is always at your side to bolster you, to give consolation to you, and to prepare you for a life beyond this world, whether you are sick or well!   

Blessings!

Joe