2026 – The Journey Continues – God has a Plan and Purpose for OurLives – Part XIV

This past Sunday, I had an MRI brain scan to see if the disease had spread to the brain. I got through the non-contrast scan, but when the strong contrast was injected, I started having trouble breathing, and I hit the kill switch! Once I was out of the tube, I was fine.

The non-contrast scan results were negative, and if I got to have the contrast scan, I would ask to be sedated. My voice is at the core of the scan, to determine if the voice issues are because of the spread of cancer, or if the issues with speech can be addressed by Botox and other remedies.

At the oncologist appointment on Thursday, I learned the negative non-contrast scan was good enough for the oncologist, Dr. Tidwell, who determined that the cancer had not spread in a big way to the brain. I doubt that the cancer in a small way had made its way to the brain. Dr. Tidwell surmised that the infused Oxaliplatin, a strong chemo agent, was the culprit, potentially blocking a nerve that affects my voice. A CT scan was ordered next Monday, to look closer at the larynx and vocal cords to help determine a remedy. He also would consult with my ENT physician to review studies already done with voice and swallow.

Overall, I realize we are early on in this process to kill the cancer. In March, there will be scans done to determine if the current remedies are shrinking the cancer. If so, 2026 will year full of continued chemo and immunotherapy. The goal is to be among a small percentage of survivors of advanced esophageal cancer. I must be patient with the process, focused on staying hydrated and taking enough nourishment to stay healthy. Wearing a mask is vital when going out, along with frequent use of hand sanitizer, with cold and flu season in full bloom.

In case you haven’t noticed, my blog is connected to a book I wrote and published, called “Trust, Obey, Listen and Rejoice”, which set forth a pathway to achieving a closer relationship with God. It all starts with an unequivocal trust in God, followed by obeying his commandments, and being committed to what He puts in our path, our families, our spouses, our neighbors, and our life’s work. Next is listen to God’s instruction, which sometimes requires our stillness, so we can hear the totality of his will and purpose for our lives. If we trust, obey, and listen, we can rejoice, knowing we have been faithful, so we can rest easy, knowing He has our best interests at heart, and eternal salvation is within reach!

Have a Blessed Week!
Joe