We are blessed to live in a time of technological advancements. Many tools have been developed to detect illness early on and countless lives have been extended and disease has been nipped in the bud.
Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with several symptoms of potential prostate cancer. After extensive tests over a three-month period, there was no doubt in my mind that it would require one of several treatment plans to, hopefully, eradicate the cancer cells in my body.
Four years later after three different treatment plans, it surely looked as though we had successfully obliterated the cancer cells without any cell metastasizing.
Recently, my PSA — which on several occasions hit double digits — was all the way down to a puny reading of 0.51, which means there’s no indication of cancer at all.
That, along with a full body scan, has pretty much put me and my family at ease that this particular form of cancer has run its course!
I’m fortunate to have a team of medical professionals in my corner continuing to watch over me annually.
And, I’m especially thankful to my Lord and Savior for the early detection and the wisdom of others in my personal treatment protocol. Of course, prayer played an immense role in fighting this enemy within.
Yes, cancer is known for its innate way of coming back downstream. That’s why we’ll continue with periodic tests prescribed by my radiation and hematology oncologists.
Like many, I was saddened to hear of former President Joe Biden’s recent disclosure of advanced prostate cancer and his high Gleason score of 9.
I do find myself questioning how his medical team could possibly allow this serious condition to go on without treatment and disclosure to the public. More than likely, his recovery at this stage is unlikely.
I also find myself questioning the apparent lack of concern of those closest to him for his health and well-being.
Scripture has much to say on wise and wicked counsel. Let’s start with Psalm 1. These six verses can be invaluable in their foundational truth:
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, not sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
These are simply my observations as one of many who have battled this treatable disease. Without God’s divine intervention, I believe my life could well have been cut short.
Through God’s grace I trust He will allow me to continue writing these short essays a while longer, and I trust many will find value in what He puts on my heart!
In all aspects of our personal and business lives, early detection is always wise. Then, we must choose wise counselors to help us with our decisions for a long and healthy life as we serve our Heavenly Father.