Monday, June 6, 2011

Living on Borrowed Time . . .


I am a cancer patient. Once a cancer patient, always a cancer patient. I had surgery to remove a cancerous prostate two and a quarter years ago, and have been cancer free since. Thanks to a great surgeon who performed a long and extensive operation. 

However, a visit to him last week for a check up revealed a slight uptick in my prostate specific antigen (PSA) to 0.2. Maybe nothing to worry about, he suggested; could be from the thyroid, but we don’t know at this stage. Next check up in four months. Even if positive and left untreated, it would take years to develop.

But he reminded me that if I had not had the operation, I would be dead by now! Add to that a heart attack nine months ago. The team placing a stent in my heart informed me that I survived with minimal heart damage thanks to the first responding medical personnel who acted swiftly and efficiently.

Both are a reminder of the fragility of life and of the dedicated health specialists who have committed themselves to alleviating suffering and death. Whether Christians or not, their calling is one that Jesus embraced, drawing people back from sickness and death.

For me, God placed them at the right time and place for my survival. I am deeply thankful to them for their skill and care, and to God for His provision. Whatever the future holds, here or for eternity, no place is safer than in His hands. And He won’t take me home until my work is done.

1 comment:

Chloe Collin said...

Loved this one, Bryan. It's awesome to think of all God is doing in your life, continuing to redeem time and use it for His glory.