First Oncology Appointment

First, we appreciate all the prayers on our behalf. We feel them. They give us strength and hope! Thank you.

Yesterday, we saw the Oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute for the first time. It was very informative and answered many questions. However, it is just the beginning of the process and we don't know what type of cancer it is or what the prognosis will be. It will be a few weeks before we know more through blood work, scans, and biopsies. One major scan that will be performed is a PET Scan which helps diagnose and detect cancer in the body. It is just like a CT Scan or MRI but they inject a radioactive chemical into the veins. One thing we are learning through this whole process is a lot more about the amazing medical and technological advancements that exist. How blessed we are to live in a day when such things are available. 

In addition to learning more about these wonderful advancements, we are learning to trust more in our Father in Heaven. In Proverbs 3:5–6 the Lord instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” We don’t know all that the Lord has in store for us but one thing I do know is that as President Ezra Taft Benson taught;

 “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life.”  (“Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, 4.)

I believe that this stretches into eternity. The Plan of Salvation is not just until we die, it is forever. We will grow forever because, “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24) We grow brighter as we embrace the Light of Christ and the Gospel. It is for that perfect day that we strive, line upon line precept upon precept, here a little, there a little. (2 Nephi 28:30) We must first drink milk before we are ready to eat meat. (1 Corinthians 3) In other words, as we engage in daily repentance and improvement we grow incrementally, hour by hour, day by day until we reach perfection and become like our Father in Heaven.