Build My Life Upon The Rock

How can I still be joyful after diagnosis of cancer?

I am strong, hopeful, and joyful because I have put my trust on this firm foundation. If I have something to boast, it is my love and faith in Christ. There is a story in the Bible, if you have time, search “The Beatitudes.” It is a great start and continue reading the story until you end up to this story,

” Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

The storm is real. Cancer is real. The pain is real. The anxiety, the depression, and death are all real. But, here I am standing, intact, because just like the wise man, I built my faith and trust on the SOLID ROCK, JESUS CHRIST. It is quite strange because some of the old ladies from my church is telling my mom that I shouldn’t lose hope. I laughed, because I missed church not because I’m losing hope, because I just want to rest. My hope, my faith, and my love for Christ just got better. I’m okay. I’ll be okay. I’m in safe hands. I have a good doctor, but I have a better Physician!

So, here’s an update!

Today, I went to see my Cancer Doctor to know the status of my chemo therapy.

Last month, I was afraid, honestly, I was hesitant on taking it. I prayed. And, I went to Shell to get some gas, suddenly, a young man, distressed, asking for only a gallon or $5 of gas for his car. He is so stressed because he haven’t got paid yet, and he is on empty already. I smiled and I said, “My name is Jireh, it means God will provide. This is not an accident, but a divine intervention for both of us. I want you to know that Jesus loves you. Don’t worry, I will provide you more than what you asked for. I will give you full tank.”

My prayers got answered. I have nothing to worry about. The same night, I started taking chemo pills, 1000 mg of Hydroxyurea every day, and 81 mg of baby aspirin. I also started sharing to others what’s been going on with me. Then, I shared it to the public. Why? Because I know that people will be praying for me. I am not worried of some side effects because I know I will be okay.

Back to Cancer Center, my doctor was quite amazed how my body is taking the chemo drugs. I have no major side effects from it. I just have my regular symptoms such as fatigue, tinnitus, allergy, and migraine if I get dehydrated and stressed. My blood; red blood cells and platelets still fluctuates, but it is close to normal. There are no major cell disruption that will progress to harmful leukemia. There are no myeloblast or bone marrow scarring. Now, I only need to see her every 3 months. I only need to have my blood drawn every month rather than weekly tests. I just have to watch what I eat, exercise, and stay positive. Amen, right?

Myeloproliferative Neoplasm, or in short, MPN, is a chronic blood cancer. And, there is no cure. I have to be in chemo for the rest of my life. I don’t know how it will affect me in the future, but I am not scared. I still believe, in complete healing, researchers finding a cure, and no side effects until I’m old.

I am just glad that I have a good doctor, great supporting friends, crazy family, and an amazing God.

My birthday is coming up. My friend, Alyssa, mentioned a hiking celebration. It might happen. I am thinking of “Hike for Cancer” event. Are you down, what are your thoughts? Leave a comment or message me.

Thank you for all the love. It is not over, cancer got nothing on me.

Sincerely,

Jireh