On Saturday morning, a number of Dan’s friends gathered at his home to pray for him. The time was marked with countless stories of thanksgiving for all of the blessings that Dan had brought into so many lives. His roles have been many - husband, father, grandfathers, business partner, mentor, friend, coach, teacher, advisor …, but the themes were constant - this man has always been a source of encouragement and an example of faith for all who have come to know him.
Dan shared with the group that he had had an endoscopic ultrasound on Friday that indicated that the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas and that it is stage three. These are not positive indications, but Dan’s faith remains strong and he is using his engineering mind and his faith to plan his course for treatment - the best the medical system has to offer covered with faithful prayer - his own and those of his family and friends. Dan marveled at two things he has experience these last 10 days since he received this diagnosis: 1) he has received an ability to memorize scripture like never before, being able to retain new scripture after only reading it once or twice (this has been a comfort to him in the nights when he has awakened to have scripture flowing through his mind), 2) he has felt the power of so many prayers in the form of physical comfort (to see Dan currently, you would not know the battle that rages within his body. He tires more easily and cannot eat as much at one sitting, but his physical discomfort in the form of stomach and back pain has seemed to subside some to which Dan credits the prayers of so many. His smile, physique and demeanor are very positive and his courage is a credit to his faith).
Dan and Jan will travel to Duke on Monday and be back at UT Medical Center on Wednesday to seek treatment options and set a plan. My understanding currently is that the initial options are radiation and chemotherapy. Since the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas, surgical removal does not seem to be an option at this time. We know that Dan loves and believes in a Great God and we all need to intercede on Dan’s behalf to pray for 1) wisdom for the doctors as they prescribe a treatment approach, 2) that a mighty work in the form of healing would occur within Dan’s body, 3) that Dan’s faith would remain strong and touch the lives of all that hear his story.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb 10:24. Please show your love for Dan by faithfully praying.