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“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2–4) 

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3–4)

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10) 

At the risk of sharing too much information, I thought it would be helpful to tell you all the whole story in a short note so that I don’t have to tell the same story over and over as folks ask. So here you go.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that when I went to the bathroom things didn’t progress as quickly as it used to. So, I spent a lot of time standing and thinking about deep things. I wondered if this slowdown was simply something that happens as I grow older so I did a search online to see what if anything this all might be. I found out that this is one of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

So, a couple of weeks ago I went to the doctor to check it out. The doctor did an exam and took some blood. The blood test revealed that I have a PSA number of 222. Normal for old guys like me is less than 4.

When the doctor saw the results, he freaked out and told me that I needed to see a specialist right now! So, I went to a urologist who did the same uncomfortable exam and sent me to have an MRI and a bone scan. It turns out that I have advanced prostate cancer. It has spread all through my body, skull, spine, kidneys, bowels, and on and on. Last week I had a biopsy (which showed aggressive prostate cancer) and so later this week I start hormone therapy.

The goal of the hormone therapy is to stop the production of testosterone, which it is hoped will cause my prostate and tumor to shrink. If successful, the doctor will perform surgery and remove my prostate and its tumor. This removal will hopefully cause the cancer that has already spread through my body to go more slowly.

Beyond this, I don’t have a timeline. I know that because the cancer has spread throughout my body, and there isn’t a medical cure, unless God intervenes, I will simply go to be with him.

My goal in all of this is to play the man, the godly man. I spent the majority of my life in service of the King and now it appears that he is calling me home. My goal in the leaving is to live as I always have—for God’s glory and good pleasure.

Oh, I’m feeling fine. Other than the slowness in the bathroom, I’m not in any pain and if they hadn’t poked and scanned me, would have had no idea I have any trouble.