The Culture of Hope Founded on Faith
Cancer, Again
For almost twelve years we have known this day would come. Even so, it felt like we’d been hit by a ton of bricks when the doctor called on September 29 to say that some suspicious spots had been found in Dan’s PetScan of the day before.
This time it is melanoma that has metastasized from the spot removed from Dan’s scalp about two years ago. Armed with the pathology report from a biopsy on October 9, his oncologist says the prognosis is good since the lesions are all in soft tissue, not in his bones. His treatment will be immunotherapy instead of chemotherapy. Dan is very glad that he gets to keep all his hair this time. There are other side effects with immunotherapy, however, that will show up over the duration of his infusions. The treatments will take place in the oncologist’s office, so the hospital will not be part of our routine as it was last time.
We were informed of his condition on a Friday so we mourned quietly through an unusually busy weekend, knowing that on Monday the medical world would press in for appointments. Through this first few weeks of our journey, God has renewed in us the lessons of Dan’s previous cancer encounter (described in The Culture of Hope Founded on Faith). As a result, our Heavenly Father is maintaining in us such a sense of His presence that we are able to face this trial with peace and thanksgiving. We know from the Bible and from experience that He is already in the trial and will carry us through it.
The scripture that guides us for this part of our journey is Psalm 121:1-8:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
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Prayer Request: Please pray wisdom for the doctors to choose the most effective treatment and for healing for Dan.
Karen
October 19, 2017 at 4:08 pmPrayers for Dan and you, and your family. I am just reading all this today — didn’t know it at practice last night.
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 19, 2017 at 4:16 pmThank you, Karen. Dan and I appreciate your prayers and your friendship.
Dianne Greenaway
October 20, 2017 at 4:04 amOh, Susan, thank you for opening for us a window into your journey so we can walk alongside you. I’m so sorry to hear this, and, yet, as you said, the news was not unexpected. Wally and I will pray alongside you both. Please give Dan a big hug for us. Thank you for keeping us all in the loop.
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 20, 2017 at 9:02 pmThank you Dianne and Wally for your prayers. We so appreciate your lifelong friendship with us.
Clay
October 19, 2017 at 4:49 pmPraying for you as you go through this latest trial. Your faith through these trials are an example to all of us.
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 19, 2017 at 5:19 pmThank you, Clay. That our faith is a positive example leading others to Christ, then we are satisfied.
Llaniss Dickinson
October 19, 2017 at 5:37 pmSo Sorry that you are having to go through this again. Will be praying for both of you. Susan also take some time to take good care of Susan.
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 19, 2017 at 7:06 pmThank you, Llaniss. At least this time I don’t have to make sub plans for the days we have appointments.
Karen
October 19, 2017 at 6:25 pmDan and Susan I was so surprised to read this and see the topic. I didn’t realize there would been another possibility of that dreaded cancer word. I am with you in thought and prayer and I wish that the doctors can treat him the best way possible blessings and love and hugs Karen
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 19, 2017 at 7:08 pmThank you Karen. We appreciate your prayers and friendship.
Tennie Lowe
October 19, 2017 at 9:05 pmSorry to hear this news. I am going to sign up on your blog, follow you two dear people and pray with you in this time of need. I miss my close knit, small community, church family of years in Susanville. Though we spread out, move on, I’m so very thankful for FB, social networking to keep us In Touch! Much Love In Christ Always,
Tennie
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 20, 2017 at 2:13 amThank you Tennie. We appreciate your prayers and say amen to the loss of that close knit community of believers we knew when we were younger.
Stacy Kirklin
October 19, 2017 at 10:23 pmPrayers as you walk this road again.
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 20, 2017 at 2:14 amThank you Stacy.
Petra
October 20, 2017 at 5:12 amKeep praying for you,Dan.
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 20, 2017 at 9:03 pmThank you Petra.
Pat Shannon
October 20, 2017 at 3:21 pmOrlando and I will be praying for you everyday.
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 20, 2017 at 9:03 pmThank you Orlando and Pat. We appreciate your prayers on our behalf and your friendship.
Carol Clark
October 20, 2017 at 8:28 pmJust got home and read the news. So sorry you have to go through this again. Will see you soon. Marv and Carol
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 20, 2017 at 9:05 pmThank you. God is good every day in every way!
Nancy Pavey
October 20, 2017 at 11:18 pmNancy Pavey
October 20, 2017
We were deeply touched to read that Dan’s cancer has returned. We were thinking the whole story was over. It is good news, however, that it is only in the soft tissue. which is easier to treat. We shall be keeping you in our prayers, that you both will continue to know the grace of our Savior and that the doctors will have great wisdom in treating what has metastasized over these months. No doubt you will be keeping us up to date as you are able.
With love, big hugs and prayers, Nancy and Dave
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 21, 2017 at 12:32 amThank you for your prayers on our behalf, Nancy and Dave. Each Thursday I will include update information and specific prayer requests on my blog site (www.susanmerrittphd.com/blog) so please check there frequently. Praying for you two as well.
Amy Allen
October 24, 2017 at 6:22 pmMy prayers are with you all. I’m so sorry to hear this, but have every confidence that God is right there walking with you. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Much love to you!
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 25, 2017 at 1:02 amThank you Amy. I know you understand how to pray about this more than most.
Elizabeth O'Loughlin
October 26, 2017 at 2:41 amDear Merritt Family,
I am so sorry you are once again on this journey. We will be holding you tightly in prayer and very close to our hearts.
You are an extraordinary family with an amazing faith. Thank you for sharing these updates!
With love,
The O’Loughlins
Susan Merritt, PhD
October 26, 2017 at 4:14 amThank you for your prayers on our behalf Elizabeth and Levi.