This is an especially challenging post for many reasons. First of all, writing about cancer in your family is never an enjoyable task. Also, I am trying to write this one single post to update all of my Organic Eater followers, as well as many friends and family and business acquaintances, who we have not had time to personally call. I need to get this “right” with one post, so I can move on to all the other things I need to do next. My mind is racing with whether to keep this more “professional” as my OE post, or just pour my heart out and hope my OE readers aren’t too bothered by my realistic emotions, which may go deeply spiritual, way beyond “food” that is normally discussed here. I guess I’m going to risk it, and go with the heart…

My mom has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it has already moved into the liver. It has hit hard and fast, as she had just received a perfect bill of health on blood work and her physical at the end of June. I think she probably heard a “stage” number yesterday, but she hasn’t let me know those details yet. It has been a crappy couple of weeks waiting and waiting for doctor appointments and test results. She has been in pain, and that is by far the most agonizing part so far. My mind has been scattered; I’m even a little fearful of what my mind may forget to do while under this stress. I’ve been on that emotional roller coaster of numbness, to despair, to anger, in between moments of tranquil peace and acceptance of what’s to come. This one is completely out of my control, but thankfully we know the One who IS in control. God has given me (and my mom and family) unbelievable peace through this storm. It’s been quite astounding to literally feel the prayers of so many Believers who are interceding on our behalf. My mom has no question that she will be healed, but we just don’t know yet if it will be on this side of heaven. God has given us great faith to trust Him. He is always good, no matter what our earthly circumstances are. My life is tremendously blessed, and I don’t have to look far to see others who are going through much worse than this. Not that I need to compare sufferings, but I do need to keep a perspective of gratitude and need to find anything I can to be thankful for, in order to get through this. The Lord has made it easy for me to find blessings all around me. I praise Him.  And, there’s more…

My sister was also diagnosed with a skin cancer on her nose the very same day, but we hope hers will not be life threatening. She has no health insurance and is figuring out a way to get 4k to pay for the procedure out of pocket. She is a busy mom of 3 in elementary school (and a 20yr old who is in a stressful situation) and she needs to make some really big lifestyle changes immediately, while dealing with all the stress of her own health as well as mom’s. And yet there’s still more…

As some of you already know, my husband has been dealing with his own health issues too. About a month ago, his eye doctor told him to get to the retina specialist immediately! He had a grey spot in the middle of the vision of his right eye. The specialist has not given us a diagnosis, but everything we have read seems to indicate wet macular degeneration is likely. He has gotten shots in his eyes twice now, and will have one more round in about a month. But we’re not waiting on that alone. Organic Eater has been researching everything possible we can do! And there’s a lot! In many areas of life things are out of our control, but there are some things we CAN do. In the words of Arthur Ashe, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” And you better believe that’s exactly what we’re doing.  My favorite pastor gave an amazing sermon (click on PART THREE) while we have been dealing with these issues (no coincidence there!). A message on how we do what we can do and let God do what only He can do. If you need any encouragement in that area, I highly recommend watching or listening to the sermon series “I Don’t Know What I Believe“, specifically sermon number three “The Second Circle”. It has given me huge perspective as we go through all of this.

And NOW I am finished with my list of updates. That’s enough for one post, huh?! I would love to hear the stories you may have of dealing with this in your own lives. I know cancer has touched many. Too many. Know that while there are moments of doubt and fear, there is peace in the deepest part of my soul. He has taken me into Deep Waters. He has never failed me. He will not fail me now. This video explains perfectly how I am coping.

I pray that my situation would somehow be used to encourage you. IF it does that, please let me know because that would encourage ME!:) Maybe you’re here because you need to make some changes that will keep this from happening in your own life. If you need some help with that, this blog has lots of information and links for you! Maybe you’re dealing with a loved one who is battling cancer right now, and you just needed some encouragement that others are going through this as well. Whatever the reason, I hope this would bring you closer to what you’re looking for. This is not really about me. It’s much bigger than me. I am but a small part in a beautiful tapestry He is creating. I see the “underneath” that’s messy, but one day I will see the other side of a beautiful piece of art that my Father has lovingly sewn together. He is good, no matter what my circumstances are. I will praise Him still.

Encouraging Health,

Dana, Organic Eater

PS: i have no idea if I will have time or desire to create blog posts or pictures for Social Media. If I see that any of this encourages anyone, that will likely motivate me to do more. So, if you have questions, ask me, and I will answer as I can.  I will post here if there are any big new updates. I appreciate all of your prayers, especially my many e-friends who I have never even met, but I know you care about this foodie friend you have never laid eyes on! See, just another one of my blessings to count! I love and appreciate you all!