Some News
Over the past couple of months, my dad (David) has been exhibiting some signs of declining health. We weren’t sure if this was the general slowing down that becomes more apparent with aging, or if perhaps there was something more going on. Thankfully, he had a planned check-up already on the calendar for early October, so he gave the doctor an overview of all his symptoms and concerns. He was quickly referred for further testing last week, and my mom (Lola) and I were able to be with him throughout those appointments. We met with his doctor this morning and he has referred us on to an oncologist who specializes in pancreatic cancer. There is a mass that has been growing on his pancreas, and the testing so far has indicated that it is “infiltrative,” meaning it is growing and needs immediate attention from the experts at this point. Thankfully, we all love my dad’s doctor and have felt very cared for by him and his staff in these early days of discovery.
What’s next?
We will likely be planning for an onslaught of appointments in the coming weeks as we consult with the oncologist and begin whatever is recommended first. We won’t know until those appointments if/whether that will be chemotherapy and surgery, or what order they’ll want to do those things. It will depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
We’ve spent the past week making some adjustments to our spaces in our home, transitioning bedrooms and creating a set-up for Dad’s comfort. We did not yet know the diagnosis until this morning, but I think we’ve all sensed this was the direction things were heading.
How can you pray with us?
A swift start to the oncology process, so that we can get direction from the medical team and prepare for what’s ahead.
That we can remain in good health in our household as we enter into the colder months.
For practical provisions to be met in God’s care for us as we anticipate lots of driving, potentially across the region, while trying to keep our vehicle in good working order.
Comfort and tender care from Jesus, for each of us, as we walk through the coming weeks and months. Life has certainly held unexpected challenges for us in 2026 – David fully retiring, Lola continuing to work part-time, and me (Melissa) making a job transition that I’m still adjusting to. Robyn (my sister who lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two kids) has faced her own challenges like everyone does, and of course, feels the pull to be with us in this season.
For heaps of patience, multiplied rest, and surprising joys to meet us in the midst of what feels heavy and hard. This weekend we will celebrate Dad’s 82nd birthday by visiting one of our favorite spots in Peninsula, and for that we are grateful!
What if you want to contact us for updates?
You’re welcome to reach out to each of us, but please understand that we may have limited capacity to return messages in a timely manner.
I will do my best to provide a general update here when there are significant events (such as a surgery date or treatment beginning). If you want to reach out with a specific question, I would welcome an email rather than a phone call or text. When I am managing a lot of logistical things between our family and my work, I struggle to respond to phone notifications and do much better with email. I don’t want to post my email address publicly, but I’ve included a contact button below where you can send me a brief message to get my email address in return.
Two years ago, I devoted time to creating a Rule of Life for myself. It’s not important to share what it is specifically, but a quote I treasured enough to write in my journal was this prayer from Eugene Peterson:
“Come, Lord Jesus! I want to know the fullness of your salvation now. I give myself completely to your love. I want my entire mind and my whole will at your disposal today. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, to my waiting spirit. Amen.”
Our family is thankful for your prayers and thankful that, for many of us, we share in the love of Jesus. May we give ourselves completely to that love, and may he continue to meet us with his presence as we wait upon him.
Gratefully,
Melissa