Today is the day that my Poppy begins radiation treatment for lung cancer. Back in January he found out that he has colon cancer, and when they brought him in for tests they discovered he also has lung cancer. Both are in the early stages, and colon cancer is particularly slow growing; the lung cancer, however, is a more pressing issue. They decided to use radiation to try and eliminate the lung cancer first, and if it is successful they will do the colon surgery later this year.
We entrust him into our Lord’s merciful hands and ask that He gives our family peace no matter what comes next. Of course, facing cancer or any other major illness is not easy, but we can rest confidently in His love and care. Our Lord has victory over death – we need not live in fear of the future. Easier said than done, but it’s true and to His hope we cling.
Poppy will have 8 treatments that take place every other day***. His first one is today at 11am pacific time. If you would offer up some prayers for him today and throughout the next 2 weeks, we would greatly appreciate. I am asking for the intercession of Our Lady and St Peregrine, the patron Saint of cancer patients. Below is a prayer for intercession to St Peregrine from the EWTN website.
***Edit on March 21: Since I wrote this they changed his radiation schedule. It will be every day for 8 days, minus the weekends. So Poppy will have radiation today, next Monday – Friday and then the following Monday. Even after just one treatment he is already feeling worn out and sick. Please continue to surround him with prayers.
Prayer to Saint Peregrine
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called “The Mighty,” “The Wonder-Worker,” because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
a dillightful adventure 
I will be praying for your Poppy and for all of you! Cancer sucks :(.
Totally sucks. Thanks for your prayers, Rebecca! Poppy is already feeling worn out and sick even just after the first round of radiation. Normally, doctors say, that it takes a few treatments before the side effects are felt. So he has a pretty tough 7 days ahead of him.
I’m really sorry to hear this Ashlie! I know how hard cancer is for the patient and those who love them. I will keep your grandfather, you and your family and the medical team in my prayers! Much love.
My grandma was finally taken by leukemia this last Fall. It has been/still is so weird. One of the hardest realizations that I don’t think has completely set in yet. All I can say is just cherish the moments and be thankful of all the good times you had together! Not many people get to have relationships at all with their grandparents! I am one of the lucky ones and I’m sure you would say the same! Will definitely be praying for your family through this rough patch!
I scrolled through your pics and updates a little bit (I’m covert at work right now) and it’s good to see you two. I’m still waiting for you to conform to Facebook. You know you want to. Anywho, tell Josh I said: “Hey,” and keep living it up!
-Davis
Davis, I’m so glad you stopped by! Kelsi sent me a screen shot of your text conversation about the stretchy neck skin that had me dying. I still think of you when a photo happens to catch my right eye looking particularly small.
Thanks for sharing about your Grandma – got me a little choked up! You’re right – we are so, so lucky to have relationships with our grandparents. They are the best and I’m blessed to have my grandparents be such a huge part of both my childhood and my adult life. I’ll be praying for you as you continue to process your Grandma’s passing and I so appreciate your prayers for my family. Let me tell you what – Poppy has been feeling the prayers. Ever since his second round of radiation, his side effects have been minimal. Truly, we are all experiencing the grace of prayer.
As for our “dramatic” non-presence on The Book, hahaha… I don’t think you’ll be seeing us on there 🙂 But please feel free to stop by here and continue to share what’s going on in your life! Again, so glad to hear from you!