They call it oncology because the doctors are on call?
The other day I was sitting on the oncology and hematology floor at UCSF waiting for Brittany to have her appointment. If you’ve ever had to spend any time at a hospital, especially in the cancer areas, you know it’s a very sobering experience. It makes you look at your life…it makes you look at what’s really important. Brittany wrote a very touching and emotional response to her time spent waiting.
Every time I am there and sit in with the doctors as they talk to Brittany about her luekemia, I walk away with some really intense feelings. I feel like I’m not doing enough to be loving. I feel like I’m not make strong enough statements against death and darkness…especially in the ways I spend money. I feel like there’s so much more I can be doing. I feel hope. I feel God.
Now, I’ve not gone through any sort of medical issue ever in my life, thank God..so I’m not sure I have it figured out. But what I am pretty sure I know is that hope is what makes surviving this possible. Hope. It’s an interesting response. I almost feel guilty for feeling it…because it seems that the logical response to it should be sadness, defeat, hopelessness, overwhelmtion, etc. Is God ever really that logical though? Any time any person stands in faith, hope, and love in the face of adversity is a testament to the illogical truth of God.
And from that hope, I am moved. I want to make that hope materialize. I want to do any thing in my power to promote life. As I listen to the doctors talk about treatment ideas and other tests, it become obvious very quickly that they are at a huge disadvantage in their fight against cancer. They operate with such limited information. When talking about cancer, the world’s brightest minds use words like “i think”, “we don’t really know”, “it might.” It’s almost humorous how little they know. But that’s where I’m hooked, in the research. So much needs to be done. It would not only help the doctors and patients fight for life, it might lead one day to curing it altogether.
When people talk about cancer being like a war…it’s actually true. There is literally a war going on between the body and the cancer. It’s not just cliche. In Brittany’s case the donors blood is starting to look strong, but as far as cancerous cells…she’s had a weak positive ever since her transplant. That weak positive should not be occuring in ideal perfect conditions. So since her weak positive grew a little from the last visit, the doctors are putting her back on some different chemos to try to kill as much of the weak positive as possible. The hopes are that it gives the donor enough of a buffer to reach 100%. Doesn’t that sound like battle strategy? Like the doctors are military generals moving troops around the flanks. It’s fascinating.
If you remember, I wrote about the bike race in Cool a few months ago. Well, I’m planning on being there next year. I’m planning on riding in it. I’m planning on asking you guys for donations to the organization when the time comes. I’m planning on making things of this sort a habit. I might not be able to take on cancer all by myself…but I am able to take a stand against it. I am able to avoid the pitfalls of our consumeristic, capitalistic, materialistic society. I can at very least not have an attitude of entitlement.
In the meantime…. please please please be praying for Brittany. She is having to go on some medications again, and they take a lot out of her. She is a trooper, but this is gonna be rough. Encourage her. Read about it at her blog… brittanyrandle.com
August 3rd, 20081:37 pm at
good article… Brittany’s too.
August 3rd, 20084:25 pm at
What a great site Gavin!you and i are both using wordpress.com for our .coms! Hope you like mine!
August 7th, 20089:22 am at
I really just love this part:
“When talking about cancer, the world’s brightest minds use words like “i think”, “we don’t really know”, “it might.” It’s almost humorous how little they know.”
mostly because it is just so true.
September 3rd, 20083:26 pm at
Gavin, I go to your site because I’m truly enlightened by the way you write. Have you ever thought of writing a book? I think you could touch a lot of people. I have been praying for Brittany and will continue. I wanted to tell you about my neighbors. They have been such a example to me and many, many others that it’s brought me closer to my walk with God.Kevin is 45 yrs old. over 20 yrs ago he had testicular cancer, one testicle removed. He was fine for 20yrs. He got a growth a little over 2 & 1/2yrs ago and didn’t tell anyone until it got big. They discovered the cancer was back. Even though they still call it testicular cancer it’s never been in the other testicle. It’s been in the stomach, liver, by the heart, by the lungs, and a few other places. In the past 2yrs he has had 4 major surgeries at UCSF. Each time Kevin and wife Julie have been constant in their faith that GOd has taken them down this road for reasons. We do know that one is how many people they have touched theough their very strong faith. It’s just amazing to all of us how close they’ve stayed with God and not given up. I’ve NEVER seen anyone with faith like theirs and I’ve been around a lot of churches. I’m blessed they moved next door to me. What I’m trying to say is yes they have had times that they question but that is normal through all of this, so Brittany needs to keep her faith strong because she is doing God’s work. I’ve never met her and just through the little I’ve read of your blog I’m impressed by her. I will continue the prayers and please continue to keep us updated. Tell Brittany she has a strong character and I’ve seen what these docs have done for Kevin even though it took 2yrs and 4 major surgeries. Love Beci (Kori’s Mom)
September 3rd, 20083:31 pm at
Gavin, I forgot to tell you, Kori told me about your dad. I’m so sorry, but he is in my prayers. Has he excepted God yet? Could you please tell Dan that My thoughts and prayers are with him. I would really appreciate it. Thank you, Beci