Prayer Request - Jesse

This is definitely going to be a post like no other, unless more like this follow.

This is a prayer request for me and I must admit, I'm a little bit scared. So, I apologize for the somber mood of this post and there might be some things written below that you would consider TMI. If you're not a fan of things TMI, please do not feel obligated to continue reading. Prayer for peace will be the main request.

For about three months now, I've been having a lot of digestive issues. I've been to the doctor a number of times and have received antibiotics and all sorts of other medication to get my system "back on track". I've also had a number of blood test and submitted quite a few different "samples". None of the medications worked and none of the tests showed that anything was wrong. If it weren't for the nausea and stomach cramps that accompanied the underlining issue, that might have been where the story ended and I would have been prescribed a set of shrugged shoulders and a 'Good Luck' pat on the back.

About a month ago, I was able to get a referral to the Gastroenterologist for further investigation. After the first exam, I was scheduled for a colonoscopy so that they could get a better look at what was going on, and hopefully find the problem and fix it.

Now, having a colonoscopy really isn’t that bad. In fact, I don’t remember a thing. Preparing for the colonoscopy, on the other hand, is a completely different story. I won’t get into it, but just know that it isn’t pleasant. I went in for my procedure last Thursday afternoon. Once I got there, I really had a good time. I know, it seems strange, but I did. Almost as soon as I walked past the main door, and left Liz in the waiting room, I got really nervous and my ‘Fight or Flight’ kicked in. Since I’m not a fighter, my Fight response could double as ‘Stand-Up Comedian’. So, to reiterate, as I walked past the main door, my ‘Stand-Up Comedian or Flight’ kicked in. I’ve been told that I can be funny sometimes, but it was like someone else took over my body. I was on a roll. I was telling jokes as soon as I crossed the door right up until the sleepy time gas kicked in.

The last joke actually made me laugh too. As the nurse was pumping my veins with the sleepy drug, they dimmed the lights and I just started laughing. She asked what was so funny, and I told her I thought the doctor was trying to “set the mood” before he got started. Then everything became blurry and my arms moved in slow motion. Next thing I knew, I was awake and dressed. And now that I am recalling this, I honestly don’t remember getting dressed. HAHA, funny stuff.

Wow, I can’t believe I’ve written so much and I haven’t even gotten to the point yet. I guess this is a little therapeutic too.

During the procedure, they found something. There is some kind of mass in my large intestine. They took a biopsy of it and will have the results back to me as soon as they can. I also need to schedule a CT scan of my abdomen.

Because this information was delivered to me in a very “matter of fact” fashion, I really didn’t give it much thought. Of course, I was probably still a little high from the drugs they had me on. As the day went on and I shared the findings with family, the reality and seriousness of the situation began to flood my mind and I began to realize some of the very possible outcomes.

Commence freak out.

I know that I have a Savior. I know that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life and one day I have already entered into an eternal relationship with Him. I know that my eternity has already begun and these thoughts bring a smile to my face.

I also know that I am not dying. I don’t have cancer. As of today, the only thing wrong with me is the original symptoms that brought me to the doctor. But it’s hard to ignore all the possibilities that are out there.

So here’s my prayer request. Will you please join in prayer for peace? That through this experience, I will see the Lord’s will and leading and that I will be willing to follow Him regardless of the path that He puts me on.

I am scared, but I also have hope. Thank you, in advance for your prayers.

Jesse