After everything has calmed down a bit and we feel as though we're on the up side of caring for the farm situation, you should know something. The fire wasn't the only trial Patrick and I encountered last week. Please know this post may be considered TMI, but it's definitely been something I've wanted to share and talk about.
Early last week, Patrick and I were talking and he looked at me with all seriousness and said "I have to tell you something." I was worried, obviously, as my husband doesn't say that too often with a serious tone. He proceeded to tell me that he found an unfamiliar lump on his left testicle. Immediately, I felt overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, love and compassion. I tried to remain calm and asked several questions. Then we prayed and cried out to God for mercy, healing and comfort.
As the week went on, things got more chaotic with the fire and us getting ready to leave for vacation. I would ask Patrick a few times a day for updates on the lump and how he was feeling. Perhaps this situation wouldn't be as scary, except that Patrick was very tired lately and had lost about 10 pounds in two weeks. Not to mention that his groin was aching.
I cried out to God on several occasions. I mean, I got down on my knees and was weeping before my God for guidance, healing, words to encourage Patrick and a joyful perspective. It's not too often that I weep and cry out to God like I did last week. The Lord has surely brought me to my knees and closer to Him through all of this.
Patrick went to the doctor on Monday. He was certain it was nothing, but it wasn't worth the chance. The doctor told him that he has a non-cancerous cyst on his testicle. It is caused by a leakage of sperm near the epididimus (I think). It's rare, but not unusual. It will probably grow, but there is nothing they can do for it. He'll have it forever.
So, you should know that we came closer to cancer than we ever have before. We had to look our mortality in the face and trust that God was bigger and better than we are. Last week was a hard and scary week in the McBride home. Please continue to pray for us, we surely appreciate and know the power of prayer.
9 comments:
You AND Patrick are always in my prayers. I'm thankful that he is okay. I'm hoping that it will be less painful for him. Love you both.
i will definitely pray for you and patrick! i'm glad it isn't cancerous, hope he feels better soon.
Mike and I will certainly be praying for you guys. It sounds like you had quite a week. But it's in those times that your faith grows expenentially! Praise God for you and your faithfullness!
How thankful that you got a diagnosis quickly. Hard to believe that there's nothing they can do. But we know who can and I'll be talking to Him about it. ;-) What a lot to go through in a little week! Miss you. (oh, and thanks for the recipe!)
Wow Ash! I'm so glad to hear Patrick is ok. Thank God!!!
Wow, Ash. Thanks for sharing something so personal! I will certainly pray for you guys. Miss you!
Oh, Ashley. I didn't know when we saw you yesterday! Sorry for not being more up-to-date! Glad to hear you quickly found out what it was!
you guys will be in our prayers. thanks for sharing.
thanks for being so open. surely, as cs lewis so adequately put it, God shouts to us in our pain. i'm thankful that the experience brought you closer to Him and to each other. be blessed!
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