The verdict is in. My oncologist plans further testing based on my tumor marker, which will be back on Thursday - probably a PET scan and a radioactive iodine scan on the same day to try to detect whatever small tumors must exist in my body, creating this thyroid storm. And tomorrow I am scheduled to get a pacemaker. I have fought the pacemaker idea since 1994, and feel happy that I have bought 16 years of freedom from it with faith in God's hand. I have never had peace with the idea before. Today I do. Having the pacemaker implanted will allow the doctor to attempt to treat my potentially life-threatening high heart rates with a medication instead of a surgical procedure. This is so much more preferable to me. I had a horrible experience with my last surgical procedure for the same problem (electrophysiology study and cardiac ablation), I will forever cringe at the idea of undergoing it again. The pacemaker seems like the most conservative route to treatment of this heart problem that has plagued me for so long. I have high hopes that it will provide great relief, as it did for my Grandpa and several other family members with similar symptoms.
Once I find out the time for the pacemaker implantation, I will post it in hopes that you will offer up prayer for my safety and witness during that procedure. Thanks to all of you who read here for holding hands with me on this hard, exhausting and beautiful journey.
I was reminded once again today during my devotions that it is not the doctors in whom I am putting my trust. I trust God to give them wisdom and skill and to provide for me in whatever manner He sees fit. "Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs he returns to the earth: on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever." (Psalm 146:3-6)
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