Of Springs and Pools
When I started this blog a few months ago, I referred to this journey through cancer as “a pilgrimage of hope.” I chose that word because a pilgrimage is more than simply a trip from here to there; it’s a sacred journey for a spiritual purpose.
That’s exactly how Gwen and I view this road we are on.
There is a beautiful portion of Scripture that speaks to that sense of pilgrimage and has gained new meaning for us these days.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
Psalm 84:6-7
The “Valley of Baka” is a metaphor for a difficult, sorrowful, or dry place in life, often interpreted as the “valley of weeping.” It represents a time of hardship or suffering.
After we received my cancer diagnosis, we recognized that we were entering this valley. Gwen wrote in her journal, “It seems like a fitting image of what lies before us. It’s going to be hard. It’s called the valley of tears for a reason. But (if they look for them) those who enter into this pilgrimage will find springs of hope and pools of refreshment along the way until, ultimately, they stand before God.”
Over the past months, we have known our share of tears and had to endure some suffering, physically and emotionally. And it has been hard. Yet we have also encountered some springs and pools, which have given us strength for the journey.
For example, we have heard from so many who have affirmed their love for us and commitment to pray for us. Phone calls, texts, emails, and cards have been so refreshing.
As I have shared the news with the pastors I am coaching, they have expressed their affection for me and their appreciation for my ongoing investment in them. To know that I am still making a Kingdom difference is like a cool drink of water.
Now this week, it feels like we have come to a bit of an oasis. A place to rest for a bit and regain some strength before the journey gets hard again.
An Oasis
As you know, I had an adverse reaction to one of the chemo drugs. We knew that I would no longer be able to receive that particular drug as part of my treatment, but we expected to continue with the second drug.
Then last week, I got a call from my oncologist informing me that he had consulted with a specialist at IU Med Center in Indianapolis, and they had agreed to an adjusted strategy. They would discontinue all chemotherapy and treat my cancer solely with immunotherapy (where one’s immune system is stimulated to fight the “invader” with the hope that it can keep the cancer at bay).
If you remember several posts back, I mentioned that the DNA of my particular tumor makes it more likely to respond positively to immunotherapy. (For you science nerds, it’s called MSI-high.) Because of this, they believe the immunotherapy is the powerhouse in my treatment plan—even more so than chemo!
That treatment plan began this past week. Whether it will prove to be effective is yet to be seen, but for a few months at least, life just got a whole lot easier.
One of the “pools” in this new development is that I only have to receive the immunotherapy infusion every four weeks. All the extra trips to the office to have my pump removed or get growth factor injections are done.
Even better is that, with the chemo backed out, there are no longer any nasty side effects. I am already feeling much better and even a bit stronger. For that, we’re very grateful!
To be sure, there are still some residual side effects. For example, I’m experiencing some serious dry mouth, which complicates eating. Hopefully, this should improve over time. (I sure hope so! I want to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner!)
Till we see God
I understand that even if this treatment is effective, buying me additional months or years, it does not change the narrative that I am mortal, that I will face decline and death.
But, even then, there is a reason to rejoice. In the end, those who know Christ will appear before God in Zion. And what a day that will be! One author put it so well:
“I will there be met by your grace, your beauty, your unveiled presence, and I will know that I have in fact lost nothing and gained everything and that for all time.”*
You may not be facing the level of challenge we are. But my guess is that you are navigating the Valley of Baka to some extent. Let me encourage you to look for the springs and pools. Better yet, let me encourage you to be such a point of refreshment to others.
*Douglas McKelvey, Every Moment Holy, vol. II
PRAYER REQUESTS
Here’s how you can pray for us in the coming days:
PRAISE God for this break from the harshness of chemotherapy.
Next treatment is Tuesday, November 25. PRAY that the immunotherapy is effective at reducing the cancer and holding it at bay.
PRAY that the residual side effects of the neuropathy in his feet and the dry mouth issues are quickly lessened.
This change in treatment may allow Dave to continue his coaching ministry in 2026. PRAY for wisdom as we seek to discern God’s plan for us and for DDM.