It’s been five weeks (yesterday) since I was first diagnosed with a very rare, Stage IV CxPA cancer. After three surgeries, CAT and PET scans, injections, blood draws and intravenous therapies, radiation preparation and a multitude of doctor consultations and oncology visits, Lisa and I are overwhelmed, over-informed and very thankful.
We have been incredibly blessed by the support and random acts of kindness to our family and company by our wonderful friends and business colleagues.
Through greeting cards, this Blog, Facebook, email and CaresPages (search richardhayes) website we have received many encouraging notes about our strong faith during this wild storm in our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20 “He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” Well, I haven’t moved any mountains yet, but my little faith has sustained me and given me great confidence to press on to whatever God has in-store for the balance of my life. I pray that its a long life, but none of us knows the hour, year or duration of this life.
Next week, I will begin intensive radiation therapy (5 days a week for 8 weeks) on my the left side of my face and both sides of my neck and chemotherapy (once a week (4-5 hours) for 8 weeks). The pathology and post-surgery reports were not what we were expecting.
We know that everybody has problems, difficulties and challenges and many are much greater than ours. I pray that many people come to know the Lord perhaps for the first time or more intimately due our story.
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4
Press on! Love, Rich
Rich, I am sorry to hear of your cancer. I will be praying for you and your family. Your post was very inspiring, Thank you Lord to give us faith that we can move mountains!
Amen, Rich – it is a wild storm to go through. It is inspiring to me to see your faithful and obedient attitude even as you face this probably very rough time ahead. I was reading Acts 12 today – Peter’s miraculous escape from prison. I am praying for your miraculous escape from the grip of this attack, bro. I believe God can and will do it in your life.
Love and Blessings
Marty
I feel lucky and honored to have the chance to work for you. Each day, I’m given the opportunity to grow, not only in vocation, but also in God. You are in my prayers, and the prayers of Baypointe as you allow God to carry you through this difficult time. Thanks for the inspiration you offer to us all.
I’m praying for you, brother, and for your sweet family. Be encouraged. Be enfolded in the loving arms of your Savior as you go through this treatment, knowing that He also is holding those you love.
It sounds like you are doing well and pressing on….great job! 🙂
I hope you don’t mind..but I shared with my Dad your blog “My Journey with God” Reflections on Easter. I don’t know if you remember..but my Dad is a retired Lutheran minister but is an Interim Pastor at a church in Cleveland, OH now.
Anyhoo. I loved your Reflection of Easter and shared it with him.
I wanted to let you know that he was so inspired and loved what you wrote and he felt it was a true reflection of this Holy Season. He decided to share it in his Sermon on Easter morning to his Congregation.
He is also keeping you in his prayers!
Press on buddy!! Many Hugs! Maria 🙂
Rich, I too was thinking of Act 12 where the chains falls off of Peter, – you will endure the journey and God has the plan. I am thankful everyday that my breast cancer is in remission. I’m cancer free for almost a year come June 2010. It’s been a wild ride but a spirtual journey as well. Your faith will set you free my friend, just as it did for Peter. Blessings.
Shirley, Thank you for the note of encouragement and congratulations on your survival testimony. Warm regards and press on, Rich
Rich,
My thought and prayers are with you and yours. BTW, I am Marilyns brother.
God Bless
Stan
Rich – – We love you and your family and we will continue to stand with you during this time. We are praying for your strength and healing and wisdom for your oncologist and care team as you enter the treatment phase.
May the Lord give you a peace that transcends the circumstances . . . For His Glory!!
Lamentations 3:19-32
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the LORD has laid it on him.
29 Let him bury his face in the dust—
there may yet be hope.
30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.
31 For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
Let us know how we can help with any of your day-to-day needs (school, groceries, work, etc…) while you & Lisa are focused on healing.
We Love You,
Tim & Deean Regan
Rich & Lisa,
We are praying for you. The faith that you display is inspiring – even heroic. It is difficult for those of us on this side of your challenge to even begin to imagine and yet God will give us all that measure of faith if we ask Him. When I consider how you end your emails and messages, “press on”, and the scripture behind it, I am reminded that this life is not the end for us that believe in Christ as the Way – it is only the beginning for us and eternity awaits.
We love you and support you.
Grace and Peace,
-Marshall & Hellen
Rich,
I love you and want you to know that I feel great sorrow despite our shared faith. I will pray for you, of course, your family and for understanding on a personal basis. Please stay strong and let me know what I can do to be supportive!
Roy