WISDOM [wiz-duhm] -- knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action
I have just made one of the most significant decisions of my life. Having recently completed another round of imaging studies that show remarkable progression of the metastatic melanoma both in the brain and elsewhere, I was offered yet a third alternative of chemotherapy (paclitaxel). After extensive research into its limited efficacy in stage IV melanoma with central nervous system disease, recognizing the likelihood of significant side effects, and having invested time in prayer, reflection, consultation with physicians and loved ones, I have decided not to pursue this option.
I will complete the current course of radiation therapy for local symptomatic metastases in the left thigh and left cheek and continue medication to prevent seizures, relieve headaches and treat other symptoms as they arise. If and when appropriate, I will enter hospice care. As always my life is in God's hands. All along I have sought His wisdom and I believe He has delivered on His promise (James 1:5). Both Linda and I are at peace.
I have already survived far beyond any early predictions of my longevity, given the extensive disease present at the time of diagnosis. And I continue to function remarkably well in spite of over 52 previous and numerous active brain tumors and multiple systemic metastases. I am surrounded by a loving, supportive family, attentive and adoring wife, numerous faithful friends, and a God whose grace and mercy strengthen me each day.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am for all your prayers, expressions of support, and practical acts of kindness toward me and my family. May you know God's richest blessings in this New Year.
Dr Dan
Hi Dan and Linda,
ReplyDeleteThe first words that came to my mind when reading this were from one of our favorite hymns:
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
What a victory we all celebrate as inheritors of the kingdom! Your words are evident that that battle's not ours; it's His. We send our love to you and yours,
Brian and Mary
Dear Dr. Dan,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog,I pray for you and your family as I open your blog. It has been encouraging to see how a victorious Christian face adversity and even death. You will be like one of those 'great cloud of witnesses' mentioned in Hebrew 12:1. I am encouraged to run the race ahead. Thank you, Dr. Dan.
Dan & Linda,
ReplyDeleteThought of you this morning & how you are here 2 years after your initial diagnosis. Praise God! Also said a prayer for your family that you would enjoy every minute you are given (and I know you are). My mom concluded treatment in May, 2008 and was with us until May, 2009. It is all in God's timing, as you know, and I pray you enjoy every second you are given and are without pain during the process.
Love,
Anita
Dear Dr. Crabtree,
ReplyDeleteI ran into your blog after I was perusing my husband's winter 2009 CMDA magazine, saw your article, and realized it was written by my former family doctor from some 10 years ago, back when I was a teenager in Virginia Beach! (My family really appreciated you as our family doctor, by the way...) Thanks for journaling your thoughts in this blog and in the article. As another believer, it's encouraging to see your steadfast faith in His love through the challenges of the past few years. I'm also encouraged to read that you're able to enjoy the richness of his blessings through family and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you--have an especially meaningful and treasured 2010. - In Christ, AC
You are not far from our thoughts, Dan and Linda.
ReplyDeleteDan and Linda, IT's not hard to see the evidence of your peace by your blog entries and that says a great deal about your faith. I"m sure that facing this imminent death in the flesh realm at some point saddens you on some level, knowing you are having to part as a family that you hold dear and enjoy life with together. However, on another level, you know that GOD holds the future and your future and the timing of calling you home and when that time comes, you know are going to a GOD with open, loving arms to welcome you and I am quite sure that you are one of those children of HIS, who HE will look at and say, " well done , my good and faithful servant. You have run the race well and you have done all that I would've hoped and expected." I have never met anyone that stayed so close by the LORDS side through such adversity knowing that HE knew it all and allowed it all and most of all USED IT ALL. You will probably never know the testimony you were to so many.....both of you......and none of it was in vain. My prayers for you both are to enjoy and soak up HIS presence with HIM and your family from this day until that day when HE welcomes you into your eternal resting place. I"M praying you continue to have GOD's wonderful peace....Love you both so much and all that know you are truly, truly blessed. To think that you already have been given 2 years more since your diagnosis and all that GOD has done through you in that time is very touching and praiseworthy. Love you both so much. Audrey
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