I saw the surgeon last Wednesday who gave me the good and the bad news, informed me they did not plan to operate and that Oncology would be getting hold of me quickly to discuss prognosis and treatment. I am still waiting to see the oncologist and I have had to wait till Bronwen returned from a 10 day break with Pip & Mark in Australia before telling her and the rest of the family the diagnosis.
I have a stage T2 cancer of the lower bowel – just above the rectum. They believe I’ve had the cancer for at least 5 years and possibly between 7 and 10 years! Â Its evidently known as the hidden cancer because one can have it for up to 15 years before symptoms become obvious. Apart from a few polyps the rest of the bowel is clear. That’s the good news.
Unfortunately some cells must have broken away at some stage and I have secondaries in the left and right nodes in the groin (N2)Â (I think that’s the right description) and also cancer spots in both lobes of the liver (not so good!!). Naturally the outlook does not look great. To fulfill my responsibilities to my wife, grandchildren and unfinished business of the Kingdom I need a miracle. In spite of the emotional ups and downs I still have a very strange peace.
The frustrating thing is having to wait till Monday week (20th) to even see the Oncologist, let alone find out when I will start any proposed treatment. We have a lot of questions to ask and we can’t really make any decisions until we have more information. Bronwen is understandably fragile – she nursed her mother through the final stages of bowel cancer. I think its harder for her and the family than me. Â I would love to be healed obviously, but I want to know how best Christ can be glorified and have the assurance that those I love will be adequately cared for should I not make it back to full health.
In all other respects I feel fine – just a bit tired after an emotional roller-coaster weekend of telling family and the church this morning.
Simeon Duncan
12 October, 2008 at 5:05 pm
A little ditty to make sure Dad appreciates the medical attention he eventually receives:
“Working Where The Sun Don’t Shine†(The Colorectal Surgeon’s Song)
We praise the colorectal surgeon
Misunderstood and much maligned
Slaving away in the heart of darkness
Working where the sun don’t shine.
Respect the colorectal surgeon
It’s a calling few would crave
Lift up your hands and join us
Let’s all do the finger wave.
When it comes to spreading joy
There are many techniques
Some spread joy to the world
And others just spread cheeks.
Some may think the cardiologist
Is their best friend
But the colorectal surgeon knows…
He’ll get you in the end!
Why the colorectal surgeon?
It’s one of those mysterious things.
Is it because in that profession
There are always openings?
When I first met a colorectal surgeon
He did not quite understand;
I said, “Hey it’s nice to meet you
But do you mind if we don’t shake hands.â€
He sailed right through medical school
Because he was a whiz
Oh but he never thought of psychology
Though he read passages
A doctor he wanted to be
For golf he loved to play
But this is not quite what he meant…
By eighteen holes a day!
Praise the colorectal surgeon
Misunderstood and much maligned
Slaving away in the heart of darkness
Working where the sun don’t shine!
Phil Constantine
12 October, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Doug,
Val and I are certainly praying for you and the family. We pray that the miracle you need is yours indeed. You are right when you say there is so much unfinished KINGDOM BUSINESS, and because of that, you are not only wanted but needed.
God Bless you with every good gift.
Phil Constantine.
Proud to be family.
Mercy (the trombonist gal from CCC!!!)
18 October, 2008 at 2:33 am
hey!i’d just like to tell you that i’m praying for you and that i’ve been really blessed by your ministry.you’ve really turned my life around by availing yourself to God and doing His will and yup,keep on shining for Him!!!
James & Lucy Kho (CCC)
19 October, 2008 at 2:23 am
Dear Prophet Doug Duncan,
Thank you for updating us with regards to your health condition. We’ll continue to pray for you and your family.
Cheryl Lee (Saxophonist from CCC)
23 October, 2008 at 1:45 am
Dear Prophet Doug,
Will be keeping u and ur family in prayer. During your last visit to the church, i enjoyed hearing u playing the trombone and playing along with you.
D.A.
8 March, 2011 at 10:56 am
yeah! I have a new growth on lung in center so surgery is out for me. Prognosis is few months before christmas i’ll be leaving this place or sooner. Feeling this with you!