I wasn’t sure if I was going to share this news with the world but after a lot of thought I decided we are desperate for the extra prayers and maybe one of you is going through something similar right now and can relate, so here’s my breaking heart being poured out…
On November 30 I called to wish my dad a happy 57th birthday and at the end of what seemed like a very normal conversation he gave me some deeply sad news that I am still trying to wrap my brain around. A few days earlier he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung, brain, spine and adrenal gland cancer. This news came very unexpectedly as he has been very healthy and hasn’t had any unusual symptoms. Thankfully he had been battling a cold and walking pneumonia the past few weeks and when it didn’t get better he decided to stop into an Urgent Care. From there everything happened very quickly. We don’t have a lot of answers just yet but dad began radiation last week. He’s been going in every night at 11 pm for radiation on his lungs and brain. In a week we hope to also begin chemotherapy.
If you met my dad right now you would never know the battle he is currently fighting. He is so positive, so funny {never a serious moment with this man} and so courageous. He is the glue that is holding our fragile family together right now and those of you who really know me know how much of a daddy’s girl I am and how special he is to me.
So I’m sharing this news with you all in hopes that you will lift our very broken family up in prayer right now. We are devastated and full of grief. However, we are confident that God is with us and we are asking for a healing miracle. We know that God is the ultimate healer and He hears our prayers and fulfills His promises. He will see us through this. All we can do is cast our worry and grief to Him.
This news also comes just as my mom enters remission from the breast cancer battle she’s bravely fought this year. Please pray for my family during this extremely difficult time.
And also, hug your parents a little tighter.
The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. – Psalm 41:2-3
My heart breaks for you reading this news, I'm so sorry Christina. Your Dad is going to have a rough road ahead of him but he is lucky to have you there for support. Don't give up hope. My father-in-law is the only person to have survived one of the rarest forms of brain cancer past 5 years and he is doing great now. There were many times when they thought it was the end and he kept fighting. God will get you through this! Prayers and hugs to you and your family!
I am thinking of you and your family. Prayers.
Thinking of your sweet family during this rough time..
I'm so very, very sorry. Prayers to you and your family at this time.
I'm so sorry, Christina. I love that verse you shared – The Lord will sustain your dad…and He will sustain you!
I think that you guys have had MORE than your fair share of heartache this year! I'll be sending prayers for your dad and your family. Here's hoping 2015 is filled with nothing but happiness and love!
Thinking of your family right now, and praying for you!
Just said a prayer for you and your family and will be sure to include y'all in all my prayers!
Oh Christina, I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I lost my grandfather to cancer over a year ago now and I know how difficult it can be. Wishing you guys the best of luck
Praying for healing, peace and hope for each of you. Praying the medical staff is sure and steady in their treatments. Praying today and every day for you and your family. Please keep us posted <3
I'm so sad to hear this Christina. God has sent quite the list of trials your way this year. It can be rough and I hope they cease soon. In the meantime, remember He is still good. I'll be remembering you and your family in my prayers.
So very sorry to hear this news. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family- don't lose faith in him and stay strong!
Prayers! LOVE! HOPE! PRAYERS! PRAYERS! PRAYERS!!!!
Thinking of you and your family.
Oh, Christina. I am so so sorry to hear this news. I wish we had something for early detection because these stories are so hard on the heart. Thinking about you and your entire family and will be lifting you up in so many prayers. Hang in there girl!
So sorry Christina, I can't even imagine. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Praying for you and your family!
What a hard year you have been having. I am lifting you and your family up in prayers during this trying time.
My heart is brealogn your you and your family. Sending prayers of comfort and healing xo
Christina, I am so sorry and will be continually lifting up you and your entire family in prayer. Take care.
I am so very sorry for your family and especially your Dad as he enters into the battle for his health. I did not know about your Mom and her battle. I will keep you all in my daily prayers.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Christina, I cannot even imagine…my heart is breaking for you. Praying for strength and comfort for you and your family.
So so unbelievably sorry for you! Lots of prayers, love, and strength to you and your family at this time!
I'm praying for you and your family!
Oh, Christina, I am so sorry to hear about this. I will be sending lots of prayers to your family today and all Christmas season. xoxo
Christina,Although we are strangers, I am no stranger to what you are going through. Last year at this time, my healthy and young mom who is the absolute heartbeat of our family was diagnosed with a very rare stage 3 cancer, called liposarcoma. I was just getting use to being a mom for the first time during what was suppose to be the happiest time of my life and the news shook me to my core. After a failed 12 hour surgery she went the chemo route.. which we were told was a slim chance of keeping her tumor from growing or spreading. A year later, not only did it not grow or spread, it shrunk! The cancer isn't gone, but it doesn't control our life like it did a year ago. My advice to you? Only take the information as it comes, don't worry about things that may never happen. And let go of control and give it all to God. Enjoy and cherish every moment with your daughter and your father, and know there are so many praying for your family. -Ali
So many prayers. We just went through a cancer struggle with my husband's sister. It was heartbreaking and hard (and unfortunately we lost her last month). I hope you find the peace and healing you need.
I'm so sorry to hear this. Your father and the rest of your family will be in my prayers.
So many prayers for your family – thinking of you!
Oh Christina! My heart breaks for you and your family. My own family has been dealing with the terrors of cancer since March (my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer), and I am so sad to think of something else having to deal with this terrible disease. I will pray for you and your family! Radiation and chemo are so awful, and I hope he pulls through it.
So very sorry to hear this news. Praying for peace, understanding and healing.
So sorry you and your loved ones are dealing with this. Everyone is in my heart and prayers!
Praying for you and your family, Christina. I'm so sorry.
Oh Christina – my heart is breaking for your family right now. I am praying so hard for your dad and family!! Sending you every bit of positive energy I have…
My heart breaks for you guys. I am so sorry that you all are going through this. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with you all!
You are in my thoughts and prayers. We have had some family members who have battled this terrible disease and have shown us all they are so much stronger than myself. I believe your father can make it out of this.
Prayers!
xo my friend. Thoughts and prayers with yall. Cannot imagine.
So sorry. I can't begin to imagine the heartache. Many prayers and thoughts for positive healing being sent you and your family's way.
Christina, I am so sorry to hear of this news. I know you've had a lot of struggles this year, but your strong heart will get your through it. That, and your faith. I know it. I've admired you from afar with — your strength is amazing. I will certainly be keeping your family in my prayers. Hugs to you!
oh love. i will be praying for you and your family. i went through similar with my dad and it is so so hard. be kind and gentle to yourself during this time. i will be praying and sending your family love and positivity.Gina
I follow your blog prett regularly, I think you embody grace and are a great example to many readers out there. I don't knownyou or your family, but I can tell from your candidness that you all are rocks, and the love and faith between you is so strong. Prayers go out to you and your family, so that everyone can continue the bond!
Oh honey, sending your family all my love and prayers. My mom had breast cancer a few years back, and I was so thankful to see her go into remission. Praying for your dad and hoping he kicks this cancers' butt!
Sending prayers! Hang in there! You are one strong woman!
this past year, i experienced similar news. my dad was diagnosed with an incurable, yet treatable of lymphoma. like you, i'm a major daddy's girl and i felt like i had been punched in the chest when he told me the news. after many rounds of chemo and various tests, today my dad is feeling feeling better than he has in years and his cancer is in partial remission. like alessandra said, try to take things one day at a time and try not to worry about the "what if's" (easier said than done, i know). my heart feels for you, but with much love and support, you and your family will make it through this rough time. you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Christina, this breaks my heart for you and your family. I will keep your father and your family in my prayers. This truly does hit close to home for our family. My dad was just diagnosed with a fatal lung disease after battling chest congestion for a few months. When I found out the news my mind immediately went to wanting to spend every moment I can creating memories with him. There are so many things I fear he will miss out on and it breaks my heart. Cherish the sweet memories your making now and enjoy the precious time you have. Big hug to you and your sweet family.
Oh my heart is with you! Stay strong, you and your family have been through one hell of a year. I have no idea what this is like and can only imagine the stress on your heart. Thinking of you.
Oh Christina my heart is breaking for you. From what I've read you have a very close knit, strong, and positive family and I hope that you guys will be able to continue to hold on to that as you go through this! Sending so many positive thoughts to you and your family, especially your Dad.
Oh Christina, I'm so sorry. I'm a faithful reader but don't comment often. Your entire family will be in my prayers during this difficult time. I'm so glad to hear what a great attitude your dad has. After dealing with a lot of cancer in my family I believe that's half the battle. Go love on that precious little girl!
Sending Prayers
Didn't want to just read and run; I'm thinking of you and your family and hoping for a happy and healthy 2015 for you all! x
Lifting a prayer for your dad & for your family.
I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers out to you and your family.
Many prayers and well wishes for your Dad and whole family! I have faith that everything will turn out well.
i am so sorry to hear this christina. im praying for you, your dad, and your family! dont lose hope. xo jillian
My prayers lift up your father as he enters battle. My prayers lift up your mother as she fights for a continued remission. May the peace of our awesome Father fall over your shoulders.
oh no friend. I am so deeply sad to hear this news. I will keep your family in my prayers. Wow, you weren't kidding about a tough year for you guys. I don't know if you ever listen to gospel but youtube Kirk Franklin's "More than I can bear". That song has gotten me through some dark times. thinking of you…..
Praying for strength and courage for your dad, your mom, you, and your family – huge hugs.
Please know that your dad, you and your family are all in my prayers! We serve a very big God
Sending prayers and thoughts.
Heartbreaking. Lifting you and your family up in prayer. The ultimate healer has you all in the palm of his hand.
I am so very sorry about what your dad's going through! Sending all my prayers and positive juju your way. He is a fighter! <3 xDabay
I love you friend and will pray right alongside all those who love you and your family. My heart truly hurts for you at this moment. God is good and he will carry you!!!!!! Much love, sweet mama. And big hugs and prayers for your dad.
Praying for your entire family!
Wow!!! What sad news for your family. It sounds like you are all fighters and will lean on and support each other. Know that this blogging community is praying for your entire family!! Prayers and hugs your way!
Christina I'm deeply sorry you have to be dealing with this and I pray for you and your entire family. God is a God of miracles. xoxo
I am so sorry sweet girl. Sending lots of prayers for your family. Some years are so tough and we can only pray for a better one to come!
Awe I am so so sorry! We are keeping you and your WHOLE family in our prayers. God is so good and I hope He keeps them comfortable and with you as long as He has in His plan. xoxo
I am so very sorry. Sending prayers to your family and healing to your father.
I'm sorry to hear this. I will definitely keep your family in my prayers!
I am so sorry to hear the news. Praying hard for your family! *hugs*
I really enjoy reading your blog and hearing about your sweet family and I am so sorry to hear this. I too am a serious daddy's girl and truly can't imagine what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
oh Christina this makes my heart ache so deeply. I'll be praying for you and your family. I know these times are challenging.
So very, very sorry to hear this. I know it's heartbreaking news, but I'm glad your dad is able to be so positive. I am keeping you and your parents in prayer.
i'm so sorry to hear this news. my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year, and while it is the most treatable, it was still a shock to hear that one of my parents is affected by cancer. i will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. xo
You and your family are now in my prayers even more! You have had rough few months I couldn't imagine one more thing piled on! I hope you can find comfort in that we as readers all care for you and your family through the peeks that you give us every week and that we are all thinking about you and praying for you.
Prayers for strength, health and peace for your family!
Praying for your family!
Wow Christina, you have had to endure so much over the last few months, and I know most of us wouldn't have been able to handle it with such grace, poise, and tremendous faith. Your sweet family is lucky to have you as its heart. I will definitely be praying for your dad, and for you. So glad you have Caroline to give you a daily reminder of the joy of life.
Have mercy. Praying.
Hugs and prayers!
I'm in tears for you right now, sweet friend. I have no words to make this right. I'm just so sorry that your precious family is dealing with so much right now. And I'm lifting you all up in prayer right now. Especially your sweet daddy. Praying, praying, praying.
Although I dont know you, I sometimes feel like I do by reading your blog. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. The best medicine will be for him to see his smiling, beautiful granddaughter.
Oh Christina, I am so very sorry. Sending so many prayers up for your family.
Definitely praying for your entire family. Hard times that no family should ever have to experience. He is in the best hands with his doctors and medical professionals. Hugs and prayers to all.
God Bless him and your family. Sending prayers and hugs!!!
Christina I am praying for your entire family! I am thinking about you guys daily. If you ever need anything or someone to talk to I am here. Hugs!
I am so so sorry to hear about this. 2014 has been an amazing, yet rough year for y'all. I will definitely keep your dad and family in my prayers. Don't give up hope! The Lord will be with y'all every step of the way! Psalm 34:19
Christina I will be praying so hard. I am not just saying this either. I won't get into it but this strikes such a cord in my life. You can count on my prayers.
praying for you and your family. Hug your handsome and babe a little closer tonight, too! And think that it's been a wonderful time for your daughter and dad to have known each other as well. Hang in there, mama!
Absolutely adding you and your family to my prayer list. Thinking about you!
I am so very, very sorry to hear about the sorrow your family is experiencing. I will continue to pray for your Dad and the rest of your family. He sounds like a truly amazing individual and father. As a daddy's girl myself I can't even fathom what this must be like for you and everyone who holds him so dear. I pray you all somehow find comfort in this difficult journey you're unfairly faced with. Although the road will be tough, this couldn't have happened to a more god fearing woman who will put her faith wholeheartedly into the Lord's hands (I've always admired your dedication to faith). Praying and sending positive light and love to you and your family.
Oh sweet girl, that is the hardest need to get, especially when it's your Daddy-Dads are the MOST special of people!! As an oncology nurse, that is great news that they are getting treatments started so soon, what a blessing! The newest treatments in chemo and radiation therapies are phenomenal and continue to amaze me everyday at how well our sweet patients do with them. I will be lifting you, your dad and the rest of your family up in prayer!
Oh my goodness what difficult news to receive! Your poor little family has had quite the challenging year and you have gone through it all with such grace and strength. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear that. Prayers are being sent for you and your parents and family through this difficult time. God is faithful! You are such a beacon of strength through all of this hardship. You shine God's light despite the circumstances, and it means a lot.
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I can't even imagine what you, him, and your family are going through. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Definitely praying for you and your family!! I hope y'all can catch a break soon, you certainly have had too many challenges lately!!! Please let me know if you need anything!!!
I'm so sorry to hear this. My family is in a similar nightmare and I understand your pain. I am sending prayers your father's way. I sent you an email as well. Lots of love and prayers to your entire family.
I commented on Instagram, but also wanted to comment here. I have Sarah Young's devotional – Jesus Calling – which I absolutely love. I came across Jesus Today (also by her) and knew it was just perfect for mom. I gave it to her after her cancer diagnosis. Here's the synopsis: "Jesus Today was written during a very difficult time in Sarah Young's life. Yet the words of Scripture and Jesus' own Presence were ever near, bringing her hope and comfort for each new day." Each devotion gives you just what you need to hear to get you through that moment and that day. With all of this going on in our family's lives (see Instagram), I keep asking "Why us? Why do things keep happening to my family?" I know these are not the right questions to ask. Rather, I should realize these questions are not meant to be answered now, and that God has a plan for me and my family. His ways are unknown, and will be revealed one day. Until then, it is up to us to place our trust in Him and His perfect timing and trust that He will see us through all of this. Rick Warren has a good devotional, too – http://rickwarren.org/devotional/english/god-why-is-this-happening-to-me. I will say that all of these trials and tribulations have brought me closer to God, so in a way, this sadness and heartache has been "good" for me. So – I'm praying for your sweet family, and you pray for mine. Prayer works!
My heart is broken for you and your family. Lifting you, your family and your father up! May he be healed!!
I will be praying so hard for you & your sweet family. I'm so sorry to hear this.
Praying for your family!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Prayers for you and your family.
I'm praying for you and your family.
I am so sorry about this news! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Prayers to you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I cannot imagine going through that with both of your parents. Hopefully your father will beat this and join your mom in remission soon!
Oh Christina, I am so very, very sorry. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Prayers, Love and Light to your sweet family!
Christina, I am so sorry to hear this. I will lift your family up in prayer and ask for healing and strength for yall. Send him lots of pictures of Caroline and that will be the best medicine!!
Praying for your family and sending love and positivity.
christina, i am so sorry for you and your family. i will be praying – to a different god, but praying nonetheless!
Prayers and love to you and your family Christina.
Oh hun, I am so sorry for the news about your dad. I went through this two years ago and like yours, he was the one holding our family together. I will keep your dad in my prayers for healing and strength, and for your family– so that God gives them strength and a brave heart for the journey ahead.
I'm so so so sorry to see this news. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through and I won't even pretend to try. I am sending you and your family LOTS of hope, prayers, love and support!!
Christina,I am so incredibly sorry to hear this news. I can't even imagine what you and your family are going through. I just keep thinking of my dad who is the same age of yours and I just have no idea how I would handle that kind of news. I'm praying for you, your dad, and your entire family during this time. I pray God will heal his body and use this as a way to draw you all closer to Him. Love, hugs, and prayers.
Oh Christina I am so sorry to hear this! I am sending so much love and prayers your way as we speak! Stay positive and be there for him and God will show ya'll the way! Don't hesitate to reach out in this blogging community if you need ANYthing! Thinking of you all! xo
Praying! So sorry to hear this, Christina!
Oh Christina, I'm so sorry. I pray God will give you and your family peace and comfort. It's a road no one wants to travel.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, Christina. My mother-in-law just had a mastectomy a week ago today, and I actually took a few days off work to come be with her for a long weekend. It's been rough going through all of the treatment, so I know how you must be feeling. Please know that I am praying for you and your family. My MIL and I were just talking tonight about the strangers who are able to surround you with prayer, encouragement, and love when you're dealing with tough stuff. I am one of those strangers, but I will continue to lift your father up to the Lord. Keep us updated!
Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family
I was just catching up on your blog and I am just so sorry to hear about your dad! My mom is battling through kidney cancer to lung, liver, and bone cancer now. I will be praying for your father as he goes through chemotherapy and also, lifting up prayers for you and for the rest of your family. I will also tell my mom about him, so she can include y'all in her prayers because we believe in prayer from anywhere.
I'm behind on my blog reading and just saw this. I am so sorry about this diagnosis and am praying for you and your family!
Aww! So sorry to hear! I will definitely say an extra prayer for you and your family! ♥
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your dad, will be praying for you and your sweet family!!
oh no!! that breaks my heart. i will of course pray for your dad
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Oh Christina, I am so behind in everything blogging and am just now seeing this post. I am so sorry to hear this. I am lifting your family up in prayer!! Samara