My wife of 42 years, Sharon Dallas Wilkin, went in on Dec 19 to have a large ovarian cyst removed. All the tests indicated that it was benign.
Here is a short catalog of some of the trials since then.
- We had to wait four extra hours (6 total) before the surgery started.
- The three-hour surgery took nine hours.
- The surgery which originally was to end at 3 PM actually ended at 1:00 AM.
- While removing the cyst, the doctor nicked one of her ureters, requiring immediate surgery to fix that.
- While taking out the cyst, it accidentally broke, spilling the contents into her abdomen.
- When the right ovary was examined under the microscope, it was found to be cancerous (as was the cyst).
- I was called back four times to talk with the gynecologist, the urologist, the fellow of the gynecologist, and the oncologist.
- Sharon spent two days in the hospital, rather than the one initially planned.
- A drainage tube was taken out of her right side on Friday before we came home. The small hole in her side drained a lot on Monday night in the middle of the night.
- Sleep has been interrupted a lot for both us.
- Sharon has some sort of allergic reaction on her legs. Anti-itch cream helps a little.
Next week we go back to see the oncologist. Sharon will have her first chemo either that day or at the end of next week. We’ve been told Sharon will need six chemo treatments, each three weeks after the last. Sharon’s hair is expected to fall out. We do not yet know the details of the type of chemo.
Sharon has been very upbeat, which has been a trial for me. She is not resting much. She is talking on the phone, visiting with people who come to our house, texting people, etc. On Christmas day we went to a luncheon and our supposed one-hour stay turned into three hours. The day after Christmas, Sharon went with a handyman to Lowe’s to pick out a hot water heater, which was then installed.
I wish Sharon would rest more. But Sharon is going to be Sharon.
The oncologist says Sharon has an 85% chance of a complete healing after the six chemo treatments, assuming no new information emerges. Sharon has said several times that she is ready to be with the Lord if that is His plan. However, she’d like another ten to fifteen years. When I tell her she is likely to live into her nineties (her mom lived to 89 and her mom’s mom, 93), she says she doesn’t want to live that long. But she insists that we either go at the same time via death or Rapture, or that she goes first. No pressure on me!
I’ve been very caring and loving this past week. And I’ve yelled and screamed at times too. My emotions have been all over the map. My behavior has been good and bad.
At the Christmas party one of the men present said, “You are a tyrant.” He said it with a bit of a smile on his face. But I had been chastising Sharon about letting a big dog jump up on her and potentially hurt her. I responded, “Well, yes, I’m a tyrant. But I’m a benevolent tyrant.” The man at the party roared at that line.
I realize that the Lord Jesus will evaluate my motives and my words and deeds at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema). He will evaluate my deeds “whether good or bad” (2 Cor 5:9-10). I’m hoping for a large amount of mercy at the Bema (Jas 2:13). I’m made of clay, and my pot has cracks in it.
I really want to be a godly husband all the time, but especially now. I guess I have to settle for being what I am: a flawed individual whose heart is in the right place most of the time.
Our thanks to David and Linda Renfro, Mike and Letitia Lii, Carol Swift, Paula McWilliams, my niece Tami, and Sharon’s sisters Lynn and Bev for all the help they have given.
We appreciate the prayers of all who have been praying. And we ask for continued prayers as Sharon undergoes chemo.
Alvin
Been praying for you and Sharon. I can relate to what your going through. Within a few weeks
period I lost my job which I had for 30yrs, the whole place shut down. My wife had colon cancer, but caught it just in time before it went through the wall. Had a lot of her colon removed. The losing my job was a blessing because we wouldn’t have caught the cancer in time. And the water heater in our bed room blew up. It seemed like the end of the world for me, going to bed in fear every night. Not having a job and losing my insurance. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I didn’t do very good, I had big cracks. And my wife did much better than I did.
But, God was bring us into something we could have never believed. A better job, a better place to live, but also new trials. That was 15 years ago, were retired now for 5 years. I would have never been able to retire in the Lumber Industry, I would have had to work till I died. Anyway God was faithful bringing us through the tunnel, but when your in it all you see is darkness. I came out with a stronger faith, but not because of me but because of what I saw God do…..Praise the Lord!!!
Will be keeping you both in our prayers.
Diane
God’s mercies truly are new EVERY MORNING~!!!
Alvin
I’m a witness to God’s mercies. He let me and my brother live when my Mom died at the foot of our bed of gas affixation.
He brought Zane Hodges into my life when I was searching for answers. And brought him into our lives just a few years before my wife’s cancer, we have been married 45 years now. Zane was praying for us through our difficult time. God brought another mercy into my life about 15 years ago, her name was Diane Boring who showed me God’s unconditional love. Diane has accepted me just the way I am, and has helped me to grow. I still have many rough edges, you can probably see them when ever I am dealing with the harsh form of Calvinism. Over 30yrs ago having to put my wife into a mental ward partly from the harsh teaching of Calvinism, she had lost all hope that God loved her because of this teaching.
Another mercy that just happened is God has brought my brother and me back together through his singing and my trikking videos.
All I can say is Praise The Lord….He has been good to me~!!!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPxHzpkjfjcyoSV8ZbC0kQQ
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HsHKh2bsivc
Diane
Oh Alvin, What a heart gripping testimony~!!! I’m humbled and amazed that you mentioned me as doing anything in your life to help you grow in Christ. You have helped me understand a lot of scripture. I’m just thankful that God brings people across our paths in different ways to gain insight into His WORD. You’ve taken a lot of what Zane Hodges taught you, and helped me to see those truths, too. God is good~!!! So thankful for God’s mercies that are new every morning~!!! Wishing you and your wife a life filled with the joy of the LORD~!!! 🙂
Leo Z
Praying for Sharon and you Pastor Bob. I too can relate to this particular trial as I have been through this cancer situation recently (and still in it) with my own dear wife.
Through it all, God’s grace has been sufficient to carry us and provide for our deepest needs. His patience and perfection more than cover our flaws and failings. With utmost confidence I can say that He will do the same for you.
We will continue to pray for you both.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Barry Blundi
Sharon and Bob. Not there in flesh, but spirit, really! My wife Debbie and I love you both because of Lord Jesus. Sharon, nothing comes to us uless Father does directly, or allows it. All must pass through HIs loving hands before it gets to us. Allow Him to love you, and Bob in this, and show His affection to both of you during this trial He has counted you worthy of. Allow Him to take you deeper into Lord Jesus’ shephards care for you, and His excellence He wants to show you and other brethren, and the lost. “Have you considered my servent Job, one that…” He has counted you worthy to live this as Job did. Debbie and I were tried for 14 yrs, where we prepared for Lord Jesus to take her home many times. The Spirit is and will cmfort you. Many more doors will open to preach the gospel, and other brethren (especially the younger) will learn from you . We pray your spirit is resting with your Master Lord Jesus. Always remember these words He say’s to us in these times, “BE NOT AFRAID, IT IS I.” !!! Lord Jesus is perfectly for you in this. We are here for you both. Email anytime. Please remember sister, this can only be Father’s love to you and Bob.Abide in Lord Jesus.All is in perspective then, and well. Maranatha.
Billy Bell
Prayers for Sharon, yourself and your family, Bob!
Timothy Grady
Deepest tender mercies be yours in every moment of this process .
We hold you and your precious beloved in highest esteem . Zane and your ministry have clarified the central issue in life .
We can only overflow with gratitude to Him Who raised this up .
Words almost seem trite in these moments , having been there .
We hold you up in confidence of His perfect loving will .
Diane
Been praying for Sharon and you, Bob~!!! Thanking God for BOTH of you more than you could ever know~!!! So thankful for God’s promises to NEVER leave you or forsake you~!!! The Bible calls this a “temporary affliction” and your futures are VERY BRIGHT because of Jesus~!!! I know that you know this, and I know it’s STILL VERY HARD to go through~!!! What I just said, I use to say to Dale when he was very ill (because I needed to remind myself of that also). He would smile and say to me…. “I like it when you say that.” So just want you to know that we all understand that it’s hard to go through, and so thankful that God’s mercies are new every morning. Love you BOTH~!!! Continuing to keep you BOTH in my prayers~!!!
Tamra
John and I are praying for both of you.
Brady Pollitt
Bob and Sharon, I am sooo sorry. I don’t think “sometimes” anyone of us can SAY all the right things. But know we ALL understand and care and I am storming heaven. Lifes tests and trials may never cease, but also neither does God’s mercies and grace. No one PERFECT. Sooo, keep on KEEPING on with all God’s will before you to handle life.
EternallySaved
Oh wow, Bob and Sharon I love you both so much in the Lord Jesus Christ and I am praying for you both. Thank you for all you are and all you do for and in Christ and for the rest of us. I care for both of you and I am praying. There are no words to describe what you must be going through, except for whats in the Bible. I love you both, we are family forever in Christ. Myself and others on here are for you and most of all, JESUS is with you and in you both forever.
Andrew Fritzinger
Prayers for Sharon and you Bob..may the Spirit give you comfort and increase your faith. Thanks for all you have done to make the Gospel and God’s Word clear.
William Moonan
Praying for you both now.
Kim
Dearest Bob and Sharon,
I am fairly new to your site. Thank you for your graciousness in sharing your personal journey. Just not the pretty stuff. But all. You love your wife. What a gift you are to her. And she is to you. Each moment for Him and each other a gift as well.
Praying best I know for a circumstance I have never been through but learning through your testimony. And His grace.
Thank you,
I am praying, anl
Keith Pesce
Many prayers for the two of you.
Keith Pesce
Many prayers for both of you.
Vince
Praying for you two, brother.
Dwight Hunt
Marilyn and I are praying for you and Sharon and for her complete healing.
David Wyatt
Praying for you both. God’s grace is often sen even more clearly in trials.
Sheilah Adkins
Berean Memorial Church has y’all on our prayer list! God bless y’all as you go through this trial.
Buddy Forbus
Bob, so sorry to hear this. Dee and I will be praying for healing and peace. Love y’all
Matt O’Harra
Praying for God’s peace for you and Sharon.