The Certainty of Uncertainty

Some may remember that today was our scheduled visit to the University of Michigan Cancer Center. We had appointments with two doctors. The first was with my surgeon, Dr. Nathan, for a one month surgery follow-up. The second was with Dr. Veenstra, a medical oncologist, to discuss chemotherapy options.

Dr. Nathan affirmed good progress with post-surgery healing. I can now drive, and I did so for most of the way home from Ann Arbor. I like being in the driver’s seat. It is necessary to wait the normal two more weeks before lifting objects over five pounds. In all areas of life, I like heavy lifting, and I look forward to the physical stuff.

Dr. Veenstra discussed chemotherapy options with us. She first reviewed the recommended approach of our Holland doctor, Dr. Batts. Then she laid out four different protocols and described the rationale for her own preference. Her approach seems more intense than that of Dr. Batts. Because of the differences between the two doctors, we need further discussion with Dr. Batts. I will update this blog after we meet with Dr. Batts on Monday.

Experiencing the differences between the two doctors has helped us to appreciate the importance of being able to live with uncertainty. The norm should be: accept uncertainty while being certain about who God is, who we are, and how we should live. There is strength for facing an uncertain future in the words of Jesus:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:25-34 [NIV]).