First ER Trip
We went in during dinner hours (rookie mistake), which meant a very long wait. Reid’s radiologist looked at his scan and decided we could go home with just an antibiotic.
A Few Days Later
The spot on his abdomen wasn’t improving, so his oncologist told us to head back. To avoid some of the PTSD from our December ER trip (shared more about that HERE), we tried urgent care at the hospital. Honestly? It was painfully slow and ended up being a waste of precious time. Reid and I just looked at each other and knew—we’d come back early the next morning. Life in SoCal means learning to move while everyone else is asleep.
Third Time’s the Charm
We pulled up just before 5:30am, coffee and a quick breakfast in hand, bracing ourselves for the unknown. It turned into a 14-hour day. We were tucked away in a windowless hallway under buzzing fluorescent lights, waiting for doctors, hearing bits and pieces from kind but busy nurses, and mostly…just waiting.
Not glamorous. Not easy. But it’s these moments that stretch us, remind us to lean on grace, and keep showing up—together.
Finally, after about half a dozen doctors circled around debating the spot on Reid’s abdomen, the last doctor made the call. The surgical oncologist decided to take the conservative route—another round of antibiotics—even though he wasn’t completely sure it was an infection. He explained that the raised spot would eventually “pop” (like a pimple) and flatten out in time.
The hardest part? Not one doctor could actually say what it was. That’s the rollercoaster of cancer—ups, downs, and a whole lot of mysteries in between. Honestly, some days it feels like mostly downs.
But here’s what I keep coming back to: even when doctors don’t have answers, God does. Even when it feels like uncertainty is the only certainty, there’s an invitation to lean harder on Him.
Maybe you’re in a season of unanswered questions too—different circumstances, but the same feeling of not knowing. If that’s you, take heart. You don’t need all the answers today. You just need to know the One who holds them.
My friend Jenna texted this verse to me: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor 4:8-9.
How beautiful is that reminder?
6 comments
I’m reading about this stressful day for you guys and just a rollercoaster of emotions. But I know the one constant thought throughout–with a team like this, anything is possible. God bless you both. I believe that God works through us, and what you and Reid have for each other is the essence of love.
Thank you for that beautiful reminder. He does 100% better when I’m with him at doctor appointments or ER visits. Together, life doesn’t seem as scary. God knew what he was doing! Miss you xx
You have such a skill conveying your raw emotions with grace and honesty. Just got back from traveling and reverse time zone but glad to be home and don’t take for granted the ability to go and have our health. Your strong steadfast in your Christian faith is inspirational and a testament 🙏❤️
I’m glad you can travel and enjoy it!! Thank you for reading and your ongoing encouragement.
I’m sorry you have had a stressful week. I’m amazed at how you maintain a positive attitude & your faith never waivers. When my husband was going through cancer I remember lying awake at night trying to fall asleep. I would repeat in my head over and over in my head that god made us perfect and the body wants to heal. I’m praying for you and your family. Praying that Reid’s body heals.
Thank you for weighing in! Those lonely nights staying awake is rough! I found a couple Youtube channels that had great verses on video. I played those on lonely nights. Thank you for your prayers for healing!