A Health Update

Some of you know that I have been having problems with my voice for a while. Mostly the problem is that I almost always sound "hoarse", and I very easily lose my voice.

Well, I finally went to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist) today to have things checked out. Using a scope (a long, snake-like thing that went up my nose and down into my throat) the Doctor was immediately able to tell what is wrong. Apparently I have a large growth, or polyp, on my right vocal cord. The Doctor was very shocked to see such a large polyp on someone my age and condition (healthy). He feels there is no option other than to operate to remove the polyp, and then send it off for testing to make sure it is benign. The surgery itself will be pretty quick, although I will need to be put to sleep during it. There are some risks to the surgery because the polyp is right near a ligament, which if cut, could make my voice much worse. Actually, the Dr. is surprised I can talk as well as I can considering the size of the polyp. Also, there is no guarantee that once the polyp is removed my voice will get better.

SO...I am requesting your prayers for healing, as well as wisdom for me and the doctors. I will probably try and get a second opinion before the surgery, which is likely going to be on May 5.

Today the Lord reminded me of some words I heard in a sermon earlier this year:

The Prayer of Faith

1. Believe God CAN do it!
Mark 9:22 - And it has often thrown him both into the fire and into he water to destroy him. But if You CAN do anything, take pity on us and help us! And Jesus said to him, "'If You CAN!' All things are possible to him who believes."

2. Believe God WILL do it!
Mar 1:40-41 - And a leper came to Him, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying to Him, "if You are willing, You can make me clean." And moved with compassion, He stretched out His hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."

3. God has already DONE it!
Mark 11:24 - "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you."