Addendum:
I just scheduled the biopsy for this Friday morning at 9:30 am (it will be by a needle guided by CT scan). I would just ask that you would be especially praying that morning, for peace (I’m really nervous about the procedure itself). Pray that the Lord would enter into that mass and make it benign (even if it isn’t already). I have a follow up appointment to find out the results on Nov. 18th (Wednesday at 10:30 am); I know you all are praying, but please remember that day and that time especially. Thank you all, your prayers mean everything to us!
——————————————————————–
This post is going to be a little different, I wish I didn’t have to type it.
I went to the doctor on Friday, I expected for him to tell me that I have a hernia — I had had a CT scan and Ultrasound previously. Instead he told me that I have a relatively large “mass” or growth in my lower right abdominal area (close to my kidney). I was shocked to say the least (floored), as was my wife (and we still are). In fact I’ve never been so scared in my life. One of the hard parts about this is that we are waiting for a biopsy, which should happen this week. My doctor told me all the possibilities, it could be: lymphoma, testicular (doubtful), another kind of cancer (can’t really remember the name), or benign. Of course we are desperately praying that it is the latter, benign. I just would like to ask all of you to pray for both me and my young family (I’m in my mid-thirties) . . . truth be told I’m not doing good at all right now! It’s a battle for me not to run, in my mind, to the worst case scenario; again I would just ask that you would pray with us that it turns out to be benign, which is a real possibility. My doctor told me that my case is not terminal, and he has been very encouraging. Also please pray that I can get my biopsy quickly (and again, of course, that the results will be favorable [the benign diagnosis]).
The primary thing my wife and I are finding comfort in is that we are in the LORD’s hands; and that none of this is surprising to Him, and that none of what is happening hasn’t first been filtered through His love for us! We know that He is going to work this out for the good!
Thank you!
The Evangelical Christian 
November 9, 2009 at 1:12 am
Oh mate! The Angel of the LORD encamps around you (Ps 34:7). Emma and I will be praying.
November 9, 2009 at 1:55 am
Man, my heart is heavy for you. I and my family will be praying for you and yours.
November 9, 2009 at 2:29 am
Also praying
November 9, 2009 at 2:39 am
Praying for you Bobby.
November 9, 2009 at 2:49 am
Ow. Not nice. I’m praying too.
November 9, 2009 at 3:09 am
Reporting for duty Bobby!
In HIM,
Duane
November 9, 2009 at 8:32 am
Bobby, I pray that God will guide and protect you in your time of need. That he will heal your body and strengthen your relationship with him. That through this difficult time he will draw you and your family closer to him. Although it is difficult to understand why bad things happen, you can be reassured that he remains close to those who belong to him.
God Bless,
Mike
November 9, 2009 at 10:07 am
Praying for you. Isaiah 26:3.
November 9, 2009 at 10:24 am
Howdy Bobby
I am just a spectator on this site however my heart is heavy for you and your family Bobby. We will be praying for God’s mercy to be on you. We pray that you will be comforted and content in His grace while you wait for test results and that this will be an opportunity for God to be glorified in your life. We pray that you will be healed of this and stronger than ever in the Lord.
In Christ
Lee
November 9, 2009 at 11:11 am
Thank you everybody!
Your prayers mean so much, my wife and I really appreciate it . . . more than you’ll ever know.
To be honest I feel like I’m in a bad dream (still in shock), but it may turn out to be nothing (but a benign mass). I do know that the Lord’s grace is sufficient, and that much of that grace comes through your prayers; so thank you guys!
I’ll keep everyone updated.
In Christ,
Bobby
November 9, 2009 at 11:47 am
Praying for a good report, and for His grace to face whatever lies ahead.
November 9, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Bobby
Praying, trusting, waiting on the Lord with you.
With deep affection for you brother,
Will
November 9, 2009 at 12:16 pm
As you know, Odele and I are praying for you and trusting in the Lord to give you his peace at this time. We are praying for healing and for the doctors skill. Peace be with you guys.
November 9, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Thank you,
Terry, Will, and Myk that means more than you know!
November 9, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Prayers from around the world for you and your family.
November 9, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I have already prayed for you and shall continue to do so. Please keep us posted.
Glenn
November 9, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Thank you guys, so much!
I will definitely keep everyone updated. I’m trying to be hopeful right now, it’s hard.
November 9, 2009 at 6:38 pm
My family and I will be praying for you Bobby,
Peace be with you and your family
-m
November 9, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Praying for you and your family.
November 9, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Our prayers are with you and your family.
November 9, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Bobby,
I will be praying for you. I am so grateful for the help you have been to my bride, Heather. Galatians 6 comes to mind. Bearing one anothers’ burdens, as well as the thought about those who have received giving to those who have given.
Please feel free to let us know of any needs you have.
My father is dealing with prostrate cancer, and his walk with God has flourished as a result,
I have no advice, and you probably don’t want it anyway. But my heart goes out to you and I will be praying.
Isaiah 8:11-13, and Psalm 18:19
Craig
November 9, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Bobby,
I know of you only through blogs, but have always thought highly of your posts. I was very sorry to read this and know how hard it is to wait and not to dwell on the most catastrophic possibilities. My prayer for you is that, even now, God gives to your heart and mind the peace only He can give. As soon as I sign off, I will be begin praying fervantly. I will be checking back for news.
Yours faithfully,
Bruce
November 9, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Bobby,
I have been and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Keith
November 10, 2009 at 2:54 am
Rasselas, Nomad, Perry, Craig, Prof. McCormack, Keith,
I treasure all of your prayers, in fact there is no doubt that I have been (as well as my wife) sensing God’s presence and comfort in ways that I’ve not known in the past (and I’ve been through some pretty dark nights in the past–this is the darkest thus far). I know the Lord refines us till our faith is as pure gold — sometimes I just wish it didn’t have to be so real, and be so hot — but I know that our light affliction which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I’m still scared, but I am reassured by God’s presence through your prayers.
I will keep everyone updated, I want to get the biopsy and I don’t at the same time; please pray that that will happen quickly though.
Thank you everyone, you guys are a total blessing!!!
November 10, 2009 at 3:22 am
Btw, Craig,
I’ll be praying for your father, what’s his name?
November 10, 2009 at 4:44 am
I know the Lord refines us till our faith is as pure gold — sometimes I just wish it didn’t have to be so real, and be so hot — but I know that our light affliction which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory
*************************************************
Beautifully stated.
The refining of our faith. It is the purpose of trials of all kinds and the goal of the Lord’s loving discipline. But you are so right in that it can be a frightening thing from this side of the relationship.
Craig’s dad is Sig. It seems as though the way God has chosen to refine him is, in his words, to keep him “between a rock and a hard place” his entire life. But he told Craig recently that he knows it is because that is where he abides in Christ, rather than trusting in his own strength. Several years ago, he followed the Lord’s leading away from the most financially attractive position he’s ever had and, from a worldly perspective, it looked like the dumbest thing he could possibly do. In the course of time, their family has also been given gifts of vehicles, groceries etc when it looked like they were not going to make it. Even when they had told no one else of their needs, God had known and provided before they had asked.
Also thought I’d share that although Sig doesn’t “feel” as though he is of much help to others, being able to watch his childlike faith in action has been amazingly instructive to family, friends and even strangers. And being close to a physically needy brother causes Christ’s true body to be moved to action.
Still praying for you and yours.
November 10, 2009 at 9:45 am
Hi Bobby,
Praying that it will be God’s wil lto heal you and riase you up. “Is there anythingtoo hard for the Lord?”
Regards,
November 10, 2009 at 9:53 am
praying for healing and peace that passes understanding, peace that the world cannot give.
Heike
November 10, 2009 at 10:03 am
Brother, I will remember you in prayer. I trust you will be able to rest in all His promises.
Jim
November 10, 2009 at 10:24 am
Praying for you and for your family.
November 10, 2009 at 10:42 am
I will pray for you all, brother. I have added you to my prayer page too. I can’t imagine how you are feeling. May the Lord comfort and sustain you.
November 10, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Heather,
Thanks for sharing that, I’ll be praying for Sig as well; and thank you for your prayers, hopefully I’ll come to a point where my mind is clear enough to start discussing EC again . . . it’s amazing how perspective can change.
Colin, WarriorP, Jim, KP, Mark,
Thank you all for praying, I think waiting right now is the most hellish thing; I just want to find out, of course, what exactly is going on. The biopsy will make that all clear, hopefully with positively so.
In the Lord’s hands,
Bobby
November 10, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Dear Bobby,
As you have stood by me in the proclamation and defense of the truth, I pray that God would stand by you and your dear family in this hour of great need.
“Whate’er God will, let that be done;
His will is ever wisest;
His grace will all thy hope outrun
Who to that faith arisest.
The gracious Lord will help afford,
He chastens with forbearing;
Who God believes,
And to Him cleaves,
Shall not be left despairing.
My God is my sure Confidence,
My Hope, and my Existence;
His counsel is beyond my sense,
Yet I’ll not make resistence.
His Word declares the very hairs
Upon my head are numbered;
His mercy large
Holds me in charge
With care that never slumbered.
Amen”
God’s blessings to you,
Stuart
November 10, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Stuart,
Thank you for your prayers, and that hymn!
November 10, 2009 at 2:31 pm
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nathan W. Bingham and Frank Turk, Eddie Harper. Eddie Harper said: RT @Frank_Turk: http://bit.ly/176D3b — Request for prayers for blog-anatogist Bobby Grow who is, all told, a brother in Christ. […]
November 10, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Praying for you and your family…
“‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor. 12:9)
November 10, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Over the years I’ve grown to love you through your writing and of all the things I would hope for you and your sweet family this would be the last. Still I trust our Lord and Bobby I know you do too. May His presence be more real to you now than anything.
November 10, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Carl,
Thank you, that means alot; and I really appreciate that scripture, thank you!
Kc,
You’re a sweet dear brother, Kc! Thank you, I’ve come to love and appreciate you too! Thank you for your prayers, I know the LORD is faithful, we’re trusting him.
November 10, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Praying…
November 10, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Bobby–Please know you are in my prayers…
November 10, 2009 at 7:37 pm
prayed for you, bobby. came from the prayer blog of corry and KC.
November 10, 2009 at 10:05 pm
hello…my mom has discovered a mass n her lower right abdomen. she should go to the doctor this week to get it checked. As we will be praying for u please pray for her! GOD BLESS
November 10, 2009 at 10:33 pm
praying…..
November 11, 2009 at 2:42 am
Karen, Richard, Pia, Dara, Jlo,
Thank you all for your prayers, I am so encouraged by this; when I pray now I just ask the Lord to take heed to all of your prayers!
Dara,
I will be praying for your mom too, one thing I am continuing to find comfort in is that none of these masses are out of control; they’re all within God’s control, He runs the show, not a few cells. I will be praying, Dara!
November 11, 2009 at 6:10 am
Praying..
November 11, 2009 at 7:33 am
Praying good health and God’s best for you and your family, Bobby. He knows your needs even before you ask.
November 11, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Nathan and Darren,
Thank you guys, we are really relying on these prayers; we are of course hoping that the results turn out good (benign), that’s how we’re praying.
November 12, 2009 at 9:53 am
I’m one of those annoying blog lurkers who never posts any comments. Nevertheless, your in my prayers. All the best.
November 12, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Hi A.J.,
Thank you for your prayers, I go in tomorrow morning for the biopsy — I’m a bit nervous, but I know the Lord is in control.
November 12, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Hey Bobby
Just a reminder that we are praying for you as your biopsy time draws near.
Will and Ardis
November 12, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Remembering you in prayer brother.
November 12, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Remembering you and yours in prayer brother.
November 13, 2009 at 12:43 am
we are of course hoping that the results turn out good (benign), that’s how we’re praying.
****************************************************
That would be good.
Or, better still, it will be gone :o)
Your family was on my heart today.
November 13, 2009 at 2:42 am
Thank you guys, soooo much . . . I’m a little nervous about the biopsy, it’s only a few hrs away, and I just got home from work (I’ll only get 4hrs of sleep, if I can).
You guys (everyone posting here) will never know how much your prayers mean to us. I’ve really been struggling with all kinds of fear and terrible thoughts the last few days (the worst). Tonight the LORD really spoke to me, through family members, through stories of quite a few folks that we know who’ve had tumors that turned out to be benign, through a scripture (Ps 34:1-9), and through the voice of the LORD in my heart . . . I have a real peace about this (that it’s benign). This is the first real peace I’ve experienced, and I just praise the Lord for it — I think in large part it is because all of your guys’ prayers (I think there are literally 1000’s of people praying for me and my fam, between here and all of my family members and there church prayer lists, etc. — I feel emboldened, and more humbled than I ever have — any time I hear someone say they are praying for me I come to tears). You guys are the greatest! I should be home from the biopsy around 12:30pm (pst) tomorrow.
Btw, I like Heather’s prayer request, that it would “be gone” (I’ve even prayed that too, I know someone who that happened to, except his tumor was in his throat).
I’ll keep all you guys updated.
In Christ and thank you all again,
Bobby
November 13, 2009 at 11:56 am
Bobby,
In all honesty, it was difficult to read your post and not think of the varying similarities between our families ( young family, two children, both us in our mid-thirties) and how easily this could be me in the same situation…over the the years (wow, that long LOL) I’ve grown to love you and your family so I’m praying Christ, Our God, would strengthen you and yours, and that His Spirit would be present in a very notable way in your family’s life. You’ve said well in saying ” that none of what is happening hasn’t first been filtered through His love for us!” Cling to that Hope brother, whatever comes!
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of [my] hands; thy walls [are] continually before me. (Isaiah 49:15,16)
Amen.
November 13, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Sam,
Thank you for your prayers and words; they mean alot!
November 13, 2009 at 9:44 pm
My pup and I are still here Bobby.
Duane
November 14, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Thanks Duane, I appreciate your prayers!
November 14, 2009 at 8:12 pm
May the Lord our God be gracious to you, heal you of all your infirmities, and comfort and provide for you and for all of your family, in the name of our Lord and Saviour, His Son Jesus Christ.
November 14, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Thank you so much, Stefan; your prayers are much appreciated!
December 3, 2009 at 8:58 am
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