About
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Surprised by the name of the blog? Since being diagnosed with cancer, the most frequent question I have been asked is, “How are you feeling?”. My response, “I’m feeling well/great/good.” I am so grateful for the countless individuals who care and inquire. Periodically though I sense a tinge of skepticism in the voice of the person to whom I give this response.
This leaves me with the question, “How am I suppose to feel?”
Would you be shocked if I said I feel joy? Would you doubt my authenticity?
Scripture does after all say, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2, 3 NIV).
The definition for cancer when typed into google says, “The disease caused by the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.” These are cells that respond in an unexpected manner. They multiply at an accelerated rate.
The definition for joy from the same source says, “The feeling of great pleasure and happiness.”
Combine the two definitions?? “The uncontrolled feeling of abnormal pleasure and happiness.” Cancerous Joy. Joy that is unexpected and multiplies at an accelerated rate.
Cancerous joy.
Why?
Unlike cancer, from which we don’t really know the cause or origin, I do know the origin of my joy. My faith in a loving God whose son Jesus Christ has secured heaven both now and forever for me. Faith built on an authentic, candid relationship with Jesus.
Why?
I am already seeing God be glorified through allowing these circumstances to minister to others–both people I already know and new people I would have never met. If you want an opportunity to minister, then respond to unexpected circumstances in an unexpected way.
Why?
I believe God is providing me an opportunity to pursue new depths of intimacy with him.
This blog will be a journey of authenticity. It will be the full story as I walk the road of testicular cancer. If you don’t care to read the details of what some might consider personal, this may not be the blog for you to read. I believe that truth is liberating.
Despite the title of the blog, if I am not feeling joy, I will let you know. My prayer is though that struggle won’t rob me of joy–at this point, I don’t see how it can, but I will let you know.
As I write this, I have concern that some will assume that my response should be everyone’s response to cancer/unexpected circumstances. I can’t say that. Others may have a different process which is just as glorifying to God. In fact, I write this with a great sense of humility, recognizing I have no real idea what’s ahead.
All I can say for now though is…Cancerous Joy.
Cancerous Joy 
Andrew! May your cancerous joy be infectious! We will be following your blog, praying for you and praising with you! –Teni Tillery, Moss Bluff, LA
What joy and encouragement to read this. My husband is in remission from lung cancer but continues to have to deal with adverse results from the treatments. GOD bless you and those with whom you come in contact . Thanks for sharing.
Andrew, my mother had cancer twice, I know that it is a long battle, know that God is in control is the best encouragement I know. God bless you and know that I will be reading you blog.
My girlfriend in Jamaica HAD breast cancer and is now enjoying a cancer free life in the Lord – she’s up and about working both at church and her 9-5 job. God is the great healer and he never gives us more than we can bear. Pray on – there is a testimony out of this test. God Bless.
Andrew we are praying for you for healing and for your witness through this period of trial. You know how special you are to us. We love you and are happy to be able to follow you on this journey. Love you Donna and Tom Yeakley
What a beautiful testimony!
Andrew- you have blessed me and Kevin in many ways through your friendship and ministry. I would expect nothing less- than for you to respond to your news in this way. God shines through you and you are a true reflection of Christ- thanks for all that you do for others- we will cover you in prayer. You have remained steadfast in your ministry and continues to be a great role model for the kids. We love you! Kevin and Christi Miller – Moss Bluff
I look forward to walking with you through this journey…reading your blogs, praying for you. Please let us know what else you need that will help you. Love these words from today!
“Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, and again I say, “Rejoice”. Phil 1:4
Andrew – Your Christian maturity inspires and amazes me. My prayers are with you. Love to you and your family. Marsha
Praying for you often. Psalm 121! Much love and may prayers going up from Calvary-Dothan.
Pam
I count it a joy to be able to follow your blog!! This joy you have the world didn’t give and the world can’t take it away. Continued joy Andrew and you shall be lifted in prayer often by me , my family and co-workers.
Andrew–thinking of you and praying for you today. Proverbs 10:25
Taylor
I will be praying for you and your family at Graffiti 2. The Lord is in control and He will bless as you go through this journey with Him. Carolyn Rushing New Braunfels, Texas
Thinking of you often & praying!
Know you are in my prayers.
Cancerous joy. Good stuff. I did the chemo and radiation thing 14 years ago. It revolutionized my relationship with Jesus. And with people too.
I prayed for you this morning. And I’ll continue to do so.
I will keep reading your blog, and keep praying for you. May you never loose God’s words. He believes you are one of his strongest soldiers. We never know why, or the end results till they come. So stay strong, and true.
Andrew thanks for telling me about your blog. I should have set up one but I don’t know how. I am very interested in what is going on with you. I was diagnosed with malanma inside my body last Sep. I have actually been sick since last April and took time to figure out what is going on. What I have is rare, it was from head to toe. 2/3 is gone. We are praising God for His healing. Thanks Andrew for your prayers. Lots of people are praying for me and we are so GRATEFUL. I really like your attitude. I am like you I wanted God to be glorified through me being sick. We told our children from day one that we wanted to live life to the fullest and have laughter in our house as long as we possible could. Andrew there may be days that are hard, but I can assure you God will never leave or forsake you. Nothing can seperate you from the love of God. I know you know that but wanted to share these are verses that I have held on to in my darkest days and I have had some dark days. Keep trusing in God I believe He will heal you. God is healing me and WE are so Thankful. I will keep in touch. Hope this isn’t too much about me , but we are praising God for what He has done in my likfe and I feel God is going to do the same for you. May God Bless in all you. Love in Jesus Christ Martha Mize, NC
Cancerous joy!!! Thank you for your faith and love of our merciful savior. My sis survived non hotchins lymphoma….there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t give her praise to Jesus and knew that by His stripes she would be healed. Her life has been changed forever!
Your joy in this journey will be an important step to recovery. Bath in God’s love!!!
Andrew, as I read your testimony/blog I sob with with tears. Tears of joy, tears of being scared, tears of envy. Envy at your courageous attitude, fortitude and tremendous faith in our Lord!
I pray that God will grant me your same strength and faith in the event of an unforeseen circumstance. Know that I will be praying for you. From the first day I met you, you inspired me with courage and hope. Know that you still continue to do so, even more now.
May God Bless you!!!!! Cynthia
Andrew, you are so in tune with God. I love the way you have taken the definitions of cancer and joy, combining them, to create a unique name for your Blog. Our daughter, Pattie, has been fighting the big “C” for six years. She definitely relies on her Faith in God, to get her through the struggles and side effects of chemo. I hope the following verse will give you some encouragement. What Cancer Cannot Do! Cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple love – It cannot shatter hope It cannot destroy peace – It cannot kill friendship – It cannot suppress memories – It cannot silence courage – It cannot invade the soul – It cannot steal eternal life – It cannot conquer the spirit.(Anonymous) Don and I are praying for you as you continue the fight with the big “C”.
Andrew, please know that Bluefield College students are praying for you. God has used you to bless us in so many ways over the years. We love you and believe in the God who is at work in and through you.
What a blessing you have given us! I just want to reach out to you and tell u my wife Jill and I are praying for you that you keep experiencing God’s love an His joy. May u stay in His grip! Ronn from PB
What a blessing you have given us! I just want to reach out to you and tell u my wife Jill and I are praying for you that you keep experiencing God’s love an His joy. May u stay in His grip! Ronn
I’ve known u for a while now and i know u r strong but 2 face cancer with the Lord u r one strong guy.
Andrew, what a blessing cancerous joy has been for all of us to keep up with you. Again, you are an amazing young man and I know God is smiling down on you! Just know we are lifting you up in prayer and praying for God’s healing. All of us here in PB love you! Wish I could be there to give you a big hug! Love you!
Andrew – you are in our prayers as you walk this path of cancerous joy! I praise God for the infectious grace He has given you that enables you to walk this path with courage. I have walked this path alongside a precious sister who had ovarian cancer and she taught me a lot about courage and faith — I’ve never had cancer but I know now that if I ever do – I have had incredible role models in Christ — and I am adding you as one of them! The BCM students at North GA College & State University and Young Harris College here in GA will be praying for you and following your journey! We will spread the JOY with you!! Your sister in Christ – Von
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO USE YOU ALL THROUGH THIS ORDEAL HE HAS AND WILL SEE YOU THROUGH!!!!! STEVE HARLESS!!!
Looking forward to how the Lord glorifies Himself through you in this season of life! He has already used it/you to minister to me…once again! Blessings Andrew
Our children at Olivet Baptist, Milton, FL are praying for you.
Andrew, thank you for your joy and your sharing this journey with us, so that we may pray and be encouraged through what God is doing through this in your life. Our children and youth at our church will be praying for you as well as our family.
Bonnie Carter
Missouri
Andrew and Jaunita: Glen and I have you in our thoughts and prayers tonight as you prepare for surgery, and for rapid recouperation. You are special to us and more special to our Heavenly Father, the Great Physician. Take care. Love Gayla and Glen
Praying for you as you go through surgery today! You are an amazing man of God and I’m blessed to call you my friend!
Praying that your recovery from this sx will be smooth and everything about this experience will be for your good and His glory. Love and prayers from Calvary Baptist, Dothan.
Your testimony of faith reflects that Christian you’ve been since you were a very small child. Your Christian ways were apparent as a 6 year old soccer player on my little team many years ago. You’ve always been a model for all of us! Ken and I lift you up in our prayers and believe God will use you as he always has–a beacon for all of us. God Bless as you fight the good fight!
Andrew,
Praying often for your full and speedy recovery, my friend. You are ever an inspiration and a source of encouragement to many. Bless you!
Steve
The Lord knows what a good person you are , how much you do for others and how much you are needed. May the Lord continue to bless you with a quick and full recovery.
I am praying for you friend. I pray your strength and courage inspire others. You will defeat this because our God is unbeatable!
How thankful I am to be able to say, “I know Andrew!” You’re a fighter, always have been, and although you didn’t go to Baylor after all, I care for you.
Andrew you are a blessing and an inspiraration.I look forward to serving with you in the future brother.Praise the Lord
just want you to know i have experienced this joy!! God is Good. When He is in control, there is no need to worry!