C2D1

Josh began his second cycle of chemo this morning. We are learning a new vocabulary in this journey, and by the end, we just might acquire a degree in a new language. Our handy calendar, which was given to us a few weeks ago, includes the treatment schedule. They abbreviate it like this: C2D1 (which stands for Cycle Two Day One).

The past week went much smoother for Josh. He had more energy (maybe more than me), a bigger appetite, and was even able to go to the office, have a few meetings, and be all together more “normal.” He was even able to return to our nightly bedtime rituals with the kids, which is anything but quiet, and it sounds like stampeding elephants meeting the apocalypse from downstairs. If you have ever been to our home around this time, you fully understand what I’m explaining. The kids have to be careful around their daddy’s port, so it’s about 10 percent milder in bedtime rituals than normal.

We’re learning that the chemo routine is a bit of a mind game where you feel lousy for a few days, and just when you start to feel better, the cycle starts all over again. Nevertheless, we’re grateful to be past the crazy of two weeks ago, which also included getting Josh’s port installed and not even 18 hours later going in for his first round of chemo. The tenderness of the port area was still painful last time and the emotions were high.

Josh and I are hopeful that this cycle might be smoother overall. He went for another Nutritional IV this past week to help support his body during the harshness of chemo. Monday, we went to an almost two-hour consultation with another incredible doctor, this time an oncology radiologist. We continue to be amazed at the incredible team surrounding Josh during this time. This doctor and his nurse/intake worker spent quality time with us, helping us see some options with radiology. There is a chance that following chemo that Josh will most likely need either surgery and radiation or one or the other. Who knows, there might be other options available as we get closer to that point as well. The goal is obviously to shrink and get rid of the cancer and prevent it from coming back. This is all a big waiting game, and we are definitely learning so much in trusting in our all-seeing, all-knowing God through it all.

Josh came home today after treatment with his fancy man-purse, which sounds like a meowing kitty every couple of minutes. We keep thinking our cat, Belle, is talking to us. He will go back Friday to have the pump disconnected, and that will complete this second cycle. Our friend Hailey stitched Josh a special patch to go on his bag, highlighting one of our favorite worship songs right now. We didn’t have a chance to properly put it on the bag today, but our nurse Leo helped temporarily secure it with special tape.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, notes, meals, lawn mowing, and play dates for our kids. We don’t know how people would get through these times without the Lord and an amazing team.

I had Addy take a picture of our scripture wall, my sister-in-love Abbie and I are creating. These are the scriptures that so many of you have sent us over the last several weeks.

This is Josh using the keyboard to send greetings (I sound like the Apostle Paul at the close of a letter!).

Thank you for all the prayers. Your prayers are breaking through the dark fog and the moments of isolation that cancer brings with it. The Lord has me and us on this journey for some reason but we have the backing of the best army in the universe, GOD’S ARMY! This cancer doesn’t stand a chance with you all. No matter what God is in control and sustaining us as well.

Blessings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May you find peace, salvation and strength in the powerful name of Jesus.

This battle belongs to the Lord and as we have been studying in Joshua, we have to fight these battles but the Lord is there with us and has not forsaken us.

-Josh