C4D1

Leading up to Josh’s fourth cycle of chemo was eventful! We had some sickness in the family this week. It began with the kiddos and passed on to me. We did our best to keep things wiped down and clean at home so as not to expose Josh. At the end of the week, Josh seemed to start not feeling great, and we were worried it might affect his ability to have his next treatment, especially since his white blood cell count was low. He had horrible sinus pain for 4 days; worried of a sinus infection. He woke up on Tuesday with zero pain, like nothing had been the problem the days before; this was an absolute miracle to have no pain as he did the days before! We are so thankful to report that Josh’s numbers were beautiful yesterday, and he could have his treatment! Thanks be to God!

Josh acknowledged to his doctor and nurses yesterday his gratitude to the Lord through all of this. Yes, the Lord provided this shot to improve his white blood cells, and yes, the Lord continued to work within his body. Josh also said we have an incredible support system. Our church body and leadership have told Josh that if he just can’t make a Sunday he is supposed to preach, they have coverage for him. They want him to focus on getting better. He continues to work mostly from home, making occasional trips to the office. Our wonderful church admin, Rachael has been phenomenal holding things down there and we are so thankful for her.

This is not something we take lightly; we know that many receive their treatments and need to head back to work. This whole process has made us so grateful and also aware of what a journey like cancer can be, the toll it can take on personal mental health, family life, jobs, and commitments. We don’t ever want to become shallow in our understanding of this. It has taken so many people coming around us to make this burden and season a little less heavy. I’m sure we all know someone or multiple people going through a trying health crisis in their lives. How we choose to show up during these times can truly make all the difference. And what about those who don’t have a deadline for their trial, but they still endure? How can we support those dear ones in our lives?

Josh’s neuropathy after treatment continues to be his biggest symptom. I found him some special gloves that are made for neuropathy, and he has been wearing those. He still has a large window after treatment where he can’t go into a fridge without the gloves on, and also drinks lukewarm water. Coldness does weird things to him. He’s described it as if your leg is asleep, that tingling feeling, but fairly constant.

These charts will help you see how drastically low his numbers got and, as of yesterday, how high they had spiked! We were told the long-acting shot slowly releases over time.

Because his numbers are good, his doctor will not be giving him the shot for boosting his white blood cell count tomorrow when we go in to disconnect. Most likely, he will need it the following round in two weeks.

Thank you for the amazing support and prayers. What an awesome team the Lord has surrounded us with.

The words of Josh:

Thank you so much to everyone from all over the world (seriously he have people all over praying). Your prayers are working. Being halfway through this we are anticipating, Lord willing, some great news that the tumor is gone. We are praying that the chemo melts the tumor and it will be gone from my body and nothing else is needed.

Also, want to acknowledge as Anna pointed out that this journey has been difficult for someone like me who is very active and loves helping others. During this time I have needed others to help me do things I normally do and feel weird in asking for help. But what I seen is that people are wanting to help and that brings joy knowing people can use their gifts to bless the family. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR CARE, SHOWING UP, HELPING AND YOUR REACHING OUT!!

By the way, thank you to those who are committed to making those port pillows! I am loving mine and looking forward to delivering the pillows to the clinic soon! If you have some made please bring to the church! I would be blessed to take whatever we can but honestly I would love to see 500 port pillows delivered to the clinic! Can we do that?? I think we can! If you want to do a port pillows sewing project at the church we can arrange that-reach out to Rachael in the office to schedule that and to publicize that!

Love you all so much!

Pastor Josh