C5D1

Another one bites the dust! Chemo round 5 is in the books (with disconnect day tomorrow). We are grateful to be this far and are hoping and praying that the tumor is not only shrinking but is going to be absolutely gone when scans are done after the last round in a few weeks.

Josh’s neuropathy pain began once again while he was still in the chair yesterday (pretty normal), hence the stellar-looking black gloves he’s sportin’. And he’s back playing the mental game after having about 3 or 4 pretty good days of reprieve prior to this round beginning. This is the new (hopefully temporary) norm.

I’m so grateful that Josh was up for preaching on Sunday. His last sermon was on Father’s Day. We’re so grateful the Lord has been healing him from the cold/cough he had for a few weeks.

His white blood cell count was once again pretty low yesterday, as was expected since he didn’t have the shot for that last round. So, when he gets disconnected tomorrow, he will once again need the long-term shot to help raise his levels.

Six rounds of chemo is what was determined at the beginning, so after this next round, he will receive two scans to determine next steps. Please pray with us for the miracle of this tumor being completely gone and next steps won’t even be needed! Josh has been sharing the Lord and how he is working throughout this process and we believe that whatever the outcome, God is still working in the midst of this story.

I don’t think we have shared on the blog yet, but our kids decided several weeks ago to name the tumor. This is a way they are processing all of this and (if you know our family) even providing a little comic relief. I had purchased some shoes for Josh on Amazon for him to try on. The brand name of the shoes was “Bruno Marc” (not to be confused with the singer, Bruno Mars). I ended up needing to return the shoes because they didn’t fit. So, because the shoes weren’t wanted and didn’t work, the kids decided to name the tumor Bruno Marc because the they don’t want the tumor and have given it an eviction notice.

Josiah decided to make Josh a Lego scene for Father’s Day. The idea was that the tumor (Bruno Marc) was being attacked by these fierce-some looking Lego men with fire and weapons. His card included sentiments like “Kick Cancer’s Butt” and “Kill Bruno Marc.” For weeks, we’ve been telling the nurses at Josh’s clinic all about Bruno and the Lego’s. Josh was able to take a picture of the scene, and we got it printed out to bring to the nurses and doctors. I’ve included the pictures below. The nurses and doctors were blown away by what Josiah created. Yesterday, it hit me like it was something out of play therapy, and the nurses agreed. They were amazed at how both of our kids have been processing their Dad’s cancer. The pictures are now hung in the nurses’ station as a little image of hope and even a little humor.

Thank you all for your continued prayers. We have heard from a few friends who are also going through very difficult health trials or have family members who are. God has been working beautifully through all of these stories. Some are experiencing healing, reprieve, and good results, and this has been so awesome to hear. We’re encouraged by this news.

A dear friend sent us some song lyrics the other day, reminiscent of our time at Multnomah Bible College. I want to leave you with some of those lyrics to encourage your hearts.

“My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed;

I trust the ever living One,

His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument,

I need no other plea,

It is enough that Jesus saves and that he died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,

This ends my fear and doubt;

A sinful soul I come to Him,

He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word,

The living Word of God,

Salvation by my Savior’s Name,

Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick,

The lost He came to save;

For me His precious blood He shed,

For me His life He gave.”