Category: Uncategorized

Thank you all for your prayers today that our insurance would approve a needed injection to help boost Josh’s white blood cell count. The Lord has answered those prayers and moved within the doctor’s communication to the insurance. Josh’s count was even lower today, as expected, so we are very grateful that he was able to get the shot. Today was long with two trips to his clinic, and he will need to return tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday to get additional shots. Please continue to pray for his stamina and perseverance.

Josh’s injections help to lower the risk of infection in people who are receiving chemotherapy and will help to produce more white blood cells.

We’re also trying to focus on good, clean eating, too. Lots of lean proteins, greens, some berries, and citrus for their benefits, cutting out sugar, etc. Not totally different from how we typically try to eat, but also watching carbs. Years ago, we cut out toxic seed oils and only use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. I probably bum my kids out because I don’t like to buy processed foods and have them in our home. I don’t even like to buy Goldfish (sorry, kids). We’re not perfect, but I know we see a big difference when we don’t eat the junk. Of course, there is balance and moderation in all these things; these are just choices we make for what is in our own home.

We would like to leave you with something that has been encouraging our family in this season. We’ve been fans of Shane and Shane and Worship Initiative, and their worship albums for a long time. They released a DEVO app that has been fun to listen to Monday- Friday. They sing one of their worship songs acoustically and encourage those who listen in the Word of God with some corresponding thoughts and Scripture related to the song. We’ve been encouraged and edified the past two weeks with this and wanted to share it with all of you. If you’re interested in doing these DEVO’s with us, go to your app store and search “Daily Devo” (Worship Initiative). They will text you Monday to Friday with the Devo of the day. We hope you’ll be encouraged by this sweet time with the Lord and other believers.

Here’s a link to join:

https://app.theworshipinitiative.com/devotional-app

When Josh received his second treatment of chemo Wednesday, his doctor let us know that his white blood cell count was a little low. She wasn’t overly concerned and said he’s been a little on the low end, but that in order to receive chemo, his number would need to be a little higher. We proceeded with chemo that day, and she scheduled him to receive a shot today when he went in to have his pump disconnected. The shot would help boost his white blood cell count before his next treatment.

Today, Josh went in to have his pump disconnected and to temporarily say goodbye to his man-purse. His doctor let him know that they had been fighting with our insurance over the necessary shot he was to receive today. Our insurance wouldn’t approve it unless his number was even lower. Talk about a catch-22. We don’t want his number to be too low to prevent him from receiving chemo, but our insurance needs his number to be lower so they can approve the necessary shot! Make it make sense!

So, now Josh will need to go in for another blood draw on Monday morning. His doctor believes his number will be lower, and they will again try to have the shot approved by our insurance.

Prayer warriors, please pray that our insurance will approve this shot without any further delay!

A very special thank you to our dear Idaho friends, the Hawes’, who came and spent special time with our kids yesterday and helped transport Josh to his appointment today while I got Addy ready for her dance dress rehearsal. Addy’s friend “B” even got to help with Addy’s makeup! And a big thank you to Uncle Joey and family for loving our Josiah extra today!

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

Let me begin by once again stating how wonderfully overwhelmed we are with all of the prayers, hugs, and intentional care. We are truly being sustained by it all. I’m so grateful for friends who helped give our kiddos some awesome friend time today, while Josh and I went to have his pump disconnected and for him to receive an iron infusion.

The day started super rough with lots of nausea, heavy exhaustion and just overall yuck. Josh slept here and there but didn’t have much of an appetite for much of the day. Those of you that have walked this road know how excruciating it is to watch someone you love totally not be their normal self. I found myself doing normal things around the house and helping our kids try to finish up our homeschool year (whatever that means) and then being totally saddened to see Josh the way he was. I know it was just one of those days where we are all adjusting to a bit of a new norm.

God has been so good to send us incredible nurses in this journey. I mean, I loved nurses before this but I have a whole new respect for this job. And having seen my mom and dad go through countless health trials over the years and the teams that have surrounded them is quite humbling to say the least. These people do incredible work day in and day out. It can’t be easy working with cancer patients either. I’m amazed by their grace, patience and joy they exude.

In Josh’s normal chemo weeks (every other week), he won’t be going through quite as much as he did this week. Getting that port installed on Monday and then immediately beginning chemo the next day was rough. His wound from the port was still super tender. His normal routine will be chemo and then bringing the pump in the bag home for two days and then returning to have the pump disconnected. With the iron infusion today, that added about an hour to about a half hour that it normally will be to disconnect the pump.

And, of course, for our son Josiah, who has become a Marvel fan, we have to call dad IRON MAN!! He mustered up this IRON MAN smile for this picture and that was great to see!

I’m glad to report that about the time we were leaving, Josh was beginning to perk up just a bit more. Tonight the nausea is slightly better too. Since the port bandages are half way off now, he’s closer to being free completely and in a few days he can fully submerge for a shower. Praying tonight can be really restful.

I’m so thankful for so many offering to bring us meals and for those that already have! I now have three people offering to set up a meal train for us, so I just might be saying yes to that soon! Josh has some restrictions to his diet too, so I’m hoping that won’t be too complicated! This week especially has been so helpful to not have to worry about one more thing. Next week is his off week and if all goes as planned, his next treatment is June 4 bright and early.

And thank you to the two friends who let me cry today and for amazing hugs when I was dropping our kiddos off. Some days this whole thing is more overwhelming than others. The kids and I were able to wrap up our last co-op of the school year yesterday. Pastor Josh was a part of our year and it was very hard for him to not be there as normal, helping with set up, making coffee and catching up with the kids! I decided to facetime him from our Assembly (I might have lost it then too) and that was so sweet to have the kids say a quick hello to him.

Would you all please also pray for some dear friends who are walking through similar roads as us right now. Please pray for Luke, Jim, Bryan, Uncle Brent, Doug…I’m sure we all know someone walking through scary health diagnoses. We feel like people are coming out of the wood work who are experiencing cancer.

Seasons like this sure make me long for that day when Jesus returns to make all things new, no more sickness, disease, or pain. I truly can’t imagine going through the ugly evils of this world without the Lord. I had worship music playing in the background of our home this morning and it was such a comfort, sweet reminders of who our God and that he is here with us in all of this.

Anna

Well today was my first chemo treatment. What an emotional day it was. While traveling, lab work, and hook up, I cried a few times, not out of pain, but out of the support we have received from people. My phone was blowing up with texts, emails and messages on Facebook. Everything hit me in that moment. There was a bit of anxiety, but honestly I was moved to tears with all the love and support.

The day was long. We arrived at 9:00 am at OHSU Knight Center in Tualatin. We met with my doctor, accessed the port that was installed on Monday, did some labs, and connected me to steroids, folic acid and some other fun stuff before the chemo even began! The routine of meds were some pre-medicine, like short term and long term nausea medicine, folic acid (this is to help the chemo drug be absorbed by the body) along with oxaliplatin which was infused for the next 2 hours! Anna and I left the clinic around 3:30 pm.

During the infusions I was able to get up to walk a little. If you know me you know I don’t like to sit for long. The bummer thing was I was not allowed to go outside so I paced the clinic racetrack a few times. Tried to nap a few times but a visitor with the patient next door kept bumping my chair through the curtain, which prevented me from sleeping. After my walk, we scootched the chair, which immediately got the nurses attention and they asked if I needed help.

If you pull the curtain around your chair you can take you mask off while you’re connected, which we did after a bit. Anna packed some snacks for us and we both attempted some reading and work, as well as answering some messages.

Before leaving I was given a pump that is pumping a drug called 5FU or Fluorouracil over the next 45 hours. Fun stuff! Here is me holding up my man purse carrying the lethal cancer drug….you are on notice cancer…you WILL BE KILLED!!!

It was a big day to get started-everything before was leading to this day which is also why it was such an emotional day. We continue to be floored by the extraordinary nurses who have been caring for me and also checking in with Anna. Our Nurse Navigator, Lisa has been especially helpful and full of empathy. Our nurse Sarah walked with us from our time coming in yesterday, doing the blood work (dealing with my flinching and sensitivity from just getting my port installed), and then walked with us throughout the treatment procedure. These ladies are extremely gifted with the ability to care for patients in such crazy stages of their lives and through scary diagnoses’.

When we did our laps around the room, you could tell many people were there in varying stages of their disease and some were receiving IV treatment too. Almost every patient had someone with them keeping them company. Some were able to take naps during the treatment, others played games or read a book.

Many times over the last few days people told me it was okay to be emotional and if I was not they would be a little worried. The team of professionals that the Lord has brought around us is incredible and I am forever grateful for their love and care for not only me but Anna and our kids as well. Anna has been a trooper and I could not ask for a better partner going through this. My love for my wife is deeper than it has ever been. Love you, sweetie.

I have experienced a bit of the neuropathy symptoms as a response to the chemo. I can’t eat or touch cold things or even put my hand in a fridge or freezer and I get a weird sensation in my extremities. We are keeping gloves by the fridge in case I need (a suggestion by our nurse). I’m only drinking room temp water. I’ve been through a few plastic water bottles, but yesterday, Anna started filling mason jars with water from the fridge and leaving them on the counter to get to room temp. I cycle through those and am really trying to stay hydrated. So far my stomach has been mostly good and I’m grateful. I’m tired and often fall asleep on the couch. Getting rest is really hard for me sometimes, as I like to keep active, but this is sure humbling me to know I have real limitations.

I think having the kids see my new set up and my new man purse was a bit alarming for them. But we are making sure to have lots of conversations and check in’s as we go. I know it’s hard when a lot of people have a certain perception of cancer and it’s side affects because we all know people who have had cancer. We’re juggling the opinions and suggestions and experiences with our own and assuring the kids that just because they overhear someone’s experience, doesn’t mean it is ours. Cancer and it’s affects can definitely vary per person. And while people obviously mean well, it can be a lot for little ears to hear.

Thank you all for the love, prayers and support. You are all part of my team as well and you are so much needed in this journey!

Talk soon,

Josh

Josh and I were able to get away for two nights to the Oregon Garden, thanks to my in-laws. Only took us a few years to use the gift they gave us (we’re awful at getting away). On the 26th, we celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary. We’re so grateful for this much needed time away, especially right before the start of a busy week and difficult season we are entering into. The walk in the beautiful garden, enjoying downtown quaint Silverton and several rounds of Phase 10 were just what was needed.

Yesterday our sweet church body prayed over us after service. This fellowship has been so wonderful in countless ways.

This afternoon, Josh got his port installed. We again had an amazing team of nurses and a doctor. Everyone was so kind and even had just the right amount of humor to keep our spirits light. The actual procedure was only 15 minutes. But they had to do more blood work and with prep time and recovery time, we were at the hospital about five hours. Josh did great but wasn’t a fan of the burning lidocaine.

When we got home some dear friends brought us a delicious dinner that really hit the spot and another dear friend brought yummy treats. Our tummy’s and our hearts are full with all of this love. We are just marveling at the Lord’s goodness and provision.

Tonight, the pain is more evident and Josh has been icing the wound area. We have to be at the oncologist tomorrow at 9 am for his first treatment. Tomorrow will be a little bit of a longer day and we are praying that his body tolerates the treatment well. He’s been such a trooper all day, nerves and pain and all. Please continue to pray for him this week and all that is before him. We are truly being sustained by all of the prayer, support and love.

We continue to be so blessed by the enormous support and prayers surrounding our family daily. Our dear neighbors have blown us out of the water by bringing over delicious meals, and we continue to receive such beautiful notes of encouragement. We can’t thank you all enough. I have found myself in tears a lot lately, just pretty overwhelmed by all of this love.

I wanted to briefly update you on some important dates moving forward. This Wednesday, Josh will receive a nutritional IV from his naturopath to help support his immune system before his first round of chemo next week. After much prayer, consideration, and consulting the advice of trusted individuals in our lives, we believe this will be a good move to help his body throughout the brutal process of chemo. While the job of chemo is to attack the cancer, we also want to be proactive to help his good cells be as healthy as they can.

Josh will have his port put in on Monday (May 19th). The procedure isn’t that long, but it will require us to be at the hospital for a few hours. The following day, the 20th, Josh will have his first chemo treatment. As you probably know, this will be a longer day (about 6 hours). He will go home with a machine that we will go back on the 23rd to have removed and receive an iron infusion on that day.

Please continue to pray for Josh through this process. This is obviously new territory, and chemo can be a scary word. Pray for his heart and mind throughout this process. Pray for the Lord’s faithful peace to cover his body. Pray for the chemo to help shrink the cancer and for the IV’s to help support his body in good, thriving ways. And continue to pray for healing! We know our God can heal Josh’s body if that is his will. And if not, we know and believe that there is a purpose in this cancer. Pray for our faith to expand in this process. We don’t want to miss what God is doing here and all he is capable of doing in his sovereignty. We know he is continuing to write this story, and he never plays games with our hearts. Help us to know His heart and to have a bigger picture of his character throughout this. We are clinging to what is true and trusting who God has always been in the unknowns. It’s not easy by any means. I don’t want to see my husband have to walk through this. This is where I want to keep reminding our souls of Truth, because it can be really easy to believe the lies in our humanness.

We value your prayers so much!

Anna

With the breezy spring mornings upon us a few mornings ago, I enjoyed some fresh air coming through our home. Josh had left for the office, and our kids were still sleeping. Homeschool life these days has meant that they go to bed probably too late and wake up also probably too late. But I honestly haven’t minded the different pace in the morning, especially with all that is going on. I was able to spend some time with the Lord through my Bible Recap study that I’ve been doing with a group of teen girls. Then I played some worship music while I got the coffee going, laundry started, bed made, and all the things that come in a day. This morning was a beautiful reminder of the character of our God, his heart for his people, and the worship he deserves. I found myself being super reflective and a little teary thinking about the entire relationship Josh and I have shared together. My mind wandered through years of youth ministry together, our dating relationship and marriage, our time with our foster daughter, getting our pup Cocoa, and walking through the eventual and precious parenting years together of our two kiddos.

I had this wonderful, comforting realization that God has always been faithful and He always will be. Some dear friends, who walked through the heavy loss of their daughter a few years ago, gifted us a journal with their daughter’s favorite verse printed on the cover: “Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). They encouraged us to do what they wished they had been better at doing in their grief: to journal ways we have seen the Lord at work, even through the pain and trials, to always remember who God is and that He is with us in the midst of all that is going on.

One night, about two weeks after Josh’s diagnosis, we took about 45 minutes as a family to write and reflect on this journey thus far. Addy and I took turns writing down ways we have seen the Lord use our circumstances for His glory. The list was already about 5 pages long over the course of two weeks. Now, several weeks in, there are countless ways our prayers are being answered. We are grateful for the friend who said, “I’m not asking, I’m telling you I’m going to be bringing you some meals this week to help out.” We’re overwhelmed by the kindness of a friend who drove from Idaho to come and pray with us before Josh’s MRI and CT Scan, and the sweet friend who delivered a hot meal to us after a long day of these tests. The numerous texts, phone calls, emails, and cards we’ve received saying that people are praying for us, and the hugs have meant the world. We have an incredibly supportive family who have been intentional in checking in and offering support, and our beautiful church body has wrapped us up in so much love and encouraging words. Sweet neighbors have given us hugs and shoulders to cry on and other friends have gifted us intentional books for our hearts and minds. And just today, Josh came home and showed me a GoFundMe page that a fellow pastor friend set up for us without us knowing about it. We are just so overwhelmed by all of this kindness.

I can’t imagine doing this alone, and my heart breaks for those who may not have that same support. No one should have to walk through scary diagnoses like cancer alone.

We have said that this is the month of “wait and see.” We’ve had appointments and tests and there’s a lull of waiting in between for plans to be made for treatment. We’re not sure what to plan exactly in our normal lives with our family and ministry, but we’re learning to trust the Lord in a new way through all of this. I’m so proud of my husband through all of this. He’s been a trooper through awkward tests and drinking strange solutions, and weird things happening to his body. We’re learning more about that whole “In sickness and in health” bit from our marriage vows, for sure!

Cancer is no respecter of persons. We were told by Josh’s surgeon recently that just five years ago, the treatment would have looked much different for his cancer. The reality is that we live in a world with brokenness, disease, and pain. None of this is God’s original heart for his creation. And this isn’t how the story will end.

As friends and family share scriptures with us, my sister-in-law, Abbie and I have written them down on watercolored paper. We created a wall in our dining room/kitchen of all of these scriptures for us to reflect on and be reminded of the truth. I’m doing my best to write them down as we receive them to add to our wall.

Prayer Points:

Please pray for health for our family as we have some colds going on and want Josh to be as good as he can before beginning chemo. So far Josh is safe!

Pray for details and scheduling to come together for chemo and that we can develop a rhythm before and after chemo that will be helpful for Josh and our responsibilities.

We found out today that Josh’s port for chemo will be put in on Monday, the 19th, and we suspect chemo will begin that week. We also learned yesterday that the chemo schedule will be once every other week, for twelve weeks. There’s a decent likelihood that surgery will be needed after that.

Please pray for doctors and nurses, technicians, secretaries, and everyone we come in contact with during this process. Pray that our witness will be consistent and one that points to the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, even through this.

Please pray for our kids as they are processing and will probably see their daddy go through some tough physical days with limitations they haven’t been used to seeing in him. Pray for Josh to mentally know that those limitations are for a season, and to know that He is loved by so many, not just for what he does, but for who he is. Pray for him to know that limitations are not a weakness, but yet another way that God can be glorified through his life, and that his life absolutely has meaning and significance, despite not being able to do his normal things.

Thank you for praying and for your incredible support. It truly means so much, and with our hope in the Lord, we are being sustained and held in such abundant ways.

Anna 🙂

On Wednesday, April 23, I had an appointment with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Tualatin. WOW…amazing. My oncologist is top-notch. So friendly and genuinely concerned about my health and comfort. Anna came prepared to take notes, but they actually had a notetaker assigned to be in the room, so we could focus and hear things well. They were incredible and made sure to take the time to answer any questions we had.

At this appointment, we were told that the tumor is between stages 1 and 2; so I am saying 1.5. This is great news. My doctor said that the treatment is very good for this tumor.

On May 1, my oncologist will present my case before the ‘cancer board’. Every Thursday, all the doctors working on my case will meet together to discuss the best course of action for treatment for my cancer. She said this is a great approach, as I not only have her expertise but have the expertise of many more doctors.

I was told that the week of May 5th, I would have a port installed so I can receive IVs and get blood draws more easily. The port will stay in for as long as I am in treatment, I am told.

My oncologist said that she is looking to do chemotherapy first, and at the time, is not sure about radiation. She is hopeful that the tumor will respond well to the treatment.

On April 28, I had a meeting with a surgeon to discuss the option of surgery to remove the tumor. He was fantastic. Again, super friendly and very understanding. He is going to be a great addition to my team. He said he will not be recommending surgery at this point and to lean on my oncologist and the OHSU team’s wisdom. He did confirm the size of the tumor.

He said that surgery is not a good first option because of where it is located. Unfortunately, the tumor can’t just be removed. Surgery would entail cutting the rectum in about the middle and having to reconstruct. It would mean a bag for about 3 months after that, as it is healing. We are praying that I can be in about the 20 to 30 percent of patients where chemo and radiation completely kill the cancer before surgery is needed.

Please pray for us as we move into the next phase of this journey. The Lord is good and we are learning to see his provisions and faithfulness every day.

I would also like to ask for prayer that financial aid will be approved at OHSU and at The Oregon Clinic. Insurance is paying, but as you know, insurance doesn’t pay for everything. We know the Lord will provide in amazing ways.

My family has been so blessed by all your prayers, texts and calls. We know the Lord is in this and his glory will be shown through it all. Galatians 1:5: “All glory to God forever and ever!”

I’ll leave you with the face of joy that Anna insisted she take to commemorate some fun procedures that I had to undergo after this. I will say, this experience has been humble in many ways thus far.

What a beautiful day it was! I hope you were able to enjoy the lovely weather.

As some of you might know, I had a couple of medical tests today—a MRI and a CT scan. I have to say, the team at Adventist Health Imaging was amazing! Throughout this whole experience, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by such kind and caring people.

This morning, Anna and I arrived at Adventist Health around 8:00 AM to check in at 8:45 AM. However, we ran into a bit of a surprising issue that could have spoiled our day. We found out that the CT scan we were expecting wasn’t scheduled. I had confirmed it with Michael from scheduling, who assured me everything was in place. But, to our surprise, it wasn’t in the system at all.

After we checked in, a wonderful staff member jumped into action to resolve the situation. She called my doctor to get the orders again, and then we needed to reach out to scheduling. Anna offered to handle that while I went in for the MRI.

When it was my turn, Rick, the technician, led me to a room where I could leave my belongings. Thankfully, Anna had taken care of all my metal items. I waited about five minutes for Jeremy, the tech who would conduct the MRI, to come and get me.

Jeremy was incredibly kind and explained what would happen during the procedure, including the IV they would use. He told me I was lucky since I would get to use their machine for the longest time they offer, which meant I’d be inside the machine for about an hour and forty-five minutes.

Once I was all set, I was given ear protection, and the procedure began. I’d heard that being in an MRI could be uncomfortable, but honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Even though I was fully inside the machine, I didn’t feel trapped or anxious. At first, I was a bit worried about the results, but then I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

During the scan, I found myself praying for various things: the procedure itself, the technicians helping me, that we could still schedule the CT scan, and, of course, for my family. About halfway through the MRI, I felt the Lord leading to pray for the people at Park Place. I envisioned our sanctuary and started to pray up and down the rows.

I truly believe that God was with me in that MRI machine, providing peace and comfort.

Once the MRI was complete, Rick and Jeremy prepped me for the next part. Jeremy worked on me while Rick shared some good news: they had resolved the scheduling issue for the CT scan, and Anna had the details.

After the MRI, they didn’t remove the IV from my arm since it would be used for the CT scan. Rick wrapped it up nicely and reminded me to stay calm until we could do the CT.

When I met up with Anna, she told me everything that had happened while I was undergoing the MRI. One of the MRI machines had malfunctioned, which surprisingly gave Rick the time he needed to help Anna arrange the CT scan. They managed to get us an appointment for 3:30 PM in Clackamas.

What started as a potential problem turned into a wonderful experience, and I saw the hand of God at work. The unexpected machine breakdown allowed Rick to help Anna, and it all unfolded perfectly.

Fast forward to 3:30 PM at the CT scan in Clackamas—everything went smoothly. I had to drink a strange liquid that would help the images show up better under the X-rays. Then John, the technician, explained what to expect. The CT machine looked somewhat like the MRI but worked a bit differently.

Finally, after 31 hours of fasting, I was able to go home and eat!

We have some preliminary results from MyChart and some research I did on Google. The findings are in line with what I suspected and what my doctors had suggested. I will wait for the official confirmation, but I’m relieved to share that the cancer hasn’t spread to my lymph nodes and hasn’t breached the wall of my colon. PRAISE THE LORD!

My next appointment is set for April 28 with a surgeon. I’m still working on finding an oncologist, so I’d appreciate your prayers that this comes together soon.

God is good. Despite the challenges today, everything turned out wonderfully, and I’m grateful for the amazing people in my life. I feel incredibly blessed by all your love, support, and prayers.

Blessings to you all,

-Pastor Josh