It was a month ago today that Christen found out about her osteosarcoma. The time before the cancer feels like a different life in so many ways for all of us. Cancer turns your world upside down. And yet we have seen some amazing things in the last month, not the least of which has been the way you all have rallied around us to provide much needed support. Words can't even begin to express how much that means to each of us. We want you to know this even though we haven't been able to speak with each of you in person. We have been so very busy that there are many phone calls that we have wanted to make, but simply have not had enough time.
We were able to get a "new to us" mini-van which will be much more comfortable for Christen on her trips to and from the hospital over the next year. Thanks to God for providing it for us. He has provided just what we have needed at the right times. We have been very blessed to be surrounded by wonderful folks who have been the hands and feet of Jesus in our lives through these difficult days.
Christen is still feeling nauseated today and is very discouraged about it. She wants to feel better but just has not been able to do so. We are all learning about chemo and a variety of new/different issues keep cropping up which require us to learn something else about caring for someone having chemo-therapy. We are growing in our understanding through first hand experience why it is that those who have been through this before feel so deeply about what Christen is experiencing. It is difficult, and there is no away around it. But it is during these times when we get to see God at work in a special way, and our hearts are more open to what He is doing. Suffering is a strange thing. It is so difficult, and yet it through God brings about so much good. Who wants to endure it, or who would choose it? Yet, our loving Father knows that we need it, and just how to use it in each of our lives. May we trust that He knows what is best for each one us.
Christen's central line has started to develop an infection (it seems) at the entry point. The doctor said to watch it closely. Please pray that the redness will clear up. If it becomes worse she will need go back to UVA to have it treated. An item of praise is that Christen has been 2 days straight without actually throwing up, in spite of the nausea!!
We have started a web photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/seldad8/Christen with some pictures we have taken along the way of some of the lighter moments that we have enjoyed. Enjoy. We'll be adding more to it as time passes.
Steve & Debbie
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5 comments:
"Weep with those who weep and reoice with those who rejoice." We are with you along this journey. It is such a privilege to journey with you. We certainly are praying that "vomit bucket' gets less use and for healing of this possible infection. Thank you for sharing your hearts and lives!
Loved the photos! We continue to pray.
We will pray that the possible infection does not progress any further, and goes away completely. Christen, we pray for you every single day, many times. We love you.
Love all the pics. It's so neat seeing everyone. Thanks also for identifying each person as I don't know some of them, and wouldn't recognize others.
I really appreciate your sharing your illness with everyone and giving me the privilege to pray to our God who cares for you, Christen, and family.
Hi Christen...I saw you at church but did not get to say hi or give you a hug. I'm glad that you were able to make it. We are praying for you and your family. We love you!
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