Recovering

Christen is doing well recovering from the _last_ chemo treatment. She is feeling quite tired in general but is otherwise feeling OK. She is returning somewhat to "normal" life, taking classes, and doing homework, etc. She tires very easily and it will take some time before she is able to function at %100 strength. We are encouraged to see how she is progressing steadily on the road to recovery.

We are continuing to prepare for our trip to Houston in October to see the specialist at MD Anderson. We look forward to taking the next step in this incredible journey that God has put us on, and are very thankful that we have the opportunity to go there. Please pray for the many details that we still have to work out. It takes a surprising amount of work to get documents sent from one hospital to another, along with working out travel arrangements, etc.

Steve & Debbie for the family

Finished!!

Christen has completed her last treatment of chemotherapy. She came home yesterday afternoon, took a nap, then went out to Bible study in the evening. She is really looking forward to normal life, including the stress of getting homework done on time! :-)

We will continue to update the blog as things progress. Her next Dr. appointment is not until October which seems like an eternity compared to what she has been going through for the last 9 months. Please pray for all of us as we now turn our attention more fully to making plans for the trip to see the osteosarcoma specialist in Houston in October.

Thanks!
Steve & Debbie for the family

Chemo Finished Tomorrow?

God willing Christen will return home from her last chemotherapy treatment sometime tomorrow. We have seen God's hand at work through these difficult trials. We have been so amazed to see how He has sustained us thus far. Christen has been such an amazing trooper, going through so many difficult things with such an awesome attitude. She has been an amazing example to each of us of enduring trials with grace and peace, while maintaining a deep sense of trust in God, and without complaint. We know that it is because has been answering your many prayers. He _has_ heard, and He _has_ answered. He hasn't yet given us a clear sense of being free from cancer, but He has given us much grace through the trial. We will have to trust Him for working all of this for Christens good in His own perfect timing.

Thank you so much for all the prayer and support. The journey isn't over yet. We will be taking another trip to Philadelphia in October and then the week following we will be in Houston to consult with a Dr. about possible further treatment with a yet unreleased drug. Please pray for us as we seek to do what is best for Christen, that we will make wise decisions after carefully weighing the options and possibilities.

Steve and Debbie for the family.

Last Chemo Starts Today!

God willing, Christen begins her last chemotherapy treatment this morning! We had a delay of one day because the hospital didn't have room for her yesterday.

It is amazing to reflect on how God has sustained her and all of us through this entire ordeal. Each one of you have been such an important part of that. We appreciate more deeply than we can express the many prayers and acts of service.

Christen is really looking forward to feeling better. Her hair has actually already started growing back. She is getting around nicely but tires easily. Yesterday she went to some of her classes but after a few hours was too tired to go the evening class.

Please continue to pray for her transition back to "normal" life. Life will never the be the same as it was before but we know that God always does what is best and by His grace we trust Him.

Thanks!
Steve & Debbie

Christen is home

I apologize for not posting sooner, but Christen did come home Saturday night. She is doing well and will be going in for her last treatment Wednesday. Please pray for us as we consider possible further treatment which would possibly start sometime in October. I will post more on this subject as we learn more. We are planning to travel to M.D. Anderson in October to meet with a Dr. there to discuss it.

Steve & Debbie for the family