The Latest--Making Progress

Just as we know many of you having been waiting to hear an update about Art's condition and treatment, we too have been waiting--waiting to have appointments scheduled with various doctors at various hospitals, waiting to hear test results, waiting to hear doctor recommendations, waiting for pain meds to start kicking in, waiting to make decisions, etc..  These past couple of weeks have involved a lot of waiting for all of us, but we are happy to let you know that we are moving forward.

We can't say we have learned much new information during this waiting process.  The prognosis and treatment plan have stayed pretty consistent.  Art has a malignant mass at the base of his esophagus and the cancer has spread throughout his liver.  The doctors recommend treatment with chemotherapy and neither radiation nor surgery are an option at this point.

Art will hopefully be having some final tests done in the next couple of days, as well as having a port put in for chemo.  We hope to start treatment at University of Chicago next week.  We do not know any kind of a schedule at this point.

These are the things we are sure of and we ask that you join us in praising God for these things:

• Art and our family feels incredibly loved by our families and friends, and by those whom we don't even know who have reached out to us with prayer and support.  It is completely overwhelming and touches us beyond belief.
• While we are grateful for top-notch medical hospitals and doctors in the Chicago area, we are even more grateful for our faith in the Great Physician, the ultimate Healer of all pain and suffering, who has the power and control to allow good and blessings to flow out of this difficult journey. We feel these blessings already.
• Pain killers work.  Art has been experiencing increased, significant pain, and we are grateful that he has been experiencing relief through powerful meds.
• Children bring joy--whether it be our own kids, their friends, our nieces or nephews, or a little child looking at us in the doctor's office, children bring a smile to our faces and our hearts.  No wonder Jesus said, "Let the little ones come to me."
• Laughter truly is the best medicine and we need that to continue in our lives.
• We have jobs and co-workers that are supportive of us.
• God has answered ours and your prayers already--He provided clear direction as we decided which doctor/hospital to proceed with for treatment.  We are so incredibly thankful for that.  Art and I don't pride ourselves on being the best decision-makers so this clarity was an unbelievable blessing. 
• Meals that people bring over are a huge help and an awesome, tangible expression of caring.
• The love between a husband and wife is truly a gift from God to be valued and nurtured.  Cancer makes that painfully evident.
• We have hope for healing and that God will be glorified in this journey.

I could go on and on, but then I wouldn't have anything else to blog about in the future :)

We ask for prayers for the following:

• That Art's pain would remain controlled as we wait for the chemo to shrink (and Get Rid Of!) the cancer.
• That the chemo would quickly shrink (Get Rid Of!) the cancer.
• To dispel fear in our hearts and minds, that we might have the ability to trust our Heavenly Father each moment as we walk hand in hand with Him.
• That God would work mightily in our childrens' hearts and lives as they walk this journey with us.
• For healing for our dear friends, Mark Dykema and Chris Thompson, who began their battle against cancer just several months before us.  They are close in age to Art, each married with children.  They have already inspired us and shared their insight and wisdom with us as we begin the battle they are currently fighting.  We are so grateful for them and their wives, Lisa and Diane.

I think that's enough for today.  I will try and keep you informed along the way.

Praying for strength for each day, and bright hope for tomorrow.

With much love and gratitude,

Kris (on behalf of Art, Makenzie, Livvi and AJ)