As you can already tell from the title of this blog, I don't have good news.
Today we discovered after CT scans and MRI's to get to the bottom of Art's severe headaches, that the cancer has spread to the brain. There are at least 6 tumors in vital areas. Two of them are 2-3cm in diameter and are located more at the surface. The remainder are smaller but deeper in the brain. The doctors are amazed that Art is not experiencing more side effects other than headaches and some dizziness. The neurologists say the tumors are inoperable. The oncologist wants to begin 10 days of radiation to the brain. They have already begun treating Art with steroids to reduce swelling around the tumors.
Tonight Art is resting in the hospital. Tomorrow morning we have more conversations and more decisions to make. There's no getting around it, we are incredibly sad and scared. I wonder why so many of the devotionals I've read in recent days have been about trust. If there's any time for that, it's now. And we are desperately trying right now.
Art is still in fight mode. He's ready to take on the radiation and was actually in good spirits at the hospital, making me laugh with the look on his face as medical staff performed some unpleasant tests. We were also grateful for a new reality show called "Dating Naked" which served as a great distraction as we were checked into ICU.
In the midst of this very bad day, we still have hope. We still have faith. We still believe in a God who is so good and loves us so much that He planned a perfect life for us beyond this world we know. We claim God's promises each day, that He will never leave us or forsake us. He has been faithful through this journey. He goes before us and will remain faithful. That is what we trust.
Yesterday, a Facebook friend wrote this verse as her status and it spoke to me and resonates with me today..."When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2 I have to admit we feel a little burned right now, but we know we will not be consumed! (This is called Kris giving herself a pep talk!)
We know "Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:23) and we still ask you to pray for a miracle. We know we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) and we ask you to storm the gates of heaven with confidence on our behalf!
We are still celebrating each moment, each smile, each laugh, each beautiful conversation that allows us to get to know those we love more. God rejoices over us, and we rejoice over all of you as you love us and care for us so compassionately. We are humbled at Christ's love shown so generously by so many of you.
I think our prayer needs are obvious and vast. Thank you for praying.
Praying for strength for each day and bright hope for tomorrow.
With much love and gratitude,
Kris (on behalf of Art, Makenzie, Olivia and A.J.)
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