Chemo and Peace

It seems strange to put those two words together--chemo and peace--yet, there is a strange feeling of relief that these strong chemicals were put into Art's body for the first time yesterday.  We've been waiting, knowing this was the path that was recommended, and fearful that the cancer was growing while we were waiting.  This was a long week getting prepared for this, but there is a sense of peace now knowing that the chemo is hopefully doing some of the physical work for Art in fighting this disease. 

The emotional battle began several weeks ago and we have certainly have had our ups and downs.  But of this we are sure.  "Psalm 23--I have everything that I need."  This is what it says on the arm band that Art wears in solidarity with Mark Dykema as they both fight this battle.  We know we have a God who loves us so deeply beyond our wildest imagination, and we trust that He will walk with us and carry us through this journey.  We desperately cling to that.

In writing this blog, I don't mean to make it sound like we have it all together, with faith that will move mountains, because we don't.  We question, we're angry, we're sad, we doubt, we're scared, we're anxious.  But, then we have moments where God's hand in this is so clear and so beautiful, and we truly understand "In all things, God works for the good of those who love him."  Cancer brings out His goodness in others who surround us, and we see God's Kingdom here on this earth.  We are humbled and grateful and joyful, in the middle of a tough journey.

Art's other arm band he wears says "No One Fights Alone".  In our case, we certainly feel that and we once again express our gratitude for the love, support and prayers we have received.  We say time and time again, how could we ever get through this without faith, family and friends?  These are unbelievable gifts.  We saw a lot of sick people yesterday, walking similar paths to us. We wonder about their stories and we hope that somehow when we are there with all these hurting people, that we can bless them as we have been blessed.

Just a note about oncology nurses--they are incredible!  We were so overwhelmed with their kindness and knowledge and positive energy yesterday.  We felt uplifted after leaving the infusion center at U of C yesterday, and we feel very good about the medical care we are receiving.  That is a huge answer to prayer.

Art will be receiving 4 rounds of chemo.  Each cycle begins with an infusion followed by 2 weeks of daily chemo pills.  He is off one week before he begins his next cycle.  This should take approximately 12 weeks, but we are told that we have to be extremely flexible in this journey as we will be experiencing a number of ups and down.

This morning as I write this, Art feels good.  The steroids he has received are giving him a boost, and he seems to feel more comfortable with his pain.  We're told in the next couple of days he will probably start to experience some of the "typical" chemo side effects but we are grateful for the meds they have today to help combat this.  Again, we wait to see how it affects him. 

Our specific prayer requests would be:

• That the chemo would kill the cancer cells and that the beautiful, healthy cells would remain strong.
• That side effects would be controlled.
• That we would not be afraid.
• That I will be able to provide the care that Art needs.  I get pretty anxious when I see Art in pain or hurting.  Please pray that I will be able to be strong and intuitive to his emotional and physical needs.
• That we would continue to feel God's presence.  We know there will be times where it will be difficult to trust and even be able to talk to God and know what to ask for.  We know you'll be asking God for us to give us what we need.
• Again, please keep Mark and Chris, our good friends, in prayer as they battle with Art against cancer.
• A new request:  Some of you know about the long decline in my brother-in-law's (Jim's) health.  This decline has been significant, especially in the last couple of weeks.  Please pray for grace and peace for this wonderful man and his family.  All of them are such a gift to those who know them.

Praying for strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow.

With much love,

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

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)