Quick Update

 As the title indicates, we'll keep this update brief. We are thankful that we have less to update everyone about because at least that means we aren't receiving as much new hard news.

We had a successful trip to MD Anderson in Houston last week while our "big" 3 kids hung out in AR. We met with a couple of doctors there and now have a team there that we can lean on if needed (though we would prefer to not need them). We even snuck out to catch a baseball game at Tropicana Field because I just can't resist. To top it off, we made some new friends while there. Thank you to Ms. Carole, Joshua, and Catie for your hospitality and for taking such good care of us and Judson.

The first few days back home were a little rough, unfortunately. I think that being out of my routine and traveling with luggage was just a little too much for me. And some side effects from the medication only made the situation worse. My back and shoulder pain intensified while an itchy rash and mouth ulcer showed up to the party. Thankfully the ulcer didn't last very long and the itching is tolerable. The weekend was a good (annoying?) reminder that the road to healing isn't a straight line.

This week, we are thankful to have our 3 big kids back in New Orleans and for some slight physical improvement. It's certainly a new routine, but we are just about settled into it. In spite of poor stamina and more doctors appointments than one person can manage on their own, I'm still able to go into work everyday. Bekah and the kids still go on adventures during the day a few times a week, too. And Bekah is excited to start homeschooling Eli next week. Again, it's a new "normal" but we are adjusting.

Prayer requests for this week:

1. I have my second immunotherapy infusion tomorrow (Thursday). Three weeks ago fatigue was the only real side effect I dealt with. We are praying that additional side effects don't hit this time around. We are also praying that we'd see some more physical improvement. 

2. Pray for Bekah and Eli as they start school next week and for the other 3 kids who will be around, too. Adding a new "thing" to our lives seems much more daunting than it used to a few months ago. Pray for Bekah's patience and energy levels.

As always, thank you for joining us on this journey. 

Ready, break!