We are currently sitting waiting for another round of infusions to begin. We just finished an appointment with our new oncologist in Little Rock, and we are pleased that for the first time ever ALL of Clay's blood work is in the normal range. His doctor said that his protein levels were up an unexpected amount and that shows that he is getting healthier and stronger. We made some slight changes to his medication schedule and supplements, and these past three weeks have been the best Clay has felt in over a year. We are beyond encouraged by all of this!
I have often thought, "Cancer takes too much." It doesn't ask, it just takes and takes. Takes away our plans and peace and my kids' favorite playmate. I used to make fun of Clay because anytime we went to a park with the kids, he would end up climbing to the highest point. But lately, I've been seeing that in the Lord's supreme kindness, it is His joy to redeem the lost things. This month we've gone on a few hikes, and I've marveled as I watched Clay take the kids off trail to explore caves when a few months ago, we moved apartments because the pain of the stairs was so intense. We took a trip to Silver Dollar City and he rode roller coasters and did those Ozark Mountain hills without a problem. I turned around to see Lydia on his shoulders and remembered how much effort it was just to hold Judson a few months ago and I get tears in my eyes even now as I write this.
It's true that cancer has taken much - from me, from my kids, and certainly from Clay - but suffering is never for nothing when we place it in the Lord's hand. I never could have imagined I could feel such deep joy at things that were once so commonplace. My heart feels as though it might burst watching Clay and Eli play catch, seeing him pick Eden up and her chubby little hands on his cheeks asking him to take her on a date, and watching him get in the floor and let Judson crawl all over him. I see the normal things from our life in a sweeter light. Things that were taken, being restored.
We have no idea what tomorrow holds, but I know that whatever comes, whatever cancer tries to take, there is nothing that is outside of the kindness of our Father. There is nothing that he can't restore.
In light of Kidney Cancer Awareness month, we wanted to let you know that we are participating in a Walk for the Cure on May 4th to go UAMS. If you would like to join our team either in person or virtually, here is the link for that: https://give.uams.edu/team/
Prayer requests:
-For complete healing
-For Clay to handle treatment today (3/26) as well as he has the last two rounds
-For the next round of scans to show improvement- these will be in two weeks
-This seems small, but we are selling our camper, so we would love prayers that it would sell
-For wisdom and direction on a permanent housing situation
Ready, break!
No comments:
Post a Comment