We met with our main doctor, Rattiya, yesterday May 17th. We were not expecting to get more results but she shared the results of the lymph node biopsy as they continue to do testing to discover with more certainty the type of lymphoma they see in the tissue. She shared that with her medical expertise she described it as stage 4. Stage 4 lymphoma is not the same thing as stage 4 lung cancer, there is so much for us to learn.
God is in the details and he knows what our family needs even in the hardest places and hardest moments.
Chris will fly back to the US leaving Thailand Sat morning with a friend as an escort, thank you God for this friend and the sacrifice of his family.
He has an appointment May 22nd and will do treatment in Grand Rapids. Thank you God for friends who are already preparing a place for us to stay, medical professionals who are getting ready for Chris’ arrival, brothers and sisters willing to drop everything to support us, and parents rearranging plans.
I will return with the kids on our usual flight, just about a week later. Thank you God for friends who are helping and others who will pitch in, even some who choose to cancel vacation plans to love us and get us to May 26/27.
Please pray that we can get the slides and the tissue sample on Friday so that Chris can hand carry it. Thank you God for Dr. Rattiya’s skill. You gave her that skill, help her to learn you are the one true King.
Chris will have an MRI of his brain today, Thursday, in Thailand. Thank you Lord for quick access to services.
We have one final appointment with Dr. Rattiya tomorrow, Friday morning. Please pray she would see the love of Christ through us.
Please pray for us as we tell the kids that we can’t return in time for school, this has been our earthy home for 13 years. Until now, it has been our plan to keep the kids at their current school due to the support and growth we have been blessed by, especially for Luis who has had educational challenges. Thank you God for Luis’ best year yet and we trust you to meet his needs. We want God’s plans for us.
On the home front, Luis has a volleyball tournament. It was hard news for him when we told him we couldn’t attend. He loves a big crowd and his parents as cheerleaders. Lucas had a band concert, he plays trumpet. He did fantastic. He is probably arriving at the volleyball tournament as I finish this. Thank you God for opportunities for fun and celebration…and again all those friends pitching in to help make it happen.
Emalene is doing well and likes that “Aunt” Rhonda is sleeping in her room and helping with homework.
We so appreciate your support and prayers.
My mom, Robin Barton, will help coordinate support, feel free to contact her for specific needs.