Yesterday, I wrote that we estimated Mondays chemo to last most of the day…or longer…Well, due to Chris’ decline in overall condition, and decline in platelets (47 for you numbers folks) the medical team decided to split the treatment into two days. At arrival for the appointment the nurses were very concerned and Chris was tired, weak, and pale. So, today, he was treated to a private room and got about half or less of the treatment (in terms of time) that was planned. We return tomorrow (take 2…click) for another blood draw and to get the remaining treatment, Rituxan. This drug is known to potentially produce higher levels of discomfort and negative symptoms (fever, chills, nausea) and takes several hours to administer.
Lord, you know our comings and goings before we even take a step. Thank you that we could start treatment today. Please provide improvement for the platelets, protection from significant decline, and wisdom for us all regarding medical decisions for tomorrow.
The joy is that it is just 1:30pm and Chris is painfree and tucked into bed for a nap and I get to enjoy a PERFECT Michigan summer day on a shady breezy porch while I take a pause, accomplish some scheduling and planning.
Thank you Lord for the break from the heat and humidity of Thailand. Thank you Lord for the rest Chris has had today, and the rest for me too as we both navigate this adventure together, but in different ways. Continue to provide your rest for our body and souls.
Chris will have an ultrasound on his hip and groin area to rule out any other complications for his increase in pain. We have leveled up one more time for pain meds, so we will see how that pans out. So far the pain has broke through the others we have tried within 36 hours or so. We are so thankful for the pain medication options available in the US, as they are far more limiting in Thailand.
Lord, you are our maker.
Lord, you watch over us, you do not need sleep and you provide shade when we need it
Lord, you are our help
Lord, you are our protector, we are weak in light of your strength and power
Psalm 121
MOSES WORDS TO GOD’S PEOPLE: Exodus 14:13-14 “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. . . The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Lord, we stand on this promise for Chris & Becca. When they are too weak, we know you are fighting for them. Send your Holy Spirit and ministering angels to strengthen and guard their lives. You are their strength, their Hope, their Healer and Deliverer & we trust in YOU alone. Amen.
With Gratitude of our hearts that the Mind of Christ is at work within the doctors and nurses, the Hands of Christ are visible thru all the medical community taking care of Chris and the Life Filled Blood from the Heart of Christ covers Chris from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. May all our prayers reach the throne room of Jesus as a sweet smelling fragrance
We trust your ministering angels are at work aiding the Hirt family at this time
With Gratitude of our hearts that the Mind of Christ is at work within the doctors and nurses, the Hands of Christ are visible thru all the medical community taking care of Chris and the Life Filled Blood from the Heart of Christ covers Chris from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. May all our prayers reach the throne room of Jesus as a sweet smelling fragrance
We trust your ministering angels are at work aiding the Hirt family at this time
Praying for you all Becca. For GOd’s healing, provision, grace, mercies and kindness in every way. Love you all!
I had wondered about the weakening condition of his plates were. God knows he needed two days or more. May the Ultra Sound be a useful tool for the doctors and may pain meds really kick in. May God give Chris and you peace, strength, comfort.
No fever, no chills and no nausea in Jesus’ name
we are praying for Chris and your family.
Continuing to lift you all to our Heavenly Father who loves us and walks with us through everything we face!
Kicking off a week of VBS at WSBC— remembering you all for your faithful presence and service over the years. Our theme today: “When life seems dark…SHINE JESUS’ LIGHT!”
Some of the good works prepared in advance for you both must be where you are right now as you shine Jesus’ light.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of this journey and taking the time to write. Father God, please surround Chris and Rebecca and the children as they go through this trial. Please touch Chris with your healing power and strengthen his weak frame. Please give them all an extra measure of your strength. Lord have mercy on this dear family.
Continuing to pray for you! Hoping Chris’ pain is reduced soon. May God give both of you strength moving forward in this treatment process. Sending love to you and your whole family.
Praying this, “Please provide improvement for the platelets, protection from significant decline, and wisdom for us all regarding medical decisions for tomorrow” along with you.
And so very grateful for the gift of you being able to enjoy a PERFECT Michigan summer afternoon. ☀️
Psalm 16:1,2
Protect me, God, for I take refuge in you. I said to the Lord, “you are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you. “
7,8
I will bless the Lord, who councels me – even at night, when my thoughts trouble me. I will always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Thank you Lord, for always hearing our prayers, and giving us assurance that our prayers are always answered according to your will, and because of your grace.
Janine &I pray for you after our evening meal almost every day. Our heart goes out to you. Remember the times you played with our sons, Josh & Andy. Appreciate the updates.
Chris and Becca, still praying for you every day. Yesterday was grieving that you are going through so much pain, so much loss of independence and mobility and athletic ability, just looking at your face in your photo and loving you mate. May you grow closer to God each day and be sustained by Him alone, held up to Him through the prayers of the saints.
We (the teams from Willowdale) love you guys! We’re praying for you, Chris and Becca, and your kids. Praying for Gods healing as well as peace for your heart and a sense of God’s presence and His great love and care for you!
Keep an eye out for my mom—I’m sure she will be keeping an eye out for you. She is a nurse at Cancer and Hematology Center and works Tuesday and Wednesdays. Praying for you guys!
I am so blessed by your words and your unfailing faith in our Lord!!!
Love you so very much ❤️
Trusting with you in our Good Shepherd’s care each step of the way. Praying for you and your family, Hella
Praying especially for Chris that the medications will lessen his pain. I’m praying your entire family … it is so difficult to watch a loved one experiencing extreme pain. So grateful that our Heavenly Father worked out all the details for all of you to get here so quickly & for the wonderful caring medical team.
Now I need to update several prayer partners (out of state or not connected with WSBC) so they can be praying for the scheduled treatment tomorrow.
Treasure
Many prayers for grace and gratitude for each small gift.
We are following closely as we really care about you all. Continuing to pray for you.
May the Lord continue to lead, and guide you, give good advice and watch over you.
Praying for you, Chris and the kids, may you experience God’s peace. Isaiah 26:3 “you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you”
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.”
Father, as Becca and Chris pass through these waters, please let them feel your holy presence, strength and comfort.
Praying that God will be your refuge and strength, an ever present help in these challenging times (Psalm 46:1).
Chris and Becca-
Thank you for sharing your journey. I am in awe of your ability to continue to recognize daily blessings in the midst of your storm- it is truly a gift! I continue to pray for you and your family. If the kids need more support- please reach out and I’m happy to help you or get you connected with the right resources. You are a blessing to me!
I write with tears in my eyes. I believe that Chris is sitting in Job’s position. Keep the faith, as Job did. This too will pass. I know God’s love will protect you. We are praying for you, both. – frankd
Chris and Becca, Prayed for you today for the pain to go away, for strength to take full dosages, for wisdom for the Drs as they adjust things. For the numbers to go up, for wisdom as you talk with Luis, Lucas, and Emalene about what is going on, and for comfort for your family.
I’m reading daily my sweet friend and praying for you both! God’s hand be on these medications and hold you both with very present care…. Step by step. Moment by moment. We love you so very much, Becca. I’m praising God you are all together and in a comfortable place there.
Hi Chris and Becca,
Prayed for you folks yesterday, and a couple times today. I am also a cancer patient. I haven’t suffered to the degree that Chris is suffering, but I have struggled fatigue, nausea, and with frustration at my lack of ability and energy to do tasks that I once performed with ease. So, I can empathize with Chris to an extent, but cannot imagine all the difficulties you are facing.
Blessings, Ken
Like so many others, I am praying for you guys daily. My heart aches for you in this season.