Today we rejoice with you all and in thanksgiving to the Lord that Chris’ platelet number has risen to 69! This is the highest number Chris has had since we started this journey over a month ago. We are very encouraged that it is so high considering all that this week has held. “Normal” but on the low end is 150. But for today, we rejoice that they have elevated despite the rigor of the treatment this week. He was at 43 on Monday.
We are not trying to simply focus on the “positives” but wanting to acknowledge the good gifts God gives us along the journey.
Today, at Chris’ blood draw and brief nurses consult, while we waited, we met two women getting their own chemo treatment. Pray with us for “divine encounters” as my one friend would say. We want to be willing and available to step out of our comforts to serve others in need and share truth and hope.
Lord, use us even when we are weak to be your messengers of your truth, your hope, your peace.
Chris has so much more energy. Both Thursday and Friday were growing days of energy and he has been able to go on short walks, frisbee throws, and just simple helping around the house. He continues to have no pain and no nausea today. His appetite is also returning. I (Becca) think my body is starting to feel the exhaustion now that he is showing improvement, which is all normal.
Lord, you renew us, just like the eagle that soared over the river today, you provide our strength and abilities.
His “nadir” period for the chemo will be between days 7-14 in his 21 day chemo cycle, as far as I understand this will be when he is most vulnerable to illness. He also comes off prednisone and may experience a dip in energy. Pray with us for protection and wisdom for how to care for Chris, and for him to increasingly learn to listen to the signals in his body. Today, Emalene had a fever and was very tired. It is normal for a family to experience illness together, but we are new to how to handle illness while Chris is getting treatment.
Lord, be our guide, be our doctor, be our healer. We know you are, and we know you can.
Psalm 23:3
Oh Becca, I am praying so much for God’s deep peace and strength for you especially, as during this time you are the pivot point for your family while Chris undergoes treatment. Of course I am also praying for HEALING for CHris, since our God can do anything! Also praying for your children, for NO anxiety (or at least for skills to deal with anxiety), for your parents and in-laws, and that you’ll receive all the help and encouragement that you’ll need during this time.
We wait for the new heaven and the new earth where there is NO DISEASE!! No pain, no tears, no sadness, no grief, no evil.
You’re right that you yourself will probably feel deep exhaustion especially when Chris starts feeling better. I know you know that you need to take care of yourself as well as everyone else, but just let me add a gentle reminder of that! Take a run, walk, coffee break with friends, drive in the country, etc. to renew your own nervous system and soul!
Courage my friend! Love you very much, and your whole family. I still remember holding Luis as a baby while you were doing CDOC in Dallas in…was it early 2009, because we watched some of the inauguration? Or maybe that was a different time and a different child. ð But given his current metal-mouth it seems like it might be about right! ..ð
Hi Chris and Becca,
Just read this and am praying for your strength and endurance, and am rejoicing with you in the positive progress!
I copied out excerpts of Ps. 118:
14 Yah is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.
15 The sound of rejoicing and salvation
is in the tents of the righteous;
the right hand of Yahweh has done valiantly.
16 The right hand of Yahweh has exalted;
the right hand of Yahweh has done valiantly.
17 I will not die but live,
and tell of the works of Yah.
18 Yah has disciplined me severely,
but he did not consign me to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to Yah.
20 This is the gate of Yahweh,
through which the righteous will enter.
21 I will give thanks to you for you have answered me,
and you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is from Yahweh;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
24 This is the day Yahweh has worked;
let us rejoice and be glad in him.
25 O Yahweh, please save;
O Yahweh, please grant success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh.
We bless you from the house of Yahweh.
27 Yahweh is God, and he has given us light.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords
to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you.
You are my God; I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to Yahweh for he is good,
for his loyal love is forever.
(LEB)
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Praying for Godâs peace and healing power to be at work in all of you. Praying for strength and protection especially in the extra vulnerable days. We love you. Donât hesitate to reach out. We are close by and available.
Praise God for this encouraging news of the increased platelet number and strength.
May the Lord protect you all and your health.
Thank you for sharing the good news of Chris.
When God is in the picture we know He will give what is best for us.
Thank you Jesus! Love you all.
Wilvina and Vern Lubben
I note: âWe want to be willing and available to step out of our comforts to serve others in need and share truth and hope.â This is how our Lord operates. If we have our eyes open, there are people he places in our paths each day for which are to serve us, or for us to serve them. Iâve witnessed this over and over again. And Iâm delighted to read that you have come to experience the same. We are all broken in one way or another. God ordains every moment. No one is placed into our path by accident. They are there for a reason. God bless you on your journeys. He sees you!
You are a beautiful family and we continue to pray for the needs of each of you.
Glad to hear of the increase in Chris’ platelets. Continuing to pray for all of you.
I am so glad you saw an eagle soar over the river. May that image stay with you as you navigate the next few days. May you have some rest and protection for all of you from illness.
Praying for you Chris. May your platelets increase. Lord as the physical healer and the one who made Chris, we ask you know his cells back together.
Good to hear heâs feeling a bit better!
Thankful with you for all that God is doing. Also, so good to see all of you yesterday!
Lord, continue to empower and strengthen and protect Chris and Becca through this journey.
Great to hear platlet #’s are up. Praying for complete healing for you Chris!