I’ve never been part of a sport with various rounds of competition. I imagine there is a level of mental preparedness that is necessary to compete, and then compete again and again…and possibly again and yet again?! The repeat of battering in a sport like boxing seems grueling. I would like a marathon any day over boxing, and today felt a bit like the boxing ring bells were going off as we entered the medical clinic for Round 2 of chemo (at a minimum Chris will need 6 rounds spaced three weeks apart).
We met with our doctor, and had positive reports of good levels of hemoglobin and platelets! This is fantastic news. The liver levels were improved but not satisfactory enough for the doctor so we will go and get a liver ultrasound tomorrow 5/27 along with his “recovery shot” to boost the white blood cell count. The doc estimates that in many respects (maybe not all…remains to be seen) Chris is speeding ahead in his progress and may be closer to what many patients experience after three full rounds of chemo. Thankfully, the doctor is well prepared to handle Chris-the-often-over-achiever and told him to pay attention to the needs of his body, and that included slowing down if need be.
That comment came on the heels of Chris telling him that he ran two miles, just yesterday. I am not sure why Chris also didn’t tell the doctor he did a high ropes course and had to climb a tower first to get to it…maybe he forgot that part? Yes, we had a good weekend and wanted to really enjoy our time with the kids before another chemo round. Chris was feeling much improved. This picture is a fun memory of our run, his first since this all began.
PS…my parents booked a week at a camp together many months before the diagnosis. The kids are having a wonderful time with my parents and we hope to return to the camp after some recovery from the chemo today. Today’s chemo experience went far better than the first time. He was very tired by the evening, but all within “normal” for chemo.
Several days last week were tough and not the fun we were hoping. We were surprised by a case of Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease for one of our kiddos. We have never had it before and were surprised when no, this was not a simple strawberry plant allergy…The kid (#2) was extremely brave and persevering despite significant discomfort and the need to be somewhat isolated and careful in hopes of not spreading it to others, especially Chris. We are praying it is finished!
In an earlier post I mentioned a song that was on repeat in my head. Lately, the song by Natalie Grant “My Weapon” has been playing. Here are a few phrases:
Your presence is my greatest weapon
Your presence makes me free
Chris and I are so grateful that we don’t enter our chemo appointments with boxing gloves and sweat towels, or white flags waiving. While the bells may go off in our mind reminding us of the significance of the appointment it is the presence of our Lord Jesus that is our weapon, not our strength, not our stamina, not our skill. His presence makes us free; free to love each other in the difficulty, free to receive news of more appointments, free to walk the path he has before us.
Isa 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
So thankful to hear of good progress. May Father’s good hand remain on every member of the family – He is with you and His presence is your shield and defense!
Thank you so much for doing these updates with pictures and all. It feels like we are traveling this journey with you and it helps us know better how to pray. May God continue to make His presence known to you in many ways.
Round by round to win the fight, your skills are evident and you shall win! Your continued recovery is in minds, hearts and prayers.
Thanks so much for your updates. We’re praying.
Rebecca and Chris
Your lives are such an example of who Christ is as you live out this journey that you didn’t choose.
Thank you for your courage to face, walk in the love and grace you both show in each step.
Giving thanks for that Jesus is Emmanuel…the one who is always with us. Prayers continue for your entire family…
You write so eloquently- it is beautiful to read. Amazing that Chris was up and out there- you can’t keep him down!
You two are walking testimonies of the love, strength, power and goodness of our God.
Thank you for the update, and we are continuing to pray for you all! I read Psalm 18 this morning, reflecting on God’s strength, protection, and willingness to hear and help:
I love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
so shall I be saved from my enemies.
The cords of death encompassed me;
the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.
The cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From His temple He heard my voice,
and my cry for His help reached His ears.
Prayers being lifted up on behalf of you all
I can see your missionary work continuing right where God has planted you
Rebecca, you describe your experiences so beautifully. Your words are full of hope, faith and healing, uplifting to all that read them.
God is good, all the time.
Wishing all of you strength and peace in the name of Jesus throughout this journey.
Tell Chris that we in Dictionary & Lexicography Services are praying for him.
Your notes bring me right into your life and daily activities, causing me to smile, laugh, rejoice, and ache with you. May our Great God and Father continue to hold you, guide you, heal you, and restore you for all His good pleasure and purposes. You are prayed over daily
Chris and Becca, I continue to pray for you and your wonderful family! I hope Lucas soon gets better so he can enjoy the outdoors and all the things he likes to do. Chris, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and reading – that you ran for 2 miles! Good for you! Becca will help you to not overdo it. Sending love and hugs. ♥♥
Grateful with you for the good progress being made. A two mile run…..I wasn’t sure at first that you were speaking of Chris having done that – and a high ropes course – that is amazing! Praying right now that you were able to make it back to camp with your parents and your children.
What a blessing to read how God is sustaining you through various trials. Glad you got to enjoy a ropes course 😀
Chris and Becca I just recvd this message from my friend at Church and will share it with you:
“A Good Morning Habit”
Every morning after you grab your coffee, sit down and say ‘good morning Lord’, and to ask Him, ‘Lord, is there anything I need to fear?’ Listen to His reply and Rest in it.
Prayer email going out tonight, 61 people are praying for Chris and the Hirt Family
Hugs
“ His presence makes us free; *free to love each other in the difficulty*, free to receive news of more appointments, free to walk the path he has before us.”
Especially love “ free to love each other in the difficulty”. The freedom we have in Christ is impossible to comprehend or to put into words. And then to express it as freedom to love another person in difficult/trying/heart-wrenching moments is perfect. In a sermon this last Sunday a pastor was describing his time trying to comfort a couple who just lost their son. Trying to explain why God took their son. As he said, it is the gold-standard of a pastor’s job. That couple surely were in that moment of loving each other in the difficulty.
So, thank you again for putting words around your pain that allows others to relate to you and to apply it in their own lives.
Rebecca, can you get some medicine to slow Chris down when he has an energy spurt. I am with everybody on praying, but those huge physical swings cannot be good. You know, maybe a valium in his tea?
OK, maybe not, just hear my concern.
Watching and waiting with you and your family. Thanks for the updates. Love you!
Dawson
Praise that God is at work for round 2 and it’s him that fights.
Chris & Becca,
So thankful for these updates! Love you all and continue to pray for you daily.
Love,
Dawn, Doug & Dana
Dear Chris and Rebecca,
We are very happy to read that God has allowed the first chemo round to have made such a positive difference, as far as we can understand: better liver numbers, better energy, we gather? We hope that you will tolerate the rest of the treatments better and better. We pray regularly for you.
Derek and Carina Schuurman
I so love hearing your heart in this post. I can hear your voice in my head as I read. You are being held and tended to.
Love you guys