December Update & Prayer Request

Good morning! I wanted to send an update and apologize for not keeping this current. To catch up – I had some issues with my swelling which caused my incision to open up. The wound is now doing much better as is my swelling.

I have been attending twice-weekly appointments for lymphedema therapy to manage the swelling. I have been blessed with friends and family to drive me the 100 miles round trip for each appointment! The conversations have been a blessing. It’s not often I get to have two hours of adult conversation. I’m not complaining though, as conversations with my husband, 8-, 6- and 4-year-olds are a blessing as well.

That being said, my lymphedema appointments will be moving to a location in Paradise Valley – less than half the distance. I will be able to drive myself. And while this is an exciting new development, I will treasure the long drives with those who arranged their days to care for me over the last two months.

Tomorrow I have my second post-op immunotherapy and a PET CT scan. It will be interesting to see what’s going on. Josh will go with me while my mom stays with the girls. Our first appointment with bloodwork is at 6:30, so it’s an early wake-up call.

We look forward to spending Christmas with Josh’s family on Christmas Eve and heading up to Pinetop to spend time with my mom, sister, aunt, and uncle after Christmas.

God has been supplying us with the strength and grace we need for each day. He continues to bless us in unexpected ways with meals, gift cards, and gifts for the girls. He also continues to bless us with the hope that we have in Him – an anchor for our souls as we walk this road. There can be joy in the midst of it – not without grief and sorrow, but joy nonetheless.

I encourage you to listen to this sermon from our pastor this last weekend about the peace we have in Christ. It was such an encouragement to continue to grow in my relationship with Jesus – knowing Christ is the only way to lasting peace. I pray that you will know Him and the peace that He brings through the Gospel.

Prayer Request: That Josh and I would continue to rely on God’s strength. That this scan would show no cancer, and that if it does show cancer that we would trust God’s perfect will with praise and thanksgiving.

Thank you all for coming alongside us in prayer and support. We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Merry Christmas!