The beginning of last week started with the disappointing biopsy results which put us immediately into business mode. We had to pack, explain the basics to our kids, get our parents/brothers/sisters notified (then my parents had to prepare, pack and head to our house), get MD appointments set-up, start the housing process – and I desperately wanted family photos. We’ve never been good about getting professional pictures, and this time I was determined. As silly as it may sound, I really wanted some pictures while I still have a little hair. Thankfully, the afternoon before we left, Melanie G. came over with her fun and relaxing personality to capture some moments around our house. Above is the only image I have so far, but many are to come!
Thursday was spent driving after long goodbyes to our kids as they one-by-one left for school. Then it was goodbye to my parents before we drove 13 hours (and we barely stopped) – phew! We have truly been blessed with a beautiful, free condo to stay in sponsored by a local family and their church. This condo is shared with other patients, and it is wonderful now, but won’t work long term as our children join us.
As I mentioned before, we want our whole family together this time. So, we have calls out to several places, churches, friends of friends, etc. We have a tall order: a place not too far from the hospital, with good schools and can accommodate up to 7 of us – we need family with us to help with childcare. We are good at making a small place work, but it is still a lot to ask for. It is something we are praying about, and I believe God will unfold something at just the right time.
Last Friday, I had blood work done, a bone marrow biopsy that I will not describe (I loathe them), and a good, thorough visit with my Lymphoma doctor. Once the test results are in and I’m discussed at their team “Difficult Cases” meeting, we should have a plan nailed down pretty well. Right now there are some variables that must be considered.
Jonathan continues to run his business. I think at this point, he could work on his laptop and make phone calls while jogging on a treadmill, nauseated, upside-down in outer space. He’s amazing.
We have an appointment with my beloved radiation oncologist in 45 minutes to do a radiation simulation – scanning, calculating, evaluating best techniques, machines, doses, etc. She says she can melt this fast growing mass. With Lymphoma, it is systemic, so we must treat the long-term as well to destroy the cells that hide and wait to rebuild their mass.
Please pray for us. I’m really at a point where I’m unsure what prayer to ask you to pray. God knows my longing to raise our three beautiful children and to let me be Jonathan’s wife. Of course, I see that as complete healing and living our days out normally into old age. However, I know God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.
Please pray for God’s guidance for us, our physicians, our family who tirelessly cares for our kids and home. Help us be lights for Jesus – even on the days we feel like curling up in a ball. Please pray for our family being reunited at just the right time, at the right schools with the right housing.
Thank you for your comments, texts, emails, etc. Your encouraging words mean so much to us. It is comforting to know that others are praying. This post may sound really depressing – let me ease your concern a little. Jonathan and I date really well. We have enjoyed long walks around Rice University, spending time at the shops and restaurants in Rice Village; we rarely run out of conversation, and sometimes I wonder if others would be baffled to see us laughing with our odd, but united sense of humor.
God is good. And He will see us through.
Your name is raised in prayer every night before I go to sleep….always at the top of the list and always inclusive …..family members are a part
Larry
Love, love, love the family picture! Can’t wait to see more! Praying you’ve had a good week and praying that things are coming together in regards to bringing the kids to Houston!
Sending lots of love from Knoxville!!
– Sam and David
April your story was shared with me recently. I have started praying for you and hope to connect with you soon. I live in Houston and would like to know how we can help you and your lovely family. I am the Principal at Trinity Lutheran School in Downtown Houston so please know that this message comes to you with Christ’s love and mercy.
Many in GA are praying and will continue to pray for you and your beautiful family. Your words and perspective are truly inspiring!
Jonathan and April,
Jenn and I always read your blog. Good or bad, happy or sad…we text each other or call each other almost as a race to see who found out you posted something new first!
There are times when we don’t comment as often as we should, but honestly its because sometimes we don’t have the words. Just know we read EVERY post, pray for you often, think of you often, and are inspired by your strength & faith daily.
The photo is AWESOME! Beautiful family. Glad you made time to do that. Can’t wait to see more!!
Talk soon…
Blessings,
-a
I love you all and I’ll continue to keep you in my prayers. Thanks for letting us hear from you.
Love the photo!! We are praying for the right housing to be shown to you that will meet all your needs. Sounds like your medical team is ready for the fight and we are supporting you with our prayers daily. I printed this page of your blog so the other members of our prayer team at church can put a face with your name. Many, many prayers for you and your family.
I have followed your fight through Audrey. long story short, used to work w/Judith and met Audrey when she lst came over from England and we became friends…also we are both Westie lovers:) I keep you and your family in my prayers and this website is nice to follow and know what is going on for your friends but also a place for you to have a sounding board. I just saw a article on Valerie Harper and look at her path, she was told she had months left and she is still going. God does have a plan and we have to have faith that is in for our best. Going through what you have been one still can’t help to question it but I sincerely believe God likes our questions….shows we are communicating w/him. God never gives us anything we can’t get through and he supports us through it. Thank God for your faith, your family and friends. I just will keep on keeping you in my prayers! May I say your incredible young woman!!!
What a great and fun picture…I love it!
Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers! Your faith and trust is such an amazing example to so many!
Much love, to you both
I love that picture of you guys! I would love to have a copy! April, I continue to be amazed at your eloquent descriptions of your faith- filled journey through such difficult circumstances. You are beautiful and amazing! I am praying for the things you mentioned above. I hope and pray you will find the perfect place for your family to stay while back in Houston as well as guidance for your doctors and successful treatments!
Love,
Jenise
What a beautiful photo, I am looking forward to seeing the others! I’m glad you arrived safely and are in the care of professionals you trust. Sending lots of hugs and prayers as you enter this phase of treatment and that the family can ALL be together again very soon. XO
God Bless you all, April and Jonathan. Our Small Group is praying for you as you go, step by step, through this next journey. May God give you strength and grace.
What a wonderful family photo and great post! I find your words so inspiring.
Sending well wishes and lots of prayers to all of you.