Update, Request & Invitation

Again, we apologize for the lack of updates in the recent weeks...as we've been busy soaking up summer, time together at the cabin and preparing for a very special wedding this upcoming weekend. We hope that each of you have been doing similar as summer always seems like such a sweet time of year.

In regard to an update, things have really been 'good'...as good as they can be on a long term, three week chemo regimen. The 2nd-5th day of the regimen can be pretty tough as my mom experiences nausea, loss of appetite and tiredness. The motto has become get through those days...be okay with resting on the couch...stay on top of anti-nausea medications...try not to loose too much weight...and then savor and enjoy the rest of the remaining days in the cycle. This has been the 'norm' since the chemo change in May, and until the most recent round, which started last Monday, been relatively doable. Which leads me into our most recent and immediate prayer request.

This time, for whatever reason, things have been different. The 2nd-5th days were great (which we were all thrilled about...feeling like she had been blessed with a mostly side effect-free round)! However, since the 5th day (last Friday) things have been and more challenging and the side effects have become greater. Some of the challenges have included...loss of appetite, weight loss, feeling dizzy and like she is living in a cloud, tingly feet, nausea and extreme exhaustion. This new wave of side effects brings discouragement to our hearts as my youngest brother is getting married this upcoming Saturday.

Would you please join us in boldly praying for...
-Immediate relief from these side effects
-That my mom...and the rest of our family can enjoy this week leading up the wedding and not be concerned with the details of cancer and its treatment
-That every task might be accomplished
-That my mom would be able to truly enjoy (feeling as much like her normal-self as possible) the wedding festivities
-That NO PART of cancer would take away from the joy in celebrating my brother and future sister-in-law"s wedding

Our ongoing prayers...
-For a miracle!!!
-That until a permanent cure is found, the chemo would continue to be effective and eradicate very cancerous cell in my mom's body and keep the cancer at bay (though we are boldly praying that it would be gone!)
-For side effect management
-For God to continue to receive all the glory!

Our on-going praises...
-For all the 'good' days she's had which have allowed for time at the cabin, time with family, sleep overs and trips to the farmer's markets with grand kiddos, helping her kids on myriad of house projects, coffee dates with friends...
-For the glimpses of God's goodness throughout this journey

Also,
We wanted to invite each and every one of you to mark your calendars and join our family as we honor my mom participating in our first ever Purple Ride!!!!

The ride is on Saturday, September 15th at Elm Creek Regional Park. There's an 8 mile and 25 mile bike route, each of which include live entertainment, survival stories and children's activities. The ride is hosted by the Twin Cities chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. (for more information please visit... www.purpleride.org).

We are working to organize a PRAYING FOR ANNIE M team and will let you know how you can participate within the next couple weeks. Our hope is that we may be able to bike alongside of as many of you as possible...as we celebrate our GREAT GOD and His continual Hand throughout this journey and each of you who continue to humble us with your willingness to pray and cheer us on.

Thank you for your gracious prayers...for the immediate and long term.

 

May each of your hearts be blessed!

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm —
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.