Proverbs 16:19 - We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Do you feel like you've read that from me (Bethany) before? Well you have, few times actually! Last Tuesday night I had an opportunity to talk to a ladies missionary group about our previous, current, and future ministry opportunities. As I gave requests at the end, I mentioned that Joshua had an doctors appointment on Wednesday and that we were unsure what would come with that. Well it was certainly not what we expected.
He went in for his appointment at 8am and has not been home yet. After some concerns we had with a distended stomach and distressed breathing the doctor ordered more tests, which led to admission into the hospital again and never ending variety of other things.
Below I'll share an update Alex wrote up on Facebook on Thursday. I'll add updates through out it to update things since it was written, because I know I'll not be able to accurately recapture what and how he said it all.
Alex, 3/16/23
I know many of you have been praying, so I wanted to get out an update before we wrap up this day. I’ll try to keep it brief, but this one is gonna have to be written because I don’t think I would make it far into a video.
The good news is that they were able to complete the thoracentesis {a chest tube to remove the fluid build up below his lungs} this afternoon. The frightening news is that they drained over 800ml of fluid from around his lungs. The bad news is that this fluid contained abnormal cells, pointing to some type of cancer. While we don’t have a ton of information yet, the direction was clear enough to the team that an oncologist came and met with Bethany and Joshua (and me on the phone). {further findings do continue to point to the abnormal cells being a form of cancer, they are still waiting on the final word which should come Monday}
My Star Wars-loving boys would appreciate the reference that this was not the news we were looking for. Our minds obviously wander momentarily to question what this means for South Africa, but they can’t stay there long because Joshua’s health and care take priority. The days ahead are going to be hard ones, but I will close with these two thoughts that are comforting my aching heart tonight (though this is also why I can’t do this on video).
First, while I do not understand why our Lord is ordaining this trial and why it has to be one of our kids, I would rather maintain my hope and trust in a God who ordains and allows His children to go through hard things and promises that He uses them for our good and His glory than to not believe and have no hope. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection for our sins reminds me that God’s plans don’t always make sense to us, but He alone is our hope!
Second, we have been blessed with an amazing community of family and friends who are here for us, and not just in lip service. As Bethany prepared to leave this evening, we cried and prayed together, and I thanked God because I know He has surrounded us with people who will faithfully point us to our faithful Father, time and again, particularly when our faith feels and might even become weak. We do not know what the days ahead hold, but I rejoice in the One who does and that He has graced us with so many who will remind us of this truth.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Bethany, today Saturday 3/18/23
Yesterday they were able to do a few more tests and insert a Broviac (for you medical people, that's the best I can do to name it. it has two ports if that helps. Ask questions if you need more explanation). He is receiving meds through the Broviac currently and at present they are only giving him Prednisone and pains meds, in addition to the chest tube still being in for removing fluid. The good news is that the bone marrow and spinal fluid seem most probably not altered. Once the receive confirmation of the exact type of lymphoma they will add the chemo meds to the medicine list. They are watching his stomach, liver, kidney, and pancreas closely. There is no mass, the cancer is in the form of the abnormal cells.
We have a strong feeling, though no medical confirmation, that the h. pylori bacteria and the lymphoma are related. The doc said this morning that upon future research there have been cases where h. pylori had been connect with adult stomach cancer, but not "normally" in children. Joshua is such a trend setter....
So here we are, taking things one day at a time, but in a much different manner than we were about a week ago. God continues to be good. His people are truly amazing to us, His Word brings us all great comfort and joy, even in the most difficult of times, music pointing our hearts and minds to Him are a comfort for sure.
If you have questions or inquires or want to share verses or songs with us please feel free, just know we might not be able to respond, but do appreciate them!
Praises & Prayer Requests
Daily strength for Joshua and wisdom for the doctors
Care for Caleb as we juggle caring for Joshua
Wisdom to know how to finish out what we must for the school year, in a more oral manner
We praise the Lord that our friends did receive their SA visa's and are headed there two days before we were scheduled to leave. This is a gift to them and a comfort to our minds and hearts, being reminded of God's perfect timeline.
That we will open our mouths and speak for truth to those who come and go from our room.
Comentários