With thoughts of Disney still vividly planted in our hearts and our minds, life has marched back in and demanded our attention.
First was a flurry of packing, unpacking and storing as we helped Joshua move out of his apartment and prepare for his move to China. Tuesday night found us taking pictures, giving hugs and some tearful goodbyes as Joshua, Grandma Audrey and I headed out for a 1:30 a.m. road trip to the St. Louis airport. It is always difficult to say "goodbye" to one of your children and this one was especially emotional due to the distance and the timing of his new job. But we are so proud of him and sent him off with love and prayers (and a sincere thankfulness for SKYPE!)
Here in Columbia there were other decisions and discussions taking place...after prayerful consideration and thought, Amanda has decided that she does not want to return to Houston for radiation therapy, but wanted to try and get that treatment here locally. A radiation treatment series was recommended to us as a way of slowing the two largest tumors that sit high on her lungs. Their position effects her bronchial tube and its airway passage. Amanda is already experiencing a slight cough and some irritation from the tumors and our goal is to slow them down and make her breathing as comfortable as possible.
Amanda's heart and her desire is to be here, in Columbia and not away from family and friends for the long stay that radiation in Houston would require. Larry and I support her in this decision and then began the process of finding a radiologist who would consider doing radiation therapy more locally. We were blessed by our meeting with Dr. Westgate of the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. He was very kind, very knowledgeable and seemed to relate very well to Amanda. After an initial appointment of scans and markings, Amanda and I went to Ellis on Monday morning where she received the first of a series of radiation treatments.
For the past three years, Amanda has walked this journey with grace and wisdom and even joy. We continue to trust the One who has guided her (and us) all along...He has made His love for her known and we continue to cling to that.
Denise
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4 comments:
Surprised we didn't see each other at the airport. We were there at 5:40 am this morning saying good-bye as our exchange student went back home. Glad you made it back safely...I-70 was a little dicey around Danville.
-Denise's new best friend
When we pray for God's will, we can not go wrong, but it can hurt like the dickens when it comes about. God has Amanda wrapped so tight she can't help but be full of His grace...We love you all and continue to prayer for strength, wisdom, peace and His will be done...
I'm praying every day for Amanda and her family. You have all been so brave - I wish Amanda and her family peace, patience and strength .. something I know you've been having/doing for a long time. And God has been with you all this time and will continue to be with you. My heart aches for you, but we know this is all according to God's will. Sending hugs from an old friend at Lisbon Federated Church ... Suzanne (Smith) Nelson
Hi to all of you from northern California.....even tho' Mt Vernon IA is home ! We are visiting kids and grandaughter...so just now got caught up on Disney trip and pics. I'm so very thankful you got that trip...what a fantastic and special gift for you whole family. Please know you are in my heart, thoughts, and prayer continually. Amanda's radiant face is really a SACRED testimony.....
Love you so, Sue Lehr Gradwell
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