Hi everyone! It has been a while since our season of regular updates. In some ways we’ve missed being so connected with you – we’re so thankful for the care and support and most importantly, prayer, that you all share with and for us. In other ways it’s been so nice just to live “normally” (whatever that means!).
However, we’ve got new updates to share and are thankful to be able to reach out again.
The first you may have noticed – PostHope is down – likely for good. (To see all of our previous PostHope entries - check the first Blog post we made on this website!)
Thankfully, Kelly started up a new website for updates for us (which you are currently reading!), but it’s sad that even PostHope – a home for updates and support networks for so many who are suffering (and others who are cheering them along!) – is subject to cyber-attacks and the brokenness of the world. I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised. And, what a gift to know that Christ will one day return to redeem this brokenness! Amen!
So – please make a note! For all future updates, use this site - https://www.ingramupdates.com/ - and if you scroll to the bottom, there is a subscribe/email feature that should email you for every new post, if you’re interested in that.
And – second update: after scans in Houston in July, and a follow-up with Emory this month; (including audiences with both hospitals’ tumor boards) each group agrees that we should pursue another HIPEC surgery sooner rather than later. We are sobered that HIPEC could be a part of our story again so soon. Yet, we are thankful that Emory and MD Anderson agree which makes it an easier decision for us. Kelly also feels peace and clarity about having the surgery in Atlanta this time around rather than Houston – another answered prayer for clarity. Dates that have been proposed to us are in the first or second week of October, so we are continuing discussions with Emory, and continue to seek God’s direction and confirmation on taking this step.
The prayer with this round of HIPEC is that the surgeon will be able to once again fully remove all disease from Kelly, and that she will also receive heated chemo which should address any microscopic cancer cells left behind during the tumor removal. All without any complications or co-morbidities (i.e., issues/complications), and most of all, that God’s purposes would be displayed in the incredible work He is doing in our lives during this cancer journey. He has taught us to trust Him. And it is not easy. In fact, it is super hard – but trusting in Christ is the only worthy path for us. Please join us in trusting Him during the chaos and worry and thank you for surrounding us in prayer and care as we walk into the fall. Some specific ways we are asking for prayer -
That God would continue to guide us as we walk toward another surgery – that He would make our paths straight and clear with surgery dates, logistics leading up to the surgery, and in recovery afterward
That God would strengthen us, even now, as we approach another season that will likely be very hard
For God to protect Maddie and her 3.5 year-old heart as she inevitably understands more of the suffering that our family is walking through. She really has been so amazing, and we are SO proud of her. And we are praying so often that these unique experiences she is having so early will strengthen and shape her in wonderful ways – and that they would not damage her.
For God to give us constant reminders of His steadfast love for us, and that we would feel His presence daily like never before.
For 100%, total healing for Kelly from cancer. God can do this through HIPEC. He could also do it through nothing more than the raise of His finger or the bend of His gaze on us. It can be hard to have the endurance to continue praying for total healing, but please join us in continuing to ask for Him to do this!
Praise Report: Kelly had a colonoscopy today (9/6) to evaluate the colon/intestines for any internal cancer activity and the doctor reported things to be all clear! Praise God! (He is sending one piece for biopsy but reiterated multiple times it’s nothing, so we are trusting that.)
In a conversation with a friend recently, I was elaborating on how we are doing with all of this news, and before I could really think about it I found myself saying – “You know, we are probably walking into another storm and it’s scary… but at the same time I just feel SURE that God is going to surround us with people who will help us.” I’m not even really sure where those words came from, but I do believe them. God has shown us – through many of you – how to ask for help, and how to accept help, and in it we’ve experienced so much of His kindness. It truly gives us confidence to approach each day with hope and strength. Thank you for caring for us and being part of God’s care and comfort for us.
We are so grateful for you, and while it’s not super fun to get back into “cancer-blogging”, it is a gift to re-engage with you all in this way. Thanks for reading – to God be the Glory!
Jonathan (and Kelly and Maddie)
