Health Update

I haven’t been great about posting, but I think most people in our lives get updates separately anyway. That might not be true for long though, because we have to go off the grid. Yaacov has critically low white blood cells (literally ZERO), so keeping him healthy is a matter of life and death. He’s quarantined and for now the rest of us don’t have to stay away from him, but we are going to be extra-diligent and might end up locking ourselves up just in case. 

He had chemo today, which was his third one. He has another in two weeks and then a scan before making decisions. But Dr. Rassam can feel the first tumor shrinking and I think all (or most) of his associated pain is gone! Unfortunately, he feels the worst he’s ever felt today and when he does walk around I stay close in case he needs help. Describing this as “hard” is an understatement.

We do have some good reports and I’m trying to focus on those. You might have heard of some of these recent struggles: our fridge, washing machine, van, and garbage disposal all broke. And then I got a speeding ticket. But, We were able to get a new fridge, then someone BOUGHT us a washing machine!!!! We are still overwhelmed by this. Speechless. In the meantime friends and my mom have done our laundry, and many others offered. Oh, and my van needed a new engine, but Honda Care unexpectedly covered the majority of this cost! People have given us gift cards, too, and others have been bringing us meals. I hardly have to cook at all, and when Yaacov has an appetite he LOVES the variety and fun that comes with other people than me doing the cooking! 

So, we feel like we’re in a war and we are. The enemy loves to prowl around and try to devour the children of God. But we know that all things work together for good for those who are called according to His (God’s) purpose (Romans 8:28). We are definitely called to declare the great news of all The Lord has done, so if these momentary troubles are part of this season, we know He will also strengthen and enable us to continue. 

Overall, there is a lot of bad stuff going on, but we are all amazed by the generosity and encouragement of those around us. We really don’t deserve it but are incredibly grateful. 

Chemo 1

Our hearts are full by all the offers of help, prayer and love! Everyone should go through hardships once in awhile to experience the blessing of loved ones reaching out, it's really encouraging!

The truth is that at the beginning we felt like it was Teddy, not cancer or chemo, that was making this season so hard. If you've missed it, we adopted Teddy a few years ago. He has developmental disabilities and is a really hard kiddo to raise. Although I have tons of experience with kids with disabilities, it's that more than the adoption part of having him that's so hard. He gets tons of therapy, but still the frequency and magnitude of tantrums and whining makes it hard to get through some days. I'm not sharing this to bash him, I just want to be real to remind other parents of kids with special needs that they aren't alone. I think it's hard to relate if all your kids are "normal".

Anyway, after a lot of prayer I'm happy to report that Teddy has been behaving better, and my heart is also responding to him in a more loving manner (which in turn surely helps his behavior!). So, thanks be to God for that massive improvement. The house and car are much more peaceful without someone screaming at us all day.

Unfortunately, Yaacov's response to chemo has not been as positive an experience. He had his first round on Monday, and felt pretty good that day. Even though he started turning yellow in the evening, we weren't too worried. But it's gotten worse each day, and he even had to cancel a class today. He's been very concerned about having to do that, so he didn't take the decision lightly. He's extremely nauseas, has GI issues, is exhausted, and has already lost his sense of taste. I didn't lose my taste until the very end of chemo, and I remember that was the first time I really considered quitting. So for him to lose it so quickly makes me a little nervous. But the Lord is in control of every side effect of this treatment! If you're praying, however, please pray for a total recovery from the current issues, and for peace, health and comfort. I'm also thinking of calling Dr. Rassam today for more help, but I'm not really sure what to ask. The Lord is Yaacov's perfect advocate, so I know if He wants to use me to obtain more help, He will do so!

Highlights of this season so far: 

*Yaacov coming out of anesthesia singing a ballad version of a Snoop song. He slowly covered his lips and whispered, "swear word", to replace inappropriate lyrics. Don't worry, I was able to record it!

*Several people have shared stories of how the Lord always shows up exactly when we need Him. His timing is perfect, and He is faithful to encourage us with such memories.

*I'm learning how awful it is to watch someone suffer, and he is physically suffering much more than ever before. This will help us both with future ministry opportunities, and it's also bringing us closer.

*Anytime we get to go through hard things, we are more aware of the Lord and His presence and promises. He doesn't leave us alone and will never forsake us! "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."--Isaiah 41:10