It's impossible to adequately thank everyone for the amazing love and support we've received from all of you through this "adventure". We never would have expected to be checked in on so consistently, or that so many people would send tangible gifts, along with prayer and offers of help. We are grateful and feel the love of the Lord through His people.
There have been a lot of ups and downs interspersed with tons of waiting in the last few months. After the last chemo treatment, Yaacov kind of hit a wall and wasn't sure he could do any more at all. He ended up taking leave from work through the end of the summer, as well as taking an extra two weeks between treatments. So, after a full month between treatments, he was feeling great until he went for chemo this morning.
Yaacov started feeling bad from the tumors back in January, so the past two weeks were the best he's felt all year. By last weekend it seemed like the nightmare was over. We had a few days of peace where everyone felt good, Teddy behaved well, and we all had a lot of fun together. It was beautiful, and the Lord used it to help us be very aware of how blessed we are. If it weren't for the miserable cancer and chemo surrounding all this, we never would have thought to appreciate a seemingly "regular" week together.
The best news from today is that the extra time between treatments gave his body a chance to catch up, so his bloodwork was finally back to normal. So far it seems like this round is easier on his body because of that, although he was definitely struggling by bedtime.
Dr. Rassam and Yaacov had a good talk today. We were praying for wisdom and clarity for future decisions, and I think the Lord answered! The advice wasn't what we hoped to hear, but at least it's clear. Rassam was gentle and kind, but clarified that this chemo is Yaacov's only chance for a cure. With this type of cancer and circumstances, if he quits now there won't be a chance to redo or finish it later. This was sobering for Yaacov, but also motivated him to push through the rest of the treatments. As of now he's scheduled for three more, and the next is in two weeks. He can always delay it a little if he needs to.
As Christians, we are fully aware that our strength comes from the Lord.* It's not willpower that will get Yaacov to show up for the final three treatments, or to help him recover from each. We know that we can do all things through Christ, and it is He who strengthens us*. This is the most physically broken Yaacov has ever been, yet it's in his weakness Jesus shines brighter*. It's His Spirit in us that gives us all we need*. We rarely choose to live that way, so sometimes the Lord forces it. He did this at my darkest time at MD Anderson 10+ years ago, and He's doing it now with Yaacov.
If you're the praying type, please cover us for protection, health and peace. We are also praying that our family's suffering will encourage others to find their hope in Him. If you're not the praying type--I will boldly ask that you try it out! The more you know Him, the more you see Him, and the more you want to talk to Him.
*All these refer to Bible verses that I didn't quote exactly. They are Phil 4:13, 2 Cor 12:9, Ps 28:7, 2 Peter 1:3
