When Life Takes a Different Turn

Life was going fine, I thought. My cancer markers were steady in the normal range, and life was going on. But I began to notice neurological symptoms getting worse, particularly in my left hand. Thankfully, I'm right-handed, so it didn't slow me down much at first. My oncology team is amazing, and listened to my concerns, quickly scheduling a series of scans. This was June. By July we had no answers, more significant weakness in my left arm, and one more scan scheduled - a brain MRI. 

I left for a family reunion in northern MN the beginning of August without hearing the results of the brain scan. While we were in MN, and Daniel was on a canoe trip in the boundary waters with half the family, I got the news that the cancer had made its way to my brain and the swelling caused by the tumors had triggered the neurological symptoms. It was serious. Everything felt very dark, especially as I had to process this without Daniel. But that night, as I processed and cried, Jesus was there with me. I felt like it might be the end for me, but He reminded me of the work He still had for me to do. Just like on the stormy Sea of Galilee, He spoke peace again, and the storm had no choice but to be quiet. 

When Mom told the church at prayer meeting, one of the elders felt God's hand on him, telling him to anoint me as "It's time for Me to do something big for My daughter." Hasn't He already done so many big things?! But more? Yes, more. I began to see a change in the neurological symptoms immediately, although slight.

The only treatment option was a round of radiation. I had no idea it would wipe me out like it did! But by the end of August, I was done. Since then it's been a very slow recovery of energy and ability. My left hand is getting better, though I'm typing this mostly with one or two fingers. I'm finally allowed to drive again. And I know God's not done yet. He's got a lot more to do in me and hopefully through me, too! The MRI at the beginning of December showed three tumors completely gone and the remaining ones between 18-50% reduced in size. The doctors are happy. I'm expecting more shrinkage as the months go on. After all, He's doing something big!

I've put off sharing this because I didn't have the energy to type it up, and there's more I could tell, but again, energy. But I have tested this truth again, and it still holds -- my God is faithful, my Jesus is enough, and His grace is sufficient!

Thank you all for your prayers.