It is finally here after 3 years, 4 months, and 15 days... Adam's FINAL chemo treatment.  Praise the Lord!  

Adam's next steps will be surgery to remove his port, bone marrow biopsy, and bone density test.  This is to do a final test and compare with his baseline done at the beginning of the diagnosis.  He will then meet with his oncologist every 3 months, then every 6 months, and then every year for checkups.  

Romans 5:3-4 ESV - "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,"

God uses suffering to create proclaimers of the Word of God.  God uses suffering to call his children to himself.  God uses suffering for his devine purpose and our good, even when we can't see it.  All of these are true in our story of Adam's cancer.  

Philippians 4:4-7 ESV - "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

It was that Bible verse (Philippians 4: 4-7) that God used to open my eyes to faith while laying next to my husband in the hospital in July of 2018.  We can honestly say that our lives have been changed for the better because God has been and will continue to be glorified.  Going through something like cancer makes you rethink your priorities in life, your relationships, and what you spend your time on.  God has taught us many lessons, but a big one has been that we are not in control of all things, God is.  He is sovereign and the author of all things (I'm just a character in the story).  What we are in control of is our responses and actions to life circumstances.  Cancer has also taught our family how to be content in the good, the bad, and the ugly while relying on God for his strength, providence, and faithfulness to carry us through anything.

Philippians 4:11-13 ESV - "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

God works in mysterious ways! We are not only celebrating Adam completing cancer treatments, but also the closing of our new forever home on the same day!  This was not even on our radar, but it was God's plan and we are grateful for this next chapter to begin. Selling and buying our home was said and done within 3 months and we are overjoyed to be able to have a one level beautiful house on 14 acres.  We plan to ride, hunt, and host many new in this new home. 

We are also looking forward to Aunt Christie and Uncle Terry taking us on a New Years Eve Disney Cruise to celebrate being done with cancer treatments! God is good. 

Isaiah 40:31 ESV - "but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Our faith, marriage, family, and living for God's kingdom has been strengthened and renewed through this cancer diagnosis.  We thank you all for your outpouring of love, support, and prayers.  We love you back and pray that you find hope in the Lord.  

In Christ,
The Petry's