The gate may be straight, but the path sure isn't! :-)

I'm currently sitting on a train, contemplating the above fact as we roll through the Swiss countryside.

I am finally feeling well enough to write, so I thought I'd take some time to catch up on recent events in our journey...

Due to the following circumstances, our plans have changed once again.
- I had MRI & CT scans last week, and the results were very positive; the MRI reported that all tissue and organs look clean and in great condition. The CT showed that my cancer growth has drastically decreased in size, by approx 80%. Dr. Renz says that the radiologist doesn't use the word "drastically" lightly. We are very thankful!
 
- Then, on April 6th I began having a slight infection around my chest port incision. This concerned Doc, as an infection that close to a port can easily be deadly. We ended up stopping at the clinic on the way to church Sunday morning to get an antibiotic and Vitamin C injection. That cleared up the infection within a very short time. We've continued to apply antibiotic cream daily, and so far, so good.

As we consulted with the doc, he felt that we should go ahead and stay another 4-6 weeks if possible, since the growth is not yet gone, and if we go home now, it will most likely grow back quickly. If we stay, we can build on the progress and hopefully get it completely this time. 
Our treatment plan moving forward will involve another round of chemo, only a much smaller dose then even before, and starting a new Immunotherapy. Eventually the goal is to move completely from chemo to immunotherapy for the remainder of treatment, as long as my body doesn't react to the immunotherapy. This can be continued in the US if needed. Hopefully not more than a few months total.

So, we once again changed our ticket and extended our airbnb. Dr. Renz offered to rent us one of his vehicles at half the cost of a rental vehicle. We are very grateful! It was a bittersweet feeling. We were looking forward to seeing our family and friends again, but are also thankful for the opportunity to stay and receive treatment.

Katrina Harris joined us for the duration of our original stay. She was a real blessing and help to us while she was here, removing a big load from Heidi! Thank you to her and her family for this gift! 

After Katrina left, Judy Renicker graciously offered to come and help Heidi. She flew from Mexico to Zurich, a long tiring flight. No sooner had she arrived, news came that her mother had passed away in Ohio. We felt so bad for her! After a couple days together, she flew back to Ohio. Thank you Mark & Judy, for your willing service! 

Our Father has been so good to us. Yes, this has been a real roller coaster ride, and this particular round of treatment has been tough on our family. The struggle has been very real at times, especially as it drags on. The unknown future is sometimes hard to leave in God's hand. But through all of this, we feel a very real peace, and we trust Him fully! He has always provided for our needs, sometimes right down to the wire, but always in some way or another. 

Many thanks to all who have been praying, giving, and checking in on us. We love you!

-Ben