Hello Friends and Family, 

It is with a very broken heart and fighting back tears that I write this post.  

Today Ben and I met with our oncologist at Mayo Clinic who, also with tears in his eyes, told us what we already suspected; the tumor has grown significantly. Looking at the scans, it is obviously taking over the nasopharynx and beyond, causing multiple issues. This news explains the severing symptoms Ben has been experiencing. Even this morning, he had a mild seizure, which had not previously happened. 

We've chosen to begin hospice services today. As of right now, all of the legal documents are complete, a nurse has come by to assess Ben, and we are having medical equipment delivered tonight. To make things easier and more comfortable for Ben, we'll have a hospital bed, a walker, and a shower seat put in to our master bedroom and bathroom. Hospice also provides medications and RN visits twice a week (or as often as we like). 

Our kids are not aware of the stage of Ben's care that we're in. Right now, Grandma and Papa have them out and getting ready for trick-or-treating. I am dreading the conversation (as well as the aftermath of it) where we [age appropriately] explain to them what is going on. Please pray that the Lord would prepare their hearts and give Ben and I the words to explain to them what is happening. 

Ben remains in good spirits when the pain is tolerable and is still holding on to Christ. Our doctor gave us several possible scenarios of what could happen in the days to come, all of which have a frightening factor to them. Neither of us are going to try to predict how the Lord will take him home but our prayer is that it would be painless and quick, of course. Personally, I believe that he has endured enough suffering at this point, but only the Lord knows Ben's day and time. We continue to trust Him, knowing He loves us and this is all for our good and His glory.