Hello Friends,

It's been a while since my last update. Doug had a full body CT Scan a few weeks ago and the report indicated "no change" "stable".  The doctor said "this is a good day and I think the medication is working."  We left encouraged and our minds are more free to enjoy some special upcoming events for our family.  (Caleb is getting married on 6/12 to Emily Gray and we couldn't be more happy for them.  They will be living in Denver, CO.  Also, Mom - Pat is celebrating her 90th birthday and we're having a LaBelle/Bicket family reunion over her birthday weekend). 

We have many good things to celebrate and our minds are now free to do so. Life with cancer sometimes clutters your mind.  Some of you have experienced this first-hand as the patient or a close family member.  When you have a diagnosis that requires long-term treatments, it is a daily choice to guard your mind and choose to celebrate life today.

A few days ago I was reading a devotional about "rejoicing".  Romans 5:3-5 NLT  "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love."  My first thought after reading this verse was "I don't want to."  
 I don't want to have endurance or strength of character.  I don't want this cup, Lord. I don't want Doug to have cancer. 

The author of the devotional explained that rejoicing through trials is a fight.  It's clinging to what we believe to be true of God (our faith) and his ultimate desire for our good.  As I live with a husband who has incurable metastatic lung cancer, my journey includes simultaneous feelings of sadness and peace.  I am human and experience all the feels and yet I can still rejoice. Therefore, I say "God, you are good.   Thank you Lord!"  I can also say "I don't want to" and God understands. 

I recently resign from my corporate aviation job so that I can spend more time with Doug.  I found the stress and responsibility of the job difficult to manage during the times we are waiting for results from a CT scan.  Since he has a scan every few months, it's been a rollercoaster to say the least.  I'm excited that Doug and I will have time to create memories together and with our family.  

Prayer Requests

- We praise God for the recent good news that the nodules are stable and the drug seems to be working.
- Doug has monthly scans.  X-rays and CT Scan.  His next CT is scheduled for August.   Pray for good results and for peace of mind especially while we wait for the results.
- that the side effects of the daily oral chemo drug remain minimal. 
- that God will guard our minds so we don't worry about the future, but rather, live each day with the joy of the Lord, creating sweet memories together and with our family.
- that God will use our story for His glory.  Our desire is to live for God's kingdom every day that the Lord gives us.

In God's grace and peace and joy,

Kris