Hello Friends!

It has now been more than 6 months since we have started this journey. It's funny how sometimes it seems like just yesterday, and other times it feels like a lifetime. What I do know is what a blessing it is to be at this point in the journey. We are so thankful for the faithfulness of our family, friends, and especially our Heavenly Father.

Let me get you up to speed on what has happened since my last post...

From the beginning, we have been told that Kyle would have 6 chemotherapy treatments. Each of these has been very difficult and the aftermaths have been life-threatening. Kyle had been spending 5 days at Sanford for each treatment and then doing physical therapy to regain strength at Encompass Rehab Hospital. Each time Kyle has had to return to Sanford mid-way between chemo rounds because of various complications due to low blood counts. On June 3, Kyle started round 5. This was the hardest of all, so with our doctor's recommendation, we decided that we would forego the final round. Kyle had a clear PET scan after round 3 and the doctor felt the risks of a 6th round were not equal to the possible benefits. We prayerfully made the decision that it was time to direct our attention and efforts to rehabilitation that would help Kyle get stronger after having been weakened by chemo and the debility that results from so much time in the hospital.

So on June 21, Kyle was admitted to Sanford's Inpatient Rehab program...and we are so happy that there was a place for him there. Each day he does 3-4 hours of physical, occupational, and speech/swallow therapy. It is hard work, but he is beginning to make progress! He is now eating regular food after nearly six months of a feeding tube. Of course, his number one goal is to be able to walk again. He is coming out of the chemo fog and is becoming himself again. His sense of humor is returning and he is back to beating me at Words with Friends! Kyle's faith and strength through this ordeal have been inspiring to our family, and I hope to you, our friends, as well.

We do not know how long Kyle will be in rehab. The goal right now is August 4th. Whether he will be ready to go home at this time remains to be seen. We are taking one day at a time. What we do know, is that each day he is getting stronger and that day will come!

Please continue to pray for Kyle in his therapy. Pray that he will continue to get stronger so that he can regain the skills he has lost. We know the Lord will work out the details for Kyle's eventual return home...so that we can manage his care and my work responsibilities.

Thank you, thank you for your continued support of Kyle, me and our kids. This experience is changing our lives in so many hard ways, but also changing our hearts in so many positive ways...mostly because of your love and care for us.

Love you all!

Jill and fam