Round 9: ✔

Yesterday Kenzi completed her 9th round of chemo, the last one before surgery. We know we've said that before, but we're hoping it's true this time. We got the official call from the surgeon's office today confirming the date for the 17th of September. The only thing that could change that is if the oncology team at Sick Kid's Hospital in Toronto come up with a better plan. They will be discussing Kenzi's case at their team meeting tomorrow, so we should hopefully hear soon what the final plan is. We're learning to adapt easily to change, as that seems to be a big part of cancer treatment. 

Kenzi is feeling well after her chemo yesterday. It was delayed a few days because her platelets were too low, but it was a quick overnight treatment and things went well. They only gave her 2 of the 3 regular drugs, so her body has an easier time recovering for surgery. Next Wednesday, Kenzi has an MRI and then when her counts are starting to come up, we can go home to Vernon for a few days before we have to be back for surgery. Because of the surgery, we need to be extra careful to not get sick, so unfortunately, we won't be able to see anyone while we are home. 

We moved to Ronald McDonald house on Monday and it was surprisingly hard to leave the apartment. It has become our home away from home and such a comforting place to be. We can't thank Scott and Sam enough for letting us stay there. It has been such a blessing to our family. ❤ At the same time, we are so thankful that Sam is done her cancer treatment and they are able to come home. We've been praying for them since the beginning and are so happy for a good outcome for her. 

Ronald McDonald house is beautiful and such a great organization. The kids love it; there are playgrounds, slides and a big sports court outside. For Wes and I, it's strange cooking in a shared kitchen and our room is about the size of an average hotel room, so it's a bit chaotic. Also, with the COVID rules there is a big added stress and if the restrictions get tighter it will only be worse. If any of us test positive at any point we have to leave. Needless to say, with a family of 6, we feel this isn't the best option for us. We will try it out for now, but we are looking at other options. 

Our church family at Grace Bible Church has spent a lot of time planning a Carnival Fundraiser for us in September, but unfortunately because of COVID restrictions, they had to cancel. We know this was a tough decision and we fully stand behind it. We are so grateful for everyone who had put so much time and effort into already (we're looking at you Deb and Jerad!) and for all the volunteers who had signed up. Your generosity has not gone unnoticed. We are so blessed by our church family and friends, so thank you! The prayers, encouragement and support of everyone around us is helping carry us through this. 

God is good even on stormy days. There is a song, called "Fire" by Jordan St. Cyr that both lifts me up and brings me to tears. It reminds of God's love when I'm struggling with "why?":

            You’ve walked me through fires

            Pulled me from flames
            If You’re in this with me
            I won’t be afraid
            When the smoke billows higher, oh and higher
            And it feels like I can barely breathe
            I’ll walk through these fires
            Cause You’re walking with me

            ... Lord, how could I question
            When You proved that You’d die for me

In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. ~Psalm 57:1

A night away at Whistler

Exploring on our drive home

Our room at Ronald McDonald House

A Pokemon card that Beckham says looks like Kenzi's tumor... 😂