Back to the Grind

~ Making Gingerbread Houses ~

 After 50 days in Toronto, 46 of those in the hospital, 8 trips to the OR, countless hours in the waiting room, over 100 stitches, 1 giant tumour removed and only 3 short days at home, Kenzi and I (Monica) are back in Vancouver. There is no rest for cancer treatment and it's exhausting. After all the delays with surgery, there are only 3 rounds of chemotherapy left. This will take about 6 weeks and then Kenzi will possibly need radiation which could be another 4-6 weeks. We know there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel, but instead of relief, we just feel weary. The trip to Toronto and all the complications with Kenzi's arm, have broken her spirit. We still see glimpses of her usual self, but they are far fewer than they used to be. We hope and pray that she will adjust to being back in Vancouver soon, since it's familiar, but going home makes leaving so much harder. 

We are so grateful to my parents, who put everything on hold and moved from Alberta to come and live with our other kids while we were in Toronto. Being able to stay in their own home and having the same caregivers was a huge blessing during a difficult time. Also, thanks to Wes's family who stepped in to help in every way and made fun memories with the kids while we were gone. We honestly don't know what we would do without our amazing families. 

Our doctors in Toronto were incredible and worked hard to get us home as quickly as possible. They got Kenzi in a day early for her last surgery, which meant we could bump up our flights a day. After delays and a lot of stress, we made it back to Vernon late Monday night, which gave us 3 full days at home. It was wonderful to have that time together, but there were so many tears when we had to leave again. The treatment for ewing sarcoma is rigorous, so we don't get any breaks. The only times we've been able to go home to Vernon is when we were waiting for surgery. Now that surgery is over, we are back in the Fraser Valley until chemo is finished (longer if she needs radiation). This has taken it's toll on the whole family, especially being apart the last 7 weeks while we were in Toronto. Right now we are trying to figure out the best way to get us all to Vancouver and together. The situation with the floods and the highways being closed is a big challenge that we weren't expecting. Please pray for wisdom and a clear plan as we make these decisions. 

Kenzi is inpatient in the hospital now and just finished 3 of 5 days of chemo. The stitches on her side and her arm are healing well. The doctors are happy with her progress so far, but they will keep a close eye on her wounds as she does chemo and her blood counts bottom out. Physio will be coming tomorrow to help with her hand and make a new splint for her. Though she still doesn't have feeling in her hand, the movements are slowly coming back. They are limited and her hand is very weak, but they expect that she will make a full recovery over the next few months. She should be discharged on Wednesday and we will head over to Ronald McDonald House, where we will stay for the time being. 

We know that God will carry us through this last part of treatment, just as He has so far. Although we don't understand His purpose for this (and have had all the emotions to go along with that), we trust and pray that He will use this for good. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Waiting for delayed flights

Excited to pick us up

      

Celebratory slurpees