End of Treatment

 We have officially been home in Vernon for two weeks now and it feels amazing! We were originally going to stay in the Fraser Valley until we knew whether or not Kenzi needed radiation, but our nurse told us that even if she did, it wouldn't start right away, so she recommended we go home. We are so thankful we did, because it has lifted everyone's spirits so much. There really is no place like home. God gave us a beautiful, sunny day to travel and we waved to our friends, who we swapped houses with, as we passed them on the highway. 

After being home for a week, we got the phone call we were anxiously waiting for; Kenzi does not need radiation!!! I was picking the kids up from school when the doctor called and the tears were flowing as I stood in the parking lot. I went home and told Wes, Kenzi and his parents, who were at our house and we all celebrated together. Kenzi is now done her treatment and we could not be more thankful! We all feel like a huge weight has been lifted, but it's difficult to describe the feeling of being able to go back to regular life. I don't think it will every be the same. Some moments are so normal and other times, a wall of emotions just hit you. The last year of our life feels so surreal and it is hard to process. We are still living one day at a time, but now we are thankful these days are at home all together. 

The final step of Kenzi's treatment is to go back to BC Children's to get her central line out. (It's like a permanent IV that was surgically inserted into her chest at the start of treatment, to give IV meds and draw blood from.) While these can be removed in the clinic, they decided because of the damage to Kenzi's lung it should be done in the OR. Kenzi was really hoping it could be done before her birthday this past week, but unfortunately it couldn't. We met with our doctors via zoom on Thursday to discuss their decision about radiation. At the end of the meeting we were informed that Kenzi's line could not be removed because it was considered an elective surgery and they were all being put on hold at this time due to covid. Our doctors tried their best to make it happen, but were unsuccessful. Wes and I have been very patient and understanding throughout Kenzi's treatment, especially with all the covid restrictions, but this pushed us too far. Papa and mama bear came out. After sending a few emails, we received a call the next day saying Kenzi is booked this coming Friday for her line removal. Wes, Kenzi and I will head down to Vancouver on Thursday and hope to be home on Saturday. We are excited to have this done so Kenzi can start swimming and go in hot tubs, which physio says will be great for her arm and shoulder. Kenzi's movements are coming back in her arm and hand and while the doctors and physiotherapists expect her to make a full recovery, it will take months of physio. 

God has heard and answered our prayers throughout this whole journey. Looking back we can see His hand in all things. While that didn't change our circumstances, it brought us peace and comfort through the difficult times. We know that He is in control and we are so thankful that He brought healing to Kenzi's body. Please continue to pray for complete healing for Kenzi's arm and hand, as well as a smooth transition as she goes back to school and we all adjust to normal life again. We now move to check ups and scans every three months, so please pray for peace as those approach and especially that her cancer will never return. Thank you again for all your prayers, gifts, messages and support through this journey. We truly feel blessed by each one of you and are in awe at the number of people praying for us. ❤

Come and see what God has done:
    he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. ~ Psalm 66:5

For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations. ~ Psalm 100:5

Homeward bound!

Making sausage (a little bit of our normal)

Kenzi is 12!!! Celebrating at home 💚💜💙