A Birthday, an Anniversary and of Course, More Chemo

Today, December 30th, marks a few milestones. Kenzi started her 3rd round of chemotherapy, Wes is celebrating his 39th birthday and it is the 3 year anniversary of when Kenzi had her last chemotherapy the first time she had cancer.  It's hard to celebrate that one though... 

We spent three wonderful weeks at home, celebrating Christmas. While we were home Kenzi was feeling well for the most part and was even able to go skiing. Wes and Kenzi headed back to Vancouver yesterday,  this time with uncle Arnie and her cousin Leah alongside her. Because of Christmas, Kenzi got an extra week off before starting chemotherapy again, but they can't put it off too long, so she will be celebrating her dad's birthday today and  New Year's eve in Ronald Mcdonald house. This is the first time in 21 years that Wes and I have been apart for his birthday and new years. We had planned to go to Vancouver with the whole family for this round, but we decided it might be easier to split up for the week. While the idea of it is nice, the reality is a little different.  There is a lot of anxiety around going to Vancouver, it's a cramped space, busy and boring hospital visits and Kenzi's not always feeling great.  Arnie and Leah will stay until tomorrow and Wes and Kenzi will fly home at the end of the week after treatment is finished. 

We are thankful for all your continued prayers. During Kenzi's second round of treatment she was feeling a lot better than the first round. She still had some nausea and cramping, but not near as bad. She was supposed to have scans before this round of treatment, but with it being the holidays, they are doing them before round 4. Wes, Kenzi and myself will go together for the scans and my parents will stay here with the other kids, so it's not so chaotic while we discuss the results. Please pray the chemo is working. We are expecting radiation to start soon after the scans, but are unsure of what that will look like right now. We just know that the radiation will be in Vancouver at the cancer agency there and will most likely be Monday-Fridays for 4-5 weeks. 

We were very blessed over the holidays, with some amazing gifts, baking, cards, and baskets. We are so grateful for everyone who is thinking of us, supporting us, encouraging us and praying for us. It was wonderful to be home and celebrate with family, but there is always a cloud hanging over us. We never imagined this would be our life. It affects our whole family and all of our kids struggle in different ways. We are trying to navigate it as best as possible, but I don't think there is a right or wrong way to do things and what's best for one child, isn't necessarily best for another. I took down our Christmas decorations today and it was surprisingly difficult not knowing what next Christmas might look like. Our reality hits so hard sometimes, even while trying to find joy in little things. I am thankful for so much, but it's exhausting always hunting for the little things to be thankful for. We know that God is in control and working for our good, but it's hard to understand how that can be, so please pray that we would feel His peace and presence and truly know His love for us.

We hope and pray that you all had a wonderful Christmas and you feel God's blessing in the new year.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you?- Matthew 6:28-30

~Christmas morning excitement~

~Christmas Eve fondue~

~Last chemo 3 years ago- Dec. 30, 2021~