August 2nd

“Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out… I will seek the lost, I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” ~Isaiah 34:11,16.

God knows our every need. He provides what we need to continue walking every day. Only He gives us the strength to trust Him, even when we cannot see what the next day will bring. This is the kind of assurance we have, one that tells us that He will take care of His sheep. We keep walking and we keep asking our good Shepherd for guidance and ultimately healing.

This morning Jonathan completed 6, out of 10 radiations. Radiation is going well, but Jonathan’s GI discomfort has not improved much since we left the hospital. He has not been able to keep food down, except for protein shakes. We met with his doctors today and both agree that even the location of the tumor could be aggravating the symptoms that Jonathan is having. Cancer patients, in general are more susceptible to get infections, and the use of steroids makes them prone to develop yeast and to get sensitive stomachs. They decided to add a stronger medication that will provide better coating for his stomach and also to treat for yeast. They will also give Jonathan an IV every day after his radiation to keep him hydrated.

For the time being, until we finish radiation and Jonathan stomach gets stabilized, we will continue to wait to take oral chemotherapy. His doctor reminded us that even though very important, adding it at this moment could hurt him more than help him. We are very glad that despite this GI issues, Jonathan is able to handle both radiation and IV chemo. And we are grateful for the way his doctors are personally involved in his care carefully ruling out problems and treating as much as they can at once without putting him at risk.

Please, know that your concern and love keep us encouraged. There are moments that feel dark, but we know our Shepherd is watching over us and his hand won’t let go of ours. We keep hoping because He is the one that gives us the very air we breath, the one who created us, knows us, and can restores every cell in our bodies.

Please, pray that the medications just added today will be effective in healing Jonathan’s stomach.

Pray that Jonathan’s stomach will soon be ready to keep food again so that his body will get the nourishment he needs to continue his treatment.

Pray that we won’t get discouraged and that will abide in His Word every day.

To the One who can give us strength when we are weak, to Him be the glory!