Chemo is quite the marathon. Most would think that we probably just got too busy with life to think to write a blog post. The fact of the matter is not too much has gone on at all. That is, until the last week… and now I must write a lengthy post that might blow your mind.
I will sum up a few highlights of the last six weeks since the last post:
First, on the treatment side for Elizabeth we can tell that the tumor has shrunk! Very thankful for that. She is getting an MRI tomorrow to get some clear pictures before she heads in to talk to the surgeon about next steps.
One awesome thing that happened to me was someone sent a box of meat! I have no idea who it was, but getting a giant box of super high quality beef and broth is certain to put one high on my list of favorite people right now. Whoever you are… THANK YOU. I would love to know who did that so I could send my thanks. We have also had many people helping with meals still and that has been amazing! Thank you all.
Next is just a fun little picture to make you say WHOA and Awe! in the same breath:
Judah has continued his trend of 99th percentile in height, 95th in weight and 97th in head size. Donor milk is continuing to do the trick. We never knew what was normal for how much a kid his age eats until now. Apparently 10 oz. per feeding is a lot for six month old… that’s our boy! Someone donated 3000 ounces of milk to keep us going for a few days.. that is not a typo: three zero zero zero…
Now on to some of the most surprising and incredible news that we didn’t think was possible but God made the impossible possible. We bought a house! Well, more of a compound. The story goes that I have been looking for a space for a commercial kitchen so we can start making food for our cafe. Right now we outsource all of our food to Grand River Brewery, who has been awesome.
Poor imaging quality but it is the best I have!
Cooking much of our own food will give us better control over inventory and greatly increase the options we can have on hand. Hoping to add a few vegan/gluten free options for folks like my wife who have specific dietary needs. This property has a separate outbuilding that was formerly a commercial catering business and a pole barn for my fitness stuff!
In the search for the kitchen I stumbled upon this property two years ago. It came and went pretty quickly so I didn’t think anything of it. Then this same house popped back up and I did what only an insane person does… I took a long shot and went for it.
There were several incredible human beings who helped us make it happen with their expertise in the real estate and finance world and I can’t thank them enough. They will benefit from the chickens, garden and full fitness studio we will have I’m sure. Caleb, Jake, and Ben… love you my brothers.
A lesser known fact about our situation is that I was in the final stages of the hiring process for a federal law enforcement job when we found out Elizabeth had breast cancer. Last month I got the final offer of employment which I turned down. I would have had to move across country for training then relocate again after several months.
Instead God paved the way for a forever home and property that is not only a huge blessing to us in this time, but it sets us up to bless others with it. Outside of the sweet gatherings we’ll be having, we are going to start producing some amazing food for the world that is healthy AND tasty. We are going to grow the organic food that is best to fight future cancer. We are going to get in the country outside of the different types of pollution that can influence cancer. We are going to do everything in our power to heal and prevent cancer in our home.
And don’t worry, I’ll be putting out the Bat-signal when it is time to move towards the end of March… we could use some help!
This shouldn’t have been possible. Next time you see me feel free to ask why coincidence isn’t possible for all the things that fell in line to make it happen. Providence had other plans. Thank you Jesus.
Specifics for Prayer:
Peace for Elizabeth when she has her MRI tomorrow
Wisdom for Surgeon and for Elizabeth as they make decisions about her upcoming surgery
Wisdom when meeting with the Radiation Doctor on March 18th
Continued shrinking tumor
Moving with relative ease!
Mental and emotional strength for both of us
Pray the costs involved with moving stay relatively low
Love you guys! Thanks for all your love, support, and prayers.
-Duncan and Elizabeth