Today’s update 8/6

These are difficult days, and despite my desire to continue to “do it all,” I am facing the reality that I cannot. I am thankful for friends who are showing up in unexpected ways. Their kindness touches my heart.

Palliative care gave me a prescription for a second fentanyl patch yesterday, and we utilized those patches in conjunction with high doses of morphine in an effort to get in front of the pain. I am incredibly groggy this morning, as a result, but the intense pain I was experiencing has been brought back to a more tolerable level.

I had plans for this weekend with a few close friends, plans that I no longer have the strength to enjoy, but please pray that these days will be sweet, despite the shift, and that we will be able to enjoy our time together.

Some dear friends brought us a nutritious dinner last night, and Clara, in particular, was thankful.

Unfortunately we got bad news yesterday. The cancer continues to grow at an alarming rate, and even the radiation therapy I received last week did nothing to slow the rampant growth.

These are hard words to say in belief this morning, but I still want to claim them for my life:

I do not know what the days ahead will bring, but I am determined to live them with as much grace and enthusiasm as possible.

Thank you for your continued prayers.