Health Update
It was shaping up to be a great week full of improvements. After going to church on Sunday, Simon joined extended family for dinner out at Steak Corral on Monday. He was the most energetic and spirited we’ve seen in the last five weeks. But then he was very weak the last two days. He was sleeping much more, experiencing breakthrough pain, and had no appetite.
We had our weekly check-in with the oncologist this morning. Simon lost 10 pounds this week. After all those decadent milkshakes we’ve been giving him, it was hard to hide my disappointment. The doctor reminded us that cancer expends many calories, so he’s going to put Simon on a hormone that should increase his hunger. No, it’s not marijuana but thanks for the many, MANY offers and advice. I minored in Research in college, so trust me when I say we have looked in to the best plan of care for this diagnosis.
So the good news is that Simon’s labs came back stable this week! Hemoglobin is good, liver function is acceptable, kidney function is good. Hopefully that drug he started taking to slow tumor growth will do its job. The not-so-good news is that his thyroid function came back low, which would explain the lethargy and weakness. The doc will probably have him take some additional meds for that.
I woke up early this morning feeling slightly discontent. I grabbed some coffee and my Bible and read on the porch for quite a while, tears aflowin’. From Psalms, to Matthew, to James – verse after verse, I was comforted. I have so much to be thankful for it’s ridiculous. God has granted me the desires of my heart. Is life perfect? No way. We’re sinners. But God is a gracious God. He has had mercy on Simon for 34 years when he could have taken him home much sooner. He has provided for us financially in a geographical area where often both spouses are forced to work full time to make ends meet. He has strategically placed people in our lives that are empathetic and have faced similar trials. I could go on and on and on but we have some dear friends here and I want to spend time with them.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
Love youuuuuuuu
I wanted to share this earlier but hesitated & still feel slightly reticent for fear of presumption. It was such a privilege to meet Simon briefly. As I left his presence I said, “I love you,” and I meant it, even though I’ve never met Simon before. I want him to live and thrive. What surprised me was his return, “I love you.” It may have been a Christian reflex , but it was sweet. And in the big picture it is what we share most in common; God’s love.
Continued prayers…
Praying for you continually. Love you both. Gods grace is always sufficient.
Mixed news, but as you remind us, God IS gracious, and we are so thankful to belong to the same family.
Always thinking of you and the family!
Continue to hold you, Simon and family in my prayers.
Praying for Simon daily. Praying for all of you who love him also. Psalms 91. God bless and keep you.
As I read your updates on the regular, I’m reminded that God is still in control. I pray for y’all daily. I pray God continues to give you and your family strength.
PRAISE GOD for SLOW growing of tumor, continue praying for your family.
Stay strong dear friend <3
I have had Simon & your family in my prayers daily & have added him to my Prayer Warriors List. I know this is so difficult for u. I’m so thankful to have known Simon as a teen “all those Boy Scout Brothers” who were in & out visiting with my kids were a blessing. I feel so helpless want to offer help, comfort, advice whatever but I know that for now my prayers are what are needed. Please tell Simon that Brooke Beliews Mom says hello & Love u.