November 19, 2021

Day 3 (or 2 1/2) of chemo round 4! With the overnight chemo even the doctors aren't sure how to count. Whatever the number, we expect to be finishing the chemo and discharging from the hospital on Monday. On Wednesday, when we got to the hospital, Lucy had a routine eco cardiogram done. It's basically an ultrasound on her heart. They found a tiny hole from the left to right ventricle. They think it was probably there from birth and will likely close on it's own. But some of her heart function seemed a little low as well. They will be doing another echo on Sunday or Monday to see if they get the low numbers again. Please be praying that everything is ok. We know that God is in charge and will lead us through whatever he gives us, but the idea of more pain and hospitals for Lucy is so hard to think about right now. We would so love for our little girl to have a break to be a normal, carefree 8 year old for a while. It has been hard to see some of the effects on her personality through this process. We are praying they are temporary and healing can happen once we get past the constant chemo and Dr visits. We are praying against bitterness and selfishness that are so natural for anyone going through this tough situation. We are praying for God to give us the wisdom and strength to parent her well through this journey, to help her not see herself as a victim and to remember her love of serving others. But it can be so hard, and at times disheartening. Especially when we are tired and frustrated ourselves. Please pray with us. Like Moses holding up the staff so the Israelites could win the battle, may you wonderful people come and hold up our arms when we have lost the strength. Thank you! Piper, Lucy's friend is supposed to be coming today to the hospital. Please pray that her and Lucy are able to play and that our family can be an encouragement to theirs. We are so thankful for a friend for Lucy! Please pray also that we can be witnesses to the nurses, doctors and others we are working with. May we show love and grace even while we have to advocate for our daughter's needs. Also, please pray for baby David. He has been having a rough time lately. He has a small cold and has been very fussy. He isn't sleeping great at night and is very needy during the day. It's hard for me to not be with him during the day. Prayer needs:

- for the next echo cardiogram to go really well and for Lucy's heart to be fully healthy and functional - for sleep, strength and grace for all of us - for Lucy body to handle this chemo well, minimal rash to avoid steroids, - for courage for Lucy to handle the gross tasting eye drops well - for David to feel better and handle the separation well - for Piper and her family as they go through their own battle - for us to be witnesses to those we interact with - for Lucy's heart to be soft and strong in the Lord, not only in spite of this experience but because of it A Thank you note: Thank you so much to everyone who helped put together Lucy's Lego box. She is really enjoying it. We have read some books, watched DVDs, and definitely played with some Legos. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, creativity and generosity.