I started this blog to record cute tales about our kids and to share stories of our lives. Life continues to happen, but with it brings the busyness that has made blogging less of a priority. In April we sold our house in Leo, moved in with Zach's parents for over a month, and were thankfully able to move into our new house in Bluffton in mid May. We were just starting to get settled again when God chose to open our eyes to a new journey He wants us to take. A journey that we are thankful we don’t have to face alone.
On June 12th Zach had a colonoscopy and after the procedure the Doctor shared with us that he had found a large growth in Zach’s lower colon that appeared to be cancerous. On Monday Zach had a CAT Scan and then on Tuesday received the news that the growth was cancer and that the CAT Scan showed spots in his liver and lungs. We met with an oncologist in Fort Wayne on Wednesday the 16th and he ordered a PET Scan to verify the CAT Scan Results. Zach had to have a blood transfusion on Friday the 18th because his hemoglobin levels were too low. On Monday (21st) he had the PET Scan and on Tuesday (22nd) we met with Dr. Helft a specialist at Indiana University’s Simon Cancer Center. Dr. Helft verified that the cancer has moved from Zach’s colon to both his liver and his lungs, which means that Zach has Stage Four Colon Cancer. This type of cancer has no cure at this time, but we are thankful that there are chemo treatments effective in shrinking the cancer and preventing it from spreading. Research has shown that people receiving treatment for type four colon cancer live on an average of 2 ½ years and 1 in 8 live for 5 years.
Zach has an MRI on Friday the 25th and is scheduled to start chemotherapy on the 29th. Our hope is that the chemo will decrease the size of the tumor and also the pain that Zach is experiencing. Dr. Helft and his nurse are hopeful that Zach should be able to continue working and function fairly normally as he is given this first type of chemo. We are thankful to be working with medical professionals who along with being experienced in treating colon cancer have a great compassion for their patients and their families.
In the coming weeks we are hoping to be able to settle into a new routine. A routine that includes trips to Indianapolis every other week for chemo and tests every few months to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. We find our future very uncertain right now, but are thankful for the things we know are true. GOD is in control. HE will give us the strength to endure everything we will face. No matter what happens we can look forward to Heaven.
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:7-9
11 comments:
Our prayers are with your family. Love Mark & Laura Lindberg
Zach and Jenny,
First of all, please know that your sweet family is being lifted up in prayer and laid at the Lord's feet by so many people. We love you and will be praying along side and for you as you embark on this journey. Your faith and trust in the LORD are shining and are already a great testimony of His power! Thanks so much for sharing the post.
Hey you guys. From the bottom of our hearts, we are so so sorry for all that you are going through. Zach, stay stong. You can beat this!!! If God be for us, who can be against us. Jenny, we pray for God's strength and courage for you during this time. Everything is going to be OK.
Love,
Jimmy and Sarah Greenbank
Jenny,
Thanks for sharing. I loved the scripture you shared. You are experiencing just that! You testimony is a glory to God! I have so much I want to share and hear from you both. Has anyone told you about Care Pages or Caring Bridge? Steve and I would like to come and visit. We'll be in touch, and we are petitioning the Father for each of you. It is hard to picture energetic, joking,laughing Zach in pain. We love you all.
Dear Zach and Jen,
we have been keeping you in our thoughts and prayers since we heard about Zach. Praying God gives you strength and healing in the days to come.
With love,
the Wieland's
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love, Klint & Sarah
i'm really glad i found this blog. we're praying for you guys. we are so sad that you are having to go through this. :( please let us know anything we can do.
Zach & Jenny,
I haven't kept in touch with you guys since young group days, but I want you and your family to know you have our earnest support in prayers. I know what a devastating shock cancer at such a young age is.
Cancer brings shocking realism to the fact that this world is not our home. Cancer reveals the urgency in which we should all live our lives everyday, as we never know when God will end our lives here on earth due to "accident" / disease / etc.
Just in case you guys can be encouraged by my story of dealing with cancer, most of my notes / photos / comments are online at: http://www.pbase.com/efatapo/ct_scan. The experience changed my life in ways I can hardly explain.
I don't know what God has in store for you and your family, but He is so faithful.
Yet I am always with You;
You hold my right hand.
You guide me with Your counsel,
and afterwards You will take me up in glory.
Whom do I have in heaven but You?
And I desire nothing on earth but You.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart,
my portion forever.
But as for me, God's presence is my good.
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
so I can tell about all You do. Psalm 73:23-26, 28
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. II Corinthians 1:3-4
I pray you and your family are getting love and support from all around, family and church brothers and sisters. I was single (well, and subsequently engaged during treatments) and moved in to my parents, but it meant so much when people came by to visit and brought a meal by.
"For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God's message with boldness. Acts 4:27-31
I don't even know what to say ... I have tears. Please know that our family will be praying for yours.
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