Dr. Thompson, our oncologist came in and spoke with William today. After running some more tests, ENT, ID, and Oncology all agree that the chemo regimen that Eva has been on is causing her facial swelling, constant infections, and most recently it has damaged the lining of her bladder. He told us that at this time, her body is no longer able to tolerate the chemo and we would have to change, again. He promised to return later in the day with options. During that time frame, he met with other oncologists and they reviewed all of Eva’s scans and they believe that the tumor on her face is dead. At this time, he told her that rather than start another chemo, we are going to rest two weeks and then start Eva on maintenance therapy. Maintenance therapy is a a “chemo pill” which is actually a medication that blocks cancer cells from replicating or being able to create new tumors. This is a wonderful praise for us! This will reduce our amount of time in Kansas City and allow Eva to return to school and be as normal of a kid as possible, while continuing to receive medication and routine scans. We are taking this time to pray hard that the medication can keep cancer at bay and that Eva will get to live a long and happy life. At this time the medication she is trying is only allowed for two years, but we hope that that is enough time. We KNOW that GOD has done this. We KNOW that all of those prayers are being answered. I am watching them! I have a fellow cancer mom who often mentions that she is living a beautiful life with her child on borrowed time. As of today, I understand that completely!  Our mission is and always will be to show James and Eva the goodness of GOD and the beauty of living a life through him. We also plan to make plans. Eva has said all along, as soon as she goes into remission, she wants our family to go on a road trip with no fighting. I better start planning the best trip ever!!! 
Eva’s bladder is still needing recovery time, so the plan at this time is for her to remain in the hospital on antibiotics and fluids through Friday to allow her to heal. I am going up and switching Will out again, so he can get another day of work in this week and he needs to be home to help James try to weigh the fair pigs. James and his best friend are going to get the scales tomorrow and then James and Will are going to try to weigh the pigs when Will gets home. If they call… they may need help! 

Prayer requests:
Eva’s bladder heals quickly and she makes it home in time to model on Saturday.
This medication works and we never have to return to active cancer treatment again.
Will and James are able to weigh the pigs and that the pigs weigh enough. Eva has worked hard to get permission to show her pig in one class this year.
Lastly, let the peace that has washed over me and the joy that is bubbling in my heart, be true, real, and long lasting.

*The picture is Eva in her hog showing outfit!!!!

#evastrong
#healeva
#fightlikeachristian