Finding sweetness in the struggle
In support of
The Castillo Family
View Support Registry
The Castillo Family
This past week was really hard—but also incredibly sweet.
I’ve been putting off sharing the hard part, but here it is—ripping it off like a Band-Aid so we can move forward.
On Tuesday, I met with my medical oncologist. By God’s kindness, the clinic was just down the street from where Alex was working that day, and he was able to join me over his lunch break. I was so thankful to have him with me.
The team gave me a 40–60% chance of cancer recurrence over the next five years. They’ve officially labeled me as high risk. It’s crushing news—and in the quiet moments, especially at night, it has felt like a heavy weight on my heart.
This shifts everything. Because of the recurrence risk, they are now recommending a much more intense chemotherapy regimen. It comes with severe side effects and serious lifelong risks—heart complications, aging of vital organs by 20–30 years, and in the worst-case scenario, blood cancer. The impact this would have on my body long term would be scary for anyone. Given my young age and history of kidney problems, it’s terrifying. Yet, this regimen only offers a 2–10% benefit over the less aggressive option. The decision feels impossibly complex.
We are seeking wisdom. We have a second opinion appointment this Wednesday in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, our insurance only covers care within the Wisconsin Advocate Aurora system. Because of that, we’re paying out-of-pocket to also consult with City of Hope, a cancer research hospital (no date yet). We are overwhelmed, emotional, and honestly, afraid—but God meets us in our fear. He walks with us through the valley (Psalm 23:4), and we are clinging to that promise.
Now, for the sweetness of this past week—because there was so much.
I moved back home from my parents’ house on Memorial Day. It’s been a big transition, but what a joy to be under the same roof again with Alex and the boys. My heart needed that.
The boys went up to Lake Geneva for a few days with my parents and Suzanne’s family. Alex and I even joined them for Memorial Day dinner at the condo—an annual tradition I wasn’t sure would happen this year. I’m so grateful my family made it possible. The boys had a blast, soaked up cousin time, and made core memories. I’m fairly certain my parents are still recovering from chasing two wild little ones around—but wow, what a gift. The Lord gives us joy even in sorrow.
My beautiful Aunt Sheri came all the way from Bloomington, IL to stay the week with us. She quietly filled in the gaps when I didn’t have words. She’s such a doer—and she did all the things out of love. Most of all, I’m so thankful for the uninterrupted time with her. And what a gift for my boys to know her more deeply. She poured out love on our family this week, and we felt it in every way.
On Friday, I had a post-surgery checkup. I was only scheduled to see the physician assistant, but my surgeon was in the building and unexpectedly “popped in” to check on me himself. That kindness felt like a divine appointment. We had been praying boldly for healing. He was satisfied with how my right wound is healing. It could either remain a surface-level issue or develop into deeper tissue damage—and praise God, for now, it looks like it’s staying surface-level. We’re giving it another week before moving to the next step. Please pray it continues healing without complication.
And another little milestone—I got my last two drains removed. What freedom! It’s a small thing, but it’s still something that makes a difference for me on a daily level, and it reminded me again: God is in the details.
On Sunday, Alex took the boys to church. Once again, God’s timing was perfect. During worship, there was a special moment of prayer for those walking through cancer. They even played one of my current favorite songs, God is Faithfulby Sovereign Grace Music. During that time, one of our pastors and several dear friends—including one of Teddy’s little friends—gathered around and prayed over Alex and the boys. It was such a tender and powerful reminder that we’re not walking this road alone. God is using His people to carry us.
And this may sound small, but it was soul-refreshing: I got my hair washed and my scalp massaged this week. (I can’t raise my arms for 8–10 weeks post-op.) I cried big, thankful tears. It was the first time since surgery that something on my body felt good. It reminded me how often I take the simple things for granted—feeling the wind in my hair, brushing it out of my face, running my fingers through it. Now, this little ritual feels sacred.
This week’s prayer requests:
• For Teddy and Ben. They’ve shown such resilience, but lately the weight of everything has started to show—especially in Ben. Meltdowns, tears, and tender hearts. Please pray that the Lord would wrap their minds and hearts in peace, calm, and protection. May they feel securely held by Him in the midst of so much change.
• For Alex and me. As we face hard decisions and sift through overwhelming information, please pray for wisdom that surpasses our understanding (James 1:5). That we would lean not on our own insight, but trust in the Lord with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5–6). Pray that we love each other well through it all.
• For endurance. This is a long road—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Please pray for strength for the journey. That we would daily fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). That even when we can’t see what He’s doing, we’d trust that He isworking (Romans 8:28). Pray that we would have daily renewal of faith (Lamentations 3:22–23) and that we would guard our hearts from despair (Proverbs 4:23). This is the place where faith must rise—and we need your prayers to help us walk it out.
In pursuit of HIS glory,
Elly
Comments
Meagan Baugher
Chara Brightly
Julie Walter
You are constantly in my prayers as you continue to fight this dreadful chapter in your life.
I would love to connect with you. If you are able, please email me your address and phone number.
Hugs to you and sweet Teddy!
Jane Allen
I grew up with your sweet mom and you’re her girl and so I feel connected and I am honored to hold you up in prayer.
Debbie Williams
Cheryl Lewis
Tonya Gripentrog
kevin kuzelka
Stephnking88
Diane Fahrenkrug
Rhonda Stasaitis
Madeleine Cassidy
Mary Weber