Update 6/13
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The Castillo Family
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The Castillo Family
This week, I’ve been focused on being truly present—with our friends, our family, and especially our boys. In many ways, I’ve started to feel more like myself again, and I know that’s a gift from God. Each small step forward in recovery feels like an answered prayer.
But the reality that I’ll soon need to pull back—stay home and away from the public—has been hitting me hard. It’s a difficult tension to hold: the desire to live fully in each moment, while also preparing for the next hard stretch ahead.
Even so, I’ve been given the strength to do so much this week. I made it to church (what a balm to my soul), to Teddy’s last soccer game where he scored two goals, to three of his baseball games, and even to a girls’ night. Every outing leaves me physically exhausted, but my heart is full. I don’t take these moments for granted—they are gifts of grace, glimpses of joy in the middle of this long road.
I’m reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9—“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Every time I think, I can’t do this, He shows me I don’t have to do it alone.
Second Opinion Update
I had a consult at City of Hope, a nearby cancer research hospital. Alex and my mom came with me—six ears are definitely better than two!
The atmosphere there is truly different. The staff, the support services, even the overall tone—it all feels incredibly hopeful and compassionate. By God’s grace, the medical oncologist I was scheduled with is the Director of the Breast Cancer Department. She took her time with us, answered every question, and was genuinely open to a thoughtful discussion about the reasoning behind their treatment plan.
Her recommended chemo plan is just as aggressive as the one from my team at Aurora, but after chemo, the rest of the treatment path looks a bit different, but would still be a long journey. We’re still processing those details and will share more when it feels right.
We also met with an oncology naturopathic doctor we really liked. She gave us four pages of personalized suggestions—natural remedies, supplements, organ support, and side effect relief strategies—all timed thoughtfully with chemo infusions. She’s willing to follow up by phone or in person, which is such a blessing. Aurora doesn’t offer anything like this, so it feels like a big step forward in whole-body care.
Lastly, we met with the financial aid team. Right now, there aren’t grants or aid options that would allow us to make the switch to City of Hope. But we will be changing insurance plans in January, which means I’ll be able to transfer my care then. Since chemo will likely go through December, the timing actually lines up well. That’s the plan as of today—and we’re holding it loosely.
Prayer Requests
• For Alex and me: Pray that our hearts would turn to God instead of fear. That we would rest in His sovereignty rather than our lack of control. And that we would love each other well through this storm.
• For the boys—especially Teddy: His summer schedule is a bit out of rhythm. Pray for flexibility, understanding, and peace in the middle of the changes.
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
—Psalm 61:2
Thank you for the outpouring of love, prayers, texts, meals, acts of service, financial gifts and overall support. It means so much to us and puts wind in our sails in moments when we can barely feel a breeze.
Love,
Elly
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God loves you. Keep writing it is good for you, and for all of us that are cheering you on from the side lines.
Love and blessings,
Lorna