An Anchor in Glory

Good Morning Everyone, 

I’m sorry for the delayed update about Tuesday and the day before... very full days at the clinic. But good too. Mama was excited to have her drains removed finally, Daddy thinks they are the strangest invention. :o) Mama is pleased with her physiotherapist, an encouraging, sanguine lady. They noticed Mama’s right arm was swelling a bit and the surgeon’s assistant said, “I know who to call.” :o) The appointment was helpful from a healing and hopeful prevention of lymphedema perspective.  

Our oncologist reviewed the pathology results with us. He used words like wonderful and fabulous.  He asked rhetorically if we had told everyone on the surgical team what a good oncologist he was and when we readily assented he offered to write us up an appointment with psychology. ;o) This reminds me of Ben’s unpredictable style of humorously drawing attention away from the commonsensical, substantiated facts of life, while making himself the object of jesting deprecation. :o) 

We also consulted with our radiologist who recommended radiation for Mom citing studies that prove significant increased survival percentages with treatment. Tentatively, Mom is scheduled for treatment the first week in February. But considering how sore her arm is and how impossible it is for her to imagine lifting it above her head, we suspect she may need a few more days to heal. They did intimate their preference to begin as soon as possible to prevent any cancer cells from developing radiation resistance or immunity. So, that is the next battle and we pray for continued peace and assurance and clarity for all the decisions to be made.  God has been so gracious to us in sustaining Mama and protecting her from many complications, only giving us what He knew we could handle, making the treatments so effective, relationally drawing us all closer to Himself and each other, and giving us the love and support of you, which has been an incredible, unexpected blessing. 

I hope this finds you cozy and warm. Blessings on your day!

Lenz’s 

For those interested: :) 

On the practical side of life...we have finished our tiling project with relatively few mistakes. Uncle Steve and Aunt Susan generously and patiently taught us to do the project ourselves! We were remarking on how kind it was that our parents allow us to learn a skill that will benefit future homes through experimentation on their’s...I suppose you could also say the boys are so wonderful for making free (if imperfect) home improvements! Ha :) A center of independently-functioning, economically sustainable and distinctly efficient industry at it’s best!  As I write Charlie is drilling the last few screws before we sand and stain his cabinet. We are thankful Mama had the bright idea to introduce projects! The time has flown by and work discussions have provided an excellent diversion.