MRI Results

Well the doctors told us today that Caleb's tumor has not grown in size. Yay! Therefore, they do not want to take any action! This is for sure an answer to prayer and a huge blessing! The enhancement (or metabolic activity), however, has increased since the last MRI which concerns them. This can lead to growth but doesn't always. So, due to the increase in enhancement, the doctor wants to continue to keep close tabs. Caleb will then be scheduled for another MRI in 3 months. We definitely were disappointed with this part of the news.

The heightened concern this last year with the slight growth of the tumor coupled with the discovery of his imbalanced hormones as kept Caleb's health in the forefront of our minds- we were hoping for a little bit of relief from this; however, we know that it's through the hard things, the uncertainty, the waiting that draws us nearer to our Father. It's in this place that his grace, his provisions, and his presence is magnified in our lives- and that is sweet! I've been encouraged from a dear friend and mentor, Kimberly, who herself is walking through a challenging time of uncertainty to write down the grace moments I'm witnessing. I have been journaling; however, I'm excited to start a separate list just of His grace in my life. - but I will start with sharing one from today with you!
This morning I woke up fairly normal, praying of course over today's results. However, as the morning progressed I became anxious. I began reciting verses, but the anxiety rose; my heart-rate elevated. I continued to say out loud God's Word, but I began to feel lightheaded with adrenaline pumping through my veins. I then started singing- this has been my strength. I felt this battle within me getting out of control, and I couldn't seem to gain the peace I was striving for. Kimberly text'd and reminded me that God was my warrior. It then hit me that I was in a battle, the Lord was fighting for me, and He would win! I was encouraged but still experiencing much anxiety. I waited for just a short time more and sure enough as quick as it came over me, it left! And I was in a place the rest of the day experiencing the perfect peace He offers his beloved ones! It was unexplainable!

We waited in that cell of a room for 45 minutes to an hour for the doctor to come in with who knows what news with children everywhere around us receiving chemo (it truly breaks my heart), and I sat there reading the Bible like I was in my living room drinking a cup of tea! I honestly couldn't believe it! I knew the doctor could walk in and say, "This is it, it's time for a biopsy." But I was being quieted by His love in that moment and it felt so amazingly good!
Zephaniah 3:17 says "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."  What did I learn today? When I feel anxiety or fear creeping in, I will not feel guilty that I'm maybe not trusting in that moment but instead continue to face it, singing and reciting His Word and then waiting for His deliverance from the battle within me, trusting He will bring peace in His timing. You know, if I hadn't experienced the crazy anxiety today, I might have missed His amazing deliverance from it- so I'm very thankful- and I will recognize His peace even more after today. What a day! I am walking away changed! I'm definitely not the only one who has had a challenging day today- I pray that you might walk away changed too and experience the abundance of His grace and peace!

On Friday Caleb will see the Endocrinologist for more hormone testing. We will continue to keep you updated. We can not thank you enough for your prayers on our behalf- you are prayer warriors who have locked shields with us. What a blessing! Much love, Nicole