Waiting for what’s next…

It’s been 7 months since our last update in July, since I wrote the words “We’re ready to be done.” Since then, the Lord has chosen to sustain us—even through great suffering—so that He might display His infinite Grace and Kindness with the extravagant beauty that only He can. (More on this in a bit)
Here’s a quick update:

• Early in 2013, Lariate underwent radiation therapy in hopes of wrapping up our journey by zapping the tumor. We finished in May and the Doctors were pleased with the results. A follow up PET scan showed that the original tumor had indeed shrunk.
• That is where the good news ended. =(
• The additional results of the PET scan showed that the cancer spread to distant lymph nodes and from her colon to her spine, moving her from “curable” to “incurable.”
• Lymphedema (a side effect of the radiation) began to affect Lariate’s legs causing them to swell as they retained fluid. This caused great discomfort and difficulty in sitting or walking. In addition to the discomfort, the trapped fluid made her prone to infections which caused severe pain.
• In July, a follow-up with Lariate’s OBGYN revealed a mass inside her vagina (unexpected). A biopsy later confirmed it was metastatic colon cancer. Wow…the news just keeps getting worse.
• The cancer—which was previously invisible—was now manifesting itself in sores and swelling around her abdomen and her lower back. Together with the lymphedema, Lariate began to enter a state of perpetual discomfort.
• It was around this time (July 2013) that a consensus was reached amongst our medical team that it was time to involve hospice. We were not ready for that.
• For the next few months, we approached her treatment with a variety of modalities including medical marijuana, Vitamin C infusions, UV Light Therapy, Hypnosis, Ozone, and a handful of naturopathic supplements. During this time, Lariate’s pain increased and her energy decreased. Our reserves were starting to exhaust along with our willingness to try new things.
• After a discussion with her OBGYN, we made the decision to call hospice in October of 2013. Although still not ready, we had a peace knowing that God’s hand was still on us. From the first visit until now, Hospice of the Valley has provided a level of care that is knowledgeable, intimate, and attentive to ALL of our needs.
• Around this time, I left my office to work out of our home and be close to my wife. I entrusted my business to the Lord and He has been faithful to take care of it. I have two employees who stepped up to take care of most of onsite operations while I have continued to provide support from home.
• In November, we took a trip to the emergency room because of intense pain that could not be brought under control. After intervening and draining her bladder thru a catheter, it became evident that a new symptom of her cancer’s progression was the inability to control her bladder.
• As the cancer spread in her spine, it increased pain and limited the use of her legs and feet.

This journey has not gone in a way we imagined, but we have NOT walked alone. God has been present, along with our family & friends, and He continues to give us new stories to share:

• This year, Calvin turned 7 and David turned 4. All three boys excel at being servants, wrestling on the bed, and sneaking food out of the kitchen.
• We had the best 3 parties of my LIFE back to back—Christmas 2013, New Year’s, then Calvin’s 7^th birthday. Easily the happiest 2 weeks of my life.

 

• There is also the weeklong visit from the Denver Wiegels that turned into a month of fun, adventure, and home-schooling. My sister flew from Nicaragua to help manage the house, care for Lariate, and she brought tortilla chips to David which earned her the title of #1 Aunt.
• We’ve been blessed to have talented musicians come to our home and lead us in singing about God’s grace and mercy, even in the midst of hardship and suffering.
• At times I feel side-lined in ministry, asking the Lord “What can I do?” He has provided a way for us to support a missionary to Nepal and provide “aerial support” for missionaries through prayer.
• I started to play the guitar that Lariate bought for me 8 years ago and have found it to be a great way to unwind from the stress of this journey.

God is Faithful. When we asked for direction, He led us. When we asked for love, He sent flowers. When we asked for Peace, He gave it. When we asked for marijuana…well, I won’t get into that, but HE provided!! When we asked for encouragement, we came home to find His Word written all over our driveway in chalk. When we asked for help, He gave it in abundance. He has been faithful in everything and in every way. He has answered EVERY prayer…
…except this little thing called cancer. We don’t know what He is doing. We have been tempted to doubt His Goodness, only to be reminded over that He is in control. He does love us, and He is with us!!!
It seems like our journey is close to an end. Lariate’s pain has increased greatly in these last two weeks and we have been in and out of the Hospice Care facility to get her pain under control and properly managed. Lariate continually pleads with her Father in Heaven saying “I’m just a girl, not a soldier. Jesus, please take me home. I’m ready for rest.”
As we wait for the promised rest, Lariate and I have enjoyed many conversations about the goodness of God and His faithfulness to us; even when we can’t see the road ahead. The boys have been present through the whole journey, aware of our struggles, and trusting in the same God for mom’s deliverance. We know that Lariate will enter her rest when God’s will is accomplished.
Presently, Lariate is at a hospice facility receiving care to help her rest. We anticipate that this is where she will spend her final days as she looks forward to the rest that Jesus has promised. She is comfortable, polite, and can’t wait to see Jesus. She hasn’t stopped smiling since our decision was made.
“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. “

- 2 Corinthians 1: 8-11
Our hope is in Christ alone for the forgiveness of our sins, the ransom of our souls, and the deliverance of our bodies. We wait in eager anticipation of what He will do next.
Because He Lives,
Dhondi Wiegel