and then I quickly realized the blessing in it. People I love would be driving me to and from appointments, and we would be given the gift of time with each other. Right now, time feels so very precious to me. I have loved the quality time I am already getting, initially with Carson and my kids, but that circle will now widen as we get more clarity on the treatment phase.
We have another appointment with my specialist this Sunday afternoon to get the results from this week’s X-rays and the MRI. As well my doctor will show us images of the brain and chest CT scans, X-rays, and bone scan. All of our boys are coming to that appointment, partly to get an understanding of what is going on and to ask questions. But Jason, our oldest son, said that the reason why he wants to see the images is so that he will know beyond any shadow of a doubt when a miracle happens.
Another thing that has deeply touched me was this: Our youngest kids, Jonathan and Kirstie, had been making tentative plans to move to another city in the spring, and they made the decision to stay here a few days ago. I cried big, fat tears of joy over that! I am so deeply blessed by all the prayers of friends around the globe. Today I beseeched the Lord to hear the prayers of his beloved everywhere…
Three specific prayer requests from today:
1. That God would shrivel the lesion in my brain, along with the mass in my lung and the spot in my bone.
2. To not be overtaken by dread and fear, but rather to focus on life and blessing.
3. For genetic coding (via biopsy) of lung mass to be scheduled quickly.
Day 16—A Normal Kind of Day
By Brenda Pue—January 17, 2014 12:01 a.m.
No tests today! In fact, I went for a hair appointment. How normal is that? This is in preparation for our family photo shoot tomorrow. Our family is busy getting haircuts and flu shots (I know, not your average preparation for a photo shoot), and we are all pretty excited about it. Our family group chat has been hilarious, deciding what to wear (if you know our three sons, you will have no trouble imagining this at all). I also enjoyed time today with various friends.
There are so many things that are life-giving to me right now. One is this Caring Bridge website filled with encouraging messages, amazing prayers, and bits of comic relief too. Another thing is a practice that Carson and I have every morning, reading from the Psalms, then praying through our day and praying for people. We also share communion each morning, and that has been a rich way to start each day. As well, I have completely filled our large bathroom mirror with various Scripture verses, which bless us all day long. God is giving us peace and courage.
We have sad moments, but they pale in comparison to the feeling of being held tightly by our God. We feel so incredibly loved.
Day 17—Today Was a Gift
By Brenda Pue—January 18, 2014 12:48 a.m.
Our family all convened at Williams Park with our talented photographer, Tawn DiMeglio, and dear friends Curt (videographer) and Char (babysitter and coat holder extraordinaire).
The photo session started, and it was one of those days in a person’s lifetime that will stay etched in the mind forever. There were some teary moments for sure, against a backdrop of love, support and faith. A very special finale warmed our hearts. A sneak preview will be coming soon.
My heart is so full of gratitude tonight. I love my family!
Day 18—Tribute to My Mom
By Brenda Pue—January 18, 2014 9:41 p.m.
I have been working on a surprise party for my mom’s 80th birthday since November. It was planned for today, January 18th. When we received the cancer diagnosis last Saturday, I somehow had the presence of mind to ask my doctor if I could still go to my mom’s party. She said, “You must go.” All week I have been pondering how to make this party honouring for her, even though I would be seeing my siblings, aunts, uncles, niece and nephew for the first time since this news.
So we got up at 5 this morning [and] drove to Vancouver Airport, and after a cancelled flight and a bit of fancy flight maneuvering by my clever husband, we at last arrived in Penticton. I’m so pleased to say that it was a wonderful celebration of my amazing mom. We created a memory book for her while we enjoyed lunch at a restaurant. I was very honoured to give a tribute about the godly influence she has had on four generations in our family line…there were no tears (on my part), just pure joy and gratitude for a life well lived.
By the way, we gave Mom an iPad for her 80th birthday. How cool is that?
Day 19—Family Photos
By Kristin Pue—January 19, 2014 10:42 a.m.
On Friday we had the privilege of having family photos taken. It was a very emotionally draining time for all of us, but it was so, so special. We laughed, we cried, and we made some great memories. We ended the day by having Pue family night, with dinner and time spent filling up a tribute book for Brenda’s mom’s 80th birthday. A very close friend came to the photo shoot to capture it on film for us. We had no idea what a wonderful thing this would be, and in less than a day, he surprised us with this beautiful video, and we’d like to share it with you.
Day 19—Family Meeting with Our Specialist
By Brenda Pue—January 19, 2014 7:13 p.m.
Today all our boys and Kirstie came with us to meet my specialist who diagnosed my lung cancer. She’s great. The family loved meeting her as well, even though the news was hard.
We learned today that there are other small lesions in the brain, and that is now the primary focus of concern, rather than lung cancer. My doctor is trying to move forward my appointment with the oncologist to this week, rather than next week. Please join us in praying that it would be so.
This new information, although concerning, does have an upside…I am fortunate that the new lesions have not affected my speech, memory, etc., thus far. I consider this a great mercy from God. I believe more than ever that I am in God’s hands and am choosing to live in faith not fear. Your faith and prayers continue to be a lifeline. Thank you for your great kindness, love, support and prayer for me and for my family on this unexpected journey. You are blessing us more than you will know.
Carson shared an image with me today from sailing that I loved…when charting a course in a sailboat towards a destination, one also takes the time to identify alternate safe harbours along the way, where, if need be, one can tuck in if the weather suddenly changes. We were on a course, and the weather has changed. So now we are heading on a new course to seek shelter in a safe harbour. You are part of that safe shelter for us, and we are grateful to God for you.
Day 20—A Really Encouraging Day!
By Brenda Pue—January 20, 2014 7:46 p.m.
After the news of yesterday, today dawned brighter. It began with our usual time reading the Psalms that was so uplifting for us. The rest of the day was filled with life-giving moments and prayers that have refocused the sadness and fear I was feeling into hope and faith today. We feel so “held.”
I forgot to mention the good news that the spot on the bones from an earlier X-ray was not present in the follow-up X-rays. That feels so huge and hopeful to us. Another answer to prayer is that my first appointment at the cancer clinic was moved one week ahead to this Wednesday morning. Your earnest prayers, loving notes, Scriptures and meals are a breath of fresh air to us. And finally,
