MRI Results

We spent about an hour with the Oncologist today and reviewed the MRI Results. The short version is that the results are what was expected. The tumor does not look like it has increased in size, nor were there any new growth anywhere else in Jenny's brain, so the radiation and the chemotherapy did it's job! The blood tests came back will all of the numbers being right where they need to be, so that is all good news.

We all agreed that overall Jenny is doing great and is generally lacking any symptoms that would indicate that the tumor is impacting her like it was before the surgery and the 1st round of treatments. We had a lengthy discussion regarding potential progression courses and treatment options, none of which we'll need to worry about over the next month. Jenny's sister's perspective is that she can she increases in Jenny's energy level, activity level, and overall increases in "Jennyness" each time she is here.  

They ordered the next batch of Chemo pills, and when they are delivered, we will start a 5 day on - 23 day off cycle, at the end of which Jenny will have another MRI and we'll see a clearer picture of what is going on in there...

Jenny and I are going to take this opportunity, when the doctor visits are few and the energy level is high, to get away on vacation for a week on the sunny beaches of Mexico, so in a couple of weeks off we go! I'll try and post some pictures....

Thank you all for your continued prayer support and care!

MRI Update

Jenny had her "post-treatment" MRI today, we go in for the consultation tomorrow. The MRI itself went really well and Jenny, although a little apprehensive going in - since she does care much for confined spaces, did great. As an added benefit, the Starbucks Grande Soy Latte that we purchased prior to the MRI was the perfect temp for Jenny to consume by the time the MRI as completed. I will give further details on the MRI tells us tomorrow, after the consultation appointments.

Thank you all for your prayers, God's grace was readily observable today!

Looking Forward to 2013

We have had a wonderful Holiday season here at the Mulligan house. We just sent off my Mom and Stepfather, who we here for a very enjoyable couple of days. Jenny's parents are stopping by on their way to Florida this week, we look forward to seeing them again. We have had the opportunity to spend time together as a family as school was on break and even our children that are working retail had a few days off. We are all really enjoying Jenny's vacation from treatments and doctor visits!

The end of the calendar year always gives opportunity for reflection, so here are a few of our thoughts at the transition point from 2012 to 2013:

• God provides grace for us each day and provides us hope and mercies never ending. We do not know what 2013 will bring, but what we do know, just as the writer of Lamentations said, in the midst of trials and tribulation:

But this I call to mind,

and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“therefore I will hope in him.”

        (Lamentations 3:21-24 ESV)

It is not hard or difficult to call to mind all of the ways that God has shown us His steadfast love, even with the reality of a brain tumor, we have seen hundreds of ways that God has used this circumstance to bring us closer to Him, remind us of the eternal, and help us focus on loving one another, allowing us to let the less important things go.

• No matter what happens in 2013, our greatest need has been taken care of, making everything else of a lesser importance. There are no concerns or worries that cause us to fear the future.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ...And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ...But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ...But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:25-34 ESV)

Seeking the Kingdom of God can look a lot of different ways, as each of us have been given a unique part to play, with specific gifts and skills which we have been given. My prayer is that in 2013, we have much less anxiety and much more kingdom seeking...

When we are able to place our trust in the provision of God's son's death for our sins, by His grace, we really have nothing else to be anxious about, our eternal destination has been secured, and we can be free to focus on fulfilling our calling, unencumbered by temporal concerns.

Jenny has her "post-treatment" MRI on 1/15, then we do the consultation on 1/16, until then we have no doctor visits or treatment. Jenny is taking a nap every afternoon, but other than that, life it pretty normal around here. 

Thank you for all of your prayers, cards, emails, and calls. I could not imagine walking this road without you! Your kindnesses have allowed us to experience a small taste of the Kingdom of God here on earth. Happy New Years!