The Christmas Picture

This was taken a couple of days prior to Jenny going in for her surgery, Richard Israel, a well-known professional photographer heard about our story and offered to take a series of portraits, out of kindness and desire to serve our family. Thank you Richard, for being another way that we have been able to observe God's grace in our lives.

Today, We Celebrate!

Today is a day of celebration in our house, it marks two important events for us. The first is that 17 years ago, our only daughter entered the world. She has indeed been an example of God's grace to us, with her joy for life, love of the Savior, and servant's heart. Happy Birthday, Grace!
The second celebration today comes with the last day of combined Radiation and Chemotherapy. Today is the 42nd and last day of the combined treatments. Now, that is a reason for celebration!
Jenny has shown amazing character as she has undergone the daily process and dealt with the side effects of the patchy hair loss and the lack of energy. She has not once complained, and has started to entertain what the next stage of life will look like, with this behind her. She drove herself to the grocery store the other day, so watch out world, here she comes!
It feels that we are "rounding the first turn" in the race. We knew about these 42 days, now we start into a straightaway. The next appointment is Jan, 15th. It will be the MRI to determine the damage that the combined treatment has done on the tumor. We will meet with the Oncologist on the 16th to review the MRI and determine the appropriate dosage of Chemo going forward. The standard treatment is 5 days of Chemo, then 23 days off, repeated over a number of months - all in pill form. We are looking forward to a nice break over the holidays, and spending time together as a family. 
I will see about posting a family Christmas picture for all to see. Thank you all for your prayers, notes, emails, and meals - your support has been overwhelming and has allowed us to observe God's grace everyday in this process through you all. 

3000 Miles to a cure

I have been so fortunate to observe God's grace up close in the Mulligan family and community.  It has been incredible to see the vibrant faith of Jenny, Ray, Charlie, Ethan, Tim, Grace and Joe.  They have shown me every day in every word and decision that they trust God. I have experienced such joy with them in the last 3 months. 

What has really blown me away though is the response of this community.   Thousands of people have reached out to support Jenny and the Mulligan family. I cannot begin to list all the wonderful ways, it's almost too much to take in. Thank you.

Charlie, Tim and I have been working on a project related to Jenny's brain cancer in the last 6 weeks. We have set a goal to raise $1 million dollars for brain cancer research. Our project is called 3000 miles to a cure.   I am planning on riding across the country in June in a very challenging bicycle event called Race Across America. It will be the most difficult physical thing I have ever attempted.  Like many of you, I feeI I must do something. This will be an international platform to bringing awareness and money to brain cancer research. 

Charlie and Tim are working hard on spreading the word as far and wide as possible through social media and any other ways they can think of.  We all hate brain cancer.

We need you, Jenny's loving community, to help us.  Please like our facebook page, ask your friends to like it, go to our website and read about the project, consider donating, follow us on twitter, and most importantly, spread the word. We can only succeed in this huge project if we touch thousands and thousands of people with the incredible story of the Mulligan family. 

Grateful for you all,

Maria Parker (Jenny's sister)

How many days until Christmas?

I think I have reached my quota of Christmas commercials for diamonds, cars, and other expensive things and its only December 4th. It seems to me that these commercials are saying (some more overtly than others) that these material things are supposed to make up for a year of not expressing our love and attention to the ones we love by giving them something expensive and shiny. 

With the new perspective of time that we have gained with Jenny's diagnosis, I have become freshly aware of the need to express my love and appreciation to those around me in the moment, not putting it in a box, wrapping it with a bow, and placing it under the tree, waiting until Christmas to open up the gift of communicating compassion and care.

Those that know me personally, realize that this is not my strength, as a matter of fact, one of my sons lamented the other day "Dad, you never said things to me like you say on the blog..." A good and fair indictment of the gap between what I feel and what I express in words to those I spend time with. So, don't wait for Christmas - tell the ones around you that you appreciate them, that you see God at work in them, and that you appreciate that they spend some of their time thinking about you.

John, in his letter, says: "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:16-17 ESV)

The world would say that diamonds are forever, commercials try to convince us that the right gift will re-invigorate our neglected relationships, and that Christmas presents will change our lives and not end up piling up in our hallway closet and garages within a month.

I am convinced that we should invest in the eternal, the people that God puts in our lives are what is going to last forever. We each have a very short time on this earth and then it is off to eternity  - either worshiping the reason for the Christmas season or lamenting that we viewed it as just a good time to get some end-of-the year bargains and attend some nice parties....

Jenny is doing great, she ordered a pair of pink running shoes this week, is planning on attending a number of Christmas celebrations, is starting to plan hospitality events at our house, and has generally stopped taking naps. The radiation oncologist told her this week - "I wish all my patients were doing as well as you" 

So - can I just express to each of you how much I appreciate your support, how much Jenny is enjoying your cards and letters, and how thankful we are to have been blessed with knowing you on this side of forever. 

Observations

Observations of God's Grace is what I called this blog on October 2nd - about 60 days ago - it seems more like 6 months ago. Tonight, as I was painting one of our spare bedrooms, which was going to be a small exercise room prior to the diagnosis, which became the visitor's bedroom after folding up the Bowflex and Rowing Machine and throwing a spare mattress on the floor, not exactly five star accommodations...  Anyway, as I was covering the dingy builder off-white white with "willow", I was reflecting upon all the ways that I had observed God's Grace, just in the last few days. A couple of friends were visiting with Jenny downstairs in the living room, as I heard them carrying on,  I started a list....

Friends that come over and visit, A house with a spare bedroom, exercise equipment, the ability to exercise, Jenny laughing, family that come and stay with us - even when they have to sleep on the floor, the change of season, cool nights when you have covers on your bed, children that know the God is in control and love them - even when Mom has cancer, friends that drive to doctor's appointments and go to look at wigs as Jenny's hair is falling out, the big harvest moon in the sky, an employer that says "family first" and means it, emails from old friends, phone calls from people that you haven't talked to in years - just to let you know that they are praying for you, a country that has an election without riots in the street or the president getting rid of  parts of congress, the ability to celebrate Christmas as a family, neighbors that stop and talk, Doctors that stop and really listen and ask good questions, medicine - even when it makes your hair fall out, a good nights sleep, non-stop meals that show up at your door, UPS 2nd day delivery, fresh Christmas trees...

Then, in the middle of my thankfulness stream of conscience, I hit the ceiling with a roller full of "willow". OOPS! Don't tell Jenny...

We have so many things that we have been graced with! Jenny is feeling amazingly well for being halfway through the dual Chemo/Radiation treatments, her hair has started to fall out in bunches, so pray for her, as she looks in the mirror every day and sees changes that are not ones that she is excited about. Wig shopping tomorrow and then the decision to cut it off or not... But that will be for another post, last thing on the list of observations of grace - latex paint :)  

Gratefull

I wanted to post, expressing my overflowing heart of thankfulness for all of you.  Thank you for reading the blog first of all. Thank you for your hugs and declarations of support and more importantly prayers on my/our behalf.  Thank you for bringing our family meals for many days.  God has and continues to meet me in the journey.  EVERY DAY I sing out prayers and joyful songs to the Lord for all of you.  I pray that each of you has a joyful Christmas season.

Much love and gratefulness,

Jenny

Guest Post from Charlie- Walking with Mom

On a Sunday two weekends ago, I asked my mother a question that I had not planned on asking for many years.  As we were walking peacefully side by side on a crisp fall day, I asked, “Mom, are you afraid to die?”  I don’t, no didn’t, think much about death.  It’s not that I actively seek to avoid thinking about it.  It’s just not a part of my normal existence.  And so, other than a few practical conversations regarding estate planning and life insurance, I hadn’t thought to ask Mom or Dad how they felt about dying.  That was a question I’d ask one day, sitting at the family house, grown myself, with my own family, mom and dad’s grandchildren, running around.  But with brain cancer, death stares you right in the face.  You must uncover your eyes, look at it right back, and decide what you are going to do about it.  So it was hard, but I asked the question.

However, this is not a sad story.  Somewhere in our circumstances as a family, there is a one-eighty degree turn.  Somewhere, staring down what might be a tragic loss turns into joy, real, peaceful joy.  And that’s what I heard in Mom’s answer. 

We all have a certain amount of time allotted to us.  On the face of it, there seems only one way to approach this – to try and squeeze the maximum amount of satisfaction out of the time we are granted.  Looking it at this way, Mom’s cancer is a roadblock.  It gives her pain, slows her enjoyment, requires sacrifices from each of us affected.  And death, well, death is an ominous reality, a time bomb methodically ticking down to a certain fate. 

But Mom, she found something else to live for.  She began a relationship with the Being who created time and all this around us.  And that’s when the 180 happened. 

What happened was that God showed her that there is more to life than simply one’s own happiness.  Instead, everything in life is woven together as a perfect tapestry, seamlessly perfected for each of our benefit.  What we need most is to be in love with our Creator.  And every moment in history is tailor-made with that in mind.  God is so passionate about my Mother knowing Him that He came and died for her to pay the punishment her sins deserved.  She has a pure, intimate relationship with her Father because of what His Son did on the Cross.  Because of his work, no sin, no failure, no weakness gets in her way of fellowship with God. 

This means that cancer is not a roadblock.  It is an opportunity to see in a new way what God has in the life.  And death is not a time bomb.  It’s a door, swung open, to be truly alive, in the presence of her Creator, with no worries, no pain, and no weakness.

And so, we stopped briefly in our walk after I asked, “Mom, are you afraid to die?”  Looking up at me, without hesitation, Mom answered. “No”, she said. “Not at all.”  We continued walking, not sure what new thing our Father has for us next.

Tonight, before Thanksgiving, I'm grateful that we can have such assurance.  It's only through the work of the Father.  Blessings to you and your family tomorrow!

- Charlie

What's the matter, your arm broken?

This is one of Jenny's Grandmother's sayings, after it had been a long period of time between letters from her grandchildren. As we crossed over the 30,000 hit mark I was wondering of some of you felt the same way....

Here is the amazing thing - there is not much to tell, which I think is remarkable. Jenny is half way through the 6 weeks of chemo and radiation after tomorrow. She is really tolerating the treatments well. There biggest problem that we have had is how to deal with Jenny's return to her place in the running of the household affairs. We are adjusting to having her voice, preferences, and activity in the mix, after a period of adapting to it's absence.

Those of us that have had the role of "caretaker" over the last few weeks are now out of a job, and wondering what to do with ourselves. I have basically been relegated to the role of a chauffeur to the treatments and doctor appointments when there is not someone else available.

I am going to see if I can have Jenny post some of her thoughts here, so you can get the first person perspective. 

The Journey

the reading today was from psalm 84:

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
In whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
The early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.

Jenny's journey was not one that we planned for or anticipated, but God was preparing us in ways that we were not aware. I was talking to some friends of ours today about the decision that Jenny and I made in May, to postpone building a new home on some property that we had bought last year.

God  knew where our road to Zion was taking us and the new house was not in His travel plans. It is like we have an omniscience GPS...This psalm talks about each of us keeping the road to Zion in our hearts, it is great to know as we have our hearts focused on going to be in the place of worship, our paths are protected and our we are provided for, as we need things. Like the rain creating the pools, which were not there before God sent the rain, but available when a drink was required, He provides many grace rest areas along the way.

Two of Jenny's sisters were able to spend some time with her this week as well as her parents being to join us for a couple of days, certainly these are just a couple of "springs" of refreshment that have made the journey more enjoyable, and reminded us of His provision.

Jenny is really feeling pretty well, no side effects to mention, a couple of naps each day is doing the trick in terms of dealing with the fatigue and she hasn't lost any weight, so all very good progress. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!

The Generosity of Others

In today's Charlotte Observer there was an article about the Levine Cancer center, where Jenny is being treated. It made me thankful to God, for moving on the hearts of the Levine family here in Charlotte, who contributed $20 Million to get the institute started. We have certainly benefited from their generosity.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/12/3661449/cancer-research-moves-closer-to.html

So, today I am going to try and be a little more generous with my time, with my words, and with my thoughts, maybe I can impact someone else with my generosity, like the Levine family's unselfishness has impacted our region.

One Week In...

So, we have now completed one week of the double dip of chemo and radiation, Jenny is doing great, she had her first blood tests since starting treatment, and all of her levels look good. We will be actively monitoring the white blood cells and platelet counts, to see what the impact of the Chemo and Radiation is over the six weeks of the one-two punch. The pathology did come back with an encouraging DNA "marker" that indicates that this type of cancer cell shows some better response to the treatment routine that we are following. 

Jenny's sister is back with us and the whole family is in the family room watching spider man after enjoying a really yummy meal of chicken gumbo. so, things seem somewhat normal :) Jenny has had a few headaches, and is taking a couple of naps a day, but otherwise is feeling a lot more like her pre-surgery self.  

I have been reflecting on the concept of time over the past few days, both the daily and the everlasting, taking a day at a time with the eternal in view, simultaneously. It is wonderful that God is "outside of" as well as "in control of" time as we experience it, we have such a limited view, don't we? A little sliver of forever is ours to live our earthly existence, like a sandbox on the beach of never ending... 

I was encouraged today when in my readings I saw: 

[25] Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
(Hebrews 7:25 ESV)

I am really glad that he saves us, not just a little bit, but to the uttermost, I know that means forever, but I think it also means some every day, His grace is like little pieces of his salvation that we get to enjoy in small bit-sized morsels everyday, like breadcrumbs leading us to eternity...

Why is it so hard to post a reply?

A number of you have shared that you had a hard time posting replies to this blog, well I think I figured out why it is so hard. It was set to only allow registered users to post, so you had to "sign up" before you could post. Well I took that off, so now anyone can post without having to sign into anything. Sorry about that, Jenny and I love to hear from each of you, it is so encouraging...

Finding Normal?

I am finding myself trying to define "normal" these days, whatever that means. I have been surprised about my level of expectation as to "how things should be". We have been spoiled with very little variation to our "happiness trend line" at the Mulligans. Just expecting a good nights sleep is on the list, wanting to not have an evening uninterrupted by the medication schedule, as well as not having uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring with Jenny's strength and endurance. I have found my heart tempted to want these variations from "normal" to be removed.

Even during the last six weeks, we have been extremely blessed with great progress and amazing recovery from the surgery and initial treatments. When I am tempted to drag that "happiness trend line" to where I think I want it to be, I am reminded that I am not alone, as the psalmist in psalm 77, after a lament of the conditions that he finds himself, he is then brought back to the deliverer of true happiness:


[11] I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
[12] I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
[13] Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
[14] You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
[15] You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph.
(Psalm 77:11-15 ESV)

We serve a faithful God, even when I chase after comfort in "normal", I can rest that there is no changing in our redeemer, who ways are anything but normal. I will continue to remember, ponder, and meditate.... Continue to pray that  the impact of the treatments will be primarily beneficial and that Jenny's strength and endurance will continue to be good. 

Treatments - Day 2

The first day of treatments are over, the radiation appointment was at 1:00 yesterday afternoon, and then it will be at 7:00am for the next few days, then we move to a 9:30am slot for the remainder of the treatments (every week-day until December 18th). These treatments have little immediate effect on Jenny physically, but have a cumulative effect that builds over the 30 treatments.

Jenny took the first Chemo pills last night with the anti-nausea medicine, and was able to sleep pretty well and did not experience any major side effects, which will help me sleep better tonight, since I was apprehensive about how that was going to go last night, and didn't sleep very well myself (it might have had something to do with the election results as well...). 

Thank you for all of your prayers and support, I know that they are making a huge difference on Jenny's ability to walk through these next few weeks... 

Election Day

Today starts a new stage in our journey. The elections today will decide who will be the next president, our decision will be more about how we traverse these next 42 days of chemo and radiation. We are putting up a calendar to do the countdown to December 18th, which will be the last day of treatment. 

We are very thankful that we have the ability to express our preferences in the voting booth and live in a country that gives us the ability to elect to pursue treatment and we have doctors and medicines that we can take during this process. As I was reading last night, the story of King Hezekiah when Judah was faced with a similar situation where the outcome didn't look good -  the city was under attack from the mighty Assyrian army, who had created a path of destruction in their wake. 

I took great comfort in the words that were given to the king by the prophet Isaiah after he sought the Lord:  

[25] “Have you not heard that I determined it long ago?

I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass,

that you should turn fortified cities into heaps of ruins,

        (2 Kings 19:25 ESV)

Even the king of Assyria actions were ruled  by our God, as is cancer. We continue to cry out to the Lord, like king Hezekiah, who saw the 185,000 Assyrian struck down outside of the city, what is the difference with a few million cancer cells?

As we start the treatments, please pray that the side effects of the chemo and radiation are minimal and that Jenny could have energy and strength. Pray that she could continue to stay strong and not get discouraged. Thanks for your continued prayer, we cry out, just like King Hezekiah:

[15]  “O LORD, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. [16] Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see;
(2 Kings 19:15-16 ESV) 

The daily and the eternal

Jenny slept through the night last night! What a blessing a small slice of "normal" is these days... It is wonderful to consider how "daily" God involves himself in our lives as well as how he has eternally taken care of our needs. Sleep is one of those daily things that we are blessed with, but often take for granted. Just like sleep, I think we can often not think about eternity, because we are so focused on the daily. It has certainly taken up a little more of our thinking time around here recently. In today's reading the psalmist captures that thought in one line:
[19] Blessed be the Lord,
who daily bears us up;
God is our salvation. Selah
        (Psalm 68:19 ESV) 
He both daily bears us up, as well as provides for our eternal salvation, we are appreciating both in the Mulligan house today...

Treatment Update

Sorry that I have not provided an update in a few days, everything is fine and Jenny is doing really well. We went into the Radiology Oncologist (The guy with the big x-ray machine, which (as a side note) always makes me think of the Hulk...) anyway we will start treatments on next Tuesday, election day. The doctor said that he was surprised at how well Jenny has recovered from the surgery in such a short time. Jenny has gotten back to almost a normal sleep pattern, she took her last steroids yesterday, so she is completely off medication except for the occasional extra strength Tylenol. She is doing physical therapy twice a week and is walking up and down the sidewalk a couple of times a day. 

She has started to care about the upkeep of the house, whether the kids are getting all of their school assignments done and laundry completed, all of which are very good signs that things are kind of returning to normal. We had our first argument since the surgery (over who is running the kitchen and food management - no surprise there) which was strangely encouraging. 

We are just about at the 25,000 visit mark on the Blog, which is completely overwhelming that there are that many people that are interested in supporting Jenny during this process. We continue to be amazed at the wonderful kindness of the Lord in providing such support and care for us. Today's reading included the remarkable faithfulness and redemptive work of the Lord, both from an earthly and eternal perspective:


[1] “Come, let us return to the LORD;
for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
[2] After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will raise us up,
that we may live before him.
[3] Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD;
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth.”
(Hosea 6:1-3 ESV)

We are moving into a phase of the treatments that will be testing from a physical as well as an emotional perspective, please pray that we will "press on to know the LORD" even when we don't see the sunrise of the dawn on the horizon or the storm clouds of the coming spring rains - we know that their light and refreshment are coming without fail.

A snapshot (Literally)

People that have dropped by with dinner have commented how well Jenny is doing and how good she looks, and because she has not been circulating in her normal social circles I thought that I would post a picture taken today with our dear friend Kate, who was passing through Charlotte from out-of-town. Just thought you would like to actually see her... Doesn't she look great?

Many Blessings

On the road on recovery from the surgery, there have been so many blessings that we have enjoyed, for the last couple of days, Jenny's parents have been able to be here with us, not only have that given us additional support but allowed us to connect with extended family. Having three generations in the house has caused me to reflect upon the many generations that have enjoyed their own blessings from the Lord. There have been many that have come before us, who the Lord has shown his mercy in both of our families. The reading from today included Psalm 52, that says: 


[8] But I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.
[9] I will thank you forever,
because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.

Jenny has a few days off from appointments and doctor visits. The next visit is next Wednesday with the radiation oncologist. The chemo pills arrived via fed-ex today, a little reminder of the days ahead, I put then high in a cabinet, on the back of the shelf, and closed the door. There will be time enough for that, for today " it is good,in the presence of the godly"

A thousand hills...

The last two days have been filled with doctor office visits, updates on treatment plans, appointment scheduling and the logistics of treating Jenny. As we have moved from office to waiting room to examination room to checkout, I have thought that there is certainly a calling that these Doctors and Nurses have to minister to those that are dealing with the direct and indirect impacts of hearing that some rogue cells in your body have turned against you... I am moved every time I envision these caregivers walking individuals through this process. Wow - what do you impart if you don't know the Lord? Where is our hope if it is not in His everlasting calling upon us?

Yesterday, one of the nurses said that in her experience, cancer brings out the "true" personalities of people... There is no longer time for facades, make believe, or "maybe later", it exposes the foundation on which we stand.

Today, I read about the source of our everlasting hope. 
        [10] For every beast of the forest is mine,
                the cattle on a thousand hills.
[11] I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.
(Psalm 50:10-11 ESV)   

Nothing is beyond His reach, including a few rogue cells...

Treatments should start on Nov 5th with a combination of Chemo and Radiation. So, we have a nice little break for a few days here. Please pray for strength for Jenny, that as the steroids are reduced, that her energy and endurance with continue to increase so that she can go into this next round strong. Thank you all!

Sweet Fellowship

Jenny is doing great, I just tucked her in, after a day of large meals, little pain, and some really good walking around and doing the exercises that the physical therapist gave her to do yesterday. We actually went outside and sat on the driveway in our patio chairs and greeted some our our very kind neighbors, who presented us with a lovely card a couple of days ago, conveying their care and prayers, another expression of God's care for me and Jenny.

I played in the worship band at church today, and enjoyed had a unique perspective looking out over the worshiping congregation... There were a couple of things that were impressed upon me as I stood there - The first was the goodness of God as I watched Joseph, my soon to be 13 year old, with his hands raised and eyes closed singing "how great thou art", I was overcome with the knowledge that his heart was in the hands of the one that we were singing to...

The second thing that I felt was the richness of fellowship, and the joy of being able to be apart of a communion of saints. Memories were brought to mind as I looked across the seats and saw many people that I have been joined together with for over 10, 15 or even 20 years, and the faithfulness of God in their lives. Jenny and I were blessed by Tim and Jamie Shea dropping by dinner tonight, as we spent a little time together, it was a joy to recollect some of our wonderful memories complied over the last 23 or so years, and recall God's loving care for us and our kids over all of those years, never regretting placing our trust in our savior. 

As my reading yesterday encouraged me: 

Be at peace among yourselves. [14] And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. [15] See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  (1 Thessalonians 5:13-18 ESV)

Let us never cease pursuing sweet fellowship, what a gift it is...

Going Home Again!

After a very short stay, we are heading home, the steroids did the trick. The Physical Therapist said that she might need some in-home PT help, but generally she is doing great and did a couple of laps here in the hospital without incident. 

One huge change of the reduced swelling (in additional to being able to walk better) is that Jenny has, for the first time in months, started to show emotional responses to things. She is back to her crying self today - which is hugely encouraging. She cried when I shared some of the emails and blog posts that you have sent, she cried when she read the letter her Dad sent her, she laughed, expressed a desire for a Soy Latte (which she is now drinking - a "Starbucks Steroid"), and is currently encouraging her friend on the phone who is dealing with a very painful situation.

Thank you all who are carrying us in your hearts, and interceding on our behalf. We love you dearly.

It's never a straight line, is it?

So, we headed back down to Carolina Medical Center today, because of some periodic weakness in Jenny's legs that we were observing, the doctors wanted to have an MRI or CT Scan done to compare what Jenny's brain looks like today compared to the images taken the night after the surgery. The results were that there was not a lot of difference, but there was some continued swelling which could be causing some of the issues with the walking. 

Her legs are strong and she has full control over them, except when she takes extended walks, which is when they just don't work well. She will be spending the night here at the hospital (which means I get some more of my favorite butterscotch pudding). She will see a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist tomorrow, after she has received an increased dosage of steroids overnight.There is a possibility that she'll need some in-patient or out-patient physical therapy, we will see.

Pray that the swelling will go down and that her brain and her legs will get back on speaking terms. Thank you all.

Looking ahead...

Today in my reading, there was the recounting of Daniel's revealing the content and meaning of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream...


Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries...
(Daniel 2:27-28 ESV)

In the past few days I have felt inadequate to control the situation in which we find ourselves, I have been tempted to jump ahead and anticipate the future and prepare myself and the family for what might come. Then I am reminded that God can cause a King to have a dream, provide a man who trusted in him to know what the dream was, and provide the meaning of the dream, which laid out the next era of human history, including the coming of His Son, to create the everlasting kingdom... 

I have nothing to fear in the future, because God is already there - just like he knew of the kingdoms that followed Nebuchadnezzar's. He provides everything that is needed, for each of us - when we get there... 

Pray that Jenny is able to gain full and consistent use of her legs while walking, we have had a couple of times in the last few days where her legs and her brain were not on the same page. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!

Onto the next Phase

Jenny is continue to recover, yesterday was Tim's (our son) 19th birthday, Jenny joined us downstairs for a grand celebration with 5 guys burgers and fries and a homemade flour-less chocolate cake that her sister Maria made.

We start on the next round of post surgery activities on Monday next week when we go in to have the stitches/staples removed and then meet with the chemo-oncologist to map out the treatment plan. They should have the final pathology available and be able to formulate the best course of action. Then, on Tuesday of next week, we meet with the radiation oncologist to finalize that treatment plan.

Pray that Jenny continues to grow stronger and that the periodic pain in her legs would dissipate. Thank you all for your kind notes, blog entries, emails, and text messages, I am making sure that Jenny sees them all. She has been greatly encouraged.   

Let the music play!

Tonight our dear friend  Bill and Gisele Brown provided us food for our bodies and refreshment for our souls. With dinner they delivered a CD of music that reminds us of what is true. With our bodies strengthened with soup that they brought, we sat in our family room with tears streaming down our faces, the music louder then what the neighbors might appreciate, and rejoiced in the goodness of God captured in the song "Here is Love" 

In Thy truth Thou dost direct me
By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;
And Thy grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in Thee, my Lord.
Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring
Thy great love and power on me,
Without measure, full and boundless,
Drawing out my heart to Thee.

Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.

How else can our heart respond, but with thanksgiving and praise, as His love is being poured out upon us? 

Resting Peacefully

Jenny is spending most of her time at home so far just resting. Sleepiness the side-effects of a number of the medications that she is on is, so my sleeping beauty is getting much needed rest, while her body uses energy to recover from the beneficial trauma that she experienced. 

She is slowly gaining an appetite and has been up a little stretching her legs, it is really unbelievable that we are only six days removed from the surgery and she is doing so well. When she is not sleeping she is concerned about the normal things - have the kids gotten their school work done, which of the kids are scheduled to work today, and inquiring how everyone else is doing. Yesterday she quizzed the kids on what the message was about at the sunday meeting. We are looking forward to a reduction in the medications and more awake time to enjoy together.

Day One at Home

Jenny just finished her lunch of split pea soup and V8 juice. She is doing great at resting and recovering. Another small mercy and goodness was enjoyed last night as Jenny was able to walk up the stairs and sleep in her own bed for the first time in almost a week. 

Pray that she would regain her appetite and grow in strength during these next few weeks prior to starting the chemo and radiation treatments. Thank you all!

Going Home!

We just got the news that we are being discharged in about an hour, happy news indeed! And, as we have experienced all along, God has provided another indication of His specific , personal care  for Jenny by having a dear friend of ours -  Lindsey Wright assigned as a NA for this floor this morning and she has been making sure that we are being well taken care of, and will help us with the discharge process. Just like God, to provide exactly what is needed, when it is needed, all in His perfect plan.

On to the next step in our journey, resting at home and adjusting to not having 24x7 care, where I am confident we will find new provision of God's grace for us each day.

God's Faithfulness

Had a couple of visits from the physical therapist today, He  was amazed how well Jenny was doing and declared, "there is nothing for me to do here, I will not be back tomorrow..."

Jenny enjoyed a big breakfast, prepared and delivered by Charlie, our oldest son, on his way to work. It was a sweet little gathering. We have been blessed by Jenny's parents being here, our house now smells like a bakery, with fresh baked rolls, bagels, and bread piled around the kitchen...

Today's reading included Psalm 36:


[5] Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
[6] Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O LORD.

It is wonderful to know that we don't have to doubt God's judgements, because of His love faithfulness, and righteousness which proceeds them... I don't know if that is why the verses were placed in this order, but that is what ministered to me this morning as I read them... All of them are parts of His power to save, to which we cling...

Out of ICU and Beyond!

We have put the ICU behind us and found a very welcoming site waiting for us on the 9th floor of the regular care unit - the daughter of one of the pastors at CrossWay (Keri Malament) providentially was the nurse on duty for Jenny's room! What a blessing and specific answer to the prayers for great nurses to attend to Jenny.

The other pieces of outstanding news was that 1) Jenny did a couple of laps walking around the floor, IV tower in tow, and 2) She asked for specific food for breakfast tomorrow (grits, soft boiled eggs, and some of her mom's homemade Italian bread). So that was really exciting, since Jenny hasn't really had an appetite for food for the last month or so.

Specific Prayer Needs - please pray for strength for Jenny's left leg, she says it feels weak, and for her lung capacity to return to normal, we have exercises for both, but would love to see a really fast return to full functionality. Thank you all so much, we so feel and appreciate all of your prayers and support.

Day 2 in ICU

The chemo doctor and the neurosurgeon just left the room, Jenny's recovery is going well. They will be removing most of the various things that are hanging off her in a little while and we'll likely me moving out of the ICU this afternoon. Jenny is doing great, just really tired. She ate about half a pancake this morning, which represents major progress.

She called me this morning to request a toothbrush and a specific outfit to wear, so that certainly is progress!

Since she has been in ICU, most of the kids have not been able to see her yet, so, we are planning a hospital field trip this afternoon for them. I know that Jenny would love to see all of you, but hospital visits at this time would be overwhelming, thank you so much all for your prayers and support, I look forward to getting Jenny home so we can arrange some visiting and catch-up time.

The next steps are getting up and walking around a little, continuing to eat and get stronger, and then going home to continue the recovery in a more comforting environment. 

Follow-up MRI Results / Post Op Recovery

Just got off the phone with the neurosurgeon that performed Jenny's surgery, his thoughts were that they were able to get more of the tumor than they thought they would, and that her brain has responded well physically with the new found space available. The fact that so much stuff was taken out will likely lead to a little longer post operative recovery time, but be beneficial in the longer term. 

So, Jenny will be in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) tonight (where we have been wonderfully served by nurse Amanda - an answer to many prayers) and she'll receive one-on-one care, then we'll see tomorrow if she can be moved to a standard care room. Pray specifically that she will be able to eat and keep food down, this will help her grow in strength and help everyone feel better about the post-op recovery (what Italian doesn't feel better when they eat and watch others eat?) 

First Visit in the Intensive Care Unit

Charlie and I just got a few minutes with Jenny this morning, they were taking her out to do the post operation MRI, she was awake, talking, and hooked up to a bunch of stuff. We told her about all the people that were here in the hospital chapel for the afternoon yesterday praying for her, and that a dear friend had flown into Charlotte for the day, just to be here to pray for her, she responded with surprise and disbelief.

When we told her that Dr. Allen came by, she said - "the orthodonist?" which tells me that her memory seems to be working... We held hands and she was squeezing my hand as we spoke, and she was wiggling her toes.

Charlie asked her how she was feeling and she responded with a classic "raised eyebrow" look that conveyed "really, Charlie?"

It was all very encouraging , and a result of all of your prayers, we serve a great God! In my reading for today, it told of God's healing power, and the power of prayer: 

And the king said to the man of God, “Entreat now the favor of the LORD your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me.” And the man of God entreated the LORD, and the king's hand was restored to him and became as it was before.

(1 Kings 13:6 ESV)

Let us continue to entreat the one that restores!

Post Surgery Update

We just met with the Surgeon, the surgery went as he expected, he removed as much of the tumor as they felt he could without taking any unnecessary risk. The things to pray for now are that Jenny's brain can reclaim the vacated space in a way that does not cause any difficulties with speech, memory, or any other motor skills. They will perform an MRI sometime tonight to view the post surgery condition and then we will meet again tomorrow morning to have a follow-up consultation.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayer. 

No Update Yet

The operation started a little late, we have had a couple of updates from the operating room, and everything is going fine. We'll pass along more news when we have it. Thank you all for your prayers!

Ray

Our hearts are glad in Him

God Grace shows itself in so many ways each day - everyone at the Mulligan house slept well and we are at  peace. Each of us (including each of the kids) are apprehending His unique grace for each of us, as He provides comfort for our hearts and souls. Today my reading plan included Psalm 33 that says:


Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
(Psalm 33:20-22 ESV)

Thank you all for your prayers. We will not know anything until late this afternoon/evening since the surgery will be about 3 hours and will likely start around 2:30 or so. I will provide an update when we have one.

Great News on the Stress Test!

So, they actually had Jenny run on a treadmill, can you imagine that, in her cute little Tom slip-ons even -  if we would have known we would have at least brought her running shoes... The results showed that Jenny's heart is in great shape and there we have a green light for the Surgery tomorrow! Jenny is worn out, but is ready to get on to the next step. Surgery is at 2:00 (or so) tomorrow.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Prayers for Monday

Specific prayer request for tomorrow - Jenny goes into the cardiologist for a stress test at 10:30, since the EKG indicated that there could be a blockage of the coronary artery. If there is a blockage, it will be confirmed by the stress test. We meet with the cardiologist at 1:00 to review the results. 

If there is not a blockage, then we will proceed with the brain surgery on Tuesday afternoon, otherwise, then we'll see what the next steps are to address that issue (a stint, roto-rooter house call, or other options) and we'll let you know what "ologist" we see next. 

Jenny's parents were able to come by for a visit, which was good for everyone.Wonderful day of worship and fellowship at the meeting this morning, thank you all for your support and prayers!

Change of Plans...

Well, we went in for the Pre-op prep meeting and there were some issues found with the EKG. So, we will be going to the hospital on Monday, but not for brain surgery, but for a stress test and echo cardiogram to see what is going on and making sure that Jenny is ready for surgery, which has unbelievably been able to be rescheduled for Tuesday at noon. There were many examples of God's Grace, even during this unexpected delay - the scheduling of the stress test, the rescheduling of the surgery and all of the people that made it happen , late on a Friday afternoon. 

On another note - for those that would feel led to send flowers, balloons, etc.: We love them, but it would bless Jenny and I to have those resources be redirected to one of the special funds at CrossWay (704) 948-9900  - Adoption, Benevolence, or M28 Interns. Our hope would be that these resources can be used to further the kingdom of God, build new families, give hope to the hopeless, and provide fellowship to those searching for answers. Thank you all!

Daily Provision

Every morning, as the sunlight of the new day enters the room, I have been reminded of God's grace in  providing just what we need for today. It is not for tomorrow or six months from now, but it is a perfect amount and application of His provision and grace. It is specific to the challenges that we face, the questions that will arise, and the temptations that will come - today. I imagine it is much like the Hebrews every morning as they pulled back their tent flaps and saw the manna covered ground. 

"then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’
(Deuteronomy 8:14-17 ESV)

Today we have an appointment with the lawyer to update all of the family documents and then the pre-op preparation appointment at the hospital this afternoon. Pray for strength for Jenny today. We appreciate you all!

Overwhelming Love

The Family and Jenny's Sister (That is cousin Steve, not Charlie)

Jenny has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support for her during this time and it has really shown the riches that we enjoy as the body of Christ. Thank you all! I was reminded that I can easily take for granted this blessing that many going thru this type of event do not have - Thank you! From the meals, emails, text messages, and the over 2,400 views of this page, Jenny has felt your support, love, and prayers. As I attended the family meeting at CrossWay last night and the whole church joined hands and prayed for Jenny and our family, I was humbled that God had provided for us such a rich and overflowing supply of grace through each of you.   

Request from Jenny - Best Comedy Movies

Jenny has asked that we create an inventory of the world's best comedy movies that we can start collecting and watching, please enter your list/selections in a reply!

Getting Up-to-Speed

I realize now that many of you don't have the background of what we have learned since last Thursday. So, here is the short version:

• Jenny had been having headaches and some disorientation for the last couple of months
• Two weeks ago we had blood test done with nothing found, last Thursday, Jenny then went in for an MRI, they found a large brain tumor
• The cancer is a type that is not curable. It can be slowed down by surgery, radiation, and chemo, but it's ultimate impact cannot be medically handled. So, it is terminal, unless God decides to intervene.

We only have had a few days to take all of this in, and I know is a shock even thinking about Jenny and this prognosis at the same time, but God is still on His throne in heaven and perfectly managing all things. We are taking it a day at a time, realizing that His mercies are new every morning.

Latest Information

Thank you for you love and concern for Jenny! I simply want to have a place for people to go to get the latest information, since so many of you want to help and serve us. We so feel all of your love and concern. Our kids want to thank you for all of the offers to come and clean, but if I took you up on them, what would they have left to do?
  

Speaking of which, thank you all for praying for the kids during this time, God's grace has been apparent in their lives as their faith is being put to the test, their hearts have been full of trust and confident in God's unfailing love, even while dealing with the sadness that this has brought with it. 

Current Activities: On 10/8 we will go in for the surgery to "demass" the tumor, the procedure begins at 7:00am. Jenny is expected to be in ICU for 2 -3 days, and then regular care for an additional 2-3 days. Based on her abilities after that, she may come home to rehab, or she might need some on-site post-operative rehab that she would do at the rehab center at the hospital. After that it should be rest and recuperation for 3 - 4 weeks. Then we start Radiation and Chemo, but that is for another post. 

What can you pray for:   Healing (wouldn't it be cool for the surgeon not to find anything to "demass"), Wisdom for the Surgeon, That the procedure goes well, and that there are no meaningful impacts as a part of the process, fast recovery for Jenny. 

Ways you can help:

1. Pray! 
2. Sign-up for a meal at  http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=DXXH2628
3. Hug your spouse and kids (or friends) and tell them how much you love them.
4. Be confident that God is at work, even in this situation.  

More to come later...