Baby Eva

Too Young For This

Many of you are aware of the birth of our granddaughter, Eva, two weeks ago. During her check up, the doctor discovered that two of the plates in her skull have prematurely fused. Brandon (my son) and Candice (his wife) will be going to a plastic surgeon since surgery is the normal course for something like this.

Pray for His wisdom and His discernment as Brandon and Candice walk this path. Pray that all anxiety will be replaced by His peace. Pray that Eva will come through with His hand upon her head. Pray for His protection around my family, that He would show his favor and mercy on us. In light of today's Staff Chapel, I couldn't help but think that physical strength is measured by what we can carry while spiritual strength is measured by what we can bear. We are blessed beyond what we deserve while serving at the pleasure of our Lord.

Day 34

Good-bye John

After 28 days of continuous chemotherapy and 25 days of radiation therapy, I'm no longer hooked to 'John' (that's what we named my fanny pack containing chemotherapy) and no more gamma rays. Doctors are encouraged that I've had so little side effect. My radiologist jokingly told me to get out of his office because he has actual sick people to see. I like him.

Anyway, I attribute the ease of treatments so far to all the pr-air cover (shout out to MJ) from friends and family.

So, what's next? I'm going to enjoy this weekend: BBQ (Guava-BBQ sauce - thanks Donovan), playing guitar, honoring a father I wish I knew better (Benedicto Bayron KIA Vietnam 1965), seeing my grandkids (its plural now!) and not think about anything else.

Until Tuesday. Meeting with the oncologist on a plan involving more chemo for about 6-9 weeks but different drugs and different infusion method. Then, CT scan to see if the tumor shrunk (Honey! I shrunk the tumor!). If so, then operation. If not, then ... well, we'll get there when we get there.

These days, I try not to pursue joy anymore. Now, it's more like joy in pursuit; I just want to take some joy wherever I go, wherever I'm led.

Gotta a birthday party to go to ...

Eva Marie

My Grandaughter

In the midst of our valley, my son Brandon Bayron and his wife Candice Bayron had a little girl - Eva Marie Bayron was born at 2:28pm (7lb 15oz, 20.5"). Praising the One who wove her inmost being and praying that He will look with favor on this newborn child and her family.

Midpoint

It's all in the smile

We're half-way through treatments and, so far, no adverse reactions. The procedure last week went very well. Before the procedure, the nurse asked if I was allergic to anything and I said,"Yes; people who do 20mph in a 45mph zone." After the procedure, a different nurse asked if she could do anything for me. I just said "Smile." That's when I realized that I'd much rather have smiling nurses than frowning nurses.

I also wanted to take this time to say thank you for your continued prayer, encouragement and support. We are blessed and humbled and rejoicing all at the same time. I'm reminded that Joy isn't the absence of trial - it's what helps you get through the trial.

Day 10

Paper or Plastic? I'll take metal.

I'm headed in for a procedure this morning; should pretty much wipe me out for the day. My gastroenterologist wants to replace the plastic stint in my bile duct with a metal one because I'm still jaundiced. He looked into my eyes and said "You're still yellow." I wonder if I should tell him that I have Asian ancestry? Probably irrelevant.

Still in good spirits though there are those days (usually between 3am and 4am) when I have to remember that while Joy is a deep reservoir, it sometimes requires that I be on my knees to drink of it.