September 1, 2018.
This is the date Murphy had to repeat to the nurses every time he was given more medications over the past few years in hospital. His sweet voice saying it is etched into my memory forever. And now, this week, we celebrate his 7th birthday! Like every birthday, it’s a milestone—a chance to reflect, celebrate, eat cake, and share the joy of unwrapping presents.
I often think of those whose religious beliefs don’t allow them to celebrate birthdays. For us, as Christians, it’s a precious opportunity to thank God for another year He has gifted us.
As a last-minute decision—and a complete surprise to our kids—Nat and I found a cheap night away in Charleston, SC, over the long weekend. After church, Nat left a clue for the kids to find, and once they cracked the code, we packed the car and set off on our four-hour journey to the charming beachside town. We wandered the streets, enjoyed delicious pizza and ice cream, played in the hotel room, and soaked up family time together.
On Monday morning, Murphy woke up to a balloon-filled hotel room, presents galore, a yummy breakfast, donut cake for morning tea, and a dose of sunshine at the beach. Pure bliss.
Last Sunday’s sermon was from the gospel of Mark, recounting when Jesus took His weary disciples by boat, giving them a moment of rest before continuing their ministry. The preacher spoke of how God sometimes gives us “little boats” in life—moments of pause and renewal. For our family, last weekend was exactly that: a little boat.
Update
I know I haven’t updated you yet on the PET scan from last week—my apologies. Between the scan, birthday celebrations, and two more days in hospital for other tests, I thought it best to share everything together. But let me start with this:
Cancer-Free
Praise be to God! All glory to Him. At Murphy’s 18-month scan, the results showed NED (No Evidence of Disease).
We are so grateful to everyone who sent encouragement and prayers before the scan. These days are still nerve-wracking, but we continue to be faith-filled! And let me share of when we were driving down to the hospital with Murphy in the back of the car. Nat and I were sitting up front and asked if he was worried about the scan. After a pause, Murphy responded with a tone of deep worry, “mum, I’m not worried about the scan, but I am worried that I don’t know how to bake banana bread for my wife one day.” Wow! Murphy’s faith in this moment encouraged us so much! How is this kid worrying about his future wife at his young age! This response shows us ‘semi-wise’ adults that we ought to not worry! If Murphy can be thinking about BAKING in 20 years’ time, who are we to worry about a scan! Needless to say, the following day Nat went to work in showing our boy how to bake a classic ‘Women’s Weekly recipe’ banana bread! I may have had seconds, then thirds, then…
Some of the other scans didn’t carry the same level of positivity, but God is always faithful to give us something to bring before Him in prayer. Two main areas remain on our hearts:
Kidneys
Many of you know this has been an ongoing concern. In his ultrasound this week, one kidney isn’t growing at the same rate as the other and has shrunk. If it stops growing altogether, it could become ineffective. But our prayer—and hope—is that it will keep growing and remain healthy!
Hearing
This is almost the only outward sign cancer has left, as Murphy wears his hearing aids (we lovingly call them his Super Ears). Recently, both at home and in class, we’ve noticed a decline in his hearing, which is critical as he learns to read and write. This week’s scan showed more than a 20% drop. The doctors may pause the drug trial if the hearing loss remains at this level. Since Murphy also had a mild ear infection, we’re holding onto hope for improvement. In a month, Murphy will have another hearing test. Could it be another miracle—Murphy regaining his full hearing? Only God knows.
Joy
I end with joy. Because no matter the circumstances, we remind ourselves to choose joy. True joy doesn’t come from what’s happening around us—it springs from deep within.
And today, we are full of joy: Murphy is SEVEN. That alone is cause for celebration.
A moment that caught me today was while sitting in Murphy’s hospital treatment room, listening to the doctor review his scans. In the middle of all the discussion—ears, kidneys, and PET results—she mentioned something that made me pause: the handover of care to a “survivorship team.”
Beat.
This was the first real conversation we’ve had with Murphy’s care team about such a transition. Woohoo! Within six months, Murphy will begin alternating appointments between his oncologist and the survivorship team.
What a milestone.
What a blessing.
Praise God.
