We met with Victoria's oncologist yesterday who advised that the MRI indicated the tumor is stable. It has not gotten bigger, for which we are very grateful. The chemotherapy has done it's job well, and God has ensured our beautiful daughter has had minimal suffering throughout the last 15 months of treatment. Again, we are very grateful for His goodness and faithfulness.
The plan going forward is watch and wait. Victoria will have another MRI in February 2014, when again the situation will be re-assessed. So for three months at least her body will get a break too, and we can all enjoy the encroaching Christmas holidays without having to be in a hyper-vigilant state.
Thank you again to everyone who has prayed and/or practically supported us over these recent years. I often marvel at the 'shape' our family is in now, given all it as been through, and know that your prayer and support has been absolutely essential to all our well-being. Thank you for being such faithful family and friends.
Despite the circumstances we have faced, we have continually been blessed throughout this time. This weekend our entire family was blessed when we attended a Camp Quality Family Camp at the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Tea Gardens. We all had the opportunity to get out of our comfort zones.
Victoria and I pushed the boundaries by going on the flying fox. Well at least I did, Victoria was quite calm about it!
The launching platform was quite high! But we did it! (and I certainly screamed the loudest of the group)
It proved little challenge for Marshall ...
and likewise for Charlotte
who both managed to get about 3 goes each!
Next it was on to the mud pit, which I declined to do. But again Marshall, Charlotte and Victoria took up the challenge.
The staff at the Great Aussie Bush Camp were fantastic, helping the children and encouraging them to give everything at try.
Marshall was in 'boy heaven'
Charlotte pushed on through, determined to do whatever Marshall was doing.
Choice - over or under, Marshall chose under ...
Charlotte chose over, sensible girl!
And Victoria walked around!
Sunday morning proved to be Ken's biggest challenge, a dolphin cruise on the beautiful Port Stephens.
The children took the opportunity to play in the boom net off the side of the boat.
Once again the staff helped Victoria so she could join in the fun too. They were marvelous.
Alexandra had fun watching on the boat.
Alexandra did challenge herself by doing rock climbing on the Saturday afternoon, and making it up to the 'red line'.
Unfortunately I didn't get any photos as Camp Quality treated all us parents to an afternoon off at nearby Tea Gardens. It was great to spend time together as a couple and then hang out with other parents that we now have so much in common with! Camp Quality certainly hits the mark 100% when it comes to supporting children and their families. It is organisations like Camp Quality that again have made a huge contribution to helping our family be where we are today. We are so grateful to them and all their supporters.
As I have said many many times before, Jesus is the Rock I stand on, and will continue to stand on as we enjoy the next three months, and prepare for the journey ahead, whatever it may hold. For now, we embrace today.
The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Who I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. Psalm 18:2 (AMP)
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