The scan on Tuesday indicated the tumour is stable. Thank you for upholding Victoria in prayer. God has been so gracious to us. We will continue to believe for complete disintegration, but for now we will be more than content with 'stable.'
Ken asked the oncologist if we could have the next scan in 12 months time. He replied 6 months, but again we are more than content with that, it is much better than 3 or 4 months. And means we can all start 2017 without the normal January/February scan hanging over our heads.
We are so grateful for this outcome, as Victoria continues to thrive in her life, growing in confidence in who she is, and understanding that in Christ she is more than a conqueror.
During the appointment there was some laughter with the comments that at Victoria's 50th birthday party, instead of a display of baby-photos, there would be a display of brain MRIs!
Thank you again to everyone who has prayed for her. We are especially grateful for all the staff at school who, over this past week when the anxiety has risen up, have showed her so much love, patience and grace. We are so blessed to be part of the Belmont Christian College community.
From the physical perspective Victoria continues to improve. Earlier this week Victoria had an appointment with her Occupational Therapist. At the end of the session the OT said to me, that when she first started working with Victoria in 2015 she didn't think she would see Victoria improve to the extent that she has, in shoulder and arm range of movement and strength, and fine motor skills with her fingers. At Monday's session Victoria reached up with her left arm fully extended and used her left fingers and thumb to pull a small pin out of the pin-board. This is something that she would not have been able to do two years ago. Again we are grateful that Victoria's physical function continues to improve, even almost 6 years later. And we are grateful for the character that God put in her, knowing that she would need to persevere in many areas of her life.
Finally Starlight Children's Foundation approached us a couple of months ago, asking if Victoria would let them use her story again for their Christmas campaign, as they had such a great response two years ago. We asked Victoria if that was okay, explaining that it would mean more children could have their wishes granted. Straight away she said yes. So you may see her around on various promotions. Apparently they are planning to play her story at the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Melbourne. We are praying that people will google her name, read this blog and get the full story.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. It is hard to imaging how it would be doing this journey without it. Thank you. And thank you to our God who never leaves or forsakes us.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Or, as The Message Bible says,
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because GOD, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." Deuteronomy 31:6 The Message
