Just Be There

Well, we knew today would bring answers, but along with those more questions have emerged.  The consult with the oncologist revealed that her official diagnosis is this: Oma has stage four metastatic melanoma in her left arm and her brain.  Thankfully, the reports showed that it hasn't yet spread to other parts of her body, but the prognosis is as we expected.

At this point in her treatment plan, there were two options presented to her: 1) to stay on the steroid and proceed with palliative care, just soaking in each day or 2) she can try some immunotherapy drugs.  After prayer and consideration, she has chosen to try the immunotherapy.  This is not chemotherapy, but the hope is that it will slow the growth and spreading of the cancer.  It will not cure what is already there, but there's a chance it can give her more time with us.  As with any drug, it has the potential of negative side effects, so our prayer is that she will respond well to it and will have very few side effects.  The other downside of this is that she'll need to go off the steroids while she receives this immunotherapy.  So, as I mentioned initially, we are left with many questions as to how all of this will go.  Her first treatment is tomorrow at 1pm.  

How can you pray?  

- Pray that the immunotherapy does the work it needs to with minimal side effects for Oma/Anna Mae. 

- Pray for her spirit - for continued peace and joy in the midst of challenging days. 

- Pray for those caring for her while she begins this treatment, for wisdom and for compassion to help meet her needs. 

- Pray for her mind and her body as she goes off the steroids to try this treatment. 

- Above all, pray for God's will in all of this and for his presence to be tangible.  

At "Oma Church" yesterday, Donna recalled a song from years ago called "Just Be There."   I love the lyrics of this song, because it embodies what Oma has been to all of us - she's taught us in word and deed what really matters.  She's lived her life putting Jesus on display and pointing people to him.  This song is Oma's prayer for all of us and all of you - that at the end of all of this, as she goes to see Jesus face to face, her desire is for each of us to join her there, in our own time.  We leave you with this prayer tonight - that you would know Jesus, know his unconditional love and unexplainable peace, and that when we get to heaven and look around, you'll be there, too.  

JUST BE THERE~ 

Cradled in my arms I held you 
And I loved you more with each day passing by 
Sharing joy, sharing pain 
Through the sunshine and the rain 
I can’t believe it’s time to say good bye 

I don’t know what the future brings you 
But I hope that you’ll keep Heaven as your goal 
For we’ve taught you how to pray 
We made sure you knew the way 
So remember my request before you go 

Just be there 
When I finally make it home 
And I stand before the throne 
Just be there 
When I look around to see 
If you are standing next to me 
Just be there 

It’s not an easy road you’re travelin’ 
But every place you go Jesus has been 
And when you find you’ve made a turn 
Forgetting what you’ve learned 
You may have to start all over again 

It’s not an easy load you’re bearin’ 
But the trials of your faith will make you strong 
Facing dangers unaware 
He won’t allow what you can’t bear 
So my prayer is that your faith will bring you home 

Just be there 
When I finally make it home 
And I stand before the throne 
Just be there 
When I look around to see 
If you are standing next to me 

Just be there