A report

Time flies when you are taking it easy.

Jake came home from the hospital on Friday afternoon and has had a lot of time to sleep, rest, and recover.  He has been able to walk around the neighborhood and feels his energy increasing. Thankfully, his itching seems to be subsiding. He still has difficulty producing words, but says that his own thoughts are much more clear and discernible than before the surgery. He was kind of beat up during the operation, with painful bruising on both of his arms (Avastin makes bruising worse) and some lumps on his head but that should continue to improve as the days go by.

We have both been able to sleep and sleep and sleep thanks in large part to our parents assuming our tasks and kids. Getting rest after such an ordeal has been critical and restorative. We have an appointment to see Jake's surgeon and oncologist next week and will know more about a plan from there. Until then it is nice to be in recovery mode.

The future is still uncertain, but we both feel that the surgery was a good decision and will provide more positive than negative benefits. I remember being concerned that Jake would wake up from the surgery maimed in some way, and am especially grateful that he is no worse off than when he went in.

His parents were here until Sunday morning and my mom will able to stay with us for the rest of the week. I definitely feel like I've been in the best place emotionally and physically after this surgery than any other because of the help and support I've had in my responsibilities. We are so grateful for our parents and their help.

We continue to pray for Jake. That his body will heal. That the swelling will subside. That he will recover his speech. That the tumor cells will not divide. Mostly we are just grateful to know that Heavenly Father is there to listen and that He continues to give us what we need.

And since there's not enough fun in this mix we have decided to move to Utah, specifically to Provo, at the end of May. We have been discussing this for the last many months, and know that it is the right thing to do for our children, although our hearts break at the thought of leaving our home, our life, and our dear friends in Phoenix.

So over the next four months we are going to dejunk, organize, clean, and pack up our belongings for the big move.

Thankfully it gives us something concrete to do and to occupy our minds with each day.

We appreciate everyone who continues to be mindful of us.

Thank you.

Your love, prayers, service, kindness, and concern make all the difference for us and for our children.