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Dear friends and family,
A note from sister Wendy
I am writing to ask for your prayers and financial support for my dear sister and her husband. His cancer is back and has spread to his tongue and jaw. An incredibly invasive surgery must happen before the radiation and chemo begin. It will be life-changing and a long recovery. He will not be able to work for some time, and their already challenging bills will be difficult to pay. Anything you can contribute would be helpful. Below is a letter from Jen, my dear sister.
Three years ago we thought our world was turned upside down, and it was, for the time being.
Cancer is never the diagnosis you want to hear but the odds then were excellent and we were plunged into many weeks of intense treatment. It was so difficult, but we stayed focused and got through it.
We were supported by so many friends and family. Many people cooked for us, got groceries, and helped with the driving. George suffered greatly, he had to learn how to eat through a tube and miss out on his big enjoyment in life - food! Finally, after a long year of suffering, he began to come back to life, like a fly in the sun, slowly and thankfully. He had beaten the cancer, just before COVID hit.
Then, in the last year of feeling the COVID shadow lift, George felt a pain in his tongue.
There are no words to describe the news that cancer has returned. People can tell you 'their' stories, with the thought it may bring you comfort. But until the doctor sits and tells you how this is going to pan out, no one can truly understand the pain. George's cancer is back and the odds are not great. The surgery and recovery time are invasive, painful and will affect the rest of our lives. The recovery time is long. Too long for someone who has bills to pay and a teenager at home. Too long for him to make plans because he won't be able to do them. Too long for someone like him.
George, my goofy, singing, nonsense husband, who loves making up pretend words, loving me hard, and loving his kids unconditionally. A man who has come so far in his life and learning about himself is going to have to go through this, and for this we are struggling. Struggling to figure out so many things. How to cover costs while I am off work to care for him, ensuring we can still take care of all the things that need to be done.
I learned last time around that asking for help is not s sign of weakness, but of strength. Acceptance of this situation is still a long way off, hopefulness is a bit distant right now, but support is everywhere. And for that, I am very thankful. We are very blessed that way.
Jen
