The Bushgang Blog

Alright everyone, Stephanie is having her second to last treatment today. In general, we are excited to be nearing the end of this chapter in our story but there are a few things that temper our excitement...let me explain. One thing we now realize is that treating cancer is not "science". There is scientific evidence that abnormal cells in your body will die when exposed to certain chemicals or radiation. Doctors use this information to "design" a treatment program. The order of chemo, radiation and surgery varies from doctor to doctor and so does the dosage. Treatment is an art form, there is no doubt. Stephanie's current medical oncologist has suggested that she may recommend a continued chemo plan to remain in place indefinitely. She also wants Stephanie to get whatever remaining radiation she can to reach her lifetime maximum exposure. Reading between the lines, what does this say to you? What it says to us is the doctor is not sure if or when the cancer wi...

Stephanie had treatment #12 today and has her regular weekly break next week. Hooray! Not much to update everyone on this week. We are in a groove and working through it week by week, day by day. If anyone is interested in providing Stephanie with words of encouragement or just following her and her thoughts on FaceBook , click here . House update: It is still on the market. We have an occasional looker. When they see the place, there is always good feedback but just short of an offer. Please pray that we have discernment on this in relatively short order! Thanks for all the love and support!

Stephanie had her 11th treatment yesterday. She is such a trooper! Many people stop and ask me how she is doing. From my perspective, she is doing great. She does get tired after her treatment as I have mentioned before but beyond that (and hair loss), there really are no in-your-face side effects. Thank God! Once again this week, our neighbors and friends stepped up and into our lives to help. Connie went with Stephanie to the hospital and Deanna brought us her amazing lasagna last night for dinner. That is very helpful to have dinner prepared and delivered at critical times like this. Thanks so much!!! I pray that the generosity of time and effort by those around us provides in return blessings that fill their lives with overwhelming joy. The Lord is good. Mark 12:28-33 28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answ...

Well, many of you may have noticed that I skipped a few updates on Stephanie. I am actually surprised that only two people have given me a hard time for slacking. Rest assured, I am looking to get back on the wagon so-to-speak. Stephanie has her 10 th treatment today. She is still going downtown for her treatments as we were never able to get the Lewisville location to administer the drugs. It is unfortunate but not the end of the world. Steph's good friend, Susan, just moved away and is not able to take Stephanie any longer. (Thanks for all you have done Susan!) I have tried to pick up the slack by taking her and picking her up but it is hard for me to stay there all day with her and actually work so I go up 75 to the office and then head back to pick her up. It isn't the best option for Stephanie, but she is a trooper for sure! We will have some decisions to face in September as the doctor is wanting to pursue further treatment options. Please pray for some clarity and pea...

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Sorry for the late post. Steph had treatment number 6 last week. She is doing well although still battling with sleep the day or two after her treatment. They give her dexamethasone during her treatment to counteract an allergic reaction to another drug they are giving her. Bottom line is not a lot of sleep. Please continue to pray for a complete healing. the goal would be that come September, check ups just become routine and worry-free. Thanks for following Stephanie's updates! God bless!

Stephanie is headed to Dallas this morning for another treatment. Hopefully, they have arranged to have the remaining treatments, except when she has to see the doctor, in Lewisville . Our friends and neighbors are once again stepping up! Connie is going with her today and Deanna is watching Levi. I am sure he will not want to leave when mom goes to pick him up. We have the least number of fun things to do at our house compared to our wonderful neighbors. :-( Levi just loves to visit and play. Stephanie got a new wig last Thursday and it looks really great! She will be celebrating her 3rd Mother's Day (2 nd with Levi breathing air) on Sunday and looks better than ever! I find it hard to express how great of a mother and wife she actually is. The amount of love she shows all the time, the tenderness that is exhibited in times of need, the thoughtfulness and planning that keeps our family running even when she doesn't feel like doing anything but sleeping is inspiring to me. Ste...