Cancer life is unpredictable. When we began this journey eight months ago we told each other we needed to live one day at a time, praying for strength for the day, knowing that, just like manna for God’s people before Christ, he will give what we need for every day. The challenge is that there are times throughout this journey when things are actually predictable, and then just when we begin to assume a certain direction, the path changes again.

It’s been a week of God continuing to surprise us with bends in the river. Relationships that we assumed were going well unexpectedly ended. Work travel that we assumed would continue didn’t happen. And a smooth road to the last round of chemotherapy for Markus is now uncertain.

Markus was recovering well from the second to last round and was looking forward to a week preparing for the “field races.” For those unfamiliar with that, think old beater cars and an empty corn field with a few hay bales directing traffic. It’s quite fun for both the participants and fans. Anyway, on Monday evening, just after midnight Markus came to our bedroom door quite distraught and shivering uncontrollably. After settling things down, we took his temperature, and it was a bit high. Shortly after he began vomiting so we made the decision to take him to BC Children’s immediately. We were thankful that we did because on arrival he had a temperature of 40 degrees and a pulse of 170 bpm.  

They quickly started Markus on antibiotics and shortly after that ruled out COVID. When the blood cultures returned they confirmed that it was a bacterial infection in his blood. They have now determined that the source of the infection is one of the lumens from the central line in his chest. Because Markus only has one round of chemo remaining, they have decided to remove the central line and for the last round use a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) in his arm. Following that procedure Markus will still need a 7-day treatment with antibiotics to ensure the infection is completely gone. This will be immediately followed by the last round, resulting in a lengthy hospital stay.

Earlier this year We Are Messengers released a new song, “Come What May.” We listen to it often and it includes these lyrics:

There is deep joy that You give to me
Where hurt meets the healing is a holy thing
I see goodness, Your goodness
In all things, yeah

In every high, in every low
On mountain tops, down broken roads
You're still my rock, my hope remains
I'll rest in the arms of Jesus
Come what may
Come what may

Cancer life is unpredictable and difficult. While seeing God’s goodness in all things is not easy, especially after weeks like this, we know that He is so much bigger than all of this. Whether on mountain tops or broken roads, we are so thankful that come what may, we have the arms of Jesus to rest in.

“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, for I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

Hanging out in the hospital lobby

Uncle Markus with his little nephew!

Field race preparations