I don’t think it’s any coincidence that yesterday marked the 4th year anniversary of the big debulking surgery. We’ve had 4 mostly beautiful years to share, live and grow. It’s a miracle that we’ve had these years at all, but God’s mercy and grace have surely followed us through the ups and downs.
Yesterday was a tough day.
We did not get the results we wanted to hear.
Instead, we got the results we thought we would get.
Four days ago on Sunday evening, I started experiencing pain in my lower back. After struggling to get comfortable in the bed for hours without any success, I finally got up around 2 am due to the discomfort and pain I was experiencing. I had pain as long as I was in the position of laying down, but when I sat up the pain lessened and was manageable. I stayed up the rest of the night in a sitting position working on some projects.
Yesterday the pain returned, and I again was unable to sleep again.
When Ben and I arrived at our appointments at Mayo, we suspected we would not be hearing the news we hoped to hear.
We were right.
Since June, my CA 125 Marker increased from 276 to 735. This number is bigger than the original number when we were first diagnosed over 4 years ago. That is a huge increase and tells us that the tumor growth has been tremendous. The CT scan confirmed this. Since June a few tumors tripled in size, some doubled, and still, others increased a little bit. In addition, there were new tumors in a variety of places and ascites has begun to form in my abdomen.
Our oncologist has referred me to hospice for pain management and comfort. We have an in-home appointment scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Honestly, I am exhausted as I am typing this because I have almost been up 24 hours, and we have had an emotionally hard day. We spent the evening making phone calls with family .
While we suspected this news, it was very difficult to hear the doctor confirm it.
Please pray for our kids and us as we continue to process this news. Pray that the Lord will give us grace and mercy to navigate this new pathway. Pray that His Story–this journey we are on will continue to bring Him glory.
We love you! We are grateful for your continuous prayers. We are trusting in God.
Julie and Ben
So many thoughts and prayers are with you. May God heal you in ways you never expected.
Julie we Love you! In the name of Jesus. Glory to God.
Prayers for you and yours!!!
I pray for you and your family. I found a song that was written in the early 1920s titled God is Picking Rosebuds for Heaven.
Julie, you and Ben have been an exemplary example of living a life with God as you pilot.
Continued prayers for you all.
Love,
Renee’
Continued prayers!! He IS glorified!!
PRAYING FOR YOU JULIE. LOVE YOU GUYS. GOD IS BEFORE YOU.
Praying for Gods Presence to Surround You, Ben an Family
Julie and Ben, our hearts are hurting for you both and all the family. You will continue in our prayers as you navigate these next steps. Your faith throughout this journey has been an example to many. We love y’all. Bob and Debbie
Julie and Ben, you are in our prayers. Your grace honesty and truthfulness has always ministered to me. Your life is a living example of a follower of Jesus. Thank you for sharing your heart. Richard and I love you! Praying for y’all! ❤️
Julie, You, Ben and the family are in our prayers.
Julie and Ben, praying for you and your family. Love you both.
My dear sweet Julie, I am so sorry , I have been praying daily for a cure. We serve an awesome God and I will continue to pray. You, Ben and the family are in my prayers. Love you guys.
Julie and Ben,
I pray the Lord give you and your family healing in every way possible to continue this journey. Lord Bless each of you!
Praying for you and the family. My heart is hurting for all of you –
Julie and Ben
Our hearts, love and prayers for you and all your families are overcome with your news. Please know that many prayers for God’s strength and His presence continue for your comfort, love and wonderful courage. Y’all are loved by many and your experience is truly a blessed example of your faithfulness of our Savior. Love you and your precious family.
I am recalling this past Sunday in church as I stood in front of you and Ben. You two were singing proudly and I remember thinking how strong and devoted you continue to be in your battle. Thank you for your example. You are always in my prayers!
I didn’t want to hear this. My heart is heavy for you and your family. I’ve prayed for this cup to be taken from you. But, God. To see your faith through it all is such a beacon of hope to the world! I love you!
Julie (and Ben) we love y’all – simply said but it speaks volumes of heartfelt care, prayers and support. We know all that you have been through from the beginning and we are here for you still.
Asking God for comfort – both physically and mentally.
Such grief you all surely are experiencing. I pray this difficult time each of you are comforted in the Lord and the hugs of each other. Much love
Scott and Sharon
Julie, prayers for you and your family, prayers for His continued grace and mercy. There are no words except those given to us by our Father that offer comfort. You, better than anyone, know the peace those words bring. We know you have that blessed peace as you begin your journey into the arms of the One who loves you beyond our understanding. May God be so close to you and Ben during this time, you feel the touch of His garment as He sits beside you. Love to you, Ben, and your family.
Julie, Ben and family. I thank God for what He has done snd will do in your lives. I pray for peace, comfort and I ask God to continue to be with you through your journey! I pray for healing of your body and your hearts. Love your family!
We love you all and will continue to pray. We are amazed at your strength and incredible witness as you reveal your hearts to us. What a privilege it is to pray with you.
Praying! I love you Julie!
Praying for you my friend! Your so strong and an inspiration to me. ❤️❤️
Julie and Ben, wanted to reach out and say you are so wonderful and the Joiners love you guys. Julie, this blog has been amazing for my soul and I am sure for so many others – thank you guys for sharing Amd we will pray for you and your entire family and children. Love, Michelle
Julie and Ben,
You have displayed the most awesome testimonies throughout this path. As believers, we never know who among us will reach heaven first. Although it is not a race, it is a winding pathway journey with many twists, turns, hills, and valleys. As you continue this trail, know that our love and prayers are with y’all. Ike and Anne Lyon
So very sorry to hear this. You have been so courageous the last four years. We will still keep you in ours prayers as well as your family. Love to you and your family
Praying for your strength and peace.
Praying you can get some rest and for peace and comfort for you and your sweet family. I will continue praying for you. Love, Laura Davis
Heartbreaking news. We love you and your family dearly Julie and you are always in our prayers.
Sending much love and comforting prayers your way. Julie, I have loved you and your Mom for many, many years and will continue to love you two!
Julie & Ben
God has brought you this forward for a reason that man can not comprehend!
Ricky and I are praying 🙏 for you both, your children, family and friends!
You have touched many hearts and lives on your journey!
My heart breaks for you, Ben, and family. My He wrap His arms around you and comfort you and give you peace. Love and prayers for the days ahead.
Barb Kerber
Julie, I was so sorry to hear this news. In your short life you have done so much for the Lord and your fellow man–and you will be rewarded accordingly. Please know that I, along with many others, pray for you and your entire family daily, that God will sustain you all through this difficult journey. Love to you, Ben and your family. Aunt Em
Julie, I am praying for you and your family. I met you a few months ago at a small group bible study. You were such an inspiration to me and you continue to be. Loved meeting you and will continue to pray for you! Please remember what an inspiration you are and that you are touching people for the Lord! 🙏❤
I am so sorry to hear this. Continuing to pray for you and your family, as He has you under His wings. 🙏🏻✝️💕
Julie, this is such difficult news to hear and I am so sorry. Your life has been such a positive witness to the love of Christ and the strength and courage He provides. May the Lord bless and keep you and yours and how you peace. I will keep you all in my prayers
Julie, this is such difficult news to hear and I am so sorry. Your life has been such a positive witness to the love of Christ and the strength and courage He provides. May the Lord bless and keep you and yours and give you peace. I will keep you all in my prayers
Oh Julie, I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear this latest report. Please know you have been a beautiful tower of faith through it all and God has used your journey to inspire and reach so many. I know you’ve touched me. You, Ben and the rest of your family are in our prayers. We love you. 💕
Julie, we are praying for you and your family.
Love you Julie. Whenever I hear sad news , the first thing I do is question our God. We never really understand, but just pray for His will be done. You have always been so faithful Your Dad visited my Mom because our pastor was on a sabbatical. When he left, Mama said “He is a man of God!”