Strike 5. 

Remember, we are playing T-ball…. And you get a lot of strikes. Today coach had his FIFTH strike against cancer…. And it was Webb’s turn to be the chemo chaperone. And in true Webb fashion he had a surprise up his sleeve: he snuck Davis into the unit to give Bear lunch and drugs much stronger than chemo—bear hugs and Eskimo kisses. Kids under 12 aren’t allowed but who would dare look at that little angle in pink glasses and tell her no! Turns out, she administered “medicine” to all the patients who saw her. 

*CURVE BALL* you didn’t it coming.  Neither did we. Last week Coach returned to the Mayo Clinic for his first visit since surgery and starting chemo. This was for his routine 3 month scans.

“Suspicion for recurrence” is the opening line of the MRI report. *HIT BY A PITCH* that’s what it feels like. However…. It’s only suspicion and not confirmed. It “could be cancer, or it could be an area of concern due to chemotherapy or from surgery. It’s too complicated and dangerous to biopsy.” *PLAY IS UNDER FURTHER REVIEW* so, we are holding our breath, storming Heavens Gates, and seeking more definitive answers that we hope to have in 6 weeks with a repeat MRI in Atlanta.

We are so thankful his white blood cell count was back up today… That is a positive. He was able to proceed with chemo today (still at a lower percentage than what is prescribed) due to other labs. But we are so thankful he has been healthy and strong enough to attend every chemo visit as planned thus far.

He felt great the past two weeks after round 4. He was able to attend the UT baseball game in Knoxville where he escorted his 98 year old father out on the field and watch him throw the first ceremonial pitch—as the oldest living UT letterman. What a special moment. He was able to enjoy time fishing and boating around the lake for MDW. He has still been able to work. He has had a much improved appetite. And He has remained steadfast in his faith.

Now that the pitcher threw a curve ball,  we will adjust our grip and be even more ready for whatever pitch comes next… even if it’s another dang curveball.

Please join us in praying that the new scans will be clear of cancer and clear in diagnosing the specific area of concern. Pray he tolerates round 5 with minimal side effects. And pray for his family and young grandkids that are desperately wanting their Bear’s boo boos to go away.

Special thanks to the Lorberbaum family for gifting Coach the most comfy fleece baseball blanket which is perfect for chemo days. And special thanks to Charlotte and Chris Turner for being the sweetest garden fairies  and surprising the team mom (and coach) with fresh new flowers and plants in their planters! 

I’ll close with a quote from coach:

“He has said to me just today, ‘quit leaning into your own perceptions of what I am up to and what I have planned.  Quit worrying about what you cannot control, and have faith that I absolutely CAN control it all.  And trust me with the hard stuff as I am right here beside you and I’m good at hard stuff!!!’”

So let’s keep playing ball and praising the Lord! 

⚾️🐻BEAR STRONG 🐻⚾️