Update on Papaw

Papaw has begun radiation treatments on his spine. Over Christmas he was in some pretty severe pain. After a trip to the doctor, it was determined that the tumor on his spine was pressing on the vertebrae and causing the intense pain. Daddy was given some medicine to help which made him pretty loopy and sleepy. After meeting with his oncologist, it was determined that radiation therapy might be helpful in relieving some of the pain. The radiation will not cure the cancer, but will hopefully shrink the tumor some so that it is not pressing on the spine with such force. We are praying that this works so that he doesn't have to be on such a high dose of pain medication. Daddy is now sporting a new tattoo as they have to "permanently mark" the spot where the radiation is delivered. His tatt is just a small cross...nothing too fancy. He is experiencing some side effects of radiation with constant fatigue being the main one.
I feel completely helpless being 2.5 hours away. I know it's not about me...but I feel like I could do something if I were closer. I praise the Lord for my Uncle Larry who has been a huge help getting Daddy to his appointments so that Mamma can work some. Kolby and Meredith have been lifesavers too.

Joshua was dancing with Addison in the kitchen the other night and I couldn't help but think of how I used to do the exact same thing with my daddy. And how during my teenage years when I was "mad at the world" Daddy would start dancing around like Bill Cosby singing some Motown hit just trying to get me to smile. It always worked despite my best efforts....and it still does. I've always seen him as invincible. And I've always believed that he could and would fix anything. So it hurts this girl to see her daddy hurt and not be able to fix it. But I am so thankful that God has a plan. And though I don't understand it, I know and trust that in the end it will all be good.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28