Two Steps Forward... one stepback...

Some days, more often than not, recovery feels like two steps forward and one step backwards. We had somewhat anticipated this but have been struggling as Steve has been feeling worse lately and our situation seems to be getting more difficult. Steve did receive the botox shots at his last visit to the Mayo Clinic, close to 3 weeks ago. Unfortunately the shots did not help Steve’s pain, in fact in the past few weeks his progress has deteriorated. Steve has been in increased pain, having to increase his pain medications and even go into the pain clinic for pain shots last week. Exercise, rehabilitation, weight-gaining diet and chiropractic care has all been put on hold as his pain levels increase and his energy decreases. We have tried hard to make space for him to simply rest, which has been a challenge to us both. The Mayo Clinic had sent Steve home after receiving the botox shots close to 3 weeks ago with hope he would experience significant decrease in his pain levels and scheduled for him to return in 3 months to evaluate his progress and receive round two of botox shots. However, Steve’s increase in pain and decrease in overall health these past few weeks has the doctor very concerned. He has asked for Steve to return to the Mayo Clinic March 14^th to create an entirely new treatment plan. This is obviously discouraging but all part of the recovery process. Please pray that either Steve’s body would begin to receive the positive effects of botox shots or begin to experience a decrease in pain, therefore allowing him to stay on the current treatment plan and continue to move forward.

We have also been experiencing ups and downs in financial provision- the ebb and flow it seems- as we watch God eradicate unexpected debt and then receive an uncovered hospital bill in the thousands. Fortunately one does not cancel out the other and the Lord has been pressing on us both to praise Him in everything!

“Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise,” 

Hebrews 13:15.

We are trying to be obedient and thank Him in everything. Thank Him when we don't understand. Thank Him for the steps forward and even backward. Thank Him for the things we haven’t even seen come to fruition yet. THIS is the sacrifice of continually praising God. Doing it when it doesn't make sense, when we don't want to, we are angry or weary, or we simply don't feel like it. Please stand with us, praising Him with us- we need you to help us hold up our weary arms to praise Him always!

Take a minute and listen to this song (click picture above) - THIS is helping us praise Him in everything because Our God WILL Come through ALWAYS!

Peace & Love,

Steve & Casey

Mayo Clinic: Round 4

persevere. 

We titled this Mayo Clinic Round 4 because it feels like we are in a boxing match or some type of fight. The bell has rung and we are pacing around the ring with tired legs, swollen eyes and fat lips. We are still in the fight but we are trusting the Lord to bring the victory! With that said, take a moment and praise the Lord with us as you see pictures of Steve's first time walking in the sand (without a cane_about 20-30 feet) and walking knee deep in the ocean for the first time in 17 months!

praise.

Steve and I have found this transitional place we are in very weird. It is both exciting and challenging as we are re-learning how to be married, how to dream about the future again and mainly live life in somewhat of a normal way. Although we are in a transitional place, we are waiting on the Lord for a lot of things! As I said, this is both exciting and challenging. It is exciting to see the possibilities in the future (Steve going back to school? Possibly given a grant to return to school? Different housing? More consistent income through disability?) but hard as we are in the present and recovery is not an easy road. Steve is working hard, following doctor's orders through small exercises and stretches, seeing a chiropractor weekly and going to other such appointments. This week he will be returning to the Mayo Clinic! This appointment is to track his progress on this new medication, make necessary adjustments and hopefully receive 30 botox shots_ which is a very effective treatment for severe head and neck pain as it paralyzes nerves. 

pray.

Please pray insurance approved this and that he can receive the shot treatment this week! Please pray that Dr Vargas has wisdom and discernment in treating Steve. Please also pray for the detox process that is coming in the hopefully near future to get Steve off of all of the pain medications he has been on for a year and a half_ this will be a painful process. Pray for Dr Barre as he works tirelessly on waking Steve's body up and teaching Steve how to walk again (without a cane). Lastly, please pray that long term disability coverage goes through this week! This will help us pay our bills, co-pays, the trip to the mayo clinic, perscriptions, daily living expenditures and meet immediate needs as well as help us on a monthly basis, giving Steve the time and space needed to fully recover.

Steve and I are excited to watch as the Lord brings victory and uses our story to bless and encourage others! We need to continue to let the joy of the Lord be our strength and His perfect love calm all of our fears as He spurs us on to get on with 'rebuilding the temple' (like Steve's body in recovery!).

"Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple." Zechariah 8:13b 

Peace in Him,

Casey & Steve