April is here! And there has been a lot take place since the last blog. Thank you for your patience in waiting for another update. Our family has had 50+ hours of road trips, medical appointments, 30+ furniture builds, beginning at a new school for Ted, Hugo and Calista, a broken collar bone for Murphy, meetings with the home team of doctors at Levine Children’s Hospital, dinners with old (and new) friends, NBA games, Science center visits, Easter Egg hunts, play dates, hot tub fun, visiting 5 new churches, meeting the great people at these churches, sharing with many the good news of God’s miracle working power and some much needed moments of family time interspersed throughout. Needless to say,…it’s been a whirlwind.
Thank you for your incredible support in this journey with us for making the bold step to receive this care for Murphy. Nat and I have a peace about being here in Charlotte, and we know that this is the right move for getting the much-needed treatment for our boy. Murphy has now had follow-up appointments and has met the whole team at Levine Children’s Hospital, and they are incredibly lovely! The best news is that Murphy’s body is responding well post immunotherapy and his red blood cells are normalizing, as well as his white cells. Murphy’s kidneys seem stable, and he is feeling good in himself, praise God!
The bad news is that our new local NBA team isn’t doing well…but we are determined to cheer on our new local team! Go Hornets!
Calista, Hugo and Ted have all adjusted very well. They have had a few weeks now in their new house and have started school today! This was a decision that was only made recently, as Nat and I felt it is important for them to feel connected to the community by way of establishing friendships. Murphy won’t start school until August, as his schedule of hospital appointment doesn’t allow for that at the moment. The side bonus is that Nat and I don’t have to do schooling at home… don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my kids, but when it comes to teaching them, I’ll leave that up to their new teachers! All kids came home smiling and sharing stories from their day, therefore thank you to the many who have prayed for a good start to school for our children.
Cali, Hugo and Ted on the morning of their first day at school!
Since driving from Hershey to Atlanta, our Nowak family has spent many hours in people’s homes sharing the journey and reliving the moments from the past 18 months of treatment. I am still unsettled in my stomach when I stop and think about how Murphy was able to endure the countless medications and terrifying treatment to kill this insidious disease, but at the same time share with people God’s goodness throughout the journey. You would know the highs and lows from journeying with us through this blog, but to relive it and share the stories has been difficult at times. I have learnt that it is important to look back, and as I have been reading through the Old Testament of the Bible these past few months I am reminded of the importance of remembering! God asked His cherished people, the Israelites on many occasions to simply remember what He has done and worship Him, but as I read on the Israelites kept forgetting God and moving on to new things to worship. I think of this is the context of our next season of treatment and this this here for our family, as we share and tell Murphy’s story to people, may God always be glorified, may we constantly share of His power and goodness and healing of Murphy’s cancer.
Similar to last blog, can I share some amazing testimonies to lift your spirit and make you smile:
· We were able to share with a small group of faithful believers in Atlanta, a group of dedicated Christians that did not stop praying since diagnosis.
· Some very generous families have blessed us with meals, homes to sleep in, help moving furniture, gifts and goodies, and even a second car for me to use as a run-around! WOW
· We are now in our home eating some delicious home cooked meals, after many gas station meals during road trips!
· Murphy was having so much fun at a friend’s house that he jumped and broke a bone, but it’s healing perfectly and there were NO complications!
· Neighbors in our area have welcomed us so much that we feel a connection straight away.
· The pool in our area opens on May 1st, and our kids cannot wait!
· Glenda has been a super grandma helping look after the kids while Nat and I have set up the home!
As things begin to settle here in Charlotte, and my hands repair from building all of the flat pack furniture, we are all so appreciative of your love, support and prayers that have helped us get to this point.
Love, the Nowaks
