Sometimes it’s hard to know when to update. Things can change moment to moment…they have for the past 10 months. Josiah’s pain has increased quite a bit over the past week. We have tried to make some changes in his meds at home (with the help of the doctor of course) but that just was not cutting it, so we came back to the hospice house yesterday. They tried one med last night through his port which didn’t seem to work, so we are on to plan B today. We are going to switch over his narcotics from pill form to his port. This option offers more steady pain relief, Josiah will be able to increase it with a touch of a button, and he won’t have to take so many pills (which have started to upset his stomach). We are hoping and praying that this gives him the relief that he needs. Josiah’s lung function has improved a lot and we have stopped using his drainage tube every day because there is nothing to drain in that area. He is having a lot of swelling in other areas where his tumors are growing. His leg is of course giving him trouble. Sometimes I forget what I’ve mentioned and what I haven’t, but Josiah’s main tumor is in his right thigh and because of the growth of that tumor he has lost a lot of the circulation in his leg all the way down to his foot. It has also caused a lot of swelling, to the point that his right leg is more than double the size of his left leg. This has been going on for quite a while, but it continues to get worse.
It doesn’t surprise us that he is having increasing symptoms, but it doesn’t get any easier seeing someone I love so much in so much pain and discomfort. We don’t have the hope that he is going to get better, we have the knowledge that things are going to get worse. Without a direct miracle from God (which we believe is, without a doubt, still possible), Josiah’s body will continue to deteriorate. Even if God did heal Josiah from his cancer, his body would still get old and die eventually. Really, we have been fighting against death, not cancer. We are all appointed to die (Hebrews 9:27), and God holds those times in His hands(Psalm 139:16). Death really is a part of this life. In a sense, we are living among the dead and only in heaven will we be among the living. We were made for heaven and for those of us that really know Christ as our Savior, that brings hope and peace that can not be explained. The trials of this world are very real and very painful, but we have a joy that is set before us! Please pray that we will run this race with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2), and joy (Acts 20:24). We do feel weary. I have never prayed for God’s mercy so much and with so much understanding of what it means. But we know that God’s grace is sufficient and we are claiming that promise.
Beautiful Things 
Thank you for the update, Jess. I am sure it is harder to be there in some ways and easier in others. I cannot imagine how torn your heart must be…a mom, a wife, children, husband. I pray continually for your throughout the day…and then again when I wake at night. Ken is always asking if there has been any news. It really helps to know how to pray and yet I understand the need to just be there and not be concerned about keeping us up to date. We pray for you anyway! Erica called about some friends who just found out he has a tumor on his spine and will start heavy chemo in the hospital on Monday for 3 days for the next 16 weeks. The Lord has many needs to meet. Praise for His faithfulness. It was an “aha” moment when you said you were fighting death and not cancer. Wow… it gave a different perspective. Continuing to pray…
Continuing to pray for you and your family Jess. Thanks for the update. Many in my Sunday School class are praying with you guys! So grateful for the perspective that you give in life. It’s definitely had a HUGE effect on my families lives. Praying much for you! Fix your eyes on Him-He is always present…always.
annie.
Jessica,
Thank you so much for letting us know how to pray for you and Josiah. We have been lifting your requests up to the throne of God everyday! May you feel God’s presence right now.
Words are inadequate — but these are the best words I know; Because of what Jesus did we need not fear any unknown. Bill and Alena
Hey you two
Whew! What a day. Snickers and Comet are now Missouri residents and we’re thrilled to have them. I got to read books with your Ava piled on my lap today. She was surrounded by Campbell kids and plopped right in the middle. It was great fun! Can’t believe how long her pony tails are – too cute. She’s precious as they all are. This is sanctity of human life month. Life is precious no matter what the season of life. Keep pressing on for the prize. Loved seeing your girl today.
Blessings
Margie and crew
Praying for you every day…
I continue to keep you in my prayers…many times a day-as the Lord brings you to mind…which is quite often. You are an inspiration to us all and the Lord has given you incredible faith. Praying that you never waiver in your faith, and that you continue to see His faithfulness in the midst of your storm.
Your perspective on eternity is such a blessing to me. I will keep praying for a miracle, for comfort, for peace, for strength, and for the powerful realization of God’s mercy and love. Remember, both you and Josiah are His beloved.
Dear Josiah, Jessica, Ava, and Lincoln. I know in my heart that youre faith, love, courage and strength through these intensly hard times that You are enduring will help many many people to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and seek him more and more and the fruit will be multiplied in time. Thank You all so much for the beacon of light and witness You give! Will continue praying for Youre every need. Take care. Youre brother in the Lord Jesus. Don. (a friend of Youre friends in Menomenie and Eau Claire)
We continue to remember you and uplift in prayer.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Ps 9:9-10
I am praying for all of you!
To my little darling, Jessica:
How very proud we are of you. How very much you cause us to look toward heaven and bless the name of the Lord. How very much you bring comfort to the saints as you reach beyond human limits and touch the face of God with your attitude and example. You will never know the comfort you have brought to those who stand with you when we read the scriptures you share which are poured out from your breaking heart. We love you so much.
Equally, we are proud of our brother and friend. We know that his desire is to touch lives for Christ. We pray that he could have a glimpse of the hundreds of lives he has indeed touched during this time. We live in hard times. The body is being tried by fire; some are discouraged and downtrodden when suddenly God raises up a couple in their youth who by their example of steadfast trust in the Lord shout to the body “don’t give up, don’t give in. Your Father has everything under control!!!” Amazing, full of grace, full of life in the Lord. Josiah has determined in his heart to be like Caleb and Joshua who said; “the giants, they will be meat for us. we can go up and over take them.” Everyone else failed in their hearts with fear, but Josiah laid not down his sword. He led; he went straight into the battle crying the victory song. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
It is our honor and privilege to continue to walk through this time with you both. Again, we are so proud of you.
all our love from Wisconsin