Good Morning,

We will be heading out soon for Nick's last radiation treatment. We had a consult yesterday with Dr. Snead and she is not going to do the "boost" of radiation. She feels like she is targeting the tumor area well. To do a boost may compromise the spine because of where the tumor is positioned on the spine. Dr. Snead is concerned with the weakness in the right hand.She said it should be getting better at this point not worse(prayers). They will continue to monitor that closely and possibly order additional testing.

He will get a CT scan in about 4-5 weeks to be sure the tumor is shrinking and responding to the radiation....Many prayers needed in that area.

I am so glad that this is the last treatment. I see the side effects from it kicking it. The few days of energy Nick had are gone. He is getting so fatigued now. The hoarseness has set it again. Like I have said you really never know what each day will bring. Emotionally, this is to much to absorb at times. Although I know we have a strong walk with the Lord, we are human and there are days we feel the weight of it all on us. We pray for strength daily.

I got the best devotional a few days ago. I have subscribed to this particular one (Daily Hope-Rick Warren) a long time ago and I have always enjoyed them. They seem to speak to me often and lift me up. The one I got a few days ago was called "Resist DIScouragement". I wanted to share it with you and hope it encourages you as much as it did me. So many of you share your struggles with me and I am so blessed that you do. It is a privilege to walk hand in hand with my brothers and sisters in Christ, through the good and bad times. God is always present friends and He loves you!!

Resist discouragement by Rick Warren
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay.” Hebrews 10:36-37 (NIV)
"You may be going through difficult times right now. You’re discouraged because the situation you face seems unbearable and you’re saying, ‘God, I can’t take it anymore.’ But you can!"
If you’re discouraged because of God’s delay in answering your prayers, understand the delay is NOT a denial. Just because the answer or the miracle hasn’t come – yet – that doesn’t mean God isn’t going to answer, or that he’s forgotten you, or that he doesn’t care about you. It simply means “not yet!”
Spiritual maturity is knowing the difference between “No” and “Not yet,” between a denial and a delay. The Bible tells us, “He who is coming will come and will not delay” (Hebrews 10:37 NIV).
The delay may be a test of your patience. Anybody can be patient once. And, anybody can be patient twice. And, just about anybody can be patient three times. So God tests your patience over and over and over.
Why? To see how patient you are?
No, he does it so that you can see how patient you are. So you’ll know what’s inside of you, and you’ll be able to know your level of commitment. God tests you so that you can know he is faithful, even if the answers you seek are delayed.If you’re discouraged, turn it around by remembering God teaches you patience during delay. Ask him to transform your discouragement into patience.
You may be going through difficult times right now and feel like dropping off the planet. You’re discouraged because the situation you face seems unmanageable, unreasonable, or unfair.
It may seem unbearable and inside you’re basically saying, “God, I can’t take it anymore. I just can’t take it anymore!”
But you can.
You can stay with it longer because God is with you. He’ll enable you to press on. Remember, you are never a failure until you quit.
Don’t quit. Resist discouragement and finish the race God has set before you.

That's good stuff right there!!

Have a Blessed Day,

The Badidas

Update on Fridays MRI

Yesterday's spine MRI results are good. NO additional tumors on Nick's spine! Glory!! The concern is that the current tumor has grown which is probably the reason for the additional weakness in the right arm. Dr Pirris (neuro) will consult with oncology (Dr. Kim) and radiation oncology (Dr. Snead) about possibly doing a "boost" of radiation onto that tumor to try and shrink it faster. Nick will have to wear the back brace until August 18th (full 3 months) to ensure good fusion with the bone.

The way I see it is....right now we have one big tumor, one God who is bigger, and so many amazing prayer warriors to pray this thing gone for good in Jesus' name. Amen.

I have to say the last few days Nick has had an abundance of energy. I guess those steroids give him a burst of energy...not sure,but we are grateful for it and praying it last.

We attended Ascension Worship last night at Church and it was an awesome time to lift our hands high and praise our Father for ALL the great things he is doing in our lives. It was such a humbling time to look over and see my husband (who is struggling with this sickness) but still praising and worshipping God with all love in his heart. In the Lord he is a renewed man.

Throughout this journey God is teaching us many things, humility, patience, compassion,forgiveness. I pray to learn these things more in my own life and be obedient to the changes that need to take place within me.

Colossians 3:12-17

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Have a blessed weekend and know we are thankful for you always.

The Badidas

June 23rd/Wednesday 9:11PM

Ok I HAVE to post that today was a GOOD day!!!!! Nick had very little pain, did not even have to take any tylenol. Just sayin' can I get an amen? This is his third day on the steroids so hopefully they are helping with the inflammation around the tumor. His face looks pretty red from the radiation, kind of looks like a sun burn. He was more active today than I have seen him be in a long time.

These days may not happen a lot, but we are so grateful when they do!! We will take whatever we can get. The Lord poured out His blessings on us today, He does everyday. It's just some days the load feels a lot heavier and those are the days when we need to rely on God even more. Back in the old days (not to old) we learned it as F.R.O.G...Fully Rely On God. There is truth and comfort in those four simple words.

Lately the updates have not been so good.....So it is joyful to share some praises and God's continued goodness with you all.

F.R.O.G,

The Badidas

quick update for today/ Tuesday June 22nd

We did get a call from Dr. Pirris (neurosurgeon) office. He would like to see Nick on Friday after he has his spine MRI to discuss results from that and the x-ray from yesterday. It is evident that Nick is more uncomfortable in that spine area a little more today than yesterday. The radiological oncologist started him on steroids to help with the inflammation around the tumor. The second round of radiation seem to go well today. No side effects showing up as of yet (praying none will).

We are in survival mode daily emotionally and physically, but spiritually ALWAYS trusting.We are just praying hard for a complete healing miracle. Hopefully nothing to post for the next couple of days. Nick should only have radiation until Friday. That will be a more telling day as to what could be going on.

Thank you for you continuous encouragement and prayers.

Love,

The Badidas

Well, what was supposed to be a 30 minute visit for a radiation appointment turned into an all day stay at Mayo. As some of you already know Nick is experiencing some pain in the spine area and some weakness in his right arm, so the neurosurgeon ordered at bone x-ray today. Our scheduled appointment was at 1:50. A transformer blew and we were delayed several hours, but we got it done. We probably wont know the results of anything until tomorrow.

Barring any other complications Nick should be able to go now and just get his radiation treatments as scheduled. Then on Friday he will have an MRI of his entire spine. This is an extensive MRI and usually takes a couple of hours. As usual I would ask that we pray for God to reveal anything and everything, so we can get the necessary treatment needed as soon as possible.

The rest of his schedule is as follows:

June 22nd-29th
Radiation Treatments

July 1st
Follow-Up Neurosurgery Post op Visit with Dr. Pirris
(depending on results of x-ray he may go in sooner)

July 6th
Lab Fasting Blood Work Visit

July 7th
CT Scan chest/abdomen/pelvis
MRI-Brain
Oncology Appointment with Dr. Kim

This all could change but this is what we were given as of today. We joked about missing our naps today!! But we continue to look up always for the strength and encouragement of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

This is an exhausting path, but I have to tell you that there are those special moments that come often during the day that are priceless and tender. There is a special closeness that you share with your family when something like this occurs. A different kind of bond is formed. And for that we are joyful. The phrase "finding joy in the small things" has a renewed meaning to us now.

I will continue to update you all as information becomes available. We are still trusting and believing in God's divine intervention for miracle. Glory to Him in the highest!!!!!

Trusting in Him,

The Badidas

Father's Day Blog: Originally Written & Posted on 6-20-10 by Aaron

Below is a blog that Aaron wrote two years ago when his Dad was in the midst of his battle with cancer. I left the words untouched as it was written so sweetly by a young man watching his Father walk a painful, yet God-filled journey. 


There's a story in the gospel of Matthew that gets me more than any other story that I know in the Bible. Jesus goes with his disciples the night before his crucifixion to the garden of Gesthemane to pray to his Father in heaven, and as he walks with Peter, James, and John, he tells them that his "soul feels sorrowful" (Mtw. 26:37-38). When he falls before the Lord in prayer, we see, not a joyful exultation, but a prayer that we, as beings of the flesh, can understand more than any other. Jesus knows what is about to come for him: the pain, the anguish, the weight of the world's sin upon his holy shoulders. He calls to his Father, broken, and afraid, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." The Bible tells us that he said this prayer three times. (Mtw. 26:39, 42, 44).

God's plans are not always easy, and on this Father's day, I have a special admiration for my dad and the way in which he walks along the rather difficult path that the Lord has set before him. Though some days are more difficult than others, I think we're blessed to understand that the pain God's people experience isn't purposeless. I hope that this Father's Day, that not only my dad, but everyone who experiences the frustration at circumstances that seem unfair, frightening, overwhelming, can remember that there is a Heavenly Father who has a plan for the pain. I thank my dad so much for constantly reminding me of that insurance in this often unsteady life.

For all of us, life is often filled with prayers, begging God to "take this cup" from us. We're all made to walk on our own way of suffering, bearing our own crosses, and sometimes seeing no end in sight. Time after time we walk this path, the cross seeming to heavy to bear. But time after time, we reach the end and find not emptiness on the hill, but Jesus, already taking our place.

Aaron

Saturday, June 19th 9:04 PM

Hey everyone!

Nick continues to make slow progress. He is trying to rest up and get his strength together before he begins radiation next week.

This week has probably been one of the tougher ones emotionally. I think God's time to reveal things to me is about 2 AM in the morning, and last night, as I was just wondering why we'd hit this wall, it occurred to me that although God is with us along this journey all the time, Satan is still there, also, to try and bring us down. I constantly pray for a hedge of protection around our family to keep that darkness out.

I think that now, more than ever, it is important to let God's light shine through us. As difficult as these circumstances may be, they are that much more of an opportunity to witness to the power of God. So I told Nick today that, as weird as it may seem, we have to learn to embrace what's been given to us, and once we do, we need to pray and ask God how we can use it to bring light to other people. Nick agreed wholeheartedly, and said that he felt like it was an opportunity to do something he had always wanted to do....to truly help other people.

In spite of the circumstances, we are now really excited about what the Lord will do in that area of our lives, and we rest in knowing that His light will always outshine the darkness.


John 1:1-9

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

We appreciate and love you all, and thank you for your continual prayer.

In His Light,
The Badidas

Post-Op Update Tuesday, June 15th 5:36 PM

It was a pretty long afternoon at Mayo. Our first appointment with the PA at the neurosurgeon's office was quite uneventful. She basically looked at Nick and told him he seemed to be doing fine as far as the wound healing and such.

Next, we visited Dr. Snead at radiational oncology. She was a very tender doctor, sweet and kind. Here's what she told us: Nick's cancer is "chronic." This does not mean terminal. The main difference is that terminal cancer does not respond to treatment, while chronic cancer is still considered manageable. We won't know how this cancer responds until he begins chemo and radiation.

We learned a lot today about how cancer works. Dr. Snead said that cancer is something that "mutates." What this pretty much means is that you can kill of some of it, but not all of it, because the cells are always changing. It may respond for a period of time to a specific drug, but eventually, another form of treatment might be needed. The job of radiation, in Nick's case, is to try and shrink the tumor as much as possible. Since the cancer has "metastasized" (spread from one place, the liver, to another, the spine) the cells are in his blood. This is where the chemo comes in to try and kill of as many of the cells in the blood and throughout the body as possible. This will most likely start the first week of July. Essentially this cancer may be treatable, but not curable.

Beginning Monday, June 21st until Tuesday, June 29th, he will have 7 radiation treatments. We won't know how effective the radiation treatments will be until about 5-6 weeks after the last treatment but in the meantime, they're going to schedule a CT and MRI (specifically of the brain), as well as a visit with Dr. Kim, the medical oncologist. There will not be a PET scan, because Nick's type of cancer does not pick up the contrast for that type of scan. It certainly wasn't the news that we wanted to hear today, but we know what lies ahead of us, and we know we have an Almighty companion on this journey.

Right now, here's what we all need to be in prayer for:

1. Limited side effects from radiation
2. That the cancer responds extremely well to treatment
3. That the cancer has not spread (ie, isolated to spine)/Good MRI and CT results
4. That treatment of the cancer will not interfere with the healing of his spine

We know the list will continue to grow, but these are the immediate areas of concern.
Thank you for your constant prayer.

The verse that Aaron brought to mind today was Joshua 1:9:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua had a lot before him. He was literally venturing into a place that was unknown to him, and led God's people into many battles to claim His promise to them. In the months to come, a lot will seem overwhelming, scary, and even discouraging. But this is a battle we know we are facing with the Lord on our side.

In Christ's Name,
The Badida

Friday, June 11th 10:06 PM

Thanks for your prayers, everyone. Nick is still running a low-grade fever, but hopefully that will subside in a few days after the antibiotics kick in. He says he has felt so exhausted the past few days. There is comfort in at least knowing that it's his body fighting off infection, and nothing more serious.

Nick was just saying today that he knows there is no way that he would be making it through this without the prayer and love from everyone. He is so grateful for the group of people that surrounds him. I remember when we first starting attending Chets, the sermon series was on Philippians and the joy that Paul experienced in knowing that he was loved and lifted up by a strong community of Christians. It is so amazing that only a couple years down the road, such a message radiates so strongly from our lives.

This past week, I've been looking through chapter 4 of Philippians, and I was blown away by the notes in my study Bible in references to verses 10-19: "He (Paul) also wants to reassure them (the Philippians) that in the context of their sharing, loving, praying partnership in the gospel, his needs have been fully met." These kinds of relationships have been so prevalent in our lives, especially in the past month, and people have been so generous with their time, their prayers, and their encouragement in so many ways. In this way, you all have met needs that can only be satisfied through the love we find together in Jesus.

The reference also says : "Although Paul has nothing material to give back to the Philippians within the give-and-take of this reciprocal relationship, he knows that God will meet their every need in Christ." And this we know to be true, friends, that God will meet your every need, also.

Philippians 4:19-20
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Blessings,
The Badidas

ER Visit this evening/Thurs June 10th

Nick has been running a fever on and off for a few days. This afternoon it got up to 102.8 After speaking with the doctor he referred us to the ER. We got there around 7:00ish. We just got home about 30 mins ago. Not to bad for an ER visit I guess. After blood work, xray etc...it looks like he has an infection (most likely bronchial won't know for sure until all blood work comes back about 72 hours) but nothing severe. Looks like we got to it in time. He was prescribed an antibiotic and released. He was dehydrated which is from the fever, so they gave him a bag of fluid via IV.

The blessing is ( you know I always find that blessing) that his platelet count is finally normal and his incisions look good. Prayers that this in a small infection and that the antibiotic will take effect in a few days and no more fevers. We are so relieved that this appears to be nothing serious. Thank you Lord!!

We never know daily what we are in for. We are just thankful that God gives us the wisdom and knowledge to make the right decisions. Thank you all for your continued prayers and the cards you are sending are amazing!!! I will update more tomorrow. Tired!

The Badidas

Update/ Sunday June 6th, 2010 10:24PM

I am excited to say it has been an uneventful few days!!! Lots of resting and relaxing. Something we obviously did not get enough of, because it is very blissful and we are so grateful to have it right now. With the perseverance of a lion...Nick is walking to the end of our street a couple times of day, doing his arm/hand exercises throughout the day. Little steps, but all in the right direction. I am so proud of my Nick and Aaron. Both are such a joy and blessing to me. I really do not know what I did to deserve two such amazing guys in my life.

At first I was overwhelmed when Nick came home. I felt like I wasn't prepared mentally or physically to take care of him. But the Lord has given me such incredible strength to do it.....and do it with joy. There has been a lot of laughing going on in our house lately. It is crazy that we are walking through this storm and we can still laugh. That is what God is doing for us. He gets all the glory for that and so much more!!! For it is Him that fills our hearts everyday with gladness. I am always amazed but never surprised by the great things the Lord does in our life because of our never ending faith in Him. Philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

It has not always easy to have faith during the difficult times, but as we have grown closer to our Father and strive to live daily by his Word, our faith has grown stronger. God wants us to fully rely on His love. 1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. I don't know about you...but it is an immense comfort knowing I have someone who loves me so much and wants to carry my burdens for me. Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Not every day is packed full of laughter, there are days when we shed many tears. But we know we are not alone because our Lord is always with us. He will never leave us. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Wow...we never have to be alone!! I know there are times we all feel so alone.But we can hold on to those words in Deuteronomy 31:6 and know that God's promises will never fail us.

Keepin' the Faith,

The Badidas

Friday June 4th 3:48 PM

Hello Everyone,

Hope all is well with you all. It has been quite a few days getting adjusted. Nick has basically slept most of the time he has been home. He seems a little weaker than a few days ago. But I think his poor body is just worn out. We are concerned about his mobility in the left hand and he is saying that now his right hand is feeling weak. He is working with light weights to try and increase the strength in it. We are praying it is because of a weakened muscle and not the nerve. We will monitor is closely over the next couple of days. Please continue to lift that up in prayer.

He is still working on getting his appetite back. I have to make sure he eats and drinks enough daily. Little steps. This recuperation will require a lot of patience. The positive is that he is able to rest peacefully. So when he is resting his body is able to hopefully heal.

The last few days have really been a good time of rest for the three of us. I know I am finally able to catch up on some much needed sleep. Just really taking things one day at a time. Trying not to look ahead to much and living in this day that our Lord has made for us. Rejoicing in the blessings He is giving to us today. This precious time together as a family is priceless even under these circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that the Lord has plans for us to prosper and plans to give us hope and a future, We cling to those Words, they give comfort to our soul.

We pray God's blessings over each of you. That you may know the feeling of His peace and love in your hearts forever. That in even in the darkest of times, you will see His light shine through. And if you are discouraged, know that in His word you can find all the encouragement you will ever need. And when you need to be comforted, look up and cry out and He will wrap His arms around you and provide the most comfort you have ever known. I know these things to be true because He has done them and more for me.

In His Loving Name,
The Badidas

He is home!!! June 2nd, 2010

A very long, but joyous day. Nick got to come home today. He is still week and having some withdrawal symptoms but, he met the criteria to be released. The therapist felt that he can get what he needs now on an outpatient basis. It is really hard to tell how much more mobility he will get back in his hand (if any). Only time will tell. That is very discouraging to him right now.

As you can imagine he was so ready to get home. It takes us a while to get things done(shower, changing clothes, etc...) because he is limited with his movement. But those who know me well, know I will get a very productive system in place soon (lol)! He hit that recliner and I have not heard a peep (well, maybe a little snoring). There is no doubt he will rest better in his own home. And yes, Moses seems to have some spunk back!!! It will take us a bit to get adjusted and figure things out, but we will get there.

He is scheduled for a follow-up visit June 15th with neurosurgery at Mayo, also that afternoon he will have his radiation oncology consultation. At that time they will give him his radiation schedule and other info regarding his radiation. But for now we rest and take it easy.

Our immediate prayer requests would be:

His left hand starts functioning better and regains more feeling in it.

The bones in the spine fuse and healing continues. It would be a huge blessing and miracle to be able to get that brace off in the next few weeks rather than months.

That mentally and emotionally Nick is able to maintain a good spirit and that God will give me the strength to continuously be his biggest cheerleader.

So much healing has taken place already to God be ALL the glory!!!I stand boldly on His word that He will continue to do a great healing in Nick. In all of us. God has brought a mighty healing on me through this. The scales have come off and the transformation that is taking place in my heart and soul makes me cry such tears of joy. Because I choose to live this out only through Him, He is bringing me amazing joy, peace and freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I love how The Message breaks it down for these 2 verses.

Romans 12:2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.


2 Cor. 3:18 Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

Can you imagine living a life where there is nothing between you and God? Where He is personally present? Who wouldn't want there life to become brighter and more beautiful? I want to be change from the inside out. I want God to remove the veil so I can be transparent and free!! Hallelujah!!!! Through our tests will come our testimony.

We are sippin' from the saucer (heard a sweet friend say that) because our cup runneth over with love and gratefulness.

The Badidas

June 1st 11:26PM/Update

It has been a rather rough afternoon and evening for Nick. He is experiencing some pretty heavy withdrawals from the Morphine. Hopefully he will get over the worst of it by tomorrow.Praying hard for that. IF he does and IF he meets a few other requirements (blood work, Physical & Occupational etc), he MAY get to come home tomorrow or Thursday. He is so ready, and so are we. I will know more in the morning. There are a lot of details to go over and also we need to be sure our house is equipped for his needs. But I will keep you posted.

I am amazed at the progress he has made. We have been so blessed by the recovery process Nick has gone through. He says he knows he will heal quicker once he gets home and out of the hospital environment. I totally agree!!

In the midst of my exhaustion tonight I want to glorify all that God is doing in our lives. HE really has cleared this path and is walking us through a very difficult journey. Along the way He has shown us many things. The unconditional love, support and prayers of our friends and family is one of the most amazing things HE has blessed us with. Daily God has placed someone in our path that has blessed us through laughter, hugs, prayer, thier time, you name it God has sent it. God is using YOU to strengthen us, console and encourage us.

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Praising God for the constant strength that He provides to me daily through His wonderful people and His inspiring Word. We are still trusting and believing in God for a total and complete healing .Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Resting on His word,

The Badidas