Day 34: Phase 4

"I hate that this is happening to Steph," I said to JE as we were headed home.

"I know, me too," he said. "Life is really hard sometimes, and really beautiful, too. Some of the sweetest moments happen when there is the most difficult circumstances." We had been discussing the recent test results that show that Steph's cancer is phase 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She recently had a PET scan to find out where else in her body it is, but is waiting for the results.

Apparently this type of cancer is treatable. Three years ago, when JE's dad returned early from his mission with phase 4 cancer, his wasn't treatable. He was also 68. He had a perfect passing. He wasn't in terrible pain. His student's and loved ones got to tell him the amazing impact he had on their lives. He was surrounded by family. JE was there when his dad passed peacefully in his sleep--he has sweet memories of the two weeks he spent caring for his dad and his mom during that time.

Steph is young in body and young at heart. She has a lot to live for and a lot of people love her. Hearing 'phase 4' with such a short time after Dad passed is really frightening. But, I know her resilient spirit won't let this get her down. She is amazing.