This weeks' update

Hi, this is Bergen. We have had a change in our plans this week. Wednesay afternoon Mom had a major seizure which lasted over 10 minutes. She lost consiousness at the end. It was very severe and occurred just after leaving the clinic where Dad and her talked with the doctors about starting radiation and chemotherapy. After continued deterioration on her left side and motor skills, Dad and Mom decided they couldn't keep doing the same thing without results. So we have a different plan for now. They had gone to the clinic to talk about more aggressive medical treatments. After taking and reviewing a brain scan the doctors determined that the seizure was mostly the result of her having stopped taking the anti-seizure medicine a couple of months ago. They got her back on the medicine and kept her in the hospital overnight. They feel that she should be okay to function normally with regular use of the medicine. We wanted to thank you for your prayers and concerns for Mom. As I indicated above, we decided to start radiation therapy and chemotherapy. She had her first treatment Thursday. Mom will be taking chemotherapy targeted at the brain in the form of pills. The radiation will be full brain radiation which is targeted to kill all of the tumors in the brain. The doctors feel that this is the best course of action to reduce the swelling in the brain which is causing most of the problems with the impairment of her motor skills and weak left side of the body. We feel good with this course of action and mostly want to kill the tumors as well as reduce the swelling that is causing most of her current problems. I just wanted to let you know her current situation. We have cancelled our plans for our annual Snowbird trip. Judson is flying into Wenatchee and Jared is coming as well. I am here and will stay a couple weeks or more. We are so happy to be together and are enjoying each day. We love you all!

Mom wants me to share the words of a wonderful hymn:

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Count your blessings; Name them one by one.
Count your blessings; See what God hath done.
Count your blessings; Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings; See what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings; Name them one by one.
Count your blessings; See what God hath done.
Count your blessings; Name them one by one.
Count your many blessing; See what God hath done.

Thanks once again for your continued prayers. Our entire family loves and appreciates your faith and support!