Update ... 22 Dec 2024
So alot has happened in the four months since my last post.
Victoria has been having fortnightly treatment since the beginning of September. MRIs show the tumour remains stable - for which we are very grateful to God and the medical profession. Victoria will continue on treatment throughout most of 2025.
The trips to John Hunter each fortnight to do not get any easier - for Victoria or me. For me, seeing all the Christmas decorations in the corridors for yet another year has certainly had it's impacts - too many years of seeing beautiful nurses in Christmas shirts. But I am very mindful of familes we know whose loved ones won't be celebrating Christmas with them this year, My heart breaks for them.
At the end of Year 11 Victoria finished school. Again we are grateful that she was loved, nurtured and encouraged throughout her schooling days at Belmont Christian College. Years filled with many challenges combined with many moments of conquering. Plenty of tears and plenty of laughs. Thank you to all at BCC who played a part in Victoria's schooling life.
We all know that cancer impacts the whole family, BCC understood that and provided the support needed for Marshall & Charlotte, and continue to provide it for Alexandra. Again we are grateful for an environment that has seen and supported all our children. It is tough being a sibling of a child who has so many needs. We are so proud of them and how they are each embracing the God-given opportunities in their life and continue to support Victoria on this journey that has not yet finished.
So what next for Victoria, well, she has enrolled in the Open Foundation pathway program at the University of Newcastle, starting in 2025. She will start with a Communications and Media subject - and for those who have heard her speak or seen her reels - you know that this is definitely something that will be woven into her future.
Some people have asked what is Victoria doing while she waits for the Uni course to start?
Of course when she is well enough swimming training and gym fills in quite a few hours. It has been so encouraging to see that her race times have been slowly improving over the past three months, not quite back to April times, but definitely moving in the right direction.
Victoria was blessed to be one of two recipients of the Redkite 2024 Dare to Dream Scholarship, worth $5000 to help with her swimming training and competing costs. A wonderful investment in her future. Again we are grateful for charities who go above and beyond to support these young people with cancer.
Cooking is another activity that has been filling in these days. With the help of some friends who have come alongside our family for the last 14 years, Victoria has been having fun broadening her culinary skills.
I really cannot express what it has meant to our family to have so many people including family, friends, school, church, medical people, swimming community, who have helped us over so many years. Again we are so so grateful for each one.
For something that I initially thought was a 'blip' back in January 2011 (Victoria's diagnosis), it has definitely not been a 'blip'. So many highs and lows that sometimes when we verbalise it, as we often have to in medical appointments or when completing applications, it sounds like an unbelievable life - has this really been our life for 14 years?
We know the answer is 'yes' but sometimes it is so hard to comprehend. We know that we have a God who has been our strength and our refuge throughout these years. And He will continue to be.
Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
When I mentioned to Victoria that I was doing this post she said, "Mum can you please ask them to pray for me in 2025, it is going to be a big year with treatment, uni and swimming." So thank you to everyone who has been praying for Victoria and can you please continue to lift her up in prayer.
Finally, whatever your circumstances, I pray that this Christmas you will experience more of the peace only Jesus can give - SHALOM - An inward sense of completeness or wholeness, complete reconcilation, a state of fullness and perfection, overflowing inner and outer joy and peaceful serenity.
Note: For more regular updates on Victoria's health and what's happening with her swimming, follow her on Instagram - victoria.rrobinson
Update ... 16 Aug 2024
And so here we are again - regular visits to John Hunter Children's Hospital - grateful that there are options, grateful that we don't live thousands of kilometres for the needed healthcare.
Here's the story .... as some of you know mid last year Victoria started loosing strength again in her left side, indicating that the tumour was growing. Towards the end of the year she had 3 months of immunotherapy-style (my technical term) treatment, which stopped the growth, but also had some undesired side effects. So she stopped the treatment, but had received enough to enable her to return to full time training and achieve her goal at the Australian swimming trials.
Over the last few months Victoria has noticed that once again she was loosing strength and power on her left side. This was confirmed with an MRI in July - the tumour is growing. In September she will commence fortnightly treatment for six months on the same immunotherapy-style drug as she had last year. She had some surgery this week to manage the risk of the side-effects.
We are believing God for a good outcome. I’ve been seeking encouragement and strength in God's word, to help me support Victoria and our family at this time. One of the scriptures I found such encouragement in is ...
Proverbs 24:16 in The Passion Translation, “For the lovers of God may suffer adversity and stumble seven times, but they will continue to rise over and over again.”
I think you will agree with me that that scripture is a perfect description of Victoria, and indeed our whole family - we will continue to rise over and over again in Jesus Name.
Praise God that He is our rock, our fortress, our deliverer and our strength – the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Thank you to those who have been offering support over the past few weeks, and to everyone who is praying for Victoria and our family. We are a blessed family.
Update ... 13 June 2024 (post #2)
As many of you know Victoria swam amazingly today. She qualified for this race with 1:25.26 and today, on the second biggest stage in swimming she swam 1:24.10 - a 1.16 second improvement! Achieving her main goal for this competition of swimming a PB.
Victoria swam in Lane 4.
Thank you for the massive outpouring of support she has received over the past few days - she has so appreciated every message, phone call and video, and those who took time out of their busy day to watch the race (and send photos and videos). What a moment to praise God for.
I've shared this scripture before, it was the scripture God gave us when Victoria was a baby (before we knew there was a tumour growing in her brain), anway, I have shared it before on the tough days believing in faith, trusting that God would make a way through; but today I share it as a testimony ....
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6
Update ... 13 June 2024 (post #1)
And here we are by the grace of God, a lot of hard work and an army of amazing people who have helped and supported Victoria and our family in so many ways over 13 years of tremendous highs and lows. THANK YOU.
Today Victoria is racing in the Womens 100m Freestyle Multi-Class at the Australian Swimming Trials. For anyone who wants to watch the race, it is at around 12.20pm on Channel Nine and NineNow. She is in Heat 4, lane 3. Event #119.
Whatever the outcome today, it is a miracle Victoria is here and swimming and we continue to trust God with the plans for her life - He is the way maker.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Update ... 7 May 2023
So we are coming up to the 6 month mark post surgery. Victoria is continuing to recover well.
Physically she continues to gain strength, now consistently swimming faster than she was pre-surgery. And with a new AFO (shout out to NeuroMuscular Orthotics) she can now run more efficiently. She experiences double-vision most of the time, although now has short periods without the glasses, so that side of recovery is moving in the right direction (6 -12 months was the suggested recovery period for her eyesight). Physical fatigue is still a major factor, often requiring a few 3 hrs naps each week.
The bottom line is we have so much to be grateful for as we witness each of our children press on despite the challenges we have faced as a family. We watch them all running the race of life, sometimes strongly with exceptional form, sometimes with determination to just take that next step no matter the pain. We watch them and we are grateful that they are each moving forward. We are grateful for God’s grace in each of their lives, and our lives too.
In 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 the Apostle Paul says, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment - when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ - I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power." The Passion Translation
God’s grace. Our weakness. His power. All glory to Him.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. Victoria will have an MRI in June/July so will post another update then.
Update ... 26 Jan 2023
An update: Victoria recently had an MRI and praise God there has been no change to the residual tumour! She is continuing to gain strength, primarily due to the hours and hours she spends in her happy place - the pool. The left arm and hand strength is improving - Victoria can now pick up small things with her left hand, hold her favourite handbag and do up zippers! The eyesight is taking a little longer to improve and so Victoria has some glasses in the interim. The glasses have given her confidence when moving around. We have been told 6-12 months for the eyesight to fully resolve, but are praying for a quicker resolution.
Emotionally there continues to be a lot to process for Victoria and our family, but we continue to trust that God's grace is sufficient for each day, and that indeed He is doing a new thing. Here is the scripture God gave us for 2023 ....
"Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life's distractions. Watch where you're going! Stick to the path of truth. And the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don't allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment Or take the detour that leads to darkness." Proverbs 4:25-27 The Passion Translation
When thinking on that first sentence, 'Set your gaze on the path BEFORE you' I felt that there was something I had to do to this year, to help me keep my focus on the future. We had twenty-five physical copies of Victoria's MRI scans stored in our bedroom - collected over the past 12 years and definitely collecting dust. Well they are now in the pile to go to the recycling centre. A physical declaration of letting go, and choosing to look straight ahead. And no doubt it will be another year of walking closely with God, drawing on His strength to 'Ignore life's distractions'! This whole journey has been a testimony of His faithfulness and love, walking with us through some dark times and (still) bringing beauty from ashes. My prayer is that you too can 'Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life distractions,' always depending on the strength, love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for praying for Victoria and our family. We are so grateful for your prayers and support.
Update ... 13 Dec 2022
Three weeks ago my sister and I were in the hospital room with Victoria. She was on fentanyl for the pain after brain surgery. The room was dark - because Victoria was very sensitive to light. The room was silent - because she was sensitive to noise. My sister and I had to text each other until she went to sleep - even the tiniest noise was unbearable for Victoria.
During one of those sleeping periods I whispered to my sister, "I'm going to enter Victoria for the 50m backstroke in the NSW Senior State Age in two weeks' time - 50m -one lap so no tumble turns; backstroke - no diving; no side to side head movements; and we will just see how she goes - at least she will have the option to compete if she wants to."
Given what we were experiencing in the hospital room that day my sister thought I was just a little crazy!
And this is what we saw today ....
Victoria came 5th in her age group - 15/16yrs.
So grateful to God and everyone who made this possible from medical professionals, to swimming coaches/friends, family, church family and school staff/friends that have supported Victoria - encouraging her to just keep going!
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Update ... 5 Dec 2022
Back in the pool. 16 days after major brain surgery. Thank you Jesus.
Update ... 2 Dec 2022
We have so much to be grateful for. Here are some of the Praise points
1. The pathology of the tumour has not changed - this is a good result. We do not want it morphing into something more sinister.
2. The majority of the tumour is gone - probably less than 5% left in her brain!
3. Victoria has been getting stronger with walking and stairs - moving about more unaided each day.
4. After the surgery Victoria has been able to move her left foot and toes slightly. She hasn’t been able to move her left foot and toes for at least two years.
5. Victoria has gone to school most days this week for one or two periods - albeit in a wheelchair - but she has made it. So grateful for the teachers aide pushing her around.
6. Twice this week she has been up at 4.30am and gone to the pool to see her coaches and friends at training.
7. Today she received the okay to get back in the pool on Monday morning and continue training for the NSW Senior State Age competition in mid Dec.
We have three main prayer points:
1. Vision in right eye to return to normal
2. Left hand movement and stength to return - have commenced rehab - starting with playing Connect Four at the pool this morning.
3. No infections from swimming
Thank you again for supporting us on this journey. - through prayer, encouragement and in so many practical ways! It feels as though we are still coming to terms with the success of this surgery and how well Victorias recovery is going.
I’ll finish up with some words from Jesus Christ - the giver of life - in Him we trust.
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to full. John 10:10
And to that we say AMEN!!!
Update ... 27 Nov 2022 - 12noon
Victoria came home this morning.
Yesterday she showed the Physio that she could safely walk up and down the stairs. And this morning the last necessary criteria for being discharged happened - the poo!
Her walking is improving each day and now she is home we can get more focussed on the rehab for her left arm and hand.
We really can’t express our gratefulness for everyone who has prayed and supported us over this past month and particularly these last 10 days. Thank you so much.
We are so thankful for all the medical staff who have been involved in Victoria's care - for their skill and expertise and the care they showed to a 15 year old girl whose life had been turned upside down again!
And we are once again in awe of our God who provided a surgeon willing to do the surgery and that Victoria has come out of it so well and is home with us.
This morning as we were waiting for that last ‘action’ I was listening to ‘This is the Day’ by CityAlight. It is a song I have often listened to over the past 10 days - reminding myself that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and has a plan for each one.
Thanks again for all the love and support.
I will post an update at the end of the week after we get the results of the pathology of the tumour.
Psalm 23:6 - Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Update ... 23 Nov 2022 - 7pm
Day 4 since surgery and Victoria is progressing slowly, and we are thankful for every small step. Today she ate for the first time (jaw pain due to they surgery); walked 30 steps aided (an improvement on 10 steps yesterday); had the strength and desire to have a seated shower; and can now hold her own ice-packs (fondly known as chickens). And another step forward - the final line was removed today so Victoria can now move around with no attachments!
Pain continues to be take the focus most days, with the pain management being reviewed daily. We would appreciate prayers for this pain to subside as it is limiting the physical rehab that she can do.
Thank you again for those who have been praying and providing encouragement and practical support to our family. It is all making such a difference to our family.
We will continue to trust that God is working in the unseen - He is definitely working on us in the growing patience and self-control areas (not quite so unseen!) - and that Victoria will soon return to her fun-loving active self.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Update ... 20th Nov 2022 - 5pm
Thank you to everyone who has continued to pray for Victoria today. She has been feeling the effects of the surgery today with pain and swelling, which should both subside in a couple of days. She is still in ICU but will be back in the ward very soon.
Victoria had an MRI today and it shows that the surgeon has decompressed the cyst and removed most of the tumour. This is a wonderful wonderful outcome. We are so grateful to God and the medical team for this result.
Some of the tumour has been sent away for pathology, and the results should be back in the coming weeks or so.
Impacts on the left side weakness and left field vision will become clearer over the coming weeks.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. Again the news today is so so wonderful. Thank you Jesus.
Psalm 23:6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Update ... 19th Nov 2022 - 1pm
Thank you for praying for Victoria. She is now in Recovery and will soon move to Intensive Care. The surgeon is pleased with how the surgery went. We will know more tomorrow.
So grateful to God and to the medical team.
One of Victoria’s first requests in recovery was for me to sing her a worship song! I am not a singer at all - but under the cover of the mask I sang Amazing Grace and What a beautiful name - The Name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Thanks again for your prayers, please continue to pray for a smooth recovery and that she can be back in the pool asap!
Update ... 19th Nov 2022 - 8am
Hello, we have just had the call for Victoria to get ready to go to up to the theatre now. She is tired, but ready. Had a fabulous time at Youth last night. Thank you Jesus that Victoria knows she is loved by you.
Thank you everyone for praying for a successful surgery and recovery.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Blue Pjs on today!
Update ... 18th Nov 2022 - 9am
This was Victoria a couple of hours ago getting ready for surgery. However plans changed at the last minute due to a lack of ICU beds.
Surgery has been postponed until tomorrow.
Please pray for peace for Victoria as she waits for another day. Thank you.
Update ... 18th Nov 2022 - 4am
Well it’s 4am and we naturally woke up for swimming training! But not today.
Victoria came into hospital yesterday in preparation for the surgery today. We are so grateful that she has made it to today without the situation turning into an ‘emergency.’ We are grateful for the medical team who will be giving Victoria quote, ‘the deluxe’ option today.
Victoria’s operation will be the first one today - going to the theatre around 7.15am. The length of the surgery will be at least 4 to 6hrs.
Our current specific prayer points are:
1. For the cyst to be successfully removed.
2. For some tumour tissue to be obtained for further testing
3. For Victoria to come through the surgery with no additional damage.
4. For peace and unity for our family while the surgery is happening and during the recovery period.
We continue to trust that God is in the midst.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Thank you so much for your love and prayers for Victoria and our family
Update ... 10th Nov 2022
Thank you for all your prayers and wonderfully supportive comments - we appreciate them all!
Victoria is scheduled to have surgery on Friday 18th November. We are trusting God with the timing of the surgery. It has been of great encouragement to us that the surgeon who will do the surgery was involved in Victoria's first surgery 11 years ago.
As you will see by this photo Victoria is continuing with her swimming training, even though the left side of her body is getting weaker - especially her arm and hand. We are praying that after the surgery and some intensive rehab the strength will return.
Our current prayer points are:
1. For Victoria to continue to trust in Jesus. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. For Victoria to remain well, so that this does not turn into an ‘emergency’.
3. For Godly wisdom for the medical team re the timing and approach for the surgery
4. For Victoria to come through the surgery with no additional damage
5. For peace and unity in our family as we wait, and through the operation & recovery period
And for anyone who feels so led, please pray for a miracle – that the MRI prior to the surgery will show that the cyst and tumour have gone, in Jesus Name.
Again we declare this scripture from Victoria's dedication
Psalm 23:6 - Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Thank you again for your prayers and support. We have 'wobbly' moments (my sister's words), but then we press on and we continue to trust that God is in the midst.
Here is a song that I have been playing before I go to sleep each night - Standing in miracles - by Bethel Music
Update ... 4th Nov 2022
So we knew there would be more chapters to this story, but we didn’t expect this chapter …
Victoria's recent MRI (#35) showed that there is a cyst growing on the tumour (located in the brain stem). The cyst needs to be removed. This is complex and high risk surgery. Planning is currently underway and we are grateful for the medical team, many of whom have been on this journey with us for 11 years. And we are grateful for a surgeon who is willing to do the surgery. We don't have a date yet for the surgery - but it will take place in weeks, not months.
This has been a huge shock for Victoria and our family. Victoria is now 15yrs old and has more understanding about the situation, as do her siblings, also teenagers now. We are taking one day at a time and are continuing to trust that God is faithful and that He has a plan. Victoria and I are declaring this scripture in our prayers each day ... Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all you ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Our current prayer points are:
1. For peace in Victoria and our family as we wait.
2. For Godly wisdom for the medical team re the timing and approach for the surgery
3. For Victoria to remain well so this does not turn into an 'emergency'.
Thank you for all who have prayed and supported us on this long journey. We appreciate all you have done for our family.
Lastly, here are some of the scriptures that I have received encouragement from over the past two weeks:
Psalm 118:24 - This is the day that the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 23:6 - Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (This is the scripture God gave us for Victoria's baby dedication)
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power in made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast will the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Matthew 17:20 - Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move for here to there," and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Hebrews 10:39 - But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. (this was the scripture that I leaned into when Victoria did chemo again from October 2020 to October 2021)
Update ... 22nd April 2022
What an adventure life is! So many emotions in just one week.
Victoria had her 33rd MRI last week and the tumour is stable. We are grateful to God for this result. Thank you for all who have prayed both for a good result and for the emotional well being of Victoria as she waited for, and now processes the result. She will have another scan in 3 months.
Last night Victoria was recognised for her sporting efforts, being awarded the "Sports Star with a disability" award at the Lake Mac Awards 2022. As we all know there is one person who gets in the pool and swims, but there are many many that help her get to that place where she can race. We are grateful to all who have helped her is so many ways - thank you. But today I want to give a shout out to Victoria's three siblings - Marshall, Charlotte and Alexandra, who have supported and encouraged their sister in so many ways, over so many many years, often having to miss out on time with their mum because I was either at hospital with Victoria or at numerous physio and OT appointments with Victoria or at sporting events with Victoria. It has not been easy for them. We are so proud of them and their compassion for people who face significant challenges in their lives.
April 2022 - Robinson Family
So while our emotions have oscilated between anxiety, frustration, impatience, fear, gratefulness, overwhelm and joy, just to name a few, especially over the past week, we know that there is One who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and He is Who sustains us through it all - His name is Jesus Christ.
"But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved." Hebrews 10:39
Update ... 13th April 2022
October 2021 - A 14yr old girl finishes 12 months of weekly chemo
April 2022 -The same 14 yr old girl competes at the Australian Age Championships in six races and achieves six top 10 finishes!
Girls - 12-14Yrs Multi-class
4th 50m Backstroke
5th 100m Backstroke
6th 100m Freestyle
7th 50m Breaststoke
8th 100m Breaststroke
10th 50m Freestyle
Thank you again to everyone for their prayers and support to help Victoria get to where she is today. It has been a wonderful few days.
October 2021 - Nurses' celebration of Victoria's last chemo
April 2022 - Australian Age Championships
While this is a story of great courage and a lot of hard work, it is also a story of faith. Faith in someone so much bigger than us. Faith in someone who in times of despair gives hope. Faith in someone who in times of turmoil brings a peace that the human mind cannot fathom. His name is Jesus Christ. This Easter why not check out a local church and hear about His story - it is the really Good News for each and every one of us.
"But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved." Hebrews 10:39
Update ... 7th April 2022
This is overcoming! Well done Victoria on persevering throughout 12 months of chemo, continuing your swimming training ( even if some sessions were only 15mins!).
Thank you to everyone who has come alongside Victoria and our family over the past 11 years - family, friends, church family, medical staff, teachers, swim coaches, physios, OTs, and many many more. Thank you.
We have a faithful God - never give up on Him. He never gives up on us.
Update ... 12th January 2022
When Victoria finished chemo in October 2021, I knew that I would need to take some time (probably a lot of time), to process all that had so unexpectedly happened in the previous 12 months.
From the moment of hearing that news in October 2020 that the tumour was growing again, I went into 'Project' mode - the goal of the project - to get our family through this next 12 months with minimal 'damage' - specifically Victoria - her physical and emotional well-being, and Marshall doing his HSC year. Of course I had the ultimate Project Manager guiding me all the way - Jesus.
But back to my point, so busy was I in task mode, that I knew in the future I would need to set aside time to reflect and process. And that time is now.
Sunset at Belmont, NSW - Christmas Eve 2021
In the middle of 2021 I bought Good Grief by Granger E. Westbery and the accompanying journal - The Good Grief Journal - a journey toward healing by Jill Alexander Essbaum, to help me get the reflecting and processing started (when the timing was right).
And as expected on January 1 2022, when I started the journal, the tears came - it was like the tap that had been tightly turned off for 12 months was released and the flooding began.
The process so far has not been easy. It has been painful. But I know it is necessary, and it is reminding me that we were not alone on this journey, God was with us every step of the way, and He is still walking with us and carrying us when necessary.
My prayer in sharing this is to encourage anyone who knows that they too have pain to process, to seek God for the right time, and give yourself permission to grieve.
Finally, today's activity in the journal was to write a poem...
Three years old
Tripping over every day
Brain tumour
Surgery and had a stroke
Left side weak
Much physio and hydro
Improvements
Still needed a walking aid
AFO
One year later tumour grows
Shocking news
A portacath inserted
Chemo starts
Weekly treatment fifteen months
Tough on all
Family just hangs together
Twelve months in
Starlight Trip Mt Buller snow
brings some laughs
Away from reality
Three years on
Shock tumour growing again
Pray Pray Wait
Three months on growing stops
"Normal" life
Swimming, physio, schooling
Growing strong
Teenage years - identity
Eye-sight check
Devastated - Five years on
It's growing
God we trusted you, what now?
Brokenness
Chemo again for twelve months
Is this life?
God, what are you doing in this?
Where are you?
Weekly treatment takes its toll
Covid too
Heightens vulnerability
Emotions
Become harder to manage
Its just tough
Every day a struggle
We wrestle
with our faith, where is He now?
Then we see
His love, grace, mercy, kindness
He is there
He carried us all the way
Chemo ends
Hope returns and life ramps up
Nationals
Training hard, times improving
Can we say
God is good? Yes He is so
Always there
Loving, guiding, strengthening
What comes next?
Only He knows, we will trust
Every day.
"But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved." Hebrews 10:39 NIV.
Update ... 14th October 2021
Victoria's MRI showed that the tumour is stable. In January 2022 she will have another MRI.
We are so grateful to God and the medical team for this result. We are thankful for God's grace that has carried us through these last 12 months, given us the strength to keep going on the days when you just want it all to go away! Victoria is looking forward to feeling 100% each day and working on building up her swimming training sessions.
Thank you again to those who have stood with us in prayer and practically supported us during this time. Please continue to pray that the tumour will remain stable.
This photo is from Wednesday morning, getting ready for the MRI, finding things to amuse ourselves.
"But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved." Hebrews 10:39 NIV.
Update ... 11th October 2021
Another milestone today - 12 months of chemotherapy completed! Praise God for His grace that has carried us through this past year, and especially these past three months with covid circulating in the community.
We are so so so grateful for the medical team who have taken care of Victoria, not only in these past 12 months, but for the past 11 years. Words really cannot express how they have cared for our daughter.