Oh, That Smile

Sorry for the blog Sabbath yesterday friends! It was a rest day for Wendy-Woo and there wasn't a ton to report. Sunday was a sleepy day for her, though she had several visitors! (And new visitors are much more exciting than the ol' regulars :) She and Andy listened to some of the worship set from church, and we filled her in on Darren's message, along with all the KidMin happenings. Overall, it was a good day to get ready for today! 

This morning, Wendy's therapy schedule started bright and early with a trip to the gym. Andy and Nancy report that she worked very hard, walking with her walker in the gym and several steps on the parallel bars. She was also able to practice wheeling her wheelchair several feet, working on that upper body strength. In addition to physical therapy, she had an occupational and speech therapy evaluations also. So, needless to say, she was quite exhausted this afternoon and evening. They cancelled her afternoon PT session, but has a full day scheduled with all therapies tomorrow. Despite her fatigue, she was able to push herself (or, rather, her husband was able to encourage her) to sit in her chair for a few hours this evening. I know she was counting down the minutes for us to leave, because she wanted to get into that bed! She said, "I can't go to bed until you leave." LOL. We love you too. 😂 She also ate a little more today, though it is still very difficult for her. Thankful for small improvements. 

I think more than anything, we are encouraged to see some occasional "Wendy" moments return- an eye roll, a sass, a genuine smile, spontaneous laughter or an initiation of a hug or a kiss. Small physical improvements are worth a lot, but those smiles are worth a million words. 

There is still a LONG road ahead, many questions unanswered, and a bit of uncertainty. However, each day is met with a little more hope. Andy, Wendy, the kids and family are all so encouraged by your cards, texts, visits, and especially your prayers. We continue to pray:

• That each day is met with more and more physical improvement, clarity and peace of mind, an increased desire for food and fluids as well as an increased ability to initiate these things on her own, and for less and less fatigue and soreness. 
• For peace over the entire family as they care for Wendy, as well as continuing the responsibilities they have outside the hospital (school, work, family). 
• For a renewed sense of peace and hope for the future. 
• For supernatural rest as well as protection against illness for all of them. 
• For practical things like finances, day to day responsibilities, holiday plans, birthdays, etc. that are hard to navigate during times such as these. 
• For the unspoken requests that reside deep in the hearts of Wendy, her husband, her kids, her parents, her brother and family, and lifelong friends. 

As I was running about this morning trying to get ready for the day, I was drawn to my Bible, despite only having a few minutes to read it. I found myself finishing the book of Philippians, and was touched anew by a very familiar passage. It read: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  God's Word is alive and ready to inspire the hearts of His children. It was the perfect thing for me to read today, so I'm sharing it with you. A gentle reminder from God to take our cares to Him, palms up in prayer. To scatter thankfulness like the leaves falling on this windy fall day...and peace will come. 

God's peace is different from the world's peace. It's not necessarily found in positive results, the absence of hardship, or good feelings about how our day went. It comes from knowing God is on His throne, and He is in control. As we draw nearer to Him in prayer and thanksgiving, we're reminded that He holds Wendy in His hands. Her citizenship in Christ's Kingdom is secure, destiny set, victory won. We will continue to make our requests known to Him, celebrate her wins and give Him thanks. Oh, and we will light up when we see that SMILE! 

Blessings- K

Progress Often Looks Like Hard Work...

Thanks everyone, for continuing to pray for our sweet Wendy-Woo! Ashlyn just reminded her tonight that her army was praying for her! It brings everyone such peace in these troubled waters.

Wendy made it to her new digs on the rehab floor late last night. Her room is nice and large, and the hall is so quiet compared to the medical floor! Of course with a big fancy house comes a lot of house work... maybe that's a bad analogy? LOL. Nonetheless- no rest for the weary. Wendy went to work today!

She had therapy, and was in the chair instead of the bed multiple times today. This evening Andy was coaxing her into "just thirty more minutes" when she was ready to get in bed, and she did it! When she is in the chair, she is more willing to open her eyes (or roll them from time to time...), to say a few words, or drink her fluids! Her body isn't too happy about it, as she is so weak and sore, but it is great progress! Of course, we know she is getting a little personality back, because she was sure to remind Trey today that she was the favorite, LOL. Also- her first question to her husband this morning, instead of "hello", "I missed you", or "I'm so glad to see you" was in fact, "do you have my phone?!" 😂

Tomorrow she gets a "break", (I'm not sure she will agree!) but Monday morning, therapy will come with a vengeance. The physicians are continuing to monitor her progress and her labs, and more therapy assessments will continue. Her neurologist is caring for her medication change, and her overall neurological health also. As far as we are aware, her abdominal MRI was normal, and we are rejoicing in that good news.

Thanks for your continued support and love for the Helton family. This week ahead will be particularly challenging as the intensity of the therapy regimen sets in, as well as the reality of back to work for Andy, and a holiday week to top it off. Please be in prayer for them as they navigate this change in their reality, as well as acceptance that Thanksgiving is going to look a bit different than normal, which is pretty hard in and of itself.

We are trusting God with Wendy's future. She is NOT forsaken. God is ever-present. Loving. Merciful. More than enough. Trustworthy. Let's find peace together, not in asking God why, but in pursuit of complete reliance on our Heavenly Father, the great, "I AM."

"Those who know Your name trust in You, For You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10

Leaning On An Old Favorite

I'm coming with a quick update for today, as I know you all are wondering what is going on with our friend and sister Wendy-Woo. 

We have much to be thankful for and still many questions unanswered. Her brain MRI yesterday went well. The sedation helped her significantly with her anxiety, mostly because it KNOCKED HER OUT! :) Sleepy juice lasted for most of the day, so she wasn't very exciting company. Thank you for your prayers. The results have been reported as negative, with no sign of disease or metastases, and we are praising Jesus with that report. 

Her labs have remained stable following her blood transfusion Tuesday evening, and they are continuing to monitor them very carefully. 

The medication changes have begun- they are weaning one, while at the same time starting the new medication. This process will continue over the next couple weeks. As we have seen the levels of the old medication coming down, there has been an improvement of her hand tremors as well as some alertness, so we are hopeful that we will continue to see obvious signs that we are doing the right thing! The medical team is absolutely in sync-- this is a contributing factor to her bone marrow suppression. They are incredibly hopeful this is a huge part of the solution.

Wendy has one additional test scheduled for today: an MRI of her abdomen. This is one last RULE OUT scan, as there are a couple spots on her liver, most likely cysts. This is very, very common. However, with her history, they are dotting every "i" and crossing every "t". 

We have asked a MILLION questions, and been asked a million and one. The physicians have tested lab after lab, explored many avenues, and feel at this point we are back to watching and rehabilitating. We are thankful for MANY answered prayers and no examination showing any scary, severe diagnoses.

So all that being said, I know you are wondering, now what? Wendy has been approved to enter the acute rehab unit at the hospital. While it is hard to process that she cannot come home yet, everyone is in agreement this is the best possible outcome. They will work through intensive physical and occupation therapy, nutrition and counseling to get her back to the Wendy-Woo we know and love so much. She has so much strength to regain, and they are confident this is the right path. Please be in prayer over Andy and the kids, as they work through accepting this reality, missing their wife and mama being home for just a bit longer in exchange for a much brighter future. 

In the acute rehab unit, the physicians will continue to monitor her labs, and her medical progress. If there are any future concerns or the labs begin declining again, they will be able to intervene immediately. 

All that being said, there is still much to pray for: 

• Please pray for Wendy. This is going to be HARD work, but the will of the Wendy we know, alongside the presence of the Holy Spirit, I have faith she will get it done. Pray for that will to be like an inextinguishable fire within her spirit. 
• Pray for Andy and the kids as they continue the day to day routine without her presence in their home. Pray for Hal and Nancy as they continue to care for their daughter and her family. Pray specifically for their hearts to be filled with peace and hope for the future. 
• Pray for the medical team as they continue to monitor her health and ask for wisdom to see areas that are of concern and act immediately. 
• Pray for this MRI today, that it is, indeed a non-essential finding.
• Pray for the new seizure medication to work immediately, with NO side effects. We are BOLDLY praying for NO SEIZURES as her old medication is weaned.

I know many of you have reached out, and there is an army of people at wait to support this special family in whatever way is needed. You have my word- as those needs become more clear in the days ahead, I will make them known. For now, your love, your prayers, your texts, calls, visits, cards, gift cards, and little (HUGE) demonstrations of support mean everything. 

Today, we are clinging to our favorite Team Wendy-Woo scripture, and claiming it over her: Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE! 

May God bless each of you for walking alongside- K

Ask Specifically...

I was reading this passage in Matthew 20 this morning. It reads: "As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”  “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him." 

Many times in Scripture we see Jesus healing power shared with His children. But there is something unique about this particular scripture- Jesus asked the men to voice EXACTLY what their need was, and it was given. Their request was a response of faith, His a response of mercy.

Today, I come to you with a couple specific prayer needs. Let me update you before I share them. This morning we learned that some of the initial exploratory CT scans were normal. That, first, is a PRAISE, and I ask you to give THANKSGIVING for His mercy!

Secondly, her labs have improved SIGNIFICANTLY since yesterday evening's blood transfusion, and for that we are also incredibly GRATEFUL!

Thirdly, and one of the reasons I come to ask you to pray specifically today, is a medication concern the physicians are having. Wendy has been taking a medication for a juvenile onset seizure disorder since she was a teen - yes, more than 30 years on the same medication. This medication has served her well and given her a freedom to live, and even more, a peace of mind! Unfortunately, this same medication can cause toxicity to the bone marrow over time, causing it to not work appropriately. While the physicians do not yet know if it is, in fact, CAUSING the problems she is having, they do feel it is irresponsible to leave her on a medication that could at the least be CONTRIBUTING to the problem. They are beginning this change today. This is a VERY scary change for Wendy, as recurrence of seizures is NOT a preferred outcome for a plethora of reasons. In all my years of knowing Wendy, this has always been one of her most prevalent fears- and she has dug her heels in the ground about this medication more than once! But the risk vs. benefit circumstance has changed greatly.

So - please ask Jesus for this EXACT need:
- Calm for Wendy's heart over this change (And her family!!)
- For the new medication to WORK IMMEDIATELY with NO seizures, NO side effects, and a POSITIVE outcome on her blood work!!

Pray also for her MRI she has scheduled this afternoon. This is another significant cause of anxiety for Wendy, as she is claustrophobic. She is NOT looking forward to it, and that would be an understatement! Please ask for peace that surpasses ALL understanding. The same God that calms the winds and waves are responsible for her cares today.

Thanks for your support and your prayers. Will continue to update you as I can!

Blessings- K

Just Say Jesus

Tonight, though I come to you with little to report, there is a confidence we are on the right track, and that in these deep waters, Christ is ever present.

Nothing came in the way of answers today, but there was much progress- discussions with physicians, nurse practitioners, case managers, therapists; examinations; tests ordered and tests completed; and an additional plan of attack for more testing tomorrow. Wendy is very much a living search and rescue mission right now. She was also able to have a blood transfusion this evening. We are prayerful it will give her some energy, some vibrancy and life back, and that her "fight" returns with a vengeance.

Our prayers tonight continue- many of you have been praying without ceasing, and for that we are very grateful. Your calls, texts, visits, inquires at church- all a welcome balm on the hurting hearts of her family. The days ahead will be difficult as her medical team continues to dig and uncover the cause of Wendy's symptoms.

The requests of my heart almost seem more than I can voice, so tonight I simply ask, "Just Say Jesus." He knows so well the needs of His child. He created her. He loves her. He hasn't for one second left her. He has counted the hairs on her head, the tears from her eyes and those of the ones she loves, and every blood cell in her body is under His command.

I will continue to fill you in on any information I can. Thanks for being a part of Team Wendy-Woo.

Blessings- K

Trusting God's Higher Ways

Sometimes God answers the prayers of His people in ways that look different than what we expect...

First- thank you for the kindness of your encouragement, spoken and written words, blog shares and prayer requests that have went out over the last 24 hours. It has been a tremendous blessing to watch the outcry of God's people lifting Wendy up! Both she and Andy have been overwhelmed by the re-awakening of her extraordinary prayer team!

Today, however, things did not go as originally planned (our plan, that is!) Wendy's weakness has progressed over the last 48 hours, resulting in an increasing inability to stand or have adequate balance. This is, obviously, concerning on several levels. Finally, after several conversations with physicians and with one another, Andy and Wendy decided "enough is enough", and headed to the ER. After much conversation with the nurses and physicians, and many, many, many vials of blood later, Wendy was admitted tonight for further testing and specialist consultations. (We did try to tell her that this was a pretty extreme method of getting out of her colonoscopy prep, LOL. That exam is currently postponed until they have a clearer picture of its necessity.)

So tonight, the picture has changed a little, but the needs have not: we need your prayers! We are claiming God's handiwork over this decision. There has already been an acceleration of labs, tests, and specialist consultations that have been requested, and we have confidence that this is a road toward clarity and a plan of attack. However, the road is not an easy one. Hospitalization is trying for families, scary for kids, and plain old overwhelming! And, while we long for answers, they are often not easy to hear...

Please specifically be in prayer for:

• Peace over Wendy and her family in the days ahead. Specifically be in prayer for the kids as their schedules are disrupted and for their hearts as they worry for their mama. 
• Peace, comfort and clarity over upcoming tests and specialist visits, as well as peace over the results that will come. Specifically pray for understanding as the physicians explain what and why they are doing things, and clarity over their recommendations.
• Protection over Wendy and the family from any additional illness. 
• Supernatural rest for all. 

I will continue to keep you updated as I am able. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I know everyone is concerned, and may feel compelled to support the Helton family in some tangible way. Please keep in mind that Wendy is very fatigued and may not able to visit for extended periods of time with guests in the hospital. Sending your love and support through a card shower is absolutely invited! Andy and Wendy's home address is: 824 Honeywood Drive, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367. Your love and family support mean so much to them during this time!

Tonight, we are claiming Isaiah 46:4:

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” 

In the words of Lysa TerKeurst: Wendy has not slipped through the crack of God's good plans. He is close at hand. He sees things we don’t see, and He knows things we don’t know. He has a perspective from where He is that allows Him to see all things — the past, the present and the future — from the day we are conceived to the day we breathe our last breath, and even beyond that into eternity.

We won't give up hope. God declares He is our rescuer. He is the One who will sustain us. And we can trust He is more than able to bring His plans to pass. Commending Wendy-Woo into His capable hands tonight and in the days ahead. 

Blessings - K

Prayer: Our Weapon of Warfare!

Hi friends!

It has been a while since I came here in a call for prayer for our friend, Wendy-Woo; but alas, here I am and Team Wendy-Woo needs you! We need your hope, your encouragement, and your PRAYERS!

I found myself in a sea of tears tonight as I looked back over the years this blog wrote to you from the bottom of my heart, and over and over again, I was reminded of the vastness of the faithfulness of God. How He walked and carried and loved Wendy through that darkness in her life; how He used the power and faith of each of your prayers as a mighty weapon of warfare against the enemy. And here I sit, asking for that same power to be unleashed for her in the name of Jesus Christ.

It has been more than three years since Wendy rang the bell at Siteman in celebration of cancer's defeat! THREE YEARS, more than 1,200 days since we stood crying, smiling, laughing and oh, so proud of this girl we love in a sea of orange Team Wendy-Woo t-shirts. Since that time, so much good has happened, so much life has been reclaimed, and we are first thankful for God's hand on Wendy's life. But I know you are wondering why we are all here now...

If you have seen Wendy over the past several months, you may have noticed a pretty significant deterioration in her health. She has suffered greatly from a severe depletion of energy resulting in chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, chills, loss of appetite, and brain fog (among many, many other things). These symptoms are robbing her of her endurance to do the things she loves to do- to serve and care for her family, to serve Christ as fully as she would love, and to help people find their dream homes! (You will still find her in KidZone every Sunday and Wednesday, and in front of the kitchen window for Wednesday supper each week, so where there's a will...there's a Wendy!)

Over the course of some months, she has seen her primary care physician multiple times, and unfortunately, there is no real clarity yet over why this is happening. We know there is depletion of iron, Vitamin D, and thyroid levels, but none are responding significantly to the treatment thus far. For months, there have been visits, labs, supplements, new medications, more labs, more labs (if you remember anything from the "old days", it's that labs for Wendy are NEVER simple- more blood, please!), and more referrals. This is where we find ourselves today, with a busy week of tests, labs and appointments ahead, and a longing for answers that is like the worst thirst a parched heart has ever felt.

So when you've asked "What's wrong with Wendy?" and she, Andy, Ashlyn, Nancy, I or anyone else says, "We don't know!"- it's not for lack of wanting! WE DON'T KNOW! That's where you come in. We need your weapons of warfare TODAY more than ever before- your prayers!

Thank you for locking arms as Team Wendy-Woo yet again. Your prayers mean more than I could express during this time. Of course, there is frustration, anxiety, uncertainty, and even anger; but, we will lean on one another and, more importantly, lean on our VERY CAPABLE Lord and Savior!

So what can you pray for, specifically:

• Tomorrow (Tuesday) - Wendy will begin prep for a colonoscopy that she has scheduled for Wednesday. If anyone has ever had to do this prep before, it is difficult and unpleasant to say the least. Imagine that same fate with sore, weak muscles, and subzero energy. Pray that Wendy is able to tolerate the prep, and have the energy to care for her body during the night. Pray for Andy as he walks with her during those overnight hours. 
• Wednesday- Wendy will have the colonoscopy. The GI Dr. who is seeing her to evaluate her candidacy for iron transfusions (to help with the anemia and chronic fatigue) is requesting this baseline evaluation. There is no immediate concern regarding the findings of this exam, with the exception that everyone is still trying to piece together the "why" that goes with the "what". Pray for Nancy as she cares for Wendy before and after this exam. Pray that Wendy is calm, and that the procedure is painless and uneventful.
• Thursday- Wendy has a re-check scheduled with her primary care physician. This is a pivotal appointment, and there are many "what next" questions to be answered. This is extremely trying for Andy, Wendy, Nancy, Hal and our entire family. If you have ever walked alongside someone with chronic illness, you understand that nothing is ever fast enough, clear enough, or good enough to satisfy the longing you have in your heart for the one you love so intensely to feel better. Pray that they would have clarity of mind and peace that surpasses all understanding. Pray that there are "next steps" toward clarity, health and healing. Pray for her healthcare providers, as well. 
• Peace and supernatural rest this week over their family. Everyone is carrying a heavier load right now, and more than ever, they need to feel the strength of God's loving arms around them. Let's pray BOLDLY and in FAITH together for Andy, Wendy, Ashlyn, Taylor, Luke, Nancy, Hal, and the rest of their family. 
• Finally, friends, just pray for the things I didn't say. The answers we don't have and the ones we don't want. The things that are just hard. The things that are just ugly. The things that are too scary to ponder. The things that are deeply personal. The things I don't even know about myself. You don't even have to know what they are. Because He does. Just say Jesus.

This week if you can, wear your TEAM WENDY-WOO SHIRT, which will remind you to pray often! Feel welcome to text encouragements over the coming days! Please understand that there may not always be an answer - right away, or ever. Just know your thoughts and prayers are appreciated!!

I know many of you are already wondering what else you can do... stay tuned to the blog for more opportunities to serve their family in the days and weeks ahead. Right now, the authority of your prayer is EVERYTHING. Together, let us charge the throne of grace, asking our Jehovah Rapha- the God who heals- for the fullness of His mercy to fall on Wendy tonight. Healing is in His hands.

I give thanks for each of you. Thank you for letting me come back here- to share with so many of you who love. Who worry. Who wondered. Who asked. Who hugged. Who cried. Who want more than anything to see the vibrancy of life restored in our sweet, strong, servant- hearted best friend- sister- wife -mom - daughter - child of God. Many blessings as we find ourselves waiting together in HOPE for our friend Wendy-Woo. In all things, we know He keeps us by His love. 

Blessings- K