Update

Good morning and thanks for checking in.  Mom is doing okay these days.  She gets around the house to do the things she needs to do and has been busy with lots of visitors.  We feel very blessed to have so many people who love and care about us.  She still retreats to her bed throughout the day so she can stretch out.  She's not sleeping a lot during the day, just resting.  She prefers to keep herself awake so she can sleep well at night.

We kept her busy this weekend.  On Saturday Mom went to Adam's alumni football game.  It was raining so she sat in the car with Dad and I, but she was still able to see the first half.  It meant a lot for Adam to have her there.  She yelled and cheered as Adam caught and ran the ball down the field.  We left the game at halftime but Adam's team went on to win, and he even scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

On Sunday we prepared a Thanksgiving meal to have together. 

Mom didn't eat much but we all enjoyed our time together.  After we ate, some of Mom's brothers and sisters in law also came to visit.  These days are very emotional for everyone, but we are going to be thankful for each moment we have together. 

Please continue to pray for peace and strength for Mom and all of us.

Below is a beautiful song Bre shared with us this morning...."How Great Thou Art."

Peace and Purpose

November 14th, 2013

Last night our family met at Mom and Dad's house to go over some very difficult news that was told to Mom at her doctor's appointment at Northwestern Hospital yesterday afternoon.  We realize that the blog may not be the best way to share some of this due to the difficult nature of what has been told to Mom, but we feel it's the right thing to do being that all of you have been praying for Mom everyday based on information you have read here on her site. 

Dr. Jessica explained to Mom, as well as Dad, Julie and Amy who were in attendance with her, that leukemic blasts are showing up in her bloodwork now...and what that means is confirmation that leukemia is still present in her body.  After the last two weeks in which Mom was having some very good days we were all still hopeful that the chemotherapy she had over 2 months ago would have eliminated her leukemia another time.  It did eliminate some of the leukemia at the time but not all, and she is again faced with the reality that her leukemia will just not go/stay away.  Her body, soul and mind have been through SO much, more than any of us can understand...so as you can imagine it's been a very difficult time for her and for our family. 

We ask that you keep praying for peace...peace for Mom as she goes through the most difficult days of her life.  All of us gathered with her last night...we held her and hugged/kissed her and told her that we are going to be there with her through any of the fears or emotions that she has...and even though none of us have ever gone through anything like this we will stand together, united in our faith in the Lord and our love for one another...she has taught us that and she has been the best example by living her own life in that fashion. 

The thing we ask most is to be praying for her and for our family.  We also ask that if you would like to visit please just reach out to one of us before you come to the house.  There are times where she feels like company and as you can imagine, there are also times that she's just wanting to get some rest or enjoy a quiet home.  We can assure you that she is getting the best care, support and love that can be provided...and we will all continue to give her that as we go through this situation together.  Thank you for your continued prayers, support and love...your letters/cards have meant so much to us.  Love to you all and we will try and keep you informed, thank you,

Adam and the entire Provance Family   

Great Perspective on Life

Please take a few minutes to watch this video that my Dad found and shared with all of us.  This woman has an amazing perspective on life and what she's on earth for.

Mother Dying of Cancer Gives a Godly, Life-Changing Final Speech from untilweflyaway on GodTube.

A good calm week

Mom has been doing pretty well this week. She has gained a little strength and has been able to enjoy her visitors a little more. She still needs a lot of rest and help around the house, but has shown us she's giving it everything she has to grow stronger. 

Last night Mom's sister, Sue, hosted our annual Kaufmann girls' shopping trip (which turned into a sleepover and no shopping). We had it in Seneca so Mom could be a part of this fun night she loves every year. Dad and Julie took Mom up to get blood yesterday, but then Mom and Julie were able to make it back to Sue's for the evening fun. Everyone loved having Mom there and Mom stretched herself to stay as long as she could. I think it meant a lot to Mom to be surrounded with all the love.

We don't know much else at this time, but we celebrate everyday that Mom feels okay. She will have an appointment this week and we'll do our best to keep you all updated as you pray for Mom. Thanks for all the love and support every step along the way. 

Blessing

From last Saturday to today, we got to see a nice change..a positive change in mom's energy, eating and mood! (Thanks to her being off the anti-fungal antibiotic & her determintation, drive & fight) It's been quite a blessing! Last Sunday-Thurs have been some of her best days in a very long time! We had a lot of visitors last week and then with Halloween - lots of cute little ones bringing the exitement and joy to the house!

(If you look closely you can see mom in the window)

Sometimes, I know we tire her out with all the company...but we can't stay away! Grammy's house is a favorite place to be for all..and you just can't stay away! We've really enjoyed the blessing of her having a good week!

We saw Dr. Jessica last Wednesday, and the appointment went well. The visit 10 days prior to that one proved a drastic change for the better and Dr. Jessica was very pleased! There still hasn't been a blast in the blood with the leukemia, but numbers are still slow to move & have fluctuated too much, so unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done on someone with such a compromised immune system and with a journey like my mom has been on - and actually, more treatment can actually make things worse and not better.  The love and support we receive from Dr. Jessica and her team is just amazing!  They truly love mom and our family, so we know that as hard as this is for us, it is just as hard for them..

You see, Dr. Jessica has made if very clear every time we see her how amazed she is by mom! The fight she has put up, well..she's just never met anyone like her before. I know I am blessed by it..and my grandma had it too! We are fighters. Thankfully, I've got that trait in me too! We fight and we pray and we trust God with our everything...because that's what we were taught and it's what works. A legacy of giving everything you have..a legacy of love..of forgiveness..and of faith. I may be biased, but I think we have something very, very special and I sure wouldn't trade it for the world!

We are unsure of what the future will bring but we are thankful for each day Mom is home and spending time with us.  Praying for the every day..for a miracle..for comfort..for peace. Join us in praying and as always thank you for your love and support!