Since Faith can move mountains, it can also shrink tumors!

Blessings which can be measured:
Shayla has made it through her first week of post-chemo experiences. Today, her face was back to beaming, her smile is back in her eyes, and she is engaging in family banter again. This did not come all at once, nor easily, as we watched and prayed for Shayla's strength to return.

Wednesday evening Shayla's youth group began a special fast in her behalf after having Mom share some information and answer questions they had about Shayla's cancer, her treatment, and what we are told we can expect as 'the aftermath' of such treatments, not to mention the youths' and leaders' query about what they could do to help.

We know from personal experience that faith and prayer combined with fasting does indeed bring down blessings from God and His angels. Just yesterday Shayla asked if it was possible that the tumor could be shrinking already after only one chemo treatment. I told her (even though Dr. Chang told us we could see results as soon as 1-2 months) if faith could move mountains then it most certainly can shrink tumors! Shayla says she has been able to have a little bit of breathing ability through the left side of her nose that hasn't been there since August of last year!! So, does God hear and answer prayers? Most certainly!! Thank you to those Young Women and their leaders who participated in that special fast last week, as well as all others who have been praying for Shayla and our family. We are truly being blessed beyond measure.

Fact: hair follicles are fast-growing cells
Fact: Ewing's Sarcoma is made up of fast-growing cells
Fact: Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells
Fact: Shayla's hair will fall out

With the facts on the table, Shayla made the decision to take control over how soon she would lose her long (mid-back-length) locks. She did it today! Since Dr. Chang told us she would lose her hair in two weeks from the start of chemo, that would be this Saturday, Shayla decided to be proactive. Her best friend's mom, Sharrie, came and created a new look for Shayla (picure posted above the blog posts) today. Shayla now has four long locks of hair to tuck away in a special place. Wow, what a difference a short look makes on her! She looks so much older now in my opinion. Elloryn (Shay's youngest sister) doesn't quite know what to think of the new look, Brendon doesn't know if he can get used to the cut, and Mom and Dad think it is really cute. Shayla even likes it. The great thing is, if she doesn't like it, it will only be short-lived (about a week)--no pun intended. Yet on the other hand, if she really does like it, it will be easy to grow into this style again once chemo is done this fall! It's a win-win for her!!

Mom's notes:
I thought it was exhausting to transport to, and watch our kids participate in all their extra-curricular activities, but I now know that watching your child go through trials is much, much more taxing. I am exhausted! The hardest part is seeing when the pain from one thing or another becomes unbearable for Shayla. She has never been one to whine or complain, so when she cries, we know it is quite serious. There have been times like that this past week; even today.

It makes the Savior's Atonement even more real, more personal. He suffered the pain of all, that "he would know how to succor his people". Our Savior has been with Shayla this week, we know He will continue to walk with her and carry her in the many weeks and months yet ahead. We know God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, are walking with Shayla and us on this journey. We are humbled by Their love and grateful to know They are near.