August 13: Update on Jonatán

Trust in God at all times, O people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.

~ Psalm 62:8

Thank-you, more than words could possibly express, for interceding for Jonatán.

By way of update, I am again including excerpts from a note sent by Jonatán's grandparents in Uruguay:

Dear Praying Family and Friends,

We talked with Esther earlier this evening. They had talked with the pediatric oncologist this afternoon. He plans 12 weeks for the initial chemotherapy treatments. During that time Jonatán will have some weeks with treatment and some weeks to rest, partly depending on how well he tolerates the medication. He will then have surgery followed by more chemo.

Here are some dates to remember as you pray:

• August 17: First day of Freshman year in high school at BJA
• August 18: PET cancer scan at 12:00 noon ET (done to make sure the cancer has not spread to other areas)
• August 19: Port for chemo installed at 9:30 a.m. ET (outpatient procedure)
• August 21: Doctor's appointment at 9:00 a.m. ET

Esther wasn't sure when Jonatán would have the first chemo treatment, but the doctor wants to start as soon as possible. The first treatment will be over three days. She didn't know if he would be hospitalized or be outpatient. The doctor said Jonatán can go to school as he feels like it. The school will be working with him on his classes for this year.

Please pray for all these details and continue praying for Jonatán and his family. Pray especially for Marcos, Jonatán's 10-year-old brother. Pray that side effects from the chemo will be minimal and that treatments will shrink the tumor a great deal. God is the Great Physician, and He will work. Pray for continued opportunities to share God's goodness and His grace. Pray that HE will be glorified through this time of testing.