This morning as I sat down to pray and reflect tomorrow will be a long day- going into tomorrow I thought I would give you a few updates —

Keaton has a long MRI at noon, with his lumbar puncture to follow. And hopefully… answers & a new plan from our team (HEMOC, RadOnc & Nuero) that’s walking this road with us.

Last week’s short MRI didn’t give us the news we were hoping for. The tumor is progressing and creating pressure — the T2 FLAIR signal near the nucleus of the right facial nerve is affecting his right eye. We went back to the higher dose of steroids to help keep us from being admitted — it’s a lot of big fancy medical terms that are hard to explain – and hard emotions to deal with. 

We will meet with Dr. Perkins in the morning — our “Hail Mary” from July — who took his case back on Friday morning . Keaton feels safe with her. Comfortable. Confident. And that peace means more than words can say.

The last week has been an up-and-down roller coaster of thoughts and tears and strength we didn’t know we had.

Keaton is tired.

But he is not ready to quit fighting.

And then there’s Rex.

Who knew when we picked him from the litter that God already knew the assignment?

Rex has been a steady presence since he was born in November … but the came April — when he decided he might prefer being a medical service dog over a cow-working farm buddy. He self-taught himself to sense Keatons headaches. He knows when pressure builds. He gives relief before we even know what’s happening. The last few weeks the nurses had picked up on Rex’s anxiousness around – Keaton now we know why. 

He’s heading to WestInn this week to learn even more — retrieving dropped items, opening doors, pushing elevator and handicap buttons, assisting with the wheelchair when needed.

He licks heads because he’s “checking brains for tumors.”

And somehow that simple, goofy act makes us all laugh when we need it most.

This week we are asking for prayers.

For guidance.

For grace.

For grit.

For wisdom in every decision.

For strength in every room.

For peace while we wait.

Because we know this:

Hard weeks do not get the final word.

Faith does.

Heavenly Father,

We come to You carrying questions, scans, and heavy hearts. You see every cell. Every signal. Every shadow on the screen. Nothing is hidden from You.

We ask for Your hand over Keaton tomorrow — steady his body through the MRI and lumbar puncture. Calm his mind. Ease the pressure. Guard his eye and every nerve affected. Give the doctors clarity and confidence in what they see and what they decide.

Be especially near to Dr. Perkins and the entire medical team. Grant them wisdom that goes beyond textbooks. Let Your guidance direct every plan.

Lord, strengthen us — when we have to be brave in hallways and strong in conversations that shake them. Refill what this week has drained. Wrap little sis Jae in comfort and protection. Guard her tender heart. Let her feel secure and deeply loved in the middle of uncertainty.

And thank You for Rex — for the comfort, the companionship, the laughter, and the service he gives so faithfully. Continue preparing him for the role You’ve clearly called him to.

Give us grace for today and grit for tomorrow.

Let peace replace fear. Let hope rise louder than doubt.

We trust You with what we cannot control.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

{02.22.2026 — Photos from our normal Friday Apts for Fluids at the Specialty Center}