Wednesday, May 30, 2007

the short version

Monday, May 23: Carmen received a call from Isaiah’s doctor saying the results from a blood test were “alarming.” (For the previous 3 weeks Isaiah had been fighting a fever, his asthma was really bad, and he complained of intense soreness all over. We took him to the doctor twice; the second time they did blood work.)

Tuesday, May 24: Carmen called me as I was about to board a plane in Alabama to say that the doctor said I should come home immediately.

Wednesday, May 25: Isaiah had a cat scan in the morning. The results showed no obvious signs of problems. We were relieved but later got a phone call from the pediatric oncologist reviewing his blood work instructing us to admit him to the hospital. We spent Wednesday night in the pediatric ICU.

Thursday, May 26: Isaiah had a spinal tap and bone marrow test to check for cancer. He was in intense pain all day and very confused. We met with a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. for the initial consultation. The diagnosis: Leukemia (at this point they couldn’t tell us which kind).

Friday, May 27: We received news that Isaiah has Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), which is the “better” of the two possibilities in terms of survival rate. Isaiah received his first chemotherapy directly into his spinal fluid and had a semi-permanent “port” surgically placed in his chest, near his heart, for future meds and blood draws.

Saturday, May 28: Isaiah begins his oral chemo regimen. This is the stuff (dexamethasone) that really wreaks havoc. This began his “induction” phase: the first 29 days of chemotherapy.

Since Sunday: Isaiah has had some very painful days. His personality is being affected by the events of the week as well as the chemotherapy. He’s extremely tired of being hooked up to tubes and seeing nurses. He’s also had moments when he’s back to a tired version of himself – sweet, insightful, exclaiming “whoa! Dad did you see that dunk?” while we watched the playoffs together.

12 comments:

Sandie Haskins said...

Hi Isaiah,

I hope you feel better and I hope you get your "little wish" from the child-life people! There is a play room where we can play with art and toys. God is always with you so you can be brave!

Love,
Kyler

castagnolifamily said...

Hi Isaiah,
I teach with your Uncle Ryan. And I go to your Daddy's church. I think about you and pray for you everyday. I see you like Superman. Me too. He is one of my favorites. I hear you are watching the NBA playoffs. I am cheering for San Antonio since I moved to California from Texas. Cheer for them okay?

God loves YOU!! You give me courage.

Love, Vanessa

PatnSheri said...

Hi Isaiah,
I'm sure you don't remember us, but we remember you! We are Sheri and Pat from Arden Church. We just want you to know that we are praying for you and we know you are going to feel better soon. Tell Mommy, Daddy and big Sister hello--we are praying for them too!
Love,
Sheri and Pat Swink

Unknown said...

Hi Isaiah,
I have never had the privilege of meeting you, but I am a friend of your Aunt Gentry's. I wanted you to know that we are praying for you and we hope that you feel better soon!
God Bless you little one,
Melanie Banks

Cara said...

Hey Isaiah and Family:

I just wanted to say that I am praying for you every day. I hope you get better...

shaynjustus said...

Hi Isaiah,

You are SUPERMAN!!! We are praying for you and your family. Phillipians 4:13 I have strength for all things through Christ who empowers me. I am ready for anything and equal to anything through him who infuses inner strength into me. Know how much you are loved and supported.

Love

Shay, Justus, Brooks, Chasen and Finley

Cody Marie Bolton said...

Those pictures made me laugh. You are the strongest family I know, and that is because you hold God 1st and center in your lives.

God Bless! Tomorrow will be hard, yes, but not for you, your happiness is just amazing, even in your tough time.

Keep the smiles!


: )

; )

: '

: >

Cody Marie

Jessie said...

Dear Isaiah and Family-

You have been in our thoughts, and prayers daily. We are so proud of you Isaiah for being such a strong little guy! Conner says that he misses you, and is praying for his friend. God will bless you, and be there with you every step of the way. So you just keep being the brave boy that you are.

Love the Sherburn's
Shawn, Jessica, Bailie, and Conner

Followingthenazarene said...

Hi Isaiah;
We are Angela's Dad and Mom. We want you to know that we and our church--The Country Church in Fallon, Nevada-- are praying that you get well and get to go home quickly.

Bryan and Colleen Cuthill

Sheri and Pat Swink said...

Sweet little Isaiah...You have the compassionate eyes of your mommy and a smile like your dad! You hang in there, sweetie. We are all praying so hard for you.

Love,
Sheri and Pat

Chris & Anissa Hennion said...

Hello Isaiah,

Just heard and read that your doing fine as expected. We've been praying for you everyday and ask God to be with you, Sienna, your mommy and daddy. It was great to see you eating pizza. Anissa and I were just eating pizza for lunch too. The smile on your couragous face makes our adult problems seem small. You are such a brave young man. Thank you for putting our lives in perspective.
May the good Lord bless you and keep you always.
Love,
Chris and Anissa

Anonymous said...

Hi Isaiah,
This is Rebekah your Uncle Mikes sister. I was writing to say you are in my prayers, i am so proud of you for being so strong! I love you and cant wait to see you again! Keep strong bud!