strong and courageous: beach

Monday, July 30, 2007

beach

We had a great week with our extended family at the beach. Isaiah seemed stronger and happier than he has since his diagnosis. We are so grateful we were able to go.

At today's doctor's appointment we learned that Isaiah's ANC has dropped to 300...so we're back to being super careful about exposure. He also received Vincristine which typically affects his ability to walk for several days. Thanks for your continued support!

6 comments:

Unknown said...: What wonderful photos! We are thankful that your family had some relaxing time away and that Isaiah was able to just be a kid! We will keep praying for high counts!

hugs,
Cara, Patrick and Jae; July 30, 2007 at 7:53 PM
Erica Ochoa said...: Great pictures!!! Praise God for some good family time. Congradulations on that BIG fish!!!!
We are praying for big counts. Big, fat, strong, high counts.
Love, The Ochoas; July 30, 2007 at 9:53 PM
Michelle Coder said...: I'm glad you all enjoyed playing at the seashore. What a great place!!!!!! And you caught a fish. WOW! I've never even tried that.

I continue to pray for great, high ANC counts and fast recovery from side effects. You are often in my thoughts, Isaiah.

Much Love and big hugs to all of you!

Love Michelle and her furkids Sophie, Bonnie, Ted, Chai, Missy, Coco, Porshe and little rabbit Morgan.

P.S. Yes, Isaiah, I have seven dogs, 1 rabbit, 2 hermit crabs and a snail. Is that silly, or what!; July 30, 2007 at 11:39 PM
sarah hornacek said...: we are so glad you were able to go to the beach, isaiah! it looks like you had a super fun time! did you catch that big fish? that is sooo cool! i'm sure you are ready to rest in your cozy bed at home after such a long trip. love you buddy and we sure do love seeing that smile!

love, the hornacek's; July 30, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Tami said...: Isaiah,

We are SOOOOO glad that you had a great time at the beach!! Looking forward to playing soon, Isaiah. we're praying HARD for good counts at your appointment tomorrow!

Love,

The Grays; August 1, 2007 at 7:26 AM
Anonymous said...: Looks like everyone had the best time!!! Nothing better than the beach for relaxation. I will pray for counts that go up and up. Hugs from San Diego.; August 1, 2007 at 2:42 PM

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update on isaiah's progress

We're received quite a few questions recently about Isaiah's treatment. Here's a quick update:

Is he in remission?

Yes. He's officially been in remission since the 17th day after diagnosis, early June 2007.

Is he still on chemo?

Yes.

Mercaptopurin (chemo) daily, orally, with a 3 hour fast.

Methotrexate (chemo) weekly, orally.

Bactrim (antibiotic) daily, orally.

Dexamethasone (steroid) every 8 weeks, orally.

Vincristine (chemo) every 2 weeks, intraveinously.

Methotrexate (chemo) every 12 weeks, in the spinal fluid with a "spinal tap".

Currently he is at the clinic at Sutter Memorial every two weeks for a blood check, etc.

When's he done with treatment?

The protocol for boys with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is 36 months beginning after the initial 60 day treatment. We anticipate he'll be done with chemo at the end of July 2010.

Merry Christmas Friends!

Thank you to all of you who have sent us pictures and updates! It's great to see your faces once again. We've not been able to put something together this year (yet!), so here's a quick update for those who visit us here:

Carmen: doing a great job teaching our kids at home this year, running, hiked Half Dome, lovingly and consistently caring for all of us (and lots of others).

Sienna: super-creative and always nurturing, loves studying at home, played soccer, raised chickens and looking forward to horse-riding lessons in '09. See pictures of her 8th birthday here.

Isaiah: 08 highlights include playing t-ball, learning to swim, riding his bike, a trip to Disneyland, trip to Alabama, and lots of playing.

Nathan: ran a 25K trail run at Stinson Beach, loved our family vacation in San Diego, and is so grateful for our staff, church community, and the ongoing adventure of leading/serving Emmaus. Nate blogs very infrequently here; you can access his pod/vodcasts here.

2008!

There are many ways you can continue to pray for Isaiah. He has some exciting goals ahead in 2008!
Here is the list:

1)Get Strong! He does physical therapy at home 3-5 times per week and at the office 2 times per month.
2)Play Ball! He is working hard to get ready for T-Ball season. Pray he will play and that his compression fractures will heal.
3)Learn at Home! He is working on Kindergarten school work at home. Many factors make school work a challenge. Pray for a healthy brain and a desire to learn.

even more thank yous to...

the students of Amber Bobst's 2nd grade class from Eastside Christian School in Belleview, WA for the cards
all those who have contributed to our gas and groceries fund...you're keeping us going!
all the Emmaus families who have brought dinner to us in recent weeks
the Harrington family for the picnic package
Anne for the book and CD
The Hoke family for the birthday bird
Goebel, Linville, Nutti, and Ferrara families for the great gift certificate
Doris for the pint of ice cream
Emmaus for being the Church and supporting us in countless ways...for the gifts for Isaiah and Sienna...we're so thankful to be sharing life and discovering Jesus with you.
Betsy for the care package for the kids
Diane for the one-prize-a-day gift
Glenda for the beautiful superman quilt
Mrs. Liden for the SuperIsaiah cape and blanket
The Keaton Raphael Memorial Fund
everyone who is praying
friends and family for the financial support
Shirli and the Needle Arts Group for the blankets and hats
Susanna for the cleaning supplies
Susan, Laura, Sandie for nutritional help
Bob and Elaine for the motorhome
The Arena for the Batman blanket
Anne for the quilt
The Arena and The Ridge for supporting Carmen
Sunrise Church for the prayer quilt
Ms. Della Roca's 4th graders at St. Mary's for the beautiful cards
Josh and Lisa for the superman blanket