Tuesday, September 11, 2007

one step closer


I took Isaiah to his regular appointment today. He just needed to get his blood checked (his ANC is up to 1100). The quote of the morning is from the nurse as she came back with the lab results:

"Well, he's doing great so the doctor wants to increase his chemo."

Now, I understood what she meant and I'm familiar with the protocol. But that just sounded so...wrong. Someday I think we'll look back on this method of cancer treatment and mutter, "how barbaric."

We're grateful for the team of folks who continue to work so hard on Isaiah's behalf.

And we're grateful for all of you.

7 comments:

Michelle Coder said...

Yep!

I love you guys. I'm praying for protection for Isaiah's body as he continues having chemo. I'm visualizing light, healing and peace for all of you and all who you are in contact with during this experience.

I'll share a spiritual realization that occured to my family in a medical setting. When my gram was in the hospital two years ago, several of the nurses commented on the deep impact our loving attention to my gram had on them personally. They told us they didn't often see this kind of care for the elderly. We were shocked. Our love and care for gram was a natural, familial response we thought was the norm. And what was most surprising was we did not behaved in anything near a saintly fashion. We each had personal issues we were working through during this time, as well as hearty disagreements, fatigue and frustration with having to constantly have to advocate for gram's rights and hang out in a hospital day after day. I actually felt like I fell way short in all departments. But, amazingly, even in our imperfection, God used our natural response (our love and desire to emotionally support gram) as a demonstration of His Love.

I continue to be amazed by the many ways God's works through his Beloved to draw humanity into his arms.

~M

Anonymous said...

Hello Nate & Fam,
I just found out about Isaiah, and I wanted to let you all know I am thinking about you during this time. I am sure you have worked with Jen (the child life specialist) at Sutter. I did a long rotation with her during my internship there. I was able to work a lot with the oncology children and so I have just a small idea of what you've been through. I know it is like a roller coaster, with up's and down's ... the kids are so amazing and are such an inspiration to me! I talked with Gen and she told me of the amazing parents you are, fasting when he has to and giving as many choices as possible! That is just awesome - I am encouraged to hear of your great support to Isaiah. My thoughts and prayers will continue with all of you! Much love, Lindsy Paddon

Megan Webb said...

I just wanted to let you know that I am still praying for all of you! May the peace of Christ be with you.

-Megan

Tami said...

Isaiah,

We had so much fun with you today! Lucas especially thinks you're a very cool guy... maybe because he sensed your mutual admiration (he likes to be hung on, tossed around, etc.). :0) The boys all agree that our Star Wars day was a blast and we need to "hang out" more often! We continue to pray for your body and it's healing, Isaiah. See you Sunday...

Love,

Tami, Lucas, Colby and Caleb

Tami said...

Sienna,

You are such a sweet girl! We enjoyed hanging out with you today too. :0) Caleb especially enjoyed the "apple project". Tonight at bedtime, Caleb said "Mommy, I like Isaiah AND Sienna a lot. They are good friends". We thank God for good friends to hang out with! See you Sunday...

Love,

Tami, Lucas, Colby and Caleb

Anonymous said...

Hi Nathan, Carmen, Sienna and Isaiah, we'll be praying for strength, healing and for the Doctor's good judgment.

May God's love be with you always.

mollyllilja said...

Hi Oates family,
We are praying for you daily. Just a couple of weeks ago I was really praying that you would get to meet with someone who has conquered cancer, and I see that you have! Thanks for sharing your journey with us, so we know how to pray for you and can even see our prayers answered!
Lots of love to all of you,
The Liljas