strong and courageous: 600

Thursday, October 25, 2007

600

Dear Friends,
We are home again. Isaiah's ANC was 600 today, too low to be admitted to the hospital for treatment. He was happy to break his fast early and end the day playing at his Bita's house. We go back on Monday to check counts again. If his counts reach 750, he will be admitted and we will begin a 4 day course of treatment. We praise God for His hand on Isaiah's life and for all the support you give us. We love you all!

11 comments:

Kafkas said...: You all have been on my heart all day. As one of the curly-hair ones I've been thinking about shaving my head. What do you think Isaiah? I'm glad to know you got to go to Bita's today. I'm praying for you! And I love you all so much. J; October 25, 2007 at 6:57 PM
Unknown said...: We hope for your family a restful, peaceful weekend and pray for good appointment on Monday.

Our thought and prayers,
Cara, Patrick and Jae; October 25, 2007 at 7:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Our admiration and love goes to you Isaiah.
Reading all the things you endure and how your faith and strength
gets you through all of them, is like reading a Super Hero’s story book
full of challenges that just can stop him or his Team: Super mom, Super dad
and Super sis.
You and your team are in our prayers.; October 25, 2007 at 10:45 PM
Michelle Coder said...: Wow! I was surprised to see these three tough dudes with shaved heads. Very cool! I'm glad your sis didn't shave her head, though.

I'm praying for you, Super Isaiah, and your Super family this weekend and the next week as you head into the next round. Know there is a blanket of Love around all of you!

Love Michelle; October 26, 2007 at 12:45 AM
Carley said...: I am continuing to follow your saga... Isaiah, you have a great dad to shave his head along with yours...Praying for you and your family... GOD is GOOD!; October 26, 2007 at 2:01 AM
Victoria said...: Two handsome guys! I met a 10 year old named Pat last summer who sold ads for his favorite nonprofit on his bald head after treatment -- sort of funny. Gotta find the things that make you smile even when your heart is hurting. And frankly, I can't look at this wonderful Oates family without smiling and without prayer for continued blessings to see you all through this difficult journey.; October 26, 2007 at 8:43 AM
Annelies said...: What handsome warriors!!!!! You all look fearsome and very strong, and we all know you are so very courageous. Keep us posted so we can fast along side of you dear ones. Love from San Diego where we are all well and blessed with our homes still standing. Praise God. XXXX; October 26, 2007 at 4:09 PM
Anonymous said...: WOW - What a new look! You look amazing. I kept wondering why you still had hair. You know what? It will come back curlier. Luck you! Superman can't top this look.
I hadn't check in for a few days. Hope all is well. The Lord is with you all.
Love and prayers
Roxanne; October 26, 2007 at 5:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Isaiah-
Your strength, your courage, your wisdom, your beauty, and your faith is more than I have ever known or seen. You are truly amazing, keep on fighting and being strong. I admire you and your family for your strength and love. My thoughts are with all of you. Much love- Carly Feickert; October 27, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Michael J. Christensen said...: Dear Nathan and Carmen,

As I read through your blog updates, many memories rushed back from our time in limbo, not knowing when it would all end or how it would turn out. I note that tomorrow is another spinal tap and another round of chemo. May God's peace descend on you. Please know that the Christensen family will be praying for you tomorrow morning and next week, remembering all those who prayed for us at that stage in the treatment process, which got us through. And if you ever want to call me (us), please do. I showed Megan the pictures of Isaiah and his dad getting their haircuts, and she gave me that knowing glance. Megan and Rebecca join me tonight in saying hello.
Peace be with you, my friends. michael; October 28, 2007 at 8:51 PM
Michael J. Christensen said...: If my previous post did not upload, I simply want to say: Isaiah, Nathan and Carmen...you are remembered today by a family who survived what you now face, and we are interceeding for you even now. mjc; October 28, 2007 at 8:54 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