strong and courageous: a wrench in the works

Friday, November 16, 2007

a wrench in the works

So...here's the latest little challenge: There was a chicken pox outbreak at Sienna's school. Our kids haven't been vaccinated against the chicken pox (though the kid who just got them was...) and Sienna was definately exposed. If Isaiah were to get the chicken pox at this point, it would be very serious. So Sienna has moved out to live at her Bita and Papa's house for the next three weeks (reason # 9,284 why we're grateful to have them so close) per doctor's orders. Our kids have to be separated until Dec. 3. We're all feeling sad about being apart. Thanksgiving plans have been uprooted. Carmen will be with one of the kids in one house; I'll be with the other in another house.

Never a dull moment.

Isaiah continues to feel very strong. Aside from missing his super buddy, he's doing great. Sienna is happy to be doing the morning chores at Bita's house - it's an adventure for this suburban girl.

6 comments:

mollyllilja said...: ohhh no! What a bummer! Those pox are such a PAIN! I think that if the kid had the vaccine and got the pox, they are less contagious than if they got a "wild" virus. I am so sorry you are apart, that would be really really hard for my kids. We will be praying about this.
Love you,
The Liljas; November 16, 2007 at 9:11 PM
Michelle Coder said...: I'm praying for all of you, mom, dad and Isaiah, and for Sienna that she won't get the chicken pox. I'm also praying God will continue to embrace all of you with peace.

I've found God provides what we need...sometimes just what we need and no more...but always what we need.

Thanks also for the supportive comment, Nate (:

Much love to all of you!

Michelle; November 17, 2007 at 2:16 AM
Rebecca Unfried said...: Isaiah we will be praying for you as you are feeling more tired these days and missing your buddy. I am so sorry for both you and Sienna that you have to be apart from each other. We are so thankful to see God walking with you through this experience. We are so thankful for the joy that you have. We love you so much!
Rebecca; November 17, 2007 at 2:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Hang in there Oates Family - you are well loved and prayed for. Your strength as a family is amazing to read about. Thanks again for the updates online - Scott Ritter~~; November 19, 2007 at 9:59 AM
Alaina said...: My heart continues to rejoice..and weep with you. I will continue to pray as your family unit is uprooted for the next 3 weeks. Praise the Lord for your amazing family - filling in the gaps! You all continue to bless me - a testament of God's love. What a celebration Christmas will be - you'll all be together!!!! Wish there was something more i could do from so far away.; November 19, 2007 at 5:59 PM
Darrell Farley said...: yea, chicken pox and leukemia don't mix well. 3 weeks into matt's treatment I got shingle (just like chicken pox). That devil tries to think of everything.
Remember that some promises of God can only apply when in times of crisis. Is 54:17- No weapon forged against you will prevail.
Dude, he looks good skin headed!
Darrell; November 20, 2007 at 6:27 AM

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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