strong and courageous: homecoming

Thursday, December 6, 2007

homecoming

After living apart for 3 weeks, we're all under the same roof again tonight AT HOME! We shared a great salmon dinner, danced, and enjoyed hot chocolate and stories in front of the fire. (Sienna never did break out with chicken pox...just bravely endured the incubation period at her Bita and Papa's.) We're very thankful to be together again.

9 comments:

mollyllilja said...: YIPEE! I am so glad that you are back together!
Love you,
the Liljas; December 6, 2007 at 11:01 PM
Michelle Coder said...: Double YIPPEE!; December 6, 2007 at 11:02 PM
Megan Webb said...: Yay!!! I am very happy for you guys :o) It sounds like you had a wonderful evening!; December 6, 2007 at 11:21 PM
www.sixhennings.com said...: We celebrated last night knowing you were all together and Sienna was home sweet home. We are so thankful for your reunion! Love you,
Angela; December 7, 2007 at 6:31 AM
Anonymous said...: How deeply touched I am to see the photos of Sienna and Isaiah together again. With all the emphasis on holiday "stress" and how to make this a perfect Christmas, it touches my heart that their faces show that the gift of Christmas is being with those we love. Again we are taught by the children. Please hug them for all of us and we continue to pray for peace in your home and in your hearts. Love you much, and hugs from San Diego. Anne and family XXX; December 7, 2007 at 9:25 AM
Auntie Angie said...: Sienna and Isaiah...I wish I was there for the homecoming! I am excited for you both, and sienna...you were so brave and strong during that whole time you had to be away from home. I am so proud of you, and Ethan too! Hope to see you all soon....Love you much.; December 7, 2007 at 11:35 PM
Andrea said...: I'm so glad you guys are back together again! You have such a beautiful family and you can see the love in your children's smiles. Congratulations on your happy reunion!; December 9, 2007 at 8:58 AM
Taria M. said...: I'm SO HAPPY that you guys are together again. I know it was very difficult for all of you to be apart like that. This is the perfect season for you to be together as one. You're such a beatiful family, and I'm keeping you all close in my prayers. Even when I don't comment, I think of you all often. Enjoy your time together. Sending you love and hugs...; December 10, 2007 at 7:57 AM
Jennifer said...: Their love shines through these photos. What a happy holiday it will be in your house.
Sending love,
The Ferraras; December 14, 2007 at 8:42 PM

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