strong and courageous: playin' ball

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

playin' ball

Several of you have asked us whether or not Isaiah will be able to play ball this Spring as hoped. Despite his multiple compression fractures, his back alignment is good. So we're cautiously moving forward. I'm coaching his t-ball team (the Dodgers...sweet); we've had about 6 practices so far and our first game is Thursday, March 20. Thanks to all Isaiah's friends, especially the Gray boys, for praying for strength to play ball.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...: I am so happy that Isaiah will be able to play t-ball. I have great memories of growing up playing t-ball. I hope that you both have a blast together! Scott Ritter; March 12, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Anonymous said...: Whoo-hoo! That's awesome, Isaiah! Have a blast and we look forward to coming out to see you play!

hugs,
Jae, (and my mom and dad!); March 12, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Tami said...: Isaiah...

The boys are still sleeping this morning, but I'm SOOO excited to show them these pictures when they get up! You look great, buddy... like a TRUE dodger! Let us know when you have a game schedule, and we'll come watch you play! We'll continue praying for your safety as you PLAY BALL!!

Love,

Tami; March 13, 2008 at 7:33 AM
Tami said...: what's up Isaiah?
I'm so glad you're in baseball.
Maybe we can play catch some
time.
Lucas

Hey Isaiah
I see you're playing baseball. I will still be praying so you're safe colby

hope you're having fun in baseball. caleb; March 13, 2008 at 8:04 AM
Jennifer said...: Back in the day ... I played Little League (with all boys!) and was the starting pitcher. I idolized Sandy Koufax of the old time Dodgers ... so I send my youthful energy to your team and will pray for lots of sunny days to Play Ball!; March 13, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Some of my happiest memories are those of watching our boys play t-ball! Have a wonderful time! Go Isaiah!
Love,
Don & La Dona; March 14, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Michelle Coder said...: How exciting! You look good out there on the field, Isaiah. Have fun!

Love Michelle; March 15, 2008 at 2:08 AM
Kathy said...: This is it. Get the cameras ready...
This is the big day. Go Dodgers! Go Isaiah! We're pretending to be in the stands cheering and chewing dodger dogs. Be sure to post the stats. We love baseball and we love you!
Bill and Kathy; March 20, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Unknown said...: As much as it hurts me to see the little man in Dodger Blue, we are all beyond stoked that he was able to play. And a couple of hits?

Is there anything he can't do?; March 24, 2008 at 5:06 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