it's the DEX

Isaiah just finished this month's 5 day course of Dexamethasone, a steroid he calls "Mr. Hungry." In addition to wanting to eat continually, he usually struggles with intense itching during these sessions. We usually see a increase in emotional intensity as well. This week pushed that delightful side-effect to whole new levels. For whatever reason, he was just intensely edgy and very emotional this time. It's hard to see him feeling so out of control.

Playing catch with Mom at McKinley Park

HELLO

"A few days ago this was amazing: I caught two hits when I was playing up close in the field. I also hit a homerun.
Also, I was pitching to my dad and I was very good at playing baseball. He hit the ball and I caught it." Isaiah




(Yesterday we began our monthly course of steroids. Isaiah calls it his Mr. Hungry medicine. Pray for him as he often struggles with intense itching as a side effect of taking the medicine. We are still taking a half-dose of all his "at home" chemotherapy. )

Fun in the Sun with Ava

Thank you for checking on Isaiah's progress.


Isaiah's liver numbers have significantly improved! His liver is still working about six times harder than normal but he is feeling strong and will be starting chemo at home again today. He is on a very low dose but we wish he could wait longer to start therapy again.

His funny quote for the day is:
"You know mom, little kids remember more than adults."

"Why is that?"

"Because their brains are younger and younger brains remember more things."

Hmm.

liver watch

Thanks for checking-in on Isaiah... He's still in his "hold all chemo" pattern. We're hoping the break will enable his liver to return to a normal level. We should hear the results of his last set of tests on Monday. We'll keep you posted!

He's feeling pretty good. He got to play baseball Saturday and spent the afternoon swimming at a friend's house. Peace to you!

thank you for praying

Isaiah is feeling much better and was excited to play tonight. Thanks for cheering him on!

Wednesday

Thank you for praying for Isaiah. He is feeling better...not throwing up. We're praying and waiting for his liver function to return to closer to normal ("30" is normal; 300 is the limit of what they consider "acceptable" for kids on chemo; Isaiah was at 1000 on Monday). Our next appointment is in a week. They'll check his liver, re-evaluate his ability to handle chemotherapy, and potentially begin again at a lower dose. We're asking the Great Physician to heal what we cannot. Thank you for praying with us and for cheering him on.

Isaiah wants to say:

"Today I am feeling better. I hope you come on my blog. I hit a home run a few days ago when I was playing baseball. It was my first home run of the season. Also I am making tons of catches when I am practicing baseball. Once I even caught a ball with my bare hands. A few days ago I was playing baseball with my dad and he hit the ball and I caught it!"

please pray for Isaiah

Friends, Isaiah's liver is showing signs of stress. We've been watching it closely in recent days. The hospital just called with the chemistry panel results which show extrememly high liver function. They've instructed us to stop all chemo. Please pray for Isaiah. He's not feeling well.