strong and courageous: please pray for Isaiah

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

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.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...: Teacher Penny:
Isaiah I'm praying for you and I'm asking everyone at my office today to pray for you as well. May your liver be functioning normally again.; April 1, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Amber said...: Isaiah,

I was so sad to read that you are in pain and having a rough time! My class is praying for you and sending our love your way! Be strong and know that God is right there with you. We love you!
Miss Amber and her class.; April 1, 2008 at 2:10 PM
Mike Beidler said...: Isaiah,

I could tell that you weren't feeling well on Saturday and Sunday. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

"Uncle" Mike; April 1, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Isaiah,

We are sorry you are not feeling well...we continue to pray for healing and strength for you and your family.

hugs,
Cara, Patrick and Jae; April 1, 2008 at 5:46 PM
Amy Grover said...: praying for you isaiah and your whole family. stay strong!
amy and ben grover; April 1, 2008 at 6:48 PM
gbeidler said...: We love you Isaiah. Ava missed playing with you today. She asks for you almost everyday. Praying for your healing. We're so proud of you.
Ryan, Gentry & Ava Bear; April 1, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Emily said...: Isaiah and Family,

We are so sad to hear that you are not feeling well. Grant has enjoyed seeing you in your t-ball uniform. He started t-ball last weekend too!

We will continue to pray for you and your family and check in on your website.

I love and prayers all the way from one coast to the other!

Grant's mom, Emily; April 2, 2008 at 4:47 AM
Emily said...: Isaiah and Family,

We are so sad to hear that you are not feeling well. Grant has enjoyed seeing you in your t-ball uniform. He started t-ball last weekend too!

We will continue to pray for you and your family and check in on your website.

I love and prayers all the way from one coast to the other!

Grant's mom, Emily; April 2, 2008 at 4:47 AM
Taria M. said...: Sweet Isaiah,

I'm praying for you and for your health. I pray that God will hold you in the palm of His hands, and that peace will wash over you. You're so strong.

Sending you love and hugs,
Taria; April 2, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Stanphill Family said...: Hi Isaiah,

We are praying for health, strength and a happier liver. The kids had so much fun playing with you last week at the park. Stay strong buddy!

The Stanphill Family; April 2, 2008 at 8:24 AM

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