strong and courageous: one year

Saturday, May 24, 2008

one year

Today marks one year since Isaiah's diagnosis. We've been aware of this date approaching and today thought a lot about the journey of the last 12 months. In most ways, time has passed more quickly than ever before. In fact we regularly remember as "last year" things that actually happened TWO years ago. It's as if we've "missed" a year. And yet in some ways the last year "feels like six years" (as Sienna put it). You can click here to get a reminder of what was going on one year ago this week (I was, at the time, confused on the dates. His actual diagnosis was May 24). Or, just scroll through the 2007 entries...it's been quite a ride.

We had a great day today visiting Sutter's Fort with our dear friend Janet.

We're so grateful for so many things: being able to play baseball, very few overnight hospital stays, hope, much encouragement from family and friends, our church community, 365 days of rich life together.

4 comments:

Taria M. said...: I thank God for those 365 days of more time together... for deepening your family's trust in him, and for touching SO MANY lives around this world by your story. You have had a profound impact on my heart and my life, and I keep you all close in prayers as you continue the fight and the journey. May God bless you all, always!; May 27, 2008 at 8:46 AM
Taria M. said...: I thank God for those 365 days of more time together... for deepening your family's trust in him, and for touching SO MANY lives around this world by your story. You have had a profound impact on my heart and my life, and I keep you all close in prayers as you continue the fight and the journey. May God bless you all, always!; May 27, 2008 at 8:47 AM
The Beidler's said...: Isaiah
we praise Jesus for you and your life and continue to pray that he will heal every part of your body and continue to strengthen your soul. May he give all of you peace and hope as you head into this second year of treatment. We love you all so much.
Gentry Ryan & ava bear; May 27, 2008 at 12:10 PM
mollyllilja said...: We have been praying for you daily for a year, and we will continue. Thank you allowing us to be a part of your journey. May God continue to bless you.
Love,
The Liljas; May 27, 2008 at 9:14 PM

Post a Comment

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