strong and courageous: beautiful

Thursday, June 19, 2008

beautiful

On June first, our family had the privilege of being photographed by Michael Corsentino and Dennis Urbiztondo as a gift and expression of support. (You can see more shots and read more at our friend Martha's site). They captured some AMAZING images. We're looking forward to sharing some of them with you in the upcoming weeks. (The photo above was taken by local photographer Alexandra Frankel.)

Isaiah's appointment this week went well. He's feeling a little queasy but has a great attitude. Thanks for praying for him...

5 comments:

Auntie Angie said...: Hey family, nice picture...I am making my request now. I better get one! I love you guys, enjoy your family time. Isaiah bear...I love you and I hope to see you next month. Give sister a kiss and a tight hug for me. Stay strong buddy. Love, Angie and Ethan =0); June 19, 2008 at 10:53 PM
mamapierce said...: Those pictures are beautiful. What an amazing way to capture all the love in your family. Thoughts and prayers to you Isaiah.
Love, The Pierce Family; June 20, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Jennifer said...: You are all so good looking = ) so I am sure it was a photographer's dream to shoot you all!
Can't wait to see the results.
Have a nice weekend!

The Ferraras; June 20, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Jaime said...: Thanks for continuing to share your family and how we can pray for you. I spent a lot of time in the desert this week, so I got to pray for Isaiah extra this week.; June 21, 2008 at 10:09 PM
mollyllilja said...: HI Dear family! Yesterday we went to a party to celebrate our friend Jordan's cancer free scans! The kids and I have been praying for Jordan daily for 2 years and so to go and celebrate his new cancer free life was a real treat. This morning we were talking about how fun it was and how glad we are that Jordan is okay, and Zach said, "Mom, I can't wait to go to Isaiah's cancer is over party!" So, we continue to lift Isaiah up everyday and look forward to celebrating the end of cancer for you all!!!!
Love you,
Molly and the gang; June 22, 2008 at 2:49 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