strong and courageous: 2 years down

Sunday, May 24, 2009

2 years down

Isaiah was diagnosed two years ago today, May 24, 2007.

Today he played hard with his cousins, rode bikes, fought with swords, and is feeling strong.

We are grateful today for life, for the gift of these last two years together, and for the hope of restoration.

In some ways, the last two years have felt long and deeply challenging. In other ways, it seems the time has flown by.

Thank you all for standing with us in this journey. We're especially grateful for our families and for our church community - you have served and supported us so thoroughly.

Please continue to pray for Isaiah as he enters year three of his treatment. Pray for grace to be strong and courageous.

5 comments:

Amber said...: Wow! I can't believe it has been two years already! Your family's constant faith and strength continues to inspire me! You all are simply amazing and so loved!; May 24, 2009 at 8:36 PM
Auntie Angie said...: Dear Isaiah, these past two years have flown by for me as well! Ethan will now be two years old. You have been such a great example and reminder of how wonderful and amazing God's love is. You have shown us how brave and courageous you can be, and what great faith and love for God you have. I pray that you will continue to heal, and get strong. Remember we love you so much, and Ethan loves you more!; May 25, 2009 at 10:41 AM
molly lilja said...: We have been praying for you for 2 years and we will continue to do so. We will also pray that you and your family stay strong and courageous. We pray for endurance, knowing that endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
We love you.
Love,
The Liljas; May 25, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Jennifer said...: Keep the faith dear friends. We continue to find that spark of strength from your wise words.

Love,
The Ferraras; May 25, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Oates family,
We love you and pray for you when God brings you to mind. When I visit your website I am reminded of your strength and courage that does come from our heavenly Father. You are an amazing family! Thank you again for your blog! It warms and encourages my heart.
Love to all of you, Don & La Dona; May 31, 2009 at 10:31 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