i'm well

Today a friend texted us and said, "We hope you're all well."  I read the text out loud as we made dinner and Isaiah chirped, "I'm well."  

He enjoyed our neighbor's birthday party and flew a new kite afterwards.  

Sienna made this delicious pear and raspberry pie which we all enjoyed for dessert.

a little better

The little man had another rough night last night - he was back in the tub and awake a lot.  But this morning (it is the morning, right?) he seems remarkably better and the itching is gone.  I just asked him if he was itching at all.  He said, "Not at all.  I just feel like a normal person."  

A couple days ago, I was admiring his ability to deal with all the appointments, pills, chugs, etc.  He responded by confiding, "I have some secrets."  

"What are your secrets?"

"I think three things: focus, strong and courageous, and Jesus.  I just think that over and over and

 over..." 

Isaiah with cousin Eathan

really itchy

Isaiah has been awake and itching since 12:30 a.m.  This happens occasionally when he receives a steroid after a spinal tap.   He's really tired and is working hard to cope.  Please pray for sleep and relief.

tapped

Isaiah was at the hospital from 9 - 1:15 today.  Everything went relatively smoothly.  His counts are high (2000).  

We woke up together at 4 a.m. to have some food before his fast began.  This was his idea...a result, I think, of applying his growing math skills (if the sleepy test is at 12, and I have to fast for 8 hours, that means...)

Spinal tap days are always difficult for several reasons.  We all dread them.  But it's amazing to see him - now for the 14th time - work through his fears and get his game face on and just focus.  It's an amazing process to watch.  Once he gets to the hospital he's in the zone.  He's playing and chatting but clearly very aware of passing time, the comings and goings of doctors, everything.  I'm always very proud of the way he handles this.  We pray a lot together and I always encourage him to be strong and courageous.  In recent weeks, he's been challenging us to be strong and courageous too.  

change of plans

Just a quick update: Isaiah was up most of the night with a really bad cough.  We've moved his spinal tap to Monday so he doesn't have to fast while he's feeling so bad.  Thanks for your comments and prayers of support!

spinal tomorrow

Thanks for checking in on the Oates!  Life is full!  Every day fills up fast with learning, big decisions, ongoing efforts to support the needs in our community, and the darn kitchen (I swear I just cleaned it!  What happened?).  

Isaiah is fighting a pretty bad cold and isn't feeling too well.  We're scheduled for a spinal (fasting) tomorrow.  He teared up when we told him - didn't cry - but definitely felt the weight.  He's getting tired of the on-going, relentless nature of this battle and is really longing to "be done with leukemia."  

I'm praying this for him today, and for us:  "When I called, you answered me;  you made me bold and stouthearted."  - David, Psalm 138:3  

Peace.

good week

We're having a good week.  Isaiah is feeling well.  On Wednesday, as he was leaving for his appointment, I said, as I often do, "Be strong and courageous."  He responded, "You be strong and courageous too."