Maintenance at last

Colleen officially entered maintenance last Tuesday. Yippee!!!!! She went back to school on Tuesday and promptly finished 20 assignments online. Go Colleen!!!! She has a spinal with chemotherapy scheduled on Tuesday. Please pray that this will go well and cause minimal  pain. She is on prednisone which is an anti-cancer drug but is causing her to have quite an appetite and is on some other chemotherapy drugs orally. These drugs do not make her as ill as the IV drugs. Her classmates had a welcome back party on Wednesday which really made her day.

 On Halloween, we drove 4 and a half hours each way to pick up our new Boston Terrier Reebok and at 5am the next morning Ryder our other new Boston Terrier arrived with my mom and dad special delivery from Missouri. Reebok is a 5 lb, 9 week old and Ryder is a 2lb 2 oz six week old Boston. Needless to say we are quite busy trying to potty train 2 babies at once. Reebok is really laid back and Ryder is a bossy little spit-fire. I guess he has to be to survive at 2 pounds. Our plan is to train the puppies to be therapy dogs and take them to Children's Hospital regularly to bring some happy moments to kids who are sick. We cannot think of a better way to give back. Colleen really enjoyed the therapy dogs that came to visit. It is amazing how pets can help them forget that they are sick for a short time and help them smile. We are rejoicing because Colleen is once again smiling regularly and genuinely enjoying life. We look forward to seeing God use Colleen for his glory.Thank you for your prayers.

So happy Colleenie is home

Praise the Lord!!!!! Colleen came home yesterday at about 6:30 yesterday after having platelets, chemotherapy, and a spinal with chemotherapy. Colleen will enter the maintenance phase of chemotherapy when her white count recovers or baby white blood cells begin reproducing well.(this may be as soon as 2 weeks or as long as 6 weeks) Our last intensive chemotherapy. Colleen was grinning ear to ear yesterday and also today. Her back is a bit sore from the spinal, but overall she is beginning to feel better already. I am giving her antibiotics thru her mediport or Intravenously every 8 hours and she is tolerating this very well. This will continue through Friday. It is wonderful to hear the girls laughing and giggling upstairs as I am updating the blog. We are looking forward to resuming a semi-normal life within a few weeks. Our heart are overflowing with thankfulness to the Lord for everything that he has done this last 9 months. Our family is stronger and closer than ever, our focus is on heavenly treasures and we feel strengthened by his grace. We are  so thankful for the strength that he has given us to help us through this challenging time. Many are amazed at the courage and strength that we are able to display but I always remind them that our heavenly father gives us the strength that we need. Without God's mercy and love we would be hopeless. Instead he has placed a blanket of calm over us throughout this entire ordeal. We felt and still feel your prayers and greatly appreciate them. So thank you again for everything- every card, dinner, word of encouragement etc. They will never be forgotten.     Keep reading picture of Colleen  at bottom of page.                                                                    

Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him. 

James 1 states to consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who given to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect to receive anything from the Lord... Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him.

We are human, we get weary and often lose focus during trials, but we know that our God is molding us into who he wants us to be and we are thankful for the opportunity to share God's love and his message with others.

This is a picture of Colleen yesterday- grinning from ear to ear after being told she was going home!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy for her!!!

Update regarding hospitalization

Colleen was admitted on Monday for a blood infection. She was doing better but developed another fever a few days ago. This postponed her release. The doctors also say that because of the infection, her white blood count must be higher for her to come home. She also developed a fever during a blood transfusion yesterday briefly. I am feeling a bit better. It is amazing what a good nights sleep can do for the soul. We are still weary but feel stronger today. The blood cultures from a few days ago are negative- so no new bacteria. Praise God for answered prayer.  Colleen is understandably disappointed and really wants to come home. Her white count came up from .2 to .3 today but this is not enough to come home. Apparently she would be at risk for readmission from another blood infection is she goes home now. It is a bit hard for me to understand the logic, but i really trust the doctors. It seems like she would me at more risk to develop an infection in the hospital,but they say they are concerned with the normal bacteria in her body causing another blood infection. Please continue to pray that God will help her white count to come up soon so she can come home. Please continue to pray for us as we near the end of the phase of chemotherapy. She should feel better soon. Please also pray that she will be able to catch up on her schoolwork. The online schooling takes around 6 hours per day and everyday she misses, she falls behind by 7 assignments. We just don't know if she is going to make it this semester. She only has until the first part of January to finish all of her schoolwork and this could be a huge challenge. Colleen is a really diligent and self motivated student and is really wanting to do well in school. Thank you for your love, encouragement, and your prayers. We know that our God is faithful and there is a purpose to all of this but we are getting weary. It is so hard to watch your child suffer for so long. Thank you again

 1 Thessalonians 16-18 says Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 


Good news! Len was able to raise $2500.00 for the leukemia foundations Hollywood movie night. Thank you to each of you who donated. We are currently looking at supporting one or two organizations thru volunteering and fundraising and the girls want to train our dogs to go to be therapy dogs. We also are getting a new puppy in a few weeks. The girls are very excited. Should be interesting to see if our dogs can pass classes to be therapy dogs. We are looking forward to doing our part when Colleen is feeling better. 

Desperately needing prayer

Colleen was scheduled to go home tomorrow with intravenous antibiotics but has developed another high fever tonight. Discharge will be postponed for 2 days at least. Another set of blood cultures were sent. Please pray that this is nothing serious. I forgot to let you know that Colleen was admitted on Monday with a blood infection, she responded well to the antibiotics but has developed another fever. I did post this on facebook but forgot to write it on the blog sorry. 

This illness has gone on so long- 9 months of chemotherapy, illness, strokes, nausea, etc. We all know that having chemotherapy is challenging but until you have witnessed it first hand, it is just impossible to understand the suffering. It seems like the end of this trial is so near but yet so far. Up until today, I have felt as though everything happens for a reason and God is molding us into the people he wants us to be and giving us more opportunity to spread the gospel. Today, however, I feel as though the devil is just trying to break us down- taunting us with more suffering. Maybe I am just tired, but enough is enough!!!! . This child has suffered more than any child should. We need your fervent, heart-felt prayers to end this trial. We desperately need your prayers to help us to continue to see the blessings in this trial. No child should have to endure such suffering. l. I feel like the devil is trying to drag us down, trying to have us denounce our God and Savior out of sheer exhaustion. This will never happen. We are thankful that we have had so many opportunities to share our faith and God's love with others but enough suffering has taken place. Please, please pray that Colleen will recover quickly, that she will enter maintenance soon, that God will give us the strength that we all need to get us through this trial.

John 11:4 But when Jesus heard it, He said,"This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it." 

John 11:25 Jesus said to her," I am the resurrection and the life; He who believes in me shall live even if he dies and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.

One more intensive treatment

Colleen has been nauseated off and on this week. She went to the clinic on Friday and received platelets. Her chemotherapy has changed to Tuesdays this phase. Her last scheduled intensive chemotherapy is scheduled for Tuesday. She also has a spinal with chemotherapy scheduled. Please pray that this last treatment will go well, that Colleen will have few side effects such as nausea, and that the cancer will remain in remission. We received a phone call from the mom of a young lady who sponsored a fundraiser for Colleen. She heard about the incident this summer when people were staring at Colleen at the pool, and felt compelled to help. It is simply heartwarming when complete strangers reach out to help. We are so thankful for each and every one of you  who have encouraged us in anyway throughout this trial. It has been so encouraging throughout the last 9 months. So many of you have been such a blessing. I wish I were a more eloquent writer or speaker- I just cannot find the words to express our gratitude.No words seem sufficient to express our thankfulness. Every card, prayer, and word of encouragement is forever etched in our hearts. We will forever be grateful to all of you and our God for giving us the strength to endure this trial. God does not promise us an easy life, but he does promise to walk beside us and help us through. We will forever remember every act of kindness and will continue to love and encourage others who are weathering trials. We are so glad to be reaching maintenance. After tuesday, Colleen's blood counts need to recover and then she will be able to return to school. She will continue to receive occasional spinals, monthly intravenous chemotherapy and sometimes oral chemotherapy for the next 2 full years but she will feel well most of the time and be able to return to a semi-normal life. 

Now that we are anticipating entering maintenance, we have decided to begin the process of giving back. Len is fundraising this week for the childhood leukemia foundation. Please consider donating to this wonderful organization. Colleen has been participating in monthly activities sponsored by this agency and has truly enjoyed them. She is fundraising for the leukemia foundations Hollywood nights. On Friday, she will be able to attend movies with some of her friends. It is a movie marathon at the Emagine theater in Canton. 

Please consider donating to the wonderful organization. If you would like to donate please copy the link below and paste it into the address bar. It will take you to Colleen's site where the fundraiser is explained in detail. 


http://events.leukemiamichigan.org/site/TR/Movie/General?px=1038364&pg=personal&fr_id=1330

Isiah 40:29 God gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might he increases power. 

Isiah 40: 31 Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength, They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage on another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 

Thank you, The Stewart Family

Smiling

Colleen's pain subsided on Monday. We are so happy that God has( once again) answered our prayers. Colleen is still very weak and does not feel well most days. Yesterday she did have a good day. It was wonderful to see her smiling and giggling again. Just 2 more weeks of intense chemotherapy and then, on to maintenance. We are looking forward to Colleen having mostly good days in the near future. Please continue to pray that the next 2 weeks will go by without any complications, and the this terrible cancer will stay in remission. It has been a challenging 8 1/2 months but we are grateful for many things. Grateful for answered prayers, grateful that we have grown closer as a family, grateful that God has reminded us that  our relationship with him is the most important thing in life. We hope that you too will remember that life is very short and worthless unless we know him as our Savior. Some have asked me what this means. This is a prayer that is said initially confessing to God that we know we are sinners then asking Jesus to come into our heart and lives. We then make a conscious effort to attend church regularly, and live a life( with God's help) that is pleasing to him. We are not perfect or better than anyone else just forgiven by God. Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, but we must accept this gift and make a conscious effort to live a life which is as Christ-like as possible. It is not enough just to say a prayer once- we must have a personal relationship with him. Thank you again for praying. Colleen has done very well through her intensive chemotherapy and we know that this is because so many of you have been praying regularly. Our God is AWESOME!

Matthew 6:19-22 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is , there will your heart be also. 

Matthew 7:13 to 23   Enter by the narrow gate: for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. Not everyone who says to me,Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them," I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness. 

It is our greatest desire that many will hear God's word and accept him as their savior. This entire illness would be worth it all if just one person comes to know Christ and enters the gates of heaven to worship God forever with us in heaven.

Home at last

Colleen came home last night and after being placed on dilaudid 4 mg every 4 hours is finally more comfortable. She was able to work on some homework. She is still having a little bit of pain but nothing she cannot tolerate. Thank you for praying. We are so grateful that she is feeling better. We will begin to wean her off of the medication as soon as possible. The doctors were reluctant to use dilaudid because it is so strong but she really does need it at this time. After speaking with her oncologist, we decided to hold off on the nerve conduction study. If the pain does not improve soon, the test will need to be done but is not required at this time. Colleen does not need to take dexamethasone anymore and only has 2 doses of vincristine left. We are almost to maintenance. We are looking forward to the day when all this pain and nausea are gone for good. Please pray that the chemotherapy will be effective and the cancer will not reoccur. We are expecting total healing but only God knows what our path will be. A doctor asked me the other day if i woke up a lot at night worrying about Colleen and I honestly said no. We know that God's plan for us is best and we rest knowing that God is all knowing and all powerful. Thank you for your prayers. 

Still at Childrens with pain

Colleen remains at Children's Hospital she is still on high doses of Intravenous morphine but it is not touching the pain. Her pain level is 7 at this time. She has not slept in the last 4 days. She was able to sleep for about an hour twice last night after benadryl 50 mg iv push. She is understandably frustrated and irritated. The pain team feels that this is a neuropathic or nerve pain which is harder to control. Yesterday they started giving her neurontin for the nerve pain but this takes a few days to work. I am going to request that they try another drug for pain today and if it is not effective, bring her home. She really does not want to be at the hospital and i cannot say that i blame her. We can suffer much more comfortably on the couch at home. Please pray that something will give her some relief. This is by far the most difficult time since she was diagnosed in January. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and the pain team. Thank you

Uncontrolled pain

Colleen's pain did not improved over the weekend -despite taking long acting morphine 45mg's every 12 hours. I spoke with her oncologist this morning and decided that she should be admitted for uncontrolled pain. Colleen had not slept well in a few days and when the dog jumped on the couch, it was causing a great deal of pain. Colleen preferred to stay home and suffer, but I told her that( in this day and age), there are many pain control options available and there is no reason to suffer. She was really angry with me- I hope that one day she will understand.I can understand that she did not want to go back to the hospital but suffering just is not an option. It breaks a moms heart to see her child needlessly suffer. One day, I hope she will forgive me. She is currently at children's again. The pain team has placed her on a patient controlled analgesia or pca so that she can give her own pain meds tonight. Please pray that this will be a short admission and her pain will be easily controlled. 

When I think about how unfair it is that a child should suffer in pain, it makes me think about the sacrifice that God made in sending his son to die a horrible death on the cross. What we are experiencing as parents is heart wrenching but pales in comparison to that sacrifice. It makes me reflect on the love that God has for us. We did not deserve such love and still as sinners do not. I am so blessed that God chose me to be his own and has also chosen my immediate family. It is a gift which is truly undeserved and is priceless. 

1 Peter 1:13 to 17 

And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and perseverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered , those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that he might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

Emergency room visit

It has been a long few weeks. The last few days Colleen's feet have been hurting. The doctor feels this may be related to the steroids Colleen was taking last week. Last night at 12 o'clock Colleen woke me up to tell me that the the pain was all over her body especially severe in the knees and feet. We tried giving morphine but it did not touch the pain. We used heating pads all over to try to alleviate the pain but it did not help. Finally at about 245 Colleen was just shaking in pain and almost unable to walk. We got her to the car and took her to the emergency room at children's hospital. She received 6mg of morphine thru the IV and finally the pain was improved-not gone but praise God bearable. She got to come home at about 7am we continued to give the immediate release morphine around the clock for the pain. I spoke with her oncologist who ordered long acting morphine. She is still having moderate pain and needing the immediate relief morphine every 3 hours. Please pray that the pain will subside. Colleen is not one to complain or take pills or shots but after the morphine in the iv, she stated that she would be willing to take morphine injections at home. This means her pain is really severe because she has a needle phobia. Thank God that the morphine works. Once again, we received excellent care at Children's Hospital. Thank you to all the doctors and nurses who have provided so much care and support to our family. Just 4 more weeks and counting of this intensive chemotherapy. We look forward to the day when Colleen is feeling better. Thank you for your prayers. 

Revelation 21: 4-7 states and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall no longer be any death, there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain: the first thing have passed away. and He who sits on the throne said,"Behold I am making all things new."And He said to me," It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. 

We look forward to the day when Christ returns for all believers. A day when children no longer will have to suffer and pain is no longer a part of our lives. 

Pray for relief

Colleen is just feeling terrible today. She felt so bad that she did not get out of her pajamas- for her this is very rare. Please pray that God will relieve the nausea and stomach pain and that she will feel better. It is really hard to watch her suffer. We appreciate your prayers for Colleen. 

Last 5 weeks then maintenance

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Colleen has entered the last phase before maintenance therapy. She will receive intensive chemotherapy for another 5 weeks. She has been really nauseated and at times, not feeling well at all. This is the same sort of chemotherapy that she received when she was first diagnosed. We are thankful that the end is in sight. Colleen is trying to keep up with online schooling with alpha and omega but it is a real challenge when she feels so terrible. Please pray that she will feel well enough to keep up with her studies. Maintenance which will entail chemotherapy monthly with spinal taps and chemo in the spine once about every 3 months will begin when her blood counts rise  after this next 5 weeks of chemo have been completed. Colleen is currently on dexamethasone twice daily which is an anticancer drug. This causes mood swings and irritability and a veracious appetite please pray that the side effects will be tolerable and she will do well. 
     Despite the fact that she has not been feeling great, Colleen was able to venture out yesterday to go see Spider man and was able to go to the zoo today. We are so thankful for God's goodness during this time. Please remember to continue to pray that the chemotherapy will be effective, that the cancer will not reoccur, and that Colleen will feel well enough to keep up with her schoolwork, Once again, thank you all for praying. We know that our Lord hears and answers our prayers. We still have a peace that only the Lord can provide. We know that everything that happens is meant for good and we look forward to seeing how the Lord will use Colleen some day to bless others as a result of this trial.
     James 1 says- Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Blessed is the man that perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him. 
     James 5:13 says- Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, annointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. We know many are praying and our Lord will keep his promises. Thank you again.

We have nothing to fear

I can't believe that it is 330 am and i cannot sleep. I woke up a few hours ago overwhelmed with  emotion. Not sure what emotion but I felt the need to post and update. Sometimes things just don't make sense to us until later. Anyway,. I have to go to work in a few hours. Hopefully, I will be able to sleep after this.

 I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude. I am grateful mostly for God's love and a peace which surpasses understanding which has been provided to our family during this time. We appreciate each and every person who has taken time to pray for Colleen and our family. God has been so good to us . Colleen has not had to be hospitalized for any viral or bacterial illnesses, she has responded well to her treatments, and we have only 3 months left of intensive chemotherapy and then she will be in maintenance. This is once a month chemo at the office and some pills at home but she will be able to return to school. I am grateful that God has given us a new focus, reminded us that the most important thing in life is sharing his love and salvation's plan to others. I am grateful for the new friends that we have made along the way. Doctors, nurses, other children with cancer. We are thankful that Colleen's cancer is 90 percent curable and that her treatment has gone well. She has no residual effects from the stroke or methotrexate neurotoxicity that she had early in treatment. We are thankful for the support from others during this time. Our friends at Annapolis hospital preop and recovery, our friends in the NICU at Oakwood Dearborn, the Dearborn Police Department, the Dearborn Heights Police and fire departments, the wart hogs,  our church family at Inter-CIty Baptist, our family and  and so many others that have helped us along the way. Once again thank you for your kindness and especially your prayers for Colleen. Our God is the Great Physician, he is bigger than cancer! We have nothing to fear. 

Colleen entered the hospital on tuesday for her last scheduled inpatient chemotherapy. Lord willing, she will come home on Saturday or possibly Sunday. Please pray that she will be able to clear the chemo quickly so she can go home. Please also pray that she will either not get mouth sores or that they will heal quickly. Colleen's doctor stopped in to see her yesterday and told her that she is her only patient that is excited to start chemo. I think she just wants it over so that she can return to school but we appreciate her taking time to visit. 

After speaking to the principal, we have decided to enroll Colleen in online classes for the fall. She will most likely return to school in October sometime. Please pray that she will be feel well enough to be able to do her work and that God will help her remain positive despite the fact that she cannot return to school in the fall. 

John chapter 14 says: Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself:, that where I am may you be also.  Jesus said unto him, I am the way the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father but by me. 

It is our prayer that every person will know the joy that comes with knowing and having a personal relationship with God who hears and answers our prayers. God does not promise us an easy life but he does promise to remain beside us to help us through. We look forward to spending an eternity in heaven with our Lord and Savior!

Weathering this trial

Colleen came home from the hospital on the 4th of july at about 4pm. We are thankful that she was able to go to the pool and swim for a bit. She also won 3rd place in the table decorating contest. She insisted that i decorate even though she was in the hospital. I was not thrilled to decorate in the 100 degree heat but it was worth the effort. She was pleased.

We found out this week that Colleen will not be able to attend school in the fall. She will not be done with her chemotherapy. The earliest that she can return is October. She is understandably disappointed- really quite devastated. She misses her friends. Please pray for direction for us as we decide whether to have a teacher come from the public school or continue trying to keep up at home. That Singapore math is really tough for the kids and the instructors. Please continue to pray that she will tolerate the chemo without any further side effects and that she will remain well. God has protected her from colds and viruses so far. We are trying to remain content as we weather this trial but it is hard at times even though we know that God's plan is best.

Thank you for praying for Colleen's room mate this last admission. She was able to eat and felt much better than previous admissions. Her family was puzzled but we were not. We know  God hears our prayers and answers them. Thank you for your continued prayers for Colleen and her friend. Please pray for continued oportunities to witness to others and demonstrate God's love.

Gods direction

Sorry it has been so long since i updated the blog. We have had out of town guests. My sister and her family were here to visit- both sisters at different times so we have been busy. We really enjoyed visiting with both families.

Colleen is currently at children's hospital and got her chemo from friday to Saturday. Her first level was only .71 and last time the first methotrexate level was over 30. She is really excited and praying that she can go home early. Colleen has been feeling pretty well between her treatments which are every 3 weeks. Last week she attended bible school at Bethesda Baptist and is currently playing kick ball on Wednesday nights there. When my sister was here,,she went to the zoo and The Henry Ford.  She has a slight cold please pray that this will clear up soon. Just a nagging cough despite that fact that she takes 9 robitussin pills per day to help prevent further strokes from the chemotherapy. She was relieved and excited to finish her research paper for English but still has make up work to complete. Please pray that she will feel well enough to complete her work and please pray that she is able to return to school in the fall. We are so grateful for God's love and direction.
 I recently began a new job and I am very excited. The work load is reasonable and everyone has been really kind. I was heartbroken when I was not hired at my previous job but God knows what is best for us even when we feel disappointed and heartbroken he is there to guide us and knows what is best. I am so thankful for his love and direction.

This admission Colleen has an 8 year old room mate who always gets sick with her chemotherapy. We have been praying that she will remain well and praise God she has been able to eat this admission and is feeling quite well. Please pray for her also. Our God is an awesome God. He is all knowing, omnipotent and wonderful.

Uncomfortable moments

Colleen was hospitalized for 5 days and came home last Sunday. She is doing well but has sores in her throat which are causing her pain from the chemotherapy. Please pray that they will heal quickly because they are very painful. She tolerated the chemo well and is doing fine otherwise. My sister and her family are visiting and we are having a grand time battling at uno. Colleen felt well enough to go to The Henry Ford and the Detroit zoo this week. Her hair is growing back but is at the stage where others are really staring at her. I guess they just are curious or don't understand but it is hard to swim with a wig on. Unfortunately even adults are staring. Please pray that the Lord will give her strength to endure the uncomfortable moments. I just want to buy her a shirt that says please don't stare i have cancer but she is not too comfortable with that idea. I guess i will have to pass her cards out at the pool so others may understand. Thank you again for your continued prayers. Our God is wonderful and we are thankful that Colleen is feeling better on the methotrexate.

Hospitalized for chemo

Colleen's chemotherapy did not get started until noon today 18 hours after admission. She was really disappointed because she is hoping to be home as soon as possible because my sister and her family are coming to visit. Please pray that she will do well and be able to enjoy time with our family. Colleen is doing well and the chemotherapy will be done around noon tomorrow. She is in good spirits and feeling a bit nauseated but ok. She was able to visit with another teen today to encourage her. Thank you for praying.

Once again the Lord has answered our prayers. Colleen tolerated the methotrexate spinal well with no side effects, Chelsea is feeling better and nobody else got sick and Colleen  was well enough to attend the annual childrens Hospital Picnic at CJ Barrymores last saturday. We are so thankful for Gods answer to our prayers. Colleen and the girls really enjoyed the day driving go karts, bumper boats, and getting temporary tattoos. It was a really fun filled family day and we appreciate all the hard work put forth by the volunteers and staff at Childrens.

Today Colleen was admitted for more high dose methotrexate thru the IV. Colleen is asking that everyone pray that she can clear the methotrexate from her system and have a short hospital stay. We have room mates this trip a beautiful little girl. Please pray that both the girls will tolerate the chemo well, stay free from infections and that we will be an encouragement to others at the hospital.

Many of you have requested a picture of Colleen's beads of courage. Each bead is a clinic visit, a needle poke etc for more information just google beads of courage.

 Psalm 106:1 O give thanks to the Lord for he is good. For his lovingkindness is everlasting.

Doing well after methotrexate spinal

Thank you all for praying for Colleen. She had a spinal on friday with the methotrexate and is doing well so far. Her back is sore please pray that it will heal quickly. Colleen has had a lot more energy since beginning with the methotrexate chemotherapy. She was able to attend about 4 graduation open houses today and really enjoyed visiting with everyone. It is nice to see her with more energy. She has been taking leukovoran which is a drug that they give to protect the normal cells in the body from the chemotherapy. Colleen is excited that she does not have to go back for a clinic appointment until Tuesday June 5th when she will be admitted for more chemotherapy. We are praying that she will continue to respond well to the chemotherapy and be able to come home quicker than the doctors predict. The average stay is 4 ot 7 days and she was home within 3 days. We are so thankful. Chelsea is ill with a sinus infection and laryngitis. Please pray that the Lord will keep Colleen safe from this illness and heal Chelsea quickly. God has protected Collen from any viruses or infections since she was diagnosed.


Psalm 37:17-18 The righteous cry out , and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Our God is an awesome God. He is bigger than cancer and he is able to perform miracles and deliver us in our times of troubles. Thank you again for praying.

Grand Marshall

This weekend Colleen had a lot of fun. She came home on Friday night and went to the St Sebastian festival for a while. Then went driving with Cydnie in a parking lot. Cydnie just started drivers training. Saturday she was the Grand Marshall of the St Sebastian parade. She rode in a yellow convertible and passed out candy to kids on the parade route. We really appreciate having special opportunities like this. It gives her something to look forward to. It helps to take the focus off of the illness and back on living life to its fullest. On Sunday she felt well enough to go to Sunday school and sunday night went to a singspiration. A youth activity with our church where the kids sing songs and fellowship and just have fun. Thank you all so much for praying. When life gives you lemons make lemonade.

Discharged Early

Sorry It has been so long since we posted. Colleen is home. She was admitted on tuesday for her methotrexate chemotherapy. The doctors felt she may be in the hospital from 4 to 7 days. Colleen is home after 3 days. We are so elated that she tolerated the chemotherapy without any adverse side effects and her levels of the chemotherapy came down quickly. Thank you for praying. Our God is awesome. He not only answered our prayers but once again exceeded our expectations. When Colleen got home today, she felt well enough to go to St Sebastians festival for a few hours. Len went to grade school there and still has a lot of friends there. Tomorrow Colleen will be the Grand Marshall of their parade. We are so thankful for each and every one of you who are taking the time to pray for her. God's grace is definitely evident and he has given us a peace that surpasseth understanding. She will be home for 2 weeks and then go back to the hospital for another round. Please continue to pray.

We know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

But he knows the way I take: When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:20

Feeling better

Colleen has been feeling well. No chemo for a few weeks now and we are grateful for the break. My mom is visiting and we are enjoying the company. Colleen has another clinic visit tomorrow. She is hoping her counts have recovered enough to start the next round. She has even let go of what I call the security bowl. She often has a bowl close just in case she needs it. No nausea for a few days. It is nice to see her feeling better. Thank you for praying.

Gods Plan

Colleen had a clinic visit today. She was disappointed that her counts have not recovered enough to begin her chemotherapy but we know that God's plan for our lives is better than our own. We know that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and we are greatful for his wisdom and his love for us. Please pray that we she will remain encouraged despite the change in our plan for the next few weeks. Thank you for praying. We really appreciate those of you who pray without ceasing for us. We have a peace and calm that can only come from knowing the Lord as our saviour and we hope that those of you who do not know him will experience the pure joy that comes from worshipping him. Have a great weekend.

Prayer request

Colleen is doing well. She has not had chemo for a few weeks and has a lot more energy. Her stomach pain seems to have subsided and she is doing homework. YIPPEE SKIPPEE!  Colleen would like for everyone to pray that her blood counts will be higher so that she can start her next chemo. She is looking forward to a party that Childrens Hospital is having for the kids. It is going to be in June and if she does't start her chemo tomorrow, she will be in the hospital during the party. We know that God's timing is the best but she would like to attend the party if at all possible. Thank you for praying. She has another clinic visit tomorrow. With God all things are possible.

Clinic visit answered prayer

Colleen returned to clinic today to have her blood counts checked. We are praising God for answering our prayers. Colleen was not dehydrated today. Her nausea is better and seems to be feeling pretty well. She was able to attend Cydnie's Viola recital yesterday and sit through the entire program. Colleen's blood counts have not recovered enough to begin treatment with the methotrexate-the nurse feels they may not recover until next week. Please pray the she will be able to begin treatment soon. Each week that we delay means another week of chemotherapy and Colleen really wants to go back to school in the fall. Thank you all for diligently praying we know God is in control and he is giving us the strength we need to run the race. Please continue to pray the God will protect Colleen from any bacterial or viral infections. Her white count is still only .6 up from .3 last friday. Thank you again.

Dehydration

Colleen went to her clinic appt today. She required a transfusion of platelets. Once again, she was dehydrated even though she is drinking plenty of fluids. The doctors wanted to admit her but did not have a bed. Please pray that the Lord will fix whatever problem is causing this or give the doctors wisdom to know what is causing it so it can be treated. Her counts are still low so she will probably not begin the new phase of treatment this week. She is also still nauseated. We are going to have a new prescription filled for kytril tomorrow. Please pray that this will alleviate the nausea and stomach pain. Thank you for praying.

Answer to prayer

We want to thank each of you for praying. Cydnie is over her horrible cold and praise God the rest of the family remains healty. Another miracle because Colleen's white count remains low. Our God is so good. Colleen went for her clinic treatment on Friday. She received vincristine chemotherapy. We were informed of the next phase of treatment. It involves giving high doses of methotrexate through the IV. This is the drug that caused her stroke. She may begin this treatment next friday or the friday after. I believe her blood counts have to be a certain level before they begin the treatment so it all depends on those numbers. She will receive this medication every 3 weeks for 3 or 4 treatments. Most kids get this drug every 2 weeks but Colleen will get it every 3 to allow her body to process it. There is usually another spinal with methotrexate at this point in treatment, but they are postponing this one until after we see how she responds to the high doses in the IV. Colleen will be spending a week in the hospital every 3 weeks. Please pray that the Lord will provide the wisdom the doctors need to treat Colleen without any adverse side effects. Please also pray for us. Spending this amount of time at the hospital definitely causes extra stress. I have to work, so this is an added stressor but thank the Lord that Lens work is very flexible and supportive of him at this time and Chelsea is also a wonderful help to all of us.

Colleen takes 9 robitussin tablets per day so I asked my Aunt Kathy to find some with coupons on them in her area. She found 29 bottles and wrapped them up for Colleen for Easter( this is a 8 week supply). She is the only one I know that can make robitussin look beautiful. She and grandpa bought all of  that for us. Thank you so much! Below is a picture of the Robitussin basket. Simply gorgeous- Colleen, the girls, and the Robitussin!

Easter picture

Half way there - beads of courage

Colleen went for her treatment at the clinic today. She got 2 types of chemotherapy PEG and vincristine. She has been nauseated all day despite using all sorts of nausea drugs. It is so hard as a parent to have to sit by and watch your child suffer.Colleen as usual has been very strong- no tears - no complaining- no whining. And yet we have so much to be thankful for. We are currently 3 months into our 6 month intensive therapy and despite our 2 scares the stroke and the strange movements, God has blessed us with a month or so of quiet. Cydnie has a terrible cold. Please pray that God will protect Colleen and the rest of the family from this and other illnesses and pray that the nausea will subside.

Matthew 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

No matter what our circumstance, there is always someone worse off than we are. In life, we can choose to be angry with God and wonder why me or why us or we can be thankful for Gods grace and goodness. I heard about a child who died recently from lymphoma after a 9 month hospitalization. We spent only one week in the hospital and that was very hard. I do not even know this childs name or the family but their story was so touching. We do not know their name but our father in heaven does. Please pray for this family as they mourn the loss of their child. Thank you for praying.

Len wants me to share the beads of courage website. She gets a bead for every clinic visit, needle poke, icu visit etc. Our journey has been relatively calm compared to others. Colleen has a string of beads that are 8 feet tall already in 3 months. Each bead tells a story. If you type in beads of courage on facebook you can see the beads and many inspiring stories.

Pray regarding upcoming hospitalization and treatment

Colleen went to the clinic on tuesday for platelets. She has been feeling pretty good for the most part for the last few weeks. She was able to have some friends over for a while on tuesday and really enjoyed their company. Our friends at Annapolis Hospital sent a huge box of goodies for Colleen and she was really pleased. She loved all the gifts in the box. Colleen will be going into the hospital in a few weeks to receive the high dose methotrexate. This is the chemotherapy that caused her stroke. Please pray that she will tolerate the chemotherapy well with no side effects. We are thankful that she has no residual effects from the stroke but are understandably concerned about her having to receive the drug again.

Psalm 46:1,2,7 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold.

The source of our strength

Psalm 28:7-8 The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in him and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.

It is almost Easter and I cannot help but share with you God's mercy and grace. He sent his son to die on the cross for our sins. You see we all have a sinful nature and God only sees that until we become saved. Recently, someone explained it this way. If you murdered someone and you went before a judge and the judge said I am not going to charge you with this murder because the good in your life outweighs the bad would you consider him a good judge? I often hear others say that they do not believe that a loving God would send anyone to hell but he has made a way for us to enter heaven and that is through his son Jesus Christ. He sent his son to died for us and  to take the payment of our sin. We need to understand that Jesus is the way that God has provided this way to heaven. He is the key to our salvation from an eternity in hell. I am so grateful to God for providing this way for us and I pray that everyone who reads this will accept him as their savior. Many hear the truth and turn away from it. Others become offended when you share this with them. Being saved translates into being forgiven not being better or more righteous than someone else. When we stand before God on judgement day he will ask you why he should let you into heaven? The only answer that he will accept  is that Jesus died to save me from my sins and I have accepted him as my savior and tried to live life serving him and sharing his word with others. Many who do not know the Lord as their savior cannot understand why Christians share this with others. We are commanded by God to share what we know and we also want everyone friends and family to know him. The worst thing will be not spending an eternity in heaven with those that we love.The joy and peace you experience is wonderful and you cannot help but share this with others so that they too can know God and experience that Joy. I am thankful that God has saved me and my immediate family. The peace of knowing that one day all of the sickness and sorrow of this world will pass and we will the spend an eternity worshipping our Heavenly Father is what helps us struggle through the sorrow and sickness and trials of life. Our time on earth is very short and it will all pass away eventually but our God in heaven will reign forever. We cherish the day when we can worship him in heaven.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God

We are thankful for a few good weeks. Colleen is stronger than I have seen her in some time. She is laughing and giggling and her mentation is back to normal. I guess the methotrexate toxicity lasted for some time. She is still receiving shots, pills and chemotherapy in her port on fridays but she is doing wonderful. We are thankful that God has allowed everyone in our home to remain free from illness for the last 2 months. What a miracle! Colleen took a picture with her dad today and I am impressed by her strength and courage. She gave us permission to post a picture of her without her wig. Truly inspiring! Thank you for praying and have a wonderful Easter!

Chemotherapy another round

Colleen went for her clinic appt on friday we were hoping that her white and red counts would not have recovered so she could have a week off. Her counts were ok so she was given cytaribine( name mentioned for our chemistry and nurse friends who might be interested). She is also getting 3 shots daily for the next 3 days of cytarabine and taking an oral pill called mercaptopurine. We are thankful that she seems to be tolerating the chemotherapy well. She tires easily and has moderate stomach pain in the evening- not sure why but tolerating it well with no new strange side effects-Praise the Lord. Thank you for praying often for Colleen. We know that God is the Great Physician and he is able to heal Colleen and help our family through this trying time.

Thank you to our friends The Wart Hogs- a motorcyle group of retired policemen and firefighters for their generous gift. We really appreciate the fact that people who have never met us are so willing to help us. Thank you again. Thank you also to our wonderful church family at Inter-City Baptist in Allen Park and our sunday school class the ambassadores  for the gift card and the wonderful dinners you have provided.

I tried to post a new picture of Colleen in the beaver hat she was given at her clinic appt but they just aren't turning out today. Will try again in a few days. Thank you again.

No new problems

I am excited to report that there is absolutely nothing to report. We are relieved  that Colleen has had a few more good days. Somehow I just keep thinking more problems may be around the corner. We are hoping and praying that life will stay calm for a while. Colleen ventured out to the show with the girls today and was able to stay awake for the entire 2 hour show. We are elated! She was smiling and laughing today was able to stay awake most of the day. She is going for another MRI early in the morning. Please pray that everything is healing. There have been no problems but they are just making sure there are no new problem areas. Colleen goes for chemotherapy on Friday. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors as they decide how to proceed with her treatment. Thank you for praying.

It is so easy to get lost in the everyday drudgery of life. Take a moment to cherish the important things in life- your family and Gods goodness and grace. We have no guarantees in life. When you have a sick child it just sort of puts things in perspective. When it rains it pours. Part of the roof blew off last week and the toilet broke- oh well no problem. What used to be a big deal is now not so important. Thank God for talented family members- my cousin repaired both problems. Praise the Lord.

Venturing out to church

Colleen has had a few good days. Good days meaning that she is able to stay awake for over 2 hours at a time and the stomach pain has improved. She was able to attend church for the first time in a few months. We sat in the parlor so that  Len could take her home if she started feeling ill or too tired but she was able to stay awake for the entire service. For this we are thankful. Colleen really loves singing and i thought it would be good for her to go to church and sing. Anyway, she did well and really enjoyed visiting with someone other than her family for a while. Thank you all for praying. Please pray that the stomach pain will decrease. She is having bouts of nausea and her stomach hurts tonight. She never moans or complains- she has been very gracious and patient. Much more patient and gracious than i think i would be if i had to endure this trial.

Beads of Courage

Just a quick note to let you know that Colleens stomach pain has subsided. She ate quite a bit today. Thank you for praying. She ventured out to buy beads at Joannes this afternoon and now is napping. The clinic has a program called beads of courage and she gets a bead for each needle stick, clinic visit, icu stay, chemo infusion etc. We have had to create our own beads for a few things. Len bought her a rainbow bead to commemorate the rainbow hair and we had to get a stroke bead today. Anyway colleens beads should be very long. The string is already taller than she is and we are only 2 months into treatment.  We are praying that we don't have to buy anymore weird beads. We have had enough excitement for the next 2 years.

Chemotheray plan

Colleen went for her clinic appt yesterday and got a chemotherapy called vincrisitine. The doctors are giving he a short break from the methotrexate which they believe caused the stroke. I have had many people ask if they can change or quit giving this particular chemotherapy. Unfortunately, it is an integral part of the treatment for this leukemia. They are going to be able to give a drug called leukovoran( not sure of the spelling) the day after they give the methotrexate to protect the normal cells in the body from the chemotherapy and hopefully prevent any further toxicity. Chelsea has researched a bit and studies find that strokes usually do not recur. Colleen got 4 consecutive weeks of methotrexate in her spine and somehow it buit up in her system causing the stroke. A few studies also show that dextromethorthan or the ingredient in cough syrup also can help prevent toxicity. She is now takin 9 of those pills per day. Only one percent of children ever even develop this problem so the studies are few and far between. Once again we are left to depend on God to see us thru.

Please pray for wisdom for the doctors who need to decide how to proceed with the chemotherapy and pray that Colleen will not have anymore side effects from the medications. Colleen is having stomach pain please pray that the pain will subside.

Thank God for his wisdom in all things- He knows what the outcome will be and is working to show his power and love through this trial. Thank you all for praying for Colleen.

Faith and new pictures

Colleens new Sully hat so silly

Colleen is having a great day. She is stronger than I have seen in a long time and she is eating well hallelujah! The sparkle is back in her eyes.  The girls all ventured out today to pick up Cydnie from school and stopped to see Dr. Tally for a few minutes. Colleen was able to wear her scoliosis brace for a while today and for that we are thankful.

Last week on friday the verse on my planner sitting on my desk was Luke 12:6-7. Are not sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight. But even the hairs on your head are all counted. Do not be afraid- You are of more value than a sparrow. I was sharing this with my coworkers in the morning and praising God for his goodness but I really though of the verse in reference to Friday and Saturday with the stroke incident last week. Now I look back and realize that the verse was meant for both days. I was so panicked about Colleen when that social worker said she was not doing well -even though he has had her in his hand the whole time. I know that Colleen is going to be healed. Everytime I turn around the Lord is encouraging us. Just the other day a nurse called to let me know that a coworker of hers has a daughter that also had a stroke and she is doing well and graduating from U of M soon. Colleen was diagnosed early- responded well to treatment actually ahead of schedule, the Dr who diagnosed her also had leukemia as a 14 year old and is doing well. I am going to try to really focus on the fact that God is in control and whatever circumstances arise, he is totally able to care for Colleen. God is omnipotent and he loves us more than our parents on earth. I believe he will accomplish much through this trial- we are learning to lean on him and for this we are grateful. Perhaps God will use Colleen to minister to others one day. Thank you for your continued prayers for Colleen.

Colleen missed her rainbow hair so we bought some more

St Pattys day wig

Happy to be home

Colleen was discharged earlier today and is happy to be home. She is eating well not sure if this is because the chemotherapy was skipped this week or because the stroke affected the brain in some way but we are certainly glad she is eating better. She has her computer opened for the first time in a few weeks and seems to have more energy than i have seen in over a month. Praise the Lord for healing her so quickly. Did not get around to pictures tonight sorry. The bathroom was overdue for a cleaning will try to post some tomorrow. Thank you all for praying and for offering to help us it means so much.

Details from the last few days

I just left Colleen and Len at the hospital and I am elated to report that Colleen is doing very well. She is now awake and alert back to her cheerful, joyous self. No more weird movements and no new problems to report.

The past few days have been scary for us. We were extremely concerned that something new had occurred in her brain. We left the hospital on wednesday night relieved and so thankful that God healed Colleen from her stroke. The movement and strength in her left side had returned and she was feeling very well. On thursday I went back to work thinking the storm was over. I came home for lunch and Colleen was laughing inappropriately seemingly unable to stop and having strange rhythmic movements of the arms, legs and neck almost seemed like she had cerebral palsy or those types of movements. She was rolling around on the floor and just behaving strangely. I called her hematologist who said to monitor her for an hour she felt this was just a symptom of the methotrexate or chemotherapy toxicity exhibiting itself in another way no reason for great concern. She said to bring her to the clinic in and hour if she had not improved.

 After eating lunch for about 10 minutes, her symptoms progressed so I told Chelsea we needed to get her to the clinic now. She said she was ok to take her to the clinic and I would meet her at the hospital after work. It took 2 of us to get her in the car. I returned to work and within 30 minutes the social worker called and said i needed to come right away. I asked what was going on and all she would say was that she was not doing well. As a nurse, this is often what we tell families when their loved one has coded or is on a ventilator. I really sort of freaked out thinking that Colleen was either dead or on a ventilator. I rushed to the hospital calling everyone I could think of to begin praying for Colleen. When I arrived at the trauma area in ER I was relieved to find out that she had just had what they felt was a seizure. I was immediately relieved she was sedated but stable.

Chelsea had arrived at childrens and used valet parking her symptoms were getting worse but there was no wheelchair to take her upstairs. A patient was discharged and Chelsea asked if she could use the wheelchair but since it was an recovery room chair, it was not available but the person was kind enough to transport them both to the hematology clinic. When they arrived in the clinic she began having terrible movements which required 5 nurses to hold her down to prevent her from injuring herself. The rapid response team was called to the clinic and she was given an ativan shot which helps relax muscles and stop seizures. She required 4 mgs a regular dose is 1 to 2 milligrams. While we were in trauma there were 2 children resuscitated- what wonderful nurses and doctors!!!!!!! Not sure how they deal with that everyday they are very special. Anyway, we spent from 4pm to right around midnight in the ER once again there were no beds available.

Once the ativan wore off, the symptoms returned so dextramethorthan or an ingredient in cough syrup which has been shown to help with the neurotoxicity from the chemotherapy was given. This caused her to go to sleep for 4 hours but when she woke up the symptoms returned- she was thrashing her arms and legs in the bed and was alert but had no control over her arms or legs. It was heartbreaking to see her so distraught laughing one second and sobbing the next because she could not control her body. We got to our room at about midnight the doctors were still not sure what was going on with her. They did give some more Ativan to relax the muscles and they gave benadryl which is supposed to help with these movements (dystonic movements). She fell asleep and was out until about 1130 am the next day friday. When she woke up the movements returned- Chelsea and I both had to protect her from hurting herself. Her platelet count is low so even a small injury can cause a lot of damage. The hematology team came to observe her and immediately called the neuro team. It took them over an hour to come but Dr. Raj Pukar the hematologist stayed with her distracting her with Harry Potter trivia. We were very grateful to her for staying with us during that time.

The chief of neurology arrived and stated that the stroke had caused an imbalance in the chemicals in the brain and this had disrupted the messages that the brain was sending to the body. He prescribed a medication called klonopin which helps with these dystonic movements. She finally got the medication about and hour after that and the movements stopped within 20 minutes. He also said that these symptoms only last about two to 4 weeks and usually go away totally- no promises of course but we were relieved to hear this.

After she took the klonipin and cough med she slept until her mri at 5 pm she had difficulty just holding her eyes opened. She then had an mri with sedation at about 8pm. She slept until this morning at about 1100. During the night she could not stand and was very uncoordinated. The MRI showed no new strokes or processes. I stayed with her last night and Len came up to the hospital about 1000 this am. I came home slept and cleaned a bit and went back at 500. I was elated to see her up and about, smiling and conversing with her friends.

We are thankful that  God healed Colleen , that the mri showed no new problem areas, for our friends and family who are faithfully praying for her. Our God is the great physician with the power to work miracles and he has shown his love and mercy to Colleen and our family by healing her so quickly.

Continue to pray that she will not have anymore side effects from the chemotherapy- she has to have high doses of the medication methotrexate later in her treatment. That she will continue to be free from viruses and infections and that God will give all of us the strength to get through the next 2 years.

Colleen may be discharged from the hospital tomorrow and i will post new pictures of her new hats. They are quite cute and so is she of course.

Hospital again

Colleen came home from the hospital last night. The doctors had decided that her stroke was likely caused by a different chemo drug than they had originally thought. She had been doing very well in the hospital, and didn't have to have that medicine for another few weeks. Her doctors were discussing how they would manage her body's reaction the next time she was given that particular chemo. She was doing very well and was happy to be home. 

This morning, however, she started behaving oddly. Eventually we decided that she would have to go into the hospital. Shortly after arriving in the clinic, Colleen's uncontrollable movements intensified and the doctors thought she was having a seizure. The staff here quickly got her some sedative in order to calm her down and stop the seizure. She will be admitted shortly for observation. The neurology team has since decided that this is likely not a seizure, but just an episode of odd behavior. Obviously they are trying to determine the cause.

Thank God

-that we arrived in the clinic before her symptoms were out of control.

-that the doctors got to her quickly and she did not injure herself.

Pray

-that the doctors can figure out the cause of her symptoms.

-that if needed, another chemotherapy plan can be found that will be effective in treating her leukemia.

-that she doesn't have anymore unusual side effects.

Chelsea

Stroke

We want to thank each of you who have taken time to pray for Colleen during this latest crisis. The movement in all extremities has returned- There is a bit of weakness in the left arm and leg but just slight and the doctors expect a full recovery.

  Colleen went for her weekly chemo treatment on friday. She had chemo in her port, chemo in her spine and transfusions of platelets and red blood cells. She was at clinic from 830 am to about 500pm. When she came home, she felt like her speech was slurring but Chelsea could not hear any problems with the speech. She took a nap until 8pm and when she woke up, her speech was incomprehesible. Chelsea called the doctors who recommended that she go to the ER. We arrived at er by 9pm but her speech had improved but was still a bit slurred. The er dr felt that this was  a side effect of the chemo vincristine which can affect the nerves in the face. She had a ct scan which showed a questionable area so she was kept overnight in the ER because there were no beds available. Chelsea stayed overnight with Colleen because i was on call in the recovery room at Annapolis. She was in the process of being discharged at noon when she began running into walls and staggering from weakness in the leg. She was then kept and an MRI was done at around 3pm. When she was done with the mri at 430 she was unable to move the left arm or leg and as time progressed, her left face was drooping, the tongue was no longer midline- This means that the facial nerves and all the nerves on the left side were being affected by a lack of oxgen to the brain or a stroke. The area of the brain which was affected was located off of a small artery so no blood clots were identified. We are unsure as to why this occured testing is still being done. One of the chemo drugs called esparagenase or PEG does cause strokes in one percent of cancer patients and we are suspecting that this may be the culprit. After the MRI, it was evident that she had a stroke so i wanted her placed in and icu immediately. There were no beds at Childrens or at U of M. The nurse practitioner called U of M and arranged a bed. Since the transport team at Childrens was tied up at Crittenon Hospital, the life flight team at U of M was going to fly down and pick up Colleen. We had been told that this was the plan and then there was a glitch with the bed-not sure what. Plan B went into effect. Fresh frozen plasma was given in an attempt to replace the clotting elements that are missing because of the chemo which somehow helps resolve the stroke.

 Colleen had not slept in the noisy er for over 24 hours so i told them to get a bed asap at the icu anywhere so she could rest. A bed then came available in the Pediatric ICU at Childrens so by about 100 am on Sunday we were finally in a room. The paralysis in Colleens left arm and leg lasted until about 5am on Sunday when she was able to move them slightly. The doctors in the icu felt recovery would probably last at least a few weeks. She stayed in the icu until 200 pm yesterday when she was transferred to 677 in the hematology oncology unit. I am pleased to report that she has probably 95 percent of the strength back in her arm and leg and with a bit of outpatient therapy they feel she will have a 100 percent recovery.  Chelsea read that this PEG chemo can cause this and recovery usually occurs within 2 days. We are thankful for Gods grace during this time. Even her primary doctor was really concerned about her status so thank you for praying. I am sorry for any confusion. The cell phones do not work in the ER but texting does. I just felt an urgency to inform everyone so they could begin praying.Thank you again we appreciate each of you and thank you to my nursing colleagues who picked up my on call time at Annapolis this weekend.

answered prayer

Colleen is doing much better today. She is able to walk pretty well and her strength is returning quickly. She was not transfered to Ann Arbor last night. She was able to get a room in the PICU at Children's almost as quickly as she would have at U of M, so they decided not to transfer her. She is out of the PICU and on her normal unit now. She has to stay for observation and some more tests to make sure that everything is okay and that it was the chemo that caused her problems. She'd rather be home, but is tired and mostly just happy that she's feeling so well again.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. They truly have been answered.

Chelsea

Please Pray

Colleen was admitted last night to Children's hospital with slurred speech. They did a CAT scan of her head which didn't show any unexpected anomalies. They kept her overnight for observation and by 9am she was doing perfectly fine. They examined her again at noon and discharged her because she was still doing fine. Before we could walk out of her room and down the hall, she started stumbling to the point that I wasn't comfortable leaving the hospital. In hopes that she had low blood sugar, we ordered some food. While eating, her left arm became very weak. The doctors ordered an MRI and told us that it could take up to 2 days to get her in. God provided us a slot in under 10 minutes. By the time the test was completed, she was unable to move her left side. The MRI showed that an area of her brain is getting inadequate blood. Essentially, she has had a stroke. There is no blood clot and no bleeding. A vessel has narrowed. This is a rare side effect that is sometimes seen with one of the Chemotherapy medications she had during her clinic appointment yesterday. Her Hematologist called me at home a little while ago. She said that most often blood flow is restored through supportive care--IV fluids and blood transfusions. She also said that usually there are not usually long term effects that cannot be corrected through physical therapy.
Right now, Colleen and my parents are still in the ER at Children's Hospital. There is no room available at that hospital or at Mott Hospital.

Thank God
-that it took over 3 hours to discharge Colleen this morning so that we were still in the hospital
-that He provided an MRI appointment so quickly (I think she may hold the record.)

Please pray
-that Colleen will respond well to the treatment and not experience any long term damage.
-that they are able to find a room soon as the ER room is very small, loud, and uncomfortable for her.
-that God will comfort Colleen and that she stays positive through this very scary experience.

Please pray.

Thanks everyone.
Chelsea

What are we doing about school work?

Many ask how we are managing schoolwork. Fortunately, my oldest daughter is a chemistry education major so she is able to tutor Colleen and assist her with her homework. Colleen has not felt up to doing much homework so i think we will be playing catch up this summer but the school has been very flexible. Since
Colleen is in the 8th grade, she can learn the major concepts and not be worried about GPA's. If she was in the 9th grade this would be much more complicated. She was born on December 2nd which means she missed the cutoff for the year. I was so disappointed that she was not born earlier because i wanted Colleen and Cydnie to be just one year behind each other in school- they are only 15 months apart. I now see that in Gods wisdom he chose to have her born after December 1st. God knows the plan for our lives and he arranges what is best for us. Colleen has had a rough few weeks- does not have much of an appetite and is now having some pain again at the port site probably related to wearing the scoliosis brace which is pulling on the muscles in that area. Please pray that she will feel better and be able to accomplish some school work and that the pain in the port area will improve. Colleen will have 2 weeks without the cytaribine which is given by injections. We are hoping and praying that she will have a few good weeks. Today she is feeling a bit better she was able to eat some and she seems to be feeling more like herself. Thank you for praying.

How long is treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Colleen had her clinic visit on friday. She got chemotherapy in the port and had a spinal tap with chemotherapy. She was doing well this morning but I had to give her 3 injections of chemotherapy around 130 and she got really tired after having them. We also ventured out today to shop at Target since her white count was a bit improved so maybe she was exhausted from the outing. Anyway she slept until 530 and woke up nauseated and vomiting. We are grateful that her feet do not hurt and her headache is gone at the moment. Her appetite is really nonexistent at this point. Please pray that she will be able to eat more.

Many have asked us how often and how long her treatments will be. At this point, they tell us that she will have weekly chemotherapy treatments for the first 6 months and then every other week for 2 months and then once a month on a maintenance chemotherapy for the remainder of the 2 and a half to 3 year period. Please continue to pray that Colleen will remain healthy, free from infection, and that she will have the strength to endure the chemotherapy especially for the next 6 and a half months for the intense chemotherapy. Thank you

Smiling again

Well she is smiling for the first time in a few weeks. The headache is finally gone. Thank you for praying. Chelsea read that the medication for nausea can cause headaches. Once she was off of it for about 12 hours the headache improved and today she went to the chiropractor for an adjustment and it is completely gone. She is smiling and laughing and having giggling fits at times. It is wonderful to see her feeling well. It is very difficult to watch her suffer. As a parent you just want to fix it and you can't. Please also pray that her scoliosis will improve. She has not been able to put her brace on in 6 weeks and the curve seems to be getting a lot worse. This could also be contributing to the headaches. Thank you again for praying God is good.

How can you keep your faith? wig picture too

Many have asked us how we can keep our faith when God has allowed our child to have cancer. Many ask if we are angry with God. We have been a little sad watching our child suffer while battling leukemia but never angry with God. We know as born again Christians that our time on earth is short. The bible says that if you know Jesus as your personal savior, you will spend an eternity in heaven with God. James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brethren, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. We are obviously not jumping for joy -this trial is a long and serious one but we know that God our heavenly father loves us more than anyone on earth and he wants what is best for us. As a family we are focusing on Gods answers to our prayers which have been wonderful. The fact that she had no symptoms of leukemia when she was diagnosed and the fact that a doctor who also had leukemia as a 14 year old helped diagnose this all is evidence of Gods goodness. We also prayed that her blood sugars would normalize and they did. She met the goal of being in remission within 4 weeks which often correlates with complete cure. We see Gods goodness everyday through human acts of kindness. Our church family has been bringing our meals since Colleen was diagnosed, the numerous cards and letters of encouragement, and strangers even offering their support. This week the Dearborn Police Department gave us a monetary gift which came at the perfect time. Every time the checking account is a bit low God sends what we need to get by. We really appreciate the Dearborn Police Departments willingness to help us. We were very touched by their generosity.

In conclusion, we know that if God were to take Colleen today, she would spend an eternity in heaven with him.Trials are Gods way of molding us into who he wants us to be. Perhaps he will use Colleen to help someone else when she is healed. The Lord has a master plan for each of us. He does not promise us an easy life but he does promise to stand beside us and help us through difficult times. We are at peace knowing that you all are praying and God is in control.

Colleen began the second phase of chemotherapy on Friday. It is called consolidation. She got chemotherapy in the IV and in the spine on Friday. She got a really strong chemotherapy (cyclophospamide) name included for our nurse and chemistry friends who may be interested. She has been extremely tired today but perking up this evening. She will require 3 injections of Cytarabine daily for 4 days per week and is getting mercaptopurine orally every day. So far she is not having any pain in the feet after the spinal this week which is also an answer to prayer. She is having significant headaches please pray that they will go away. Thank you for praying.