Updates on Luke's Treatment

The last few weeks have been really busy going in and out of the hospital daily. On November 3rd, Luke was scheduled to start the second half of delayed intensification, but his counts were too low to start. His ANC had dropped to 280. They needed a minimum of 750 to start. So they postponed it for one week. On November 10th his counts were good but he had some wheezing because of a cold virus so they cancelled his spinal tap of IT methotrexate for one week. He still had gotten IV cytarabine which he will get daily for the next 3 days. Our insurance did not approve the home nurse so we had to go back to the hospital on Thursday and Friday. He also started a new drug Thioguanine that he has to take orally for 14 days. Surprising Luke has been taking this crushed tablet with Hawaiian Punch and has had no issues taking it. Luke finally got his spinal tap on November 16th with methotrexate and also got the IV cytarabine. This week we have also been back to the hospital everyday to get his treatment. He is still accessed so that makes things a little easier. His counts have been declining slowly. If his counts for his hemoglobin go below 8.5 he will get a blood transfusion on Monday. Hopefully his counts will recover in the next few weeks.
It has been nice having the parents around for the last month to help during this tough time. It was always nice having someone help with making meals and especially keeping Luke entertained while he was stuck in the house. Luke has so much energy that the parents were wiped out. They leave on Saturday and I think Luke will be upset when the house will be quiet again.

Salt and Light

In Matthew 5: 13-16, Jesus teaches about salt and light. "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the earth". Many people allow others to see what "Christ is like" by adding flavor to life (especially the lives of others) and serving as beacons in this world.

Luke recently crossed his 5th month of chemotherapy. Through all of this, we are thankful for what God continues to do for us. We continue to look forward to what God has in store for us.

As we reflect on our journey thus far, we see His Grace abound. We especially find strength and comfort and joy in many, many acts of love and kindness received.

We appreciate and are thankful for the prayers of others. It means a lot. Family, friends, and others lending words, acts, and other means of support make this journey far more tolerable.

We recently enjoyed being treated to a comedy show, that was a blessing. Also, some loved ones took a special opportunity on their birthday to coordinate a group blessing of gifts for our family Family and friends make food for us. Our family and friends, when feasible, visit with us. Our family and friends check-in via phone, text, email, blog, and facebook. Luke gets toys and games and arts & crafts stuff and clothes. Folks have offered to take pictures of him. His old montessori school offered the opportunity for free playtime with his friends. His old teachers offered to teach him at home. The hospital he goes to provides loving care. Also, at the hospital, he gets fun stuff, blankets, puppet shows, playtime, and food. In addition to hospital care, we receive opportunities to enjoy events and outings free of charge. Many, many blessings.

This journey has been difficult, but God has been extremely faithful. We never knew how many different acts of God's love we would or could receive. We are so thankful for the blessing others have been to us. Anyone reading this blog post...we thank you. You have blessed us.

Hard to keep up with Luke

Luke was a little excited after getting a "How to train your dragon" dragon from cousins Owen and Olive. We love to see how God's blessings abound. Also, it is so heartwarming to see how acts of kindness have such profound effects on our Luke (and us).

We are so happy he has such energy and joy!