Dempsey, out of the blue, states "I miss CHOC."
So, I asked him what he misses.
He said "Well, they had that TV section..."
The Infusionarium? "Yes"
"And how nice they were."
They were really nice to him. They treated him well at OPI.
It makes me happy that he remembers the good things and not the things that caused my PTSD to go off the rails. That is God's faithfulness and provision and the multitude of answered prayers.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Thursday, November 29, 2018
A Change in the Wind
I don't quite know how to share what has transpired since my last post just 5 days ago. Let me give it a shot.
Dempsey had his monthly infusion/ lab appointment on Monday (11/26). Routine.
The way it works at St. Luke's is vastly different than it works at CHOC. Each visit at SL goes like this:
Check-in, waiting room
Port-in (needle in his chest), waiting room
Vitals, waiting room
Meet with the Dr (ONC) and a nurse
The Dr examined Dempsey and asked all the routine questions. Then he asked if we had any questions or concerns.
That's when Jake and I looked at each other and I stated "I would like to have a serious discussion about dropping the remaining lumbar punctures and steroids." Dr nodded, smiled, and said "Lets talk about that." So, we did. I mentioned how steroid psychosis is real and that I feel it's more damaging to Dempsey as a WHOLE PERSON than the perceived benefit. I went on to mention that I want to drop the 3 remaining lumbar punctures because I'm concerned about continuing to inject cancer-causing drugs into a cancer-free space.
To my surprise, the Dr was completely okay with granting my request. He even went so far as to say "Well, you're the parents... it's ultimately your call." He seemed almost eager to drop the steroid pulses. He feels that element is the weakest link in this phase of treatment because they are forced to forego the steroids with kids who develop osteopenia (or other bone compromising issues) and their treatment outcomes don't differ from those kids who took the steroids. Our ONC is a fan of not doing drugs if we don't have to. He has even conceded that we are probably overmedicating these kids... but we just don't know. He knows childhood cancer treatment is a guessing game and is willing to talk about that. He is well read and versed in the studies that are available and he is well read on the drugs they use.
So, as of Monday, November 26th, Dempsey will not be scheduled for any more lumbar punctures and will not receive any more steroids. THREE LPs and EIGHT rounds of steroids that will not be administered!! Praise God. This is a big deal, folks.
That was Step #1, and it was successful.
Step #2 will probably be getting his monthly infusions of Vincristine dropped. That would mean there would be no need for his port and we could consider getting that foreign body removed from his chest. One step closer.
Maybe Step #3 is ending treatment altogether - removing the remaining two chemo drugs he takes orally and a daily/ weekly basis.
If Step #3 is met, then we would hope to continue with this ONC for all of Dempsey's follow up appointments. I think they go somewhat like this: monthly for six months, quarterly for a year, semi annually for a year, yearly for a few years. We won't hear "cure" until 2024 (5 yrs post EOT, end of treatment).
Please continue to pray for us through this journey. There are so many variables and what ifs wrapped up in it, I cannot even begin to convey the weight of this journey. However, there are victories being had and healing is a day to day choice that requires intention and action. Dempsey's journey continues to impact others and bring cancer warriors to us. I am honored to be the sounding board, listening ear, encourager to warrior mamas who feel this close to losing there ever-loving minds.
This journey is a lonely one. It's isolating. It's scary. It's challenging on levels you can't fathom unless you've walked it. It can be so beautiful as well... but that takes some effort to see most days. The fear is deep and wide and the glimmers of blessing of joy flicker in the darkness for a short time. So, we run fast and hard to that shimmering in the distance and hope we run fast enough to catch it and hold it for even a moment.
WE STILL NEED YOU... in more ways than prayer! We still need monies to support the holistic methods we have employed, with great success, for Dempsey's thrivability. NeoLife continues to be the major element of need as that lays a more solid nutritional foundation for his body that keeps getting challenged by these drugs. doTERRA is the next major element of his holistic care as we do our nightly regimen of oils over his whole precious body. We have people who have chosen to pick one product and supply it each month... this is a wonderful option and I am happy to discuss how you can do that. Others have chosen to give money to us so that we can purchase the supplements and oils we need to maintain his regimens. Whatever money we are given via Venmo, PayPal, or checks - we deposit it all into Dempsey's Health (savings) account. Then, as we place orders and have to pay bills, we take money from the account. It has been a HUGE blessing to have funds readily available. We are still quite far behind, though. Dempsey's at-home protocol costs us about $1,000 per month.
All this to say, when you see Dempsey THRIVING, as he is, this is a direct reflection of the holistic health modalities we have employed for him alongside allopathic/ conventional treatment. When families ask for financial support, it's not because we are stealing from you (although, there are those fraudulent persons out there)... it's because insurance doesn't cover ANY of what we need to help our children survive and thrive through and after treatment. THIS is an atrocity. We are paying for healthcare... we should be able to get the treatment methods we desire covered! Consider this when you vote. Read up on health related propositions. It may not impact you directly, but someone you love needs to be educated, aware, and active.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU! We are deeply appreciative of you who have continued on this marathon with us. It doesn't end when his treatment does. We will be walking a version of this journey forever. We hope you will hang with us.
Dempsey had his monthly infusion/ lab appointment on Monday (11/26). Routine.
The way it works at St. Luke's is vastly different than it works at CHOC. Each visit at SL goes like this:
Check-in, waiting room
Port-in (needle in his chest), waiting room
Vitals, waiting room
Meet with the Dr (ONC) and a nurse
The Dr examined Dempsey and asked all the routine questions. Then he asked if we had any questions or concerns.
That's when Jake and I looked at each other and I stated "I would like to have a serious discussion about dropping the remaining lumbar punctures and steroids." Dr nodded, smiled, and said "Lets talk about that." So, we did. I mentioned how steroid psychosis is real and that I feel it's more damaging to Dempsey as a WHOLE PERSON than the perceived benefit. I went on to mention that I want to drop the 3 remaining lumbar punctures because I'm concerned about continuing to inject cancer-causing drugs into a cancer-free space.
To my surprise, the Dr was completely okay with granting my request. He even went so far as to say "Well, you're the parents... it's ultimately your call." He seemed almost eager to drop the steroid pulses. He feels that element is the weakest link in this phase of treatment because they are forced to forego the steroids with kids who develop osteopenia (or other bone compromising issues) and their treatment outcomes don't differ from those kids who took the steroids. Our ONC is a fan of not doing drugs if we don't have to. He has even conceded that we are probably overmedicating these kids... but we just don't know. He knows childhood cancer treatment is a guessing game and is willing to talk about that. He is well read and versed in the studies that are available and he is well read on the drugs they use.
So, as of Monday, November 26th, Dempsey will not be scheduled for any more lumbar punctures and will not receive any more steroids. THREE LPs and EIGHT rounds of steroids that will not be administered!! Praise God. This is a big deal, folks.
That was Step #1, and it was successful.
Step #2 will probably be getting his monthly infusions of Vincristine dropped. That would mean there would be no need for his port and we could consider getting that foreign body removed from his chest. One step closer.
Maybe Step #3 is ending treatment altogether - removing the remaining two chemo drugs he takes orally and a daily/ weekly basis.
If Step #3 is met, then we would hope to continue with this ONC for all of Dempsey's follow up appointments. I think they go somewhat like this: monthly for six months, quarterly for a year, semi annually for a year, yearly for a few years. We won't hear "cure" until 2024 (5 yrs post EOT, end of treatment).
Please continue to pray for us through this journey. There are so many variables and what ifs wrapped up in it, I cannot even begin to convey the weight of this journey. However, there are victories being had and healing is a day to day choice that requires intention and action. Dempsey's journey continues to impact others and bring cancer warriors to us. I am honored to be the sounding board, listening ear, encourager to warrior mamas who feel this close to losing there ever-loving minds.
This journey is a lonely one. It's isolating. It's scary. It's challenging on levels you can't fathom unless you've walked it. It can be so beautiful as well... but that takes some effort to see most days. The fear is deep and wide and the glimmers of blessing of joy flicker in the darkness for a short time. So, we run fast and hard to that shimmering in the distance and hope we run fast enough to catch it and hold it for even a moment.
WE STILL NEED YOU... in more ways than prayer! We still need monies to support the holistic methods we have employed, with great success, for Dempsey's thrivability. NeoLife continues to be the major element of need as that lays a more solid nutritional foundation for his body that keeps getting challenged by these drugs. doTERRA is the next major element of his holistic care as we do our nightly regimen of oils over his whole precious body. We have people who have chosen to pick one product and supply it each month... this is a wonderful option and I am happy to discuss how you can do that. Others have chosen to give money to us so that we can purchase the supplements and oils we need to maintain his regimens. Whatever money we are given via Venmo, PayPal, or checks - we deposit it all into Dempsey's Health (savings) account. Then, as we place orders and have to pay bills, we take money from the account. It has been a HUGE blessing to have funds readily available. We are still quite far behind, though. Dempsey's at-home protocol costs us about $1,000 per month.
All this to say, when you see Dempsey THRIVING, as he is, this is a direct reflection of the holistic health modalities we have employed for him alongside allopathic/ conventional treatment. When families ask for financial support, it's not because we are stealing from you (although, there are those fraudulent persons out there)... it's because insurance doesn't cover ANY of what we need to help our children survive and thrive through and after treatment. THIS is an atrocity. We are paying for healthcare... we should be able to get the treatment methods we desire covered! Consider this when you vote. Read up on health related propositions. It may not impact you directly, but someone you love needs to be educated, aware, and active.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU! We are deeply appreciative of you who have continued on this marathon with us. It doesn't end when his treatment does. We will be walking a version of this journey forever. We hope you will hang with us.
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Still Running this Marathon
Friends and readers,
I'm so sorry it's been so long between posts. Maintenance really is a time when things get "easier" from a medical/ schedule standpoint. We are down to nightly pills (mercaptopurine - 6MP), weekly addition of second chemotherapy pill (methotrexate - MTX), monthly infusions of a third chemotherapy drug (vincristine) and steroid pulses (prednisone), and quarterly lumbar punctures with IT MTX.
Beyond that, nothing is changing treatment wise. We are praising God still for His continuous protection of our boy. It is indescribable, the way that Dempsey is thriving and managing to "sail" through this treatment that is totally compromised of carcinogenic toxins being repeatedly ingested or injected into his precious little body.
Forgive me if I don't sing the praises of doctors and medical people... I believe the system is broken (despite the people in it having good hearts and honorable intentions) and the way my child is being treated makes zero sense to me. Yeah, I've read the studies that the docs get their protocol from. As any student who has taken statistics knows, data can be manipulated and lead to prove whatever outcome you're looking for. Lets not also forget that these medical professionals do not talk at all about the need to build up the body's immune system, feed it well with nutrient-dense foods, exercise it to help it detox/ process out all the toxins... No. Instead I have been told "The liver is a resilient organ... we are comfortable with pushing it to its limits and then backing off because it recovers well." What?! Continuing to push an organ to its limits is insanity, especially when that organ is already weakened by the presence of the MTHFR mutation - as is Dempsey's.
With all the research I have read, the experience we've had with Dempsey, the learning from others who have chosen other paths to heal their children... my goal is to end Demspey's treatment early. I don't know what that means, exactly, or how that's going to play out. He has 9 months left and that is just too many. He has another infusion this coming Monday and we will discuss the process of beginning his follow-up care early, meaning putting an end to treatment and really focusing on detoxing his body, building up his gut microbiome, and strengthening his immune system that has been beat down since April of 2016.
Please be in prayer over this situation. We need prayer for the following:
I'm so sorry it's been so long between posts. Maintenance really is a time when things get "easier" from a medical/ schedule standpoint. We are down to nightly pills (mercaptopurine - 6MP), weekly addition of second chemotherapy pill (methotrexate - MTX), monthly infusions of a third chemotherapy drug (vincristine) and steroid pulses (prednisone), and quarterly lumbar punctures with IT MTX.
Beyond that, nothing is changing treatment wise. We are praising God still for His continuous protection of our boy. It is indescribable, the way that Dempsey is thriving and managing to "sail" through this treatment that is totally compromised of carcinogenic toxins being repeatedly ingested or injected into his precious little body.
Forgive me if I don't sing the praises of doctors and medical people... I believe the system is broken (despite the people in it having good hearts and honorable intentions) and the way my child is being treated makes zero sense to me. Yeah, I've read the studies that the docs get their protocol from. As any student who has taken statistics knows, data can be manipulated and lead to prove whatever outcome you're looking for. Lets not also forget that these medical professionals do not talk at all about the need to build up the body's immune system, feed it well with nutrient-dense foods, exercise it to help it detox/ process out all the toxins... No. Instead I have been told "The liver is a resilient organ... we are comfortable with pushing it to its limits and then backing off because it recovers well." What?! Continuing to push an organ to its limits is insanity, especially when that organ is already weakened by the presence of the MTHFR mutation - as is Dempsey's.
With all the research I have read, the experience we've had with Dempsey, the learning from others who have chosen other paths to heal their children... my goal is to end Demspey's treatment early. I don't know what that means, exactly, or how that's going to play out. He has 9 months left and that is just too many. He has another infusion this coming Monday and we will discuss the process of beginning his follow-up care early, meaning putting an end to treatment and really focusing on detoxing his body, building up his gut microbiome, and strengthening his immune system that has been beat down since April of 2016.
Please be in prayer over this situation. We need prayer for the following:
- wisdom for ourselves
- peace for all parties
- grace from me to whoever speaks to me
- calm discussions
- an open heart and mind from the oncologist
- agreement to end treatment early
- a willingness from the doc to listen to our hearts about ending treatment
- we need God to continue leading us along this journey
- if the Lord chooses to keep doors closed then we ask that he provide peace for us (me)
- that any negative effects of this journey on Dempsey are mitigated and removed
- that we can open medical eyes to the power of holistic modalities that are currenlty ignored or lacking education
- strength for Jake and I to stand our ground, no matter what may come from a system created by man
- that God will be glorified
- for me to keep my gun-blazing mouth appropriate and gracious
- even tempers for all
- articulate presentation of our stance and desires
- the Holy Spirit leads
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Procedure Day || #1 at St Luke's
This morning as we were fixing to leave for St Luke's.
En route with our matchy-matchy boys.
The necessities.
You can grab dÅTERRA's Kid's Collection by clicking here.
Brothers are the best friend.
Our goofnut playing on his phone for a few minutes post- port access.
Getting ready for the main event.
Here you can see the main event taking place.
Yes, we were in the room.
No, I'm not sure it was a good idea... it was awful to watch them poison my son.
He sleeps off the sedation.
First foods? A Chocolate Peanut Butter NeoLife Bar, for the win!
Sawyer entertains himself while we wait.
Sawyer entertains Dempsey with Angry Birds Star Wars.
The Procedure Day tradition continues...
Chick fil-A.
FYI, he's drinking water. Hydration is vital.
Wrapping up the day with a dinner of eggs, sausage, and rice cakes.
Please pray that the Lord will open up a way for us to end his treatment early. There is no good reason to continue with these toxic treatments since he is already in remission (since 2016!). I have long desired to end his treatment early and I think we may be close to having that happen. Please pray for wisdom, discernment, open doors, open minds, support, faith, confidence, courage, determination, articulate speech, grace, and whatever else the Spirit lays on your heart.
Please take a moment to visit this link, and if you can watch the documentary.
I know several of the people in it. It's important and needs to be shared.
Please be part of the change.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Emotional, Psychological Advances
Dempsey has been really struggling recently with going to bed and staying there. He cites having bad thoughts... but we're going on a week now. The bad thoughts he has are about things that haven't happened and aren't going to happen. Honestly, this happens during the day, too. Something will get said or done and he'll start crying because it made him think a bad (scary) thought.
Y'all, I don't know what to do about this. I'm getting frustrated because this is EVERY night. He goes to bed fine and within 10 minutes he is out of his bedroom and in ours wanting to talk. Not really needing to talk about the bad thoughts, just talk. It doesn't matter if we sit down with him during the day one-on-one, nighttime still brings this scenario.
I'm getting really close to just making it where he's not allowed to come out of his room for anything other than using the bathroom.
We've done magnet work, prayer, positive self-talk, rebuking demons and negative energy, essential oils, exercise in the evening, no tech before bed, etc. We've done ALL THE THINGS. Still, he is out of his bedroom as I type, talking to Jake. Typically he wants me but I'm purposely not available. I know that sounds harsh but I'm really trying to figure out what this issue is.
Prayers for all of us as we walk Dempsey through what I think is a psychological leveling-up, if you will. My grace stores are naturally low but now it's cutting into the precious and coveted time I have with my man, one on one. We don't get that much right now because our support structure is back in CA. That's fine... but we still need our time and this bad thought stuff is messing with it. I want my boy to be healthy in all respects, and that includes his mental state. He is the priority right now as there seems to be something "wrong". I'm praying we can figure this out ASAP, get him back on a good routine, and get Jake and I some good hubby-wifey time again.
Y'all, I don't know what to do about this. I'm getting frustrated because this is EVERY night. He goes to bed fine and within 10 minutes he is out of his bedroom and in ours wanting to talk. Not really needing to talk about the bad thoughts, just talk. It doesn't matter if we sit down with him during the day one-on-one, nighttime still brings this scenario.
I'm getting really close to just making it where he's not allowed to come out of his room for anything other than using the bathroom.
We've done magnet work, prayer, positive self-talk, rebuking demons and negative energy, essential oils, exercise in the evening, no tech before bed, etc. We've done ALL THE THINGS. Still, he is out of his bedroom as I type, talking to Jake. Typically he wants me but I'm purposely not available. I know that sounds harsh but I'm really trying to figure out what this issue is.
Prayers for all of us as we walk Dempsey through what I think is a psychological leveling-up, if you will. My grace stores are naturally low but now it's cutting into the precious and coveted time I have with my man, one on one. We don't get that much right now because our support structure is back in CA. That's fine... but we still need our time and this bad thought stuff is messing with it. I want my boy to be healthy in all respects, and that includes his mental state. He is the priority right now as there seems to be something "wrong". I'm praying we can figure this out ASAP, get him back on a good routine, and get Jake and I some good hubby-wifey time again.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
September Update
Today, 9/26, Dempsey had his second infusion at St. Luke's here in Boise, ID. It went well, as normal. How crazy is that to say? An infusion of chemo at a children's hospital was "normal". Crazy reality. Regardless of our "normal", God has continued to tangibly show his faithfulness in ways we are deeply grateful for.
After today's appointment, we will be increasing Dempsey's weekly methotrexate (MTX) dose by half a pill. He will be going from 11.25mg to 12.5mg. This is a 5% increase. Yes, it's an increase, and I (Coral) am not happy about it, BUT the ONC only wants to increase it by 5% instead of 25% like most ONCs. So, I feel this is a safe increase and we will have a month (4 doses) under our belt by the time the next labs are run. His mercaptopurine (6MP) remains around 65%, for now. We will consider upping the 6MP by 5% next month, depending on Dempsey's numbers. The ONC's plan is to alternate the drugs we increase month-to-month. So, Sept is MTX and Oct might be 6MP.
The reason for this increase is because Dempsey's ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) has been consistently higher than desired. This whole cancer treatment is a balancing act at best and a science experiement at worst. Nevertheless, God is in control and we are doing our best to protect Dempsey's body. It seems like the Lord's favor has covered us as we've used the breadcrumbs he left for us - praying community, NeoLife, doTERRA, AmTryke, trampoline, organic foods, etc... remember Dempsey's winning equation? (see photo below)
Okay, so, we've been in our rental for two week now. It's glorious. The boys love having their own room (together) with separate beds. We enjoy being able to sprawl out over 1,00 square feet and having a yard for the puppers. Life is good. We've been exploring the Treasure Valley a little bit more each week, covering just about all the cities in the valley. We are trying some new burger joints, tons of new parks, at just plain old driving around to take in the sights.
We sincerely appreciate your prayers and financial support as those are sustaining us through Dempsey's journey. This Idaho faith journey has been a miracle in its own right and we are grateful to be allowed to travel it. Please continue praying for this Idahome journey of ours. We can use all the spiritual support we can get. Also, please follow our Idaho journey on my Making Idahome blog via my website.
After today's appointment, we will be increasing Dempsey's weekly methotrexate (MTX) dose by half a pill. He will be going from 11.25mg to 12.5mg. This is a 5% increase. Yes, it's an increase, and I (Coral) am not happy about it, BUT the ONC only wants to increase it by 5% instead of 25% like most ONCs. So, I feel this is a safe increase and we will have a month (4 doses) under our belt by the time the next labs are run. His mercaptopurine (6MP) remains around 65%, for now. We will consider upping the 6MP by 5% next month, depending on Dempsey's numbers. The ONC's plan is to alternate the drugs we increase month-to-month. So, Sept is MTX and Oct might be 6MP.
The reason for this increase is because Dempsey's ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) has been consistently higher than desired. This whole cancer treatment is a balancing act at best and a science experiement at worst. Nevertheless, God is in control and we are doing our best to protect Dempsey's body. It seems like the Lord's favor has covered us as we've used the breadcrumbs he left for us - praying community, NeoLife, doTERRA, AmTryke, trampoline, organic foods, etc... remember Dempsey's winning equation? (see photo below)
Okay, so, we've been in our rental for two week now. It's glorious. The boys love having their own room (together) with separate beds. We enjoy being able to sprawl out over 1,00 square feet and having a yard for the puppers. Life is good. We've been exploring the Treasure Valley a little bit more each week, covering just about all the cities in the valley. We are trying some new burger joints, tons of new parks, at just plain old driving around to take in the sights.
We sincerely appreciate your prayers and financial support as those are sustaining us through Dempsey's journey. This Idaho faith journey has been a miracle in its own right and we are grateful to be allowed to travel it. Please continue praying for this Idahome journey of ours. We can use all the spiritual support we can get. Also, please follow our Idaho journey on my Making Idahome blog via my website.
Dempsey's Winning Equation
Saturday, September 1, 2018
GOLD is for Childhood Cancer
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. If you think childhood cancer is "rare"... you are mistaken. Think about this: a college stadium of 91,250 kids die EVERY YEAR from cancer.
Our favorite places to give are:
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Thursday, August 9, 2018
God's Houses
Out of nowhere...
D: God sure has a lot of houses.
I'm talking about churches being like his houses. Holy houses.
D: God sure has a lot of houses.
I'm talking about churches being like his houses. Holy houses.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Still A Prodigal (About Dempsey's Mom)
Some thoughts from a mother, a woman, a broken human on a journey of sanctification (which is more acutely focused since leukemia entered her world)...
I've been a Christian a long time, most of my almost-37 yrs. My faith has grown since marriage, motherhood, and it took an exponential leap upward with Dempseys leukemia diagnosis.
Yet, I still feel like a prodigal child. I still find myself filling with hate... anger... judgement... and a host of other not-very-pretty characteristics. When I take a moment to survey my surroundings, as I notice my joy levels diminishing, I often find that I have wandered off the Path. I have wandered outside of my Father's protection. I find myself standing in the scorching rays of my self-sufficiency, slathered in layers of control instead of surrender.
I blame the PTSD and the myriad of external triggers I cannot control but that only takes me so far. At some point I have to acknowledge the sinner within... the one who is prone to wander... the need to control what I swore to just leave at the Cross.
I hate that my sin nature is as strong as it is. I feel so weak so often. I had no clue how broken I was/ am. So thankful for Jesus blood and a God who can still use this broken vessel to advance HIS kingdom and spread love... even if it's in smaller doses than I'd like.
Because I'm so broken and I've seen so many valleys, I am increasingly grateful for the Cross. Grateful for Jesus' complete and total obedience. Why can't I wake up and surrender my days to that reality? Why is it so hard to just REST in the Lord? Why can't I completely trust Him and His plan? Why do I feel like I need to be a more of a celebrity in my life than a humble servant?
Man! I am excited about moving to a new place. There is something about new that holds so much potential and promise. I am hoping to be more intentional about so many things when we are settled in our new environment.
Thank you for reading.
Monday, July 16, 2018
July Update
Dempsey had an infusion on July 3rd.
Dempsey has his last CHOC lumbar puncture/ procedure day July 31.
He lost another tooth (#4, I think).
We had family photos taken by our friend, Kristen.
We sold Dempsey's therapy tryke to another oncology family.
Dempsey's counts/ labs have all been great! Praise God.
There have been no treatment hiccups, no things for concern.
Dempsey receives acupuncture 2x per week right now with Dr Ruth at Open Mind Modalities in Orange. If you're local, you should go there!
Dempsey has been having fun with friends and people at church (Grace EV Free La Mirada) for several months. He and Sawyer attended their Adventure Week recently and had a blast.
The future:
Dempsey will most likely turn 7 in Idaho.
Dempsey will continue treatment with St Luke's Children's in Boise, ID. He has a meet 'n greet with his new ONC on Aug 22 and his first infusion there Aug 28.
Dempsey has his last CHOC lumbar puncture/ procedure day July 31.
He lost another tooth (#4, I think).
We had family photos taken by our friend, Kristen.
Dempsey's counts/ labs have all been great! Praise God.
There have been no treatment hiccups, no things for concern.
Dempsey receives acupuncture 2x per week right now with Dr Ruth at Open Mind Modalities in Orange. If you're local, you should go there!
Dempsey has been having fun with friends and people at church (Grace EV Free La Mirada) for several months. He and Sawyer attended their Adventure Week recently and had a blast.
The future:
Dempsey will most likely turn 7 in Idaho.
Dempsey will continue treatment with St Luke's Children's in Boise, ID. He has a meet 'n greet with his new ONC on Aug 22 and his first infusion there Aug 28.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Catching You Up
Wowsers! I can't believe I haven't done an entry since February. Yikes. I'm so sorry.
There isn't a lot to share, praise God. This journey continues to be pretty uneventful, smooth, and full of blessings from heaven.
Let me try and recap...
FEBRUARY:
He had a procedure the week following his visit to the ER for that fever.
We said "good-bye" to our Lakota kitty.
We enjoyed learning/ playing a new game - DownSpin.
Sawyer was blessed with a few items off his Amazon wish list.
The boys experienced releasing doves at school.
We helped at our church's food bank.
The boys have so much fun on the trampoline!
MARCH:
Dempsey had his Make A Wish interview. It went well and it appears Dempsey is headed for a Disney cruise. However, we have had zero communication from Make A Wish since his interview.
We had a fun family trip to Knott's Berry Farm.
There isn't a lot to share, praise God. This journey continues to be pretty uneventful, smooth, and full of blessings from heaven.
Let me try and recap...
FEBRUARY:
He had a procedure the week following his visit to the ER for that fever.
We said "good-bye" to our Lakota kitty.
We enjoyed learning/ playing a new game - DownSpin.
Sawyer was blessed with a few items off his Amazon wish list.
The boys experienced releasing doves at school.
We helped at our church's food bank.
The boys have so much fun on the trampoline!
MARCH:
Dempsey had his Make A Wish interview. It went well and it appears Dempsey is headed for a Disney cruise. However, we have had zero communication from Make A Wish since his interview.
We had a fun family trip to Knott's Berry Farm.
He got another cat scratch but it was superficial and didn't land him in the ER again, thanks to God.
WE GOT A PUPPY! Her name is Saoirse (SEER-shuh) and it is Irish for "liberty" or "freedom".
We attended our second NEGU Gala.
APRIL
Saoirse continues to grow and so does our love for her.
We visited the Fullerton Arboretum.
There was a wedding.
MAY
we marked the 10th annivesary of my aunt's murder, our family's tragedy.
Another lumbar puncture.
A birthday party for Sawyer - #11!!
Dempsey loses his FIRST TOOTH (at Sawyer's party).
More Sawyer birthday fun with a friend, mini golf, lunch, and froyo.
More time with Tucker Endemano... teensie nephew (for now).
Mother's Day...
Acupuncture at Open Mind Modalities in Orange.
An ever-growing puppers.
And we closed out the school year with Called 2 Home co-op. 5th grade and 1st grade are in the books.
There's so much more to share...! I'll share the pics without any commentary. :-)
A Disneyland trip. Pool time with friends and a puppers in the pool. National Donut Day celebrated with a trip to Krispy Kreme. Fun as a pack at La Mirada Park. Dempsey lost TWO more teeth. Saoirse has lost teeth, too. An infusion a month. Two trips to Murphy Ranch Park with the doggy.
So much life has happened. Just normal life. Granted, there are still some self-imposed limits we adhere to - mainly regarding the food we consume. So many prayers prayed over our family. So many of them answered in ways we could never have imagined. Some prayers answered negatively, but we trust God's plan. Big things brewing.
God is good and faithful. If you don't know Jesus... I encourage you to meet him. He is the reason there is hope amid a cancer journey. He is the reason there is hope when this world makes no sense and seems so dark. There IS Light... that light willingly climbed up on a cross to cover your darkness with his rays of redeeming light. Nothing we can do can make him love us more... or love us less. What a gracious gift.
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