Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2019 - Day 15

I know I don't post here often anymore. In truth, there just isn't much I feel is worth sharing and most people follow me on Facebook or Instagram.

Regardless, I felt the following important to share... as it is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September) and I want to continue educating people on ALL facets of childhood cancer.

A mother's perspective...

It has been 1,260 days since our journey with childhood cancer began. In that time an estimated 54,180 children have been diagnosed. Roughly that many families have had their worlds turned upside down. These families have joined a brotherhood they NEVER imagined they would be a part of.

Last night we watched some family videos. The kind that depicted our children when they were small, had a scant vocabulary, and were wildly curious about life and their boundaries. They were precious videos packed with wonderful memories and priceless imagery.

However, for me, cancer has tainted these videos retroactively. Did you know it could do that? Well, it can. As I watched these clips I just kept thinking about how we didn't know what was coming. Did I soak up those moments enough? Did I place enough value on that time with my children? Did I wring out every ounce of joy I could from those seasons?
I can feel the tears coming as I type this.

I look at some videos of Sawyer at 4... 5... 6...7 and how his life changed when we brought Dempsey home. He was almost 4 1/2 when Dempsey came. Sawyer had a normal childhood. Rather uneventful, other than adding a sibling, two cats, and accumulating 3 addresses. He went to birthday parties with no regard for sugar or germs. He played at parks with no hesitation. He never spent a day in the hospital... let alone a month. He went to preschool and Friday School (homeschool) without a care in the world. The worst thing was when he split his eyebrow open on a door jam and needed to have it glued at Urgent Care.

I watched videos of Dempsey at almost 3 years old. Vocabulary growing, wheels you could see turning in his head as he processed an answer to your question. My dear boy with those toddler teeth that I adore and miss so very much. His sweet little voice that would say words with exclamation because he KNEW the answer or wanted so desperately for you to see what he saw. So many clips of him in MOTION. Running, triking, Jeeping, etc. He has always loved to go fast. Those laughable moments when he can see himself in Daddy's camera (view finder) and he'd rather make faces than continue with his activity.

I watched and just kept thinking... we had no clue what was coming. We had no clue that the rug would be YANKED out from beneath our feet. We had no clue the kind of advocating that would be necessary to keep him healthy. We had no clue the things we would say "no" to that others would take for granted. We had no clue that it would take leaving CA to give us control of the journey and, ultimately, the rights every parent should have over their child.

A rush of sadness washed over me. My laughter and enjoyment of these sweet times captured on film turned to grief, and sadness, and anger. I resent cancer. I resent what it has stolen from me. I resent that it has tainted precious moments in the past that were perfect, real, and untarnished. I resent that grief still comes as I look back over Dempsey's childhood. He deserved more! He deserved what Sawyer was afforded.

I try to grieve when the waves come. I know it is wise to do it in its time so that suppressed grief doesn't explode out in an unexpected or awful way. I try to fight back the tarnishing of my memories and our sweet life pre cancer like people try to water a lava flow to stop it from advancing. I feel robbed. Cancer robbed my joy and it continues to try an keep joy at bay. Sometimes, when I'm in this state, praying is hard. I spend too much time trying to preserve things.

I am grateful for those videos. It is my heart's deep desire that I will be able to watch them one day without grief being attached... or at least without grief stealing the joy those moments held.

Recap:
Cancer retroactively impacts a mother's memories.

Visual aide... from the movie Inside Out:

So, now some of my memories look more like this.

Puzzle Pieces

This is a prayer I prayed FOUR YEARS AGO.

Lord,
Today I ask for increased discernment. In a world where we are bombarded with information, PLEASE help me to see that which is true and share it. Help me to share in loving ways and not ways wrapped in condescencion. I pray that my mind will be open to logical dialogue and my flesh will not be prone to emotional reaction, which can alter significant impact. I pray that you place before my eyes that which you want me to see so I may learn and grow in wisdom and conviction.
I pray for the hearts, minds, eyes, and voices of my fellow Christians. I pray that we will embark on meaningful discussion knowing full well our opinions and views will not be shared or even welcomed by all we encounter. I pray that you will give us courage to stand strong in our convictions and do so with love and the utmost level of integrity.
Forgive when I fail and fall into sin. I pray that you would rescue me from myself and allow others to be positively impacted by my life.
Amen

It was prayed amid my Holistic Nutritionist certification process.
It was prayed 10 months prior to Dempsey's diagnosis.
It was prayed before God showed us our new  mission field - CHOC & the cancer realm.
It was prayed from a genuine heart space and it was answered continuously as we walked Dempsey's journey.
It is even being answered as we march on post treatment.
It was prayed in the past but is still very true in the present.

Have you ever prayed a prayer that is years old but still applies to your life today? Isn't it wonderful how God is faithful to answer our prayers - even if his answers come in ways and times we would not choose? He is ALWAYS WITH US and continues to surprise me, although I shouldn't be surprised by him - he is the only true constant.

It's Been 3 Years

Today, April 3, 2019, marks three years since Dempsey's cancer journey started.

When I think about this journey, I feel like it's a dream and I should be waking up any minute. But the waking up never happens. Then comes the waves of grief.

But, Coral, how can you be grieving when Dempsey is thriving and done with treatment?

That's a fair question. The answer is multi-faceted.

I grieve the loss of the childhood (and life) I envisioned for him. You know, the one every parent prays for - fun in the sun, playdates, birthday parties full of cake and ice cream, eating all the things, going all the places, etc.

I grieve the loss of medical freedom. What I mean is that we will always be leary of things others never give a second thought to - a random bruise, minor leg pain, skin blemishes, low grade fevers, etc. We will always wonder if it's something simple or just the thing that is signaling another life-altering war.

I grieve my physical wellness. Stress has taken a toll on my body and it's like peeling an onion to try and regain what I had once upon a time.

I grieve "normal". Sure, our life can look normal to most. It's what you don't see about our life that shows the difference. The anxiety. The routine clinic visits. The fear. The worry. The sadness. The frustration. The anger. The emotions that rise and fall in the blink of an eye.

I grieve the years we "lost" with Dempsey. He was forced to fight for his life when most kids are fighting for first place in line at school. He was doing school in a hospital instead of a classroom. He was restricted to a handful of "safe places" he could visit while other kids have no limitations. He endured more pokes and prods than his normal peers will face in their lifetime.

It still hurts.

However, is there is great JOY in this life we live now.
We see the sun shining brighter. Laughter boils over more than tears now.
We have seen the Body of Christ act as the hands and feet of Jesus.
We have seen prayers answered in ways we don't deserve.
We have experienced God's provision for us as we took a huge leap of faith.
We have met incredible people that we would never have known if not for cancer.
I would not have Reimagine Healing if not for this journey we walked.
I would not be working toward becoming a Momma Mentor with an amazing organization to help close the community gap between hospitals and cancer families.
I would not have warrior mamas texting/ calling me to share their hearts, fears, struggles, joys, achievements, prayer requests, questions.
We have met sweet Make A Wish volunteers/ employees. We are looking at receiving a blessing (through MAW) that will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity.
We were extremely blessed by a business owner who showered our family with a VIP trip to Disneyland.
It felt like Christmas everyday for months when Amazon packages kept arriving at our home.
We moved to Idaho and found freedom and relief.
We know what real struggle is - the kind that puts your life on the line - and therefore understand the depths of joy that exist.
We have deeper and stronger faith and understanding of God's Word because we spent more time in it.
We have reordered priorities.
We have had 7 months of 24/7 family time - like a mid-life retirement when our kids are still young. SO MUCH JOY!

I want you to know this...
WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!!

Despite Dempsey being done with treatment, healing is just beginning. January 24th is when the healing really began. That's the day the daily/ weekly/ monthly poison stopped. That's the day we stopped protecting again side effects and began protecting his body from secondary effects! (60% of children who survive will suffer late effects!!) This will continue for YEARS while his body detoxes the chemotherapy and works to stay strong. We will be warding off late effects like cognitive impairment, cardiac issues, hormone imbalances, kidney trouble, social issues, respiratory complications, infertility, etc.

WE STILL NEED YOU!!

It still costs us about $1,000 per month to supply the necessary alternative support for Dempsey. If you are feeling generous, you can click the link above "we still need you" and it will take you to my PayPal account. I promise that your money will go into the account we have dedicated for Dempsey's health needs. We have made it this far only because of the generosity of others.

Park Wisdom

Post-grocery shopping with Daddy at a local park. Here's what Daddy said about Dempsey... "...being social, sharing about his cancer journey."

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Q: what is he sharing?

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"They've been asking about his eye, so he explains that he was on a cancer journey, and that his port is out now, so the thing with his eye is his body getting rid of stuff.

He knows his stuff! And not afraid to talk with others about it."

.

.

I love that my boy is knowledgeable about his body and his journey. I love that my boy is confident about sharing his life experiences and wisdom. ❤️💪❤️🙏❤️

Another Milestone

Good day, lovely supporters!

Over 24 hours post-surgery and Dempsey is doing Great! We give thanks to God for the positive ways he answered so many prayers.

I wish I could make everyone understand God is still in the business of miracles... although, the miracles may not look like Dempsey’s set of miracles. Some miracles are hard for us to swallow or accept. Some miracles don’t come when we want or come the way we want.

Here is Dempsey doing devotions with his dad as they watch What’s in the Bible. He just exclaimed “That’s better than my port coming out!” He explained that the thing better than his port removal was - Jesus’ resurrection. Amen, Dempsey, amen!

In celebration of this milestone for Dempsey (all of us, really), we wanted you to know you could celebrate with us from afar. As many of you know, the boys have Amazon Wish Lists. If you feel like you want to show your love and support tangibly, the links are provided below.

God bless. ❤️

Dempsey’s Amazon List

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/SGAPW2G93REA

Sawyer’s Amazon List

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/14CEXGFUSHEEP

What Happens Now?

So, we are almost TWO WEEKS post treatment for Dempsey. However, the cancer journey doesn't end simply because treatment does. You see, all of treatment Dempsey was being pumped full of toxins  - compounds known to cause cancer, and a plethora of other awful side effects.

While we were constantly working hard to protect his body from those negative effects, we just never know for certain what effects these toxic substances have had or will have on his little body. The impact of his treatment, the very thing doctors say saved his life, is the very thing that has the potential to hold him captive in NEW ways into his future. The following stats are shared from MaxLove Project (one of my favorite organizations in the childhood cancer realm).

Yet, an image MaxLove Project used to have on their site showed some other not-so-great statistics for childhood cancer survivors. Here it is:

Take a look at the PINK circle. 1,400% increased risk for congestive heart failure?! Does that alarm you? As the mother of a victorious warrior this statistic tugs on my fear thread, repeatedly. The lowest of these percentages is 250% increase in risk for metabolic dysfunction. Yes, this even covers a secondary cancer.

So, you can see why it is VITAL that we continue to fight for Dempsey's body. WE STILL NEED YOU. This marathon hasn't ended despite his treatment being over. The real healing is just beginning. Not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well... especially for me. This mama has PTSD and carries the weight of Dempsey's health as her responsibility. Believe me, I know the Lord is good. Just look at the journey we have walked. If you haven't read the posts from April 2016 (started April 4th), I encourage you to go read them. They are raw, real, honest, and powerful.

I was rereading my posts from back then. All. The. Emotions. Like a flood of the most mixed-up collection of emotions that I can't make heads or tales of. I'm sure I need to have another breakdown but it's just not quite ready yet. You might be wondering why on earth I would need a breakdown when we were just able to cease the toxin flow through Dempsey's body. Well, simply put... I have to adjust to another "new normal". This isn't the first time I have had to do this. It's just this time is to fight for my child's health in a different way. A way that uses the natural... the good... that which has been created by God, not man. However, this time the fear is slightly different. Rather than fighting current side effects of toxic drugs (which Dempsey didn't experience, praise God!) we are fighting the potential secondary issues - of which there are many.

Prayer requests:

For wisdom

For peace

For faith

For financial resources to continue fighting holistically

For purpose

For protection of Dempsey

For emotional healing

For psychological healing

For miraculous health

For thorough detoxification

For greater attention to diet

For blessings along Dempsey's life

For protection of his fertility

Pray against secondary issues

Pray against fear

Pray against PTSD

Pray against anxiety

Pray against second-guessing

Pray against doubt

www.ReimagineHealing.com

www.CoralKenagy.com

1st Day of FREEDOM

For those of you not on social media, I wanted to share the BIG news from yesterday.

DEMPSEY ENDED TREATMENT!!

We were able to end SIX MONTHS early, praise God. Moving to Idaho was the single most significant variable to change about our circumstances. Now we get to adjust to yet another new normal. One we are most eager to embrace.

What next? A follow-up appointment next week for blood work. A referral to surgery to schedule his port removal. A set of tests (EKG, TSH (thyroid), and one other I can't remember) to create a baseline for post treatment. Then, a myriad of follow-up appointments for the next few years, should we choose to follow St Luke's "standard" protocol (we might, we might not).

We wanted to shout a huge, heart-felt THANK YOU to each of you. Your support, prayers, and encouragement along this marathon have been orchestrally instrumental for the journey. I am sad that I cannot be there in person to share this celebratory milestone with you... but I know we share the same Spirit.

Enjoy the photos.

Also, February first marks the launch of my business - Reimagine Healing (.com). I will be a tour guide of sorts, available for hire to walk alongside whoever wants a bigger picture for their cancer journey.

"I miss CHOC"

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.

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.

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:

• 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

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 dōTERRA'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.

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.

New Jammies!

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.

Dempsey's Winning Equation

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:

@teamdempseykenagy - www.paypal.me/coralkenagy

NEGU: Jessie Rees Foundation

KICKcancER Movement

MaxLoveProject

It's Like Jesus

The sand is our sin and Jesus is the water... he washes our feet.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.