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.
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