Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Isabelle Update

I know I have not posted on the blog much lately. I'm sure you all understand why. The past month has been a whirlwind, with having a new baby and then getting Isabelle's diagnosis of Leukemia three weeks later, we've kind of had a lot going on. I have been doing most of my updating about Isabelle through facebook, but I realize that we have some family and friends who don't use facebook, so I thought I would post the same update here. I do have some other "regular" posts I would like to do, but those may have to wait until things calm down a little. There have been a couple days where I barely found the time to take a shower or sit down and eat in peace, and that was even with someone here helping me!! Hopefully we'll find our new "normal" soon. Anyway, here is the update I posted on facebook today:




Isabelle did very well at her treatment today. We’re hoping to get the results of her bone marrow biopsy back tomorrow (the doctor said she would try to rush them), b/c otherwise we may have to wait until after the holiday to get the results. She actually did NOT have to have chemo put in her spine today like we had thought, and she won’t have to have that next week either. They did still put her to sleep for the bone marrow biopsy and they gave her a round of chemo through her port while she was asleep. Also, the steroids have been making her very moody and we’ve had a hard time getting her to take a bath, so we asked them today if we could wash her hair while she was asleep. They thought it was hilarious and said it was a first for them, but they were very accommodating! J Next week the only thing she will have done is the chemo through her port and we won’t have to put her to sleep for that. (I guess we’ll have to bathe her at home next week! LOL)

Also, we checked with our doctor today about the St.Jude’s option. She received her training at St.Jude, so she knows a lot about it. She said we would not be eligible at this point b/c we have already begun treatment. Also, even if we had been referred there right after diagnosis, they probably would have referred us right back home b/c the type of cancer she has is very common and treatable and can be easily treated right here at home. She said that if our daughter had something very rare or if she felt she needed to be sent somewhere else, she would be the first one to send us. We feel very confident about the doctors that we have here at Carilion, and have heard nothing but wonderful things about them. They are a part of the same Children’s Oncology Research Group that St.Jude is a part of, so they get all the up-to-date information about children’s cancer research. They and all the nurses and child life specialists have been WONDERFUL with Isabelle and with us. Two of the doctors have even given me a shoulder to cry on a couple times. We feel that we are in very good hands. Also, I know for a fact that at least two of them claim to wear the name Christian, so that means they are looking to God for guidance, and I like HIS hands even better!! Also, the stress of traveling back and forth with a sick child and a newborn would just be too much right now, so we have decided to stick with the doctors we have where we can stay close to family and friends and keep life as normal as possible for Isabelle. If something changes in her situation, our doctors will send us where we need to go.

Thanks again for all the prayers, cards, gifts, help, and encouraging words! Each day seems to get a little better and hopefully soon we’ll have established some sort of a routine. We know there are going to be good days and bad days ahead, but we also know that God, along with all our “prayer warriors”, is going to get us through it, and someday it will all be a memory. I’m sure we will have lots of stories to tell. Most of all, we want God to be glorified through it all.


We LOVE you all very much with the love of Christ.

Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

4 comments:

Allene said...

Tabitha,

I pray daily for Izzy and have posted her picture on my blog. I know the power of prayer. Be strong in the Lord and in His Mighty Power. He will take you one day at a time through this difficult valley, BUT you will come through on the otherside with the strength that only God can provide.

We prayed for Izzy in our Ladies Bible Class and will continue to do so until we hear that she is completely well. Allow the GREAT PHYSICIAN to do his miraculous work of healing. I have seen it happen over and over.

Ever in His Presence,
Allene

Candace said...

Tabitha,

We are praying for Isabelle and her speedy recovery and comfort in treatment. We have also put your family on the prayer list in our Bible class. I am glad for you that they are able to treat Isabelle there close to home.

Love to you,
Candace

Melanie said...

Praying for sweet Isabelle and family.

Jodi said...

Praying constantly for you all and that sweet little Izzy!!! I too know the power of prayer, and how powerful it is to know that you are prayed over by so many.... I feel privileged to pass that on to you!!!

I've read that post you put up several times but am just now posting. Also praying you will quickly settle into that new "normal" and will have overwhelming peace and REST. It is hard for us Mommies to find rest, so I pray you do. :) Hang in there!!!