Wednesday, May 24, 2006

4th Round Over

Hey All!

Micah came home Fri after finishing his 4th round of chemo and receiving his stem cells. This last week went well but it was long =).... Luke and Micah were at the hospital this week (Micah had his broviac replaced Mon and started chemo Tues) and Braet, Cianne and I were home ~ we sure missed those two!!! These last 3 rounds (2 now) are trying and tiring mainly because Micah has to have a bath every 4 to 6 hours, round the clock for 72 hours (due to the chemo secreting through his skin- otherwise it would burn him) and he's not been to happy to see his docs or the nurses.

Even though it becomes increasingly harder to watch Micah go through this our little reunion on Fri was sweet. And we have been so aware of God's kindness! Micah's nurses continue to take of little Grouch with joy, Katie ( who must be stopped =) brings crafts and visits daily, the ladies and my amazing mother have been wonderful in caring for me (I have had a uterus infection this last week) ~ not to mention the guys calls, emails, and Cameron coming to "babysit" as Luke cared for Micah so selflessly this week. We were also able to go celebrate some B-day's at Maw & Paws this weekend- what Fun!

We would as usual love your prayers, Luke took back Micah to the hospital at 3:30am this morning due to a fever, he is wiped out from the chemo and has Mucositis. His counts are also at 0. So we are praying that his counts come back up quickly and his recovery is fast.

Thanks for your care, concern and many prayers for our family!
Love Ya,
Luke & Kriscinda, Braet, Micah and Cianne

Great Things!
*Micah is eating and drinking better so he doesn't have to be on TPN -Wonderful!
*He is still walking!!!

Specific Prayer Requests:
* That he would continue to eat and drink even more.
* That his fever and the mucositis would leave quickly and there would be no infection between now and his next round of chemo (tentatively set to start-on June 6).
* Joy and peace for Micah at the hospital.
* Wisdom for Luke and I and that we would "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding"

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Surprise- CC's Here!

Hello All!
Sunday we had a bit of a Surprise... my water broke and our little girl was born at 3:55 A.M on Mon, May 8th weighing in at 4 lbs 5 oz and 17 3/4" long. She is quite the peanut and Praise the Lord , she is doing wonderful! There have been no complications due to the early delivery (I was 35 weeks). We are all doing well and once again everyone has pitched in and is serving us so sacrificially.
Micah nd Cianne were both able to come home Wed and what a joy it is to be together! Micah goes back to Children's on Monday to have his broviac replaced (it was infected) and is due to start his 4th round of chemo this Tuesday. Because of infection in his urine he is in isolation and gets his own room for the next few times we are there (the down side is he can't leave his room but he has been doing great and this should be helpful when Cianne is able to travel to the hospital with us - in a few weeks)
Wanted to share with you an email Luke sent to remind me of God's goodness even when his wisdom and love seemed cloaked from our eyes...
*Micah had his Brovi removed which kept him in the hospital and prolonged chemo - if his Brovi were not infected he would have had chemo on Friday and would be starting to hit his low point, may have gotten a fever and been back in the hospital while little miss Cianne was home - this would have split our family apart this first week.
*Further, Micah is home without TPN, we don't have to wake him up throughout the night to change diapers and sheets (can you say laundry?) wearing us out on top of taking care of Cianne.
*Cianne being early made her tiny and made the delivery easier on you and will greatly reduce your recovery.
*Nick was in town and hadn't started work or an internship, it was Sherri's day off so they could watch Micah
*We were together in the same place when your water broke (I could have been at the hospital with Micah and you at home) and the nurses were able to sit with the boys until Nana got to Childrens
*Micah was found to have a bacteria in his urine which has no side effects on him, but yet gives us the biggest private room on the floor. - Micah has not even asked to leave his room and has so many toys and movies and playing space to keep him quite content. What's more is that we will continue to have a private room for the next three admissions which might finish out his treatments - this is a blessing to us. Not only to us, but it has made for a much more pleasant experience for both Sherri and Nick (their own bed instead of a chair, a private room and their own private bathroom with shower!) The infectious disease people told me today that he has had only one positive culture for this bacteria and were quite surprised at this - bacteria like this just don't go away overnight.

"I'm sure I could continue this list all night long - isn't it amazing - isn't it just like God? He chose us in Him before the foundation of the World - How great is the love of the father that we should be called children of God.
My love my hope is that you are encouraged and amazed by all that our God has done - and that we hang on to these things and more importantly the cross, when life "seems" a little crazy because we can know with certainty that He is in control and Sovereign over all."

What a glorious journey that no one could predict - but our heavenly Father is lovingly carrying us each step and has given us wonderful family and friends to care for us! Thanks guys! We Love You !
Luke & Kriscinda, Braet, Micah and Cianne

*Micah has started walking again (even though he is still wobbly) and what a joy to see!! Thanks for your prayers!

Specfic Prayer Requests
* 4th round of chemo would go well and with few side affects
* For wisdom in scheduling right now with caring for Cianne and being w/ Micah- constant change is here to stay =)
* That we would be focused on today and trusting the Lord for tomorrow

Wednesday, May 3, 2006

Grace Upon Grace

Grace upon Grace and Kindness on Kindness

We are still at Children's, making it our home away from home but much grace and kindness we have experienced….

*EEG test came back clear. The jerking has stopped and Micah is sleeping much better!! Thank the Lord.
Nana & G took the weekend shift so Luke & I got to go to Delaware this past weekend, Braet had spent the week there with Maw & Paw so we were able to come and visit, relax and catch up on some much needed sleep!
*Micah spent his 2nd B-day here (we were able to celebrate the weekend before with the fam at home) and the nurses ordered him cake & ice cream. Miss Katie and a few others brought him lots of fun gifts and balloons, we have been so overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and generosity!
*His chest x-ray was clear (he has been coughing a little so they wanted to make sure his lungs were clear)
*And Pathology…. Well we couldn't have asked for a better report!! The pathologist said they saw Necrosis (dead cancer cells) and white blood cells (they come in to do the clean up work) but as far as they could tell there was no tumor in the tissue. They can't guarantee 100% that there are no tumor cells hiding out but this is the best possible report and we are most grateful to the Lord!!

Micah is also feeling much better this week and he is back to his happy self! We are hanging out at Children's due to 2 positive blood cultures (meaning bacteria is growing in his blood samples) and low grade fevers. We are hoping to get a negative culture back, otherwise the docs will consider putting a new broviac line in before the next round of chemo starts (which is supposed to happen either Friday 5 th or Monday 8th). Luke & I are anxious to get home but are so thankful for how well Micah is doing and we're trying to be patient =). We have been meeting more wonderful people and our boys are being spoiled by Miss Katie (one of the ladies that works here)! Micah has even taken walks with her- unbelievable!! I think that is about all for the updates.

Thanks for all your continued prayers, calls, meals, emails, etc (you've done it all!). We have definitely felt your prayers, love and concern for us! Thank You!
Love, The Davis'
Luke & Kriscinda, Braet, Micah and Cianne

"but Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'" Mat 19:14

Thursday, April 27, 2006

2nd Brain Surgery

Mon- Surgery- Our fam was able to be there for Micah's surgery (which was about 6 hours) and how great to have so many there! The initial pathology report is that all the Dr Yaun took out was dead cancer cells, blood, scar tissue (we will get the rest of the report back early next week). Praise the Lord!! Due to the fact that everything Dr Yaun was sending to the lab was coming back with no tumor in it she left the remainder of "stuff" around some main blood vessels because taking it out would be more risky and cause major left sided weakness
Tues- CT Scan - Looked great, no abnormal swelling and we were able to be moved from ICU back to our usual, 4 Yellow- Hematology
Wed- MRI - Showed that Dr Yaun was able to get about 1/2 of the "stuff" out. And coffee with friends- what fun =)
Thurs- EEG (which we are still waiting to do) Micah has been doing these jerky motions for the last 2 days just when he is trying to sleep which wakes him(he is not really sleeping well or long at all - we are all very tired). So they are doing this test to make sure everything is okay. His docs seems to think it is from exhausten and that it will go away after a day or two. We are praying it goes away soon as well as his fever. If everything goes well we will be coming home tomorrow, on Micah's 2nd B-day!
Next Week- the 4th round of chemo should start by next Wed

Wanted to give a quick update, sorry it has taken so long, we have had our hands full this week but are very thankful for how well surgery went and Micah's progress. God has been gracious to us and continues to provide strength and mercy for each new day!!
Thanks again for your prayers. Many of you have communicated that you are thinking of us and praying for us, we just can't thank you enough or tell you how encouraging it is!!
Love to All,
Luke & Kriscinda, Braet, Micah and Cianne (coming soon!!)

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Prayers Please

Okay All, I have been trying to get this update out to you because we covet your prayers! Things have been a bit crazy with being in and out of the hospital, doing laundry galore ( Micah's been throwing up alot- I think we need our own Laundry Mat) and our basement is currently flooded (Thanks Maw & Paw for the shop vac this Christmas - it is working wonderfully!!!) so anyway he goes, it is a bit scattered....

We have just talked with Dr Yaun on Thurs ... seen the films from the MRI, heard the explanation for why all the docs (which apparently doesn't happen that often) recommend another surgery and discussed Dr Yaun's plan for Mon. While we have no desire to go or put Micah through another surgery it seems the like the best route to go....and so surgery is scheduled for this coming Mon morning....

Micah has been home now for 10-11 days and we have all greatly enjoyed him! What a treat! We even got to celebrate his 2nd B-day which will be coming up at the end of the month. How sweet our times have been together. It has been so good to cuddle and play with our happy little guy- what a joy bug he has been! And Braet is a wonderful big brother, who plays with and comes running whenever Micah is sick. God is Good!

Nana's Update (we have been back and forth to Children's this week with consultations and a fever so Nana is helping us out with the post)
"After MRI, this area has reduced another 50% and the head of neurosurgery, the neurosurgeon, and the head of pediatric oncology believe what they are dealing with is still cancer/tumor. They are planning to do a repeat surgery on Micah Monday, the 24 th at 11 am. The neurosurgeon expressed confidence that what they are dealing with is is a position to be removed fairly easily.
We so appreciate your care and continued prayers for us all. I think we must be experiencing a taste of what it was like for Moses to have Aaron and Hur hold up his arms when they grew weary during the battle, for when we are weary your prayers are holding us up and will until the battle is over. "

With much love and gratefulness for you all,
The Davis and Miller Family

Specific Prayer Requests

*For the Surgery this coming Monday morning---
- Quick recovery for Micah
- That Dr Yaun would be able to safely remove whatever is left
- Skill for the the surgeon and their team, that things would go wonderful smooth in the operating room
- Peace that surpasses understanding

Those who know your name will trust in You, for you Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Ps 9:10

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Home Again & A Name for Baby

Hello All,

Micah came home from the hospital late last Wed night after having low grade fevers on Mon (April 10) and is still doing wonderful. We were so thankful to be home for Easter...we were able to see our family (and many of them were able to see Micah for the first time) it was a such a fun time- we were also able to go to a Friday night service, Good Friday, and that was a wonderful time to reflect on Christ's sacrifice for us. How thankful we are to know that we are forgiven and we and Micah will never be forsaken because of Christ's death for us. He willing gave his Son and well watching Micah go through the suffering he has, it is something that we would never willing do and oh how that makes us more grateful to God for sending his only to die for our many sins!!

We have just received the results back from Micah's MRI and the blood remainder is half of what it was just a a month ago and the spine looks great! The docs are very pleased and we are so thankful to the Lord for such wonderful progress. The docs are still recommending another surgery (to clean up the blood and make sure nothing is in the blood before we go onto the last 3 doses of higher chemo) and Luke and I will talk with Dr Yaun ( the one who performed Micah's 1st surgery) this Thursday at 10:30 because they would like to perform the surgery next week.

We would covet your continued prayers for our family as we walk this journey. Thanks for your faithful prayers and support...
Love to All,
Luke & Kriscinda, Braet, Micah and Cianne

* YES, we have a name!!! Baby Cianne should be arriving in about 6 weeks and if your wondering about her name it is my mom Cindy and Luke's mom's middle name Anne put together (and yes it is a real name =) ) and the name means "God is gracious" which we felt was extremly fitting! Not only has God been so gracious to us each and every day but we have also experienced a tremendous amount of grace and care from the Lord through these two wonderful women! Thanks Moms!

Saturday, April 8, 2006

NG Tube Out!

Thank you for all your prayers once again. Micah is doing so well. He is smiling (even at his nurses) and joyful. They have been able to to manage his nausea well with a few meds and his NG tube is out... due to the fact that his sodium is stabilizing- Praise the Lord! He is not eating since last week, which is to be expected since he just finished his 3rd round of chemo last Fri. They have started TPN (it is like a meal in a bag that runs through his IV) to make sure Micah gets all his nutrients, vitamins and doesn't lose too much weight.
Last Tues they had to replace another broviac - this makes his 3rd (please pray that this one stays in =) it can be rather traumatic!). His Methotrexate has just cleared and we arrived home this afternoon (Oh Happy Day- we were originally planning to go home Tues)! This is the longest it has taken this to clear- a full 7 days so we have been at Children's now for 12 days and were really ready to come home!! His white blood cell counts are currently zero and thank the Lord he doesn't have a fever or mouth sores, hopefully it stays that way so we all can stay out of Children's for a few days and can you believe it he still has hair (his nurses are amazed and have asked- Why does he have hair?)! He also had a kidney and hearing test, everything checked out well with the kidney test and we are still waiting for the results of the hearing test. He has just started his shots which will help to boost his counts. His hardest time is usually after the Methotrexate clears and his counts are the lowest, his body is the weakest then and that is when he feels the worst but so far he has still been very pleasant and only experienced some nausea and throwing up. We are praying that he continues to have minimal side effects and for his counts to come up quickly. Even though the journey is wearing we are so thankful the he is acting more like our old Micah Man! It so blesses us to his wonderful smiles and watch him enjoy the family, visitors and even the physical therapists!
We are so thankful for all the wonderful care we have received...babysitting, meals, continual notes of encouragement, calls, visits and prayer thank you all for being there for the long haul we can't imagine walking this road without you. We love you and dearly miss you! Thanks!
Luke & Kriscinda, Braet, Micah and lil sis (8 weeks to go!!!)

Specific Prayer
* That Micah will start eating and drinking. We aren't sure if he has a bad taste in his mouth or if mouth sores may be developing but he hasn't eaten much for the last 8 days. He is getting the TPN but the sooner he starts eating and drinking the better
* The Neuro Doc thinks Micah may have some neuropathy in his feet and legs (a tingling sensation or numbness) which makes walking very difficult, he hasn't walked on his own since before Chemo started, please pray that this goes completely away and he would have strength again in his legs & feet
* Peace for us for whatever the next step holds...Micah is supposed to have an MRI on Thursday of the brain and spine to check everything out and see if another surgery is needed before they start the higher dose of chemo

"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid." PS 112:7-8