Hello Friends,
We've been waiting to write to you all with news from Boston- we thought we would hear back last week and then this week and now they had told us they will review next Wed. The earliest his treatment would start is the 3rd week of Sept (if we go forward with it). But we just wanted to drop you a line, let you know what was up and thank you for all your prayers and emails. They have been so encouraging. We have never had to make a decision of this magnitude before in Micah's treatment so all your prayers for wisdom and peace are so appreciated!!! We continue to learn more about radiation and by God's grace our hearts are at peace (even though it is a fight at times). Yesterday we went to Children's and met with Micah's oncologist. He has truly been a wonderful doctor, caring for Micah and our family, spending quite some time talking with us and answering our questions. As we talked we have learned that there are absolutely no numbers or statics for the ATRT with radiation. Again there have been 200 cases and only 15 have had the same type of treatment. Out of those-Children's hospital has one child living 7 years out from treatment. We are leaning away from photon radiation at NIH and still have questions about Bostons proton beam which hopefully we will know more about in the coming weeks. Micah Man is doing well. We are so thankful to the Lord that his life has been prolonged!! Today actually marks 1 month since Micah has been out of the hospital!! We love having him home with us! What bundles of joy the 3 of them are! This week we got to go see the Wiggles in concert (Micah really likes the Wiggles!) and had such a great time together! Again, Thank your for your prayers and continual encouragement. How you have blessed our heart!! All our Love, Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne Encouragement from our pastor, Erik I believe the words, "make me know," "deliver me," "teach me," and "lead me" that the Psalmist cries out are relevant for you in this season. As are the Psalmist responses, "for you I trust," "for to you I lift up my soul," "I have fled to you for refuge," "for you are my God!" May He make his way more clearly known to you both in the days ahead. From Ps 143:8-10
Friday, August 25, 2006
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Prayers for Wisdom & Peace
Hey All~
As well as giving you an update and thanking you for your prayers for wisdom and peace I also wanted to take a line or two and honor Luke...so he usually edits, clarifies and spell checks for me so bear with as he would have none of this- so I'm not sending it to him to proof read! =) The 12th is Luke's 28th B-day and I ...(tears)...I am so thankful for this man! His faithful and tender leadership of this family has been such a means of grace. His prayers and sacrifical care for each one of us. I think this weekend was one of the few times he has slept through the night since Jan. He is a true servant and wonderful dadda- who's prayers, talks, encouragement, songs, faith and correction have made this burrden much eaiser and more joyful ~ THANKS Baby! May peace prevail- Thanks be to God we have had peace, even though at times it is a fight (for me more so than Luke). We meet with NIH Mon and still feel like we know little, we haven't made any decisions yet. We still have questions to ask. And although we were very impressed with NIH, the facilities, the docs and nurses; the radalogist there said that Boston's proton beam might have the least effects on Micah's healthy brain cells (NIH does photon rad). So we are asking the docs to send Micah's file to Boston for them to look over and see what they think. For now we are praying for wisdom. The photon beam at NIH would hit all the areas around the 2x2x1cm area, this being motion,sensation, strength ( these they are not too concerened about), thinking, response,memory and personality- and they are not sure how much of an effect it would have on any of those areas. Plus it would likely have an effect on his IQ. So like I said, we are prusing Boston to find out more abour their proton beam. Your prayers for wisdom and peace are so appreciated! I can't tell you just have much they mean! We are going to be seeking counsel as we prayerful consider what to do for little man! Thank you for caring so much for our family!
Love From the Davis!
Ps 32 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
As well as giving you an update and thanking you for your prayers for wisdom and peace I also wanted to take a line or two and honor Luke...so he usually edits, clarifies and spell checks for me so bear with as he would have none of this- so I'm not sending it to him to proof read! =) The 12th is Luke's 28th B-day and I ...(tears)...I am so thankful for this man! His faithful and tender leadership of this family has been such a means of grace. His prayers and sacrifical care for each one of us. I think this weekend was one of the few times he has slept through the night since Jan. He is a true servant and wonderful dadda- who's prayers, talks, encouragement, songs, faith and correction have made this burrden much eaiser and more joyful ~ THANKS Baby! May peace prevail- Thanks be to God we have had peace, even though at times it is a fight (for me more so than Luke). We meet with NIH Mon and still feel like we know little, we haven't made any decisions yet. We still have questions to ask. And although we were very impressed with NIH, the facilities, the docs and nurses; the radalogist there said that Boston's proton beam might have the least effects on Micah's healthy brain cells (NIH does photon rad). So we are asking the docs to send Micah's file to Boston for them to look over and see what they think. For now we are praying for wisdom. The photon beam at NIH would hit all the areas around the 2x2x1cm area, this being motion,sensation, strength ( these they are not too concerened about), thinking, response,memory and personality- and they are not sure how much of an effect it would have on any of those areas. Plus it would likely have an effect on his IQ. So like I said, we are prusing Boston to find out more abour their proton beam. Your prayers for wisdom and peace are so appreciated! I can't tell you just have much they mean! We are going to be seeking counsel as we prayerful consider what to do for little man! Thank you for caring so much for our family!
Love From the Davis!
Ps 32 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
Thursday, August 3, 2006
Meeting w/ NIH
Hey All!
Wanted to let you know that we will be having our meeting with NIH to see what they recommend on Mon, Aug 7th at 10:30. We have both been doing well, by God's grace, waiting for their recommendations. Remembering that God gives grace and strength for each day and not our imagination has been vital. There was however an anxious feeling in my stomach as I made the appt for Mon- turn once again to the Lord! Luke and I are going on a little vacation this weekend! We will be attending Luke's 10Y High School Reunion while Nana & Maw Maw take care of the kiddos! Hopefully the munchkins aren't too crazy =) We will sure miss them but are looking forward to a little R&R (rest, relaxation, reflection & refreshment -I think that about covers it) Micah Man is continually getting better and we are enjoying being home! He has a wonderful nurse, Sue Brewer, that comes to the house to take care of his blood work and other stuff. We have been kinda laying low and staying cool, next week I'm sure we'll be a bit more adventurous and get out. We were able to go to church for the first time in 6 months as a family on Sun and that was great! Micah seemed to really enjoy the worship time, clapping his hands and singing. Anyway, just wanted to give you a head up on our meeting. Thanks for praying for us!
Love, Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. Micah 5:4-5
Wanted to let you know that we will be having our meeting with NIH to see what they recommend on Mon, Aug 7th at 10:30. We have both been doing well, by God's grace, waiting for their recommendations. Remembering that God gives grace and strength for each day and not our imagination has been vital. There was however an anxious feeling in my stomach as I made the appt for Mon- turn once again to the Lord! Luke and I are going on a little vacation this weekend! We will be attending Luke's 10Y High School Reunion while Nana & Maw Maw take care of the kiddos! Hopefully the munchkins aren't too crazy =) We will sure miss them but are looking forward to a little R&R (rest, relaxation, reflection & refreshment -I think that about covers it) Micah Man is continually getting better and we are enjoying being home! He has a wonderful nurse, Sue Brewer, that comes to the house to take care of his blood work and other stuff. We have been kinda laying low and staying cool, next week I'm sure we'll be a bit more adventurous and get out. We were able to go to church for the first time in 6 months as a family on Sun and that was great! Micah seemed to really enjoy the worship time, clapping his hands and singing. Anyway, just wanted to give you a head up on our meeting. Thanks for praying for us!
Love, Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne
And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. Micah 5:4-5
Thursday, July 27, 2006
the Next Step
We have talked with the docs and the MRI looks great! Micah's tumor started off about the size of a fist and the reports now say "that there is no evidence of disease." However there is still something, the dimensions are about 2 x 2 x 1 cm. Whether it is blood & dead cancer cells (which the previous surgery seemed to indicate) or some tumor cells mixed in, they are unsure off- but something shows up. Regardless our docs are in agreement and would like us to proceed with 6 weeks of radiation followed by 6 months of low dose chemo due to the agressive nature of this tumor (ATRT). There have been about 200 recorded case of this tumor and 15 children that have gone through the same regimen as Micah. Please pray for wisdom for us and the docs--- radiation was not something we were anticipating. Radiologists at NIH will be looking over Micah's MRI and deciding what type of radiation would be best for Micah (the radiation- if we decide to do it- will be done at NIH or in Boston). After they look over it we will meet, talk about the risks and benefits (we should hear back from Radiology in 2 weeks) and then we will decide where to go from there. We were not expecting the docs to suggest radiation and we've shed tears and shared a few fears and most of all we are turning to the Lord for wisdom. I spoke with one of Micah's little friends parents, who have done some research on radiation and when I shared that there was a possibility of Micah under going rad his response was, "That's great, it's been really effective," not my first response but a good reminder of how blessed we with the medical technology. We truly appreciate all your support and would covet your continued prayers! We came home yesterday afternoon, Micah's counts are 4000!!! Thank the Lord, he only stayed at 0 for one day this time! He is still a bit fussy and it is hard to know how much is that he is sick (he is on antibodics and cutting his two year molars) and how much is him being two. So we are trying to find indoor activities to help keep our little ones busy! =) "When my heart is trouble and my strength fails, I will trust in You. When shadows of doubt creep into my soul, I will trust in You. For you are faithful oh God, Faithful my God- Never leaving, never forsaking, ever present help."
Much Thanks & Affection
Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne
Much Thanks & Affection
Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne
Friday, July 21, 2006
Checking into Children's
Hey All~
We checked into Children’s Thurs, Micah had a fever and his counts were zero. He felt pretty rotten and we are so thankful that they are able to give him meds to help him through this time. Today he is some better, he had a really good morning and his counts are 20- moving on up! The evening seems to be his worst time. Which we are now hitting and Dadda has gone to find some movies =) He’s eating only a bite here and there but drinking really well. We truly appreciate your prayers and regular encouragement- thanks for the posts! We are still waiting to for the results of the MRI; that will probably come next week. Humm… not much more is happening here we are just hanging out with little man -oh and we have been invited to share at the volunteers banquet (to speak for just a few min at the volunteers dinner and thank them for serving the kids here so wonderfully) in September. As a matter of fact- a volunteer, Elisha, brought up some toys and games for our boys while nurse Jenny sat with them and waited for Nana to come when I went into labor with Cianne! What a blessing! The volunteers commit to serving the children here for 100 hours! We are looking forward to honoring them and getting a chance to thank them! Well this is a good time for me to say good bye for now…Luke, Micah and Cianne are cuddled up in the bed and Braet is watching a movie before we head home. Micah just got some good meds and is fast asleep. Hopefully he’ll sleep well for Luke tonight! =) Thank you for serving us so faithfully throughout this time. You have brought meals 3x a week since Feb, given financially, called, emailed, prayed, sent cards, prayed more, cried with us, laughed with us, visited us and the list could go on and on. WOW, how you have blessed us! It moves us tears think of all the numerous ways you have cared for us we will never be able to adequately thank you or communicate just how much it means!
Much Love & Appreciation!
Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Author and Pastor, John Piper writes this on the eve of prostate surgery Article Entitled: Don't Waste Your Cancer http://www.desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/021506.html
We checked into Children’s Thurs, Micah had a fever and his counts were zero. He felt pretty rotten and we are so thankful that they are able to give him meds to help him through this time. Today he is some better, he had a really good morning and his counts are 20- moving on up! The evening seems to be his worst time. Which we are now hitting and Dadda has gone to find some movies =) He’s eating only a bite here and there but drinking really well. We truly appreciate your prayers and regular encouragement- thanks for the posts! We are still waiting to for the results of the MRI; that will probably come next week. Humm… not much more is happening here we are just hanging out with little man -oh and we have been invited to share at the volunteers banquet (to speak for just a few min at the volunteers dinner and thank them for serving the kids here so wonderfully) in September. As a matter of fact- a volunteer, Elisha, brought up some toys and games for our boys while nurse Jenny sat with them and waited for Nana to come when I went into labor with Cianne! What a blessing! The volunteers commit to serving the children here for 100 hours! We are looking forward to honoring them and getting a chance to thank them! Well this is a good time for me to say good bye for now…Luke, Micah and Cianne are cuddled up in the bed and Braet is watching a movie before we head home. Micah just got some good meds and is fast asleep. Hopefully he’ll sleep well for Luke tonight! =) Thank you for serving us so faithfully throughout this time. You have brought meals 3x a week since Feb, given financially, called, emailed, prayed, sent cards, prayed more, cried with us, laughed with us, visited us and the list could go on and on. WOW, how you have blessed us! It moves us tears think of all the numerous ways you have cared for us we will never be able to adequately thank you or communicate just how much it means!
Much Love & Appreciation!
Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Author and Pastor, John Piper writes this on the eve of prostate surgery Article Entitled: Don't Waste Your Cancer http://www.desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/021506.html
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Home Again
Home Again, Home Again
- It is hard to believe that Micah is finished his 6th and last round of chemo. When we started this journey in Jan, getting to July seemed like forever away. Now here we are....Micah came home late Friday night and we are waiting for his counts to come up again. However we are still at home =) and he is still eating, drinking and playing! We are hoping and praying he doesn't get a fever and stays home with us! This Wed is his MRI and we will be waiting for the results with much anticipation (they take about a week to get back). We don't really know what to expect yet except that he will go to clinic once a month and have an MRI once every 3 months to keep a close check on things. Micah has been doing so well, right now he is dancing to the Wiggles! It's almost bed time and the boys are laughing together- waiting for a story and oh yea- Micah's shot which nurse Dadda will administer. Lately Micah has been enjoying dinosaur nuggets, coffee (can you believe it- we are switching to hot tea!), more nuggets, oatmeal, chocolate, juice - did I mention nuggets and BBQ sauce. We will probably never understand why the Lord has allowed us to walk this road, for his ways are certainly not our ways, but we know that he works all things for our good and for His glory. Let me share just some of the good we have experienced: -the Lord is nearer than ever before (not that He wasn't already near, but now we are much more aware- for we need Him desperately) -scripture and the Lord's promises ring truer in our hearts -the power of prayer is continually made real before our eyes -we know his grace to be new each day - oh how he provides strength, for we could never go this alone! He has sustained our family even when we couldn't always be together as a family ( the work that he is doing in Braeton's little heart- we are ever grateful for) - thecomfort & peace that only God can bring- is so dear -his Love is made ever real to us through you and the comfort He brings to us -the Cross is bigger, it was his death that gave us forgiveness, peace, joy, hope, strength, love, fellowship Wanted to share with you some of the wonderful things God is working in our hearts as we are slowly learning to trust him more and more. Thank you for being near to us and carrying us in our your hearts and prayers! You are ever faithful friends! Trust in the Lord with all your heart....For His Glory
All our Love,
Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne
Wanted to share a message with you that was particularly meaningful to us (its free) 02.26.2006 Grant Layman Lost and Found, Part 5: The Desperate Luke 8:40-56, Listen Online Download (10.1 MB) http://www.covlife.org/tools/sermons.php
- It is hard to believe that Micah is finished his 6th and last round of chemo. When we started this journey in Jan, getting to July seemed like forever away. Now here we are....Micah came home late Friday night and we are waiting for his counts to come up again. However we are still at home =) and he is still eating, drinking and playing! We are hoping and praying he doesn't get a fever and stays home with us! This Wed is his MRI and we will be waiting for the results with much anticipation (they take about a week to get back). We don't really know what to expect yet except that he will go to clinic once a month and have an MRI once every 3 months to keep a close check on things. Micah has been doing so well, right now he is dancing to the Wiggles! It's almost bed time and the boys are laughing together- waiting for a story and oh yea- Micah's shot which nurse Dadda will administer. Lately Micah has been enjoying dinosaur nuggets, coffee (can you believe it- we are switching to hot tea!), more nuggets, oatmeal, chocolate, juice - did I mention nuggets and BBQ sauce. We will probably never understand why the Lord has allowed us to walk this road, for his ways are certainly not our ways, but we know that he works all things for our good and for His glory. Let me share just some of the good we have experienced: -the Lord is nearer than ever before (not that He wasn't already near, but now we are much more aware- for we need Him desperately) -scripture and the Lord's promises ring truer in our hearts -the power of prayer is continually made real before our eyes -we know his grace to be new each day - oh how he provides strength, for we could never go this alone! He has sustained our family even when we couldn't always be together as a family ( the work that he is doing in Braeton's little heart- we are ever grateful for) - thecomfort & peace that only God can bring- is so dear -his Love is made ever real to us through you and the comfort He brings to us -the Cross is bigger, it was his death that gave us forgiveness, peace, joy, hope, strength, love, fellowship Wanted to share with you some of the wonderful things God is working in our hearts as we are slowly learning to trust him more and more. Thank you for being near to us and carrying us in our your hearts and prayers! You are ever faithful friends! Trust in the Lord with all your heart....For His Glory
All our Love,
Luke & Kriscinda, Braeton, Micah & Cianne
Wanted to share a message with you that was particularly meaningful to us (its free) 02.26.2006 Grant Layman Lost and Found, Part 5: The Desperate Luke 8:40-56, Listen Online Download (10.1 MB) http://www.covlife.org/tools/sermons.php
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Stem Cells
Hey Friends,
It’s late Thursday night and Micah Moo (as he is affectionately called by nurse, Bonnie) is fast asleep- tomorrow he is getting his stem cells. Chemo was pushed back so he started his last round Tuesday rather than last Friday which was great for us... We were able to go to my Pap’s 70th B-day party on Sat, church Sunday and pray with our Pastor, Joe Lee and Monday we went out for ice cream at Jimmy Cone! It was a great weekend home!
Micah is doing well, he has mostly cheerful cheeks, he is still eating & drinking and we are all looking forward to chemo being finished and Micah being home once again. The journey is long but we are ever being reminded of His love and faithfulness towards us. His mercies are new each morning and he has provided grace and strength each day; we are ever learning to trust Him more.
Today Micah’s broviac has come partly out so he will have to have that replaced tomorrow (a small surgery) after his stem sells. Please pray for us and little man. Since surgery will be so late in the day he can’t have anything to eat after 8:00am and all you moms with small ones know just how hard that can be when you little one can’t eat for hours!
Thanks for your faithful care for our family. Jerry Bridges, in his book Trusting God, says, “It is often in the midst of our adversities that we experience the most delightful manifestations of His love.” How true this is! We have ever felt Gods love and also delightful love and care from you all as well. What faithful friends you have been! We so appreciate you! Thank you for your prayers and continual encouragement!
Love to All,
The Davis Gang!
“Let us fall into the hands of the Lord for his mercy is great!” Jerry Bridges
Do not be afraid for I myself will help you. Is 41:14
Prayer Requests:
- As Micah’s counts drop that he would have minimal side effects, no infections and his counts would come up quickly
- MRI- scheduled for July 19
Praises:
- Micah has been so joyful and peaceable. Even thought he has a hard time with the procedures he has had calmness to him and Luke & I have ever been growing in our faith and trust in the Lord. God is good and he is faithful!
It’s late Thursday night and Micah Moo (as he is affectionately called by nurse, Bonnie) is fast asleep- tomorrow he is getting his stem cells. Chemo was pushed back so he started his last round Tuesday rather than last Friday which was great for us... We were able to go to my Pap’s 70th B-day party on Sat, church Sunday and pray with our Pastor, Joe Lee and Monday we went out for ice cream at Jimmy Cone! It was a great weekend home!
Micah is doing well, he has mostly cheerful cheeks, he is still eating & drinking and we are all looking forward to chemo being finished and Micah being home once again. The journey is long but we are ever being reminded of His love and faithfulness towards us. His mercies are new each morning and he has provided grace and strength each day; we are ever learning to trust Him more.
Today Micah’s broviac has come partly out so he will have to have that replaced tomorrow (a small surgery) after his stem sells. Please pray for us and little man. Since surgery will be so late in the day he can’t have anything to eat after 8:00am and all you moms with small ones know just how hard that can be when you little one can’t eat for hours!
Thanks for your faithful care for our family. Jerry Bridges, in his book Trusting God, says, “It is often in the midst of our adversities that we experience the most delightful manifestations of His love.” How true this is! We have ever felt Gods love and also delightful love and care from you all as well. What faithful friends you have been! We so appreciate you! Thank you for your prayers and continual encouragement!
Love to All,
The Davis Gang!
“Let us fall into the hands of the Lord for his mercy is great!” Jerry Bridges
Do not be afraid for I myself will help you. Is 41:14
Prayer Requests:
- As Micah’s counts drop that he would have minimal side effects, no infections and his counts would come up quickly
- MRI- scheduled for July 19
Praises:
- Micah has been so joyful and peaceable. Even thought he has a hard time with the procedures he has had calmness to him and Luke & I have ever been growing in our faith and trust in the Lord. God is good and he is faithful!
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