Andrew (DOB 10-19-00) was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) on August 6, 2003. His leukemia is considered high risk (t-cell with a high wbc) and he was put on a rigourous treatment plan (ccg 1961 ser) which will last 3.5 years and consists of 13 different chemos and cranial radiation. Andrew's battle had it's ups and downs. He spent 15 months on intensive chemo, including radiation, and another 2 years of daily chemo for maintenance.
We are thankful to proclaim that God has done a mighty work in Andrew, and he is now in remission, living life as a "Survivor".
Please keep him in your prayers as he will be closely monitored to help minimize side effects and ensure that the cancer remains in remission.
We thank you for your prayers, for healing and protection.
I was able to celebrate as a mom, for the first time, 9 years ago. My little guy was in my tummy, and I was so excited to have him in my life.
Today, my thanksgiving is multiplied. I have seen the frailty of life, as I watched him struggle through his cancer treatment...as I watched many children struggle. To have Andrew here today is a great gift.
We recently had some urological testing...well, sort of. he was to have a test that required catheterization, and one nurse spent over 10 minutes cramming the cather in, resulting in incredible pain and blood. The end result....there is some blockage and the Urologist is tyring to decide how best to move forward; either she will try to catheterize him herself (she worries if Andrew will allow this, after the horrific experience this week)...or she may have him go under anesthesia (although the testing is limited when he is under.) I told her it's up to her, whatever she think will be the best option for determining what the problem might be. Please keep this in your prayers...for his test, and that it gives us clear insight into what is wrong, and that the issue would be minor and easy to fix.
Andrew had his eye appt. this past week too, and I am so thrilled that he is doing well in this area. The doctor said he was suprised that Andrew doesnt have cataracts. One study notes that 80% of children who received radiation and steroids have cataracts 3-5 years post treatment. Granted we havent gotten to the 3 year mark yet...but this was great news and we thank God for his continued protection.
Earlier this month, Andrew went to the district speech meet, and received the highest level of award. We also were able to receive his scores, and he received 149 out of 150 - WOW! Im so proud of him!!
He does continue to struggle, both physically and emotionally, with his weak physical strength...he just wants to be able to play sports at recess....not be the kid that is the "ref" or is teased for not being very good. He is such a kind boy, and it really hurts when he doesnt fit in this way.
I try to tell him, that God has protected those gifts that He needs Andrew to have, for His purpose. Without the leukemia, doctors expect Andrew would have been 4.5-6 inches taller...and undoubtedly would not have had the muscle weakness and pain as a result of treatment. Andrew knows that God allowed this to be taken...but God has protected many more things; his brain, his heart, his eyes, his very life! I have no doubt, that in 20 years, Andrew will not think about his sports skills, but will be grateful that he is a social, caring, smart young man...with a life that is directed by God.
He is still swimming, and we are looking for a basketball league for summer. I am also waiting to hear back re: some outstanding endocrine tests.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
I thank God for allowing me to hug and hold the boy that first made me a mother, and for the beautiful, sweet daughters that have blessed me too. Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mother's reading this today.
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