History

Saturday, December 16, 2006 11:49 PM CST

I just wanted to post and ask everyone to keep Dillan in your prayers. Dillan was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Stage IV on November 6th. His family is in the early stages of treatment and his mom is reaching out for help and support. Please stop by their stie and drop off some prayers and love...let them know Angel Cody's family sent you.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/dillanjohns

Sunday, December 3, 2006 8:09 AM CST

Without Greg here the holidays are even harder than I imagined. I have been missing Cody a great deal lately...of course, I have missed every single day since he was placed on life support and then eventually went home with Jesus...only lately, I have been crying more and feeling a little more...well, empty.

Some days are better than others...that's for sure.

I wish that he was still here while at the same time I am grateful he no longer suffers...In the end that was all there was...pain.

Thanksgiving was time of reflection...a day to recall the things we are thankful for...

I am thankful for my family...for my friends...for my husband...and for the savior that died on the cross...

I am sad...but I it's okay.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, November 22, 2006 10:09 AM CST

I just wanted to do a quick update to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Things have been hectic around here with Greg deployed...the holidays are quickly approaching and I am blessed to have family in for Thanksgiving and travel plans for Christmas.

Thanks for continuing to keep up with our progress.

I set up a MySpace account and it has been fun finding a lot of old friends.

This was my journal on MySpace Saturday, November 18, 2006

The Duty of Takin' Care of Doody

I don't usually work on Friday but I got up early and headed to the office...I was running late as usual...but since it was my day off, I figured, they would just have to understand...

Anyway, I get through the important appointment...Working to whoo a new client...and move on to more important things like Mall shopping with my friend, Rachael (hi, Rachael!)...

So there we are in the middle of the mall...talking about...what? you ask...MySpace! I know, sad...

Anyway...we were laughing about the Sexy Thing video I have posted when my 4 year old decides to do the Little Guy's dance...now together we were doing this dance last night...we were not video taping, sorry!...it was funny...I mistakenly reminded my son of how the little guy loses his panties...my son proceeds to tell Ms. Rachael...ha.ha. ha "him lost his panites"...Next thing I know he does a few hip thrust and there, in the middle of the Mall, in front of my disbelieving eyes...the child dropped his drawers!!!!

As you can imagine the many people minding their own business in the Mall just shopping find this to be extremely amusing...as do I...and Rachael...Rachael keeps walking...leaving me ALL alone in the middle of the Mall with my half naked child...I am attempting not to pee my pants laughing as I am trying to pull up his pants...finally, I was successful...but it seemed to take forever...all the while people are passing me by...looking...laughing...amazing he wasn't asked for his autograph...

We go about our business...I pull myself together sit down and have a talk with my son...I request that he not pull his pants down in the middle of the Mall anymore...to which he replies in song...I believe in miracles...Thank God there were no more drawer dropping incidents...

On the way home, I am forced to remember and once again laugh...

I get home...I walk inside and I am smacked in the face with something horrible...WHAT IS THAT SMELL? I said self...what the heck is that? Myself replies, I don't know...let's investigate!

The dog is outside...lucky for her, it's not her fault...

Hmmm...that leaves...THE CAT!

I make my way out to man land (the area of the house were only men are allowed...this is where the foos ball table lives...the video game equipment...all of the instruments, etc...)

There in front of the large screen TV video game display sits the almighty Popisan Chair...for those of you unfamilar with the Popisan...this a giant round chair made of wicker with a great big cushion in the middle that occassionally slides off...comfortable none-the-less...

Anyway...the Popisan...in our house has been dubbed the Poopy-san Chair...why, well for some reason our cat believes the Poopy-san to be his personal litter box...so there in the center of the Poopy-san is the largest load of crap I have ever seen...How on earth did this come out of my cat???

Suddenly it dawns on me...with Greg deployed...I am on my own. The duty of cleaning up that doody belongs to none other than M. E.

CRAP! Literally, unfortunate for me...

So I glove up...place a clothes pin on my nose...yes for real...and begin the process of cleaning up the doody...I am reminded of how a few days earlier the dog greeted me first thing in the morning with the same gift...and for a moment I thought "it's a conspiracy...these animals really must hate me!"

Then I thought DAMN, NAVY! Takin' my husband, leaving me here for Doody...

I love my husband but I am hatin his dog! I love me but I am hatin' my cat! Cody loved his little brother but he hated his...

I will never forget our move from Florida to Virginia...we stopped at a hotel for the night and the kids needed a bath...you see where this is going don't you?...

Anyway, Cody and Riley get in the tub together...things are fine they are laughing, playing...having a good ole' time...

Suddenly a LOUD SCREAM!!!! I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter...there in the bathroom one six year old boy...spread eagle...hands and legs...like Spiderman...climbing the wall above the tub...

Mom: "What the heck are you doing?"

Cody: "He, he, eeewwwww...Mom!"

Mom: Looking down, Notices that the bath tub was no longer being used as such...instead it was now the bath toilet!

Cody: "MOM, HE POOOOPED!" Help!

Mom: "Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha!" :-)

Girl Chris: "What the heck? Ha,Ha,Ha,Ha!"

Riley: Smiling from ear to ear! Reaches down to grab the doody!

Mom: Like Greased Lightning... Scoops up the baby and Spider-Cody in one fail swoop...

The bath toilet...still full of doody...

Mom: "What do we do?"

Girl Chris: "I don't know"

Cody: "MOM, YOUR BABY!!!!!"

Mom: Turns around...

Riley: Pees on the floor.

So what did we do? We laughed our butts off...cleaned up what we could...went to sleep...hightailed out of there first thing the next morning...

Don't worry I left a nice tip for the housekeeper...

Never again would Cody bathe with his brother...

I guess cleaning up the animal doody is not as bad as floating in the bath toilet with your brother's doody...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, November 2, 2006 4:15 PM CST

I miss my son...today...I miss him every day.

The days are growing shorter and the temperatures are dropping. I am reminded by the late blooming roses on the bush we have coined the name of Cody's Rose Bush that I am not alone. My son is always near me...sadly, today he is not near me the same way he used to be...I miss him...I miss his touch...his soft voice saying I Love You. Mom...I miss his hand holding mine...I miss rubbing his head until he fell asleep...I miss his contagious smile...his infectious laugh...I miss him...

It amazes me how much I miss him sometimes...I wonder if it will ever get easier...though I don't mean to imply that my life is unbearable...quite the contrary...the Lord continues to bless my heart with peace...I am constantly speaking of that peace that transcends all understanding...I know in my heart of all hearts that the life he was forced to live in the end was not a life any child should ever have to live...too many problems...too many worries...too much pain. I praise God every single day he no longer suffers like he did then...I praise God every single day that on this day Cody is free from pain...free from disease...able to run free of tubes...free of medication...free from the confines of a hospital room...free indeed.

It doesn't change the fact that I miss him...

Today marks 441 days since I lasy laid eyes on my child...since I last held him in my arms...since I last felt his heart beat...since I last anything...441 long days.

I miss him because he is not longer present here with me...I miss him like I miss my mom when too much time goes in between trips...I miss him like I miss my husband while he is away serving our country...I miss him like I miss Jeremy between visits...I miss him like I do those I love when they are away from me for too long...

Another set of holidays are quickly approaching...the time of year when we all gather close to our loved ones...when children go home to visit their parents...grandchildren make presents for their grandparents...cousins meet eachother...aunts and uncles reappear...families are reunited...our family can never be complete here...I wish it could but I'm glad it can't all at the same time (does that make any sense at all???)I'm glad the pain and suffering have ended...but I wish there were another way.

I hope you will sign the guestbook while you are here...

I will update again soon...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, October 17, 2006 8:11 AM CDT

Over the last month I have not been led to update the site...for those of you who check in regularly, I apologize.

As a family we have had a lot going on...My grandfather moved up here in September with my Aunt. He had been with my mom for about 3 years...I have had the opportunity to go and visit with him several times over the past weeks...and I am grateful.

Yesterday afternoon Monday October 16th, my grandfather passed away...my heart is broken while at the same time it rejoices...over the past few months (since July) my grandfather has detriorated significantly. This past Friday I spent a few hours with him...he was no longer the same man he used to be...the man he desired to be...the man he was when I was a child.

My grandfather was a great man...He had a full life and no regrets...he informed me last week the his first order of business when he arrived in heaven was to find my Coyote (his nickname for Cody) and give him some love from me.

My grandfather served as husband to Betty...father to Sherrill, Crystal and Stevie...he also served as father to me...he was grandfather to Stephanie and Lea...he was grandpa the great to Jeremy, Cody, Riley, Phoenix, Marina, Brittany and Kaitlyn...he was our family...he was our friend...

For nearly 30 years he served in the United States Army...he fought in the Korean War and Vietnam...he traveled the globe for the sake of freedom...he trained other men who would walk the frontlines behind him...he sustained many wounds from battle...he served...he honored the flag and the nation...he was a hero.

He taught me how to love...how to laugh...especially how to laugh...he taught me a lot about life...

He shared words of wisdom...he offered comfort during the hard times...a knee to sit upon...a shoulder to cry on...

He was set in his ways...

He loved his wife...he loved his family...he loved his friends...he loved the word of God...he loved Jesus Christ.

The earth is a sadder place today yet I rejoice for the life that was.

Please pray for our family as we mourn the loss of a great man.

Speaking of another great man I know...Greg left for training just after my last update...he will leave the U.S. sometime in the next week or two...I am looking forward to receiving his e-mail address and mailing address...

The separation has been difficult... but as always the Lord has His arms wrapped around us...I do not feel scared for I know that Greg has a hedge of protection that surrounds him...this knowledge provides me great peace...I am not afraid of the unknown for I already know that he will return hom to me and the rest of our family.

Riley began O.T. two weeks ago and has been doing well...we are still awaiting word from the school board for our eligibility hearing date. Once we have that we will meet with them and learn the finding of the extensive testing they did last month. I am optimistic that they will determine that Riley is eligible for help while at the same time I am making plans to obtain help without them.

Jeremy is about to turn 14. Greg and I bought him his first cell phone. I sent it to him last week...he seems to like it alot...the sure sign of whether or not a teenage boy likes a gift is whether or not they tinker with it when they get it...Jeremy even read some of the instructions for it...so I believe it was a big hit.

Riley and I hope to see Marina sometime soon.

As for me...I am doing okay...work is going well...my new schedule began this week...I am still doing well in school although Algebra has been rather difficult...I am looking forward to the end of this term next week.

My mom and Glen will be in tomorrow to help with the arrangements for my grandfather...

I will update again soon.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, September 17, 2006 10:18 AM CDT

As Summer draws to a close, I am reminded of one summer in the distant past...Cody was 3 years old and still "healthy"...It was the beginning of September and who would have know that in just over a month our lives would be forever changed...

I posted a picture above which reveals Cody a month before the innocence was lost forever...You see a carefree child...while what he was doing was special and fun...the fact that he was carefree is key...a month later in the Fall of 1999, he would diagnosed with Leukemia...

Through out his struggle...we never lost hope...even when his time on earth was coming to an end...I had hope that he would awaken and complain about having those tubes in his throat...I prayed for a miracle here on earth...

I am grateful...

We received a miracle...complete healing...

Sadly (at least for us left behind), Cody was healed through death...

I know my son is in heaven at the right hand of Jesus Christ and that alone is what gives me peace...a peace that comes from God alone...a peace that transcends all understanding...

Even with that peace...my human soul...a mother's heart...is broken...

I miss my son...today, yesterday, tomorrow...every day...every minute...every week...every month...and now every year that passes us by...time does not make me forget...the suffering remains burned in my mind...I picture a smile on his face and then a tube in his mouth all in one fail swoop...nothing makes that go away..believe it or not...the realization that the end was so far from anything I ever wanted for my child...the pain...the suffering...the endless hours in the hospital...those things make him not being here a little more bearable...and on some days it even makes it "okay".

I notice that as time passes, less people sign in to say hello...I guess it makes sense...but it makes me sad...this journal used to be a place that Cody and I would come together for comfort...for fun...now, I come alone...

Cody continues to offer me signs that he is okay...a single orange rose blooms when I am saddest on our pink rose bush...randome butterflies will land on me and when I look at them...they are orange...the sunset in the sky on the days I am the most angry will be a brillant orange...

So my heart breaks for the child that never had the chance to be a man...

Actually...Cody was a man...he was a great man...I guess the reality is my heart hurts for the child who never had teh chance to be a child.

I read somewhere that chemotherapy is age in a bottle...

A tear comes to my eye as I agree with that statement...

My son was my best friend...he was a good man...forced to live a life that those four times his age could not have lived with such grace...

I am blessed to have been his mother...I am blessed to be his mother...

Please keep our family in prayer as Greg deploys to Iraq for the next 7 months...pray for our peace and his safety...

I will update again soon and tell you all about my NEW new directions...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, September 5, 2006 11:50 AM CDT

I am sorry it has been so long since our last update...we have been very busy...

The weekend of Cody's Angelversary brought much sadness...I hid under the covers a lot...I was blessed though, my friend Chris came and stayed with me...you see in my infinite wisdom I had scheduled the rest of the family to be in Albuquerque visiting with Greg's parents.

Greg left on the 8/16 and headed West...scheduled to be away without me for two weeks...at the last minute we decided that I really needed to be there with him...so I made arrangements and flew in late Wednesday 8/23...I was able to stay for five days...I had a really nice time...I have never been to New Mexico so it was a great experience...I also enjoyed spending some time with Greg's family and friends...I returned on Monday 8/28 and Greg returned with Marina and Riley on 8/29...Marina's mom picked them up from the airport after a lengthy delay in Baltimore...Greg and Riley arrived home around 1:00 a.m.

Wednesday 8/30 was my birthday...of course, the only wish I had to wish for can never come true...regardless the day was rather uneventful...I wasn't feeling well so I only stayed at work for a half day ...the other half I spent in my bed...I stayed in bed all day Thursday as well...

On Friday, Tropical Storm Ernesto blew through and took out many trees and power lines along the way...we ended up with no power beginning Friday morning up until yesterday afternoon...last night we finally had power and phones, etc.

My grandfather is still not doing so great...it looks as though we will be relocating him up here...he will likely stay with me or with my aunt...

While Greg was in Albuquerque we received word that he would be deploying to Iraq. He officially leaves on September 18th...He will spend some time in South Carolina for combat training and then will be gone for approximately 7 months...

Everything put together...along with some other personal issues...I ended up giving notice at my job this morning...not working will afford me the opportunity to focus more time and energy on my marriage...my son...provide whatever support necessary for my grandfather...be there to help out my mom...and offer help to my stepsister with her girls...the decision was a difficult one but the right one for me and my family...after all family must come first....if I did not learn anything from the loss of Cody...I learned that we never have enough time...that giving up an opportunity to be there is the wrong choice...every time...so I choose family...

I am looking forward to new directions...

Thank you all for continuing to check in on us...I honestly appreciate the guestbook entries...the past few weeks have been very difficult though you can see we have continued to live life...

Today would have been Cody's first day of 4th grade...that was a stark reality I had to face as I drove by the many little people awaiting the school bus for the first day of school here in Gloucester County...I miss my son now more than ever...

I will update again soon...

In love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, August 17, 2006 9:15 AM CDT

I will not update tomorrow. The words from this song say it all...

What Hurts The Most By: Rascal Flatts

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don�t bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let them out
I�m not afraid to cry every once in a while
Even though going on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I�m ok
But that�s not what gets me

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was tryin� to do

It�s hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I�m doin� It
It�s hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I�m alone
Still Harder
Getting up, getting dressed, livin� with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could have been
And not seeing that loving you
Is what I was trying to do

Not seeing that loving you
That�s what I was trying to do

This time last year:

Thursday, August 18, 2005 6:13 AM CDT

How can any mother endure such terrible pain?

Strong and steady I keep telling myself...get through the day...get through the task at hand...take care of the arrangements...call this person...enlist this person for help...reach out to that person...and don't forget to be strong...

Leaving the hospital is difficult...eating is a chore...watching your child deteriorates with each sweep of the clock's second hand...how?

There are many questions that have no answers...

Cody's SP02 continues to drop, yesterday he fell into the low to mid 60s and had been hovering there...his little body filled with 15 pounds of fluid weight...his heart rate continues to rise...his sedation drugs continue to increase...

I had the opportunity to hold him for a little while yesterday...we did many things...we made hand prints and foot prints...we talked...I actually held him close to me and hugged him...I was able to tell him how much I love him...

In all of my life I have never felt greater pain...my heart is broken, yet somehow it continues to beat...

My stomach is sick...my eyes hurt...Aleve is like candy mints...

I have accepted that my son's body...his tent...has been damaged beyond repair...yet I also KNOW that through the Lord anything is possible...I am fearful though I am steadfast...with the ever present sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe Cody will come off the vent and experience a miraculous healing here on earth with his family who loves him so much...Wouldn't it be an amazing thing to see...to know without a doubt that it was God's hand who moved a miracle here on earth? Though I believe that healing through death is also a miracle...I know that so many more would believe in a miracle here on earth...

Cody's life will be celebrated...his organs will return to Duke where Dr.K. and her team will have the opportunity to use them to save another child in the future...his ashes are to be taken to St. Louis where they will be placed on the Professional Supercross track...Cody will forever be riding a professional dirt bike rider...just like he wanted...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, August 18, 2005 4:11 PM CDT

It is finally over...

Surrounded by his loving family and many friends...Cody took his last earthly breath and went home with Jesus at 4:23 p.m. EST

We are heartbroken...devastated...sad

With all of my heart I have loved my child...my best friend...I will never ever get over this...

I love you all for supporting...carrying us through the worst of times...

Celebration times will be posted as soon as all arrangements have been made...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, August 3, 2006 3:23 PM CDT

I don't have much to say...we are all having a hard time right now...soon this too shall pass...until then, please pray.

I leave for Florida Saturday...I have a convention to attend for work and then a few days with family...

Greg is gearing up for his trip to Albuquerque in a couple of weeks...he will have a chance to spend some time with his family and friends...

Jeremy will return to Ohio on Sunday...he has decided to join Football so has to return early to begin practice...we will see him for Christmas...

Riley is having a lot of issues once again...we are still on the waiting list for Occupational Therapy...my step-sister found out from the Early Intervention Specialist that Riley likely qualifies for some headstart help...so we are now in the process of getting him evaluated for those programs as well...

Marina will be back starting tonight...we have plans to go school shopping tomorrow...this weekend is tax-free for clothes and school supplies...we are looking forward to the malls...NOT!

Cody is missed today like yesterday...and forever until we meet again.

Please sign the guestbook while you are here...it is always good to know that people out there are still stopping by to check in...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, July 26, 2006 1:01 PM CDT

Every year on their birthday, I tell my kids the story of the day they were brought into this world�never in my life did I think I would have to tell the story of the day one of them left�

Ultimately, Cody left us on July 30, 2005�it was early afternoon and life will never be the same�I replay that day in mind at least once every day since then�it is hard to wrap my head around the fact that today marks 361 days since that horrible day�the day the enemy took a venomous hold on my son�

The day was a Saturday�Jeremy was scheduled to fly to Florida to spend some time with my mom before his summer vacation came to an end�Cody and I were scheduled to leave on Monday August 1st to go to Duke�Dr.K. was going to try and work her magic to get all of the issues we were dealing with under control. Mostly, we were dealing with GvHD and basically it was boiling down to transplant rejection�we knew�but we didn�t know if that makes sense.

Jeremy and I spent Friday night in the hospital with Cody�we played video games and cards and had a really good time hanging out together as a family�Saturday morning rolled around early�Cody began having issues with breathing around 3:00 a.m. He had been having them on and off since the week before and had begun requiring oxygen at night�so this night was not unordinary for us�in some ways I wish that it would have been then maybe the things we thought were so important would have been more secondary�anyway, at about 9:30 a.m. Jeremy and I left to meet Greg at the car dealership so that we could finish purchasing the minivan that would transport us (the entire family plus all of the medical supplies) to Duke�

Cody had money in his wallet (it is still there) that he had been anxious to spend so I promised to stop at Toys R Us while I was out�I did�from the hospital bed he directed me all around the store having me describe the various items that were displayed before me�I did�he chose several items�Greg and I went on to pick out several more�they would be surprises! Cody informed me that he was tired�I told him to take a nap and we would be back before he knew it�

An hour or so later I gave him a call to check in�he answered the phone sounding rather winded�I asked him what was wrong and he told me had some trouble breathing when he woke up�I asked him if he had told his nurse�he responded, yes, there are four nurses and three doctors in here with me now. I knew he was scared so I sent Greg to the hospital at once�Cody and I stayed on the phone together until Greg arrived�since the dealership was close I was anxious but felt that the minivan was important for us to leave for Duke on Monday�I had no idea. Greg arrived�assessed the situation and thought everything had clamed down�I was comfortable with the fact that he was there�Jeremy and I went in to sign the van papers and then headed to the hospital�before we could get there�Cody would lose his fight.

Greg knew there was a problem. Cody was unable to control his bowels�when Greg asked everyone to leave (you know how mortifying soiling yourself can be when people you don�t know are present) and helped Cody to the restroom�he had to remove him from the oxygen which was attached to the wall�Greg said he watched the color drain from Cody�s face and then the blood came�from his bottom�Greg yelled out for help�the nurses and doctors came in�they scooped up Cody and off they went to the PICU�Greg said he had trouble keeping up with the speed in which they were traveling�he knew we were in trouble�he couldn�t tell me�I was driving.

I arrived at the hospital and made my way to the PICU�Greg reviewed the events that had taken place�I sprang to my feet and begged them to allow me in�I needed to see my son�I needed to tell him I loved him�I needed to hear him say he loved me before they inserted the tubes�before the machines began to live for him�it was not to be�before I could get in�before they would let me in�they had already intubated. Cody�s voice would never be heard in this world again.

I picked up the telephone and called Ben�barely able to speak�I began sharing the story with him�together we cried�still we had hope.

Hope that would last for 14 days�at the end of 14 days we would learn that there was nothing else that the hospital or doctors could do for our beautiful child�Cody�s time on earth had come to a close�and all too soon�leaving us here to live this life without him in it�

Today�361 days after the machines took over�my heart hurts. I miss my child with every ounce of my being�I miss everything�I miss taking care of him�I miss holding him close�I miss him.

I am not looking forward to the coming days as all of the firsts come to a close and the seconds begin�although I am forever grateful that my angel no longer suffers�in the end, Cody only knew pain�the pain of his body growing week�the pain of having to live his life within the confines of a hospital�the pain of fighting a losing fight�I praise God every single day that Cody is pain free�disease free�in heaven where he has always belonged�

When God gave us Cody it was a blessing�knowing Cody�having him in our lives�having the chance to be called his parents�that has made it all worth it�I am amazed that he chose me�at night when I say my prayers I thank God and Cody for choosing me�I got to be his Mommy�I got to be with him�to hold his hand�to love him�Ben and I held him together as soon he entered this world and Ben and I held him as he left�we were blessed to have him for nine years, four months and four days�

Until Next Time�

In Love & Prayer�
Eleasha

P.S. Please remember to keep our friends Khalita and Sarah in your prayers as they fight the good fight...Please stop by and offer them encouragement:

www.caringbridge.org/nc/khalita
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

Monday, July 24, 2006 8:33 AM CDT

I had been dreading the next update...in six days, I will be forced to relive the day that Cody was placed on life support...it was late afternoon on Saturday July 30th...we would never hear his voice again...we would only see his eyes a few more times before he would depart this earth for his rightful place in heaven...but that update is for another day...

Today...I am here to ask for your prayers...prayers for the other families who continue the fight...who continue to face the enemy in hand to hand combat to conquer the disease...

Please take the time to pray for Sarah...Sarah was on the unit with us and transplanted only a couple of weeks after Cody did three years ago...Sarah was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Stage IV...she has been blessed with two years of good health...two years of learning how to be a kid...unfortunately, in the past couple of weeks their family has learned the devastating news...Sarah has relapsed.

Please stop by her site and let her know that Cody's mom sent you to pray...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

I will be back to update about our journey in the next few days...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 8:17 AM CDT

Dear Cody:

Mommy misses you so much. It is hard to believe that almost a year has passed us by since we last heard your voice...since we last held you close...since we last saw you.

I know heaven must be amazing...to be honest life down here hasn't been that bad...but missing you has been all consuming at times.

I hear your favorite songs on the radio all of the time...new songs have come out that I know you would like...to be honest, most days I can't bring myself to listen to the radio...it's not that I mind thinking of you, it's just that sometimes keeping it together is harder when the music brings back a flood of memories...I remember where we were...what we were doing...I remember how you would mumble through when you didn't know the words...I try to remember everything...

It sure is hard living this life without you...some days I wake thinking it was all a dream...I get up fast and before my feet touch the ground the reality smacks in the face again...you're gone.

I can't say that I understand why...I mean, I understand why you had to leave...that body was spent...but I can't understand why you had to get sick in the first place...or why you had the opportunity to beat it the first time...just to lose the fight in the second round...I know you fought hard...I take great pride in your strength...

I share your story every chance I get...I am hoping that somewhere, someone will hear the message and no other child will have to suffer the way that you did...I know life here must have sucked...being stuck in the hospital for so many months...

I hope you know how much I love you...how much we all love you...

I miss having the opportunity to talk to you...I should have known you wouldn't stay here long...you were way wiser tahn your years.

I want you to know that I would have traded places with you in a heartbeat...every pain you felt...every hour of boredum...every week in the hospital...every poke...every prode...although, I doubt I would handled myself with as much grace...I certainly would have taken your place.

I am going to end this letter with the lyrics from your song...from me to you bud...I love you so much.

TIME OF YOUR LIFE By: Green Day

Another turning point a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

I love you.
Mom

Sunday, July 2, 2006 7:57 AM CDT

******I WANTED TO ADD A SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST FOR OUR FRIEND KHALITA...FOR A MORE THOROUGH UPDATE VISIT HER SITE AT WWW.CARINGBRIDGE.ORG/NC/KHALITA*******

It was July 17, 1995...Ben and I had no idea that we had conceived Cody but by August 15th we would know...

When I got pregnant with him I was living a different life...I did not know Christ...I was void...I stayed out all night...I neglected the things that should have been important in life...

Jeremy was well taken care of by his dad...so where I should have been a better mother for him...I just wasn't...

My life had taken a turn for the worse in late 1994...I had finally "fallen apart"...It did not matter what I did, I was not able to meet my own expectations...with no direction and no hope...I fell into the darkness...I gave up...I quit living and started surviving...it was a dark life...

Cody changed me...

I knew I was pregnant right away...suddenly I had something...someone to live for...

Ben and I were so in love back then that the extension of a child...to me...was amazing...

God gave me Cody so that I could see the light...so that I would have a purpose...I knew that in 1995...I had no idea what my purposes would be in the end...

As Cody began to grow up...I began to change...I started to realize that there were so many things in life that were worth living for...so many things that were important...it was almost by accident that I ended up at church that year he turned two...accident or not, I found my Lord and Savior and from there life seemed to be getting better...

Somewhere along the way...Ben and I realized that while we loved eachother very much...we were not good together...shortly afterwards he moved back to Saint Louis for a fresh start...

Cody, like Jeremy, became a visting kid...he would rotate back and forth between his home in Florida with me and his home in Missouri with his dad...it was a good life for us all...

In late August 1999, Cody was scheduled to go to his dad's again...he left with his Aunt Lynne and Uncle Jim from Cocoa Beach...he was very excited...I was so sad that he was going but knew that his dad needed time with him too...

Cody had been there about two months when the awful call came in...the call that changed our lives forever...Cody has leukemia...those are the words Ben said into the phone all those years ago...my mind raced...my heart flooded with emotion...I fell to the ground and began to cry...I was crushed...my life...my child...I loved him so much, how could this be? How would we get through this?? Why was this happening? Why him? Why not me? I would gladly have taken his place...I would have deserved to be sick...I had done enough my life to warrant such an illness...Cody had not...Cody was an angel here on earth...afterall, God had sent him to save me...

Why? Why? Why?

Within 12 hours I was in Saint Louis...Cody would again save me...shinning his light in the midst of all of the darkness that surrounded us...I found comfort in the arms of the Lord...Ben and I leaned on eachother and family...doing whatever we could to save our son...

Once we made it through induction...things seemed to be good...Cody breezed through the rest of treatment with little or no issues...it was easy to get complacent then...it was easy to forget he was sick...afterall, he was doing so well...I never considered relapse...never once. I was not scared that Cody ever would...I guess I just really had no idea.

It was August of 2002 when, this time, I would make the second worse phone call ever...Ben, Cody can't come, he is in relapse...

Sadness swept over me but I did not break this time...I looked at this disease for what it was...an enemy to be contended with...in my life I had never walked away from a fight, I wasn't about to start now...besides, look what was at stake...the life of my beloved son...

Cody endured many treatments and a transplant in December 2002...again we thought we were clear...

How could we have ever planned for the ultimate loss of our child?

Who plans for that anyway?

I had many plans for my son...none of which were to lay to him to rest on a dirt bike track...

Oh, my plans...my dreams for him included a dirt bike track...but never in a million years did I invision spreading ashes...I invisioned a podium and people cheering for the points leader...I invisioned him acheiving his goals...I wanted so much for him.

Last year on forth of July, Cody had been inpatient for nearly 5 months...yes he had two weeks at home in March and five days in June...but nothing worthy of a childhood...childhood escaped Cody beginning last year in March...from that point forward we lived our lives as slaves to the disease...we tried so hard to ensure that he was still able to be a child...we bought him every video game there was...we brought him projects to do...art to create...those are the things we cherrish today...

Our family had a great view of the spectacular fireworks over the Elizabeth River from our hospital room last year...we all sat in the window and our nurse joined us as we watched...dreaming of a day when Cody would be independent from the machines again...never realizing it was our last forth of July together...our last holiday together...

I remember when I realized that we were losing Cody...I found a picture that had been taken of him and I together...and it transported me back in time two years earlier...I remembered a picture I had seen of Alison and Alexandria on their site...Alexandria had the big puffy steroid cheeks and Alison was next to her...here I was looking at the same exact picture only this time the puffy cheeks belonged to Cody...it dawned on me then that he was loosing the battle to these drugs that were supposed to sustain him...that we had little time left...it was July 17th...

On July 31st Cody was placed on life support...I never heard his voice again...but I remember how hard he fought...I remember how much he loved me...I remember the time we had in the bed together in the hospital...I remember how he taught me to play video games...I remember how he taught me to be a better person...a better mother...a better everything...

I miss him.

I praise God that our prayers were answered though...that he is independent of the machines...that he has acheived the ultimate independence...he is free of this world and all of it's issues...he no longer suffers.

I hope that as the forth of July is upon us you are able to value your life...that you are able to realize that you can be independent of the ties that bind you...that getting to know Jesus Christ will free you...your life can be a better place to live...you can have your independence...

I pray that your forth is filled with blessings...

Please sign the guestbook while you are here.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, June 26, 2006 7:04 PM CDT

Okay...Sorry I did not update sooner...I have been in a funk! Still am but figured I should update.

Last week was very educational...I enjoyed meeting the various members of Congress...I had the opportunity to share Cody's story and I left behind books that had about 45 angels included in it...Many of the children in the book we knew in person or from Caringbridge...it was an amazing tribute and I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am to Lynne and the folks at Pack Printing, Inc. of Virginia Beach. Overall the trip worked out to be rather expensive...but fun! I am not sure if I will go back agian next year but I might...

Next weekend I will be speaking for the Leukemia Society at the Leukemia Cup Regata...I am looking forward to the event...I am sure it will be alot of fun and I will have the opportunity to continue the effort to find a cure...it is my hope that during my life there will be better treatment options for kids like Cody...options that will provide a better quality of life with less suffering...

I am buried with work and school right now trying to dig out from under the "vacation" week...I am sure I will catch up in time to start on the next week's work...

Now let's talk about the funk...the weeks seem more difficult lately...I am sure that it is because of the months that are quickly approaching...these weeks last year mark the end of Cody's life here on earth...while I am blessed with a peace that transcends understanding...I am still void of my child...I miss him...so much...each day I miss him more...

I thought about making major life changes and my beautiful husband is as always supportive of any decisions I make...but it dawned on me...that no matter what I choose to do...whatever I do...wherever I go...I am stuck taking me with me...makes for bad company if you ask me...I just feel so displaced...disconnected...discontent...dis-whatever...dis-everything...

I know that this too shall pass...and if Pastor Don is correct in his calculation of heaven time...in less than an hour I will be reunited with my son in heaven...just wish it didn't take so long to acquire that hour here on earth...I am grateful that Cody will not miss me the way that I am missing him...besides, I read somewhere that once you die you are not confined to the "laws" of the earth...it is likely that Cody is here beside me now...I know he is at least here some of the time...he sends me butterflies and orange roses and dreams...he sends me orange sunsets and random pictures...stories from strangers about how his journey has touched their lives...he sends me hope and love...

I long to smell his hair...to hold his hand...to hear his little voice (other than a recording)...

I know someday I will have that wish granted...God is good...until then I take up my cross and follow my Father...I fight for a cure...for a better treatment...for something better...I fight for hope.

Still my heart hurts.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 7:48 AM CDT

We are gearing up for Washington D.C. I received the finished books yesterday and they are absolutely beautiful...Lynne and everyone at Pack Printing did an amazing job once again...

On Friday we went to the Relay for Life in Chesapeake...not Gloucester...it was a long ride but worth it...the team from CHKD was there and it was really great to see everyone...I am looking forward to a time when we are able to get more involved...

I am at work so I have to get going...I will update in greater detail when we return from our trip next week...

For now, I really just wanted to update with the new photos that Marion and Sara sent us...these are pictures of Cody that we did not have...they are AWESOME...thank you so much, Marion and Sara!

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, June 7, 2006 7:45 AM CDT

I have felt better this last week...

Over the weekend my friend Chris and I went to the Outer Banks...we had a lot of fun even though it rained most of the day on Saturday...

At sunrise on Saturday we went out to the beach and released some of Cody's ashes...it has been my plan to take some of Cody's ashes to the many places that he never had the opportunity to see while he was alive and release some ashes that way a part of him will have had the chance to see everything...

I know it's not enough but in some small way it makes me feel like I am including him...he would have loved the OBX...

Later that morning before the rain, we made our way to the Dare County Festival...it was really nice...we strolled around a bunch of shops had a nice lunch and just hung out...

On Sunday, Chris and I went and saw one of the light houses and then we went up for an airplane tour...the plane was very hot and I nearly got sick...I know I must have turned green...it felt like being sea sick...I was happy to get back on the ground...I doubt I will try that again :-)

While we were in the OBX it was placed on my heart to pick up a couple of the regular souvinier items that Cody would have liked to send to his dad...so I did...I am sure he will think of Cody when he receives them...

Monday I started a new diet and exercise routine...I am hoping that this change will provide me more energy and less depression...so far, so good...although cutting out 90 percent of the carbs has been a little rough...that and the lack of Pepsi!!!

Jeremy will be here on Saturday...I am really looking forward to having him with me...I miss him so much.

Our new appliances will be delivered today...I am excited...Greg and I did a lot of working last night preparing the space for the new stuff...the old stuff is still in really good shape so I listed it in the paper...hopefully we will be able to sell it...

Friday night is the Relay for Life here in Gloucester...I am looking forward to going...I plan to buy a few luminous (or whatever they are called) to Remember Cody...

Next week Governor Kaine will sign the Childhood Cancer Awareness license plate into affect and so long as there are enough pre-orders in place we will have our new plates in the very near future...I am excited...they are really cute...they have a skunk and they say Childhood Cancer Stinks! I costumized ours...the one for the van will say: UP2HVN (Up to heaven) which is how Riley refers to where Cody has gone...he is Up to Heaven with Jesus...the one for the car will say LILMAN...which is what we all called Cody...our Little Man...

The books will be in for D.C. next week...I am looking forward to that...I received the proof this last week and they looked really good...the cover will be in color and the rest will be in black and white...

I start my new classes tonight so my schedule will soon be busy again...

I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, June 2, 2006 1:14 AM CDT

Have you ever found yourself on someone's CB site for the first time? You click on the Journal History and the next thing you know two hours have slipped by and you feel like you are a close friend or family member of the person keeping the journal...

I bet your answer is Yes.

Well yesterday I did that...here.

I read my own journal history and for a moment it was like I was getting to know someone else...My heart broke as I read about an amazing child who lost the fight...I cried for the mother...the father...the family...

It was a such sad and horrible story...

Then it smacked me in the face...that story belongs to me...that child was mine...I am that mother...that father is my friend...and our family is still suffering...every single day.

Last year on June 8th we brought Cody home for the last time...he had been in the hospital for nearly three months and we were so hopeful that he would stay well and stay home...

Unfortunately, Cody only remained home for five days...at clinic on June 13th he spiked a fever of 103 something and his x-rays came back with the beginning stages of the pneumonia that eventually played a huge factor in taking his life...

The past few weeks have brought a lot of reflection...of course, that reflection brings sadness...

The enemy is working double time these days...

I have not been sleeping well...obviously.

I have not been able to focus on much...

I have been showing up...

I have been accomplishing the tasks at hand...

I guess that is good enough...at least for today anyway...

I just miss Cody.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 8:20 AM CDT

How is a mother supposed to cope with losing a child?

Well that is the $10,000,000 question.

This past week has been very difficult...I don't know if the passing of the 9 month mark has anything to do with it...or if it is just that some weeks are better than others...either way...I have been sad...

I am so grateful for the love of Christ that abounds me...without it I would surely have crawled into a hole and died by now...

Life just keeps happening...without Cody.

I miss him so much...

Nothing I do takes that away...

Riley has been a source of comfort here on earth...I believe that God gave me a new son before Cody's time on earth came to an end so that I would have a small child to focus on...especially since Jeremy is well on his way to becoming a man...

Sometimes I feel like I am on the outside looking in...it is like that old Talking Heads song...

"This is not my beautiful house, this is not my beautiful wife...How did I get here?"

I wonder why...but then I know...the answer to why is because....there are so many becauses...the most important one is the suffering...and praise God it is finally over...for Cody.

Anyway...I am gearing up for the Gold Ribbon Days for Childhood Cancer on Capital Hill...I have a book of Angels and many of our friends from Caringbridge are included...I want to send out a special thank you to Lynn for printing up the books at cost...You have been amazing...I cannot wait to see what they look like.

Before I go, I wanted to take the time to recognize the Relay for Lifers...I am so honored by those of you who have reached out and asked if you could honor Cody for this event...I am sure that it will be great...I am looking forward to seeing what you put together...I know that Michigan will get a good look at Cori's tribute...California will get a good look at Kim's...of course Virginia will get a good look at too many to list...and I could go on and on...just know that we are honored and we appreciate you all remembering our Little Man.

Well...I will update again soon...Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. SIGN THE GUESTBOOOOOOOK!!!! Please :-)

Thursday, May 11, 2006 8:41 PM CDT

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

This time of the month is always hard...soon nine months will have passed since the last time I held my child...

I praise God that I know that Cody is free...I praise God for the peace that transcends all understanding...

I am not sure I will ever understand why we are forced to face trials like these...I can only imagine that in life we are destined to do great things...things that the enemy works hard to see us not accomplish...I believe that a work of faith speaks volumes to the lost...

Some days I feel like I am drifting...but...I never feel lost.

Loss makes me feel empty inside...but...I am filled with the spirit...

I see children on the street...little boys...and I flashback to Cody...I wish that he could have stayed longer...I see them laughing and joking...doing all of the things he used to do when he was well...

That's the thing though...the last 6 months of his life...he wasn't well...he detriorated right before our eyes...we watched as he started having uncontrolled bowels and then vomitting and then increased steroids...puffy cheeks...then began the muschle atrophy...in the end, before life support, he was not able to support his own weight...he was not allowed to eat...he was couped up in the hospital...forced to spend each day being poked and proded like some kind of lab rat...miserable...endless sadness...then came the sleep...he slept often and for long periods of time...then came the oxygen requirements...at first at night...then through out the day...then the burst blood vessel in lungs...life support...and loss...the greatest loss ever.

I am sometimes haunted by the death of my son...I grieve for the vacancy in my heart...in my life...but I look back and I KNOW without a doubt that the existance that he was reduced was not living...it was not a life...it was not a childhood...

You ask how I can be okay most days...how I can function...how I can get up and go to work...how I can see the sunshine...how I can smile and laugh...how come I am not completely broken? I say, because I know now he is free.

The suffering has ended.

If for my son to be free I am to endure the greatest pain of my life then so be it.

We fought long and hard to save him...sometimes, God's perfect healing is not on earth...but instead it is in heaven...Cody has obtained the ultimate prize...he sits at the right hand of God...free from sickness...free.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, April 27, 2006 8:30 PM CDT

Life just keeps on moving along.

Our family is doing okay...we are preparing for Gold Ribbon Days on Capital Hill in June. I am working on a book of Angels and it is really big...I cry everytime I start working on it...the process has been slow going...

Riley had his appointment with the Developmental Specialist this past week...we have really great news...

Riley DOES NOT have Autisum...

The doctor believes we are dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome...Riley has not been able to deal with the fact that Cody passed away nor was he able to understand the back and forth between home and Grandma and Papaw's house...

We have been able to see a huge difference in him since we switched his child care providers and since we switched the way we handle him...

Riley will begin Occupational Therapy as soon as they get to him on the waiting list...apparently there are like 40 some kids waiting to work with OT...so we wait...soon enough we will get him into the OT program and we will know how to better work with him...

I am excited about the prospect of finally getting some direction...

Overall everything is going okay...

Spring Break was good...we enjoyed our time with Jeremy and Marina a lot...Riley especially enjoyed having two big kids to boss around for nearly a week and a half :-)

Marina and I worked on painting her room all weekend...it was a lot of fun...

I am looking forward to when Jeremy returns this summer...

Next weekend my mom and Glen will be here with my Grandpa...I am excited and looking forward to their visit...

Chris will be here during Memorial Day...I am looking forward to that...her and I always have a lot of fun together...I am sure it will be strang without Cody though...

Anyway...I guess that's it...so now...you're up to date!

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 8:44 AM CDT

Well, Friday came and went...

Yesterday came and went...

Seems like the days just keep coming and going...

I cannot believe the yesterday marked 8 months since the last time I held my sweet Cody in my arms...

I still laugh everyday...

I still cry everyday...

I still carry his memory with me everyday...

I can't understand how the days just fall away...

Time seems to move so quickly...

I look back in disbielf...to me it feels like yesterday but then that yesterday seems like it was a life time ago...

For Cody's birthday, we celebrated as a family...we had a cake which was laced with motorcycles and orange frosting (Cody's favorite color)...we sang...we cherrished our time together...it was nice.

Jeremy arrived on Friday and it was nice to have the break in teh routine...the kids and I went to the airport to pick him up...it has been really great having him here...

For Easter we celebrated the Empty Tomb with FOOD! I roasted a turkey and Liz and the rest of the family came over for dinner...it was a lot of fun.

Marina spent most of the weekend painting her bedroom...We have been talking about it for quite some time...finally we got started...One wall is purple, one orange, one green and one blue...the doors are yellow...soon we will finish and begin looking for accessories...Marina collects frogs so she already had quite a few things...

Last Wednesday we took Riley to CHKD for the sleep deprived EEG, the Bloodwork and the MRI...We should have some results back in the next week or so...overall, Riley did great...I am awestruck by how cool he is...I praise God for him every single day...The hardest part about being back at CHKD aside from the fact that it is the last palce where I held my Cody was that Riley kept asking to go upstairs to see Cody...he would not accept the fact that Cody didn't live there anymore...he understands that Cody is with Jesus but he believes that Jesus is here with us...in truth, He is...maybe Riley has a better handle on it then we think...hmmmmmmm, another thought to ponder...

I will update again soon...thanks for checking in...please sign the guestbook while you are here...did you all notice we passed 200,000 hits last week on this site...that is pretty amazing...

Until next time.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 8:44 AM CDT

Friday, April 14, 2006 9:00 AM CDT

Today would have been Cody's 10th birthday...I miss him very much...

We will celebrate his life together as a family...

We will celebrate that today is Good Friday...

We will remember...

We will be sad...

We will rejoice...

We will laugh...

We will cry...

We will eat cake...

We will cherrish eachother and the time we have...

We will...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, April 7, 2006 10:13 AM CDT

Next Friday would have been Cody's 10th birthday...well, I guess it still is his 10th birthday...but now, it is his first birthday in heaven...

I have been having a hard time dealing with the fact that we will never have another birthday together...

This time last year Cody was being readmitted to the hospital and we would start the downward spiral to the end of his life...we had no idea.

I praise God everday for the time we had together...I wish it could have been longer but I am thankful that it was as long as it was...

Every year on their birthday's I tell my boy's the story of the day they were born...since Cody is in heaven this year...I will share his first day of life with you...

It was ten years ago this week when I started making those regular visits to the hospital for Braxton Hicks...I kept going they kept drugging me up and sending me home...with Jeremy it was easy...my water broke, it was time to go...Cody, on the other hand, liked to play jokes...he would knock but he wouldn't come in...

Finally on April 13th...I made my way to the hospital for the thrid time in a week...they examined me...drugged me up...and sent me home...it was 11:00 p.m.

I laid in the bed whil Ben slept next to me...Grandma Paula asleep on the couch...Jeremy with my mom at her house...

I laid there practicing rapid breaths to get through the pain...all the while telling myself that I wasn't crazy they were crazy...this baby was coming...for about 2 hours or so I laid there watching the clock...coutning contractions...convincing myself that this was really happening this time and the hospital staff was wrong...finally, I got up...I felt a dropping sensation and I confirmed in my mind that Cody was on his way into this world...I made my way out to the living room where Grandma Paula had fallen asleep on the couch...I touched her leg and her eyes popped open...she gave one look at me and said, "Is it time to go?" I said yes.

By then Ben was tired of going back and forth to the hospital...he was having trouble believing that we would actually go this time and come home with a baby...Grandma Paula hollered down the hall...BEN, IT'S TIME TO GO!...he ignored us...finally, like the little girl from the Exorcist...I came in the room and "politely" explained that I was going to the hospital...I was going to have a baby and this was going to happen with or without him...he "nicely" said well since you put it that way, I guess we should get going...

We arrived at West Boca Medical Center, it was 2:10 a.m. on Sunday April 14th...Ben helped me into the emergency room...where it was clear that they needed to hurry...all the while I was begging for an epidural...I finally arrive on the Maturnity floor and the nurse examines me...she says, "hmmm, what were you when you were in earlier?" I said, "one to two, why what am I now?" She said, "9"...In otherwords, Cody was on his way into the world...no time for an epidural...almost no time for my doctor to arrive...I grabbed my nurse by the shirt and brought her close to and asked her if she would be able to deliver my baby if the doctor didn't make it...she assured me she would...my mom arrived...Jack picked up Jeremy...the doctor arrived...everyone was moving very fast...the doctor kicked my mom and Grandma Paula out of the room...turned around and caught Cody...it was 2:52 a.m.

Ben and I looked at him...I said, "HE'S PURPLE!" Ben said, "Yeah and it is a really cool shade of purple too" The doctor offered Ben the opportunity to cut the imbilical cord...Ben accepted and delicately tried to cut the cord...it didn't work...so with some more muscle into it...Cody was free...

The world...our lives were blessed at that moment with the life...the child...CODY JAMES HOFFMAN...

We had so many hopes...so many dreams...never in our wildest dreams could we have ever known...could we have ever prepared ourselves for this...

Cody's 10th birthday was supposed to include a new Supercross motorcycle because by now he would be ready to move up to the 125cc class...he was supposed to be well on his way to becoming a professional racer...

It was Ben's hope that Cody would race cars...but as soon as he was big enough to say so...Cody decide motorcycles were his desire...he loved to work next to Daddy on the cars...but he was to be a professional dirt bike rider.

Cody endured so much pain in his life...I am thankful he no longer suffers that way...I imagine that is why I am able to get out of bed everyday...I imagine that is why I am able to function...I imagine that is why Ben is able to do the same thing...Cody no longer suffers.

Life goes on...Life grows on...Life is full of surprises and heartaches...Life is blessed with dreams and love...Life is laced with hope...Life ends.

Cody will spend his 10th birthday as his 1st birthday in heaven...Cody is fully and completely healed...

-Eleasha

Dear Cody:

Happy Birthday Little Man...

Mommy misses you so much...Daddy misses you...Greg misses you...Tina misses you...Grandma Paula misses you...Grandma Sherrill misses you...Papaw misses you...Jeremy misses you...Riley misses you...Austin misses you...Marina misses you...Michelle misses you...Grandpa the Great misses you...Great Grandma & Great Grandpa miss you...Aunt Shawnna & Uncle Bryon miss you...Cousin Vinnie misses you...Chris misses you...Aaron misses you...Kitty Kat Ace misses you...Gunny Girl misses you...EVERYBODY MISSES YOU...

Have fun with Grandpa Benny up there make sure you all have a big party...make sure you find all of your friends that passed away before you...find the ones that arrived after you...and those that are on their way up there with you...say a few words to Jesus for their families...

Keep riding free Cody James...someday soon we will be together again...I am counting the days...the hours...the minutes...even the seconds sometimes...

I LOVE YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING...

Love Always,
Mommy

Friday, March 31, 2006 9:01 PM CST

This was sent to me this evening by a friend of the family...since so many of our family, friends and supporters are stil in South Florida...Please step out and help on Monday...

HELP FIGHT TO SAVE THE LIFE OF LAUREN...

Lauren is like any normal ten year old, with one small exception � she�s been battling leukemia since she was three. Suffering from this terminal disease, Lauren�s prospects are dim. Doctors say her only hope is a bone marrow transplant. Tragically, there are no matches currently in the National Bone Marrow Bank. We need your help. With the help of PRSSA at Florida International University, South Florida's Gift of Life Bone Marrow
Foundation in conjunction with the American Red Cross and the Blood Community Center, and your support, we will be hosting a blood drive and bone marrow screening for Lauren on the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus.

FIU Biscayne Bay Campus
3000 N.E. 151st Street
North Miami, FL 33181
Monday, April 3rd through
Wednesday, April 5th
9:30am � 9pm

Free Wendy's� Frosties� for Donors

Thank you to all who have contributed to this cause. You're selfless efforts are deeply and sincerely appreciated.

Even if you don't match Lauren...you can still match someone else...giving blood and registering for bone morrow donation is the easiest 7 lives you will ever save in half an hour...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 3:57 PM

All praise and glory be to the Father who reigns in heaven...His mercies endure forever...Below is the latest update on Jessie...

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 2:56 PM CST

COME AND WALK WITH ME!!

God is good, and greatley to be praised; Jessie is doing good and her healing is here. Jessie came out of PICU today and I am so glad she did. As I began to walk this path once again. I started thinking about how afraid I was just to bring Jessie here for her surgery, I new that she needed it, but the fear was so over wheling. ON last Tuesday, when Jessie coded, I felt so much anger. I didn't know what to do and I had no one here with me, I didn't know how to call anyone on the phone. I was broke and broken harted. But there is one thing that I new how to do, that was to call on the name of the Lord. I begain to ask the Lord to save my baby, please save my baby, and as I began to cry on the Lord, I said, Lord you promissed me that you wont take her, that she will be ok. About 30 mins later. They came out to tell me that she was back. You see I stood there and watch the life leave my child. I watch them start CPR. Then I watch them running for the code cart. Then they made me leave. But the whole time I was talking to my Father in heaven. I needed my Daddy, The fathers of all Fathers. To come see about his child. You see I know I am a child of God, apart of the royal priest hood. But as I prayed the rest of the days to follow, He began to let me know that this was just a test. I called my Pastor on last Sunday, and told her what God had told me, She said that, I was going to tell you the same thing, I know that the devel is angry, because this was one test, I was going to pass. I as going to praise him inspite of how I feel, I'm going to praise him in the good times and bad. I'm going to prainse his not basted on the surcomstances, but just because of who he is. Because he deserves the praise no matter what. I love you all and must go, but I want you to know that she is doing good, we are in room 606 Brenners Children Hospital, Winston Salem, NC Your calls are always welcome. V

Monday, March 27, 2006 8:04 PM CST

Please continue to pray for Jessie...the last update gave word that she remained in the PICU and on oxygen...she is having many problems...

I am counting down the days until Jeremy arrives...it will be really great to see him...he will get here on Cody's birthday which hopefully take the sting of the day away at least a little bit...

My sister and the kids will arrive this weekend...I am also looking forward to that...it will be nice to have family around all the time...

I just received my grade report for the last term and I made straight As...which means I made the President's list...I am happy...the new terms started this week...it has been kind of slow around here the past couple of weeks so I am looking forward to getting back into my school work...

Work is going well...I have a lot to do which is always good...I can't stand idle hands at work...

Riley is doing very well at Angelia's house...the difference in him is night and day...I am so grateful we made the change...he really did not get what he needed from the daycare...

Speaking of Riley...we had our appointment up in Richmond a couple of weeks ago...afterwards I was able to process our time with the doctor and upon further evaluation...I decided that I was not happy with the doctor...Greg and I discussed the situation in great deal and felt that the doctor was not the right fit...

While we were there, he was rushed and hurried through the appointment...he did not want to hear ALL of Riley's symptoms but instead was pushing us out the door, sort of like a production line...now if that was the worst of it I may have sucked up and hung in there...but there was more...

He told us that our insurance would not cover one of the test and we would need to pay for it on the way out...well, we have military insurance...we pay nothing...so if Riley needed a test there should be no reason we couldn't get it covered through our insurance with no cost...he did not even give us the chance to lobby to have the test paid for...just said drop a payment off on the way out...

Next, the receptionist tells me that when scheduling the bloodwork we should lie to the insurance company and tell the diagnosis was something other than autism...they gave me the name of something but I don't remember what it was...

Finally, the appointments to get the testing done were literally all over the state of Virginia...for one test we were to travel to Richmond...for another to Norfolk...for another to Newport News...and then still back to Richmond and so on...

My first instinct was to contact our Tricare case manager and ask her to withdraw our referral and we would go to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth...then I thought what if this doctor is the best and I am over-reacting...so before making any rash decisions, I scheduled an appointment with our regular pediatrician (whom I respect grately) and talked it out with him...I felt good to know that he too found our treatment by this other doctor appauling...he even went so far to say that he was going to re-evaluate some of the other patients he had referred to this doctor and would likely not make any further referrals...

Many parents would not realize that they do not have to put up with that type of treatment from a doctor...mainly because they are afraid of what the diagnosis may be...they are afraid of what comes next...so they just except...in the past I may have just excepted...but not after Cody...

I am a strong enough advocate now that that kind of treatment is not acceptable...

I may not be a PhD...I may not be an expert in the field Pediatric Neuropsychology...BUT...I am an expert in the field of Riley Jacques Hilliard...you know, I could tell him 15 symptoms that all point to autism but one that doesn't...if he didn't take the time to hear all of them...which he didn't...then how would he know for certain that autism is what Riley actually has...

Anyway, enough complaining...bottomline, our peditrician has helped us make a plan that we are way more comfortable with...one where we will actually have all of the necessary testing done on the same day at the same hospital...we are happy and are looking forward to learning what we are dealing with...it is our mindset that the sooner we know what we have to deal with...the sooner someone can teach us how to handle it...

Well...I guess that is all for now...I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, March 22, 2006 10:30 AM CST

This is an emergency prayer request for Jessica King...

Jessica is Frannie King's twin sister...you may recall that Frannie passed away over the summer right before Cody...

Viesta and the entire King family have been through a great deal...Frannie suffered with many medical issues and underwent a Bone Marrow Transplant at the end of 2004...her twin sister has also had health issues on and off through out life...

Not too long ago, Jessie had heart surgery and until last night was doing rather well post-op...yesterday around 6:30 p.m. Jessie coded and was taken back to the PICU at Baptist Hospital in North Carolina...

I cannot even imagine what this family is going through right now...my heart is bleeding for them...Please add them to your prayer list...as a matter of a fact stop and say a prayer for her right now...

Please also migrate over there and offer the family your words of encouragement...even just a hello, I am praying for you can mean the world...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/frannie

I will update about our family again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, March 16, 2006 3:02 PM CST

Saturday will be 7 months since I last saw my Cody face to face...since I last held him in my arms...since I last felt his heart beat...since he left this world...

My heart breaks every day but as the 18th rolls around each month I find so many things whirlling through my mind...over and over again...

I have lost everything I thought I knew...

I count each day as it passes me by...21 minutes from the time I started this post...this day equals day no. 210...

The tears do NOT come easy...I don't know why...when I do cry, I am usually alone...

Lately I have been dreaming about Cody a lot...I find the dreams difficult...

I started off having dreams where I would awaken with a start thinking I had something to do to take care of him...like I had dozed off and missed a medication deadline...or I would wake believing he was still alive...that I could open eyes and see him...those dreams are especially difficult because once awake the reality of what is floods back and it is like losing him all over again...

This last week the dreams have been different...I have been dreaming about all of the things we could have, would have or should have done...

Don't get me wrong...awake I have no real regrets aside from the harsh reality that he is no longer here...butI know we fought a long hard battle...I know we did everything we could based on the information we had...I know we did what we could...

Sometimes I reflect...I think about what would have happened if we had done this instead of that...gone here instead of there...when I catch myself with those regrets I am quick to arrest the thoughts...I know whole-heartedly that we did everything we could to save Cody...

Unfortunately, when I am sleeping...dreaming...I don't have a choice...I am not able to arrest the thoughts and so they play out...

In my latest dreams...I dream that we did something different...that we chose a different path...and of course, since it is not hte path we actually chose he looks happier and he lives longer...those dreams make me very sad...I wake up before I start crying...

In some dreams, my rational mind will actually step in and tell me that this is just a dream and there is no way we could have known if this would have been better...

Mostly I dream that we left the hospitals behind...that we actually got him in that RV we often spoke of and we took off across country...stopping at every dirt bike track we coudl find...

While I know that Cody would have been much happier in that RV rather than in that hospital bed...I would never have forgiven myself for "giving up"...

Ultimately, the end result would have been the same...we would have lost Cody...since we had no way of knowing that seeking the treatments would end in death...there was no way we could have or would have decided to stop treatment...if someone could have told us that there was nothing more that could be done then the resolve would have been there...the resolve to make sure that he had the best chance to live his life free of medication, free of needles, free of doctors and nurses...free of hospital beds, MRIs, xRays, Chemotherapy, anti-rejection drugs, and everything else that he hated so much...

I would have allowed him to eat more pretzels and I never would have made him do physical therapy, take a bath or brush his teeth...I would have allowed him to make his own choices...to be whomever he wanted to be...I would have taken him anywhere...given him anything...spent all the money I had in this world...I would have given my life if it could have spared his...

My heart hurts...all day every day...

Through out the day my mind works like this...

I have to get out of bed...I miss Cody

I say my prayers...I miss Cody

I have to leave for work now...I miss Cody

I have to drop off Riley...I miss Cody

I have draft a pleading...I miss Cody

I like that song...I miss Cody

I wonder who else misses Cody...I miss Cody

I have to pick up Riley...I miss Cody

I wonder what I should make for dinner...I miss Cody

I am tired...I miss Cody

I say my prayers...I miss Cody

Good Night...I miss Cody

In my prayers...I pray for His peaces which transcends all understanding...ultimately, I have that...I am so grateful that Cody no longer lives on this earth in that body that did nothing but cause him pain and suffering...I am so grateful that he his completely whole...completely healed in heaven...I take comfort in the arms of the Father...I find my peace...but my heart still hurts...and I still miss my Cody...

All of my life I have always been one of those people that found ways to express myself through music...I write my own songs...and have even had a few recorded (nothing on the radio)...I have always found that there are songs that can express my feelings and thoughts so much better than I can myself (Ben can completely confirm that as it used to drive him crazy)...Cody was a lot like me that way...he was always lost in his music...I praise God he had that outlet...music has the ability to take you somewhere else...anyway, since Cody passed away...I find it difficult to listen to the radio...most days I don't even turn it on...not in the car or anything...when I do and I realize I just can't listen to it...I shut it off and the song lyrics roll through my mind...THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED...to me it is like the music has died...it doesn't mean what it used to...and it doesn't help the pain...it sometimes makes it worse...so I hide from it...today I came out of hiding for a little while...like I sometimes do...and I listened to a CD that Cody put together with many different songs and when I heard this song I started to cry...

Goodbye To You by Michell Branch

Of all the things I've believed in
I just want to get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by

I've been searching deep down in my soul
Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old
It feels like I'm starting all over again
The last three years were just pretend
And I said,

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

I used to get lost in your eyes
And it seems that I can't live a day without you
Closing my eyes and you chase my thoughts away
To a place where I am blinded by the light
But it's not right

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

And it hurts to want everything and nothing at the same time
I want what's yours and I want what's mine
I want you
But I'm not giving in this time

Goodbye to you
Goodbye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
The one thing that I tried to hold on to

And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
You're my shooting star.

Anyway...I am having some anxiety about next month rolling in...Cody's 10th birthday will come up on April 14th and then he will ahve been gone 8 months...

I hate this life...

I am confident that the Lord has a plan for my life...I really wish I could see past the clouds...

Before I go...so many of you have been great asking about Riley and we appreciate your prayers and support...I postponed Riley's EEG until we can get some insurance issues worked out...We have not heard yet when they want to schedule the MRI...the speech and language testing is scheduled for August...(yes, I said August!)

So please keep us in prayer...

I have updated the photo album with Special Love Camp pictures...Cody really enjoyed it when he had the opportunity to go there in Fall 2004.

I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, March 7, 2006 4:02 PM CST

I am updating from work which is why I have not updated the home page photo...well, that and the fact that I really love the picture that is posted of Cody...he looks so happy...there was no way of knowing that only a month later we would begin the jounrey to the end of his life...

The past few days have been difficult...

I have been having many dreams about Cody...dreams where I wake up believing he is still alive...dreams where I wake thinking there is something that needs to be done to take care of him...dreams where I wake up expecting to see his smiling face...dreams that can never come true...

I slept alot this weekend...sometimes sleep makes it easier to deal with the pain...

Saturday was really nice...Aaron and his family came to visit...we had a BBQ and we played trivia and Pictionary...it was a lot of fun...Aaron was very excited about the things we gave him from Cody....we gave him all of Cody's G.i. Joes along with weapons and vehicles...we gave him a few copies of RacerX magazine with Cody's article...we gave him a copy of the Celebration DVD and we gave him a CD with all of the pictures we had of him and Cody...there wasn't a dry eye in the house...

We did have a scare on Saturday while they were there...the dog tried to eat the bird...We have two birds...Sunny and Share...well Aaron was holding Sunny when he tried to fly away...the dog was right there and POUNCE! she was on him...he tried to fly and gues what happened...a HUGE POOF! of feathers...I looked down and thought OH NO! that dumb dog just ate the bird...well she didn't but she did manage to pull out every one of his tail feathers...aside from being totally freaked out...the poor little bird looks like a big dork...did you know that tail feathers help a bird keep its balance? Yes, you guessed we now have a dorky looking, no tail feather having, clumsy bird...but he is alice and his feathers will grow back...thank goodness!

Yesterday, we made our way to Richmond to meet with Dr. David. Dr. David did his initial evaluation of Riley and feels that it is likely that Riley has Autism...actually hearing the news has broken my heart...more than anything I wanted him to have a chance to be okay...I know that this not the end of the world...but is the beginning of a whole new adventure and I am still pretty tired from the other one...

Riley will still undergo many tests to ensure that there is nothing else going on...he will have a sleep deprived EEG next Monday...that means we have to wake him up at midnight and keep him awake until he has the test at 8 a.m. After that he will undergo an MRI, speach and language evaluations and an Autism rating scale test...once the tests are all complete we will know for sure what we are dealing with and we will receive some new instructions on how we are supposed to take care of Riley...

I can't help but feel sad.

Other than that, I guess things are okay...I completed my final projects and final exams this week...it looks as though I will pull off straight A's...that is pretty exciting...

Work is busy which is good for me...

My brother-in-law arrived last night...we close on their house next week...

So all in all life is continuing on...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, March 2, 2006 1:10 PM CST

Well...I figured it was high time for another update...

The past couple of weeks have been busy...

On Monday I had the opportunity to visit Massachusetts for about 5 minutes...Actually we arrived in Boston at 8:45 a.m. it was 9 degrees outside...we jumped in a car, had a meeting with clients in Plymouth, went to lunch, looked at the Plymouth Pebble and went back to the airport...very exciting adventure...FREEZING COLD!!!

This week I have final exams and final projects due for school...I feel pretty good about the upcoming tests as I have placed a lot of time into studying...my grades are pretty good so I am walking in at an advantage...

I have started the prepartions for the trip to Gold Ribbon Days on Capital Hill...I have begun requesting meetings with the various members of Congress...I even asked the President for some time...I informed him that he should hurry to schedule some time with because I have plans to be very busy that week...I am excited about the opportunity.

Next, I have been working on a few different ideas for the NCCS fundraiser...I am contemplating something on a large scale...maybe a tournament of some kind...I have decided for sure yet but once I do I will be reach out for help...I believe it is imperative that we come together for this cause...I am astonished by the fact that NCCS lost all of their funding...I cannot even begin to express how helpful they were to us in our greatest time of need...I am appalled by their loss of funding...If we do a tournament I thinking that each participant will get their own kid they are playing in honor of so it is likely I will be asking each of you for your premission to utilize your kids for this project...in addition, I will likely be putting together some special auction items...kind of like Carol's table...

Riley is scheduled to meet with the doctor in Richmond on Monday...please keep us in prayer as we venture into the unknown...I am confident that Cody will make sure that the Big Guy upstairs is looking out for our little buddy...but a little bit of prayer can go a very long way...

I sent out multiple e-mais last night regarding Gold Ribbon Days...I hope everyone received theirs...if I made any mistakes please forgive me (Marion)...it was late and I probably should have been in bed...

My brother-inlaw will be here starting next Monday...then my sister and the kids will be relocating around April 1st...Brittany's school semester ends at the end of March...so they will arrive here in time to start the last semester of school...this will give Brittany the chance to get to know other kids...I am looking forward to thier arrival...

This weekend we have Marina...we are all looking forward to her visit...especailly the birds...I believe that is why the make some much noise...they are hoping she will hear them and come play...

Jeremy will be here in April for Spring Break...that will be really great...

Greg is doing well...working, going to school...same old. same old...still no word on anything else so I am taking it all with a grain of salt...

This weekend Aaron, Cody's best friend, and his family will be coming over for a BBQ on Saturday...Greg and I have decided that there are a few toys that Cody would have wanted Aaron to have as they constantly played with them together...I am looking forward to seeing them although I believe it will difficult to spend time with Aaron without Cody...

One last story before I go...

Aaron's mom shared with me on the phone that Aaron was doing better but for quite a while he agonized over Cody's passing...he finally had a dream in which Cody came to him and asked him to play...Aaron said to Cody in his dream, "I thought you were dead." Cody responded, "Yeah, I am all healed now and I am better...Let's Play" Since then, Aaron has been at ease and totally comfortable with Cody's passing...

I was so grateful to hear that Cody had come to Aaron in his dream...I always love it when I dream of him...I was glad to know he was out there touching others...

I will update again soon.

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 8:24 PM CST

Things are going okay...I wanted to take the time to update the website...

I am starting the prep work for Gold Ribbon Days in June...my mom will be joining me...I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet members of Congress to discuss funding for Childhood Cancer Research...

School and work have been hectic...but worth it...

Riley is doing really well with his new child care provider...he really likes it there...We have him scheduled for testing on Monday March 6th...I am anxious to hear what the doctors have to say...I am anxious to learn how to help him...if it is grief...what do we need to do? If it is something else...then we learn how to help him...

Greg is doing really well at work...we are still awaiting word on orders overseas...who knows when or if that will ever actually happen...limbo...gotta love that game...

I had a request last week for an update on Ben...unfortunately, I am ill-equipped to do an update on Cody's dad...we talk infrequently and Ben is a private person...even if I knew how he felt I would not post his feelings on the site...I don;t apologize for that...this site is a place where I keep a journal...I am amazed by how many take the time to still check in and see how we are doing...I appreciate it...I know that Ben and his entire family could use some prayers and support...maybe instead of posting nasty messages here, you can pick up the telephone and reach out to them...

I try not to let people get to me but occassionally they do...you see, I lost my son...there is nothing anyone can say to me that will hurt me any worse than that one catostrophic event...no insults...nothing...here is my request...if you are not here to offer support...then please feel free to leave...without leaving a message in the guestbook...this page is more for me than for anyone else anyway...if not for this place...I regret that I may have already lost myslef in the abyss of sadness that threatens each day to consume me...so I am sorry if I am unable to please everyone with my entires...to be honest...I'm not sorry...but I really don't know whatelse to say...I guess you are right, my journal is about ME, ME, ME! Go figure!

Anyway I have wasted enough time responding to the person who wasn't even brave enough to leave their name...I hope that someday you are forced to face life and realize what is important...then your childish words will haunt you...in the meantime, I will pray for you...and me because obviously I am more upset then I thought...

My meditation this morning focused on just this sort of thing:

Wisdom is of more value than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. Ecclesiastes 2:13, NLT

I suppose I need to take some time and mediate on that thought again...

I took the time to post some new pictures in the photo album...I hope you all like them...

I have also taken up the cause of St. Baldrick's Day again this year...St. Baldrick's is a CureSearch fundraiser...CureSearch supports Childhood Cancer Research...participants shave their heads for donations...it is really pretty great!

http://www.stbaldricks.org/ShaveePhoto.asp?SolNumber=15326517

Cut and Paste the above link in your browser's window so that you can support Dr. Porea in Honor of Cody...Let's raise DOUBLE the goal amount!

Finally, Greg and I received the final autopsy paperwork last week and we met with Dr. Owen to discuss the findings...I needed to understand...Cody ultimately passed away from post transplant complications...he had several viruses which are commonly referred to as opportunistic...meaning they lurk, looking for a host who is vulnerable...and then BAM! So, as soon as Cody started having issues the many viruses attached themselves to him and went to work...until he could no longer fight them off...the result was the burst blood vessel in the lung...life support and angel wings. My heart aches.

I was shocked to learn something else while I was there...the National Childhood Cancer Society lost their funding last year due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina...families that have been able to receive support from the NCCS in the past no longer have that opportunity as they have no money...new patients are not given the opportunity so families that are still on the frontlines with this disease are there with no support...this too makes my heart ache...I know how difficult it is to be flat broke and worried about where the gas money for a trip to the hospital will come from...or how to pay for the hotel...or worse yet wondering how you will ever be able to poop the money to pay for all of the prescriptions...

I am contemplating how to help...once I have come up with a solid plan, I will seek your help...anyone interested...please let me know...this will be a really great effort to support...together we can make anything happen!

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, February 15, 2006 7:10 AM CST

Well...I figured it was high time for an update...

First of all I want to thank everyone for so diligently signing the guestbook...please continue to do so as the constant reminders that you all are prayng and rooting for us are amazingly wonderful...

Next I want to share with you all that this past Friday, February 10th, marked mine and Greg's 5th Anniversary...what a ride it has been...I give thanks everyday for the fact that God gave me the perfect husband to share my life with...the perfect friend...the perfect supporter...of course, he has flaws too...but for the most part he gets his job right...he loves me as Christ loves the church so much so that He would lay His life down for her...so I guess I can't complain...well I can...but...who's listening anyway??? :-)

This month has been better for me than last month...though this time of the month...of every month is always difficult...as we approach the six month mark of life without Cody...instead of feeling my own pain...my heart is bleeding for my friend Alison and the entire Haddock family...it was this time three years ago when they were at the beginning of the end of Alexandria's life here on earth...I remember vividly the journal entries...the pain...the suffering...the fight...we were inpatient on 5200 preparing to be released and my heart bled then...just as it does now...for my friend...a kindred spirit on this journey of life with childhood cancer...

I had no idea three years ago that I would be walking the same path as Alison...and I had no idea how valuable her support would be as we joined the "club" of parents who have lost a child...what a horrible club to be a member of...what a terrible way to make friends with someone...

However, in the midst of the horror of the reality that we have both lost our child...I am awe inspired but how the Lord works...how He provides us with the support we need when we need...how His grace abounds us...He has offered us the opportunity to support one another...

So as Saturday draws near and we remember that six months ago our Cody drew his last mechanical breath and his heart beat four more times before he flew free to the Father in heaven...we will also remember how our little friend Alexandria held her favorite unicorn Moonbeam and drew her last breath in the arms of her family three years ago tomorrow...

Please be sure to stop by and let Alison know that Alexandria is remember and that their family is being prayed for as they endure...sometimes enduring is all we can do...

www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

One more thing before I go...Cody's song...dedicated to my son and your daughter, Alison...I am here if you need me...

Time Of Your Life by Green Day

Another turning point a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist directs you where to go
So make the best of this test and don't ask why
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

So take the photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

It's something unpredictable
But in the end is right
I hope you had the time of your life

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, February 3, 2006 6:50 AM CST

We have so much going on around here I thought I should take a few minutes to update...

First of all, I have a request...even though I don't update every day...I still check the site and I look at the guest book...can at least one person per day sign in...I mean I would actually enjoy it if 4 or 5 of you said hi...but since I am begging...I will settle for one...what is it my mom always says..."BEGGARS CAN'T BE CHOOSEY!"

Anyway...on to what's new...

IT'S OFFICIAL! My sister and her family will be moving here...We placed an offer on a house for them this past week and the offer was accepted...her husband will be here to start his new job on March 1st...she will follow him at the end of the school term so Brittany can start fresh at the new middle school...

I am very excited that soon I will have family close by...plus, I am hopeful that with both of us here...my mom and Glen will have no excuse...nor ability...to stay away for long...shoot...maybe I can get everyone to move here...Mom, Chris...I shall begin working on you all next!!!

School has been very hectic but I am maintaining an A average in both classes...I am in the process of taking midterms right now and trying to complete my midterm projects so even taking the time to breathe is difficult...

In addition, work has been crazy...I landed a huge deal last month so I had to spend all of my time ensuring everything was completed...in two weeks I did an entire estate plan...trust, retitling and all...it was insane...but I did it...unfortunately, focusing all of my time on that project made for no time for any of the other projects...I have spent the last few days digging out from underneath the extremely large pile on my desk...on Monday, I spent several hours simply organizing and determining what I needed to do...

Tonight, I have plans to meet with Lisa Tatem for dinner...I am excited to meet her...she has two children with a rare blood disorder and they both underwent transplants at Duke this past year...it will be neat to spend some time with another Duke mom...and one that lives close by...Lisa and her family live in Grafton...just on the otherside of the bridge...it should be fun...though I envy the responsibilities she is still entrusted with...

I long sometimes to still have the opportunity to take care of Cody...what an amazingly large part of my life that has been taken away...what an amazing child...what an amazing gift God gave to me...when we were going through it all...I would sometimes wonder if it would ever end...the meds in the middle of the night...the constant pump bells...the needles...the doctor visits...I used to pray that for Cody someday it would be over...and for me...now that it is over...I wish I could do it again...I remember I used to pray and pray that soon it would come to an end...I guess it finally did...though it ended much differently than I had planned or hoped...I guess I should have been more specific...you know instead of simply saying, "God, please make it end!" I should have said, "God, please make it end with Cody here on earth!"

Don't get me wrong...I am grateful that Cody no longer suffers...I accept that for him to be free...I suffer the greatest pain ever...I lean on the Lord for support and guidance...every morning, every night...all through out the day...it is He who sustains me...I take great comfort in knowing that my child is free from the disease...free from the demons...victorious in Christ...I take great pride in the reality that he won!

I reflect sometimes on the pain...on the difficult times...I am reminded of the life of Christ...I find myself thinking about the Lord himself...made in His likeness...to me that means that I am like Him...if that be the case...I realize my pain...and I think about the total lack of control...there was nothing I could do to save my son...my heart is broken...my life is broken...when Cody died, we gave his body to the research team at Duke...it is our hope that no child will suffer the same way Cody had to...Dr.K. told me that not many kids live as long post-transplant and still pass away from post-transplant complications...the information they will learn from my son will be used in medical journals...it will be used to correct treatment procedures...it will be used to save another child...my son made the ultimate sacrifice...he gave his life...so that someone else might live...look at Christ...Christ gave everything so that those who believe in Him might live...imagine how God must have felt as He watched His son be beaten and smitten...hung on a cross...He gave everything so that anyone could have eternal life...thank God, I know Jesus...thank God, I have Jesus in my heart...thank GOd, I have a wonderful counselor...a mighty God...thank God, my eyes can see and most of the time, my ears can hear...thank God, I am able to see that the loss of my son is temporary...thank God, I know that this body is simply a tent...this life a only a moment...thank God, I have the ability to see and to continue to live...if your heart is broken...if your life is lost...a simple pray can start the process to change that...a simple request...ask Jesus into your heart and all that concerns...everything that worries you...all of your wrongs...they will be His...He will free you from the ties that bind...trust me, I know...I used to live in the world too...

Well...before I go I wanted to share a funny...I had a dream about Cody last night...it was during a road trip that we took with Chris and Riley...Greg was out to sea and we had spent several weeks in Florida with my mom and Glen...on the way back to Virginia, we stopped at a hotel in South Carolina...Riley needed a bath and Cody decided to get in with him...for a long time they sat in there playing together...suddenly, a LOUD scream came from Cody...Chris and I both jumped up to see what was the matter...Cody had one leg on either side of the bath tub with no part of his body in the water...Riley just sat there looking confused...Cody begging me to get him out!!! I was scared and concerned...WHAT! I said...WHAT IS THE PROBLEM!!! Trying to decide if Riley also needed to be pulled from the vat that was once a tub...come to find out...RILEY POOPED! In the tub...Cody was very distraut and rightfully so...who knew taking a bath with a two year old could be so dangerous...Cody would joke later telling us he never knew that he was taking a bath in the toilet bowl...

I guess I will go now...I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, January 28, 2006 7:08 PM CST

This last month has been very difficult...I am looking forward to February...

I am not sure why January was anymore difficult than December...maybe just the finalization of the holidays...Jeremy leaving...and the start of a new year without Cody...

I don't know but I have been sadder this month then any of the others since he passed away...

We have had many things happening...

The day care asked not to bring Riley back so we spent the past few days seeking out a new childcare provider...Riley has been having a really difficult time since Cody passed away...we are not certain exactly what we are dealing with...it is obvious that he is grieving but we are concerned that there is more to it than that...so we have Riley scheduled to go through a panel of testing...our pediatrician is wonderful and he spent several hours with us just observing Riley and hearing our concerns...it was difficult to make the decision to take him to the doctor for this because for the longest time I was sure that it was all just grief-anger...then I was sure that the aggression was from him and daddy playing rough...but some of the other "symptoms" just don't fit...I am grateful to have the presence of mind to notice when something is awry...unfortunately, the constant classroom disruptions and the teacher abuse has made it necessary for us to make changes sooner than we had hoped...I had thought that we would wait until we knew what we were dealing with before we moved that way we may better know how to help him or what he needed...the school had a different plan though...we chose a home provider who watches two other children at her house...Greg and I interviewed her and observed Riley with the other children for a while on Friday...I spoke on the telephone with several references and together we decided that this environment would be most like home and hopefully better for him...

In the meantime, work has been very busy...I have not had a chance to come up for air...on top of that school...so I am very busy...

Greg is also very busy...work gets up him long before dawn...of course he is usually home before noon...but by then he has already been on the go for 8 hours...

The dog is doing great...Thursday I came home and she was gone...I freaked out...she had pulled the whole stake out of the ground and taken off with her 200 foot line, stake and all...I called Greg and frantically began searching for our Dawdy...guess what...I found her...she was completely stuck in the trees next to where we park...luckily her line had gotten tangled around like 5 or 6 trees so she couldn't go anywhere...I unhooked her and brought her in the house...on Friday, I put her outside and when I went to check on her she had taken off her collar...come to find out, she chewed through it...she is very ingenious...

The birds are loud...they fight a lot...the little blue one bit the tar out of me yesterday...his wing got caught in the cage and I guess he decided that it was my fault...I couldn't let go of him because he was stuck...so he just kept biting me...I had to laugh because it really hurt...

The cat is still awesome...I am really glad that Cody talked me into that cat...I just love him so much...he is the most amazing cat ever...he is so loving and so affectionate...I really think he is the coolest cat ever...

The snake is getting bigger...I think she is probably about two fee now...of course the mice we put in the cage with her don't get very big...

Oh I do have some really great news...my stepsister and her family may be moving here in March...I am very excited about the prospect of having family close by...plus I am having a lot of fun house hunting for them...

Next Friday I have dinner plans with Lisa Tatem www.caringbridge.org/va/tatem both of their children went through transplant at Duke...I am excited to meet her...it should be a lot of fun...

Oh yeah, I am doing okay with the book...I had a publisher contact me already and ask for more...of course, I don't have anymore yet but I am working on it...

Well, I guess that is all for now...I hope you all know that I know that it is your prayers and your never-ending support that make it possible for me to still get out of bed and go every day...I may cry at night...but during the day I fight...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 5:07 AM CST

In the solitude of my room...in the dark before sleep...I cry.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006 5:57 AM CST

It was 5 months ago today when our Cody went home with Jesus...

It's funny...but I don't always know what to say either...

We have been going through a lot with Riley lately...we have some testing scheduled for sometime in the next couple of weeks...please keep us in prayer as a new journey begins...I will update more when I have news on what we are dealing with...

Since I don't have my own words...I figured I would post a song that makes me think of Cody...

***********************************************************

Here Without You by 3 Doors Down
(Music by Arnold, Roberts & Harrell)

A hundred days have made me older
Since the last time that I saw your pretty face
A thousand lies have made me colder
And I don't think I can look at this the same

All the miles that separate
Disappear now when I'm dreamin' of your face
I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind

I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight, there's only you and me.

The miles just keep rollin'
As the people leave their way to say hello
I've heard this life is overrated
But I hope that it gets better as we go.

I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time

I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight, there's only you and me.

Everything I know, and anywhere I go
It gets hard but it won't take away my love
And when the last one falls, when it's all said and done.
It gets hard but it won't take away my love

I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time

I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight, there's only you and me

***********************************************************

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, January 6, 2006 6:56 PM CST

Well as I have found my way around to some of friends here on Caringbridge, I felt as though my entry for the New Year was less insightful then so many of our friends...maybe it is because they are further along in the grieving process then I am...or maybe it is because I just have felt much like writing here lately...to be really honest, I don't know what to say.

The New Year promises to bring many firsts without Cody...I am not looking forward to experieincing all of these things without my son...however, I do look forward to a year full of new things?

I started school this past Wednesday and so far I am liking it a lot...I am grateful to have the opportunity to better myself...I know that this is what Cody wanted for me...I know because we talked about things like this a lot...our futures...what we wanted to be when we grew up...

Cody wanted to be a Professional Dirt Bike Rider...

I wanted to be a lawyer...

Cody was honored as a Professional Dirt Bike Rider in the November Issue of RacerX Magazine...his father and I took and spread his ashes along the track in St. Louis, MO on September 17th...it was pretty amazing...he flew free behind the bike...it was like nothing you have ever seen...Cody did it! He accomplished his goal...I just wish it could have been more like we had planned...

Now it is my turn...so, I will work hard to be someone...

Cody was my best friend...he really was...he and I would talk for hours on end about anything and everything...I have never been that close with anyone before...not even my husband or my mother...we shared our hopes, our fears, our dreams...I never thought I would be left here without him to try and accomplish everything we thought of together...

The worst part is I no longer have him to talk to...well, I still talk to him...but now I can't hear his answers...and believe it or not...Cody was rather insightful...he had an "old" soul...wisdom far beyond his 9 little years...I am so sorry he couldn't stay here longer...

I wish that so many more people could have had the chance to know him...to love him...he was amazing.

I find peace and comfort in the reality that he no longer suffers...he is free from the pain...from the hurt...he is resting in the arms of the Father...and if in order to accomplish that for him, I have to suffer the greatest pain of my life...then so be it.

My heart hurts...more often than not I find myself thinking about the what ifs...I quickly arrest those thoughts though for they are bad for my health and my sanity...

I love my son with everything I am...I gave him everything I had to give...I made all of the right decisions...yes, there are other decisions that could have been made, but they weren't....we did the best we could with the information we had...and we had the chance to spend 6 more years with him...6 years we may not have had if we had not made the decisions we made...so, when I get down on myself second guessing our choices...I am reminded of that day 6 years ago when the doctors came into the room just after diagnosis and told us that they were unsure our son would make it through the night...Cody and I prayed together...it was then that he told me that Jesus had told him to come home...all those years ago...he had already been called home...he chose to stay here with us...with me...for an extra 6 years...and it was 6 years of hell...I can atest to that...so, yes, I am grateful he no longer suffers...I find peace in the fact that he is totally healed in heaven...

The New Year holds many firsts I am not looking forward to, but I will get through...I will get through because Cody would have wanted me to...I will get through them because I have so many friends like you...

Speaking of friends like you...we are still receiving nearly 1000 hits a week or more on the site...it's too bad I can't tell that when I log into the guestbook :-)

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season...Praise God it has finally come to an end and we can get back to "normal?"

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, December 31, 2005 9:04 AM CST

It was 3 years ago today when Cody received his transplant at Duke...

We had such high hopes...

We thought that the new year would bring new life and a new chance...it did...but not for as long as we had hoped...

The transplant road was a difficult one...filled with much loss and much pain...I never thought that nearly 3 years later we would suffer the loss of Cody...I guess I was living in some kind of dream world to think that since we had made it that far that we couldn't lose him...I was wrong...

At this time last year, we were settling in to our new house...Cody had been in the hospital just before Christmas but was well enough to go and visit his dad for the New Year...

As we reflect back on the year 2005, I am glad that it has come to an end...as I look forward to 2006, I have to believe that there is nothing left accept improvement...I mean how can you suffer anything worse than losing your child...

I do not expect this new year to be "easy" as we make our way through the many firsts without our precious Cody...I suspect it will be painfully difficult...but still nothing will be worse then the actual loss...

I start school this coming week and I am excited about that...work is going well...

It has been wonderful spending the holidays with our children...we had Marina up until this past Thursday and Jeremy leaves tomorrow...I am sad that they our time as a one big family is coming to an end...but I am looking forward to our next visit...

Anyway, I hope that you all have a really great New Year's Eve celebration...I will talk to you next year :-)

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, December 28, 2005 7:39 AM CST

To be honest, we had an okay Christmas...don't get me wrong, not having Cody here was difficult but we focused on our other children and we made it through...

I have been working a lot on the book lately and even the hardest critics are telling me it's good...so far...Please keep me in prayer with this project...it is my heart to honor Cody and Jesus...pray that I am able to utilize the talents that God has given me to convey His message and glorify Him...

I really don't have too much to say...I just wanted to take the time to let everyone know we are surviving...

Thank you for checking in...please sign the guestbook...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, December 24, 2005 7:19 PM CST

Good Evening and Merry Christmas to our wonderful family and friends...

Today has been difficult...

As tomorrow draws closer I find myself having a very hard time with the reality that Cody will not be here to celebrate the holiday with us...

I miss him so much...

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and remember that aside from the gifts and festivities and the food...the true reason for the day is to celebrate the birth of Christ...

As you reflect on this past year I hope that you are filled with wonderful memories that will last you your whole life to come...

Please sign the guestbook and let us know you were here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, December 22, 2005 7:47 AM CST

As we approach our very first Christmas without Cody my heart is sad...I wish so much that things could have been different for him...

But instead of focusing on the fact that we are no longer together here on Earth...I try to focus on the reality that Christ died so that I could be with my son in heaven some day again...

As we approach the time where we celebrate the gift of Jesus...I remember what was sacrificed for all...

Even though Cody's life ended way too soon...he is expreciening the promises...he is healed...complete...in heaven with the Father...that is where we all are striving to be...he just got there first...

Being here without him is by far the most difficult trial of them all...but I continue to get out of bed and face the world every day...I continue to shine the light that is within...not because I am strong but because HE is strong in me...I am blessed.

I hope that as you approach this Christmas you realize the gift that you have in Christ...

I am looking forward to spending some much needed quality time with our other children...I am excited about their reactions to the gifts that we have been able to afford them this year...

I just wish we were closer to our family and friends...my mom came in for a few days this past weekend...it was great to have her here but I would have enjoyed seeind everyone...and I was sad that time went by so very fast...

It has been a true blessing for me to have the opportuntiy to share my feelings here...the support that I receive from you all has been very uplifting...I want you each to know how much I appreciate the love and prayers that you send our way...whether it be in the guestbook or silently by checking in...it means a lot...

Speaking of the guestbook...Caringbridge has done something new...they have set up an archive for guestbook entries...this is supposed to help the page load easier...I was very upset when I first logged in and all of the encouragement you all leave was GONE! Later I received an e-mail that told me where to find it...so...please keep filling it up and I will keep reading...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 6:08 AM CST

It was three years ago this week when we started radiation in preparation for transplant...we had such high hopes...

I never dreamed that Cody wouldn't make it through...I had no idea.

The official autopsy report states that Cody died from Parainfluenza III and CMV...each of the viruses systematically attacked every one of his primary organ systems until they failed to work causing him to suffer a pulmonary hemmorage (burst blood vessel in the lung)...he was then placed on life support where he was unable to recover from the invasion and 18 days later we made the decision to let him go...

I saw him detriorate over the course of the six months leading up to the day he died...during the 18 days he spent in the PICU he gained 15 pounds in water weight...he was in pain...the suffering was great...

So many times we pushed him to do the basic things...like physical therapy...walking...bathing...he was miserable...his little body was failing him then and he knew it...

I remember the strength draining from his legs...the pounds falling away...I remember the life fading from his eyes...

I have many regrets but letting him go at the end is not one of them...

I am grateful he no longer suffers...even if to accomplish that I am forced to suffer the greatest loss on my life...

I will never be the same...my heart will forever be broken...but it is obvious that the days will keep coming and going and I am surviving...

Christmas will be here in 12 days...we will celebrate the birth of Christ...and we will remember that it is He who died so that we don't have to...with that in mind, I will remember that sometime soon I will be reunited with my son...I will hold him and tell him I love him again...

Until then...

Please sign the guestbook...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, December 8, 2005 10:19 AM CST

This past week has been difficult...

On top of being sick with a terrible upper respritory infection, I have been missing Cody a lot...

Greg and I worked during last weekend to place most of Cody's things in storage...

I just can't believe he is never coming home again...I can never touch his little face again...I can never hear his little voice...I can never play games or joke around...everything is gone.

I hate it that he left me...I hate it that I am stuck here in this life without him...I hate that he had to be sick...I hate how I can understand and not understand all at the same time why he had to go...I hate that it is Christmas and he is not here with me...

I don't know who I am anymore...if I am not Cody's mom...then who am I? I don't know how to be without him...I have too much time on my hands...too much money in the checking account...too much hurt in my heart...

Cody was my best friend...in 9 short years he thought me how to live...how to love...how to laugh...

How can I live life without him? What is life without him?

I just wish things could have been different...I work hard not to second guess our decisions...but it's hard not to wonder about the what ifs...it's hard to not to beat yourself up for the should haves and could haves...or worse...the would haves.

I love my son with all of my heart...I pray that he forgives me for anything I may have done wrong...I wait in grace for the day that we will be reunited and I can once again hear his voice...

I thank God for every moment I had with him even though it wasn't enough...

I just wish it could have been different...I wish it could have been better for him here...I wish he was still here with me...

But alas he is gone and my life must go on...the days continue to pass me by and I can't believe the time is passing by...I remember yesterday was the day he died...how can it be Christmas already?

Tonight Greg and I will attend the Command Christmas party...I will get dressed up and I will wear a smile...I will look the part while the whole time my heart will be crying for the child I wish was still here with me...

My mom made arrangements to come in the weekend before Christmas and I am glad she is coming...soon, we will all be together to celebrate the holidays and I will get dressed up and wear a smile...I will look the part while the whole time my heart will be crying for the child I wish was still here with me...

Life will never be the same...but then has life ever been the same?

I don't know.

Please sign the guestbook while you are here...it is really important to me still...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, December 1, 2005 8:47 AM CST

Good Morning and Happy December!

I hope all is well with everyone out there...

Around here we are doing okay...we are working hard to prepare for the upcoming Christmas holiday...we had planned to go to Florida to be with my family but school schedules for the kids and airline tickets and work have made that impossible...so...we tried to ahve my family come here but work schedules, airline tickets, and grandpa-sitters have made that impossible...so...we realized that maybe we just werent supposed to be together for Christmas...it was difficult to accept but I am sure it will work out...no matter how you slice it, the holiday is going to be hard without Cody.

The house is coming along...the extra room is still not completed but we are hopeful that it will get done soon...we are doing everything we can do to get it done and beyond that we just pray.

We pulled the Christmas decorations out over the weekend we will decorate during the next week or so...the house should look great for Jeremy's arrival on December 17th.

Last weekend we all chose a nine year old boy off of the Angel Tree at the mall and we picked out the gifts that they wished for...it was a lot of fun...we treated each of the four little boys as if they were Cody and made sure that we picked out gifts for them that Cody would have enjoyed...it took the sting out of the whole holiday without him thing...just a little.

Next Thursday we will be attending the Command Christmas Party...I am excited...it is a formal event and since we never get dressed up and go anywhere...I am really looking forward to this...it should be a lot of fun...

I have received the honor of Chairing the Man & Woman of the Year event for the Leukemia Society in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area next year so tomorrow I will meet with Elisha to start planning the events and kick off...I am very excited about that as well...

Riley and I are both fightiong off the cold Greg had a couple of weeks ago...but I have an angel up in heaven who I am sure will put a few good healing words in for me...I have way too much work to do to be sick...

This coming week, I plan to pack out Cody's room...I am not going to go through any of his things I am just going to put everything away into two closets with locking door knobs so no one (Riley) can get into them and then I am going to redecorate the room so that the kids will feel comfortable going in there...it will be difficult but we need the space...especially since we will have all of our children for Christmas...

Sometime soon we have plans to start working on Cody James Hoffman Memorial Fund...I have spoke of this before...the idea will be to send one kid with cancer in each city to the Motocross races with full access...anyway, I am looking now for anyone who may be interested in helping us get this project off the ground...

Please contact me:

Eleasha Hilliard
5361 Gadwall Circle
Gloucester, VA 23061
eleasha@cox.net

Well, I guess that is all for now...I need to get back to work...

I will update again soon...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, November 21, 2005 8:42 PM CST

I wanted to take a few minutes to let you all know that we are blessed by your recent entries...it means so much to read how many lives Cody had the opportunity to touch...I know for every one person who signed there are at least one hundred more who he made a difference in their lives...thank you for reminding me of that it made the three month marker a little more bearable...

We all miss Cody every day...

There has been quite a few things happening...

I will start with the today's news...the preliminary autopsy results came in and it seems that Cody was suffering from several major infections which encompassed nearly every vital organ system in his body...

In other words, there really was nothing anyone could have done...

As difficult as it was to read...it was good to know without a doubt that we made the "best" right decisions we could for our Little Man....

My heart hurts realizing how much he really must have suffered in the end but I praise God for staying by his side and carrying him and us through it all...

Now on to something else that is more light hearted and extremely important...

I am inserting a recent e-mail I sent out...I pray that everyone who is able will get involved...

> Campaign to obtain Virginia Childhood Cancer
> Specialty License Plate
> Underway
>
> In order to have a Childhood Cancer Awareness plate,
> a bill sponsored by a
> Delegate of the Virginia House and Senate, must come
> before the General
> Assembly in January 2006. In addition, the process
> requires that there be
> 350 paid specialty plate applications in order for
> the request to be
> approved and the plate to be made. If 350 paid
> applications are "in hand"
> when the bill is passed by the General Assembly, the
> measure will be signed
> into effect July 1, 2006. If there are not enough
> paid applications there is
> an additional $3500 required to extend the time
> frame to secure
> applications.
>
> Once these requirements have been met the plates
> will be manufactured and
> will be available on the VA DMV website. After 1000
> plates are sold,
> CureSearch will receive $15 of the $25 fee to
> support childhood cancer
> research through the Children's Oncology Group.
>
> Applications are available at Virginia DMV offices
> or on line at
> http://www.dmv.Virginia.gov/index.asp . Go to Forms
> and Publications on the
> left hand navigation bar, enter form number VSA 10,
> in the upper right
> corner of the form check Special Interest license
> plates only, at the bottom
> right of the form check other under Type of plate
> requested and write in
> Childhood Cancer Awareness.
>
> Send the application along with the $25 application
> fee payable to the DMV
> to:
>
> Kate Shafer
> CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation
> 4600 East West Highway
> Suite 600
> Bethesda, MD 20814.
>
> If you do not live in Virginia please pass this
> information along to friends
> and family who do.
>
> With so many of us here in Virginia utilizing
> specialized plates...THIS IS A
> GREAT WAY TO OFFER YOUR SUPPORT!!!
>
> As you know, our Cody lost his battle to the
> dreadful disease of Leukemia, a
> Childhood Cancer, three months ago today...we have
> made our goal throughout
> his treatment and even more so now, to raise
> awareness, raise support and
> raise funding for the cause...here is your chance to
> help us...
>
> PLEASE help us make this happen...this is a
> wonderful and VERY easy way to
> help support Childhood Cancer Research...
>
> I know Greg and I will order these plates and then
> display them proudly once
> they are made...the benefit to CureSearch will be
> amazing...
>
> Please forward this information to all who reside
> here in Virginia!

I hope those of you who live in Virginia will consider this cause and help us raise more funds so no other child has to endure what Cody went through...

Finally, I had an idea...aside from the Bill being place before our General Assembly here in Virginia...there are currently only TWO other states who have a CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS LICENSE PLATE!

Think about it...how many things are currently "advertised on individual license plates these days? There are plates for everything under the sun...the fundraising possibilites through these supportive plates are well worth the little bit of effort it would take to make this a reality in every state...

I KNOW that there are people who come here from every state in the U.S. Contact

> Kate Shafer
> CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation
> 4600 East West Highway
> Suite 600
> Bethesda, MD 20814

And make this Bill happen in your state...this is a HUGE step towards raising funds to find a cure...

If I can help, please let me know!!!

Well other then all of that...not much else going on here...getting ready for Thanksgiving this week and then Christmas in just over a month...

I am looking forward to spending the holidays in Florida with my family...it should be really great...of course, it will be difficult without Cody but I am sure he will be with us in spirit...

I will update again sometime soon...Until then, please be sure to let us know you were here it is always such a great pick me up...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, November 16, 2005 6:45 PM CST

Friday will mark 3 months since my baby went home to Jesus...

I was wondering how many people still take the time to think about him everyday...

I do.

I was wondering how many lives he touched in short time on earth....

He touched mine.

I was wondering why he had to leave me...

I don't know.

I was wondering how long he stayed here after he knew his body was done...

He stayed for me.

I was wondering how hard it was to be in so much pain...

I think it was hard.

I was wondering how scary it must have been for him...

He had Jesus by his side.

I was wondering if the loss of my child would ever get easier...

I think not.

I was wondering what the holidays would be like without him...

More difficult then you know.

I was wondering when the joy would return to our lives...

Maybe someday.

I was wondering when my broken heart wouldn't feel so broken...

As long as I am on earth, never.

I was wondering about you...has the loss of such an amazing child affected you?

I hope so.

My heart, my hope, my life, my love remain in Christ...I am blessed by the mercies that He abounds me...I am grateful that He surrounds me with his neverending love...I am awe struck when I realize that I have made it through another day...

But alas my human soul hurts...the emptiness is sometimes consuming...the pain overwhelming...

I miss my child...I hold on to the reality that one day I will be reunited with him and we will live forever in Heaven together through the blood of Christ.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, November 11, 2005 7:37 AM CST

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!!

I wanted to take the time to thank all of those who do and have served our country...without you we not have the freedoms that we have...

I praise God every day for the reality that I was born into freedom...I have always had the choice to say what I want, go where I want, vote if I want, and worship who I want...

But those freedoms are so much more than a choice...they are a right....a right afforded me by those who serve in the Armed Forces and thank you just does not seem adequate...

I can freely worship my God...even if He is not the same as yours...

I can proclaim the name of Jesus in the city streets and on the country roads...

I can do this without fear of repricussion...without fear of persecution or even death...

These freedoms come at such an amazingly high cost that so many of us take for granted...

The men and women who serve our country are Heros and today we celebrate them...

THANK YOU GREG FOR ALL THAT YOU DO...

THANK YOU GRANDPA FOR A LIFETIME OF SERVICE...

THANK YOU ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE US NAVY, THE US ARMY, THE US AIR FORCE AND THE MARINE CORPS...

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE RETIRED AND THOSE WHO COMPLETED SHORTER TOURS OF DUTY...THANK YOU FOR SERVICE IN OTHER COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD...

THANK YOU!!! YOU ROCK!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, November 5, 2005 7:55 AM CST

Good Morning.

I am sorry it has been so long since my last update...I appreciate those of you who still come by faithfully to check in on us...

Things are going okay...

My family in Florida have all started recovering from the storm...My mom and stepdad did not get power back until just this past Thursday...Can you imagine?

My husband seems to be on some kind of yo-yo...the Navy cannot make a decision on what they want to do with him so...we wait...

Riley is amazing...he seems to be doing much better...he is doing well at school...he is becoming more and more articulate every single day...and he is just the most adorable little person...I am truly blessed to have him...

Speaking of me...I am doing better...my woes at work seem to have aubsided for now...which is good...I certainly could not handle that stressor for too much longer...

Of course, I would be lying if I said everything was wonderful...I miss Cody...every day even more. I am grateful for those who continue to reach out to me and offer support and guidance...I am soon going to seek out counseling and have plans to attend a support group...I feel good that now is the time...

We attended the Harvest Festival at our church this past week where Riley (dressed as a Lion) took 2nd place in the costume contest...he was so cute...I will post pictures when I figure out what is wrong with Caringbridge...

Last Sunday marked 6 years since diagnosis...I decided that from now on I would not call "bad" events anniversaries...so they will now be called markers...I really thought the worst was behind us after transplant...I figured we were so far out that there was no way we would lose him...that is one of the most difficult things to deal with through this whole ordeal...I just assumed we were one of the "lukcy" ones...sometimes, life has a way of sneaking up on the dellusional...

SNAP BACK TO REALITY, OH THERE GOES GRAVITY...

Anyway...we had some sad news this week too...our friends Jason and Liza had their lives turned upside down when he was laid off...subsequently, they made the decision not to close on their brand new house...they packed up all they had in their old house and are leaving this morning for Florida...that leaves just us up here now. :-(

Please pray for them as they make their trip back down south...and pray that Jason is able to find another job soon...

Finally, I am not sure what is wrong with Caringbridge...I seem to have a choice, I can either have all of my page information OR my background...but not both...not sure what's wrong...but hopefully they will fix it real soon...

Well...I guess that's all for now...

Until next time.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, October 29, 2005 6:58 AM CDT

Good Morning and Happy Saturday!!!

Yesterday was Jeremy's 13th birthday...I was sad not to be able to be with him but we talked on the phone for quite a while...it is so hard for me to believe that ny oldest son is now a teenager...WOW!!!

For those of you have been checking in to see how my family and friends are doing in South Florida in the wake of Wilma, most are still without power...the damage to was mostly trees and flooding with some minor roof damge and other cosmetic issues...it will take them some time but they will recover from it...overall, we are blessed that no one was hurt and no one lost everything...though the clean up will be slow and so far agonizing...

It never ceases to amaze me how the news makes everything out to be the governments fault when so many people CHOSE not to prepare...Wilma was not a surprise and my opinion is that the chaos would be less widespread if more people would have taken the warnings a little more seriously...then what's worse is those that did prepare (who are trying to help out their neighbors who didn't) are ignored so that the news broadcasters can report on the crazies out there beating each other up for a place in line at Wal-Mart or the gas station...

It's just like at work...occassionally, we represent people are dealing with a contested Will...I have no patience for that whole process...the idea of two or more people fighting over a loved ones wordly possessions just blows my mind...going through everything I did with Cody changed my outlook on life...I believe you do what you can to prepare for today and love your family...actually love your family...spend time with them...give them whatever you have to give and remember that all you really have with them is the amount of time they are on this earth and the memories you make while they are with you...

Anyway, enough of as Eleasha sees it... :-}

Life has been kind of hectic...I am still having my highs and lows...I have not felt like updating the website...not really anything new to say about me...plus, changing the pictures is very difficult...

The work on the room addition for the house is coming along quite nice...it would seem that sometime very soon it will be completed...we are so grateful to those who took time out of their busy schedules and busy lives to help us make this happen...it is going to be great when it is all finished!!!

Work is going okay...I am having some difficulty because my boss thinks I should be ready to come back full time and I just am not...I am still having a lot of problems with confusion and forgetfullness...I have a burning desire to spend more time with my family and less time at the office...and all of that piled on top of the "bad" days is making things a lot more difficult...

Riley is doing a lot better...he seems to have finally adjusted to his new classroom environment and the more cognisent he becomes the "easier" it is to explain what is/has happened to him...he is so cute...he is like a little mima bird, repeating everything we say...praise God there is not much in the way of cursing in our house :-}

Marina is here this weekend...we always enjoy it when she is able to come and visit...Riley really loves spending time with her...soon, she will be 13 too...time just keeps on keeping on...

As for Greg, he is waiting to see what his new orders will hold...we have gotten a heads up that it is possible he will be headed to the middle east for six months of ground deployment...we have nothing definitive yet so we have not started making any plans for anything or telling family members that it is definite...so far just a lot of talk...I have learned, in the military, until it is in writing then all it is, is talk. So, we will not start making plans and arrangements until we know something solid and the orders are in hand...

In the meantime...we are enjoying our time together as a family...

Well...I guess that is pretty much it...I will update again soon...

Thanks for stopping by, please sign the guestbook while you are here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, October 29, 2005 6:58 AM CDT

Monday, October 24, 2005 8:47 PM CDT

As the day comes to a close...please say a pray for all of the families who are faced with the aftermath of Wilma...

My entire family is in Southeast Florida...the damage was extensive but everyone is safe...trees can be replanted...power can be restored...debris can be removed and windows can be replaced...

I spoke to my family twice through out the day...getting through is difficult as most of the regular phone lines are down and the cellular coverage is sporadic at best...

I am grateful that everyone is safe...

Please continue to pray for those who are in the affected areas...pray that FPL will work quickly to restore power to the 3.2 million Floridians without...and thank God for the cool front that He sent to spare them the tragic aftermath of New Orleans...

Everything here is going okay...we miss Cody more and more everyday but we continue to do what needs to be done...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. Time is running out for the November issue of RacerX magazine...Read all about the honor bestowed upon our Cody in this amazing issue...

Wednesday, October 19, 2005 7:25 AM CDT

Some days are better than others...

I pray to God every day asking Him to relieve the pain...I wish that there would have been another way but in the end there was only pain...

Cody suffered for so long...I thank GOd that he no longer endures the pain that he felt on this earth...though I wish he could still be here with me...

Yesterday marked two months since my baby went home to Jesus...not one day since he left has been easy...It's never easy...

Even though these days here without him are sometimes unbearable...I remember the final days in the PICU...his little body giving out...his organs failing him...the pain...the medications...I am glad he no longer suffers that way...

Life will continue...the Lord carries me through the heart ache but I still feel it...It is never easy...

I don't expect easy...I am grateful for the good days when my memories are filled with sunshine and smiles...I rejoice in the sad days for I am grieving the memory of a spirit that is no longer here in the flesh...my heart hurts...it is never easy...and never will be.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. Don't forget your copy of RacerX Magazine...

Friday, October 14, 2005 6:36 AM CDT

God is good all of the time...even when I am hurting, He lifts me up to a new place...

Please understand that I use this forum to vent...I am not over here wasting away...I get out of bed every single day...I do what needs to be done...I stay busy...sometimes too busy...but, I miss Cody.

I am blessed because I am surrounded by God's Grace...this is the song I woke up singing this morning...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Darrell Evans, �Fields of Grace�
Darrell Evans
� 2001 Integrity�s Hosanna! Music/ASCAP

There's a place where I love to run and play
There's a place where I sing new songs of praise
Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace
Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace

There's a place where I lose myself in Him
There's a place where I find myself again
Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace
Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace

There's a place where religion finally dies
There's a place where I lose my selfish pride
Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace
Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace

I love my Father my Father loves me
I dance for my Father my Father sings over me

And nothing nothing nothing can take that away from me
Nothing nothing nothing can take that away from
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I write about the pain I am feeling in the depths of my soul...while this pain is real and difficult...I lean on God and through the blood of Christ Jesus what should drive me insane has not debilitated me...

I have bad days...I cry...I hurt...but I have not given up.

I have been afforded the opportunity to stay behind and finish the work that He has planned for me...some days it is difficult to concentrate...to work...to do what needs to be done...but still I trudge forward and accomplish the work at hand...

God has given me a sufficient amount of Grace...he has covered me in His Mercy...and Jesus carries me whenever I cannot walk...the enemy has not won...to be honest, he never will...

I have been devoting time to writing the book...I am confident that if I pray and allow the Lord to lead my (virtual) pen...this book will be a perfect tribute to Cody James and a wonderful testimony to the Father who gave him to me...

I have been working hard to honor Cody in many ways...yesterday we made our way to the hospital...I actually went up on 8B and spent some time visiting with some of Cody's favorite nurses...I spent some time with Dr. Owen and we dropped off all of the donated toys...it was time well spent...don't get me wrong, when we left I was ready to go...it was difficult standing outside the pod where 809 was located...but Jesus carried me there and it was good...

Life...there really is not enough time...and I am allowed to complain about that...I don't have to understand God's plan...and I can live within the confines of my heart...it does not make me broken...it makes me human...it makes me more wholly dependant on the One who will provide me life everlasting...the One who will one day reunite me with my child and make me whole again...

I need your encouraging words and support every single day...it helps me remember that I am not in this alone...that there are people out there who care and who love me...thank you for checking in...thank you for signing the guestbook...thank you for looking out for me...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, October 10, 2005 8:39 PM CDT

We continue to stay very busy...no matter how much we do though the emptiness does not go away...

I am back to working full time...it doesn't help...

Greg is still working like normal...it doesn't help...

Riley is working at getting kicked out of day care...it doesn't help...

It seems that no matter how full our lives are we are still void the spirit that was Cody James...

I long to have to draw up his meds again...to monitor his sugar levels...to set up his pumps...to debate over who he wanted to have take him to clinic...to have to go to clinic...to be responsible for washing his clothes...to watch the for newest game releases...to hear his voice...to hold him...to let him know how much I love him...to do anything for him...

Life...while we are living it we sometimes forget to realize that every moment is a gift...given to us for us to cherish...a memory of a different time gone by...

What's important to you? Do you live for the next best thing? The greener pasture? The bigger and the better? To keep up with the neighbors or the people around the block? Do you take the time to notice your children? To hug them? To give them the accolades they deserve? To point out the prefections instead of the defects? To let them know that above all else you love them? That they are important...more important the dollar...more important then the job...more important then anything or anyone? Do you take the time to make amends to those you have harmed? Do you afford others the opportunity to change? Do you spend time, lots of time, with the ones you love? The ones who are most important? Do you allow others the chance to build relationships with you? With those who are near you? To know you...to love you...to maybe even hurt you? If they do that, do you forgive them?

I have so many thoughts...so many wishes...things I wanted Cody to have a chance to do...things I wish I had a chance to say...things I wish I could have heard him say one more time...but most of all...ABOVE ALL ELSE...I wish I had more time...

I know I must sound like I am beating a dead horse...but all that I had...all the time...all of the hugs...all of the kisses...all of the I love yous...all of the pictures...all of the video tapes...all of the outings...all of the reading...all of the game playing...all of it...and it just wasn't enough...I wish for more...

More time...more of everything...but mostly more time...

Cody lived on the earth with us for 3,413 days, 13 hours and 31 minutes...sounds like a lot...but it wasn't enough.

I am blessed to have you all in my life...I check the site through out the day...I hope for new entries because they help brighten my spirit...they help remind me of the difference that Cody made in your lives...I appreciate you and I just want you to know that even if you only say HI it means the world...

I have started writing the book I have been procrastinating on for 3 years...I have the title page done :-} HEY! It's a start...

I am waiting for my brain to get better...I know my heart never will...but maybe with time I will be able to think straight again...

Thursday after I pick up Chris from the airport, we have plans to meet with the Child Life Reps at CHKD...we will be dropping off the donations that you all gave in honor of Cody at the various Celebration Services...I am not sure if I will go upstairs or not...I would like to stop by and say hello to everyone but...I have not been there since Cody died...I am not sure I can handle it...so, I plan to play it by ear...if I can I will...

This Friday is the Light the Night Walk...we are all excited...well I am anyway...and I am pretty sure Marina is too :-}

So that's all I can think of...don't forget to pick up your copy of RacerX Illustrated...the article is AWESOME!

Thanks again for checking in on us...I will update again sometime soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, October 7, 2005 6:33 AM CDT

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!

The November issue of RacerX magazine has been released...

RacerX has posted a wonderful article about Cody in this issue naming him an Honorary Dirt Bike Rider Champion...this is so AWESOME!

If you have been following our story for any kind of time...You know that the only thing Cody wanted to do...the only thing he ever wanted to be was a Professional Dirt Bike Rider...

Cody wanted this so much that his father and I honored his wishes to have his ashes spread over a dirt bike track in St. Louis...

NOW...Cody's wish to be a Professional Championship Dirt Bike Rider has been fulfilled...

I am so grateful to the folks at RacerX and to the folks at the JSF Foundation for helping us make this dream come true for Cody...

RacerX Illustrated came be picked up at any store that carries a decent selection of magazines...PLEASE show your support to the magazine and check out Cody's debut as a Professional Dirt Bike Rider!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, October 3, 2005 6:10 AM CDT

It is amazing...Over the weekend, we hit 155,000 on this site...if Cody were alive he would have been so excited...he always loved hearing the guestbook entires and learning how many people came to see him...of course, I have long wondered if the site was better for him or me...to be honest, I think me...

Anyway...Carrie, it is time to wake up...September has ended...

I have hope that October will be a little less difficult...though I realize that there are so many things that make me sad...this is my first October without Cody...my first Halloween...Jeremy's first birthday without him...and on top of that Jeremy turns 13...who can believe that...soon the holidays will be upon us and I have not even the mind to imagine how it will be to "celebrate" them without my Cody...

I love him so much...I miss him more and more everyday...this is like some kind of terrible dream that I keep waiting to wake up from...unfortunately, I every morning I wake up and the reality is present once again...he is gone.

It surprises me how well I am doing sometimes...overall, I really am at peace...I have bad moments...and then moments that are worse then bad...I cry myself to sleep some nights...and I am more of a recluse...but...I am still functioning...I am still laughing...I am still doing the next thing that needs to be done...

I am working really hard to put a plan together for the Memorial Fund...though I have no plans to work on it until next year...in order for it to work, I must treat it like a new business and develop a plan...and then work the plan...

I am looking forward to Chris's visit in a week and a half...and I am also looking forward to the Light the Night walk...it seems as though we are going to have quite the little team...Jason and Liza are joining us...we will have Marina and then me, Chris and Greg...

Anyway, I have to go and get ready for work now...I will updat again soon...

Please sign in while you are here...it means a lot to know that everyone is stopping by and still thinking of us...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, September 29, 2005 10:49 AM CDT

This has been a difficult week...

I miss Cody...

My mom told me that I was a "Human Doing" and I realize she is right...I get up in the morning and I do what needs to be done next...I go to work where I do more stuff...I pick up Riley and we do things together and then I go to sleep...

Lately, I don't seem to thave enough to do...so I think...and I began to be...right now, it seems as though being a "Human Being" is way more difficult then it used to be...

Last night I had a meltdown on my husband because he has been keeping stuff in Cody's room...I just don't want anything that Cody didn't leave there in there...of course, I probably could have told him in a nicer way...

Since I don't know what to do...and I don't know how to be...I cry...when I cry too much I do strange things...like last night when I got upset, I started doing math problems...I was working out how many days...weeks...months...years...seconds...minutes...hours...Cody had on this earth with me...

As usual...I came up with the same conclusion...It wasn't enough.

Not enough time...not enough pictures...not enough anything...

Life...it's not enough.

I long for the time when the Lord's plan will be revealed...when I will know beyond doubt what my "purpose" is here on this earth...my hope is that I will do what I am supposed to do for the glory of God and then he will call me home...

I used to think I wanted to go home to be united with my Father in heaven...but now I know I want to go home and be united with my son...don't get me wrong...I look forward to and can only imagine the time when I am in front of my Father in heaven...but now more then ever I long to be in the presence of the Lord to be reunited with my son...

I still have much work to do...so, I will be here for a while to come...during that time, I continue to stay diligent in my prayers that God will deliver me and carry me through this terrible time...

When will life get easier? Probably never...the enemy has taken away the time of innocence and easy streets...

I continue to hold fast to the belief that the Lord has an amazing calling on my life...if not then enemy would never work so hard to keep me down...nor would he work so hard to take away the things that matter most...or the mean so much...to him I say SCREW YOU! You Lose...in the end, I win because Christ bore all of my sin upon Him. Praise and Glory be to God...the world Sucks and I want to go home.

Well...I pray that tomorrow I will wake up in a healthier mood...and that I will have the opportunity to CHOOSE my attitude...today I am a Human Doing...maybe tomorrow I will be able to once again be a Human Being.

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, September 28, 2005 4:45 PM CDT

Jillian passed away this afternoon around 1:00 p.m. EST.

Please continue to offer support and prayer to her family as they begin the worst part of the journey...

www3.caringbridge.org/oh/jill

Thanks for stopping by to check in on us...your continued support is much appreciated...this past week has been difficult and now with the passing of Jillian, we are sad yet again...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, September 27, 2005 9:42 PM CDT

My heart is breaking tonight as I update and ask you all to please, please, please pray for our friend Jillian...

Jillian underwent transplant just before Cody...Jillian has MPSIII a horrible metabolic disease that has no cure and the only possible treatment is bone marrow transplant...Jillian has been through so much and has now contracted yet another infection...

Jillian's family has fought long and hard to save her...as Jillian prepares to leave this earth...please pray for her family and their strength to stay strong through the worst of times...

Please take a moment to stop by and let Jillian's family know you are praying...support is so important...especially now.

http://www3.caringbridge.org/oh/jill/index.htm

Michelle, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers...

Thanks for checking in on us...keep praying.

In Love & Prayer.
Eleasha

Tuesday, September 27, 2005 10:52 AM CDT

Regret.

Sadness.

Empty.

Broken.

Lonely.

Hurt.

Heartache.

Pain.

Regret...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prayer.

Love.

Hope.

Honor.

In Love & Prayer.
Eleasha

Monday, September 26, 2005 6:40 AM CDT

Good Morning...I have posted new pictures in the photo album of happy days long ago...

Today is Greg's birthday...please be sure to leave Happy Wishes while you are here :-}

Thanks. E

Friday, September 23, 2005 2:53 PM CDT

Life continues on even though my heart is forever broken...my world is forever changed...my spirit forever different...my chest forever void...

I continue on...

I get up and go to work...

I play with Riley...

I love my husband...

I spend time with Marina when she visits...

I talk to Jeremy on the phone...

I miss Cody.

People around me have no idea what to say...what to do...what I need...I would love to tell them...but I don't know.

Greg and I are mostly alone...like we have some kind of disease...people look at us with pity in their eyes but there is nothing to say...nothing will make it better...nothing will change the outcome...nothing will dull the pain...nothing will "fix" this...

I wish I had more friends...

I wish I had family close by...

I wish Cody was still alive...

God offers me comfort and peace every day...I smile...I laugh...and I find the beauty that is still around me in the world...yet my heart longs for my son...to hear his little voice saying no mom, I love you more...to feel his little heart beating...to hug him close to me and smell his sweet scent...

There are things I would have done different had I known our time was short...I would have fed him more pretzels...I would have given him less baths and less medicine...I would taken him home from the hospital...I would have done so many things...and so many more things different...

Some days I wonder if I let him down...other days I know I didn't...

Some days I wonder if we should have fought harder...other days I know there was no more fighting to do...

Some days I wonder why...other days I know.

My heart hurts...it aches with a pain I am not capable of describing...so I fill up my days with as much as I can...I look forward to spending time with my other children and do as much as I can to honor my son...

A long time ago when this journey first began...I told Cody that I would tell the whole world his story...someday...I will do that.

Chris will be here the weekend of October 14 so we will be attending the Light the Night Walk in Newport News...I have never been to one without Cody...he and I went nearly every year since diagnosis...I look forward to going but so wish he was here to go with me...

I updated the Cure Cody store...it now has Remember Cody memorial items...we will use the funds we raise there to support CureSearch and the Leukemia Society...

I praise God for the love of Christ that abides in me...today and every day...He carries me. Until I can walk again.

Please sign in while you are here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, September 19, 2005 6:00 PM CDT

The St. Louis service was a beautiful tribute to the life that was Cody James Hoffman...

Many of Ben's family members and closest friends came out to pay their respects...in addition, Carrie's mom and sister (Angel Jordan's family) were there as well as Alison, Grant and Dawn (Angel Alexandria's family)...we were blessed and grateful to have so much support.

Everything went well...after the service, we did a Purple balloon release which was beautiful and then we headed out to the dirt bike track in Richwoods...

We arrived at the track a little after 5:00 p.m. CST...Ben brought a Yamaha Dirt Bike out to the track...he and I climbed on the bike and made our way on to the track...there were quite a few people there with us to help us say goodbye to our Angel...

Ben and I rode around the track for a few minutes...we talked about how Cody would have liked it there...we opened the box that contained the remains of our son and we let him fly...it was beautiful...

This weekend marked the final celebration service...it proved to be the most difficult one for me...as I said goodbye to my child...I also said goodbye to his father and his father's family...Ben and I have known eachother for 17 years...his family is as much a part of my life as mine is...so that made the weekend a little sadder...my life in so many aspects will never ever be the same...but I will go on.

I am working on the Memorial Tree for Cody's school...we will be placing a Weeping Willow there...that was mine and Cody's favorite tree ever...I am so excited...once we do that and get the plaque placed, I will post pictures...

Finally, while you are here, take a few minutes to check out the new pictures from the St. Louis service and from the spreading of the ashes...they are really cool...

Don't forget to sign in...even if you don't have anything else to say...say HI!

I will update again sometime soon.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. Please pray for those that are in the path of the next two storms...

Thursday, September 15, 2005 3:42 AM CDT

There's not much to report...

I come here several times a day hoping to see that you have signed in to let us know that you are still out there...some do...thank you.

I went back to work this week...

Too much time at home...alone...

I miss Cody.

Greg and Riley are doing okay...Riley speaks often of Cody and how is with Jesus...it touches our hearts to hear him chatter on and on with Cody and to tell us things like Cody's in heaven so he doesn't need this teddy bear any more (of course, he is not quite that articulate...but he makes his point)...Greg's new ship is keeping him very busy...so we haven't seen him too much this past week...I am sure he will be happy when he gets home tonight...

Marina and Jeremy are doing good...they are both back in school and getting acclimated with the schedules and the homework...Marina comes to see us every other weekend...and Jeremy and I talk on the phone regularly...

Today marks 4 weeks since Cody left this earth...it is so hard to believe that so many days have passed...but I guess time keeps on ticking...into the future.

The service in Ft. Lauderdale was beautiful...I am sorry I haven't posted pictures...to be honest, I haven't even downloaded them onto the computer yet...eventually, I will...

We leave tomorrow morning for St. Louis...this will be the final service and then we will spread Cody's ashes on the dirt bike track that his dad chose...it will be a difficult weekend...but, I am sure it will be a beautiful celebration of Cody's life.

I am looking forward to meeting Alison and Grant while we are St. Louis...they are Angel Alexandria's mommy and daddy...Cody and Alexandria had so many similarities in their journey that I feel as though Alison and I are kindred spirits...it has been wonderful having her to talk to through out this part of the journey...

I am in the early planning stages of the CODY JAMES HOFFMAN MEMORIAL FUND...I am not interested in running another non-profit...so, I have asked one to vote on "adding" us to theirs...

My hopes are to raise enough funds every year to send one cancer kid and their family in each city where the MotoCross races are held to the races...while they are there I hope to procure pit passes...we will provide them with spending money and t-shirts that say...I'M HERE FOR CODY. This project will take some time to get off the ground so next year may be too soon but hopefully by the following year we will be ready to go when the race schedule starts...I am excited and know that this a wonderful way to honor our No. 1 Champion Professional Dirt Bike Rider Cody James for the rest of our lives...

Speaking of Professional Dirt Bike Riders...Cody will be remembered and named an Honorary Professional Dirt Bike Rider Champion in the November issue of RacerX magazine...this is all thanks to our friends at RacerX and at the JSF Foundation...

JSF Foundation honored Cody with their yearly "Bravest Kid" award for 2005...since Cody passed away before his original wish could be granted, Scott and I worked together to make his ultimate wish come true...becoming a Professional Dirt Bike Rider...

I only wish we would have thought to have done this while he was alive...

I only wish he could have beat this thing and lived long enough to actually race his dirt bike...he would have been amazing.

So don't forget...RACERX magazine November issue...if your smart, you'll buy your copies fast...otherwise, you may not get one as I know we will be buying many :-}

Also, stop by and check out Cody's tribute page on JSF

http://www.jsffoundation.com/Pages/Cody_Hoffman.html

There is a preview link on the JSF page that will show the Ad that will posted in the magazine...

We are grateful to all who have helped to make Cody's dream come true...

Now...before I go back to bed...I wanted to make sure that I let all who have been sending cards and donations know that we are receiving them and we do appreciate them...I am sure that soon I will begin the work of sending out thank you cards...

I wish I could think straight to thank everyone now...but, alas my mind has not been working as well as it has in the past...too many things swirling around up there...

I pray that I don't forget anyone as every single card...every single well wish...every single person who has gone out of their way to support us...whether it be through financial contribution or chocolate cake...has sincerely touched our hearts...know that we know and we love you for it...

I will update again sometime...

In love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, September 15, 2005 3:42 AM CDT

Thursday, September 8, 2005 7:54 AM CDT

It was Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. when I left the hospital to go and finish buying the minivan that we were to use to transport Cody to Duke...

As I left the room, I said, "See you in a little while bud"

I pray to God I said I love you.

While we were out, I promised I would stop by Toys R Us and take care of spending some money he had burning a hole in his pocket...At 11:15 a.m. I called him from Toys R Us were he moved me from place to place in the store as I described the toys I saw and waited patiently for my son to tell me what he wanted...

Greg and I picked out a few surprise gifts as well...

Cody said he needed to take a nap...so I got off of the telephone.

At 12:45 p.m. I called again to check on him...the van buying thing was taking much longer then we had hoped and I hated leaving him alone.

He answered the phone and sounded a bit winded...I asked him what was happening and he told me that he had trouble breathing and some chest pains when he woke up from his nap...several doctors and nurses were in his room...

At the dealership, I was next to sign all of the paperwork and be done buying the van so Greg signed the papers he had to and left immediately for the hospital...

I stayed on the phone with Cody while waiting for Greg to arrive and while waiting my turn to finish up the van...

Once Greg arrived...Cody seemed to be okay...he was requirring oxygen (which he had been for a couple of days by then) but because he was feeling so bad and had so much trouble when he woke up they were moving him to the PICU...

They had moved him from the cannula to the mask for oxygen and he did not care for it at all...it made him feel closterphobic.

I wrapped up the van purchase...which I still intended to pack and take Cody to Durham in...and made my way to the hospital...

I knew they had already started the move to the PICU before I arrived so we went straight to that floor...

Greg was in a waiting room called the Quiet Room...I was surprised he was not with Cody but then he told me that they would not allow him into the PICU...we started to talk about all that had transpired...he told me that Cody had used the bathroom in his room and it had requirred him to be off of the oxygen for several minutes...he had an extremely bloody stool and when he attempted to get up...his situation became much worse...Greg watched as the color drained from Cody and knew that he needed help...Greg said that he knew they were in trouble by the speed in which the doctors moved Cody to the PICU...he said he had trouble keeping up...

At that moment...I realized that my son was going to be placed on the ventillator...this could not happen without me having at least one last chance to talk to him...to hear his voice...to tell him I love him...

I ran to the PICU phone and asked them to let me in...instead Dr. Lowe appeared and I told him that I had to see Cody before they intubated...I had to tell him I love him...Dr. Lowe, with tears in his eyes, told me that Cody had already been intubated...he had asked to be...actually begged to be...

After Cody was taken into the PICU he began coughing up large amounts of blood...he had suffered a pulmonary hemmorage and his lungs were filling with blood...he was paralized and sedated and they place the breathing tube...

He never recovered.

We were blessed for the many times throughout the almost 3 weeks he remained on life support when he would awake enough to open his eyes and answer our many yes or no questions...we were able to tell him how much we love him...we were able to confirm he had Jesus by his side...we were able to say goodbye...we were able to spend a few more days with the precious life...the precious soul...the precious child that was Cody James Hoffman...

It wasn't enough.

None of it will ever be enough...

Today marks the 21st day...3 weeks...at 4:23 p.m. this afternoon it will have 504 hours since my baby left me...

I miss him.

I love him.

I wish he were still here...

Though my time with him was much too short...his suffering on earth was much to long...I find peace and comfort in the fact that he is whole now...wholly healed in the arms of the ABBA FATHER...

I look around at the state of the world and I see end times...I praise God...I pray that soon HE will return and I will not have to endure too much time away from my child...Pray with me for rapture.

So many of you who come here know Jesus as your personal savior...if you do not...I suggest that you take only a few moments and read in Revelations...all that is happening in the world today is mapped out for us in that one little chapter of the book...you do not have to believe me...but maybe if you see it yourself, you will believe for you...

Life is too short...time is minimal with the ones we love...

I miss Cody.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, September 6, 2005 2:02 PM CDT

The service this past weekend in Fort Lauderdale was beautiful...

Pastor Don did a wonderful job of honoring our son...I wish you all could have been there...

I have so many people to thank...yet the words escape me...just know that I thank you all.

I am tired and to be honest...I have not felt much like writing here...

I was sad to leave Florida this morning...but I am grateful to be home...

We have one service left in St. Louis on the 17th and then we will finally spread Cody's ashes and allow him to rest...everyone will have had their chance to say goodbye...

Soon, I will begin working on Cody's bedroom...

I miss him so much...my heart hurts.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, August 30, 2005 11:57 AM CDT

Today is my birthday...but I have nothing to celebrate here on Earth...just heartache and pain...

I don't understand how so much can change so quickly...it dawned on me earlier that Cody just celebrated his 9th birthday 4 months ago...he was inpatient but nothing would have ever made me think that by my own birthday he would be gone.

I wish so much that things could have been different...

I find some comfort in the knowledge that he no longer suffers...but still my heart hurts.

Riley takes up most of my time and what he doesn't take up...I use on service plans...

I have spent most of the day reflecting...

On my 23rd birthday...I had a new born son... beautiful...perfect...wonderful...

On my 27th birthday...that perfect son while still beautiful and wonderful would be facing a horrible disease...

On my 30th birthday...he would be in relapse and starting over...

On my 33rd birthday...I am without my son...but today he is more perfect...more beautiful...more wonderful than ever...

I just wish so much that he could have had all of those things here on earth...

For my birthday...I wish for things I cannot have...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, August 28, 2005 4:26 AM CDT

Void...

Blank...

Empty...

Nothing.

A mother without her child...

How is it possible that so many days are passing by?

Day after day...night after night...I lay in hospital beds...in my bed...on the couch cuddled up close to the love of my life...I miss him...

I miss the way he smells...I miss his sweet little voice...I miss the sound of his heart beating...I miss the way he rolled his eyes...I miss...everything.

I have been told it gets worse...I have been told it gets better...I have been told sorry...I have been told many things.

Life will never be the same...

I am still Riley's mom...I am still Jeremy's mom...I am still Greg's wife and Marina's stepmom...but for the last 6 years I have lived as none other than Cody's mom...Who am I now? What do I do?

No more doctor visits on a weekly basis...no more trips to Duke...no more hospital stays...no more medicines I can't pronounce...no more ER visits for fevers under 104...no more anything.

Never again will an xBox game bring a smile to his face...never again can he beat me at cribbage or teach me how to play spit...never again will he smile graciously and wait patiently as I learn how to operate the video game controller...never again can he beg to ride his dirt bike in the snow or in the rain...never again will he ride it...never again will I get a chance to say I love you here on Earth...never again will I hold his little hand...or hug his little neck...

What am I going to do?

Planning the services have been a needed distraction...and yesterday's service was beautiful...much more difficult then I had expected...I don't know what I was thinking...

I appreciate all that were able to attend and missed all that were not...

Thank you all for celebrating with me the life that was Cody James Hoffman...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, August 26, 2005 12:42 AM CDT

Who can believe that 7 whole days have passed since the last time my Cody was on this Earth...

7 days...

7 nights...

7 sunrises...

7 sunsets...

1.5 Fridays, 1 Saturday, 1 Sunday, 1 Monday, 1 Tuesday, 1 Wednesday, and 1 more Thursday...

The week has been a blur...we are all holding our own...a lot of work goes into planning a Celebration of Life...and for us, having 3...the work seems to be doing a really great job of taking up all of our time...

When I am no longer able to continue planning...I sleep.

On Wednesday, we went to church...it was good to be there...

Yesterday wasy obituary day...all of the local papers rolled out with the planned obituaries...

The Gazette-Journal was were we placed the entire obituary with the poem...it was nice but I wish that they had placed hte whole picture with him on his dirt bike...

The Pilot was extremely disappointing as they placed only a head shot and had I know that, I would have sent in a totally different picture...

The Daily Press however, they were amazing...the paper decided to place the full obituary with Cody's whole picture at no charge to us...it looked awesome...and we are grateful...

We are working hard to honor Cody...though I have had waves of emotion, usually I am able to check myself right away though and not give in to the grief too much...still much to much to accomplish...

We have been receiving loads of cards and I want to make sure I thank everyone...I will as soon as I can...but for now, know that we are receiving them and we are grateful...

The Programs for the services were donated by PACK Printing Inc. of Virginia Beach...the owners are family members of Angel Reese and they would not allow us to pay for the programs...again we are grateful...and as you will all see the at the services, the programs are awesome...anyone who needs printing should check out PACK...

We have ordered our Celebration Motocross Jerseys...they are in to be customized...they should be amazing...

The Audio-Video presentation has been completed...

The helium tank has been rented...the balloons are in...and the string has been bought...

The guest are all scheduled to arrive...

All that's missing is my beautiful Cody James...he always loved parties...and this one, being in his honor...will be amazing...and would have been his most favorite ever...

I hope to see you all tomorrow as we celebrate the life of CODY JAMES HOFFMAN here in Gloucester, Virginia...let's remind him that he was an inspiration to all...

Remember we request NO FLOWERS...instead, please arrive with a birthday present in hand...this Celebration will honor the fact that Cody was promised a birthday party that he never was able to have since he never came home from the hospital...all presents will be donated to the CHKD Child Life Department in honor of Cody...

Finally...donations for Celebration expenses and travel are greatly appreciated...without your help, we can never give Cody all that we believe he deserves...if you are so led, please feel free to make a donation to:

BANK OF AMERICA
ACCOUNT NO. 004351280070

Checks should be made payable to Eleasha L. Hilliard. In order to make the donation, the account number MUST be included...you may also send donations to our home:

5361 Gadwall Circle
Gloucester, VA 23061

Again, thank you all for checking in...hopefully, if you are near by, we will see you tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, August 21, 2005 5:27 PM CDT

BELOW IS THE OBITUARY MY MOM WROTE AND A POEM I WROTE THAT WILL BE PRINTED ALONG WITH IT...THE ACTUAL OBITUARIES WILL VARY FOR EACH AREA AS WE ARE PLACING THEM IN THE LOCAL PAPERS HERE IN VIRGINIA...THE SUN-SENTINEL IN SOUTH FLORIDA AND THE POST DISPATCH IN ST. LOUIS...

CODY JAMES HOFFMAN
APRIL 14, 1996 � AUGUST 18, 2005

�His earthly tent damaged beyond repair��

After a fierce battle with childhood cancer, our son, grandson, brother and friend went home to rest with Jesus.

Our trial could not be endured without our faith and our Lighthouse Worship Center family. Our heartfelt thanks must also be extended to the CHKD medical staff that tirelessly cared for our boy.

Our �Little Man� is survived by his mom and step dad (Eleasha & OS1 Greg Hilliard of Gloucester, VA), dad and step mom (Ben & Tina Hoffman of Cedar Hill, MO). He is also survived by 3 brothers, 2 sisters, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of wonderful friends.

Our family requests no flowers. If you desire, please remember Cody with a contribution made payable to Eleasha Hilliard c/o Spotswood Law Offices 7319 Martin Street Ste. 4 Gloucester, VA 23061.

A special thank you for the generosity of: Hogg Funeral Home, Hunter�s Contracting, Middle Peninsula Contracting, BestWay Construction, WaterPro, Inc., Details Plus, and Spotswood Law Offices.

Celebration of Life Service to be held Saturday August 27, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Worship Center 4299 George Washington Mem Hwy Hayes, VA 23072.

For more information contact Lighthouse Worship Center 804- 642-2752 or log into Cody�s website at www.caringbridge.org/va/cody.

GOD�S DIRT BIKE RIDER

I wonder what it�s like to be a Dirt Bike Rider in Heaven�
I wonder if your number there is still four-fourteen or if you changed it now to seven�

I wonder if that track up there is laid with golden sand�
I wonder if the jumps are high, if you ever have to land�

I wonder if the bike you chose was a golden orange Suzuki�
I wonder if you ride so fast you feel you�re flying free�

I wonder if you�re inventing tricks that no ones ever seen�
I wonder if you�re eyes are still that pretty bluish-green�

I wonder about those orange sunsets that have been raging in the sky�
I wonder if you left them there to help me not to cry�

I wonder if you truly know how much I loved you so�
I wonder if I tell you now, would you even want to know�

I wonder why your spirit�s tent was damaged beyond repair�
I wonder how I will ever learn to deal with such despair�

I wonder how my heart still beats without my very best friend�
I wonder why this happened and why it had to end�

I wonder about so many things you never got to do�
I wonder how much more you could have possibly gone through�

I wonder how many wonders will cloud my mind today�
I wonder if you know I would have taken your place to take the pain away�

I wonder if at every race, you�d save your mom a seat�
I hope when I get up there to see you first to greet�

I love you my child, my son, my best friend�
My crazy �Little Man� Cody James Hoffman.

-Written by: Cody�s Mom: Eleasha L. Hilliard
-August 21, 2005

Saturday, August 20, 2005 2:06 PM CDT

UPDATES LISTED BELOW FOR ST. LOUIS SERVICE...

CODY'S ASHES WILL BE PLACED ON THE DIRT BIKE TRACK OUTSIDE OF THE CITY WHERE HE WILL FOREVER RIDE FREE AS A PROFESSIONAL DIRT BIKE RIDER...THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE STILL FORTHCOMING...

THANKS FOR CHECKING IN...
Eleasha

Saturday, August 20, 2005 5:57 AM CDT

Good Morning...

Humbly I am coming before you all to ask that if any of you have any information on help resources for funeral expenses as well as breavement support...I would truly appreciate the input...

We have so much we want to accomplish for our beautiful angel...but in order to do it...we will need some help...

Please contact me via e-mail with any and all information...

eleasha@cox.net

Thanks.
E

Friday, August 19, 2005 5:18 PM CDT

I am actually holding up really well...there is still so much to be done...but I wanted to take the time to post a few important tidbits of information...

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE CODY JAMES HOFFMAN WILL BE HELD:

SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH:

1:00 P.M. AT LIGHTHOUSE WORSHIP CENTER LOCATED AT 4299 GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL HWY HAYES, VA 23072

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD:

10:00 A.M. AT CALVARY CHAPEL FORT LAUDERDALE LOCATED AT 2401 W. CYPRESS CREEK ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH:

2:00 P.M. AT CALVARY CHAPEL ST. LOUIS COUNTY LOCATED 400 MIDLAND AVENUE MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO 63043

Anyone interested in making donations to help with Celebration and Travel expenses for the benefit of our family may do so at any:

BANK OF AMERICA
ACCOUNT NO. 004351280070

In order to make the donation, the account number MUST be included...you may also send donations to our home:

5361 Gadwall Circle
Gloucester, VA 23061

In lieu of flowers...we have asked that everyone please forward or bring a birthday present...

As many of you know, Cody spent his 9th birthday in the hospital...we had promised to make that up to him so now we will...we plan to donate all of the presents to the HEM/ONC CHILD LIFE DEPARTMENT AT CHKD...

Cody's Celebration of Life Ceremony is open to ALL of our friends and family...including our CB family...especially our CB family...we are planning to see all of you in one of the three locations...

I will update again soon...I have to go now to help finalize some more of the plans at the church...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, August 18, 2005 4:11 PM CDT

It is finally over...

Surrounded by his loving family and many friends...Cody took his last earthly breath and went home with Jesus at 4:23 p.m. EST

We are heartbroken...devastated...sad

With all of my heart I have loved my child...my best friend...I will never ever get over this...

I love you all for supporting...carrying us through the worst of times...

Celebration times will be posted as soon as all arrangements have been made...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, August 18, 2005 6:13 AM CDT

How can any mother endure such terrible pain?

Strong and steady I keep telling myself...get through the day...get through the task at hand...take care of the arrangements...call this person...enlist this person for help...reach out to that person...and don't forget to be strong...

Leaving the hospital is difficult...eating is a chore...watching your child detrioate with each sweep of the clock's second hand...how?

There are many questions that have no answers...

Cody's SP02 continues to drop, yesterday he fell into the low to mid 60s and had been hovering there...his little body filled with 15 pounds of fluid weight...his heart rate continues to rise...his sedation drugs continue to increase...

I had the opportunity to hold him for a little while yesterday...we did many things...we made hand prints and foot prints...we talked...I actually held him close to me and hugged him...I was able to tell him how much I love him...

In all of my life I have never felt greater pain...my heart is broken, yet somehow it continues to beat...

My stomach is sick...my eyes hurt...Aleve is like candy mints...

I have accepted that my son's body...his tent...has been damaged beyond repair...yet I also KNOW that through the Lord anything is possible...I am fearful though I am steadfast...with the ever present sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe Cody will come off the vent and expereince a miraclous healing here on earth with his family who loves him so much...Wouldn't it be ana amazing thing to see...to know without a doubt that it was God's hand who moved a miracle here on earth? Though I believe that healing through death is also a miracle...I know that so many more would believe in a miracle here on earth...

Cody's life will celebrated...his organs will return to Duke where Dr.K. and her team will have the opportunity to use them to save another child in the future...his ashes are to be taken to St. Louis where they will be placed on the Professional Supercross track...Cody will forever be riding a professional dirt bike rider...just like he wanted...

There will be three celebration of life ceremonies...

The first one here in Virginia at Light House Worship Center in Gloucester...

The second one in my hometown of Fort Lauderdale at my home church Calvary Chapel...

The third in Ben's hometowm of St. Louis...

These services are open to ALL of Cody's friends and supporters...known in person or through Caringbridge...I would really like to see our friends from Decatur, IL in St. Louis along with all of Alexandria's Angels...in Ft. Lauderdale I would love to see our friends Calvary Sarasota along with Jillian's family and church family...our "K" Kody, his family and his friends along with Everybody Loves Meghan and Katia's Ladybug crew...in Gloucester, I would love to see our friends from the Naval Hospital...our friends from Langley AF Base...our friends from North Carolina...

I am purposefully forgetting anyone or leaving anyonw out...all our invited...the services are open...please anyone who would like to offer live support to our family...anyone who would like to say good bye...you are all invited...please come to show us that Cody has touch your life...

I want everyone to come...everyone...our plans for Cody's celebrations will be kid friendly...it will be sad but at the same time not sad...we shall celebrate the life of our amazing child while we grieve the loss of his human body...Cody asked for a party...he shall have his party...please feel free to bring birthday presents...

Once all of the arrangements have been finalized I will post them...

We are accepting donations to help with the expenses and travel...please feel free forward donations to our home address:

5361 Gadwall Circle
Gloucester, VA 23061

I am preparing some new pictures to post this morning so check for those as well...they are of course still PICU pictures so please be cautious if your children are near you...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

PS: The CURE CODY bracelets are in...though it seems a little late...

Monday, August 15, 2005 10:15 PM CDT

I wanted to take the time to update before I went to bed...

The news today has been devastating...the doctors have told us that the disease in Cody's lungs, coupled with the renal issues are just too much for his little body to handle...

They have told us that there is nothing else they can do...

Cody is maxed out on the Vent...his Peep is 15...his PIP is 38...his tidal volume is at 240...his respriations at 23 with his O2 requirements at 93 percent...even with all of that he is not maintaining his SATs...his SPO2 level is barely hanging around the upper 80s or lower 90s...his C02 levels are high one time and low the next...there just does not seem to be any kind of middle ground that is working for him...

His BUN was a little better today at 107 with his Creatnine at 1.1...unfortunately, for the day he has only peed 100 ccs...it is obvious he is very tired...

We have discussed this in great detail witn the PICU doctors, Dr. Owen and with Dr.K...the PICu team feels that our best efforts will only gain him a few extra days...the disease is just too great...

Dr. Owen has asked that we allow Cody to receive the next dose or two of Ontak (the experimental drug) on the outside chance that it may be able to miracuously turn him around...we have agreed...and we are hoping beyond all hope that this will in fact be the healing hand of God...

Our families have begun making their arrangements to come into town...my mom will be here tomorrow...Cody's dad will be here in the next day or so...

If nothing changes, we will be making the decision to remove support on Friday or Saturday...

In all of my life I have never had to face anything so horrible...and in all of my life I never thought I would know what it was like to endure such an enormous burden...that I would feel so much grief...that I could love someone as much as I love this child...

My heart is broken...my spirit is screaming in agony...my soul is crying out for mercy for my child...my life will never ever be the same...yet I wait and hope in the Lord...

I am forver praying that the Lord will heal Cody here with me...as selfish as that is...for the glory of heaven is a far better place...

I feel like I am going to throw up...I imagine that soon enough I will...

I thought Cody would be one of the "lucky" ones...the statics were on our side...we were doing so well...

I am sorry but I have no idea when I will be online to update again...I plan to spend as many minutes with my beautiful son...my most bestest friend in the whole wide world...to hold his hand...to love on him...to hug him...to make sure he knows that I have not left him...that I understand he is tired...that I wish he could...or would stay...I want him to know that it is okay that he has had enough...as much as I want him here with me...I don't want him to suffer any more...six years is well past long enough...

I am posting a poem someone sent me earlier below...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

IF TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME

"If tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye, For all my life,
I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all that we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity, And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last,
and since each days the same way,
There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand, and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart "

Monday, August 15, 2005 6:03 PM CDT

Thank you all for continuing to check in on Cody...

Today has been extremely dificult...Cody is continuing to struggle...we are all praying without ceasing for his total healing...

Please pray with us that soon Cody will be healed...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, August 14, 2005 2:42 PM CDT

Cody had a difficult day yesterday...with his SATs falling quickly, his oxygenation well below normal...the decision was made to place him back on the PVRC settings...this setting is the one Cody was originally placed on two weeks ago...essentially we are now back to square one...

His O2 requirements went up as high as 81 percent yesterday...his PEEP was increased back up to 14 with his PIP settings in the high 30s...

I was extremely weepy yesterday...I just so badly want for him to be better...he is so weary...

This morning, though he looked much better rested and his O2 requirements had come down to 60 percent...these are all bright spots in the rather bleak information that we have been dealing with so much lately...

Unfortunately, with every scrap of good news we get bombarded with a heap of crap...

The doctors told me today that one the throat aspriates grew a gram positive culture so they have started him back on Vancomycin...

Then I learned that Cody's BUN today was up to 110 (normal is 12 or lower) with his Creatnine at 1.0...

These levels are very concerning for several reasons but the two most previlent are the fact that we are back on Vancomycin which is super hard on the kidneys and Cody is no longer eligible to receive Lasix...the lasix has been helping Cody pee...it is obvious that he is vascularly dry, however, his lungs are still saturated...

Our hope is of course that the rest will be all that he needs and soon he will be on the road to a full recovery...

Jeremy is preparing to return to Ohio today...I am sad to see him leave...

I am going to head back to the hospital now for a little while before leaving for the airport...

I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, August 13, 2005 8:35 AM CDT

Good Morning...

I so pray for the day when I can update with some wonderful news...but alas, today is not that day...

Cody is having a rough time...they are in rounds ths morning discussing whether or not they will be placing him back on the paralytic drugs...he is fighting and working too hard against the vent and he is not comfortable...

Early this morning, they had to increase his O2 again to 65 percent...his SATs were in the upper 80s and that is not acceptable...

Cody's x-rays today look worse still...he is retaining a lot of fluid...yesterday he was actually negative for fluid...but it is not helping as they had hoped...

To make things worse...he has to receive blood and platellets today...this will add even more fluid to his poor little body...

I am having a hard time swallowing todays news...and all I can do is pray...please pray with me...

We are still working hard on our fundraising projects...we are looking towards the future and awaiting the time when Cody will awake and we will once again discuss plans for Duke...

In the interim...we still have to work to raise some funds to support us now...I am very blessed that my boss is still trying to give me some work...I am doing the best I can but with limited access to the internet...legal research is proving to be more difficult then I had hoped...

I choose to make today a good day...positive thoughts...strength from God and peace that transends all understanding...

I will update again soon...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, August 12, 2005 3:10 PM CDT

Good Afternoon...

I am sorry that I was unable to update earlier as usual...my husband did something funky to my laptop and I was not able to get an internet connection...it was very distressing...so I yelled him...

Anyway...

Cody's vent settings were raised last night again...his SATs continued to fall through out the night and he just had to have more oxygen in order for them to keep him a place that was comfortable...

I spent a lot of time bathing him...putting lotion all over his body...and just reading and talking to him...

He is growing weary...we have had our conversations...I fear for him...and hope that soon he will begin the long climb back to health...

I noticed his head is now mis-shaped...the nurse informed me that is "normal" atrophy...

I "suggested" that they should go ahead and remove the arterial line...it had been bleeding basically since they placed...however, lately, it had begun to bleed worse...I was very uncomfortable with it like that...I held out for a day and a half before I became more insistent...but with no relief from the bleeding...I had to interject my concerns a little more...

This morning, we had to switch out his bed as it malfunctioned again and turned him into a taco...it was rather funny...I would have taken some really funny pictures but there were so many people in his room trying to move his limp body from one bed to another that I opted instead to stay far out of the way...

During rounds, Jeremy and I ran to the store and picked up a CD boom box so that we could play music in the room where we could all hear it...Once I got back and had it all set up...I started exercising his legs again...now that the A-line has been removed, I am more comfortable...

His legs, knees, hips and ankles are all showing the signs of laying in a bed for far too long...none are working properly and his left leg where the A-line has been for the past several, however many days, is almost stuck in an outlaying position...I am working to get his legs proped in positions that can hopefully offer some support and healing to a more normal setting...

Even with the minor setbacks of extra fluid and higher vent settings, he seems to be stable...

I am hopeful that soon we will have our son back...Please continue to pray...

A special thank you to Kris for the really great t-shirt...Cody will absolutely LOVE it when he wakes up!!!

And a HUGE round of applause and many, many thank yous to our friends at Calvary Chapel Sarasota...when I went home yesterday, I found a very tightly packed box of praise and worship CDs and Service messages...the new boom box will paly them nicely in the PICU for us all to gather round and be fed the word...YOU GUYS ROCK!

A BIG thank you to Michelle and Blake...our Kitty Kat told me he LOVES his new dishes and we appreciate you so much for looking after him...Blake, I want to thank you especially...you must have known I needed that great big hug...

To all of the rest of our friends and family...thank you for continuing to check in...if I have forgotten to list a thank you for mail or anything...please forgive me...I am running on memory right now...and trust me...that is not a great thing to depend on these days :-}

I will update again soon...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, August 11, 2005 7:46 AM CDT

GOOD MORNING CODY FANS!!!! YOU GUYS ROCK!

First let me say I am in awe by the amount of guestbook entries...my comment yesterday was made jokingly...but how many of you then actually took the time to sign in...it was WONDERFUL!!!! Of course, I am know you all were just taking the time to spoil us...Cody will be so amazed when he wakes up and hears how many people have been checking on him...I think it will likely take me a week to read him all of the guestbook entries...

Second, I would like to clarify something...several of you gave me accolades for my ministry at the hospital...and while I so appreciate your beauiful words...I must clarify that while I am at the hospital...especially now, in the PICU...I do very little ministry...nearly all of my energy is focused in on Cody...I read to him...I bathe him...I place lotion on him...I talk to him...I love on him...but as far as others go..I pay close attention when they speak to me...I share an abbrievated version of ours...of course, glorifying God...but then I am back in the folds of my son's room attending to any need that I am able or allowed to...if the Lord is using me now that it is HE who is ministering...not me...

To be honest, I have found it easier lately to jump down someone's throat or cut into them like a knife...more often to find myself short tempered with little patience...judgemental, a touch...I find it difficult to show emotion or compassion for others...I feel as though the weight of the burden has grown heavier than I had expected...so much to deal with...so many days, my best efforts...my loudest prayers are for my own son's healing and my sanity and strength...

The Lord is faithful, He will not allow me to bear more than I can handle...if the pressure becomes to great than always, He provides a way out...

At this time a way out is not necessary...but maybe a break would be nice?

Okay so enough my mindless ramblings...on to the business at hand...the real reason you are all here!!!

CODY JAMES...

Cody has had no changes...they actually raised his PEEP and PIP settings on the vent higher...again all in an effort to figure the best way to wean him...he is not ready to be weaned yet...

He was positive 300 for fluid yesterday again...so they had to place him back on a regular dose of Lasix...

He did finally have a bowel movement last night...this is a big deal because he had not had one since the bloody stool on the day we rushed off to the PICU...

Other than that...nothing has changed...nothing better...and nothing worse...just sitting up here on some kind of plateau...least ways that is what the doctor told me yesterday...a plateau...well it is better to be here than to be on a decline...although I so wish for an incline of some kind...

As you can all see I had an extremely late start...I was at Cody's bedside until well after 2 a.m. and waking up this morning proved to be a little more ardious then normal...so I shall wrap this up now for I am already longing to be back by his side...

Please offer up your heartfelt prayers for the family of the little girl I spoke of yesterday...the injuries she sustained from the car hitting her were more than her little body could handle...last evening, admist the silent trys and sobbing of her mother, they turned off her machine...

MEREDITH, STOP BY ANYTIME...

I will update again soon...thanks for checking in...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, August 10, 2005 6:55 AM CDT

Good Morning and thank you for checking in...

I apologize but I am running behnd schedule...I had some work to do this morning for my boss...so this update will be short as I am interested in making way over to see my Cody...

Cody remained stable yesterday...the vent settings are still on the higher numbers with his O2 requirements at 52 percent and his PEEP (pressure) settings at 10...His saturations seem to linger around 94 percent at this level and everyone is comfortable with this number...

We had a talk with the doctor yesterday to get a handle on their feelings and they are actually "happy" with his status and feel that progress will begin when we are able to determine the exact right way to ween the vent that works for Cody...as I have been tolded and am learning quickly that this whole vent thing is as much of an art as it is a science...no two kids are the same...so...no one method works for every kid...

Anyway...please pray for the family of the little boy I was telling you about that swallowed the foreign object...unfortunately, he when he was found not breathing, he had been out for more than 20 minutes...the damage caused was too great for his little body and yesterday they had to terminate the support...the family is now in throw of the greatest grief they will ever know...

We have two other families to add to our prayer list as well...our newest PICu family addition is a little girl who recently turned 13...apparently last night she was hit by a car and is now on life support in the PICu with us...we are praying hard for her and her family as well...

Whenever a new child is admitted to the PICU, until that child is stable, no one is allowed in to see their children...that having been said, I had the opportunity to get to know another family while we waited to get back in to visit with our childre...they are here from St. Louis and their 4 week old baby is having a complicated surgery that the doctors here are world renowed for...please pray that their little boy sails through it all and soon will be headed back to his home in Missouri...

Well, for now that is all...I want to make my over to see Cody before I am stuck waiting for rounds again...I will update again soon...

OH ONE MORE THING...YOU GUYS ROCKED US OVER 90,000 ACTUALLY OVER 91,000 HITS YESTERDAY!!! I can not hardly believe it that we are now getting anywhere between 1500-2000 hits per day...with that many visitors, you'd think we would have more guestbook entries...hmmmmmmm ;-}

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, August 9, 2005 6:49 AM CDT

Good Morning and Thank You for checking in...

I just entered a long and drawn out entry and before I could get it posted PUFF! it was gone...I almost got upset but then I figured that I must have needed to write something else...so...here I am...

Cody remained stable through out the day yesterday...no changes...

In the evening, Cody's blood gases came back slightly off so they did raise his O2 settings on the vent back to 60 percent...

I always take these mini-step backs as such a big blow...I so want him to get better and be able to be Cody again...

The GI doctor did come in and replace the shrinking tube with his new g-tube button...so far so good...no leaking...of course, the real test will be when they decide to try to feed him again...but for now all of our fighting was not in vein...

Jeremy had the opportunity to meet with the Social Worker and Child Life Specialist...he asked questions, he looked at pictures, he shed some tears...initially he thought he would wait to see Cody when he was more awake and able to respond but later changed his mind and went and talked to him for a few minutes...at the sound of his big brother's voice, he did raise an eyebrow or two...unfortunately, he was not able to open his eyes...

I want to take a few minutes to thank you all for so many accolades...you all make this journey a little bit easier with your love and encouragement...Cody has so many people who love him and care about him so much...he is truly blessed to have so many that love him...he has his mommy, his stepdad, his brothers and sister, his daddy, his stepmom, his brother and sister...he has grandmas, great grandmas and great grandpas...he has aunts and uncles and even more that our great...he has cousins and most of all he has a large family of friends...all who are doing so much to support him through this terrible trial...

Cody will prevail...Cody will be healed...

Thank you to the Noreen and her friend for the wonderful CD of poetry...we did finally receive that in the hospital mail...I am sure that Cody will love listening to the wonderful readings...

Thank you to the Bird Crew for the Tweety card...tweet, tweet, chirp, chirp, squwak...hopefully that is thanks in bird talk :-}

I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, August 8, 2005 7:14 AM CDT

Good Morning...

Cody remained the same yesterday...

The doctors did try to ween his vent setting but unfortunately he did not tolerate it...

They decided to begin a regular blood pressure medication because he has hypertension (high blood pressure)...they also decided to raise some of his sedation higher in an effort to help with the hypertension as well...they were concerned that possibilly he was getting himself a little too upset and that was contributing to the problems that the different medications are causing...

I did notice a slight improvement in his numbers after they started the drug regularly but to be honest nothing phenominal...he is running around 150 over 90 in his A line and 145 over 85 on the cuff...

Cody's potassium came back high last night so they decided to hold his TPN...instead he received regular fluids with magnesium...the regular fluids have less glucose so our doctor adjusted his insulin to accomodate...

Cody is getting stronger...I can tell because of how he works to get at that breathing tube...I am hopeful that he will continue to get better and that soon his blood gases will tolerate the ween and we will be able to get him on his way to a full recovery...

I wanted to let you all know how much we appreciate you signing in...it truly is a wonderful source of encouragement...Cody used to bug me everyday to check the guestbook and read him the entries...I did get a printer and have started doin that again...

Last night I finished the book I was reading him called the Edge Chornicles...

Grandma Paula finished the entire Spiderwick Chronicles...and now one of his nurses has started re-reading them to him...

He is also listening to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and the New Testament for Kids...

Well...I guess that is about all for now...I will update later on or when anything changes...

A special thank you to my beautiful friend Alison for taking the time to check in with us...I know it is especially hard for you...considering all that your precious litle girl went through...

Also a special thank to Michelle...I throuoghly enjoyed having the opportunity to talk to you on the phone yesterday afternoon...

Thank you to Heather for checking and working so hard with the Wave Riders to help us out...

Thank you to Ricky for taking on the responsibility of having that 2005 - 2006 Miami Dolphin Autographed Team Football mounted and boxed...

Thank you to each person who took the time to check in and see how we were doing and thank you again to those who signed in...

FINALLY...Khalita has placed an entry on the guestbook...there are still slots available for the prayer vigil for Cody...please contact Khalita and sign up for a time when you can devote 15 minutes to God on behalf of our family and Cody...you can contact Khalita at khalita@yahoo.com

Okay...I am going for real this time...I will be around later...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, August 7, 2005 6:21 AM CDT

Good Morning Cody Fans...

Thank you for checking in...we appreciate you all taking the time to offer so many wonderful words of encouragement and so many amazing prayers to our Father...

Cody had an okay day yesterday...they were able to decrease his O2 settings back down between 45 and 50 percent...he seems to be tolerating it well...unfortunately, his PEEP (pressure) settings have not yet been able to be reduced...

Cody is in fact burning up platellets...he received platellets 3 times through out between Friday night and Saturday evening...their goal is to keep him at 100 so whenever he drops below 100 they transfuse...

They have not added any of the stronger sedation drugs, such as the paralytics, back to his long list of drugs...this is causing him to be more restless...he is occassionally awake and though we all realize that he is still well sedated...we are always very excited to see him with us...unfortunately, the longer it is between the sedation big guns...the stronger he is getting and the more aggrivated the breathing tube is making him...this caused them to have to use soft restraints on him as he actually has gotten strong enough to get the arm all the up to the face, but, has not yet been able to wrap that pretty little hand around the tube...the "funny" thing was that the nurse, trying to be nice, left him enough slack so he was able to keep him arm resting on his chest where he seems to like to keep it...well our little slickster, once he realized he could not get his hand to his face, attempted to raise his head to his hand...

It is good to know he is in there fighting to get out...and as hard as it is see him restrained...we realize that this is a necessary evil for the moment...

Cody's dad, Tina and grandma left yesterday evening...we went over and said our good byes...it was hard to see them leave and even harder for them to go...after they left, I cried some...I wish they could have stayed...I wish they could have had more time with him...I wish they Cody have had the opportunity to actually interact with them...I know having them here was really good for Cody and I am so glad they came...I wish they didn't have to leave but know that soon they will return...

After much thought, we have decided that we will allow Jeremy to decide if he wants to see Cody...he will first meet with the Social Worker and Child Life Specialist...then together we will all decide...I am looking forward to his arrival this afternoon...I love him so much...

Unfortunately for me, I am realizing that I am not handling things so well as I thought I was...this week, I have managed to fire that NP I told you about, chastize 2 nurses, cry because my ex, his wife and mother left, and show absolutely no compassion for our newest PICU neighbor...

I had to leave last night because the mother of this child was wailing in the midst of the Unit...for sure, I thought they must be extubating and no way I can handle being present, even in another room, for something like that...for a little while I was able to "handle" the horrible sound of a mother fearing for the life her child...but once I realized that this woman's child was still just as stable as when he entered the PICU, I became very intolerable...I did pray for her and her child but I decided to place earphones on Cody then Greg and I came back to Ronald McDonald...it was much earlier then I usually leave it was around 2:00 a.m. I typically do not retreat until sometime after 3...

Anyway, come to find out, the child, about 8 years old, placed a foreign object down his throat and choked on it...so please pray for this family...even if compassion fails me at this moment...I am sure that you all can pick up my slack...

It is time for me to had back over to be with my HERO...so I will have to say good bye...I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, August 5, 2005 9:35 PM CDT

Well I would love to say that this update was going to bring more good news...unfortunately, Cody's litle body has been unable to cooperate with the change in the vent settings...

His blood gas levels were significantly lower and they had to turn the vent back up...

His pressures settings are now back up to 10...where we were two days ago...and his O2 requirements went from 41 percent back up to 60 percent...this step backwards makes me sad...but I realize that one step forward will occassionally require a couple of steps back...

We continue to keep the faith and prayer continuously that the Lord will soon heal our beautiful child...

His lungs sound pretty good...this is a great thing since his x-rays from this morning were worse than yesterday...

The other not so great thing is that he is no longer maintaining his platellets...he received a transfussion this morning and afterwards, his platellet level was actually less than before the transfussion...he is now receiving more...

They have lowered and raised and lowered his sedation on and off...right now we are raised...they have, at this point, not re-introduced the paralytic...as the sedation wears off...he will try to wake up...this is sometimes difficult for us as he immediately tries to reach for the breathing tube...

**********A CALL TO ACTION: ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN ALL AREAS, BLOOD BANKS ARE EXPREINCING HORRIBLE SHORTAGES..BLOOD PRODUCTS INCLUDING RED CELLS AND PLATELLETS ARE SOMETIMES NEXT TO IMPOSIBLE TO FIND...THIS IS A DRASTIC PROBLEM...

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO DONATE BLOOD...

FOR A CHILD LIKE CODY...

IT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.************

This evening, Greg and I ventured over to Marina's house to have a family meeting and explain to her all that we are dealing with...

As a family we are working really hard to keep it all together and hold eachother up...

Jeremy will return on Sunday morning...it was our thought that he would stay in Florida and just return to Ohio from there...however, Jeremy became extremely upset with the thought of this proposition telling grandma that his mommy really need him...and that he wanted to be here...

How could we say no to that? We couldn't...to be honest, I do need him...I love all of my boys so much I hate not having any of them here with me right now...Cody is asleep and everyone else is gone to grandma's...

Cody's daddy, Tina and grandma will be leaving tomorrow...I am so glad that they came...it has been good for us all...especially Cody...I wish that they had more time...

Well...I guess that is all for now...I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, August 5, 2005 3:48 PM CDT

Good Afternoon...Thank you so much for continuing to check in on us...

Cody is doing okay today...the doctors did decide to ween his vent settings again...they have him on the setting that allows him to do some work on his own...they have discontinued the paralytics...this is allowing him to actually wake up a little...not where he can talk to us or anything but where he is able to react to stimulation and has also been letting us to know when we make him angry...

We are not supposed to try ask him for responses or anything will agitate him...we are, however, allowed to let him know that we are here with him and that everything is okay...

We really do not have any other news to update except that the ADNO virus is in fact negative so we do not have to treat him with the yucky anti-viral drug...this is wonderful news...

He received his 3rd dose of Ontak today and tolerated it once again very well...

Overall we are stable...I am hopeful that I will be able to continuing to tell you all every day that he is stable and progressing until the day I can tell you that he is once again with us...

I want to send out warm thank yous to all who have been sending us cards and everything for Cody...

They are scattered and hung all around his room...well wishes of prayer and love...

Thank you to Blake, Cody's little girlfriend from TC Walker Elementary...

Thank you to Sarah from Angels on Earth for the really great card...

Thank you to Deloyce...your card brought a wonderful and much needed smile to our faces...

Thank you to Sherri and Ashley for the great doggy card...I laughed...

Thank to Chaplain Janet for the great encouragement card...

Thank you to Jim and Linda for the hospital crossword puzzle card...

Thank you to Cara, our best buddy from Duke, for remembering us and for the really great card...

Thank you to Pretty Girl Hayes from here at CHKD for the wonderful picture...

Thank you also to Meghan for the really great picture...Cody will truly be impressed but such amazing artwork :-}

We are also extremely grateful for the wonderful package we received from the Printing Press in Virginia Beach...Cody will LOVE his personalized paper when he wakes up...

A HUGE thank you to Kim K., Mary and the Tumbleweed Foundation for the amazing donation!!!! We received the mail today and we were once again misty eyed when we realized just how many people are working to support us...THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Thank you to Michelle W. the donation is much appreciated...

All of the wonderful donations are being placed in our Back Duke Savings Account...we are extremely grateful for everyone rallying to support us...

I will update again soon...

Again thanks for checking in...Please sign the guestbook while you are here...your words of encouragement mean so much...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, August 4, 2005 7:08 PM CDT

Cody is continuing to do well today...

I just wanted to take sometime and let you all know that the g-tube saga came to an end today when the GI doctor came in and did exactly what he had ordered the NP to do...

We are grateful that there is the chance for that site to heal now and will likely be switching that facet of our care back to Duke fulltime as well...there are too many politics surrounding who can make decisions and we just need to get him the best treatment possibily...I am grateful that we are able to be treated in both places...and I LOVE our GI docs here at CHKD but for some strange reason, GI does not handle the GI tubes here at CHKD...so suddenly you have one group too many trying to decide what is best...throw in the crazy mom and it is time to make other arrangements :-}

Cody was switched to the lesser vent setting yesterday but was not able to tolerate it...we moved him back to where he was comfortable and restarted some of his other seditives...primarily the paralytic...

They have, however, been able to ween him down on his pressures settings from 10 to 9 and then to 8...he is still requirring 41 percent O2...but overall Cody is doing well and holding his own...

His chest xray was a little better today which is good news...

He is, unfortunately, back up to 450 on fluid...they may have to rethink the Lasix drip...

Cody will receive his 3rd dose of the Ontak (the experimental drug) tomorrow...we will not be able to see any real results for a few weeks...

Right now, we are seeing some good results because he is having the opportunity to get some much needed rest while the vent does all of the work...

I have some pictures that I have taken that I will try and get loaded later on...I will be placing them on the photo page and suggest that only adults view them as they really are not anything I would show or try to explain to my own children...

Grandma Paula, Daddy and Tina have been spending lots of time with Cody as well...we have a basic schedule and we rotate in and out...I am sure Cody is enjoying the company...they will, unfortunately, be returning to St. Louis on Saturday or Sunday...I am sure that they will likely travel back and forth as much as they can after that...

Well...I guess that is all for now...I have to wrap up a few things before I go back to the hospital...

Please sign the guestbook while you are here, we truly do enjoy all of the entries...soon, I will have my printer hooked up and I will be able to once again start reading your entries to Cody...he has always enjoyed hearing what everyone has to say...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, August 4, 2005 7:03 AM CDT

Cody had an okay day...

They attempted to wean him down on his vent settings but were not able...he began fighting against it so much that he broke a sweat and what he was doing became detrimental...they were going to try to minimize the use of his paralytic sedation but unfortunately were unable to follow through and make that happen...maybe in a few days they can try to wean him again...or maybe they will try again today...who knows???

(FYI: weaning just means turning down the amount of support he is receivin from the machine in very small, fractional incriments over a long period of time)

Well...I will make a long story as short as I can and tell you that I did finally lose my witness yesterday for a little while...

As you all may recall, over the past several months, Cody has had many problems with his g-tube site leaking and causing him much uncomfortability...the ideas for treating this are drastic and nothing we would ever be premitted to do while he is awake...well...his GI doctor and I worked it out a plan to attempt to treat this over the next several days, finishing up long before they ever consider removing him from the vent..

Well...the same NP that caused all of the confusion and issues while we were upstairs stuck her face in everything once again and tried to "block" the planned course of action...I was coming out of my skin...her and our nurse crossed the line, as far as I am concerned, sticking their face in a place where it does not belong and making medicial decisions based on what they think would be best...

I got very upset and had a large group of people in my room while gave the NP quite a large piece of my mind...I was mad but fairly composed and the Social Worker actually commented on how well I handled myself...I did ask her point blank that if our treatment plan was not, in her eyes, the solution then what course of action should we take...she claimed that what we had was working fine to which I replied NO, THIS IS A BANDAID!!!

Anyway, I ended up firing her...I told her I was not interested in having her consult for Cody anymore because it obvious that she is not looking to figure out what would be most comfortable for my son...

It ended up being an extremely difficult day through all of that confusion because while I am positive and upbeat...I am walking a very fine line on how much I can handle right now...conflict is below the bottom of the list...

The enemy is always working...trying hard to do whatever he can to kick us when we are down...

The shadow of the day would not be able to hold back our gratefulness to our Lord that we are still here and fighting for our beautiful hero...so once again, the enemy just doesn't win!

GET BEHIND ME SATAN, YOU ARE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ME! YOU DO NOT HAVE IN MIND THE THINGS OF GOD BUT INSTEAD THE THINGS OF MAN!

I am certain that as I lost my temper the enemy thought for sure he made a dent in our faith...at least for that day...but he did not...

Shortly after all of that happened, my husband called to review the mail with me...

In our mailbox sat two simple letters...

The first one for our dear friends, Jim and Linda J. from Lighthouse...they sent a really cool card and a really great donation...

The second a plain Bank of America envelope with my name and address handwritten on the front...as my husband opened he said, "it's a check." I said, oh no, did I bounce a check...he suddenly HOLY COW! I said what and he said it's a cashier's check!!! I literally began to cry when learned how much the cashier's check was worth...It can literally pay our mortgage payment for 4.5 months...

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS TO THE ANONYMOUS BANK OF AMERICA CHECK SENDER...

Aside from never before having that much money in our bank account...we are so very relieved to have a large burden lifted for a little while...

Speaking of financial burden...the CafePress store is doing well and as soon as I can get to it...I will be posting the book that Cody wrote just after transplant...you are able to purchase the book in our CafePress store...it is a really great book!!! Thank you to Helen and Kim for all of the help figuring out how to load it the right way..our next task will be the Cody James song CD...our family order should arrive soon...I have been tracking the UPS package...

The ORANGE CURE CODY bracelets should be here soon and I cannot wait for those either...

For now, I do not have any other information...as we do, I will, of course, update you again...

We again pour out our hearts thanking each of you for you love and support...for prayers and encouragement...you are why we are able to make it through this...through you, we hear the Lord loud and clear..through you, we are reminded that today we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 6:38 AM CDT

Good Morning Everyone!

Thank you for checking in on our amazing HERO and my best friend...CODY

Cody had a good day yesterday...overall

His vent settings did not change...so he is still requirring the same amount of O2 and his PEEP (pressure settings) is still very high...

The doctors rounded later than normal and I learned that there was in fact one more time during the day when they would kick us out of the PICU :-{

FOO ON THEM!

When the doctors finally came in and updated me on everything...I would learn that Cody had received more platelets at around 6:00 a.m. and that overall with the lasix and everything the way it is Cody is remaining stable...I expressed some concerns about his declinig heart rate once again...but they again told me that even in the mid to upper 60s this is in the "normal" range for a boy his age...

His Echo results revealed that the fluid around his heart has dimished some...so that is excellent...

His xrays in the morning revealed that his chest was looking a little better yesterday...

Through out the day we spent a great deal of time with him...there are very few times on the clock where he does not have visitors reading to him,praying for him, playing music for him, watching movies, applying lotion, exercising his little legs...and just plain loving him the whole day through...

Cody's heart rate continued to decline through out the entire day until it was hovering in the upper 50s and very low 60s...this finally alarmed our nurse and the doctor...at around 11:30 p.m. they did decide to turn off all sedation to try and get Cody to wake up some...they needed to determine if the low heart rate was due to the sedation or if we were dealing with something else that would require some treatment...

I gave Greg a call and had him get in touch with Ben and have him call me on the unit...Ben called and I told him that were going to try and wake him up some and that he may or may not wake up enough to be aware of us...I let him know that if he wanted to he could come back and hang out with me...so Ben and I sat vigil at the bedside and awaited any kind of reaction...

At around 1:30 a.m. I pulled a band aid off of Cody's arm and he woke up...

Again please remember he is intibated so we did not want him to wake up too much...we just wanted him to pick up his heart rate...

Ben and I started talking to him and he was able to answer yes and no questions by shaking his head...he did do some of the things I asked him to do like open his eyes or squeeze my hand...

We were very excited but they of course did not want us to stimulate him too much because the object was not to completely wake him...but to try and assess him...

We left him alone and he fell back asleep...he occassionally would move and would try to go for the breathing tube whenever he did...I just took his hand and said why don't you just hold mommy's hand instead...when he was freaking out I asked him if he remembered not being able to breathe on Saturday he answered yes...so I reminded him that this was the breathing tube he asked for and he stopped freaking out so much...

At 2:30 a.m. the nurse noticed that his lungs were diminished so she ran the suction...the suction made Cody want to gag so he was "wide" awake...I was able to tell him I love him so very much and I was able to ask him if he knew that Mommy and Greg love him very much...he, of ocurse, said yes...some questions asked were responded to with what seemed like an appropriate response and he followed my requests...so I am believing that he was definitely with me...though I realize that the amount of drugs he is on probably made it more difficult for him to understand me...

After about 20 of my questions...he stopped answering me...until I asked him if was talking to Jesus in there...to which he promptly responded with a strong yes...the head shake for that question was much more vibrant than any of the other questions...I asked him if Jesus was holding his hand through this and he again responded with an authoritative head shake for yes...I then asked him if he was scared and he shook his head NO...I asked him if Jesus had taken away the fear and he said YES!

So know that he is in there...he knows we all love him and Jesus is holding his hand so he is not scared....

PRAISE GOD!!!

Now before I go get ready to head back up to the hospital...I want to tell you all an amazing story...

I stopped by another Christian book store yesterday hoping to find more books at better prices...while looking the girl working in the store and I became engaged in a conversation...I summarized why we wanted audio books and she showed me a few different things...asked me some questions about what Cody liked and I chose what I wanted and began looking for an inspirational book of some kind for myself...I chose a book by Chuck Swindoll about the life of Job...anyway, when I went to check out the girl made sure to offer me the membership discount and then as I was leaving handed me an extra bag telling me it was placed on her heart to send this with Cody...well much to my surprise, the book set that I desired to get for him but could not afford at $75 and two of his favorite Christian artist's CDs were there in the bag...I was amazed and brough to tears by her generosity...I know that God will bless her grately for her random act of kindness...I did not even get her name so I can't thank her that way...but hopefully she will log in here and see how much she touched our hearts...thank you Heaven and Earth girl!

Well I am headed back to see my baby...please continue to sign in whenever you stop by...I really, really, really cannot express in words how much the encouragement means to me...

Also, prayer blocks are still available during the round the clock prayer vigil...please contact Khalita@yahoo.com to sign up for a slot...

Finally...I am asking that our friends at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale please forward us CDs of Pastor Bob and of Calvary's amazing Praise and Worship team...the CDs will be listened to by both Cody and mom and would be gratefyl appreciated...you may forward them directly to our home:

5361 Gadwall Circle
Gloucester, VA 23061

Again thank you so much for stopping by...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 4:23 AM CDT

The last 24 hours have been better...

Cody's O2 requirements came down again, slighty...we are now betwenn 40-45 percent...room air is 21 percent...

They continued to adjust his lasix through out the day yesterday and finally were able to get him to start pushing some of the fluid off..plus he did not have to receive any blood products yesterday so that helped significantly...this morning he is -300..PRAISE GOD!

The actual vent settings are basically the same...the pressures are still very high and that is worrisome...

The PICU doctor yesterday informed us that while he is stable, his chect x-rays look worse...

The BK Polyoma virus did come back positive...that is likely the culprit of the blood he was having in his urine week before last...unfortunately, it is not the cause of any of our other issues...

They did anoher Echo yesterday but as of midnight last night, the results were not back...we are taking that to mean there was likely no real change in the way his heart looked last week...

Dr. Owen was in the morning and we talked for a long time...after that he made a call to Dr.K. and they discussed in great detail the Ontak...Dr.K. said that it was necessary for us to move forward with the treatment yesterday regardless of the potential risks...the HIGH doses of steroids are working for now to sustain him...but they are no longer working in a way that will address and arrest the problem at hand...CHRONIC/SEVERE GvHD

The Ontak was infused lat afternoon...he had no reactions to it...again, PRAISE GOD! He will receive it again on Wednesday...there is the potential that he will have a reaction with every new administration of the drug so we remain guarded...this is the MOST promising drug in theory...it is not, however, FDA approved and trial studies are minimal with adults with an even smaller amount of children trials...this is our last stop on the block...

I was requirred to sign an Experiemental drug consent before they could administer the infusion yesterday...on the line where it said alternate treatments the list read: NONE...so like everything else we wait and hope in the Lord...

They did have to increase his Fentanol though because he was once again trying to breathe against the machine...the increase makes his heart rate lower than I am comfortable with but no one else seems to mind...

Please understand, Cody is well sedated and is not able to interact with us...they have him on paralytic and amnesic drugs so that he basically looks as though he is deep asleep all day long...

I, of course, continue to talk to him and play with him, poke fun at hime, take pictures, and do as much as I can as if he were wide awake...I watch his heart rates to see if I am getting any reactions...he did seem to get mad when we were placing lotion on his legs yesterday...

Chris and I also worked on exercising his legs yesterday...I remembered that my Aunt Linda told me when Betty was in the same situation as Cody that doing things like exercising her and placing lotion on her were extremely important...so we did that as well...

I went and bought Cody some audio books yesterday...man those things are pricey!!! But, I really wanted himn to have them to listen to...once we got tot he resgister and they told us the prices, we went from 5 to 2 :-} I figure I will have to buy those things one at a time!

Chris decided that she wanted Cody to have another AWESOME!!! gift...a portable DVD player...so we were able to set it up in front of him last night and he was had the chance to "watch" a movie...of course, I was doing the watching and he didn't seem to care it was on...I told him that if he was just gonna sleep through the whole movie, he should have told me in advance...I may have pocked a more girlie movie :-} :-}

Greg and Riley are doing okay without me home...Riley went to day care yesterday and then he went home with Pastor Ken and Ms. Holly so that Greg would have the opportunity to check into his ship and still come over nad see Cody...mind Greg and Cody have been together arount the clock for many days...so being away from him has been especially difficult on his step daddy...

Chris and I have been filling up the time talking, playing cards, hanging out together and of course praying ALOT! It has been nice having the company and we are most grateful that she will be able to take Riley to stay with my mom tomorrow...

Riley is going to have a BLAST!!! hanging out with PaPaw and Grandma...PaPaw...PLEASE, don't spoil that boy toooooo rotten...

Ben, Tina and Paula were finally able to make i together to the hospital around 1:00 yesterday afternoon...I asked the PICU staff for a 5 minute exception ont he two at the bedside visiting rule so that I would have the opportunity to explain everything to everyone all at once...they granted it...so I was most appreciative...

Meredith, Junior Volunteer and Cody's Girlfriend, you are more than welcome to come and visit with your mom...however; you must understnand that this is not the same Cody that you remember and seeing him like this will likely be more difficult then you can possibly ever imagine...he is still the same beautiful spirit...but he has many extra appendages...if you do chose to come just give a call to the PICU 8-7315 and chat with me first so I get you added to the visitors list...

That goes for any of other friends in the area as well...just contact me and let me know you would like to visit...the most difficult thing is the fact that we may only have two people in his room at a time so it is important the we coordinate visitors...

I referred to Meredith as Cody's girlfriend up there...MAN, let me tell you this kid has a butt load of girlfriends! Kristijana and Penny from Child Life...Shannon, Meghan, Shannon, Jeanette, Yvette, Becky, Tate, Shelly, and Lee (oops! Lee is a guy so not Lee) but likely the list continues since my last update from my little Man, all of his women are pretty much from 8B, I was wondering how he could have sooooo many girlfriends all in the same place and no fights!!!

But seriously...the staff of CHKD from the clinic to the unit have been amazing...we have had a wonderful and continuous precession of friends who care about our boy come from all over the hospital to check in on him and see how he is doing...we are grateful for the support...it truly helps us get through the day...and I confident that Cody is enjoying all of the attention...

I had taken some pictures with a throw away camera...Greg is going to bring my digital camera toda but I was hoping to capture some nice memories sooner...we had it developed and the pictures looked like crude...I opted not to buy them and decided I must need to be patient (definitely NOT one of my virtues!)

Now, our friend Khalita is working hard to ensure that we have a constant praer vigil going on for Cody...please sign up for a 15 minute block by contact her: khalita@hecaresonline.org

I want to post a few very important thank yous and then I am going to try and rest some more before it is time to head back up the hospital...

First...

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ARE STOPPING BY TO CHECK IN AND SIGN THE GUESTBOOK WITH WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT...We had 1500 hits yesterday alone...

Second...

THANK YOU TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS...
-MY HUSBAND FOR BEING MY OCK...FOR STANDING BY MY SIDE, TAKING THE BRUNT OF MY ANGER, AND FOR NEVER COMPLAINING AND ALWAYS LOVING ME

-MY MOM FOR BEING THERE WHENEVER I CALL AND OFFERING WORDS OF LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMNT...BU ALSO TO HER AND MY STEPDAD FOR TAKING ON THE RESPONSIBILTIES OF CARING FOR BOTH JEREMY AND STARTING TOMORROW, RILEY

-MY SON JEREMY FOR HIS LOVING AND CARING HEART...FOR HIS NEVERENDING ABILITY TO SHOW ME SUPPORT AND HIS CONTINUED ADVOCACY ON HIS BROTHER'S BEHALF...

-MY STEPDAD FOR OFFERING THE SAME KIND OF SUPPORT TO MY MOM AS MY HUSBAND HAS OFFERED TO ME

-MY GRANDFATHER FOR STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE AND HOLDING MY MOM UP (even though he can't hardly hold his own self up anymore :-} Just Kidding, NOT! I love you , GP, Thanks!)

-CHRIS FOR HOPPING ON A PLANE AND FLYING TO OFFER SUPPORT AND TO TAKE RILEY BACK TO FLORIDA

-JASON AND LIZA FOR HELPING WITH RILEY AND EVERYTHING ELSE!!!

- OUR ENTIRE CHURCH FAMILY FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COME AND VISIT, TO PRAY AND TO BE SO SUPPORTIVE (our church family includes our WONDERFUL friends at Little Lights!)

-SPOTSWOOD LAW OFFICES, THE STAFF, AND MY AMAZING BOSS BROOKE, FOR OFFERING SO MUCH SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING WHILE ENDURE THESE LAST FEW MONTHS...

-EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO CALL...ALL CALLS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED EVEN THO I AM NOT ABLE TO RETURN THEM ALL...KNOW THAT WE NEED THEM AND APPRECIATE THEM

Third...
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDRAISING FRIENDS...
-CHEF VICTORIA FOR HER WORK WITH THE 2005-2006 MIAMI DOLPHINS... (if you live in South Florida and are ever in need of an excellent caterer...call VICTORIA!!!)

-CHRIS CHAMBERS AND THE ENTIRE 2005-2006 MIAMI DOLPHINS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THE AMAZING TEAM AUTOGRAPHED FOOTBALL...(we will be posting the football up for auction soon...when we do, I will post the information so that those interested may place a bid!!!)

-JUDY AT CATCH AN ANGEL...WE RECEIVED YOUR DONATION IN THE MAIL YESTERDAY AND HAVE PLACED IT IN OUR BACK TO DUKE SAVINGS ACCOUNT

-JASON FOR WORKING SO HARD TO PROMOTE OUR CAFEPRESS STORE AND THE CUR CODY BRACELETS...WHAT AN AMAZING CAMPAIGN YOU AND YOUR CO-WORKERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH ON OUR BEHALF...ALL OF THE FUNDS ARE BEING PLACED IN OUR BACK TO DUKE SAVINGS ACCOUNT

-KIM K. (KODY'S MOM) FOR ALL OF HER HARD WORK TO HELP US WITH CAFEPRESS, FOR RECRUITING HELEN'S HELP WITH CODY'S BOOK FOR US AND FOR EVERYTHING ELSE

-MARY AND THE TUMBLEWEED FOUNDATION FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN COOPERATION WITH KIM K. AND THE LIFE'S TOUGH CAMPAIGN (I am excited about Kim's BIG surprise :-} Whew HEW!)

I am getting really tired so my list of Academy Award Thank Yous is going to have to be cut short...I apologize whole-heartedly if I have missed anyone...I promise I will try to remember you all next time..and you were definitely not missed for lack of appreciation but more for lack of left over brain cells while we endure hell on earth...

Finally before I go...I have limited access to the internet right now...please know that I am receiving your e-mails and will respond as quickly as possible...also please know...that the FIRST thing I look at when I log on the computer are the guestbook entries...many of you make me cry...but it is a good and grateful cry...

I will update soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. WANTED, CALVARY CHAPEL FT. LAUDERDALE, WE WOULD LIKE CDs OF PASTOR BOB AND OF CALVARY'S PRAISE AND WORSHIP TEAM...THESE CDs WILL BE UTILIZED BY MOM FOR NURISHMENT AND PLAYED FOR CODY AS WELL...PLEASE SEND AS MANY AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO OUR HOME ADDRESS:

5361 GADWALL CIRCLE
GLOUCESTER, VA 23061

Monday, August 1, 2005 6:49 AM CDT

Cody remains stable on the Ventillator...his O2 requirements came down some through out the daybut his pressure settings are still very high...it is the pressure settings that worry the doctors most...as the longer it takes for him to lower the pressure settings the more damage that can be caused to the lungs...

It's a funny thing this whole life support deal...it helps your body breathe, by giving it a chance to rest while it does all of the work...but at the same time, it causes a lot of its own problems...seems to be the general issue in the world of cancer and transplant...the drug helps with this but hurts with that...so why would the machine work any different? I guess it doesn't...

Ho Hum...

Anyway, in addition to the concerns of the pressure settings...Cody is retaining a lot of fluid...at 2:30 this morning he was positive 1000...they increased his lasix drip to try and help get rid of some of the fluid...

They did decrease some of his sedatives through out the day yesterday...they went too low and he tried to breathe against the machine so they went back up some...

He does look very comfortable...aside from the bloating...

I have been video taping a lot and poking fun at him...occassionally I get his heart rate up so I know I am making him mad :-} :-}

Chris made it in yesterday afternoon...she will stay until Wednesday and then take Riley back to Florida so he can stay with my mom and step dad...

Ben, Tina and Grandma Paula did not have as much luck...their flight out of St. Louis was delayed due to weather in Atlanta so they missed their connecting flight...Ben made it on the next flight out on stand by but his wife and mom were left in Atlanta for hte night...they should arrive sometime this morning...

Chris and I spent nearly two and half hours at the hospital with Cody...I had started playing his music for him yesterday with his headphones...so Chris picked him up a couple of extra praise and worship CDs while we were waiting for the shift change to end...I think he likes them...

After I picked up Ben at 1:15 this morning...I took him back up to the hospital and we stayed there for about an hour...

Pastor Ken, his wife Holly and Heather all came up to see us yesterday after service...we al took turns praying for Cody and then we prayed together...

It is really great to have so much support through this...we appreciate everyone who is calling and stopping by...we appreciate those who want to stop by but just can't and we appreciate those who are picking up the slack and taking care of the other kids and our family on a whole...

We are all just basically working on autopilot right now...this has been the most difficult thing to ever go through...

Praise God I know Jesus...otherwise, I would crawl under a rock and die...

Thank you so much for checking in...we appreciate your words of hope and encouragement...

Please pass the news on to everyone you know...CODY NEEDS OUR PRAYERS!!!

Khalita and/or Carolyn Wyman...please contact me so that we can set up the around the clock prayer vigils...it would really mean a lot...

Thank you to Kim, Kody's mom, for all of the help with the miscellanous things...

Thank you to Jasona dn Liza for all our your help over the weekend...

Thank you Victoria for an amazing donation gift...

THANK YOU 2005 MIAMI DOLIPHINS FOR SUPPORTING OUR CODY! YOU GUYS ROCK!!! I knew you were our favorite team for some reason :-}

I will update again as soon as I can...

Until the then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, July 31, 2005 2:37 AM CDT

As you can well imagine, it has been a really rough few hours...

Cody did wake up with chest pains and labored breathing...within an hour they had determined that he was bleeding in his lungs...they made arrangements to move him the PICU and by the time we got there, Cody could not hardly breathe at all...

Our family, including our beloved friends Jason and Liza, waited with us in the quiet room as we learned that before they could even get Cody assessed, he had to be placed on the Ventillator...

His settings are exteremely high with O2 requirements between 75-85.and his PEEP at 15 (they explained the PEEP to me...but all I can convey at this time is that 14 is really high..I posted it for our fellow travelers who will understand that number, probably better than I do)...

As his breathing became more and more difficult...Cody actually begged them to intubate him...he was coughing up blood with such force that it came out through his nose...

It has been devastating for me that I was not able to be with him before they sedated him and placed the breathing tube...

I love him so much...this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do or see in my life...

Jeremy remained an amazing trooper...he stood by my side and held my hand, hugged me and offered his support....I love him so much and am glad he was with me...he did leave this afternoon for Florida for his vacation with my mom and Glen...they have many wonderful things planned so I am glad he will get to have some fun...we are contemplating whether or not we should send Riley there for a brief period of time as well...I need to focus all of my attention on Cody right now...and Greg would really like to be here with us...

To put it mildly...we are all hanging in there but none of us are doing that great...

I want to thank all who continue to support us and sign in...it is very important to us...especially now...

Please pray without ceasing...Khalita or Carolyn W. I would be most appreciative if you would set up around the clock prayer vigil for Cody...cody needs nonstop prayer now more than anything else...

I will also ask that our wonderful friends and supporters please limit the mail to cards...the PICU is not like a regular room and we have no real place to store toys or anything during our stay...

Greg and I were able to secure a room at the Ronald McDonald House..at least for the night...hopefully for longer..I should find that out later on today...

Cody's dad will finally be coming in tomorrow night...Tina and his mom will join and they will be here for the week...

Dr. Lowe and I had a very long talk...and we need to see improvement during the next few days to know where we are headed...

So we wait and hope in the Lord...

Before I go...

We did get the minivan...it is beautiful...

Thank you to Jason and all of his co-workers for such an amazing fundraising campaign...we will definitely need it when we transfer to Duke again...

Also thank you to Jason (again) and Liza for taking jeremy to the airport and waiting through the plane delay...and taking Riley for the night so that Greg and I could both remain her at the hospital...

We WILL get through this...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:34 PM CDT

I am updating the Website for Eleasha. Cody woke up with chest pain and had a hard time breathing this morning. The doctors ordered a xray and it came back with small amounts of blood in his lungs.

As a precaution, they have started him on antibiotics even though they are pretty sure this isn't a viral infection. To help clotting they are him platletes and coagulating agents. They are in the process of moving him down to PICU where they will be able to monitor him more closely ....

Please keep the family in prayer during this time and I prayer for a hedge of protection around this family.

WE LOVE YOU CODY - JESUS RULES

I will update the website when I find out anything more

In love and prayer

Chris and the Bird Crew

Saturday, July 30, 2005 3:20 AM CDT

Cody is now receiving Lasix and Albumin every 8 hours...Today he was -700 for fluid...that is really good...it means that he urinated out 700 more then what he took in...

His oxygen requirements were increased tonight and he has been having some difficulty with his SATs...his repriations were up to around 55 per minute...normal when sleeping is like 20 or something...

His urine and stool have a little less blood...all of our virus results are still negative...no c-diff...no adno...no rotto...no polyoma...no ttp...so...the culprit according to Dr.K. is likely the GvHD...

Cody will be starting the new GvHD drug called Ontak on Monday...we are hopeful that the Lasix and Albumin he is receiving over the weekend will help prepare him for this new drug...there are many side effects but I have been informed that there really aren't any other options...

You can read more on Ontak here: (thanks Chris)

http://patient.cancerconsultants.com/news.aspx?id=31024

We will be leaving for Durham next week...maybe Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday...Dr.K. is working on getting us a bed and CHKD is working with the Navy on transport...we are not yet certain if we will be going by ambulance or helicopter...my vote is helicopter since we have never been on one...plus a 4 hour ambulance drive does not sound very appealing...

I did receive some good news yesterday...our friend Kody with a "K"'s mom Kim made some phone calls and was able to secure some support for us through the Tumbleweed Foundation...Kody's Life's Tough bracelets are sold there so that other families may receive help and support...Kim called Mary and the Foundation will be offering some assistance to our family during this transition...we are so grateful...thank you Kim and Mary...

Check out Tumblweed at:

http://www.tumbleweedfoundation.org/

Finally I have more potentially good news...we are attempting to buy a Minivan...it is a used 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan...the van has 24,000 miles on it, which is not too bad and the dealership (Beach Ford) is working with us to get us the van for a reduced price...we will be trading in Greg's car and are working to stay within our current budget...if all of that happens and we can get financed...we will offically be the proud drivers of a Dodge Grand Caravan...the van will work out really good for Cody when he gets out of the hospital...it provides easier in and out access, as right now he cannot navigate into the backseat of the car and he is not big enough for the front...plus it provides plenty of room for all of his medical supplies, his stroller and the rest of the family...it will be really great to all be able to ride in one car when we go somewhere :-} the van also has a complete tow package...which means we can hook up a trailer and take Patrick's 4-wheeler out in the woods somewhere :-}

Now before I go, I wanted to send out some very important thank yous...

Thank you to Mike and Connie for the card...Cody thought it was very cool...he lit up when he saw the $$$ :-} He said, OOOOOOO!!!!

Thank you to Chris and Noreen for the wonderful care package...Cody has enjoyed everythign and he really liked the picture of your doggy...LoL! he has his priorities when reviewing pictures...

Thank you to ^^Jillian's^^ family for the magazines...I may have already posted this, but he continues to enjoy them...so I figured I would post it again...

Thank you to Betsy for the Prayer Book...Cody read in it some last night and we all enjoyed it....

And again, Thank You to Kim and Mary for working to get our family some much needed assistance for our next adventure...

Oh by the way...in case I forgot to tell you all...I know Cody wil be healed...Jesus is faithful and true and He will heal my son...I pray that the will of God is for Cody's complete healing to happen here on earth...for that is the ultimate desire of my heart...

Please pray with me every day...ask God for complete and total healing for Cody through the blood of Jesus...claim VICTORY with us...pray for the strength and faith of our family that we stay vigil and remain ever at the feet of the Lord...

More testing on Monday...I will update as soon as I can...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. In case I haven't told you...THANK YOU for signing the guestbook...I check for new entries all through out the day...the messages are ulifitng and inspiring...even if you only say hello...we are very excited that someone thought enough to stop by...so please take a minute while you are here to say hi...

For easier access to the guestbook, once the page opens, in your toolbar above hit the red X and the page will stop trying to load all of the past entries...this will allow the page to load faster and ten you can post your hello!

Thursday, July 28, 2005 7:35 PM CDT

The MRI came back normal...the Adno Virus came back negative...and that will be all for the good news...

They have not ruled out but our not really thinking that Cody has TTP...

Dr.K. is convinced that we are dealing with GvH...

The CT came back worse...Cody now has fluid in his lungs...his abdomin is inflamed and looks much worse than it did last time...

They will be starting Cody on another new immuosuppresion drug called Ontak...the doctors at CHKD have never used it before but we need to get started...

They will be starting Lasix and Albumin tonight...

Cody's SATs have dropped into the upper 80s...he is having a lot of difficulty breathing so they have hooked him up to oxygen...

Dr. Owen called me tonight and we discussed our options...we are running out...

They have decided that they will try to transfer Cody to Duke by Monday or Tuesday of next week...Dr. Owen feels that it is important for Cody to have the benefit of their expertise...

I have a lot to do to get our affairs in order...I am not sure when I will have a chance to update in between but if I can...I will...

Please stop by and sign the guestbook...some days your words of encouragement are the only thing that helps me keep going...

Keep praying...pray for Cody's complete and total healing...pray that it happens soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 9:19 PM CDT

Well I am about to head to bed but wanted to let all of you wonderful Cody fans out there know what is going on before I fade off to my restless, hopefully 4 or more hours of sleep...

Cody felt pretty cruddy through out the day...He complained of stomach pain so the G.I. doctors decided to send him down for an x-ray...

Finally a little bit of GOOD NEWS...the air that has been in the abdominal wall since April looks as though it has finally dissapated...

Tomorrow they will do a CT Scan of the gutt to get a better look and hopefully confirm the results of the x-ray...

As for the MRI...Cody never did get on the schedule for today so they will be doing that first thing tomorrow morning as well...

After a little research (I try not to do too much as it is usually very depressing...) I am actually kind of hopeful that TTP Disease is our problem...If we are dealing with TTP then a majority of our problems would possibly be remedied with the treatment he would receive... Plasmapharesis (similiar to the way dialysis works) they would remove his blood, "clean" the plasma and then transfuse his better-clean blood back into him...The research indicates that a lot of the issues we are dealing with and have been dealing with are indicative of TTP...of course, I am not banking on it...and I only have a very limited understanding of the treatment...so, while I may think it would be a lessor evil...I may be very wrong...who knows...I am just looking for some hope here :-}

Now in the meantime...has anyone checked out our Cure Cody store??? I am so excited about it...I have telling everyone...

www.cafepress.com/curecody

Finally, this weekend Greg and I will be shopping for a minivan...my car will just not work for Cody...we have too many medical supplies that need to go with us to Durham...in addition, the minivan will be easier for Cody to navigate in and out when he finally gets better and comes home...besides, Greg car is having some issues and we are going to use his car as a trade in...he will take my car with no issues and less mileage...and I will finally give in the role of Minivan Mom... :-}~

Well...I have so much to do to wrap up work and the house before we leave for Durham in a couple of weeks...I really need to try and get some sleep...

A special thank you to all who have been taking the time to sign the guestbook and send e-mail...your words of encouragement mean a great deal more than I can explain...

Thanks to Judy and Catch An Angel for the financial contribution to our family...we truly appreciate and will put it to good use when we make our way to Duke...

I will update once receive the results back on everything tomorrow or Friday...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 6:39 AM CDT

Good Morning and thank you for checking in...

More bad news...

Cody began stooling blood along with the blood in the urination on Monday...they have added several tests to check for some extra things but in the interim...Cody also started developing dizziness...at 2:00 a.m. this morning it was pretty bad and he complained of seeing double on the Blood Pressure machine but only one of the nurse...they will be doing an MRI today...they are testing for something called TTP Disease...

http://www.about-ttp.com/

TTP, if he has it, would actually explain many of the current issues we are dealing with...the treatment is not pleasant but is managable so without having the benefit of lengthier conversations with our doctors...I am guessing this is the lessor of some of the other evils...the MRI will not be until late so I doubt I will have any information to update on this until tomorrow or Friday...

Aside from that, the blood in the stool landed Cody back on precautions so once again he is unable to leave his room...

I am going in to work this morning and then I will be headed to the hospital...I just need to be with my son...

We are working hard to get ready for our return trip to Duke...we should be headed there the week of August 15th...I look forward to seeing all of our friends and extended family while we are there...

Finally, before I go...I have some really cool information to provide...

I have, because of a really great referral from Kim (Kody's mom), been able to set up an online store with a ton of CURE CODY merchandise...I worked really hard designing it all and had an absolute BLAST doing...the items are AWESOME...so, please take the time to log in and check it out...

www.cafepress.com/curecody

Monday, July 25, 2005 2:26 PM CDT

The tears come so easily as I start the newest update�More sucky news�

Cody started having large amounts of blood in his urine Friday so we started testing it�today, he was scheduled for the renal ultrasound�I fully expected that they would find nothing�that all of our issues would once again lie with the polyoma virus that he had previously (just after transplant)�that still may be it, but�the radiologist reading the ultrasound actually called Cody back down for a second ultrasound so that they could try and retrieve a better look�the final verdict for today is that there are nodes on the kidneys�it appears that Cody is now collecting fat at the bottom of his kidney�they are not overly concerned, of course, but I am�

I am just so sad�I don�t know what to do for my son�so I pray�I don�t know what to think�so I sleep�I don�t know how to fix it�so I cry�I just want him to get better�

I know I have said this before but it really just seems as though we cannot catch a break for him�Friday was the fluid around the heart�today is the left kidney�it seems that we are beginning to have issues with one major organ after another�obviously none of it is any good for Cody�

Matthew 16:23
Jesus turned and said to Peter, GET BEHIND ME, SATAN! YOU ARE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ME; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

I pray�I hope�I pray�I hope�I know that God will heal Cody�I know that He will�I pray that God will heal Cody here on earth�I love him so much�and I know that it is selfish�but I want him to remain here with me�I will take care of him�I will make his dinner�draw up his meds�buy his clothes�clean his room�help get up to the bathroom�I will do whatever it takes�I just want him to get better and stay here�

Not even one day goes by that I don�t wish I could take the place of my child�not even one moment goes by that I don�t look at him and remember what he was like just 4 short months ago�I see that his little body is tired�I know that the fight has gotten more and difficult with each passing day�yet I want so badly for him to stay here with me�

I have been sick to my stomach for weeks now�with each new wave of bad news it gets worse�my mind is having difficulty focusing on most days�my heart feels like it is broken�still I pray�

Psalm 33:20-21
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

I just want for so much for my child�I want his life to be whole and happy�I want him to be healed�I want him to know no more pain�I want him to know how much I love him and would in a moment take his place if the Lord would allow me�I just feel like we are running out of time sometimes�I have been doing a lot of video taping to try and save all of the memories I can�I wish I had started sooner�I have been taking many pictures�I wish I had started sooner�I wish I was like Kim (Kody�s mom) taking pictures even in the school shopping line�I wish I had more than my memories to share�I wish I could articulate the love I feel for this child�I wish I could share him with each and every one of you�I wish you would each have the opportunity to know him�to experience his sense of humor�to run to catch up with him�to giggle at his silliness�to fall in love with his spirit�to know him�to see how he carries pieces of each child we have lost through transplant�how he uses Jordan�s laugh�and speaks of Tommy�s Doritos�how he loves unconditionally�how he shows mercy to every person he comes in contact with�how he is�

I want so much for him�but mostly I want for him to be healed�

I wish my heart didn�t feel so broken and I wish that the hope was more readily available today�and while I have in no way lost hope�I am just having a difficult time digesting the weight of the world on the shoulders of my beautiful son�

GOD, I believe that you will heal my son�I believe that through the stripes and blood of Christ Jesus Cody is healed already�the enemy continues to work to keep us down�but he shall never win�this is Your fight Father�I pray that today You will move upon our enemies�that You will take away the fear and the worry�that You will heal Cody�my selfish heart begs You to heal him here on earth with us�my selfish heart pleads that you will show this mother mercy and give her back her whole son�healthy and free from the enemy�You are great�You are faithful�You are able�and when the day is done�above all else, I pray for Your will with my son.
IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!

I will update again soon...Please stop by and leave words of love and encouragement for Viesta and the rest of Frannie's family...as Frannie went home with the Lord yesterday evening...

www.caringbridge/nc/frannie

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, July 24, 2005 9:14 PM CDT

It is with great sadness that I share with you that Frannie passed away today...She is now in the arms of our Lord and Savior which is a far better life than any one of us will ever have here on earth...but for her family and friends that have been left behind...the sadness is great...please pray for her family as they work to make the arrangements for her Celebration of Life...you may stop by and leave your words of encouragement on her site:

www.caringbridge.org/nc/frannie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday, July 24, 2005 4:14 PM CDT

Well...I made a mistake in my last entry when I said we got the results back from the CT...it was actually the Echo...so any way...that was that...

The weekend has proven to be another long one...Cody has quite a bit of blood in his urine...they are testing him for the Adeno Virus and Polyoma Virus...today the protien level was 300...I spoke to Dr.K. though and she said that the protien in the urine with the blood is normal (from the blood)...he will undergo a Renal ultrasound tomorrow to make sure the kidneys look okay...

Cody has also been expreincing some labored breathing especially while he is sleeping...the bright side is that his lungs sound good...so the issue is likely the added steroid weight along with sinus drainage...

We had a great weekend with my mom and stepdad I was happy to have everyone here...Glen and Greg worked really hard and were able to wrap up all of the work out in the garage which will be converted sometime soon...my mom and I had the opportunity to go shopping a little bit yesterday...she picked up a really pretty cross and necklace for Cody...and we picked up a lot of Jeremy's school clothes...Glen bought a brand new gas grill for my husband who promptly put it together and started cooking...and me...I got a bunch of stuff from bath and body works...which Cody stole half of...I don't mind because if he will use lotion who cares if it was supposed to be mine ;-}

I guess that is all for now...our next visitors may be Cody's dad and his new wife Tina...if not them then Grandma Paula...

A huge thank you to ^^Jillian's^^ mommy, daddy, and little brother Nathan for the really great magazines...he is not the only one who has been enjoying them...

I will update after the results from the ultrasound come back...please continue to pray...

In Love & Prayer...
-Eleasha

Friday, July 22, 2005 6:08 PM CDT

We received the results back from the CT Scan this afternoon...

Cody does have fluid in his Parietal Pericardium (the area in and around his heart)...we will be moinitoring it closely to see how it develops...

The GOOD news is that Cody did not have any clotting...this is wonderful as the treatment would have either been the loss of this CVL OR blood thinners...blood thinners would have been the worse...

So half the news was good...the other half not so good...

Cody and I did pray together for God to heal him here on earth...we both agree that God will heal him with our hope remaining in complete healing here on earth...

My mom had decided to stay with Cody tonight so Jeremy and headed home...not long after we got here, I called to find out that Cody's CVL had been left unclamped and some how the cap fell off...so...while he was napping he bled out all over the bed...by the time the doctor came in to check him out he had blood everywhere...all over himself from head to waist line...it was really "exciting"...

After all of that...Cody's hematocrit was low today so he is receiving red blood...he will be receiving platelets tomorrow...

Thanks for checking in...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, July 22, 2005 4:55 AM CDT

Well...I was a little slow to share the newest information we received yesterday because I am uncertain of what it means or what the ramifications of it are...plus we have more testing today in an effort to get a better handle on it...but I just really want everyone to pray...

We received word yesterday afternoon that the CT Scan of the lungs revealed that Cody has fluid around his heart and what looks like a blood clot in his CVL...he will be undergoing an Echo today to better firm up what the CT saw and then from there I guess they will better explain what we are dealing with...

While I remain strong...I can't help be sad...it seems as though we cannot seem to catch a break...I want so badly for my little boy to be himself again...memories of him up and running around flood my mind on a daily basis...I just love him so much and seeing him like this really sucks...

I pray daily that God would allow me the opportunity to do something more for him...I wish that I could take his place...take away his pain...but I cannot...so I pray that my Father in heaven will take care of that for me...

As painful as this is for me to endure...watching my son suffer...watching the enemy beat him down...I know that it is but a fraction of the pain that my God must have felt as His Son was beaten for our transgressions...spit on...and then nailed to a cross to die...dying for the us, so that the enemy would never win...

Anyway...I saved the update from Wednesday...it is posted below...I hope you all have a really great weekend...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesday, July 20, 2005 8:59 PM CDT

CAN YOU BELIEVE RILEY TURNED 3 YESTERDAY???? HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RILEY!!!

Cody had his follow up CT Scan today...

Again the results came back showing that some of the areas are better, some are worse...Overall though, the scan looked better than it did two weeks ago...

Unfortunately...the scan of the abdomin revealed a thickening in the discending colon so now they are testing for C-Diff...

C-Diff has landed Cody back on Contact Isolation...this means he is not allowed to leave his room at all...and as Cody put it, everyone who comes in has to wear "the duck suit"

We are still working really hard to get ready for our trip to Duke...I sent Dr.K. an e-mail tonight asking for some firmer details so we can get our help scheduled and our "move" plans in order...I speculate that it will difficult at best for her to answer my questions though...so much lies on whether or not the Imuran begins to work like we need it to...

Speaking of the Imuran...it will be put to the real test sometime next week when they restart Cody's feeds...the GvH in the gutt has been our most difficult and ongoing issue...if his gutt cannot tolerate the feeds then we will likely start over on another new anti-rejection drug...

Dr. Owen did tell us today that Cody's steroids are being reduced again...I am a little concerned that they may be shooting themselves in the foot as lowering the steroids before we restart the feeds may be detrimental to our cause...the problem is we cannot continue to keep Cody on such high doses of steroids...he has a lot of steroid fluid weight on him and his kidneys and liver are showing the signs of prolonged use of high quantities of steroids...so it works out to be a catch 22...it is my sincerest prayer that the Imuran will be the drug that will work for Cody...I know God is the ultimate, devine healer...He can do anything...so I pray that He will move His healing hand over my son...and His wave of knowledge will provide insight to our team of physicians so that Cody can begin to recover...

Anyway...I have several really great things going on as far as fundraising is concerned...But before I go into that...I want to thank those of you who took the time to contact me with your ideas...

Now...we have officially ordered the CURE CODY bracelets...CURE CODY will be an orange silicone bracelet and will be offered for a minimum donation of $2.00 each...if anyone is interested in purchasing CURE CODY bracelets...please let me know...they are scheduled to arrive by August 15th...I have to thank my boss and our firm Spotswood Law Office for providing us with the ability to make this fundraiser happen...

Next...we have jar candles available in red, green and white...these candles will be sold for $5.00 each and are an easy way to help support our family...I have to thank our friendly PartyLite consultant Chris Googas for the opportunity to host this fundraiser...

Next...if anyone knows anyone who is a collector of TY Beanie Babies/Attic Collectibles...please let us know...we are trying to determine the best way to host a fundraiser with these types of items...so please, pretty please...let us know...

Finally...next month, God's Wave Riders (the youth church) at our church here Lighthouse Worship Center will be hosting a Walk-a-Thon/BBQ...The proceeds will go to benefit our family and we are grateful for all those that will be working and participating to make this event possible...

This weekend marks the start of the work to convert our attached garage...we are looking forward to the additional living space...

My mom, stepdad and grandpa arrive tomorrow morning...Glen and Greg will be working on the new duct work this weekend...we will also be celebrating little Riley's birthday...so we will all be very busy...

A special thanks to Sara and family for the package...I will be taking it up to Cody this weekend...

Remember...Cody loves mail and I love guestbook entries...I hope you all will send mail and sign in while you are here...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, July 20, 2005 8:59 PM CDT

CAN YOU BELIEVE RILEY TURNED 3 YESTERDAY???? HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RILEY!!!

Cody had his follow up CT Scan today...

Again the results came back showing that some of the areas are better, some are worse...Overall though, the scan looked better than it did two weeks ago...

Unfortunately...the scan of the abdomin revealed a thickening in the discending colon so now they are testing for C-Diff...

C-Diff has landed Cody back on Contact Isolation...this means he is not allowed to leave his room at all...and as Cody put it, everyone who comes in has to wear "the duck suit"

We are still working really hard to get ready for our trip to Duke...I sent Dr.K. an e-mail tonight asking for some firmer details so we can get our help scheduled and our "move" plans in order...I speculate that it will difficult at best for her to answer my questions though...so much lies on whether or not the Imuran begins to work like we need it to...

Speaking of the Imuran...it will be put to the real test sometime next week when they restart Cody's feeds...the GvH in the gutt has been our most difficult and ongoing issue...if his gutt cannot tolerate the feeds then we will likely start over on another new anti-rejection drug...

Dr. Owen did tell us today that Cody's steroids are being reduced again...I am a little concerned that they may be shooting themselves in the foot as lowering the steroids before we restart the feeds may be detrimental to our cause...the problem is we cannot continue to keep Cody on such high doses of steroids...he has a lot of steroid fluid weight on him and his kidneys and liver are showing the signs of prolonged use of high quantities of steroids...so it works out to be a catch 22...it is my sincerest prayer that the Imuran will be the drug that will work for Cody...I know God is the ultimate, devine healer...He can do anything...so I pray that He will move His healing hand over my son...and His wave of knowledge will provide insight to our team of physicians so that Cody can begin to recover...

Anyway...I have several really great things going on as far as fundraising is concerned...But before I go into that...I want to thank those of you who took the time to contact me with your ideas...

Now...we have officially ordered the CURE CODY bracelets...CURE CODY will be an orange silicone bracelet and will be offered for a minimum donation of $2.00 each...if anyone is interested in purchasing CURE CODY bracelets...please let me know...they are scheduled to arrive by August 15th...I have to thank my boss and our firm Spotswood Law Office for providing us with the ability to make this fundraiser happen...

Next...we have jar candles available in red, green and white...these candles will be sold for $5.00 each and are an easy way to help support our family...I have to thank our friendly PartyLite consultant Chris Googas for the opportunity to host this fundraiser...

Next...if anyone knows anyone who is a collector of TY Beanie Babies/Attic Collectibles...please let us know...we are trying to determine the best way to host a fundraiser with these types of items...so please, pretty please...let us know...

Finally...next month, God's Wave Riders (the youth church) at our church here Lighthouse Worship Center will be hosting a Walk-a-Thon/BBQ...The proceeds will go to benefit our family and we are grateful for all those that will be working and participating to make this event possible...

This weekend marks the start of the work to convert our attached garage...we are looking forward to the additional living space...

My mom, stepdad and grandpa arrive tomorrow morning...Glen and Greg will be working on the new duct work this weekend...we will also be celebrating little Riley's birthday...so we will all be very busy...

A special thanks to Sara and family for the package...I will be taking it up to Cody this weekend...

Remember...Cody loves mail and I love guestbook entries...I hope you all will send mail and sign in while you are here...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, July 17, 2005 6:17 PM CDT

Things remain the same with the Codeman...

He is still positive for the Parainfluenza 3...however, we did finally receive confirmation that Legionnaires is Negative...that news helped remove him from droplet precautions...which is great...now he can go to individual sessions in the playroom...

Even though the Legionnaires came back a firm negative...the experts in California who were running the various test sent word that it made sense to keep him on the antibiotics...so he is still on them...

Cody is still having a lot of trouble with bleeding...he is having regular nose bleeds and at least once a day he is spitting blood...the blood that he is spitting is coming from his sinus cavity they think...

The bruising has finally started getting better though...it would seem that the Vitamin K therapy did some good...(pictures of the tummy bruises are posted on the photo page)

He is still not allowed to eat anything at all by mouth or g-tube...but they may try to begin his feeds again at the end of this week...

Cody is scheduled for a CT Scan on Wednesday and they will be doing his sinuses...his lungs...and his abdomin...we are really hopeful that the lungs and sinuses look better...

They did lower his steroids by 1mg this last week... consider the amount he is receiving 1 mg is not the big of a deal...BUT...I have seen a little improvement in his muscle atrophy...I am so thankful to know my little boy is still in there under all of that steroid bloating and fighting to be strong again...

Cody has been working really hard at PT...I am very proud of him...(I have posted some pictures of that as well...) We have also enrolled him in summer school at the hospital so that he has the chance to get more school time in...I am concerned about him falling behind again since he has missed out on so many lessons...

I did lay the law down this weekend though...I had the doctor write a specific order which stated that Cody is not to receive pain medicine or Benadryl for nausea unless it has been cleared with an adult...it was getting to be asked for a little more often then we believe is necessary...and for "issues" that were not what you would deem necessary for the drugs being administered...Everyone is just trying to make Cody comfortable but the longer we stay inpatient the less he likes to deal with...besides he is already on enough drugs...God knows if we can help it...we need not add any more...

Now as far as Duke is concerned...we have spoken to Dr.K. and we will be headed to Durham sometime during the week of August 15th...

While I am truly grateful for all of the hard work our doctors here at CHKD have done...we are all in agreement that while we seem to be able to help Cody get stable...we have not been able to make any progress...Dr.K. and the team at Duke have expertise in severe GvHD and since that is our main problem now...I am hopeful that our return to Duke will provide some necessary answers to get him on the road to complete recovery...

My mom, stepdad and grandpa will be here this Thursday for the weekend...then next weekend, Ben and Tina may be coming...so it seems as though we are going to remain busy, busy, busy...

In the interim, we are in the process of figuring out a few fundraising projects so that we can cover everything while we are once again living in two cities...

If any of you wonderful Cody Fans out there have any great fundraising ideas...please feel free to contact me...

Well...I have a lot of work to do before tomorrow...so I have to get going...I will check back again soon...actually I check the guestbook several times a day so be sure to sign it while you are here...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, July 11, 2005 5:35 PM CDT

Everything is still pretty much the same...

I have no news as far as Cody's health is concerned...he has been having a lot of pain in his knees but other than that nothing new...nothing different...still no answers...

We had a really nice weekend...

My mom came into town on Thursday and she spent the entire weekend at the hospital...

Greg and I stayed at home and worked on clearing out the attached garage...next week the guys from Best Way Construction here in Gloucester will start working on the conversion...we are all very excited...

Riley was extremely ill over the weekend...he had temperatures that spiked to 103.4...I took him to the doctor on Friday and she said it was viral and had to run its course...

All in all...we are fairly boring people right now...

SORRY :)

I am going to be contacting Dr.K. this evening to further discuss what we will be doing...once we have a plan...I will update with the new information...

Thank You Mom for giving Greg and I the "respit." We were grateful to have time together at home...

Thank You to Khalita for the wonderful Jeremy McGrath care package...Cody is working on the puzzle...

Thank You to Ashley and Nate for the postcard from Tennessee...

Thank You to Lindsay and Meghan for the cool artwork...

Thank You to the anonymous Rose Art sender...

Thank You to Angela, Allison and Heather for the postcard from Massachusetts...

Thank You to Dana for the card...

Thank You to Tina and Lance for the card...

Thank You to the Franklin's for the BIG enevelope full of stuffies...he has been playing the cards a lot...

Thank you to Mike and Connie for the new card...

Thank You to Jim and Linda for the card...

Thank you to Heather and her sons for the gift bags for every day of the week...

Cody trully enjoys receiving mail...thank you all so much for taking the time to brighten his day...it means so much...YOU GUYS ROCK!

Well...I have posted new pictures...I hope you like them...

Please sign the guestbook while you are here...

Also, if you are in Florida and interested or are thinking about putting together a team for the Annual Leukemia Society Light the Night Walk..."EVERYBODY LOVES MEGHAN" has openings on their team for walking in Orlando and Cocoa Beach...Or you can start your own "EVERYBODY LOVES MEGHAN" team in the city closest to you...Meghan is a beautiful little girl who lost her battle to this horrible disease and now every year, to honor her memory, her family and many, many supporters and friends get together and make this their way of remembering Meghan...For more information...feel free to check in with her mom at:

www.caringbridge.org/fl/meghansjourney

Well...I guess I will update again sometime soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, July 7, 2005 7:32 AM CDT

Good Morning...

Thanks for checking in...

I am sorry to say that I don't really have anything new to say...

The results of Tuesday's CT Scan came back yesterday afternoon and we were told that in some places it is worse and in some places it is better...so the results were "both good and bad."

This is extremely frustrating...

We still do not know when we will be heading to Duke. I received an e-mail from Dr.K. last night that said she was comfortable that the care he is receiving here is the same care he would receive at Duke...we are in a holding pattern at this time to see if the new drugs will help and it is up to us if we want to be here or there through out that proces...

As a family, we will be taking the time to try and figure this out over the weekend...

Everything is in place for us to go to Duke...but in the same respect...we need to determine what is best for Cody and for our family...

We have a lot of praying to do...I know God will reveal the answers we seek...

My mom is coming in today...she will be staying at the hospital with Cody tonight and tomorrow night...Saturday night she will stay here at the house with me, Jeremy and Riley and then Sunday we will spend some time together before she has to leave...

All in all...nothing has changed...

Please continue to pray...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, July 5, 2005 6:46 AM CDT

Good Morning and Happy Birthday to my Grandpa...

Our weekend was extremely busy...lots and lots of wonderful things going on...

First lets start off with the health update and then all of the fun stuff...

Cody remains the same...the good news is that the sinus cultures did not reveal anything horrible...the bad news is that the sinus cultures did not reveal anything at all...

We are still dealing with a horrible case of GvHD and tagged on to that is the nasty pneumonia...So far the only confirmed "bug" is the Parainfluenza 3 but that along with the GvHD is what is making all of our doctors so nervous...

Today Cody will have another serious of testing to see if the disease in his lungs has progressed any...

In an effort to arrest the problems we are having, he has been receiving daily doses of IVIg and inhaled Albuterol...in addition, he is receiving 6 different antibiotics and all of his regular anti-rejection drugs...he did receive another dose of Remicabe on Saturday...of course, all of these drugs cause their very own set of problems...most suppress the immune system...while a few actually destroy blood cells...

The GvHD in the gutt began acting up in the latter part of last week so we have had to resort to no pump feeds again...this is difficult because with the increased steroids...he is always starving...

We are still awaiting word on Duke...I know we will be going we are just not certain when or for how long...

So anyway...please keep praying...

Now for the good stuff...

Our friends from Florida came in on Friday and stayed until Sunday...we throughly enjoyed having them here and we were sad to see them go...

On Sunday, Heather brought her 3 sons back up to vist Cody along with her nephew...they played GI Joes for like 2 hours and Cody laughed and played and really had a good time...

Yesterday...we spent the day together as a family...

In the afternoon, we loaded Cody up in a wheelchair and took him outside...I ran with the wheelchair while Greg ran with the pole and Cody pretended to be chasing Riley...Riley, of course, thought this was very amusing...after that, everyone threw a penny in the fountain and made a wish...it was pretty hot out though so we didn't keep Cody outside for too long...

When we got back upstairs...the boys played GI Joe together for a while...then we all played cards and then we all took turns playing video games...at 9:30 p.m. the whole family and our nurse Jeanette gathered in the window of our hospital room and watched the most spectacular fireworks display every...

I was grateful to have my children all together and happy...my heart longs for the day when Cody will be FREE of this horrible disease and healed...

Anyway...with such an amazingly busy weekend...I never did get any of my work done...so...I have to get going...

I am posting new pictures so you can see how great our weekend was...

Thanks for checking in...

Carrie...Cody has requested that you PLEEEEEAAAASSSSSEEEEE let Patrick get a 4 wheeler so that they can go riding...he said he will teach Patrick how to ride is safely :-}

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. This entry was on ^^Jordan's^^ site tonight and I had to borrow it and post it here...

Some Mothers Get Babies With Something More
written by: Lori Borgman
Columnist and Speaker

My friend is expecting her first child. People keep asking what she wants.
She smiles demurely, shakes her head and gives the answer mothers have given
throughout the pages of time. She says it doesn't matter whether it's a boy
or a girl. She just wants it to have ten fingers and ten toes.

Of course, that's what she says. That's what mothers have always said.

Mothers lie.

Truth be told, every mother wants a whole lot more. Every mother wants a
perfectly healthy baby with a round head, rosebud lips, button nose,
beautiful eyes and satin skin. Every mother wants a baby so gorgeous that
people will pity the Gerber baby for being flat-out ugly.

Every mother wants a baby that will roll over, sit up and take those first
steps right on schedule (according to the baby development chart on page 57,
column two). Every mother wants a baby that can see, hear, run, jump and
fire neurons by the billions. She wants a kid that can smack the ball out of the park and do toe points that are the envy of the entire ballet class.

Call it greed if you want, but we mothers want what we want.

Some mothers get babies with something more.

Some mothers get babies with conditions they can't pronounce, a spine that didn't fuse, a missing chromosome or a palette that didn't close. Most of those mothers can remember the time, the place, the shoes they were wearing and the color of the walls in the small, suffocating room where the doctor uttered the words that took their breath away. It felt like recess in the fourth grade when you didn't see the kick ball coming and it knocked the wind clean out of you.

Some mothers leave the hospital with a healthy bundle, then, months, even
years later, take him in for a routine visit, or schedule her for a well check, and crash head first into a brick wall as they bear the brunt of
devastating news. It can't be possible! That doesn't run in our family. Can this really be happening in our lifetime?

I am a woman who watches the Olympics for the sheer thrill of seeing finely
sculpted bodies. It's not a lust thing; it's a wondrous thing. The athletes appear as specimens without flaw - rippling muscles with nary an ounce of flab or fat, virtual powerhouses of strength with lungs and limbs working in perfect harmony. Then the athlete walks over to a tote bag, rustles through the contents and pulls out an inhaler.

As I've told my own kids, be it on the way to physical therapy after a third
knee surgery, or on a trip home from an echo cardiogram, there's no such
thing as a perfect body. Every body will bear something at some time or
another. Maybe the affliction will be apparent to curious eyes, or maybe it
will be unseen, quietly treated with trips to the doctor, medication or
surgery. The health problems our children have experienced have been minimal and manageable, so I watch with keen interest and great admiration the mothers of children with serious disabilities, and wonder how they do it.

Frankly, sometimes you mothers scare me. How you lift that child in and out
of a wheelchair 20 times a day. How you monitor tests, track medications,
regulate diet and serve as the gatekeeper to a hundred specialists yammering in your ear.

I wonder how you endure the clich�s and the platitudes, well-intentioned
souls explaining how God is at work when you've occasionally questioned if
God is on strike. I even wonder how you endure schmaltzy pieces like this
one -- saluting you, painting you as hero and saint, when you know you're
ordinary. You snap, you bark, you bite. You didn't volunteer for this, you didn't jump up and down in the motherhood line yelling, "Choose me, God! Choose me! I've got what it takes." You're a woman who doesn't have time to step back and put things in perspective, so, please, let me do it for you.

From where I sit, you're way ahead of the pack. You've developed the
strength of a draft horse while holding onto the delicacy of a daffodil. You have a heart that melts like chocolate in a glove box in July, carefully counter-balanced against the stubbornness of an Ozark mule. You can be warm and tender one minute, and when circumstances require, intense and
aggressive the next. You are the mother, advocate and protector of a child with a disability. You're a neighbor, a friend, a stranger I pass at the mall. You're the woman I sit next to at church, my cousin and my
sister-in-law. You're a woman who wanted ten fingers and ten toes, and got something more.

You're a wonder.

Saturday, July 2, 2005 9:23 PM CDT

I am sorry I have not taken the time to update sooner...We have had a lot going on...

Cody went in for surgery yesterday afternoon so that they could do the sinus cavity exploration...he did well but woke up in quite a bit of pain...

We have had it confirmed that Cody has Parainfluenza 3 for sure...they are still running the test to determine if he has Legionnaires...the nasal fluid has not grown anything yet...

The pneumonia is really kicking his butt but we are working really hard to keep him strong...he is receiving daily doses of IVIg...he is doing daily nebulizer treatments with albuterol...and that is on top of the 6 anitbiotics and the 13 regular medications...so our days are filled with pumps dinging and meds dripping...

He received blood on Thursday and Platelets on Friday...since they started the Vitamin K therapy and they administered the Plasma...he seems to be doing a bit better with the bruising...the old bruises are still there and still prominant but at least they look as though they may be starting to fade some...

Cody will have another CT Scan on Tuesday...Dr. Owen said the next week or two will determine the direction we are going to go in...

As for Duke...we still do not have any kind of set plans...my boss did decide that he would place a temp at my job until I can return...in addition, he will send me whatever work he can allow me to do from Durham once we go...I am relieved...amazed...and grateful that he has decided to stick by me through this...

We will spend the 4th of July watching the Downtown Norfolk fireworks from Cody's hospital room...we should actually have really great seats...last year we watched from the roof of the parking garage at CHKD so this has to be at least that good...we will be higher this year though so I am hoping that it will be better...

We did get some surprise visitors for the weekend...Laura, Michelle and Lauren drove up from Florida so that they could spend some time with Cody and the rest of us...we are all excited that they are here...it has been wonderful spending some time with them...

Many thanks to Shannon, Doug and Jesse for the card...Cody really liked it!!!

Many thanks to Mike and Connie for the card...Cody thought is was rather amusing!!!

Many thanks to Quilting Angels for such an amazing and beautiful quilt...Cody LOVES it!!!

Please know that if I don't update it is just because we don't have any new information...or because nothing much has changed...

We appreciate everyone checking in on us...Please sign the guestbook while you are here...we all love the encouragement...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, June 29, 2005 5:29 PM CDT

Well we cannot seem to catch a break.

We are waiting for a definite date for our return to Duke. We thought it was going to be this weekend but Dr.K. told me last night that they do not have a bed on 5200 yet and probably would not have one until the end of next week. So we wait...

In the meantime, we received word today that Cody may possibly have Legionnaires...but before we could get the first dose of antibiotics in him to deal with that possibility...the CT scan revealed that he now has formed nodules on his lungs...the last CT revealed infultrates...so whatever we are dealing with is agressive and worse than we had hoped...the overall census is that Legionnaires would be the best worst thing that we could be dealing with...unfortunately, the symptoms he has are not consistant with Legionnaires...

Dr. Owen told my husbnad tonight that this is the most concerned he has been for Cody since our original admission in March...

So we are all trying to digest this latest news...while wait some more and hope for some type of answer...something that is treatable...

In the meantime, I can only ask for your prayers...

Thanks for checking in on us...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, June 27, 2005 1:04 AM CDT

Well it is the middle of the night and I am wide awake...so, I figured I would post an update...

The weekend was pretty boring..nothing exiciting happened at the hospital or at home...we all just kind of took it easy and enjoyed the lack of drama...

Greg spent time at the hospital with Cody while I spent time at home with Jeremy and Riley...then Sunday afternoon we traded...

On Saturday, Jeremy, Riley and I helped the Coe's with their Team In Training Car Wash...I had not planned on staying because I figured Riley would be too difficult to manage...but they just did not have enough help and I was afraid that the line of customers they had would disappear so we jumped in and started helping...well much to my surprise, Riley was an AWESOME helper...I was so proud of him...Jeremy did great too, standing on the corner yelling at cars to try and get them to pull in for the wash...we had a great time with our friends and only wish we could have stayed longer...

On Sunday morning, the boys and I ventured out again...this time we went to church...I was grateful to be in God's house partaking in the fruits of the spirit...I mainly just sat in my seat and absorbed as much of Him as I possibly could...forgetting for a few moments that life beyond those walls kind of sucks right now...and focusing my thoughts only on the reality that Satan cannot win this fight...I was in awe once again by the many amazing men and women at our new church home who so freely give to us as they wrapped their arms around me and offered some much needed prayers for our family...

Other than the Coe Car Wash and a trip to God's house... our weekend was spent pretty much hanging out at home and relaxing...

Later on today Cody will have some x-rays and we expect to hear some of the results from the Bronchoscopy....

As for Duke, we are still waiting for the doctors to all get together and talk more...as a family we are leaning towards going back not because our team of doctors here are not amazing...because they are...but because Dr.K. knows Cody better than any other doctor and she is the expert in the field...I think we will be staying at the Forest Apartments but Liz, I will be callig you and Raj as soon as we know more so we can talk...

Finally, I wanted to share with you all that Cody received the most BEAUTIFUL quilt from QUILTING ANGELS over the weekend...this thing is AWESOME!!!! As soon as I can get some pictures of it and post them, I will...I cannot believe how much love is stitched into this quilt...but let me tell you by looking at it you can see that it took a lot of effort...we are grateful and we thank the women who spent so much time working on such a wonderful gift of comfort and love...Cody has been showing it off since he got it to everyone here at the hospital...

Well...I guess that is all for now...it is like 2:30 in the morning and I have a feeling the day will be long so I am going to try and sleep...

I will update when I know more...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, June 24, 2005 4:57 PM CDT

I apologize for not updating sooner...there has been a lot going on...

When I got to the hospital yesterday, I had a talk with the Pulmonologist and let her know I would not be consenting to the bronchoscopy...then I spoke to Dr. Werner...I was under the impression it would take several days to get the bleeding thing under control so you can imagine my surprise when I received a call this morning asking me if I would consent to the procedure today...I declined to answer at that time with the statement that I needed to get to the hospital, review his counts and speak with his doctor...

Before I left the house, I called and spoke to Dr.K. She told me that she did feel that Cody needed the bronchoscopy but because she is not here could not make the decision if he should have it now or wait...

When I got to the hospital, I spoke with Dr. Werner and together we called Dr.K. Both doctors were on the same page so I consented to the procedure...the procedure did not take long and Cody recovered very quickly...we do have to watch for bleeding when he coughs...but hopefully there will be no other issues...the stuff that was suctioned out of the lungs will be sent to the lab for testing and hopefully soon we will know what we are dealing with...

Now I did talk to Dr.K. about whether or not we needed to start thinking about returning to Duke and she said she had thought about that as well...if we do this, we will be there a minimum of 3 to 6 months...I will leave my job and Greg will try to get stationed at Duke with us...if he is not able to then he and Riley will come to visit Cody and me on the weekends...figuring out how we can manage it all financially is scary...but of course, the ultimate decision has absolutely nothing to do with money and everything to do with what is best for Cody...for now I am still saying if only because we still have some talking to do with Dr.K. and our team here before the final decision is made...I just want to do whatever is best for Cody...

Cody's spirits are really good today...it is always such a blessing when he is having a good day...

I have taken several pictures of his bruising and have posted them on the photo page...the pictures are rather graphic so please make sure you review them before opening in front of your children...

We really appreciate you all saying so many prayers...please keep signing the guestbook...it means the world...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, June 23, 2005 6:14 AM CDT

It was a long and horrible night...

Cody was in a great deal of pain last night...they ended up having to give him Morphine...to make a long story short...the area on his back where they did the procedre yesterday swelled up to the size of a racket ball...the site is located on his back at his hip bone on the right...in all of my life I have never seen anything like this and it is very scary...

From what I understand the bruising issue I have been talking about so much has turned into something worse with him now pooling blood in and around sites that are "injured"...

The Morpine helped the pain but did not help with the issues he has been having with his O2 SATs falling while he is asleep...so we also had to place him on oxygen over night to keep his SATs in the mid-90's...

Our nigt was decorated with the sounds of oxygen alarms and pump bells dinging...along with constant vital sounds and a very fast infusion of platelets to try and supplement for the pooling in his back...

This morning his hemoglobin has dropped...another side effect of the pooling...

The lung doctor wanted to do the bronchioscopy today but in light of all that happened last night, I believe my answer will have to be NO. I believe my son needs a rest and we need to get this bleeding problem in order before we inflict anymore damage...

As always, we remain in constant prayer for our most amazing trooper...please continue to pray with us...

I am exhausted but I cannot sleep...I will update again soon...

PRAISE GOD for NO CANCER CELLS!!! Pray to God for complete healing soon!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 3:00 PM CDT

We have GOOOOD News and we have bad news...

The GOOD News is Cody has NO CANCER CELLS!!!!!!!!

Praise be to the Father in Heaven for answering our prayers...

We will not have back the final results that will determine better what we are dealing with until tomorrow or the next day...

Today has been a long day...I HATE waiting...but the news was AWESOME!!!!

Now to the bad news...the CT Scan on the lungs revealed that there are some significant changes in Cody's lungs...they will be doing a bronchioscopy in an effort to figure out what we are dealing with as far as infection goes...they will also do a lung washing while they are in there...the speculation at this point is that he has some type of fungal infection...the test canno be scheduled yet though because of the issues with platelets and clotting...our doctors are hoping to wait a couple of days to give Cody's body a chance to start doing what it should...if not, I think we will transfuse platelets and get the procedure done...

Cody did receive red blood cells last night (Carrie you were right, hemalytic anemia) and then today he received Plasma...they have also started Vitamin K therapy...so lets continue to pray that Cody will keep getting better...

Thanks to everyone who has been praying and checking in on us...the guestbook entries mean the world...

I will update as soon as I know more...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, June 21, 2005 10:24 PM CDT

My Dear Friends:

I just wanted to take some time this evening to let you all know that (at least for now) my heart is at peace...I have no clue what tomorrow holds, but I am praying and hoping beyond all hope that the "abnormal" cells are just what they claim to be abnormal and nothing else...

The Lord has always carried us through the most difficult times and I believe that if tomorrow holds news of a darker path ahead, we will rise up in the light...regardless of the news...

I am in no way prepared for tomorrow...I am not sure there is anyway I possibly ever could be...there are many different speculations of what we may be dealing with...at this point I choose to claim nothing and intend to wait until the actual "problem" is revealed to us...

Our lives have been a roller coaster ride...with too many things happening...more than anyhing I wish my child did not have to suffer to much...did not have to be stricken...did not have to be in so much pain...in my heart of all heart's I have but a glimpse of what it must of have been like for our Father in heaven in watch as His only Son Jesus Christ hung on the cross...offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice so by believing in Him we gain everlasting life...

I will try to sleep tonight...but I probably won't sleep much...everytime my eyes pop open, I will say a prayer for the "little man" sleeping in the hospital bed beside me...I praise God for every single moment I am given...every second I am afforded the opportunity to be his mommy...every day I am allowed to continue on the journey with him...every breath he breathes...every laugh...every smile...every single minute of every single hour...Thank You Lord.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, June 21, 2005 5:07 PM CDT

We need everyone to pray...

Apparently the doctors have found some abnormal cells in Cody's blood and tomorrow they will be doing a Spinal Tap (Bone Marrow Aspirate) to determine whether or not Cody is in relapse again...I am beside myself and have no idea what we will do if we are in fact dealing with the worst case scenario...

Please just pray...

I will update later on when I can...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, June 21, 2005 8:05 AM CDT

I am so sad...it sucks not being able to do anything to help my son feel better...to take away his pain...I hate it! I hate the disease...the side effects of treatment...the fact that he was ever diagnosed...that I can't take his place...that he has to suffer...that there is nothing that anyone can do for him right now...

I pray every day...I have been begging God to make him comfortable...to heal him...to offer the doctor's insight...I know He hears my prayers but alas the doctor's are deaf and Cody's body has yet to respond...

I just want Cody to have some kind of normal life...something.

I do not want him to live his life in the hospital sick all of the time...there is no quality of life there...there is nothing but the abyss...

I want so many things for my son...most of all I want him to feel better...I don't want him to be in pain anymore...I want him to be a nine year old little boy...

On the medical front...

Cody continues to have a lot of leg pain...they are treating him with pain medication which seems to help some...

He gave me quite the scare yesterday afternoon while he was resting his resperations were 48 per minute which is more than double...but his SATs were in the very low 90s...I had an x-ray ordered to just to get a grip on what we are dealing with...we should have the results back today...

His stomach has been leaking some blood from around the g-tube site...Dr. Werner finally decided that the leaking and the really bad bruising I have been telling you all about warrants some additional testing to see how is blood is doing...they are testing for his coagulation properties and cloting factors...those test should be back later on...at that point, hopefully we can figure out some way to help get the bruises under control...they are very painful.

Over all it has been a crudy week but still we hold tight to the hope that the Lord will soon lift us from grips of the enemy...we are weary...

Greg is on his way up here to the hospial now so we can trade out...I have to go to work for a few hours and then I will be back...

Before I go, I wanted to take afew minutes to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Patrick's mom and dad, Connie and Mike Horton, Cody really enjoyed receiving the mail from you all at the hospital along with the money...he has not stopped telling everyone how we left for x-rays and when we returned there was mail in his bed waiting for him...THANK YOU so much for that bright spot...it means a lot more than you know...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, June 19, 2005 8:46 PM CDT

Hello.

I wanted to take a few minutes to post an update before going to bed...

Everything is pretty much the same...Cody is still showing signs of pnemonia and still growing positive cultures in the central line...in addition, his blood counts are not that great...I continue to be very concerned for him...

Tomorrow they will be doing several different tests on him and I fully expect to be told that are planning to replace the central line...

Aside from all of that, they have added and changed the meds around so many times to try and fight this infection yet do minimal ("more") damage to the kidneys...they also gave him a dose of IVIGg on top of his Cytogam...now as many of our transplant friends know, this is basically the same drug except Cytogam has an extra ingredent which treats for CMV...since Cody has tested positive in the past for CMV, we treat for it through the Cytogam...the reasoning behind the additional dose of straight IVIGg is that it has more Immunoglobins (sp?) anyway...more stuff to help...

Nothing is touching the line infection though...

To top all of that off, Cody has been having a lot of problems with his sugar levels so he has had to receive way more insulin than normal...the platellet count is low so the bruising is HORRIBLE!...the back of his arms where he typically receives his insulin shots are bruised from elbow to arm pit...we finally were able to talk him into trying a new spot...hopefully the bruising in the stomach won't be so bad...

Now apparently a great many of our issues are related to the increased dosage of steroids (big shocker)...well the doctors did finally make the decision that they need to back off of them a little...well that has caused Cody a great deal of pain...his little legs are really feeling hurt him and they had to add pain medicine to his long list of poisions...

This morning, he fell down in the bathroom and hit his head pretty good...I felt really bad for him...he wants so badly to be Cody again...and right now he is just not strong enough to do all of the things he wants to...

Things are going well with Jeremy here...he did well when he saw Cody for the first time on Friday...I know it did him some good to see for himself that Cody's spirit is still well and fighting...

Well...I have another long day ahead of me tomorrow so I will have to let you all go...thank you so much for checking in on us and HAPPY FATHER"S DAY to all of the Daddy's out there...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, June 16, 2005 8:07 PM CDT

I am sorry for not updating earlier today...I know a lot of you have probably been checking in on us today wondering what is happening...to be honest I just did not feel like dealing with anything...

Cody's spirits are really high...it is hard to believe he is sick...and he is doing much better then I thought he would considering he has had to be readmitted...

All three lines actually came back positive for gram negative rods...they identified themselves as Cylepsiella and Indo-something...bottomline, both are typicaly intestinal germs...this news made me very angry...Cody has been having a lot of trouble with his g-tube site leaking...we have been trying to get the doctors to change the size of the button...and for some reason we have not been able to get everyone to agree on what to do...so...nothing gets done...I ordered the new size from home health and was waiting for it to come in (it arrived today) but before that could happen the "crap" leaking from the site has managed to contaminate the central line...

The good news is...we were able to stop the preventive antibiotics for gram positive rods since nothing has come back of that nature...and the lines have not grown any positive gram negative cultures since in over 24 hours...

Cody will have a new chest x-ray tomorrow to determine how he is doing with the whole pnemonia thing...he received his Cytogam and Pentamidine yesterday...hopefully the Pentamidine will have helped his lungs fight off the onset of the pnemonia...

This morning he had to receive more potassium because it had dropped even lower...this just shows the added stress on the kidneys.

The worst thing of all, as far as Cody is concerned, is the low platellet count...this is the worst thing because of all of the bruising...and man, the bruising is horrible...he receives Insulin in the fatty part of the back of the arm and from the elbow to the arm pit he has bruises everywhere...on his right arm he has a bruise that is larger than a golf ball...he has bruises up and down his legs...really it is awful...the bright side though is that he has not fallen low enough to warrant a transfusion...

The ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder came back clear...which is a HUGE relief...the problems with urination seem to be a little bit less troublesome...and the antibiotics he is on should knock anything that may be lurking in the urinary tract...

Overall, I am still very, very hopeful that this will be a short hospital stay...

Now before I go, I have a very important request...our really good friends Carrie and Patrick (angel Jordan's mommy and daddy) are having a pretty rough time right now...a great piece of memorablia from Jordan's life was ruined over the weekend and it has hit them hard...PLEASE say some prayers for our friends as they continue to grieve for their beautiful, amazing, funny, warrior son...

www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan

As for us...I will update again tomorrow when we have news on the x-rays...

And Again, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to pray for us and for leaving such wonderful words of encouragement...it means so much more than you will ever know...

Oh by the way...Jeremy arrives tomorrow...I am very excited, though the conversation explaning to him all he should expect when he sees Cody was a difficult conversation to have...his questions are very similar to the ones that the rest of us have...

Anyway...like I said...more tomorrow...

Good Night...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, June 15, 2005 8:05 AM CDT

Good Morning Faithful Friends and Supporters...You Guys ROCK!!!

During my last update Cody was being readmitted to the hospital...one of his lines grown a Gram Negative bug (it has not identified itself yet, but should sometime today...usually within 24 hours)...he had a fever...and he had been diagnosed with peliminary pnemonia.

With the odds stacked against us...we pleaded for a minimal amount of time for this admission, but alas, his fever spiked to 104.4...his chest has started sounding worse...all of the antibiotics are affecting his kidneys...and another line has grown a Gram Negative culture...

Aside from the antibiotics, they have had to start some electrolytes to stabilize the kidney function...

So far, his spirits are good...but the best case scenario (as I see it) keeps us inpatient for at least 2 weeks...

I am worried for my son...for his mental well-being..for his health...and mostly for his life.

I continue to pray that God will move His healing hand over my son and will take awe the disease that would try to defeat him...

The enemy can't win because the Lord's work is bein accomplished anyway...so regardless of how hard he tries to hold us down...we rise up in the palm of the Lord to a place where VICTORY abounds in and through Christ...

"GET BEHIND ME, SATAN!, YOU ARE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ME!"

Unfortunately, being human, I have not mastered the whole command "Do Not Worry..." While I know that God will provide everything we need, and will not give us anything more than what we can handle...I sometimes fear that the Lord may believe I can handle more than I do...

I will update when we know more...in the meantime, I really appreciate you all checking in on us and signing the guestbook...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 7:14 PM CDT

Well it was a long, very long day in clinic. Cody grew a gram negative culture in less than three hours in the white line...and then the x-rays came back positive for pnemonia...whew hew! We got cheked into our room about an hour or so ago...what was supposed to be a "couple days" in the hospital will likely fan out to be longer than we had hoped...again.

Cody's fever is spiking now 103.2...we are awaiting orders so he can have some Tylenol to bring it down...he has been sleeping on and off through out the day...

The news sucks...but still we remain faithful...one small setback in what I am sure will eventually be a long hiatus away from the hospitals...Cody told me last night he thinks he will grow up to be a doctor...we chatted about the fact that by the time he was strong enough to ride his dirt bike regularly, he would be like one of the old guys we know from church who go dirt bike riding every weekend...old guys like Greg...LoL!!! So he has decided that he will be a doctor and ride dirt bikes on the weekends with his old guy friends...

Jill...yes Cody can have visitors and would absolutely love to see Trevor...just last night he was crying telling me he did not have any friends anymore...

Anyway...I will update more tomorrow or when I know more...thanks for checking in...

-Eleasha

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 10:41 AM CDT

I just left work and stopped by the house to pack a bag. Cody is being readmitted to the hospital. His temperature was 101.7 when he got there. I am not sure what we are dealing with or how long we will be there but please pray.

Thanks.
Eleasha

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 8:11 AM CDT

Last night was much better. Cody actually slept all the way through the night.

Today is clinic day and another dose of Remicabe.

I will update again later...thanks for checking in...sign the guestbook while you are here...it means a lot.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, June 13, 2005 8:56 AM CDT

I just got off of the phone with Dr. Owen. He said that we should keep the g-tube feeds stopped for at least 6 hours and then when we restart them we should do it at only 15ccs per hour. If there are no major problems today, we will just wait and see him tomorrow as scheduled.

-Eleasha

Monday, June 13, 2005 6:32 AM CDT

Well instead of doing two updates, I have decided to post the same entry here that I posted at an online support group I joined over the weekend called Angels on Earth. This group is for anyone dealing or has dealt with illness regardless of what type and regardless age. Just a group of people who get get together through out the day and do their best to help encourage each other.

Anyway...here is my post...

***********************************************************

I am forced to ask myself when will all of this end? Last night was another horrible night for Cody. He was so sick...again. I hate this.

For those who are not familiar with our situation...Cody was diagnosed with ALL and then had to have a bone marrow transplant. Right now (nearly 2.5 years post-transplant) we are dealing with GvHD (graft vs. host disease). GvHD is when the transplanted organ (bone marrow) tries to reject the host (Cody). Normally, people are familiar with HvGD (host v. graft disease) that is when the host (patient) tries to reject the transplanted organ (heart, kidney...etc). Our is reveresed because it is the White Blood Cells which are told to attack a foreign object as if it were a disease...well in our case the White Blood Cells came from somewhere else...my general explantation to people: typically when an organ is transplanted, the WBCs look at it and says "who the heck are you??!!" well in our case the WBCs look around and say "where the heck am I??!!".

Anyway, sorry about the lesson...am just trying to offer some basic information...

In our case, the GvHD has attacked Cody's digestive system with a vengenance. He is g-tube fed but has been "dumping" everything as fast as he gets it. In 2 weeks he lost 9 pounds when this started. That was in March when we were admitted to the hospital. We spent three months there and after starting several new drugs (some exprimental) he seemed to be doing better and were finally released last Wednesday. Before our release, we learned that the GvHD has also started attacking and destroying his Red Blood Cells and Platellets...with close mointoring though they still released us.

Well over the weekend, we have not had much success in maintaining his feeds...as he is once again "dumping"

We are all very worried for him. I could just scream and cry over this. I am trying so hard to stay faithful and believe that everything will be okay...but how much can one kid take...one little body take? All of his organs are showing signs of fighting the battle for so long...it has been almost 6 years since the intitial diagnosis and since they started injecting poisons for the cure...still no cure.

I am so sad...I am praying that the Ultimate Healer will give my child healing and give me strength.
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I will go on to update everyone here on some stuff that I had already posted there...yesterday Cody seemed to be doing better...I was convinced that the issues from Friday were a fluke...Saturday night was great! Then last night everything started again...

In addition, it seems as though he has lost over pound since yesterday as well...I am not sure how much of it may have to do with different clothing...but of course I am worried.

Over the weekend, Greg and I charted all of Cody's bathroom activity along with weight and intake. I also sent a daily e-mail to Dr. Owen. I will be talking to him this morning...for Cody, and for the rest of us...I pray that the answer is not re-admission.

I will update soon.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, June 13, 2005 6:32 AM CDT

Well instead of doing two updates, I have decided to post the same entry here that I posted at an online support group I joined over the weekend called Angels on Earth. This group is for anyone dealing or has dealt with illness regardless of what type and regardless age. Just a group of people who get get together through out the day and do their best to help encourage each other.

Anyway...here is my post...

***********************************************************

I am forced to ask myself when will all of this end? Last night was another horrible night for Cody. He was so sick...again. I hate this.

For those who are not familiar with our situation...Cody was diagnosed with ALL and then had to have a bone marrow transplant. Right now (nearly 2.5 years post-transplant) we are dealing with GvHD (graft vs. host disease). GvHD is when the transplanted organ (bone marrow) tries to reject the host (Cody). Normally, people are familiar with HvGD (host v. graft disease) that is when the host (patient) tries to reject the transplanted organ (heart, kidney...etc). Our is reveresed because it is the White Blood Cells which are told to attack a foreign object as if it were a disease...well in our case the White Blood Cells came from somewhere else...my general explantation to people: typically when an organ is transplanted, the WBCs look at it and says "who the heck are you??!!" well in our case the WBCs look around and say "where the heck am I??!!".

Anyway, sorry about the lesson...am just trying to offer some basic information...

In our case, the GvHD has attacked Cody's digestive system with a vengenance. He is g-tube fed but has been "dumping" everything as fast as he gets it. In 2 weeks he lost 9 pounds when this started. That was in March when we were admitted to the hospital. We spent three months there and after starting several new drugs (some exprimental) he seemed to be doing better and were finally released last Wednesday. Before our release, we learned that the GvHD has also started attacking and destroying his Red Blood Cells and Platellets...with close mointoring though they still released us.

Well over the weekend, we have not had much success in maintaining his feeds...as he is once again "dumping"

We are all very worried for him. I could just scream and cry over this. I am trying so hard to stay faithful and believe that everything will be okay...but how much can one kid take...one little body take? All of his organs are showing signs of fighting the battle for so long...it has been almost 6 years since the intitial diagnosis and since they started injecting poisons for the cure...still no cure.

I am so sad...I am praying that the Ultimate Healer will give my child healing and give me strength.
***********************************************************

I will go on to update everyone here on some stuff that I had already posted there...yesterday Cody seemed to be doing better...I was convinced that the issues from Friday were a fluke...Saturday night was great! Then last night everything started again...

In addition, it seems as though he has lost over pound since yesterday as well...I am not sure how much of it may have to do with different clothing...but of course I am worried.

Over the weekend, Greg and I charted all of Cody's bathroom activity along with weight and intake. I also sent a daily e-mail to Dr. Owen. I will be talking to him this morning...for Cody, and for the rest of us...I pray that the answer is not re-admission.

I will update soon.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, June 11, 2005 2:30 PM CDT

Please keep us in your prayers...especially Cody...last night was the start of the diarreha again...he had us up every two hours...today has been better...but still going more often then he had been up until now...

My biggest fear is of course that this will continue and we will be readmitted...God, please help us...

We are all still very tired...working hard to recover...the prospect of going back in the hospital is an ever present fear...but we are all trying very hard not to claim that to be true...our hope is that the Lord will move His healing hand over Cody NOW and correct this problem...I just want him to be okay and at home...

Please pray with us.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, June 10, 2005 6:17 AM CDT

WOW!

Well...we made it through our first full day at home...I am so tired, I think I could sleep for the next two weeks and still be tired :-}

Wedenesday night was a complete disaster...Greg and Cody did not actually arrive at home until after midnight...I knew we were pushing it to get out the door but that was crazy...you see, we still use the same home infusion company as we did when we were in Durham...so they had to drive all of our meds up from NC...well by the time Greg had everything and could get Cody connected it was after 10 P.M. Then after they got here, Greg realized he had forgotten all of Cody's oral meds in the hospital refrigerator...so...he drove back up there...the poor guy did not get home until after 3 in the morning...

Yesterday morning, we got all of his meds done except for one which we met with the home health nurse so she could teach use how to use an ampule (a glass vial) you have to break the glass and then draw the medicine out with a filtered syringe...when we were done with her, I headed to work...

Last night, I got home kind of late...I made dinner...we administered all of the IV's and then all of the oral meds...we finished up around 11:30 and finally went to bed...

Now...I am up so that I can get everything together for us to head out for clinic...

Cody's spirits are HIGH!!! He is very happy to be home...we are all very happy that he is home...

Riley is really enjoying having his family together again and so am I...

Well...I better get going...I am slower at my new job then I would like to be :-}

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 1:00 PM CDT

Today is the day...

We thought it would be tomorrow but it has worked out for today! PRAISE THE LORD for PRAYERS ANSWERED!!!

Cody will be released from the hospital tonight...we are all very excited and we are all very hopeful that this will be our last inpatient stay forever and ever...

There are many things that need to be done in prepartion...I am very happy that my baby is finally going to get to come home.

I will update in a few days once we have settled in...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, June 6, 2005 5:33 PM CDT

Well we had a very eventful weekend...

Cody had surgery on Friday and then received blood Friday night/ Saturday morning....

Saturday, Cody was premitted to leave the hospital for a few hours to receive his Boy of the Year accolades and help close out that AWESOME event...we had a nice time and were sorry we could not stay for the entire evening...it was great to get out though...

My mom arrived in Norfolk on Thursday and stayed with Cody that night and Saturday night...it was really great having her and I was sad that she had to leave yesterday...she will be back in a few weeks though and I have challenged her to a bet...the winner gets to spend $100 on whatever they want...I am rather confident I will win!!! :-} GO ME!!!

On Sunday morning, Greg and I took Marina and Riley to a lucheon at Olive Branch United Methodist Church...the Jets (kids 9 and under) did a fundraiser in honor of COdy...it was a really great time and we are always in AWE of how amazing the family of God really is...we have only two "must do" projects left to have the house as healthy as possible for Cody...we have to remove the carpet and we have to replace the windows...thanks to the great people of GLOUCESTER COUNTY and folks like the ones at Olive Branch...those things will happen in a time frame that is so much sooner than we could have ever hoped for...

On Sunday afternoon, our family was asked to participate in the annual CHKD/Children's Miracle Network Telethon...it was being broadcasted live on Channel 13...the funny thing was the public relations coordinator who asked us to interview told us it was radio...so we all looked our absolute "BEST" for the TV interview...let me tell you...it was pretty funny...I think Cody in his pajamas and Riley in his new shorts outfit took the cake for best dressed in our group... :-} It was a lot of fun...I did all of the talking as usual no one else would say anything...the news man asked Cody one question to which he responded NO! I don't want tooo...all on live TV...LoL!!! :-} Luckily for us our family loves us anyway!!!

Now...on to medical news...

Cody's counts have been steadily dropping which is apparently a side effect of the Remicabe...that accounts for the blood on Friday night and the downward trend of the platellets...

Aside from that the new drug combination seems to be working very well...Cody is up to 30ccs per hour, which is 1 ounce, on the g-tube feeds...he remains on TPN, Lipids and however many other IV meds...in addition, several of his drugs have been switched back to via the g-tube...we are taking htings very slow though in the hopes that we will not have any more setbacks...

Now...I have saved the best for last...

Dr. Owen was on the unit all last week and he has decided that Cody, so long as nothing changes between now and then, can go home with us handling all of his IVs and TPN as early as this Thursday...we are quickly preparing the house, getting all of our ducks in a row, making sure that we are ready whenever they give the word GO! I called today and placed my order for g-tube supplies so that I could get all of that stuff taken care of before they send me all of the new IV medications...we are all very EXCITED!

Of course, this will only happen if everyone says extra prayers for no more setbacks...so please, please, please ask everyone you know to say a prayer for Cody this week!!!

In the meantime, we are asking that you all send Cody a unique WELCOME HOME present...he loves to collect things from different states and things that are out of the ordinary...so please put your thinking caps on and help us welcome our boy home in style!

****JUST ADDED 1:20 P.M. 6-7-05 SO MANY OF YOU ARE RESPONDING TO THIS REQUEST AND ASKING WHAT YOU CAN SEND...SO I DECIDED TO POST IT HERE...CODY LOVES THOSE LITTLE KEY CHAINS THAT HAVE THE STATE'S LICENSE PLATE AND HIS NAME...LET'S SEE IF WE CAN FIND ALL 50!!! FOR OUR HOME ADDRESS, JUST DROP ME AN E-MAIL eleasha@cox.net****

Well, once we have more news, I will update again...

Until then...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, June 4, 2005 6:32 AM CDT

Cody did well with his surgery...he came out in a lot of pain but he received some meds and he felt better...

Cody had to receive some blood last night because his numbers have been steady falling...

Tonight, he may if everything is going okay, be able to leave and go to the Leukemia Society's Grand Finale for the Boy of the Year...we are very hopeful that he will have the opportunity to make the event as it is very important to him and equally as important to the Society...we look forward to raising lots and lots of money tonight if we have the chance to go...lots and lots of dollars that will be donated to finding a cure!!!

Which of course reminds me, this weekend will be your very last chance to get your story in for the Gold Ribbon Book for COngress...I pray that you will submit your stories right away to help compell Congress to allot more dollars to Childhood Cancer Research...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, June 2, 2005 9:32 PM CDT

Cody will be going in for emergency surgery sometime tomorrow...his temporary central line blew today...

Cody called me at work this morning around 9:30 a.m. to let me know that the line was lekaing and that many doctors were coming in and out to look at him...I talked to the nurse who told me that they were not sure the course of action that would be taken at that time but they were discussing surgery so I let my boss know I was leaving...I finished up a few assignments and headed up to the hospital...

My mom arrived this morning and actually made it to the hospital a little while before me...I was glad htat Cody had someone there with him because I know he was scared even though he sounded very brave...

They have not told us the time yet but please say some extra prayers tomorrow...I am not overly concerned as this is a fairly routine procedure for kids like Cody...the only real concern with a procedure like this is the general anesthesia...Cody has never had any problems with it before so I expect everything to go off without any hitches...

On a sad (but happy) note...we found a good home for our dog today...it was an extremely difficult decision...but we were just having too many issues with her urinating in Cody's bed...with Cody's health the way it is there really was no other choice...I know she will be happy as her new family is home all of the time and she seem to take to them pretty good...we will miss our Gunny Girl but it is best...

All is not lost though...we have comitted to allowing Cody to get another dog...a Golden Retriever...we have learned that these dogs train well and are used regularly as service dogs...we are hopeful that the new addition to the family will fill the void...but leave behind the problems...I will post pictures when Cody finally picks his new friend...

So as the cookie crumbles we look forward to dealing with yet another obstacle tomorrow...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, June 2, 2005 5:48 AM CDT

Good Morning...

Not too much new to report...

Cody remains in the hospital...so far the new drug has caused many headaches...other than that we will not know if it is working for a little while...we will have to monitor him and hopefully this will be our answer.

They did start his feeds yesterday at 10ccs per hour which is not very much...there are 30ccs in an ounce...

My mom will be here today and that will be great...Cody is looking forward to having her here and so am I...of course, the weather is kind of yucky this morning...I really hope it does not affect her flight...

Please continue to pray for our friends Andrew and Ashleigh...they could really use some support...

Also, I know I haven't been bothering you all in a while but this week is pretty much your last chance to get your child's story submitted for the Gold Ribbon Book for Congress...Amy is schedule to be up there soon and we need time to get the book together...PLEASE consider sending in your child's story to help raise awareness and give Congress the push they need to offer more funding to research...

This weekend should be packed full o'fun...Saturday is the Ladies Day at church...Saturday night is the Luekemia Society Man and Woman of the Year Grand Finale and Sunday is the luncheon at Susan's church...I am looking forward to a great weekend with friends and family...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, May 30, 2005 8:41 AM CDT

It has been a nice weekend so far...even nicer to have the extra day off...

Cody was made NPO (nothing by mouth again) on Thursday and since then, he has been doing much better...of course, this is good news, but still worrisome because nothing has been solved as far as his feeds go and until he can tolerate the feeds...he cannot go home.

They started yet another new drug this weekend...we are back up to 13 now not including the two monthly drugs we receive..so 15 all together...the 4 newest drugs treat, fungus, infection, inflamation and depression...WHEW HEW!

I am hopeful that the plan we have in place will work out and Cody will get to come home sooner rather than later...

I know most of you remeber a couple of weeks ago when one of Cody's nurses infused his lipids which are written to run in over 24 hours in under 6 hours...well...it happened again...only this time the nurse infused his lipids in under 2 two hours...last time I took well...this time I handled it well but was extremely firm on what would be done for Cody from this point forward...his nurse will hang the med and the chrage nurse will now come and supervise as the rates are set...we have enough problems without their complete negligence adding to our concerns...I will work more tomorrow, because I honestly feel this is a unit training issue...at least it was lipids...this still causes major stress on the kidneys but obviously if it was a more lethal drug the results of such a mix up could cause Cody or another child their life...Greg and I met with the nurse, the chrage nurse and the nursing supervisor yesterday...tomorrow we continue up the chain...

Last Wednesday, our friend Chris came in to visit from Florida...it has been nice to have her here...she always such a wonderful source of support...Cody has also enjoyed having her here as she spent Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday night in the hospital with him...she leaves today and we will miss her here...

Yesterday, Carrie, ^^Jordan's^^ mom, came to visit...Cody and I had a great time with her at the hospital...we played games and hung out...it would have been great to see Patrick too but he had to work...it's okay though we will see him next time...

This week, Greg and I will be working on getting everything in order for our new hospital schedule...I am looking forward to having more time up there though I know the change is going to make things a little harder for Greg and me...it is worth it for me...I need the piece of mind...especially now that they pulled another major screw up...

Anyway, I will be back in touch soon...I hope you are all having a wonderful MEMORIAL DAY...don't forget to say a prayer for the Armed Services members lost today and the families that are still here to grieve them...after all, that is what this day is about...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, May 27, 2005 6:48 AM CDT

A strange thing that GvH can be...I wish Cody did not have to deal with so much but alas it would seem that the offical word of us starting over was made yesterday when they discontinued the g-tube feeds and started over with TPN...

We will be inpatient a minimum of 30-60 more days...

The bright spot in the day though was when our amazing home infusion company, CORAM, agreed to send us infusion pumps for free until his discharge in the hopes that Cody might still be able to take his passes...Cody has too many problems with his sugar levels on TPN so he has to run over 24 hours...because of this it was the thought that we would not be able to take passes if we are hooked up...starting and stopping is not an option...

The hacky cough seems to be in the upper respitory track...he lungs are still sounding clear...this is wonderful news...

We have a family meeting with Dr. Owen today...maybe there will be some more light shed...I will be asking some hard questions in that meeting...

Mary, thank you so much for your donation...we truly appreciate all that you have been doing to help us...

Connie, it is unfortunate, but even if Cody were to get released at the end of 30 days they would never let him travel...maybe we can plan that trip for you all next year...

Please say some extra prayers for Andrew and his family as well as Ashleigh and her family as they too are struggling with the weight of setbacks...

www.caringbridge.org/page/andrewshope
www.caringbridge.org/nj/ashleigh.ryan

I will update again soon...thanks for stopping by...please sign the guestbook.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, May 26, 2005 7:28 AM CDT

Well good morning and thank you for stopping by...I am feeling better today though there are no improvements...Must have been a lot of people praying for us last night...

Here is a strange thing...I lost my entry from yesterday morning...I tried to add the additional stuff and some how I lost the old stuff...I wish that had not happened as I like to have the journal well kept...some day we will look back on this and laugh? or cry? or something...

Anyway, I just wanted to ask everyone to continue their prayers and as the days progresses if we learn anything new I will write more...

There is one thing...Cody has developed a pretty deep cough which is making him hack through out the night...

Please sign the guestbook while you are here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Wednesday, May 25, 2005 7:26 PM CDT

Well, I have spent most of the day in tears or on the verge of tears...I am having a very difficult wrapping my brain around what we are dealing with and I am not sure if there is anyone who can explain to me exactly what we are dealing with...

I did receive a call from Dr. Owen this morning and went over what we are dealing with now...

As far as the fever is concerned, we will have to wait and see...but his bands were high which means his white blood cells are up and if they are working as instructed, they should be out there trying to fight off whatever the problem may be...of course, the medium concern is that we are fighting some type of infection...the major concern is that Leukemia simply put is the mass-production of white blood cells that are immature...I don't know about you but if I have to choose, I chose an infection...and if from there I have a choice, I choose an infection that is easy to fight...my first guess is that we are dealing with a line infection as Cody has always been prone to them...so while I would prefer not to claim anything...if I have to deal with any of it I guess that would be the easiest to deal with...a line infection brings its own problems though...if the infection is gram positive they will place Cody on Vancomycin which is the same drug that spun him into renal failure post-transplant...

In addition to the fever concerns and what they might mean...Cody is still have a considerable amount of stool and with his weight dropping again today...they have made the decisions to place him back on TPN...in other words square one...I was told that Cody is not progressing and with him losing so much weight this was our only choice...he has lost close to 15 pounds since March...he weighs only 40 pounds...in perspective, Riley weighs like 37...so...

Now the explanation for the weight loss and stooling out and decline is the GvHD...Dr.K. ordered a new drug today which is an antibody therapy...this drug is not even available at our hospital so it will have to be order...the side effects are lengthy and severe as well...but from what I gather though noone has said it directly, we are running out of medical treatments...

The severe muscle atrophy is from the extremely high doses of steroids...Dr.K. told me that today and before now not one person bother to offer that little tid bit of information...sure would have been helpful before I started thinking the worse...

I was told today that Cody has a minimum of 30 days left in the hospital...yes I did just say 30 days...with that said, I think that is a liberal number and coming from a pack of conservative doctors what do you suppose that means we are really dealing with here???

I don't know...

I was also told today that it will get worse...how much worse can it get? Nevermind...we won't think about that...

Dr.K. said she has seen kids get as sick as Cody and still have a chance to recover...I am not sure if I should be happy or sad by that statement...

I choose to be hopeful...

I am left to wonder what the trial is...

Is it of my faith?

I am doing my best to stay faithful and focus on the One who has the true answers...it is difficult at best

Is it to obey and not fear?

I am failing miserably...I tell myself to be obiedent and trust in the Lord's plan...by I am fearful...fearful for what is happening to my son...more fearful for may happen to me without him...

Is it to shine my light while I am drowning in the darkness?

HEAR ME NOW!!! I KNOW CHRIST...I TRUST HIM TO SAVE ME, TO SAVE MY SON...NO MATTER HOW FAR DOWN THE ENEMY TAKES ME...I WILL HOLD FAST TO THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THE BATTLE HAS ALREADY BEEN WON!!! THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE SOMEWHERE...

Why are we here? Why is this happening? Or better yet, what exactly is happening?

If anyone knows, please tell me...

For so long we have been on this journey...I have had my ups and downs...I have faced the journey with as much faith as I can muster...I offer support to as many as I can...I reach out...but I am broken...I am lost...I am fearful and I am ashamed...fear is not the answer...faith is...may God please move His peace upon my soul...upon my mind...upon my heart...may God please stop the pain and rebuke my enemies...

Well, believe it or not there is some good news...see always some hope...I spoke to my boss and he was very receptive to my proposal for working shorter days and having someone else cover me...and then before the day ended God gave me my helper...so starting week after next I will be spending more time with Cody at the hosptial while still maintaining my job...I will get into it more later on when I am up to it...

I think now it is a good time to go to bed...

Eleasha

Wednesday, May 25, 2005 7:26 AM CDT

Wednesday, May 25, 2005 7:26 PM CDT

Well, I have spent most of the day in tears or on the verge of tears...I am having a very difficult wrapping my brain around what we are dealing with and I am not sure if there is anyone who can explain to me exactly what we are dealing with...

I did receive a call from Dr. Owen this morning and went over what we are dealing with now...

As far as the fever is concerned, we will have to wait and see...but his bands were high which means his white blood cells are up and if they are working as instructed, they should be out there trying to fight off whatever the problem may be...of course, the medium concern is that we are fighting some type of infection...the major concern is that Leukemia simply put is the mass-production of white blood cells that are immature...I don't know about you but if I have to choose, I chose an infection...and if from there I have a choice, I choose an infection that is easy to fight...my first guess is that we are dealing with a line infection as Cody has always been prone to them...so while I would prefer not to claim anything...if I have to deal with any of it I guess that would be the easiest to deal with...a line infection brings its own problems though...if the infection is gram positive they will place Cody on Vancomycin which is the same drug that spun him into renal failure post-transplant...

In addition to the fever concerns and what they might mean...Cody is still have a considerable amount of stool and with his weight dropping again today...they have made the decisions to place him back on TPN...in other words square one...I was told that Cody is not progressing and with him losing so much weight this was our only choice...he has lost close to 15 pounds since March...he weighs only 40 pounds...in perspective, Riley weighs like 37...so...

Now the explanation for the weight loss and stooling out and decline is the GvHD...Dr.K. ordered a new drug today which is an antibody therapy...this drug is not even available at our hospital so it will have to be order...the side effects are lengthy and severe as well...but from what I gather though noone has said it directly, we are running out of medical treatments...

The severe muscle atrophy is from the extremely high doses of steroids...Dr.K. told me that today and before now not one person bother to offer that little tid bit of information...sure would have been helpful before I started thinking the worse...

I was told today that Cody has a minimum of 30 days left in the hospital...yes I did just say 30 days...with that said, I think that is a liberal number and coming from a pack of conservative doctors what do you suppose that means we are really dealing with here???

I don't know...

I was also told today that it will get worse...how much worse can it get? Nevermind...we won't think about that...

Dr.K. said she has seen kids get as sick as Cody and still have a chance to recover...I am not sure if I should be happy or sad by that statement...

I choose to be hopeful...

I am left to wonder what the trial is...

Is it of my faith?

I am doing my best to stay faithful and focus on the One who has the true answers...it is difficult at best

Is it to obey and not fear?

I am failing miserably...I tell myself to be obiedent and trust in the Lord's plan...by I am fearful...fearful for what is happening to my son...more fearful for may happen to me without him...

Is it to shine my light while I am drowning in the darkness?

HEAR ME NOW!!! I KNOW CHRIST...I TRUST HIM TO SAVE ME, TO SAVE MY SON...NO MATTER HOW FAR DOWN THE ENEMY TAKES ME...I WILL HOLD FAST TO THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THE BATTLE HAS ALREADY BEEN WON!!! THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE SOMEWHERE...

Why are we here? Why is this happening? Or better yet, what exactly is happening?

If anyone knows, please tell me...

For so long we have been on this journey...I have had my ups and downs...I have faced the journey with as much faith as I can muster...I offer support to as many as I can...I reach out...but I am broken...I am lost...I am fearful and I am ashamed...fear is not the answer...faith is...may God please move His peace upon my soul...upon my mind...upon my heart...may God please stop the pain and rebuke my enemies...

Well, believe it or not there is some good news...see always some hope...I spoke to my boss and he was very receptive to my proposal for working shorter days and having someone else cover me...and then before the day ended God gave me my helper...so starting week after next I will be spending more time with Cody at the hosptial while still maintaining my job...I will get into it more later on when I am up to it...

I think now it is a good time to go to bed...

Eleasha

Monday, May 23, 2005 6:01 AM CDT

Sorry I have waited so long in between updates...there has been a lot going on...

As you know, Cody got his first pass last Wednesday...he wanted to go bowling...Riley and I drove to meet him and Greg but before we could even get through all of the tunnel traffic, bowling was over...it seems that with the muschle atrophy being as bad as it is...Cody was not able to handle his bowling ball...we went ahead and met them at the furniture store where we picked out our new furniture and then we went to get the boys haircuts...all in all it wasn't what we had hoped but we enjoyed having Cody out of the hospital for those few hours...

On Thursday, Greg had to come home and wait for the new furniture to be delivered...since Cody's paternal grandmother was schedule to come in for the weekend, I decided to go ahead and spend Thursday night at the hospital with Cody...I knew that his grandma would want to be up there the rest of the time so I got my time in a little early this week...

On Saturday, Cody had his second pass...he and his grandma had made a list of things he wanted to do...I picked them up and we were on our way...first, we went to Toys R Us...believe it or not he focused on board games and some small toys...after that we went on to the GameStop where he picked out one video game...then we went to the mall, were he racked up on new clothes...grandma went all out...which we appreciate since his dad doesn't typically like to help us out with things like that...toys and games (yes) clothes (no)...

Yesterday, I went picked them up a little bit later and we went to see Triple X - State of the Union...it was alright...none of us were interested in trying to see the Star Wars movie with all the crowds so we will wait on that one...of course, Greg already saw it :-} After then movie, we went to Wal-Mart where Cody finished up his grnadma shopping with some hats, underwear and a few more toys...

I have a young lady coming this morning to start cleaning the house...we will be having her come every other week as we are back to not being able to clean with Cody home...but to be honest, the whole house gets pretty neglected with us living back and forth between the hospital and home right now any way...so this will be a much needed and desired (by me anyway) addition to our lives...

Later on, Cody will get to see his great grnad parents and his great uncle all from his dad's side as they are coming in from Philapdelphia...this afternoon they will head out...somewhere in the midst of all of that, Dr. Byrd will come on rotation this week and we begin talking about a release goal and what else needs to be done to get to that point...I cannot wait...I am hopeful and prayerful that the answers will be sooner rather than later...

Please keep us in prayer especially today while we await news on when the doctors will let us go home :-}

Also, please stop by and sign the guestbook while you are here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. DON'T FORGET TIME IS RUNNING OUT...SUBMIT YOUR CHIDLHOOD CANCER STORY TODAY FOR THE GOLD RIBBON BOOK FOR CONGRES...WE HAVE RECEIVED QUITE A FEW REALLY GREAT STORIES BUT WE NEED MORE...PLEASE SEND IT IN TODAY...THANKS!

Wednesday, May 18, 2005 9:28 AM CDT

I want to thank everyone for all of their support...I really truly appreciate the outpouring of concern...it means more than you know...

I am feeling better today than yesterday and yesterday was better than the day before...obviously. I do know that my ex needs lots and lots of prayers...so add him to your prayer list...I have been praying for him for a long time and sometimes the best I can do is pray that he gets what he deserves...on good days I can pray for God to deliver him from the ties that bind and from the grips of the enemy...

Anyway...Cody is doing about the same...they are still not allowing him to eat anything and by mouth the only thing is allowed to have is water...they did start the meds and stop the old meds yesterday...on Monday he was still stooling out but yesterday his output was less...so we are hoping that he is on his way to recovering...

Dr. Owen did in fact come through on the passes and until he is released, Cody will be allowed to have 3 passes a week...we have decided that we will take him out on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday...today will be his first pass, he has requested to go bowling...SO, bowling it is...he and Greg will leave the hospital around 4 p.m. and make their way over to the Base bowling alley...I am very excited for him...

In the meantime...if Cody continues to progress and he has no adverse reactions to the new medications, then we are to reevaluate his release date on Monday...we are all very hopeful...

Finally...I wanted to remind everyone to PLEASE submit your stories of dealing with Childhood Cancer to me as soon as possible...our book is growing but it is still not BIG enough...also, for our supporters, we are asking that you all take a moment and contact your Congress person and ask that they please support Childhood Cancer Research...we need more dollars to help provide less invasive treatments with fewer side effects and more research for an actual cure...your support is NEEDED and APPRECIATED!

Again, thanks to everyone for so much support...YOU GUYS ROCK!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, May 16, 2005 1:20 PM CDT

Good Afternoon and thank you for stopping by to check in on the Little Man...

It has been another long weekend with little progress...Cody was increased on his g-tube feeds over the week last week and by Saturday he was once again stooling out...we had to back off the feeds and maintain at a slower rate...it has been and continues to be exteremely frustrating...

Dr. Owen called me at work this morning and told me that Dr.K. said that she feels comfortable we have done everything we can to treat for Nemotosis only and since we have not been able to make any real progress it is likely that the RotoVirus set off a bout with GvH that we are just not having any luck getting under control...she has, with much reluctance, decided to change around his meds...he will no longer be taking Cellcept instead he will begin on Ciralimus...in addition, we will be increasing our steroids and shooting for a higher troft level on the FK...hopefully this will all work out to solve our problem...aside from that, G.I. is being consulted to add some enzyme therapies with the Viokase that tend to help with the "dumping" snydrome...Dr. Owen has agreed that if Cody remains stable and does well with the med changes that we will be able to consider going home next week...throughout the remainder of the week though, Cody will be starting PT which is a relief, the muscle atrophy is horrible...Dr. Owen will also be checking into some passes so we can Cody out of the hospital for a few hours at a time, that will help tremendously as Cody has been really depressed...

Now as if I didn't have enough to deal with...Cody's father and his recently certified Medical Assistant girlfriend have decided that our doctors are stupid and they are, of course, the ultimate experts in the field of G.I. and GvH...today, he loudly expressed over the telephone to me that it is my fault that Cody is still sick and he thinks I should send Cody to live with him and his girlfirend and his mommy...so Cody can get treatment at Cardinal Glennon...Now I am sure that Cardinal Glennon is a great facility but that does not mean that they would have any more answers than the ones that we have already gotten (or not gotten for that matter) from our highly qualified team at CHKD and Duke...

He went on to say that because of all this BS...he hasn't had any time with Cody for pretty much all of the past five years (mind you, Greg and I begged them to come to Durham and help us through transplant...for a week, a month, anything...but he was too busy or whatever)...he went on to tell me that it shouldn't matter to me where Cody gets treated since I work all of the time and don't stay at the hospital with Cody anymore anyway...

I was at work when he dumped this on me so needless to say I wasn't able to "properly" address his comments...I tried to skip over them and just discuss what the new treatment plan included but he was uninterested in letting the conversation go so I ended the call...

It was a hard pill to swallow as I have been doing all that I can...

I beat myself up enough on my own for not keeping my usual bedside vigil...for the past six years since diagnosis I have given up jobs and placed my family life on hold for two years before I met Greg...Cody and I did it all on our own...the choices I have made for fear of keeping a job, going to work and missing something, a moment, a necessary procedure, anything with my child have led us to file for bankruptcy...to place other life decisions on hold...to put everything else on the absolute backburner...Greg participated and did that with me while Ben continued to live his life free from the concerns, the stresses and the financial burdens...Going back to work this pass January was a decision we made on the basis that now we were stable...I thought going back to work made sense...who knew this setback was going to turn into so many weeks and I don't know what to do...we are just trying to maintain...financially and emotionally...this has been a long, long journey...I am spent...the enemy can stop at anytime now...

I feel like I am a horrible parent all by myself...I certainly do not need my ex reinforcing those feelings adding his two cents about how awful I am...you know, typically I blow him off but today he hit me on all of the things that are bothering me most...Greg said it is funny to hear this coming from the guy who never even bothers to pick up the telephone and call Cody to see how he is doing...regardless...now I am miserable...

BUT...there is a bright spot...maybe next week we will be able to bring Cody home...

Please keep up the prayers...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, May 12, 2005 11:38 AM CDT

Hello and thanks for checking in...

Unfortunately nothing has changed since our last update...Cody is still not allowed to have anything except water and they are working on his g-tube feeds...they has been increasing the rate of the feeds 10 cc's per hour per day...I wish I could say that more has happened to point us toward the direction of home but even the doctor told us that there was no end in sight on rounds Tuesday...

It has become very discerning...I just really wish that it would end...not just for Cody but for the rest of the family as well...we are all tired of living in two different places...having family time on the phone...and, and, and...

Regardless we are keeping our spirits up and doing whatever we can to make the time go by and get Cody better...

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has stopped by to welcome Baby Jesse to the Caringbridge family...his mommy posted a picture and you all MUST go see it :-} he is the cutest little thing...while you are there let them know Cody sent you to say hi...and of course, keep them in your prayers...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/jesseman

Now on to my normal begging for life stories from the Cancer moms out there...as you all know we are working with our friend Amy to obtain your story for the GOLD RIBBON BOOK FOR CONGRESS...this book will tell our stories to the men and women in Washington D.C. and hopefully compell them to vote more dollars towards research and a cure...as anyone who has battled with Childhood Cancer can tell you less evasive treatment with higher recovery rates and less side effects is paramont...PLEASE consider submitting your story TODAY!!!

I am adding a new request here as well...in addition to the Cancer families who are going through the actual treatments and issues...YOU, our supporters can help as well...CALL YOUR CONGRESS PERSON TODAY, WRITE LETTERS...Let them know your experience dealing with these diseases up close and personal or from afar...TELL THEM THAT YOU WANT YOUR TAX DOLLARS TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER...To find out how to contact your Congress Person...check out this link

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

I pray that each of you will consider making the call or writing the letter or adding your story today...this is so important...

Anyway...that's all for now...I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, May 9, 2005 8:46 AM CDT

It has been a long weekend...

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY...

Cody has still not been allowed to eat anything...they did allow him to start drinking water and they started the g-tube feeds back up over the weekend...he is exteremely frustrated and would like nothing more than to leave the hospital and come home...to which I concur.

We did have a nice weekend together though...we spent a lot of time making bracelets for all of the moms that had to work yesterday and all of the moms that had kids in the hospital...we walked around and Cody allowed each mom to choose which bracelet she would like...he received many accolades for his hard work and he seemed to enjoy that greatly...

Cody's teacher and assistant principal from his school stopped by to see him on Saturday...he had fun talking to them and reading through all of the post cards "from" Egypt that his classmates created for him...I was able to review the work he had done to date and she dropped off the next batch of work for him to get started on...we did find out that Cody will advance to the third grade and that he will be attending summer school in July...he was not happy about that decision...

Overall the general census from our entire family is enough already...so pray that soon we can be home together as a family again...

~~~~PRAYER REQUEST~~~~

PLEASE PRAY FOR BABY JESSE AND HIS MOMMY SHANNON AND THE REST OF THEIR FAMILY AS THEY AWAIT TEST RESULTS TO DETERMINE WHAT JOURNEY LIES AHEAD OF THEM...THEY WILL SOON BE NEW MEMBERS TO THE CARINGBRIDGE FAMILY...WHEN I HAVE THEIR INFO I WILL POST IT SO YOU CAN DROP BY AND LEACE WORDS OF LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT...IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE ADD THEM TO YOUR PRAYER CHAINS.

***UPDATE 5-10-05 THEY HAVE THEIR CB PAGE SET UP...YOU CAN VISIT THEM AT WWW.CARINGBRIDGE.ORG/NC/JESSEMAN ... LET THEM KNOW CODY SENT YOU***

~~~DON'T FORGET~~~

Don't forget to submit your story for the Gold Ribbon Book for Congress...your family's story of battling Childhood Cancer can help bring government dollars to Cure Research! The next generation of "Cancer Kids" may have the opportunity to under go less invasive treatments...suffer less side effects...have a greater survival rates...YOUR STORY COULD SAVE LIVES...PLEASE, this is so simple...send your story to me at eleasha@cox.net and my friend Amy will make sure that it is placed in a book that will bound and left for Congress to review...your story can be entered in by utilizing the introduction from your CaringBridge page...you can also include artwork and photographs...the more the better!!! Let's give them a face with a name...a story...a journey...Let's give them a reason to give DOLLARS FOR A CURE!!!

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, May 5, 2005 7:54 AM CDT

Good Morning!

Thank you for stopping by to check in on Cody...

Basically we are still the same...they did take him off of Contact Isolation so he is once again allowed to venture out of his room...that is a really BIG DEAL when you are "Locked Up" for as long as he has been...

Dr.K.'s plan has him progressing...hopefully they will be able to begin the elemental diet today and maybe they will allow him to start drinking again today...

So progress is good...

Please pray that God will work to get Cody healthy and home again soon...

I placed a request near the top of the page for care packages for Cody...Please feel free to forward them to him in the hospital, the address is listed below...He is enjoying a lot of crafty things lately...I guess anything to keep him busy and his mind off of the fact that he is stuck in the hospital...

REMINDER...

Today is the National Day of Prayer...be sure to take a few minutes to Pray for our country, our President, our Leaders, and our Military...Pray that God will continue to bless and that He will flood the hearts of all who lead us with His will and direction for our country...

FINALLY...

Don't forget to submit your story for the Gold Ribbon Book for Congress...your family's story of battling Childhood Cancer can help bring government dollars to Cure Research! The next generation of "Cancer Kids" may have the opportunity to under go less invasive treatments...suffer less side effects...have a greater survival rates...YOUR STORY COULD SAVE LIVES...PLEASE, this is so simple...send your story to me at eleasha@cox.net and my friend Amy will make sure that it is placed in a book that will bound and left for Congress to review...your story can be entered in by utilizing the introduction from your CaringBridge page...you can also include artwork and photographs...the more the better!!! Let's give them a face with a name...a story...a journey...Let's give them a reason to give DOLLARS FOR A CURE!!!

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. Shannon...WHERE ARE YOU???

Tuesday, May 3, 2005 4:57 PM CDT

Well...

Yesterday brought news of more issues...

It started on Saturday when Cody began to have diarrhea again...as the weekend went it got worse but we still had hope that the "plan" we had would make a difference...unfortunately, it did not.

When I called to check in with Cody yesterday morning I could tell he still wasn't feeling well...I asked to speak to his nurse and she explained that his diarrhea had increased and he was now stooling out (meaning he was putting out as much as he was taking in)...he also had some blood in the stool and so they placed him back on contact precautions making it necessary for him to stay in his room (no more walks or playroom activities)...I left work and headed up to the hospital so that I could meet with the Specialist that would be coming in to see him through out the rest of the day...

Everyone had interesting things to say but of course no one has any real idea of what we are dealing with...the thought is that he has some major irritation in the digestive tract, maybe in the small intestine which some of you may remember came back looking pretty bad when they did the biopsies in March...this type of irritation and these sort of issues are apparently long term side effects of chemotherapy and radiation...overall everything is a guess...they did decide to start doing a whole new series of testing and they had some ideas of what they planned to try to do to correct our latest problem...we are of course very frustrated for the lack of answers and the newest setback...it would seem that we are able to take one step forward and two steps back...

Today brought us even more bad news...

I got to the hospital this morning just in time for them to put a big fat sign up on Cody's door that once again read NPO until further notice...this means that once again he is allowed to have nothing by mouth and they have had to place him back on IV food and meds...Cody's x-Ray from last night showed that the intestines were once again leaking air and bile into the abdominal wall...again this is exteremely frustrating...

Dr. Werner spoke with Dr.K. and she said that she would like to see Cody NPO only until his diarrhea is under control and then she would like him placed on an elemental diet at a very slow rate...elemental formula is formaula that is already broken down in its completely digested forms...the body does not have to work as hard to take what it needs and process it...it is our hope that this will solve the problem by helping his digestive tract do what it needs to do with a formula that is less abrassive...

I don't know...at least it is a plan...

I have been trying really hard to focus my eyes toward the heavens and ignore the taunting of the enemy...on my way into the hospital this morning I was plagued with this horrible thoughts of losing Cody...I finally screamed out at the top of my lungs...LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I was listening to the Christian radio station so I turned it up and it helped a little bit...but it has been a rough day...plus I am tired.

I am praying for a time that will bring our family back together at home...a time for less stress...a time when the battle has been won in and through Christ...a time for comfort...

****PRAISE REPORT****

The guys did come in over the weekend and install the new air conditioner and filtration system...it is amazing...I am so grateful to our friends and church family...and I am forever in awe by how the Lord will always provide for our needs even beyond our wildest dreams...Yesterday when I came home from the hospital it was nearly 9:30 p.m. and I walked in to find my house cleaned from top to bottom...a couple of ladies from the church had taken their day and spent it to bless our home...again we are amazed at how and what the Lord provides...it was so refreshing to walk into my house and see it really really cleaned as opposed to just sort of cleaned up...as most of my frequent stay hospital friends can atest...the house is the first thing to go...anyway, we are truly grateful...

PRAISE GOD!

Don't forget to submit your story for the Gold Ribbon Book for Congress...your family's story of battling Childhood Cancer can help bring government dollars to Cure Research! The next generation of "Cancer Kids" may have the opportunity to under go less invasive treatments...suffer less side effects...have a greater survival rates...YOUR STORY COULD SAVE LIVES...PLEASE, this is so simple...send your story to me at eleasha@cox.net and my friend Amy will make sure that it is placed in a book that will bound and left for Congress to review...your story can be entered in by utilizing the introduction from your CaringBridge page...you can also include artwork and photographs...the more the better!!! Let's give them something they cannot say NO! to...

I guess that is all for now...I will update again soon...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, May 2, 2005 7:57 PM CDT

No news it NOT good news in this case...Although usually that holds true...lately we have been drowning in bad news...

I relieved Greg at the hospital on Friday and it looked as though we were on the fast track for heading home....and then Saturday the diarrhea started...again...

I came home from the hospital and went to work this morning thinking that we had a plan and everything was well on its way to being under control...and then the phone rang...Cody was having more diarrhea with blood in the stool...and he is actually putting out nearly as much as he is taking in...they decided that he would need to see some additional specialists...I left work and headed to the hospital...I will be there again tomorrow and then Greg will be there Wednesday and Thursday...

They have placed Cody back on contact isolation and there is no hope for us being released any time soon...I am so sad for Cody as he really has had his share of the hospital for this year...I think by the time we get released we may actually have been i nlonger then when we underwent the transplant...

I am too tired to try and explain everything right now, I apologize...hopefully tomorrow when I get back home I will be better up to trying to explain all of the medical issues...for now please know that we need your prayers and support...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

TUESDAY 6:02 A.M. EST

I forgot to add my Gold Ribbon Days paragraph last night when I updated and I wanted to remind you all that this is exteremely important...Gold Ribbon Days is actually in June so we have a little more time then I thought...PLEASE, if you have a child with cancer, consider donating your story to this cause...My friend Amy will binding a Gold Ribbon Book for Congress which will be a "leave behind" for them to look at later...this book will include artwork, photgraphs, and stories of children who are and have struggled with Childhood Cancer...Our hope is that these stories will help pursuade Congress to offer more funding to Childhood Cancer...this is an easy way to advocate for your child...the story you include can be as simple as the introduction on your Carinbridge page...don't forget pictures are an amazing tool as well...the story with a face can be more powerful than you know...PLEASE send your story today eleasha@cox.net

Thursday, April 28, 2005 7:22 AM CDT

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 5:35 AM CDT

*******ATTENTION ALL CANCER MOMS...MY FRIEND AMY WILL BE HEADING TO WASHINGTON TO SPEAK TO THE CONGRESS FOR GOLD RIBBON DAYS...SHE HAS DECIDED TO PUT TOGETHER A BOOK OF STORIES FROM FAMILIES LIKE US TO COMPELL CONGRESS TO SUPPORT MORE RESEARCH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER...PLEASE DONATE YOUR STORY TO THIS CAUSE AS IT CAN HELP SAVE MORE LIVES IN THE FUTURE...IN ADDITION, IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON ATTENDING THE EVENT, LET ME KNOW!!! THANK YOU*********

Okay before I go into all that happened yesterday, I want to let you all know how important the request above really is...Thousands of kids are diagnosed with cancer every year...childhood cancer is the number one cause of death in children...this year Congress has planned to take away over $2 million dollars of the funding that was available...Childhood Cancer research receives less than a quarter of the funding that Breat Cancer Research receives (mind you there are more women diagnosed yearly with breast cancer then there are children who are diagnosed but the strives that have been made in treating breat cancer are amazing because the funding was there for that research to be completed) Breat Cancer research receives so many research dollars because women fighting the battle and their families and supporters, raise their voices and advocate to Congress so that other women will not go undetected or so that when they are detected there is a comprehensive treatment plan...AREN'T CHILDREN JUST AS IMPORTANT? DON'T THEY DESERVE THE BEST, MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS POSSIBLE? Personally, I feel an obligation to fight for the next child, that they would not have to go through all of the hardships that Cody has had to go through...I have sent many of you a personal e-mail requesting your stories...I pray that you will respond, please feel free to include pictures and anything else that is placed on your heart...time is running out, Gold Ribbon Days kick off in less than two weeks and in order for your story to be included in the Gold Ribbon Book for Congress, you must act now.

Okay now that I am done with the Sermon on the Mount...

Cody had nearly 8 hours of testing yesterday...they added some other test which prooved to be quite invasive and in the end the doctors decided that he could start on some clear liquids...

The news was devastating to Cody but we quickly helped him find the brighter side and gave him everything from popsicles to jello...from lemonade to apple juice...he seemed happy but was still counting down until he would be able to eat some food with substance this morning...

The preliminary results from his testing came back okay or they would not have allowed him to have anything...the final results should be back in a day or two...

Barring anything awful from the test results, I suspect that we will start working towards moving his feeds and medications back to via g-tube...once that has been accomplished, then we should be released...my guesstimate is sometime around the 15th of May...

I appreciate all of the love and support that we continue to receive from you all...it means more than you know...thanks.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, April 25, 2005 2:52 PM CDT

*******ATTENTION ALL CANCER MOMS...MY FRIEND AMY WILL BE HEADING TO WASHINGTON TO SPEAK TO THE CONGRESS FOR GOLD RIBBON DAYS...SHE HAS DECIDED TO PUT TOGETHER A BOOK OF STORIES FROM FAMILIES LIKE US TO COMPELL CONGRESS TO SUPPORT MORE RESEARCH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER...PLEASE DONATE YOUR STORY TO THIS CAUSE AS IT CAN HELP SAVE MORE LIVES IN THE FUTURE...IN ADDITION, IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON ATTENDING THE EVENT, LET ME KNOW!!! THANK YOU*********

Well, I would love to share with you how much Cody enjoyed his first meal after 15 days and what that meal consisted of, unfortunately, instead of celebrating another hurdle conquered, we have spent most of the day fighting for Cody's right to eat...

This morning, a surgical resident made the decision to pull Cody off of the testing schedule for one of the test that are required to clear him from NPO status...the statement was made to us that there are "sicker kids that need testing" As you can imagine, that went over about as well as a fart in church...

I have on the phone on and off since 9:40 this morning when the news was told to me that he had to wait until tomorrow to receive an upper g.i. with a bowel follow through...

For some reason, the statement that there was an emergency or that there were sicker kids just did not sit with me...so I called them on their bull and I was right...the Patient Advocate told me that was not true and that they made a mistake...a mistake that they were not willing to tell us themselves but made her tell us instead...

The test will take approximately 6 hours or longer so he may not even get the chance to eat tomorrow until late afternoon...I am so upset for him I cannot even discribe it to you...What can possibly make some one think that it would be okay to place my son on the back burner like this...he has patiently waited for 15 days to eat and drink and now some idiot pulls him from the testing schedule so he has to suffer longer...I am livid...

I considered leaving work to go up tehre and yell at people but decided that Greg with his level head would probably accomplish more than I could today...

Unfortunately, even after being taken as high as it could go, there was no way for them to perform the test so late in the day...as they effectively drug their feet until after 2:30 p.m.

I am sad for my son...

I called to break the news and he tried to keep a strong voice for me but I could tell he was crying...that just made it worse.

Please pray for Cody that the Lord will provide him comfort from the pain of hunger...

Please pray for me that the Lord will provide me peace from the rage...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, April 24, 2005 3:00 PM CDT

*******ATTENTION ALL CANCER MOMS...MY FRIEND AMY WILL BE HEADING TO WASHINGTON TO SPEAK TO THE CONGRESS FOR GOLD RIBBON DAYS...SHE HAS DECIDED TO PUT TOGETHER A BOOK OF STORIES FROM FAMILIES LIKE US TO COMPELL CONGRESS TO SUPPORT MORE RESEARCH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER...PLEASE DONATE YOUR STORY TO THIS CAUSE AS IT CAN HELP SAVE MORE LIVES IN THE FUTURE...IN ADDITION, IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON ATTENDING THE EVENT, LET ME KNOW!!! THANK YOU*********

I can almost hear Cody singing "Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ya Tomorrow..."

It has been a terrible time for him this past week as as he has watched the calendar waiting for the day until he could again eat and drink...

Tomorrow is the big day...they will let us know sometime during the day when and if he can eat again...

Other than the starving part he has grown exteremely restless and I have grown weary...I am very tired this week...tired of my family living in two different places...there is nothing I can do about it...so I pray and seek comfort from the One who can provide it...

I left the hospital this morning so that I could trade places with Greg...on the way into town I realized it was early enough to still catch some time at church so I did...I looked like the cat dragged me in since i was just on my home from the hospital but I was happy to be there in the presence of the Lord...

After I got home, Greg finished getting ready and then left to go back up to the hospital...

The contractor from Middle Peninsula Contracting came by today to take some measurements and get us ready for the installation of our new AC system with the filtering system that we need (actually it is even nicer then what we need) we are grateful that the church and Hunters Contracting has played such an amazing role in accomplishing so many wonderful things for Cody...We are also grateful for the fact that step dad's business was able to help out with some of the expenses involved...

We are still in the midst of doing some personal fundraising to cover some other large expenses that we were not able to plan for in advance...all things that will be major benefits to us all...

I want to say thank to so many people who have continued to reach out and support us...Mary, your support has been amazing thank you...

I will update again soon...Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, April 20, 2005 7:53 AM CDT

Good Morning...

It has been a long couple of weeks for Cody and the rest of the family but we are making our way through it...

Cody had another series of x-rays yesterday and they still show air but the air is subsiding...

Greg and I made the decision to drop out of the team of the year competition. It is an intense fundraising campaign done over a ten week period and unfortunately with us living in two different places and Cody being in the hospital there is no way for us to focus our energy on the goal. Aside from that, with all that has been happening and with everything we are needing to do with the house, it has become necessary for us to focus our fundraising efforts on personal needs.

Cody is still being honored as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Boy of the Year and as long as he is not inpatient we will still have the opportunity to attend the finale...

Greg called yesterday and let me know that Pastor Ken, the Senior Pastor from church, stopped by the hospital to see Cody...they both enjoyed the visit a lot and I was grateful that the Pastor made the trip...we truly are blessed by our new church family...

God is so AWESOME!

I had the opportunity to converse with my boss the other day...now since my employment began, I have been absent more then I would care to be, especially since it is a new job, but they have been wonderful and understanding...anyway...my boss had some issues to discuss with me but had opted not to do it because of all that I was dealing with at home and the hospital...

I shared with him, rather matter of fact, that this is my life...our life together as a family...and while some people look our situation and balk...we realize that this is our journey...and that walking on eggshells or being cautious of presenting other problems to me was an necessary burden...as these work problems are sometimes a refresshing change...

You see, we deal with Life and Death every single day...and to be honest I am not sure that there is any problem bigger then the one face daily as we attempt to ward off the enemy...as we battle to keep our son healthy and alive...as we fight to remain faithful...as we take solace in the arms of the Father...as we make our way down the path...as we continue on the journey...

Occassionally, I lose sight of the greater purpose...the purpose, while it has not been exactly revealed to me, has been laid out on a course ahead of me...and when I lose sight...I am reminded by review of my life verse posted above to "rejoice that you are participating in the sufferings of Christ"

So my goal each day is to find the peace in the journey...and as cliche as it may sound...share the love...and while I never would have chose this path or decided to embark upon this journey...I choose to embrace it and find all of the joy and reward that it is able to bring...

My heart is sometimes sad...my eyes are sometimes filled with tears...my head is sometimes pounding...my hands are sometimes shaking...my temper is sometimes flaring...and my desires are sometimes impure...but my eyes are always focused on the prize...

GLORY AND VICTORY THROUGH CHRIST.

HEAVEN.

I have received quite a few accolades lately...from my family...from my boss...from my friends...to which I am amazed that you all think so highly of me...I, of course, would be taking undue credit if I did not recognize that it is the Holy Spirit who lives within that makes me the person that I am today...He is the One that offers me peace...He is the One that provides guidance...He is the One who shows me which way to go...but as a human the accolades mean a great deal...it is humbling to have someone tell you that you are doing a great job...especially when you aren't always sure that it is true...

Everytime someone takes the time send encouraging thoughts or words of praise and love it touchs my soul...the ones that touch me most are the ones that come from other moms dealing with cancer, transplant, disease and loss...those women who journey on a path with their child that is parallel to the one I travel...for all to well I know their pain...I know their heart's desire...and I know that they are weary...when those women who take the time to share a word of encouragement it brings tears to my eyes while place a smile on my heart...for that I am grateful...

Anyway...I guess that is all for now...I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, April 17, 2005 5:50 PM CDT

We have begun counting down the days until my poor baby can eat...he is so hungry and it is horrible to sit there and watch him starve...he has 8 days to go...

He had a wonderful birthday even though he was couped up in the hospital...I want to thank all of our friends and family who made hsi day so special...Cody received so many great things! Some of caringbridge friends sent him gifts and he loved everything!!!! His room is still full of the many mylar balloons that Grnadma and others brought to him...

Aside from the gifts that my husband and I had alloted for I went ahead and picked him out a few extra things...good to do the hospital kind of things...some lego sets that build into motorcycles, ships and cars...and a vintage 1966 GTO model...he has enjoyed working on them and will hopefully have plenty of work to do for the rest of the week on those projects...

The only gift he asked for was a larger size colored TV...my mom got that for him...so he was very excited about that! My husband set his room up over the weekend...it is pretty cool and to be honest I was thinking that I may like to move in to his room instead :-}

As for the medical stuff...he is still positive for hte RotaVirus...but he is not having as many problems...they are testing him with x-Rays and CT scans every other day to keep a check on the "free air" I have learned that Neumosis is a random occurance and that prolonged use of steroids can cause the problem...the reason that they have been so strict about resting the digestive tract is because if the current microlesions became a large hole Cody could die before he was able to receive adequate treatment...there is no other way to treat this problem besides total rest regardless of how difficult it may be...

We had an eventful weekend...our nurse was a little less than par for my standards so I had to get "MOMMY MAD" on Friday night...Cody picked a piece of skin off of his lip that proceeded to bleed pretty good for the next 6 hours...at 4:00 a.m. I got a bit "abrupt" with our nurse because bascially she didn't know what to do and just walked out of the room expecting that I would not "mind" that he was still bleeding...I, of course, did mind and made her go, "RIGHT NOW" to get someone who wanted to help me resolve the problem...

Then last night...we ended up with the same nurse...at first I was a little distraut that I would have to "deal" with her incompetence once again but then I decided that I was being unreasonable so I pepped up and let it go...well...on Friday night she was having a difficult time getting Cody's TPN and Lipids to run together correctly...for some reason she was getting a return of Lipids in the TPN line trying to push only air into Cody's CVL...air in any form is bad because that goes into his blood stream and cause a whole bunch of other problems...anyway she had to get help (now so you know, TPN and Lipids is not rocket sceince as all of us post transplant parents have had the joy of making this work at home...but our RN was not able to do this...hmmmm)Last night was no exception...same problem with the TPN and Lipids...only this time, she leaves the room with Cody having a full out open line and by the time her and her help arrived Cody had a full out blood return half up the Lipids line and Lipids almost all the way into the TPN bag...still I am trying to keep a sense of humor about all that is happening...because of Cody's blood sugar levels he is currently on TPN and Lipids over a 24 hour period...well, last night at 4 in the morning the charge nurse woke me up to tell me that Cody's Lipids had already finished...our "favorite" nurse had hooked him at 5x the speed they were supposed to be infuse...this caused Cody to have a blood sugar level over 250 and put his liver in distress and threw his triglycerides completely out of whack...OK...SENSE OF HUMOR IS GONE! LoL! Believe it or not, I handled it very well, I sat and clamly spoke with the doctor on rounds and then I asked that a formal report be written up by the Charge Nurse...not because I want the nurse to get in trouble but because I do not feel that she is compotent enough to be working on her own with patients...she could have landed Cody in a TPN induced diabetic coma last ngiht...and she didn't even have the nerve to tell me herself...I guess he was afraid of how I might react because she made someone else come and tell what she did...I mean come on...they are supposed to be checking and rechecking things like that...in addition, they come in every hour and pull the numbers off of the machines...I think if she were even remotely aware of what she was doing she should have realized that the numbers were wrong! HELLLLOOOOO!!!!

So anyway...I am done complaining...and proud to say that through out the whole ordeal I can say wholeheartedly that I did not lose my witness...I was firm but not mean...and I made my point without charcter assassination so I did good and I have come a long, long way...HOOOORAYY!!!

Riley went to the doctor Friday and they said he has the RotaVirus too and we just have to wait it out...Lucky Us!

Thanks for checking in...I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 1:55 PM CDT

Cody will spend his birthday plus the next two to three weeks in the hospital...

They still have a "loose" plan at best...the general idea is that Cody has a leaky bowel and that this could become a major concern in a matter of minutes...so...we will be inpatient until the doctors feel comfortable with everything and Cody has hopefully had a chance to heal...

Dr. Pegram did finally have the opportunity to speak with Dr.K. and Dr.K. said that she had indeed experienced this issue with other post transplant patients and while the issue is rare she was able to offer some insight and suggest some additional testing...we are now awaiting results from some additional testing ordered on the biopsies that were done when we were inpatient a few weeks ago...the bright side is that Cody is not showing any symptoms of these other conditions so it is hopeful that we are not dealing with them as from what I understand they are significant issues...

I have only one major issue with what the doctors have decided and that is they have made Cody NPO for a minimum of two weeks...NPO means he may have nothing to eat or drink by mouth...now, Cody is receiving feeds through via IV and their reasoning is that his gutt can not have any activity and that if they need to take him into surgery he will be ready at the drop of a dime...

I just do not htink it is fair for him to have to be hungry and thirsty...it makes me sad...

Some of you have requested information on how to forward gifts and cards to Cody for his birthday:

Children's Hospital fo the King's Daughter's
Cody Hoffman Rm. 807
601 Children's Lane
Norfolk, VA 23507

Cody is doing well considering...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, April 11, 2005 2:47 PM CDT

OKay here is what we know...

Cody started having some severe chest pains on Thursday afternoon...the school nurse called and asked that I pick him up...when I got there he had been asleep and seemed to be much better complaining only of a dull ache as opposed to the shortness of breath he said he had before...the overall thought was that it was gas or something and it had passed...on Friday morning, he woke up and said his stomach was bothering...since this is his normal I don't feel like going to school excuse I made him go...he was still complaining of pain afterschool...on Saturday we graduated to stomach pain with gas that required him to change his pants...on Sunday we got up for church and he was still complaining of presistant stomach pain...he went to the bathroom and had watery stool and he threw up...I decided we should stay home...Greg went to the store to pick up a new thermometer since ours quick working...by the time he returned, Cody had been back to the bathroom four more times...I called the doctor so that I can let her know what was happening and we could go ahead and bring him in...we decided then that the best course of action was to get admitted...

When we finally arrived at the ER they drew a bunch of labs...we gave them a stool and urine sample...we did a chest x-ray and an abdominal x-ray and we checked into our room...of course this is making a very long story short :-}

This morning the doctors started early...I was told that Cody had "free air" in his abdomin and that they were trying to determine what to do...now aside from the words relapse, I don't get overly excited about anything they tell me in the hospital...well that was until one of the head pediatric surgeons walked in our room at 7:30 a.m. Apparently, "free air" in the abdomin is usually a very big deal...they were trying to determine if Cody need to be rushed into emergency, exploratory surgery to correct a leaky bowel...this is huge becase this "free air" comes from a tear in the bowel which will also leak bial into Cody's abdominal cavity...causing him to go septic and, and, and...well of course, like always, Cody is not the normal patient...he does not show the same symptoms aas anyone else with this problem would...he is acting rather normal and aside from complaning of his stomach hurting he looks fine...one by one as the doctors came in to see him not believing that this patient was that the same one that prodcued such a horrible looking x-ray...SO...what to do? No one knows...basically, they have decided to wait and test and see what happens...I asked that they contact Dr.K. because there was talk that transplant patients sometimes suffer from issues like these that can be handled without surgery...of course, my belief is if it has happened to a transplant patient then Dr.K. will know what to do...they are very good here and usually contact Dr.K. when it conerns Cody anyway...so Dr. Pegram (previously from Duke) had already decided to contact Dr.K....they have left Cody NPO until further notice including meds...just in case the decision turns out to be surgery he will be ready to go...

Now...I was still doing okay with everything...

THEN...the daycare called and said someone needed to pick up Riley because he was sick...that's when I started to have a bit of a heart attack...I kicked into mommy mode and figured it out but for a little while I was very stressed out...I was able to get it all worked out...Leigh Ann went to pick up Riley from daycare (thank you) and my cousin, Lea agreed to come stay with me for the rest of the week so she can take care of Riley (thank you)...Carol and Liza will be taking turns at the hospital with Cody while Greg is at school (thank you) and I will go to work as much as I can...I am exteremly grateful to everyone who is reaching out to help us...thank you all very much...

When I left the hospital this afternoon the comotion had subsided and the general census was that they would be running some tests and that surgery would most likely not be necessary...of course, no one will say for sure yet because the surgeon has the final say and his decision had not yet been made...

To top it off, he tested positive for RotoVirus so he will staying on contact isolation which means he is not allowed to leave his room and go to the playroom or anything...that makes for some very long days in the hospital...

The bright side of knowing that Cody has RotoVirus is also knowing that that is what we are mostly likely dealing with with Mr. Riley as well...I will make him an appointment to see his Pediatrician soon too...there is no treatment for RotoVIrus you just let it run its course and anyone not affected by it has to be cautious to wash their hands constantly...

That's all for now...I hope that you will sign the guest book while you are here...it makes us all happy to receive words of encouragement...

One more last thing before I go...Cody's birthday is Thursday...he will be nine...I am hoping that you will all ask everyone you know to sign in and send birthday wishes as many as possible until he comes home...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, April 10, 2005 12:38 AM CDT

Cody and I are going to the hospital to be admitted again...

We are dealing with some very similar situations as we were before...

I will update when I can...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, April 2, 2005 6:31 AM CST

We currently interupt this regularly scheduled program to bring you this week's update on Cody and family...

When last we saw our HERO he had only recently been released from the hospital...with worry and speculation we all worked hard to make sure that things would stay under control...

So far so good! Cody weighed in at 21 kilograms yesterday which is up 1.5 kilograms from the time he was admitted to the hospital just three and a half short weeks ago...

The biopsy results are in on the small intestine and stomach and everything came back okay...the area of concern in the small intestine they believe to just be a site of irritation from the excessive stool and vomitting he was having...HOOOOORAY!!!

Unfortunately, this leaves us guessing what our HERO's arch nemsis , better known as THE G.I. TRACKER, might pull next...it also leaves wondering what caused all of our problems...

Our thoughts right now is that THE G.I. TRACKER has found our HERO's kryptonite...NEVER FEAR THOUGH...The EXPERT DOCTOR is on the case...with his "EXPERT" advice, our HERO's problem should be solved in no time!

Who can believe it is APRIL???? My how does the time fly??? Another mystery for our HERO to solve?

This week our HERO spent much time entertaining THE SIBLINGS! His brother flew in from Ohio to visit and his sister was here for both weekends...it has been exciting...we had many nights of family time and fun!!!

That's all for now...

Stay tuned next week to hear of the progress our HERO is making with the fundraising efforts!

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
THE MODERATOR :-}

Sunday, March 27, 2005 10:09 AM CST

HE IS RISEN!

Praise God for such a glorious day!

Happy Easter to everyone.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha, Cody & Family

Thursday, March 24, 2005 11:02 AM CST

I know a lot of you have been waiting to hear what is happening with Cody...

Let me take the time to bring everyone up to speed...

Cody had surgery on Monday to stretch the throat and biopsy his tomach and small intestine...the doctor came out to tell us that the surgery went well but that Cody's small intestine is in really bad shape...

This news was actually sort of a relief...we need to wait for biopsy results in order to know exactly what we are dealing with and what will be done to correct it...BUT...at least we have some direction and for that I am grateful...

On Tuesday in the late afternoon, Cody was released from the hospital...he will return to clinic tomorrow...

On Wednesday, Cody made his first day back at school and he really enjoyed being there...I was happy that he had such a great transition back into "normal." After school we made our way on over to the kick off of the Boy of the Year celebration for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...it was an exciting event and we had a lot of fun...I was able to speak there and I received a lot of nice feed back from the attendees...instead of running for Woman of the Year by myself...Greg and I decided to run as Team of the Year...I think it will be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to the whole campaign...

Today is quiet...Cody went to school again and hopefully today will be just as much fun as yesterday...

Tomorrow we will make our way to clinic and then pick Jeremy up from the airport...

We are all looking forward to our family time together...

I will update when I get some more news about the biospy results.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, March 20, 2005 6:13 PM CST

Sadly, I left the hospital this afternoon without Cody have been released...

There is good news though...

***WE REJOICE***

Cody finally had some solid stool this morning...AND...his weight was up another 2 pounds...all together he has gained back 4 pounds!!!!

PRAISE GOD!

The plan...

Tomorrow, the G.I. docs will do a simple dilitation procedure to his throat and they will biopsy the stomach and small intestine to ensure that there is no GvH or anything else in those areas...

So long as the procedure goes off without a hitch and so long as he stays on the same path he is on then on Tuesday they will release him from the hospital...we are all very excited!

Wednesday, if he is well enough...he will attend school...in the evening we will be going to KingsMill Resort to kick off the Boy of the Year Celebration and fundraising campaign...

On Friday, Jeremy will be here and we are all looking forward to his visit...

I will update again soon...

Thank you all again for stopping by to offer us so much support and prayer...we appreciate it from the bottom of our heart...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, March 18, 2005 6:03 AM CST

Well Happy St. Patty's Day to everyone who celebrated yesterday...if I had felt better I am sure I would have remembered sooner ;-} LoL! Oops! You know getting pinched by little leprachuns is really not much fun...

Anyway...the antibiotics have had a chance to kick in along with the other medicine and I am feeling much better...PRAISE GOD!

My plan is to head up to the hospital this afternoon and relieve Greg...

We are still hopeful that Cody will get to come home this weekend but have not really received any definitive answers from the doctors...

Cody has gained another pound and is doing pretty well tolerating his feeds...he is also experimenting with some regular foods...

The G.I. doctor came in and consulted yesterday with Greg...apparently he feels that somemore aggressive therapy will be needed to repair Cody's throat...this is something we already knew and have had to always put off because of chemotherapy treaments and now immuno-suprressant drugs...the problem with aggressive G.I. procedures are the infection rates are much higher due to the exposure to reflux and bial or what not...so, it has been the general consesus that we would wait to repair the throat until we through the rest of this stuff...Cody will see the ENT doctor and then we have referred the team here to Dr.K. so that they can make the decisions...as obviously, they are better equipped to decide what type of risks are necessary and when these risks should be taken...

This Wednesday we are scheduled to kick of the Boy of the Year celebration for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...we are all very excited...I will be discussing a pass for Cody with the doctors in the event that he is not released from the hospital by then...in the mean time...I have put my speech together and I am looking forward to honoring my son in such a wonderful way...

Before I go, please let me say that your support has been amazing...thank you so much for stopping by to check in on us and thank you so much for leaving so many great well wishes for us in the guestbook...we really do appreciate it more than we can ever explain...it means the world to have a friend...especially when things are so difficult...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Verse of the Day:

Psalm 144:2
He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005 6:59 PM CST

Well it is Wednesday and Cody is still in the hospital...there is no real change to the news from last time...

Cody's weight is the same...with the one pound gain...but he is starting to do a little better with the pump feeds...I am grateful...

I had plans to go and see him today but I am very sick now...I finally went to the doctor this morning as it seems that I have been sick forever...the general thought is that I have not had the chance to completely recover from one illness before another one hits me...right now I am dealing with a severe case of bronchitis and laryngitis...I am not suffering from that nasty deep lung cough like you would expect when dealing with bronchitis...I just have a a really dry hacky throat cough...but my throat hurts worse then I can ever remember it hurting ever in my life...last night it was so bad I felt like I couldn't breathe...I woke up several times and tried to garggle salt water but nothing helped...the doctor put me on antibiotics, and inhaler, a cough supressant and Tylenol for pain and irritation...she said my throat didn't look too bad...I thought that was strange considering how bad it hurts...anyway...I am out of work...again...which sucks...I know my boss is sympathetic but how many days off can one person be allowed to take in two months?

Aside from me feeling cruddy...everything else seems to be moving along...we are hopeful that they will allow Cody to come home this weekend...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, March 13, 2005 2:14 PM CST

*****NEW PHOTOS ADDED 3-14-05*****

Well it is almost a week later and still we know very little about what is causing all of these problems for Cody...

It is frustrating that none of the test have come back to reveal any answers but at the same time it is a relief that we are not dealing with anything as horrible as we could be...

All of the blood tests, biopsies, and GI tests have revealed no new news...all are either negative or status quo...

The general idea at this point is that Cody may have stopped making the enzymes needed for digestiong...they have started him on a new med called Pancrease...but we have yet to see much change...

Cody has only gained back one of his 9 pounds...

They restarted his g-tube feeds a few days ago...we started off at a very slow rate and have gone up 5 every 6 hours...so he is now up to 40 ccs per hour...Unfortunately with every increase we are seeing more trips to the bathroom...

I had the opportunity to speak in great detail with the doctor this morning and togehter we agree that until Cody is completely under control then we need to keep admitted...

Of course, I would love to bring him home but what since does that make if he is still having the same problems without any resolution...

As for Cody...he seems to be a little depressed but overall his spirits are holding up pretty well...the new picture up above shows his smiling face and his new central line (CVL)can be seen by looking just inside his shirt...

Now as for our home...I am amazed by the outpouring of support we are receing from our friends at Lighthouse Worship Center...

On Friday, Mr. Johnson from Hunters Contracting, made several phone calls...from what I understand...Mr. Bayford from Water Pro has ordered us a fairly extensive water treatment system which will include Reverse Osmosis and an Ultra Violet light to kill 99 percent of the impurities in the water...On Saturday Mr. Johnson pulled the AC guy he uses from one of their jobs and brought him out to our house to take a look around...he is on his way back here now and the plan is for him to inspect our system and determine whether or not there are any major concerns...if not we will be looking to install an elector-magnetic (?) system for air filtering...Jeff (the AC guy from Middle Pennisula Contracting) explained to me that the systme will work to remove up to 98 percent of the airbourne bacteria and allergins...As for the hot water heater, Holly the Pastor's wife and also the Director of the Preschool has waived our child care fees for the rest March to help us out...my plan is to us those funds to cover that expense...although Mr. Johnson thinks it may not be necessary to purchase that right now...

It is always unbelievable to me to see God's work in progress...but I am forever grateful...even beyond what words can express by the outpouring of love and support we are receiving from this community...it has been without parallel...

I am beyond exhausted so I will be sure to get in bed early tonight...

Thanks for continuing to check in on us and remember that the guestbook entries mean the world to us...

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, March 10, 2005 6:53 PM CST

I was sitting here praying for "peace" of mind wodering what was going to come of all the tests and everything that is happening...

I opened my Bible and read this:

Luke 8:16-17
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

Praise God...as always He knows better than anyone else what we are dealing with...from this Word I take solace in the knowledge that He already knows and soon it will be revealed to us...

I have chosen not to claim any of the worst case scenarios...I chosen to find comfort and strength in the arms of the Lord...at the foot of the cross...

I am always amazed at how even before I ask, the Lord has begun to provide...

Cody remains fairly sick and in the hospital...his spirits are good though and he seems to be resting well...they have him hooked up around the clock to TPN (IV nutrition) and have told us that will not be sending him home until he has had a "substantial weight gain"

We suspect that means not until sometime in next week or so...I had hoped that he would come home a little sooner but think that until they have figured out what we are dealing with...then he is in the right place...

*****PRAISE REPORT*****
Cody's biopsies came back negative...that means we are NOT dealing with GvH or Leukemia...

We are still waiting for the blood cultures...so far they remain negative too...

The doctors have suggested that we may be dealing with a digestive enzyme deficiency, parasites, viruses, or maybe even a too prolonged use of a certain combination of drugs...

The team at CHKD had a tele-conference with Dr.K. today to determine if there were some changes that could be made to our med chart...

In addition, the doctors have suggested that we work on changing a few things in our house...

You see the house bought is in a rural area so we have well water...this is not a big deal to your normal person but can a major concern for immune-suppressed kids...so while the rest of are able to fight off all of the little yuckies...he is not...

We are tasked now with trying to add a complete water filtration system to the house and changing out our hot water heater...

After that...it was suggested that we work on changing out our central air system, adding a complete heppa-filter system to the house to help reduce different things that might be in the air...

Then we need to change out our oven...this was already necessary as we only have one working burner :-)

As you can guess this is a major undertaking...most things we new we need to replace sometime soon when we bought the house...but without the realization that it might be a major neccessity this soon...

Instead of getting overwhelmed...I put my thinking cap on...spoke to mom about some fundraising ideas and then called a few people from my church...

Once again...God has His hand in everything...the ball is rolling and some wonderful people have offered to help us try and figure these things out...

I am grateful...

Now as if I haven't told you enough wonderful news to make you smile...

A man dropped by my office today...a man I do not know...he asked Susan how my son was doing to which she replied he is still in the hospital doing ok...I had the occassion to come out and meet the man...I returned to my office and a few moments later Susan came in and handed me a $100 dollar bill...the message the man left was...I know they can use this...I thought, once again, isn't it amazing how God begins to work before we even ask...

Riley and I are on our way to bed soon...tomorrow I will spend a few hours at work and then I will relieve my husband so that he can come home for the first time in over a week...I will stay with Cody at the hospital until Sunday when Greg will come back and relieve me...

Starting Monday we are a little confussed as to what we will be doing...Greg has school over there so he will be staying with Cody at night and from the time he gets out of school...we have not yet figured out who we will have stay with Cody for the few hours during the day that Greg will be at school...since he is stable, I am trying to work as much as I can and keep a normal routine in place for Riley...

Hopefully after a few phone calls tomorrow...I will be able to find someone to hang out with Cody while Greg as at school...no matter what though, I am sure it will all work out...

Anyway...I am going to go ahead and get going so I can get some rest...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, March 10, 2005 6:53 PM CST

Wednesday, March 9, 2005 5:20 PM CST

It has been a really rough couple of days...

As Chris said in her update (Thanks Chris) we found out yesterday that Cody had in fact lost nearly 9 pounds...

As I predicted, we were admitted and the testing has begun...

Yesterday they started us off with a lot of blood work and then sent us down for the Upper GI with the full intestinal tract follow through...meaning they took pictures every 2 hours until all of the barium passed...

It made for a long night as they were in taking pictures up until after midnight...

We did learn some not so great news...the stricture in Cody's throat has shrunk again...the worst he has been is 1mm and the best (after the Duke procedure) was 8-10mm...now he is back down to 3mm...

Through out the night, many people were in and out of our room and we had quite a few problems with the pump malfunctioning...to top it all off I was having terrible trouble with my allergies...

Around 5 this morning, the surgeon came in to examine Cody and then at 7 the GI docs came in and examined him again...at 7:45 they took us down for a PVN test which is like an ultrasound of the veins...after that was completed we went back up to our room...at 9 the nurse and I had to give Cody a complete saline enema in preparation for the colonoscopy...this was horrible...even worse then last time...but he handled it like a real trooper...at 10:30 they took Cody into surgery...surgery lasted until nearly 1:00 p.m.

During surgery, they placed his new central line...a triple lumen...and they did the explatory scoping along with some biopsies...they also changed out his g-tube button while he was sleeping which was really nice...

When he finally woke up in the recovery room he was pretty sore...they gave him one dose of Fentenal and since then he has not wanted any pain medicine...

The preliminary (naked eye) reports for the colon indicate no GvH which is good news...however, the doctors have cautioned me that the biopsies are the actual word...

There is some talk that we may be dealing with a digestive enzyme deficincey...or a virus...or a parasite...they have tested for everything from CMV to I don't know what else...but at this point we really have no answers...hopefully soon we will have some answers...

For now, the plan is to keep him in the hospital until at least the beginning of next week and try to determine the problem...in the meantime, his TPN was started back up last night and starting tonight they will try to re-introduce the Peptomin via the g-tube pump at an exteremely slow rate...

I want to take a few minutes and tell everyone thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the guestbook entries...prayers...well wishes and phone calls...we truly appreciate all of your love and support...

Please continue to pray...

I also wanted to let everyone know that the prayer to get Greg home paid off...he was flown in this afternoon and has relieved me from the hospital tonight so that I could come home, get some rest, take care of Riley and go in to work tomorrow...

In the hospital, I have no computer access but my friend Chris has been wonderful enough to read all of the guestbook entries to me and Cody...please keep leaving them...they bring smiles and hope...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, March 9, 2005 5:45 AM CST

This is Chris, Cody's best friend and I am updating the page for both of them as they are in the hospital.

I have been reading Eleasha and Cody the guestbook entries over the phone and they greatly appreciate all your thoughts and prayers .... keep them coming!!

It was found that Cody had lost 9 lbs. They did bloodtesting and full tract work and upper GI Testing on Tuesday. Scheduled for surgery this morning to put in a new central line, are also doing a colonoscopy with biopsies and exploratory scoping to rule out graft versus host disease ...

Until the doctors find out a cause to all of this Cody and Eleasha will be in patient at CHKD. So right now we are in holding pattern ...

Thank you Susan for helping out with Riley - I understand he really liked it at your house last nite - :)

Eleasha contacted the Red Cross to have Greg come off the ship earlier and prayerfully he should be back today with family ...

If you want to call the phone number at CHKD is 757-668-8814, please call before 8 pm Eastern time and please keep the guestbook entries coming

In His Prayers Chris for Cody <>< <>< <><

Monday, March 7, 2005 5:36 PM CST

We have been having a bit of a rough time lately...

Suddenly Cody is unable to retain his g-tube feeds and his body has started to reject the Boost that he has been drinking as well...

It has been an ongoing issue that appeared about 3 weeks ago...

Subsequently, Cody has begun to lose weight...a week and a half ago the Nutrionist said that one of the meds that Cody has been on to help with the stomach emptying issues was causing him the excessive gas and loose stools...they made the decision to discontinue the drug which resulted in more diareahha and the addition of projectile vomitting...following the projectile vomitting we have not been able to maintain any of his feeds...

Aside from that, he has been more and more tired with regular headaches...

I attempted to get Cody in to see the doctor this past Friday but his primary physician was not in clinic...we decided that the best thing to do would be to wait and see him Tuesday morning as scheduled...

I spoke in greater detail with our regular nurse and we determined that discontinuing the med may not have been the best course of action...so, we started that up again...I nixed the Boost and regular milk in an effort to see determine the exact problem...I have been attempting to maintain him with the pump feeds of Peptomin Jr. at a lesser amount and a much slower speed...At best...this has been going ok...

Typically, I do not see Cody in the nude...as I have no reason to...this morning, I happened to be in the bathroom when he finished his shower...I was shocked by what I saw...

I knew that he had lost some weight but I had no idea just how much...my best guess is that over the last 3 weeks he has lost maybe 10 pounds...this is a huge deal and it really scared me...

I have not seen him look so thin...so "sick" since diagnosis and transplant...

I called the doctor's office to tell them what was happening...and our nurse just about blasted me...This really hurt my feelings...I felt as though in a not so direct way she was saying something to the effect of you suck as a mom and Cody's caregiver...

I know this is not true but I was already running over things in my mind on what should have been done different...sooner...something...so her comments just added to what I was already feeling...

I do realize that there is nothing else I could have done differently as I have been working with the doctors in an attempt to determine what the problem is for nearly 3 weeks now...

If anything I should have pushed more to figure out the problem...but to be honest, I wasn't overly concerned until this last week when the vomitting started...

Anyway...our nurse ended up telling me to come to our appointment tomorrow prepared to be admitted...

I would not doubt it at all if that is the decision that the doctor makes...

I don't know what else he can decide to do...Cody has gone from 2250ccs to less than 500ccs per day...the 2250ccs only maintained him...so...without it and considering he has almost no other source of calories or nutrition, there are not many choices left...

I am scared for him...he looks thin and he has not felt well for about a week...

My worst fears are that this is the beginning of a relapse...but I do not claim that thought...

It is my prayer that Jesus will place his healing hands upon Cody and heal him completely...and quickly...

I hope that you will all take the time and pray for Cody with me...

Greg is deployed right now so I am on my own through this...

I am blessed though...

My boss and I had a talk today and he said that I am part of the team and that I need not worry about my job...that was a relief...

Susan, the lady I work with, has offered to help with Riley...so I don't have to worry so much about what to do with him...

Greg should be home sometime before the end of the week so...I hope sooner rather than later...

Until the next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, February 25, 2005 6:28 AM CST

Not too much has happened since my last update...

Cody continues to progress well...

We have not received any of the test back yet from Duke but to be honest, we are not expecting to get them back for a while yet...I am anxious to hear the results...this will tell us the percent of donor cells...how well his immune system is functioning...and some other stuff that I can't remember right now...

In the meantime...

Cody has been named the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Boy of the Year...

We are extermely honored to represent the Society this year...

In addition to Cody receiving the honor, Greg and I have been nominated as the Man and Woman of the Year...

Along with the honor we have made a fundraising commitment and it is our hope that you all will help us with this endeavor...

There is DONATE link at the top of the page and that will take you straight to my PayPal account where you can donate securely online by credit card.

In addition, donations can be made by check. All checks should be made payable to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and may be mailed to:

Eleasha Hilliard
5361 Gadwall Circle
Gloucester, VA 23061

I cannot express enough how grateful we are for all of the support that we continue to get from our friends and families...not just with our fundraising endeavors but emotionally and spiritually...it means the world to us when you stop by and sign the guestbook...thank you.

Well I need to get going...Riley has a follow up appointment with his doctor for the nasty ear infection...

And Cody has to go to the doctor today for his Cytogam and Pantamidine treatments...

After he is done, we will pick up his little friend Aaron to spend the weekend with us...

I guess we are going to be pretty busy...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 8:55 AM CST

Our trip to Durham has been eventful to say the least...

We arrived around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and then Carrie came over...we were all so happy to see her...we had the chance to spend a little time with her and it was really great...Riley took to Carrie like white on rice, Cody would run after them and Riley would help Carrie find somewhere to hide...when she had to leave he cried and said I love you Carrie...it was sweet :)

Monday morning was time spent relaxing before everything started...weleft the hotel about 10:45 and met up with Connie and Mike (Patrick's parents) for lunch...again we had a lot of fun...Riley sat next to Mike and did everything from dipping his tater tot in Mike's lunch to using Mike's shirt as a napkin...it is a good thing they love us...it may have been embrassing if not :)

After lunch we headed to the hospital...Cody had to have his Echo...his Pulmonary Function Test and an x-Ray...after all of the testing was done we gave a gallon of blood for more test and then we went back to the hotel...

We were able to rest for a little while and then we went to see Liz and Raj...we enjoyed our time with them...we had the chance to eat some pizza and the kids all played...Cody was upset when it was time to go but seemed satisfied when with promise that would see them next time...

On Tuesday we went to clinic to see Dr.K. Our visit went rather well...all of the testing that he had done the day before came back really good...he even did better on the PFT then ever before...Dr.K. said his skin looks really good and through out the next year our plan is to work on weening him off of the meds he is on for post transplant...this is an amazing feat and we praise God for the news...we even got a reprieve...Dr.K. has changed our Duke scheduled to every 3 months now!!!

Of course it would seem with all good news you get a little bit of bad news...

After our visit with Dr.K. we had to go to the eye doctor...the eye doctor took some high powered images of Cody's retina and we learned that his eyes are showing the effects of radiation...fortunately for now he is still seeing better than 20/20...so I CHOOSE not to make a mountain out of a mole hill...in the future we may have to deal with cateracts and other eye disease but for now our boy is well on his way to being a "normal" kid...

Overall the trip was really great...I cannot thank our wonderful friends enough for inviting us out to lunch and dinner...we truly appreciate your love and hospitality...and we miss you a whole bunch...hopefull when we return in May we will have the chance to see you all again :):):):):)

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, February 10, 2005 4:20 AM CST

Happy Anniversary to wonderful and loving husband...

It has been an amazing journey so far...The ups and downs and life obstacles have been overwhelming at times but together we continue to make it through...

I am forever grateful for blessings...and I am in neverending awe when I realize again and again that God knows so much better than I do what we need...

With all of my heart...I LOVE YOU.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, February 4, 2005 8:25 AM CST

I just wanted to take a few minutes and update you all what has been happening around here...

There is actually a lot to tell but some of it I am going to wait and tell you after it all comes together...

For now I wanted everyone to know that we will be in Durham for our two year studies on February 13th. We will have a very busy schedule on Monday the 14th and then on Tuesday the 15th we will see Dr.K. and from there the eye doctor...after that we will head home and wait for all of the results...

Overall things are going good around here...

We did find out that Riley has a nasty little ear infection...I was glad to finally know what is wrong with him and start treating the problem...

Cody is doing really GREAT at school...

Greg came home from being out to sea again last night...

Marina will be over for the weekend...

Jeremy will be back for Spring Break...

I have larygitis :( I feel kind of cruddy but not as bad as I guess I could be feeling...it is always my thought when this happens that it is God's way of telling me it is time to be quiet for a while...

Anyway...Riley and I are getting ready to go run some errands...we need to grocery shop...stop at the Pediatrician and get Riley's flu shot and I have to pick up some stuf from work...

So I will check in later on...

I hope that everyone is well...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, January 23, 2005 10:28 AM CST

Good Morning!

I may have written earlier but our power was out for hte past 12 hours due to the ice, sleet, rain and wind...

Our trip to Durham has been postponed for a couple of weeks in hopes that the weather conditions will not be close to the same...the roads between here and Durham are guessed to be horrible...

The One, Two, Three Alberta punch got us pretty good...but we faired a lot better then most of the states north of us...We ended up having snow Wednesday night...and then Thursday everything was closed...then on Thursday night it snowed some more...no real accumlation but enough to make the roads a nasty mess...

Anyway...things are going well...Greg came home Friday but they go back out again this coming Friday...I think after that we get a break and then he changes commands...that will be exciting...

I am loving my job...it is helping me settle in to the new house and the new community...I am also really enjoying the new church...I am starting to make some new friends and I am happy to feel like I fit in somewhere finally...

Riley is doing great at the church childcare program...he cries some when I drop him off but other than that he seems to be enjoying the opportunity to be social and have some other little friends...

Cody is doing very well at his new school...but hasn't had much of any opportunity to meet any of the kids in the neighborhood...it has been really cold and no one has been outside...that's okay though...soon enough he will know them all...

Anyway...I will update on the new schedule for hte two year studies as soon as I have them...untile then, I hope everyone is enjoying the crazy weather...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, January 5, 2005 4:12 PM CST

I know that not as many people stop by the site anymore but I am grateful for the those of you who continue to follow our story and sign in to let us know that you love us and are still praying...

Cody's 2nd birthday was celebrated with a "BANG" millions of people around the world came out to show their appreciation for the team at Duke and Cody's second chance at life...
(of course...my husband was steady trying to convince me that the people were celebrating New Year's Eve...but I beg to differ...Cody's transplant birthday is much more important than any old new year ringing in)

As I indicated before Cody did have the opportunity to go to St. Louis for the last few days of what would have been his two week long trip...he spent 4 full days there and on the 5th day he came home...he returned for his appointment at CHKD yesterday and then started his new school today...

While in St. Louis, Cody had a blast...he was able to get some good quality time in with dad, Grandma Paula, Tina and her two children Austin and Michelle...he throroughly enjoys his time with them as they are all right around the same age...he also had the opportunity to attend his cousing Vinnie's first birthday party...so...all in all it was a really great trip for him...

Today he started classes at his new school...it is good to get back into a routine...~~for all of us~~ Anyway...he had some really wonderful things to say about his classmates and his teachers...they have placed in the gifted class so that he can have the opportunity to excel more...his new school nurse had her crash course in how to care for him during school and everything went off without a hitch...

After I dropped Cody off at school...Riley and I journied over to the church...Riley will be attending child care there and Cody will got there for before and afterschool care as I have found a full time job here in Gloucester (the town we are now living in)...

My new job is great opportunity...I will be working with an attorney doing legal transcription and estate planning...I am looking forward to the opportunity...as some of you may know my college years revolved around classes for PreLaw...I actually need only a few more credits to be a certified Paralegal...this job is neat because it will offer me the opportunity to work with the transcription skills I have learned in a law environment.

I am excited...again :-}

We are scheduled to return to Duke again on January 24...we will undergo all of our two year studies then...I will update after that visit and let you all know how it went...in the mean time...try to remember we (I) love guestbook entries...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, December 31, 2004 6:26 AM CST

Today marks...Transplant 731...Transplant 2 years

Who can believe that two years ago today we were shacked up in the closet called a hospital room at Duke University Medical Center???

It is hard to imagine how far we have come...

The last two years are almost a complete blur...I feel as though I blinked and ended up here...

I have been contimplating this entry though for a couple of days...

I have so many things I want to say...so many ways I need to express gratitude and grief...so many things I hope to convey to you...and to my son in the future when he reads this...

While I am overjoyed with the reality that I am able to sit here and tell you all about how far we have come...I cannot look forward without first looking back...

The journey began in October of 1999 that was when we were diagnosed and even though it seemed as though that was the worst possible thing that could ever have happened...that pales in comparison to the diagnosis of relapse and the subsequent days of treatment and then transplant...

Nothing I say could ever properly explain how much pain and suffering my child physically suffered...or how much agnoy my soul endured as I sat by and watched...helpless to do anything except offer a hand or a shoulder or a tear...

Fear and Hope...that is what we had on this day in 2002...

Moving forward out of the light to journey down the road that the Lord had laid before us...

Many times, I cursed the journey...many times I cried out...many times I wished that there would have been another way...many times I silently begged that God would take that awful disease from my child and allow me to endure his suffering...to take on his pain...to do something...

In such a small way...this journey has offered greater insight to me...

For I was powerless...but God being all powerful...He was not...and He too was resigned to be in a similar situation as He watched from heaven as His Son would suffer and then die...I imagine that our Father in heaven like so many of us, parents of children suffering from affliction, cried silent tears of sorrow...wishing there was another way...

For us...transplant was the only hope...

For mankind...Jesus is the only hope...

So...we cry in silence making the ultimate sacrifices hoping for a better life tomorrow...

And for us there have been many tomorrows since that faithful day of transplant...new life.

Since then...RELAPSE, GvHD, CMV, EBV, RENAL FAILURE, PICU, PNEMONIA, AND, AND, AND...And LIFE, almost normal...LIFE.

I was so naive when we checked into the unit...I thought I was ready...but I was not...I thought I knew what I needed to know...but I did not...

There have been sooooo many times when I have second guessed our decisions...although I know that there were no other choices...still I have wondered if what we chose was right...was this the best possible course of action...understanding all of the pain and suffering that our child was forced to endure...all of the setbacks...all of the loss...

Never in my life...in my worst nightmares could I have prepared myself or my child for so much loss...

When we arrived on the unit the rooms were all full with other families...they, too, had the same hopes and fears that we had...they, too, had no other choices for treatment...

There was Jillian in room 1, she is an angel now...
There was Ryan in room 2, he is an angel now...
Then there was Sarah in room 2, she is doing GREAT!
There was McKenzie in room 3, she is an angel now...
There was Jose in room 4, he is an angel now...
There was Jacob in room 5,like us they have had there setbacks but are doing well...
There was Jordan in room 6, he is an angel now...
There was Sean in room 7, he is doing GREAT!
There was Cameron in room 9, he is doing GREAT!
There was Cam's brother Douglas in room 10, he is an angel now.
There was Rashaun in room 11, he went home and I pray he is doing well...
Then there was Tommy in room 11, he is an angel now...
There was Keshon in room 12, he is an angel now...
There was Brittney in room 13, she is an angel now...
Then there was JD in room 13, as far as I know he is doing well...
Cody was in room 14...
There was Reese in room 15, he is an angel now...
and
There was Travis in room 16, he is an angel now...

My heartbreaks just thinking about the devastation...and these numbers are not a fluke...this is the "norm"

So many families who bring their hope to transplant, will suffer the ultimate loss...having no other options they move forward...

Of course, I know that given the same choice again this is the path we would choose...even knowing what we know now...

It is an amazing blessing that we are on the other side of transplant...that, even though the threat is ever present in our minds of what cancer may try to do tomorrow...

Today, we have a boy who has been the gift of a second chance at life...and what an amazing gift that is...

T 731 and still so much hope with the soft presence of fear...

Tonight, as we ring in the New Year we will give thanks for all that we have been given...we will rejoice in one more year together and we will celebrate that we are living proof that MIRACLES DO HAPPEN...

Please offer up your prayers for the many losses...pray for the strength of each family as they ring in a New Year without their child...

Also pray for the families that are beginning the journey as well...the path is a dark and narrow one to say the least...

~~~~Finally...a quick update...Cody was released from the hospital on antibiotics and the doctors did allow him to make the last half of his trip...so as we speak he is living it up in St. Louis...while I am so happy for him that he was able to make his trip...I will be glad when he comes home Monday because I sure do miss him :-}

Until next year...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, December 24, 2004 9:29 AM CST

First of all I wanted to take a few minutes to say Merry Christmas...

Over the next few days we will hand out gifts to one another celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...what an amazing gift God bestowed upon the earth...He gave us His only Son...those who believe in Him shall never perrish but instead have everlasting life...

This holiday season, give thanks for the gifts and send prayers for the less fortunate...do what you can to help your neighbor and remember Jesus loves you and so do I...

Now on to the update...

The last few days have been rather difficult...

Cody developed a really high fever on Wednesday...he was supposed to have been leaving for St. Louis but instead he got admitted to the Children's Hospital...at the hospital we discovered that Cody had pnemonia in the left lung behind his heart...they started treating him with some intense antibiotics and waited to see if his cultures would grow anything...

We made the best of being in the hospital...we spent time together as a family...we played cards...we danced...we played checkers...we napped...

Last night they gave us our release papers and another prescription to add to the 12 we already administer here at home...

Cody was grateful to get to come home but so very sad not to be able to make his trip to St. Louis...we are still considering what to do about that as the doctors will help us make a final decision when we return for our follow up visit...

We are still praying that nothing grows from the cultures as sometimes things will come back at the 48 or 72 hour mark...so pray that the cultures stay negative...

After I brought Cody home from the hospital...I went to Wal-Mart to finish up our Christmas shopping...with everyone (including me being sick) and hte move I have had no time to get anything done...it felt good to finally be finished when I walked out of the Wal-Mart last night at nearly 10 p.m.

Of course today will be spent wrapping all of the presents :-{ BAH HUMBUG!

We had a great visit with my mom last week...even though it wasn't long enough...she did have the wonderful opportunity to accompany us to the Emergency Department and hang out for a while before she left for the airport where she ended being delayed for a couple of hours thanks to old man winter in the midwest...

Finally...Last but certainly not least...when I got home last night I found out that our little buddy Trey had earned his glorious wings...

Trey fought an amazing fight and flew home to Jesus Wednesday night...

Please continue to pray for his family...that they may find peace and strength in the arms of the Father...

Also...please stop by and offer them your condolences...

www.caringbridge.org/va/trey

I will update again soon...I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, December 13, 2004 1:47 AM CST

Obviously I am back up and running on the computer...and I am grateful...

The weekend prooved to be fairly hectic...I had to work on Saturday but it was pretty cool because the local radio station was running their annual radiothon and I had the opportunity to interview with them...

I had a lot of fun...

Of course, like all good things that came to an abrupt end when I arrived home and found out that poor Cody was still sick...

After Riley was so sick on Monday...we all seem to be doing ok...Cody was sick Wednesday night but it seem to pass almost as fast as Riley...

Cody did however have a lingering low-grade fever...but nothing to be too overly concerned about...

Until Saturday that is...I got home and Justin told me that Cody took a 5 hour nap got up for half an hour and then went back to bed for the night...I took his temperature which was 100.8 not too far over the cut off of 100.5 so with no other symptoms I made the decision to treat him with a nice long warm shower and some Motrin...this worked like a charm...he felt better and the fever disappeared...

On Sunday though I drove out to town and gave the doctor on call a ring...I wanted to run past him what I had been dealing with and get his input...just needed to confirm I wasn't making any bad decisions...he agreed that the course of action I had been taking was a good one and agreed with my desire to skip the ER and go to clinic on Monday providing everything stayed the same...

I got home and everything did not stay the same...Cody spiked a fever of 102.4 under the arm which is 103.4 for real...so...I gave him a dose of Motrin and we loaded up the car and went to the hospital...

We spent the remainder of the day in at CHKD...but to be honest it wasnt that bad...they really did have us in and out considering it was an ER visit...while we were there Cody had x-rays of the abdomen and chest...and he received some industrial strength antibiotics...

In the morning I have to call and see if they want us to come in again for more antibiotics today or if I can wait until tomorrow (Tuesday) when we have an appointment scheduled already...

So as you can tell the fun never stops...

We are still up to eyeballs in boxes but we are coming along...

Everything else is wonderful...

Finally...many of you have asked what we would like for Christmas and the answer is WAL-MART gift cards...we need a million and one things for the house and "WALLEY WORLD" is our favorite place to shop!

Anyway...Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 6:51 PM CST

It is OFFICIAL!!! Can you believe it???!!!...

As of 5:22 p.m. EST the papers were all signed...our bank account was all drained and the Hilliard family is the PROUD owner of one house located at 5361 Gadwall Circle in Gloucester, VA!!!

It has been one of the most stressful...most difficult...most exciting times of my life...

I have never been through the process of buying a house and hope to never have to do it again (at least not any time in the next 5 years or so)...

I really have to say that without my mother...I NEVER could have gotten through this...there are so many things I would like to thank her for but without spedning the next 14 hours writing about why I couldn't have done this without her...I will just say Thank You Mom! I know this was almost as stressful for you as it was for us...I also want to say that your investment in us will be well worth it...

But like I said it has been a crazy-fun ride...

Over the weekend we did as much as we could in an effort to get ready for this week...everything was supposed to have happened last week but it didn't...this week was to be the new insane week...

Anyway...Greg went out to sea for the next couple of weeks...so...I am on my own with all of this...

Monday was a lot anticipation...waiting and worrying...nothing ended up happening as the day came to a close and all that was accomplished was the house prep...

After midnight though...the fun started...

Riley was very ill...he was throwing up and he was so sick that Cody and I stayed up taking care of him until almost 3 in the morning...

I hated the fact that he was so sick...it was so sad...

At 7:00 a.m. it was time for Cody and I to get ready for the docotr visit...

Riley woke up and seemed to be in good spirits and feeling much better...

We made our way to the doctor after Carol got to the house...the clinic day wasn't such a long day but...the news was that we ended up having to increase some meds and add a new one...it seems Cody is continuing to have an exagerated case of GvH of the skin...it has gotten ten times worse in the last week or two and he has not been outside at all so...

When we got home the movers were already packing everything out...they will be back tomorrow...then the next day...and the next day...hopefully not the next day...

About 2:00 p.m. I started my drive up to the attorney's office to close ont he house...the bank took forever to cut a cashier's check...the lender took forever to get the final clear to close...the attorney took forever to factor the numbers...everything seemed to take forever...like I was stuck in some kind of waiting time continum...finally it all came together and now I am home at my old house...with the keys to my new house...

So I guess one of the things I had to learn in this process was a major dose of hurry up and wait.

Anyway...all is well that comes together well...it takes forever...and then you get to be happy for few days until you realize you have to unpack...

I will be down for several days while complete the move but I would love so much for you all to sign the guestbook...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, November 30, 2004 8:25 PM CST

Well THANKSGIVING was wonderful!

We had a wonderful time...I slow roasted a turkey and all of the extras...

We had a really awesome time...Jeremy was here...Marina came over...it was a wonderful, awesome time for family....

For that I am Thankful!

Now...about the picture posted at the top...that is us at the CHKD Hem/Onc picnic with two of the student doctors from Eastern Virginia Medical School...the students have actually adopted our family through a program called Project Smile.

We have been having a really great time!

We are still working on the house buying thing...if we are to be blessed with this house, then the closing will be happening in the next week and a half...if for some reason things do not work out, we have spent enough time in prayer to have a solid knowledge and a strong faith that God will reveal to us what His plan is for us in that realm...of course, it will be a disappoinment but we are prepared to walk through whatever comes our way...

NOW...THE MOMENT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR...

The Lance Armstrong WearYELLOW LiveSTRONG bracelets have finally arrived!

I set up another eBay auction and I hope that you will all participate...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4946882065&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

I hope you all have a wonderful day and I will soon update again.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, November 18, 2004 9:18 PM CST

Well I have lots to tell this time...so hopefully you will all stay tuned to the end and then...SIGN THE DARN GUESTBOOK!!!!!!!

Anyway...let me start off by sharing the news of our Duke visit...everything went GREAT! I think Dr.K. was almost impressed by how well he looked and how good he has been doing...she was however, concerned once again about his weight...BUT...she did say his skin GvH looked much better then it has been looking...

We will return to Duke January 23rd and stay there for 2 or 3 days while we undergo all of Cody's two year post transplant studies...YES, I did just say two years post transplant...I can hardly believe we have come so far yet it all seems like yesterday...

Dr.K. was like Greased Lightening making our stay at the infamous Duke Tuesday clinic our fastest yet...

Unfortunatley, that land-speed record caused our plans to visit with Carrie and Patrick to have to wait until our next visit...I was sad not to see them but was really glad to pull back into my own driveway before 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon...

On to the house...

I must say...I thought I knew a lot about a lot...but I must admit I sure know nothing about buying houses...

I am like a fish out of water...the smallest trivial things have left me to feel as though I truly am cluesless...the whole process is actually rather stressful...but little by slowly I am making my way through everything and God willing...we will close on our house November 30th...our move scheduled for December 2nd...everything is moving rather quickly but...

We are all very excited...

Now about the rest of us...

It gives me GREAT pleasure to announce to the world that my husband has advanced. On Tuesday we learned that he had finally been promoted to an E6...otherwise known as a Petty Officer 1st Class...this is well deserved...Greg earned this honor with only 26 other Operations Specialists in the US Navy...he also finished up a couple of his computer classes...In his A+ class he was the only to get a 100 percent on the final exam...he will soon take his test to be Microsoft A+ and Network + Certified.

My news is way less exciting...but...I will tell you anyway...I am still working the training schedule but this is my last week...thank God...I have been focusing a lot of time and energy during the day into getting everything done for hte house and at night after work I have been working really hard on my schooling...I don't want to allow that to just fall away in the midst of everything as it is very important to me to earn this ceritifcation and actually start working in my desired career field....

Riley is awesome...he has started saying new words like NO! and That's MINE! and Scoooby...he actually says whoel sentences like "That's My Scoooby!" He is amazing...

Jeremy will be coming to visit us for Thanksgiving and we are all looking forward to that...

Marina had a little scooter accident and hurt head pretty good but is on the mend...we hope to have her for a couple of days while Jeremy is here...

About the fundraiser...I went ahead and started an auction for the Gold Ribbon Pins and Beanie Babies...I was hope that you might take a moment to venture over there...the link is at the bottom under links...bidding has started at $10.00 and there are 50 to win...

FINALLY...LAST BUT SO NTO LEAST...OUR LITTLE BUDDY TREY COULD REALLY USE YOUR PRAYERS...TREY WAS DIAGNOSED TWO YEARS AGO WITH NEUROBLASTOMA AND AFTER ALMOST ALL KNOW WORLDLY TREATMENT HIS FAMILY LEARNED YESTERDAY THAT HIS CANCER HAS ONCE AGAIN SPREAD...

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE TAKE THE TIME TO PRAY NOW WITHOUT CEASING...

PRAY FOR COMPLETE HEALING FOR TREY...PRAY FOR GOD'S MERCY AND STRENGTH TO SURROUND HIS FAMILY, ESPECIALLY HIS MOM MISTY...AND PRAY THAT THE LORD TAKE AWAY TREY'S PAIN.

PRAY WITH AN EARNEST HEART THAT TODAY HIS WILL BE DONE ACCORDING TO THE PLAN THAT HE HAS SET FOR TREY...PRAY THAT TREY RECEIVE HIS HEALING HERE ON EARTH WITH HIS FAMILY IF THAT BE THE PLAN.

PLEASE ALSO TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO STOP BY HIS SITE AND LET THEM KNOW THEY ARE IN YOUR PRAYERS...

www.caringbridge.org/va/trey

Until next time...keep on praying...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, November 14, 2004 10:03 PM CST

"DOLLARS FOR DUKE"

Is our latest fundraising project, and it is in full swing...Our goal is to raise as much as we can by Christmas with a minimum goal of $2000.00

We are still looking for more people to help us with fundraising projects and of course, we are hoping for donations...

We are making GREAT progress thanks to our friends...

A new Active site has been established to help us better describe our goals...You can go there by clicking on this link:

www.active.com/donate/cody2

In an effort to raise the funds we are looking to raise, we have decided to offer several Donation Gifts...

Anyone who offers a gift of $25.00 or more...will be entitled to one Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness pin (there are 3 to choose from) with Curly the TY Beanie Baby Teddy Bear...check out the picture above to see them...

You may check out the fundraising page and then let us know if you have any fundraising ideas...Feel free to join in on this project!!! We can use ALL of the help we can get in order to meet our goals! Your support is GREATLY appreciated.

If you can contribute,
please do so: www.active.com/donate/cody2 or you may send a doantion addressed to Cody H. (he loves mail) made payable to...

Duke PBMT
c/o Cody H.
434 Ingram Loop
Norfolk, VA 23505

This fundraiser is going very well so far and I hope that ALL will find it placed on their hearts to get involved...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, November 11, 2004 9:10 AM CST

HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO ALL OF OUR SERVICE MEMBER FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

****PRAISE REPORT ON KODY****

OUR FRIEND KODY IS AWESOME! THANKS TO THE MANY MANY HEARTFELT PRAYERS HE IS RECOVERING AT AN AMAZING RATE! DOCTORS TOLD HIS MOM AND DAD IT WOULD BE MONTHS BEFORE HE COULD WALK UNASSISTED...GUESS WHAT! HE IS WALKING!!!!

PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR PRAYERS FOR OUR FRIEND...DROP THEM A LINE...SUPPORT IS ALWAYS WELCOME...

www.caringbridge.org/fl/kodysstory

Now on to us...

Things continue to progress well for us...we are still in the process of getting everything together for our new home and we are very excited...

Cody's doctor appointment on Tuesday went great...his levels all came back within the ranges and next we will make our way to Duke...

I am looking forward to possibly seeing Carrie and Patrick while we are there...that will be awesome...I am also looking forward to seeing some of other really great and wonderful friends...

We are continuing our fundraising efforts for Duke and are excited by the progress we are making...

In case you do not already know...

"DOLLARS FOR DUKE"

Our latest fundraising project, is in full swing...Our goal is to raise as much as we can by Christmas with a minimum goal of $2000.00

We are still looking for more people to help us with fundraising projects and of course, we are hoping for donations...

We are making GREAT progress thanks to our friends...

A new Active site has been established to help us better describe our goals...You can go there by clicking on this link:

www.active.com/donate/cody2

We have also decided to offer several Donation Gifts...In an effort to raise the funds we are looking to raise, we have decided to offer Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness pins (there are 3 to choose from), TY Beanie Baby Teddy Bears (Curly the Nappy Hair Bear) and the Yellow Livestrong bracelets...check out the picture attachments to see them...

Please check out the fundraising page and then let us know if you have any fundraising ideas...anything that you are willing to do to help us raise the funds we are hoping for would be greatly appreciated.

If you can contribute, please do so on the website or by check...

Duke PBMT
c/o Eleasha Hilliard
434 Ingram Loop
Norfolk, VA 23505

Wednesday, November 3, 2004 7:29 AM CST

Well...as usual we have had a lot going on...

I have laid low on this because I was afraid if I spoke of it too much I might jinx it...

BUT...

Now, that everything seems to be coming together I wanted to share our good news with everyone...

As many of you know...the last five years have been very difficult for us...emotionally...physically...and, of course, financially...

Medical expenses in excess of a quarter of a million dollars forced us to file bankruptcy...shortly after that Cody relapsed and our journey started over...

Through relapse and transplant, many of you sent us very generous donations and because of your kindness and the grace of our Father in Heaven we did not sink into any major new debt...

Still...I have had little time to work on correcting our lingering credit report issues...little time to establish any real new, good credit...any time to really do anything....

SO...the thought of qualifying to buy a new home, in my mind, was still several years out of reach...but my husbnad insisted that we try...

WELL...A few weeks ago, we got qualified for our very first mortgage...when the broker called with the news...I literally started to cry...

Since then we have been looking for a home...we have gone to see quite a few and I have spent many hours amusing loved ones with the stories of what we have gone out to see...To be honest, I sure thought we would be able to get more for our money...

While it hasn't taken long...it seems to have taken forever...BUT...we found something...

A beautiful home in a great neighborhood with every single thing we wanted except a fourth bedroom...The house is a 3/2 completely remodled with a one car attached garage and one and half car detached garage/work shop...we are nestled in on almost one full acre and our community offers a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and basketball...3 blocks up the way is the off road track so Cody can ride his dirt bike whenever he wants...

The best part is we are closer to some of our closest family and friends...about 15 minutes away is Trevor and his family in Hayes...and 20 minutes the other way is my life long friend Leigh Ann and all of our friends at King's Way Church...I can hardly wait to get settled back into a regular church home...

As you may have guessed...We are all so excited...

From what I understand the process, since we were pre-qualified should move fairly fast...they are talking about having us closed and ready to move in by the 1st of December...can you believe it???

It is also important that tell you all how much support my mom has given us through this process..yet again, my mom amazes me by her willingness to invest in our family...she really is an awesome woman...she gives us so much...so many things that we could never say thank you for...so many things we could never repay...I just know that we are all so grateful...we are blessed...Thank You Mom.

Now...every one of you is invited to come to our housewarming party...since we will be broke for the next two to five years...you may all bring us groceries when you come :-} :-} Oh yes...and did I mention anyone interested in unpacking detail...please give me a call...the pay is horrible but the rewards are plentiful...

Anyway...at the top of the page, you can see the great pictures of our new house...

Please keep praying that everything continues to work out smooth for us...and a special thanks one more time to my mom for helping us make this happen...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha & The New Home Family

Thursday, October 28, 2004 7:09 AM CDT

Let me start off letting you all know that our friend Kody pulled through his major brain surgery on Monday quite successfully...he finally woke up on Tuesday evening but still has a long way to go...so...I need to ask everyone of you to continue praying for Kody...

Now on to us...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JEREMY...CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT TODAY I HAVE A CHILD THAT IS 12 YEARS OLD!!!

It sure has been a hectic week for us...

I started training on the night schedule Monday and it is pretty cool...I am really going to like when I get to my normal schedule...

Tuesday Cody had his regular doctor appoint and he did great...he had to get IV Cytogam (a form of IVIG) and he had to have his breathing treatments...

His OT appointment for feeding therapy had to be rescheduled because the insurance referral had not come through yet...we finally did get but it was too late for our appointment...

Yesterday ended up being a little scary...I was getting ready for work while Cody and Riley were playing and all of a sudden Cody came to get me with this dreadful look on his face...I came running and there was Riley bleeding all over the place...it seems that he and Cody were playing when he tried running away and fell into the edge of his bed splitting his ear open...it kind of looks like someone ripped an earring out of the top part of his ear...so...there we were rushing to the Naval Hospital...we spent quite a few hours there...when we finally left, Riley had had very first BIG accident, his ear had been glued together...and...we all survived.

Today has just started and hopefully it will be much less eventful...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"DOLLARS FOR DUKE"

Is our latest fundraising project...

We are looking for people to help us with fundraising projects and of course, we are hoping for donations...

The idea is to raise as much as we can by Christmas with a minimum goal of $2000.

We are making GREAT progress thanks to the folks listed below...

A new Active site has been established to help us better describe our goals...

We have also decided to offer several Donation Gifts...In an effort to raise the funds we are looking to raise, we have decided to offer Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness pins (there are 3 to choose from), TY Beanie Baby Teddy Bears (Curly the Nappy Hair Bear) and the Yellow Livestrong bracelets...

Our idea is to offer each item for a specific donation amount.

$6.00 = Livestrong Bracelet
$10.00 = TY Beanie Baby
$15.00 = Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness Pin
$25.00 = Teddy Bear with a Pin

Please check out the fundraising page and then let us know if you have any fundraising ideas...anything that you are willing to do to help us raise the funds we are hoping for would be greatly appreciated.

If you can contribute, please do so on the website or by check...

www.active.com/donate/cody2

Duke PBMT
c/o Eleasha Hilliard
434 Ingram Loop
Norfolk, VA 23505

Friday, October 22, 2004 1:47 AM CDT

We interrupt this program to bring you a very import PRAYER REQUEST for our friend Kody with a K...

Kody suffers from a very rare brain stem tumor and yesterday his family learned that his tumor has progressed...

In one week...Kody has gone from skateboarding and having fun to barely walking among other very serious symptoms...

Our hearts are once again breaking in pieces for another family...

Some of you may recall last year when we made our drive down to Florida to see my mom...on the way home, we stopped in Leesburg so that Cody would have the chance to meet his Caringbridge friend Kody...

All of the kids had such a wonderful time together...Kody's sister Kaysha chased Riley around so that us "old folks" sit around and talk while Cody, Kolin and Kody played non-stop on the Make-A-Wish fort of all forts...

Over the next few days, Kim and Karl, Kody's parents, will be forced to decide which course of treatment to pursue for their son...none of the options are anything you would ever in your life want to have decide on for child...

Should we chose the evasive brain surgery or the less evasive brain surgery...the chemotherapy or radiation...or chemotherapy and radiation...

This really does SUCK.

This family has been through so much and it would seem that now is where the path has grown even more narrow...PLEASE keep them in your prayers...also take a few minutes to fly by and offer them some guestbook support...

www.caringbridge.org/fl/kodysstory

Now...back to our regularly scheduled program...

Wednesday, October 20, 2004 3:41 PM CDT

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well...God knows we are!!!

Cody enjoyed his very first week off from the doctor in I can't even remember how long.

He continues to do well...he is progressing with his individual counseling...he is starts Occupational Therapy for the eating disorder on October 25 and we start family counseling the second week in November.

Today was school picture day...maybe we will get them back in a few weeks...I look forward to it...

Over the weekend we attended the annual CHKD Hem/Onc picnic...it was a lot of fun...the day was perfect...Cody and Riley played and played until it was time to go home...

Greg is working hard at work and in school...he is happy to only have one class a week now...this frees up Tuesday and Thursday night so that he can relax...

I am enjoying my new job...I actually started working at CHKD a week ago on Monday...I have been training in my department since last Wednesday...so far I think I am doing pretty good...

Riley is growing like a weed...and seems to be speaking better and better every single day...he has even started singing his ABC's.

Well...I guess that is all I have to write about for now...Please take the time to read the information at the bottom of the page which will explain everything about the fundraiser that Cody and I are working on now.

Thanks.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"DOLLARS FOR DUKE"

Is our latest fundraising project...

We are looking for people to help us with fundraising projects and of course, we are hoping for donations...

The idea is to raise as much as we can by Christmas with a minimum goal of $2000.

We are making GREAT progress thanks to the folks listed below...

A new Active site has been established to help us better describe our goals...

We have also decided to offer several Donation Gifts...In an effort to raise the funds we are looking to raise, we have decided to offer Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness pins (there are 3 to choose from), TY Beanie Baby Teddy Bears (Curly the Nappy Hair Bear) and the Yellow Livestrong bracelets...

Our idea is to offer each item for a specific donation amount.

$6.00 = Livestrong Bracelet
$10.00 = TY Beanie Baby
$15.00 = Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness Pin
$25.00 = Teddy Bear with a Pin

Please check out the fundraising page and then let us know if you have any fundraising ideas...anything that you are willing to do to help us raise the funds we are hoping for would be greatly appreciated.

If you can contribute, please do so on the website or by check...

www.active.com/donate/cody2

Duke PBMT
c/o Eleasha Hilliard
434 Ingram Loop
Norfolk, VA 23505

Wednesday, October 20, 2004 3:41 PM CDT

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well...God knows we are!!!

Cody enjoyed his very first week off from the doctor in I can't even remember how long.

He continues to do well...he is progressing with his individual counseling...he is starts Occupational Therapy for the eating disorder on October 25 and we start family counseling the second week in November.

Today was school picture day...maybe we will get them back in a few weeks...I look forward to it...

Over the weekend we attended the annual CHKD Hem/Onc picnic...it was a lot of fun...the day was perfect...Cody and Riley played and played until it was time to go home...

Greg is working hard at work and in school...he is happy to only have one class a week now...this frees up Tuesday and Thursday night so that he can relax...

I am enjoying my new job...I actually started working at CHKD a week ago on Monday...I have been training in my department since last Wednesday...so far I think I am doing pretty good...

Riley is growing like a weed...and seems to be speaking better and better every single day...he has even started singing his ABC's.

Well...I guess that is all I have to write about for now...Please take the time to read the information at the bottom of the page which will explain everything about the fundraiser that Cody and I are working on now.

Thanks.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"DOLLARS FOR DUKE"

Is our latest fundraising project...

We are looking for people to help us with fundraising projects and of course, we are hoping for donations...

The idea is to raise as much as we can by Christmas with a minimum goal of $2000.

We are making GREAT progress thanks to the folks listed below...

A new Active site has been established to help us better describe our goals...

We have also decided to offer several Donation Gifts...In an effort to raise the funds we are looking to raise, we have decided to offer Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness pins (there are 3 to choose from), TY Beanie Baby Teddy Bears (Curly the Nappy Hair Bear) and the Yellow Livestrong bracelets...

Our idea is to offer each item for a specific donation amount.

$6.00 = Livstrong Bracelet
$10.00 = TY Beanie Baby
$15.00 = Gold Ribbon Childhood Cancer Awareness Pin
$25.00 = Teddy Bear with a Pin

Please check out the fundraising page and then let us know if you have any fundraising ideas...anything that you are willing to do to help us raise the funds we are hoping for would be greatly appreciated.

If you can contribute, please do so on the website or by check...

www.active.com/donate/cody2

Duke PBMT
c/o Eleasha Hilliard
434 Ingram Loop
Norfolk, VA 23505

Thursday, October 14, 2004 6:49 AM CDT

Things are going good around here...

Cody is doing fine...he has been progressing well in his individual counseling sessions...he starts occupation therapy for the eating issues on October 25th and we start family counseling right after that so that we can better help him deal with his anger management issues...the teacher and I met in our first Parent/Teacher conference on Monday and she said that he is doing very well...

I had a really nice entry in place last night that told about the rest of the family...unfortunatley I finished it just in time for the internet to go down so now I don't have time to tell you all of the funny stories again...just know we are doing great...

Cody and I have started working on our next fundraising project...

"DOLLARS FOR DUKE"

We are working really hard to raise at least $2000. for the Pediatric Transplant Program before Christmas...Your help is needed...

We are looking for people to help us with fundraising projects and of course, we are hoping for donations...

We have set up a new Active site to help us better describe our goals and on the site we have also set up a couple of specific fundraising pages...In an effort to raise the funds we are looking to raise, we have decided to offer Gold Ribbon pins (there are 3 to choose from) and the Yellow Livestrong bracelets...all offered to anyone who will donate a minimum of $10.00

Please check out the fundraising page and then let us know if you have any fundraising ideas...if you can contribute...

www.active.com/donate/cody2

Thanks again...

Finally...I have a prayer request for our good friend Carol Burgess...Carol is suffering from a horrible case of Adult Chicken Pox...please keep in your thoughts and prayers as she goes throught this terrible experience...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, October 7, 2004 12:10 AM CDT

Wow...the donations keep coming in...it looks like we are going to close out our Light the Night fundraising efforts just under $1,000.

HOORAY!!!!

Those of you who were able to contribute financially and/or prayerfully...we truly appreciate your generosity and your strength...

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!

I was very disappointed when I figured out that I was not going to be able to make the trip to NC for Jordan's services...I really wanted to attend but it worked out that Cody had to spend the day at the clinic...he was scheduled to receive I.V. Cytogam and his inhaled Pentamidine treatments...together they make up for about 3 hours and that doesn't include the time it takes to get checked in and wait for labs and the doctor...

I had attempted to change the appointment but my only other choice was today and that didn't work into Cody's school schedule...today he is participating in his very first field trip...

Other than the field trip not too many exciting things happening around here...

All of us have had a not so healthy dose of the flu (except Cody...of course, I think that is what landed him in the hospital last week...but his symptoms are different than ours) It started with Cody being in the hospital...Riley acting like he didn't feel good...me getting sick..and now Greg...YUCK!

Tomorrow is my last day at my contract job...I am excited about started the new job but sad about leaving this job...I have had a lot of fun working here and really like what I am doing...

I would stay but I just know it in my heart that I am supposed to be at CHKD...God keeps showing me all of the signs...knowing that I have faith that I will be rewarded for being obiedent...the money there is less than here so mentally I have been wrestling with what to do...but there really isn't any thing to wrestle with...

God has opened the door for me at the hospital...He is even placing me in the same department as the Medical Transcriptionist (which is what I am studying in school)...

Then...during my full out pre-employment physical I had to take an eye exam...well about four weeks I made an eye appointment and went got contacts...I haven't been to the eye doctor in over 10 years and I had no idea that there would be an eye exam...

So while this job is lucrative, it is definitely not the job that God has set aside for me...the other job is...this will serve as a major stepping stone into my career field AND it is long term employment...the contract job I am at now is not even guaranteed past Novemeber 12.

So...I wrestle with things that should not even bother me...

To top it all off it becomes more and more apparent to me every day that my kids need more of mom at home then the bank account needs more of mom at work...

Greg finished his Networking class on Tuesday...soon he will test and be N Certified which is a wonderful thing...He still has several weeks left in his A Certification class but he is happy to be down to one class per week (two nights instead of four)

Riley, like I said before, hasn't been feeling too well...he has a nasty little cough that won't go away...and he is very clingy...I love it when he is affectionate...I just wish it wasn't because he was sick...

Jeremy is doing great...we got his plane ticket for Thanksgiving...we will have him from Wednesday until Monday...I am very excited...I miss him so much...he has been having a really good time playing football and he said that school is going pretty good as well...

Marina is doing well...we are schedule to have her this weekend...and in the process of trying to get a lot of the "issues" ironed out and in writing...

Well...I am not sure but I think that covers everything...

If you have any questions...post them in the guestbook...at least that way we will know that we are loved and that people actually check on us (yes........this is meant to be a guilt trip......sign the guestbook :-})

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, October 2, 2004 8:33 PM CDT

WE JUST GOT HOME FROM THE WALK AND WE HAD A BLAST!!!

THANKS TO VALERIE FOR WALKING WITH US AND THANKS TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU WHO SAID A PRAYER AND/OR OFFERED SUPPORT...

THANKS AGAIN EVERY ONE...

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

Saturday, October 2, 2004 4:00 PM CDT

We will be leaving pretty soon to go to the Light the Night walk...

We reached about 20 percent our goal and we are very grateful to have been able to do that...it was accomplished only because of people like you who were able to offer us your support...I believe whole heartedly that if we had started fundraising sooner we would surpassed our goal by far...

Special thank you's are in store for:

Alicia Bennett
Carol Burgess
Shawn Coble
Cindy Dula
Chris Googas
Grandma Sherrill
Greg Hilliard
Mary Kitchen
Drena Messenger
Valerie Raboin
Tiffany Ward
Mary Wiltshire
MARY WINTERS

We truly appreciate the support that each and every one of you gave to us in helping us reach our goal...

We would also like to send out a special thank you to all of the people in our neighborhood who also offered donations and support...We are excited about the walk!

I have heard from a few other people who have dropped some donations in the mail...although we have not yet received them...we will forward them on to the Leukemia Society once we receive them...

For the walk tonight...I have decided to wear my Jillian Shirt as a memorial to her and the rest of the friends we have lost to the this horrible disease...

I hope you all have a GREAT weekend...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, September 29, 2004 6:44 AM CDT

JORDAN'S SERVICES WILL BE HELD TODAY AND TOMORROW...PLEASE SEE THEIR WEBSITE FOR GREATER DETAIL AND OFFER YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT:

www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan

FOLLOWING THE INTERNMENT THEY HAVE A GREEN AND GOLD GRAVESIDE BALLOON RELEASED SCHEDULED...

OUR FAMILY PLANS TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR OWN GREEN AND GOLD BALLOON RELEASE TO HONOR JORDAN TOMORROW AT 1:00 P.M. EST.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO JOIN US IF YOU CAN...TAKE PICTURES AND SEND THEM TO CARRIE & PATRICK SO THAT THEY WILL KNOW THAT MILLIONS OF BALLOONS ADOURNED THE HEAVENS FOR THEIR BABY AT THAT TIME...

I spoke with Carrie last night...she said that yesterday was one of the most horrible days of her life...

I had to sit and try to imagine what would it be like to pick out a caket, a plot, a headstone for my child...

As she explained what they had chosen and how perfect the service was going to be for Jordan...

I started to cry...

Again, a bitter reminder of deseperately I had hoped that Jordan's healing would be here with us on earth...

Another crushed dream...the enemy SUCKS!

I hate that there are diseases and that our children are suffering and dying...I hate it with everything I am...

I know this is NOT the will of my Father in heaven...

The enemy is cunning...baffling...and he thinks he is powerful...

He is WRONG!

With every shred of hope he steals away...with every sickness he sends our way...with every war...every storm...every earthquake...I am that much more convicted that the End Times are here...

What are the End Times, you ask???

Well...

The bible...you that book you have always seen but may have never read...it tells this story from beginning to end...

In the end...WE WIN!

So...while I have no words to express the grief and the pain that I feel being stuck here on earth...

I rejoice that Jordan is far away from this chaos...free from pain...free from disease...free...

Jordan's services will start tonight in Decatur with a Visitation scheduled from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tomorrow, Carrie and Patrick will sit through a Memorial Service at 10:00 A.M. After that they will head to a Cemetary which is politely called a Memorial Garden where they will bury their son and release the Green and Gold balloons that will honor him...

While the services sound so very perfect and so very beautiful...Carrie has left no detail unattended to...

Still...I maintain that it SUCKS!

My friends should NOT be laying their child to rest tomorrow in a grave in Illinois...they should never have had to go through Hunter Syndrome...never known what the letters MPS stood for...they should never have had to go through transplant...and complications...for that matter...that should never have met us...

They should be a happy young couple...working...and raising a toddler who by now would be walking well...starting to talk...possibly potty training...but definitely a hand full...

God's plan is perfect...the enemy is a big fat jerk...that he would strip away a gift that was intended to be from God is beyond me...I know that he will pay for his deeds and that he will suffer...

Praise God for Christ...that he bore upon His body the weight of the world...that He lay His life down so that we could live with Him eternally in heaven...

Know that Jordan is safe in the arms of the Father and Son...

Know that the Lord has clearly stated, "Vengenace is Mine!"

Know that Jordan is not lost...nor is his battle ill served...for the enemy shall never be redeemed...

Most of day I spend praying for Jordan's family...I cannot imagine what they are feeling...

I am inadequate...I am lost...I am sad...I am angry...but I my feelings are nothing compared to that of that baby's Mother and Father.

Jordan's service in North Carolina will take place at Clyde's Chapel Baptist Church in Wendell, NC at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday October 6, 2004...

I am doing all that I can to be able to be there...it is my desire to offer a hug if nothing else...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, September 27, 2004 7:17 AM CDT

As many of you know, we lost our little buddy Jordan very early yesterday morning...

The news has been devastating to our extended 5200 family...and to us.

Jordan was transplanted only a week or two before our Cody was...we spent many days in the hospital on 5200 with Carrie, Patrick and Jordan...Jordan was barely two months old...

Once we were released from 5200 we made our way to Rainbow Day which is our Duke Children's clinic, we spent, what seemed to be, millions of hours with Jordan and his family there...

Throughout the journey...we have all stayed close...giving up everything so that our children might have a chance at life free from disease...offering support o each other each and every day...

I feel so inadequate now...I know not what to say to my dear friends...I know not how to feel about this sweet baby leaving us...

Jordan's spirit was so strong...but his little body was so tired...he fought hard for nearly 23 months...his little body so tired...he finally went to sleep...leaving us here to wonder why...to question what the greater plan might possibly be...

I don't know.

My heart's desire has always been for Jordan to be healed...I so desired for his healing to be here on earth...I am so sad that it was not...

Cody, too, has been very sad...he cried with me last night...then he made Jordan's little devious laugh one more time...a regular sound in our house since Jordan first stole a ball from Cody and then laughed at he fact that he had gotten it faster than Cody could...

OUR FAMILY HAS DECIDED TO DO A BALLOON RELEASE TRIBUTE TO JORDAN...WE WILL BE SCHEDULING IT DURING HIS SCHEDULED INTERMENT TIME IN DECATUR...I WILL POST THE EXACT TIME WHEN WE HAVE IT...IN HONOR OF JORDAN AND HIS DADDY'S LOVE FOR THE GREEN BAY PACKERS, WE HAVE CHOSEN GREEN AND YELLOW BALLOWS TO RELEASE...PLEASE WATCH FOR THE DETAILS AND RELEASE YOUR BALLOONS WITH US...

In addition to the Balloon Release, Carrie has said to let you all know that a Memorial Service will be held in Jordan's honor Wednesday October 6, 2004 at:

Clyde's Chapel Baptist Church
16657 Buffalo Road
Wendell, NC

Once all of the details and times are worked out they will be posted.

Jordan has always been a fighter...today I bet he is resting comfortable in the arms of our Father...

Please continue to pray for his family that two will find peace...and that the Father will wrap His loving arms around them as they grieve...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, September 26, 2004 9:47 AM CDT

Today is Greg's birthday...we celebrated last night...

Unfortunately there has not been much to celebrate since then...

Our little buddy Jordan passed away this morning...I am just going to post the entry I did for Carrie an Patrick here:

Journal

Sunday, September 26, 2004 9:25 AM CDT

It has been a long journey...Jordan has fought the good fight.

At 4:55 a.m. surrounded by his loving mother and father...Jordan's little heart stopped working...he took his last breath and went home to heaven.

He will be desperately missed as he has always been so loved by so many...

Withe freverent prayers we have so desired that his healing be here on earth...but alas underneatht he great spirit that was Jordan, his body has given out...

I pray that now more than ever you will pray for Carrie and Patrick as they begin making prepartions for Jordan's services. They have decided to take him back to Illinois.

As soon as they can they will update.

I am leaving you with my dedication to Jordan at the bottom...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha (Cody's Mom)

Angel by Sarah McLachlan

Spend all your time waiting
for that second chance,
for a break that would make it okay.

There's always some reason
to feel not good enough,
and it's hard, at the end of the day.

I need some distraction,
Oh, beautiful release.
Memories seep from my veins.

Let me be empty,
Oh, and weightless,
And maybe I'll find some peace tonight.

In the arms of the angel,
fly away from here,
from this dark, cold hotel room,
and the endlessness that you feel.

You are pulled from the wreckage,
Of your silent reverie.
You're in the arms of the angel,
may you find some comfort here.

So tired of the straight line,
and everywhere you turn,
there's vultures and thieves at your back.

The storm keeps on twisting.
Keep on building the lies
that you make up for all that you lack.

Don't make no difference,
escape one last time.
It's easier to believe in this sweet madness,
Oh, this glorious sadness,
that brings me to my knees.

In the arms of the angel,
fly away from here,
from this dark, cold hotel room,
and the endlessness that you feel.

You're in the arms of the angel,
may you find some comfort here.

Saturday, September 25, 2004 8:32 AM CDT

The results from the x-ray do show a few spots on the left lung which indicate pnemonia...but he has not had any fevers for the past 24 hours and NONE of the cultures have grown anything...

On rounds this morning, the doctors did say that he will be allowed to come home today...they are, however, tacking on several extra new meds to our already way too long list...I guess the general direction of thought is that Cody is suffering from normal, ever day, school going kid stuff!

PRAISE GOD...

Our donated immune system is finally working like a charm and we are now on to deal with the more pressing issues at hand...

Like should Cody be allowed to go to his best friends birthday party this afternoon when he will just be getting home from the hospital...hmmmmm...

I thank God that my update is able to be fun and lighthearted that we are in a place where being in the hospital...while it may be out of the ordninary for most...it is par for the course for us...and finally no big deal.

WE ARE INDEED BLESSED...We feel as though we are the lucky ones...

It is hard to explain...but even as my own child lay sick in his hospital bed the past few days...I still continue to focus a majority of prayers on our little buddy Jordan...

My heart's desire remains true...I pray daily for Jordan's complete and total healing...I pray that the Lord will spare him here on Earth with us...if that be His plan...

Jordan's kidneys have quit functioning now along with his liver...since yesterday, he has only been able to put out about 5cc's of urine...his blood pressure continues to drop but is being controlled in the low 70's...this morning Carrie said his heart rate was more stable but has been all over the place...the bottomline is that Jordan's little body is growing weary...while his spirit stays strong...and his family continues the fight...

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO STOP BY AND OFFER JORDAN AND HIS FAMILY YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT.

www.caringbridge.org/va/cody

Finally...

Cody and I are still working very hard to reach our fundraising goal for Light the Night...if you haven't checked out the fundraising page for that yet...Please do so by clicking on the link below...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, September 24, 2004 6:00 AM CDT

OK...

Cody is admitted and very tired...

He has a deep crackle in his lungs so they did a chest x-ray...obviously the concern is pnemonia...he continued with the really high fevers overnight as well...at admission he was 104.3 they eventually gave him Tylenol which brought his temperature down to 102.1

In the interm, overnight, he has had a lot of trouble holding his bowels...so that coupled with the upset stomach may point to some type of stomach virus...

Bottomline, right now...we have no answers...just a very sick little boy...

It's heart wrenching to be honest...the moment you start to think...maybe, just maybe there is some kind of normal for us out there...POOF! Reality slaps us in the face and we land ourselves back in the hospital...

I am begging on my knees...LORD, Reveal to me what I am missing...What lesson am I not grasping? The enemy has reared his ugly evil face once again...and we are left wondering...When does this journey end? Or maybe a better question would be when does the journey change? What is normal? And where is normal? When do we get there? Do we ever get there?

I don't know...

Anyway...we actually got processed through the ER around 1 this morning...Greg stayed at the hospital with Cody and I went home to sleep for a few hours before I had to leave for work...which is where I am now.

Riley went to Carol's house...he had a very slight fever yesterday as well...he has been sleeping a lot so, chances are, he is fighting something as well...

I plan on leaving work as soon as I can wrap up the three or four projects had pending for today and then I will be on my way to the hospital...

I am not sure what we are going to do about tomorrow...Greg has duty...Carol is going out of town and Cody is in the hospital...

With only one of me...it makes for an interesting juggling act...

Please continue to pray for us...I will update when I know more...

In addition...PLEASE say a million prays for Baby Jordan...his little body grows so tired while his little spirit continues to fight the good fight...God's perfect plan tells us that Jordan WILL be healed...it is my heart's desire that his healing be found here on earth...Please Father, hear my cry.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, September 23, 2004 5:18 PM CDT

My. my how fast things change...

Cody is exteremly ill...we are on our way to the hospital where we are told that we WILL be admitted.

Cody woke up this morning complaining of his stomach bothering him. I talked to him and based on what he ahd to say felt it was necessary to let him stay home with Riley and Carol...

Greg came home early and Cody slept most of the day. By the time I got home, Cody said he was feeling very bad...that he had a headache.

I had him lay down with me for about an hour and asked him how he felt he said his head hurt him really, really bad...I felt his head and almost had a heartattack...

Greg had already left for school...so while I was taking Cody's temperature I called Greg to come home...I knew...

Cody's temperature...a whopping 104.5...

Dr. Owen said come prepared to stay...

SO we are on our way to the hospital now...

We would appreciate your prayers...

We ask that you also offer as many prayers as possible to Jordan and his family...his body continues to give way under the wonderful spirit that is still holding on...my heart is breaking for Carrie and Patrick...Our Love, Our Prayers and Our Hearts are there with you...Always.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 10:11 AM CDT

First off let me say that when I get a chance I will be adding the links back for our friends and our for information...

I wanted special focus on Baby Jordan so I took everything else off now...I have to wait until I go home before I can add them back on...

Speaking of Baby Jordan...he continues to hang in there...Carrie was able to update their webpage yesterday offering some words of hope regarding the small baby steps that Jordan has been able to make these past few weeks...We still need to continue to pray and pray for Jordan's complete and total healing here on Earth with a slight focus on his Liver and Kidney functions.

Cody had a great visit with Dr. Owen yesterday at CHKD!!!!

All of his levels look really good except his FK level, which was low.

I spoke with Dr.K. and she said that we would just stay at this dose and hope that it was a fluke...she does, however, want us to drop labs again next week to make sure...

Cody has been doing well with his homework assignments and is doing really good in his class...aside from the anger management issues, he seems to be adjusting well...

Cody's teacher told me he was doing much better than she had originally anticipated so that was really good to hear...

Our social worker at CHKD gave us the name of a counselor that will be able to help us with the family counseling and the individual counseling so we will be starting that soon...

We still do not have any information on Occupational Therapy for the feeding/eating issues...

As for me, Greg and Riley we are all doing well too...I think that all of these changes have been and will continue to be an adjustment for us all...but change is good...right?

As you have probably noticed...

Cody and I have decided to do the Annual Light the Night Walk with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society again this year...We have a very lofty goal and in order to reach it we will DEFINITELY need your help!!!

Take a few moments to click on the links provided above and below so that you can see what the walk and what the Leukemia Society is all about!!!

Finally...

I hope everyone is having a really great day...If you are looking for my poem I wrote yesterday it should be in the journal history :-}

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, September 21, 2004 10:07 AM CDT

On This Journey With Me...
By: Eleasha L. Hilliard, Mom to Cody d/x ALL 10/30/1999

In One Brief Moment�

My life had to change�

In One Brief Moment�

My priorities were all rearranged�

In One Brief Moment�

My child was diagnosed with this deadly disease�

In One Brief Moment�

I fell to the ground, I cried out on my knees�

In One Brief Moment�

The tears filled my eyes�

In One Brief Moment�

The words they were saying�they MUST be lies�

In One Brief Moment�

Only anger and fear...

In One Brief Moment...

There was no room for that here...

In One Brief Moment...

Feeling as though I have nothing to give...

In One Brief Moment�

Through prayer my child and I found the willingness to live...

In One Brief Moment�

A bad tasted flavor...

In One Brief Moment...

Every moment forward would be there to savor...

In One Brief Moment...

Through my child I would see�

In One Brief Moment�

For this journey with him�HE chose me.

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 11:36 AM CDT

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO START OFF BY TELLING YOU ALL THAT I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE LOVE, SUPPORT AND PRAYERS YOU HAVE BEEN SENDING TO BABY JORDAN AND HIS FAMILY...JORDAN IS STILL ON THE VENT BUT, AS OF YESTERDAY WAS STILL DOING A PRETTY GOOD JOB OF HANGING IN THERE...I COTINUE TO BEG MY FATHER IN HEAVEN TO TAKE CARE OF JORDAN AND HEAL HIM HERE ON EARTH IF THAT BE HIS PLAN...

www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan

Now on to us...

Cody had his monthly visit to Duke yesterday and things went well...Dr.K. agreed to allow us to change our visits to bi-monthly which is a big relief now that I am back to work and Cody is back to school...

I am unsure as to whether or not I shared with you all about the issues Cody has been having since he has returned to school...I have been so consumed with Jordan that I have not taken the time to discuss some of the things I feel are our so minor with us...but, anyway, Cody has come up the at least 3 seperate times with artwork that has been exteremly violent...each picture depicting him as some kind of mutated, Frankenstien looking kid with many other children dead on the floor at his feet...in one picture, he drew them all engulfed in flames...in another picture he drew them all covered in blood dead from gunshot wounds inflicted from the two very large guns he was holding in each hand...the last picture was actually an almost normal picture of our entire family but with him again looking a little like Frankenstein...having what little knowledge I do of dealing with this kind of rage...I thought it best for me not to react badly or over question him concerning the drawings as I was afraid this may cause alarm with him and make him feel as though he is unable to share these pictures with us...I did however, ask him if this is really how he thought he looked and why everyone was dead...to which he replied "they had to be punished for making fun of me"...

Of course, I am very concerned so...the first thing I did was designate a time for him to begin utilizing his punching bag on a daily basis...this is a constructive way to help him get rid of anger...aside from that, Greg and I sat down and went through every single video game, music CD and movie that Cody has priveleges too and got "rid" of those that we felt were more violent then necessary (that did not go over too well, but it gives us a chance to re-introduce some Christian Rap or Alternative as we promised to replace them with other CD's of the same music genre)...

In addition, I asked Cody to take his artwork to show Dr.K. I told him that she would enjoy the opportunity to see some of the work he has been doing in school...this of course, gave us the opportunity to show her the work without alarming him as to why we were taking the pictures to the doctor...once Cody was out of the room Greg was able to discuss our concerns in greater detail...Dr.K. was just as concerned as we are...it is quite obvious that Cody is a very, very angry little boy...Dr.K. has helped us create an action plan which will include family counseling, individual counseling and anger management techniques with defined discipline...

It is our feeling that even though Cody looks like a normal boy now...in his mind he sees himself as some sort of outkast...he is extermely insecure, feeling as though every person who looks in his general direction is able to see under the outward appearances and know that he is "different"... that he is "sick"... that he has scars, a button and has had surgery to remove one testicle due to this horrid disease...that every single person who looks at him in some way knows that he has cancer and has had a transplant...he mistakes curiosity for ridicule...and he does not have the skills to decifer between the two nor does he have the ability to cope with all that is changing around him...

His anger is apparent in more ways than one...wether it be through misdirected outburst...temper tantrums...Yelling...Screaming...Crying...OR..through the need for constant reassurance...or even clinging to me...

I love him so much and it breaks my heart that he is having such a difficult time with this transistion back to "normal"...

Last week he even went so far as to tell me he missed being in the hospital...but in one breath he will make that statement and in the next he will say WHY do I always have to go back to the hospital...so it is very hard...

I have no real answers for him...I can only hold his hand and walk the path with him...and while I am supposed to be much better equipped to manage my anger sometimes I wonder if I am...at least, I have and am able to utilize a support system which includes my husband and my mom...I can talk things out with them...of course, Cody could do that with any one of us as well...but unfortunately, he is not old enough to know how or feel comfortable with doing so...he still seems to have the terrible misconception that his feelings are wrong...

I guess that the bottom line is this transition is almost as difficult as the one that changed everything...we went from "normal" to "sick" and now back to "normal-sick"??? How do you do that? Praise God we know Jesus Christ and we are able to pray...Praise God we have friends, family and supporters who are willing to lift us in prayer...I am confident that some days that is the only thing that pulls us through...

On top of everything...I am working full time...now while my contractor assignment is going really well...I like the job and I am excited about the fact that financially it will help bail us out of trouble as soon as I actually start receiving paychecks :-} Still I look forward to starting my job at the Children's Hospital...my heart is already there...plus full-time employment is really putting a HUGE stressor on our family...especially right now...

Greg is working full-time and going to school 4 nights a week...it is difficult to place so many other responsibilities on him that I typically manage myself...or we manage together...

Once I go to the Children's Hospital and start a part time schedule I will be able to offer more time back to my family while I am able to contribute to the household finances which has always been my desire and my goal...

I am confident that all things are possible in and through Christ....so that means that His plan will eventually show itself and then we shall understand...

I don't know...Life is good...Change is hard...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, September 11, 2004 7:44 AM CDT

First let me say Happy Birthday to my mom, without your love and support we NEVER would have been able to make it this far...I praise God for your undying love every single day...

Now...

AS We mourn for our nation today...even more we mourn for the pain of dear friends...Carrie, Patrick and baby Jordan...

I cannot express in words how I feel about them...they have been like family to us over the past two years...my heart breaks for them...the pain, the suffering, the hurt, the confussion...God Please Make it STOP!

I wish there were some way I could make everything better for them...but the only tool I have is PRAYER...

I am begging you...our family, friends and supporters...Send your love and prayers to Baby Jordan and his family RIGHT NOW...TODAY!

His condition continues to get worse...his body is tired...and he is in pain...

GOD PLEASE HEAR MY CRY! JORDAN NEEDS YOUR HEALING! IT IS OUR DEEPEST DESIRE FOR HIM TO HEALED HERE ON EARTH. PLEASE HEAR MY PRAYERS AND ANSWER THEM. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN HEAL JORDAN. FATHER, I PRAY ONLY FOR YOUR WILL AND FOR NO MORE PAIN AND SUFFERING...PLEASE WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND CARRIE AND PATRICK AND THE REST OF JORDAN'S FAMILY...PLEASE WRAP YOUR HEDGE OF PROTECTION AROUND JORDAN...PLEASE PLACE YOUR HANDS UPON HIM AND HEAL HIM...MAKE HIM WHOLE AGAIN FATHER...

IN JESUS NAME.
AMEN.

Friday, September 10, 2004 9:44 AM CDT

Well things continue to progress for our family...

We are all doing well in our new roles...

Cody is having a little trouble adjusting to school...he is not used to dealing with the realities of "mean little kids" that just don't understand what he has been through...we are already working on obtaining some extra help for him and we have decided to revise his access to certain video games, music and movies...in addition, we are working really hard to get him set up with a transitional therapist that cn help make the changes he needs to make...we are also working with an organization (I can't remember the name right this second but I will post it later on) that will come together and actually build a support system for the school to help incorporate teaching for the other shildren to learn understand not just Cody but other kids with disabilities or those who are a little "different."

I know this sounds so trivial and maybe even strange...but I think the trials we are facing now...going from being sick, worrying about death on a daily basis...to trying to figure out how to be normal is an all new kind of stress...of course this is the one I would perfer over the other any day...however; right now it does not make the transition any easier for our boy...or for us...

On the medical front we are doing well...I am still having some troubles with my kidney or back or whatever pain...but I am getting better...

Cody received a clean bill of health at the doctor yesterday, BUT, they did send him for a chest x-ray as he continues to have some flem amd a cough that he brought home form camp...

Greg continues to burn the candle at both ends with school and work...but he seems to be managing...I am so proud of him...I know he has to be so tired...

My new contract job is GREAT! I will be here for a while and then I will start my position at the Children's Hospital which is very, very exciting to me!!!

I feel as though I have not been spending enough time on my knees thanking God lately for all of the positives He continues to place in our path these days...the doors continue to open as we do the foot work and walk through...I am thankful. But, I think like any other Mom who has been through so much, I am constantly waiting to see when and where the enemy will rear his ugly face up again...what will happen next? Things are too good...is that possible?

I don't know for now I try not to worry too much...Life is good today...and in life that is all we know we have TODAY!

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUT AN URGENT PRAYER REMINDER TO ALL OF OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS...

BABY JORDAN CONTINUES TO BE VERY ILL IN THE PICU AT DUKE...HE AND HIS FAMILY COULD REALLY USE YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT...PLEASE STOP BY THEIR SITE AND LET THEM KNOW CODY SENT YOU:

www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan

Until Next Time...

Stay Well...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Tuesday, September 7, 2004 8:03 AM CDT

Well...I just got home from taking my baby to school...his first day back at school in nearly two years...he was very excited...and I think a little nervous as well...but he did great! I am sure he will adjust in no time and be loving the fact that he is finally on the road to some kind of real normal life.

God is so AWESOME...I sometimes feel as though I just need to sit and cry...to offer up my tears of unrelenting joy...in some feeble attempt at humbling expressing my gratitude...no matter what it would be though it would be inadequate...as my heart...my love...my desire to thank my Father in heaven is beyond the capabilities of my body...it is beyond the words I have inside of me...Luckily for me...God knows my heart...He knows what I wish I could say...what I don't say...and what I should say.

I start my new job this week too...it would seem as though things are really coming together for us...I need to thank each and every one of you for making this life...this journey possible...if it wasn't for your undying love and support, we would never have made it this far...

Your prayers are still needed for our little buddy Jordan...he continues to hold his own and he continues to show the world that God's plan is well beyond the realm of comprehension for us mere mortals :} Jordan will be receiving a new transplant this week...so PRAY hard that this transplant is THEEEEE transplant that will turn it all around...that these cells are the ones that will stick...that Jordan and his family will finally start on the journey to recovery...

In addition...I am asking for your prayers for my family, my friends and my fellow state mates in Florida...this hurricane season has really been relentless on them...First Charley...over this last weekend Frances adn now Ivan his headed straight for them...Pray that everyone stays safe and that they suffer the least amount of damage possible...

Finally...I was wondering...does anyone actually stop by here and check on us? We have so few people actually signing the guestbook, I was begining to think that maybe you all don't like us anymore :{ If you are out there and you still love us...let us know in the guestbook...OK ;}

I have some mommy duties to attend to since I at least still have one kid here at home...so I must get going...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Saturday, September 4, 2004 2:01 AM CDT

GOD IS GOOD...ALL OF THE TIME!

I am always amazed at the extent of HIS grace and mercy...

You would think after seeing so many miracles that I would be "used" what HE is able and willing to do for us when we ask...BUT...I believe I will never get "used" to it and I am grateful...for each new, no matter what size miracle, gives me such an overwhleming love for my Savior Jesus Christ that I cannot begin to express it to you in words...

With that being said...I am happy to give a few tidbits of really good news...

Baby Jordan continues to hold his own...HIS hands have stayed wrapped around Jordan...his mommy...his daddy...and the rest of his family (including us)...

Jordan was successfully moved to the regular ventillator...this is a step down from the oscillator and a really BIG step toward recovery!

The doctors finally have some much needed answers as to what is causing Jordan's many, many setbacks...

Jordan is suffering from yet another RARE and major, life threatening infection...there is treatment for it...but he is allergic to it...his allergy causes major skin irritation so they are risking the rash to get rid of the infection (good choice I think)

In addition...the reason that nearly 2 years after receiving his transplant he continues to detrioate and have these issues is basically because his first donor was a DUD!!!!! The amazing thing is that there is another donor match and Jordan will undergo a new transplant next week...He does NOT have to undergo CHEMO because his body has knocked out it's own immune system...this is actually GREAT news (see how God knows HIS own plan!) Jordan will stay on the vent through the pre-medication process in case of any issues and then because GOD is AWESOME...we expect to see him on the path to complete healing!

Go see Jordan and his family at:

www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan

Like I said...GOD IS GOOD ALL OF THE TIME!!!

And now a little note on our family :-}

Cody is doing great! He is all ready to start school on Tuesday...he is so amazing to me...our real life every day in your face miracle! He has had a little bit of trouble adjusting to life getting back to normal...so we are doing the best we can to support and guide him through it (the hard part is we, well me anyway, are having a little bit of trouble as well)!!!

Riley is doing really well too...he is still potty training sort of...he definitely keeps us on our toes...his new thing...as gross as it is...is to take off his diaper and paint everything (including himself) with poop! We are at a loss on what to do about this so if anyone else has any input PLEASE feel free to offer it...we have tried many things but we continue to under estimate the level of his sneakiness!!!

I have accepted two jobs...the first will start next Wednesday...it is a contract assignment...the second is one that my heart has longed for...I will be working at the Children's Hospital...and here is the best part...the department that I will be working in right now reports to Medical Transcription which is what I am studying in school...(see how well God works HIS plan without anyone else's help)

Greg is doing well...he just took his E6 exam on Thursday...pray that he is able to advance this time...it would be great for us if he promoted...aside from that he is doing well with his classes although it is very hectic for him right now...he goes to work...comes home and leaves for school...it makes for a really long day...

Finally...my family in Florida is in the direct path of Frances...I have been religously watching the Weather Channel and looking for each new advisory...I was grateful to see that the storm has weakened some over the last 24 hours but continue to be concerned for the safety and well-being of my family...

Please join me in prayer...

Pray that my family and the many other Florida residents in the path of this storm stay safe...

Pray that Jordan continues to improve and that the Lord heals him here on Earth if that be HIS plan...

Pray for our family as we begin to adjust to life after cancer and transplant...

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, September 1, 2004 7:38 AM CDT

Dear Family & Friends:

Jordan continues to worsen.

He is now on the Oscillator in the PICU with his parents at his bedside in neverending prayer.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE OFFER YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT TO THIS FAMILY...

www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan

Jordan, Carrie, Patrick and thier parents have been our family through this whole transplant...We are very close to them...thier pain is our pain...thier anguish is our anguis...thier hopes are our hopes.

Join me in non-stop prayer:

Dear Lord:

You know the plans you have for Baby Jordan...Plans to heal him...Plans to make him whole...We are humbled before you as we beg that your plans include healing his fragile little body today...We hope beyond hope that your plan is to heal this baby hear on Earth. We pray for your will to be done...Father we know that your mercy endures forever...that your love is greater than all of the oceans in the world...that you will never leave nor foresake us...Answer us now Father...for we grow weary...Jordan's little body is failing and we no longer want him to suffer...Heal him Father.

In Jesus Name.
Amen

Monday, August 30, 2004 4:31 PM CDT

FIRST AND FOREMOST...YOUR PRAYERS...YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT IS DESPERATELY NEEDED FOR BABY JORDAN...JORDAN AND HIS FAMILY COULD TRUELY USE A MOMENTS OF YOUR TIME A MILLION TIMES A DAY FOR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT...

PLEASE STOP BY THIER SITE AND OFFER THEM YOUR LOVE AND PRAYERS...

www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan

Now on to us though it is not as important...

Well today is my birthday and for my birthday I earned myself a trip to the Naval Medical Center Emergency Room...

It appears as though my body decided that at this ripe old age it was time to pass my very first kidney stone...WHEW HEW!!!! LUCKY, LUCKY ME!

Cody's appointment to Duke had to be postponed until the second week in September since the doctor does not want me driving or venturing too far away from home.

I have been offered two jobs and will start one of them this week...I am very excited...the other job sounds very interesting but will take a while to get throught eh hiring process...it may work out that the first job, which is a contract will come to a close before I need to make a decision on the other job...either way, it is all very exciting.

I am still not feeling to well so I must go and spend the rest of my Birthday in bed...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Friday, August 27, 2004 10:29 AM CDT

Dear Friends and Family:

Sometimes this journey seems to be so unfair...We make friends and we lose them in the battle...

My heart aches and aches witht he passing of each and every solider...whether it be from cancer, some other dreadful disease or from transplant complications...

Life is so fragile...I praise God everyday for I know all to well...all to REAL...that in a moment our battle could come to an end.

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our beautiful friend Amanda...

Amanda was treated with us at the Naval Hospital...she underwent transplant at Texas Children's and after 3 hard years, she went home to heaven.

Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers as they lay her to rest today...

www.caringbridge.org/va/amandabarrington

Cody continues to do well...we have our monthly visit at Duke next Tuesday...they will be completing his immune function studies at that time.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha @}-,--

Friday, August 20, 2004 5:06 AM CDT

Well yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of Cody's relapse...Believe it or not I didn't even think about once until this morning...

I guess it's true...time is the greatest healer...now instead of remembering anniversaries of dates that brought devastating news...I am preparing for dates that will bring us joy and happiness...

Cody will start school again next month...I am looking for a job and still working hard on school...Greg is working and his new classes start on Monday...Riley is growing like a weed and potty training...Jeremy and Marina both start middle school this year...

LIFE...it just keeps happening and we are blessed by less and less issues for Cody...

We are grateful...but for every milestone we have the joy of accomplishing we learn of terrible heartbreaking news from another family on this journey...

The path through cancer, disease, transplant...IT IS HELL AND IT REALLY SUCKS AND I HATE IT!

I AM SENDING OUT AN URGENT PRAYER REQUEST TODAY FOR BABY JORDAN...

www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan

Many of you will recall that baby Jordan transplanted at the same time as Cody we spent a lot of time on the unit and in clinic with baby Jordan and family...they are our extended family...we love them very much...

Jordan has spent the last week in the PICU fighting to stay off of the Ventilator...he was finally moved to the step down unit day before yesterday and for the first time in a long time his mommy and daddy heard him laugh...to top all of the pnemonia problems, liver problems and whatever else...he is also loosing his engraftment...obviously, he is still not out of the woods and could use a million or more prayers...

PLEASE STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING SAY A PRAYER AND GO SIGN THEIR GUESTBOOK WITH SOME WORDS OF SUPPORT!!!

That's all for now...if you have a moment we would love to know that you have been here, stop by and sign the guestbook...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, August 16, 2004 4:03 PM CDT

Well...I am all alone now...Just me and Riley...the house sure is a lonely place without Cody and Jeremy fighting...

I am very lonely...

Everyone has come and gone...now we are just looking forward to Cody's return from camp and then school will start right after our next visit to Duke...

Life just keeps on happening...I am grateful.

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, August 11, 2004 2:02 PM CDT

Whew!!!

We sure have been very busy people this last week...

I praise God every single day for the opportunity to experience this journey...we are finally moving to a new phase and I am wondering how well we will all do with the upcoming changes...

Since Cody will be able to return to school in September, i have been actively seeking employment...I am very excited about the prospect of getting back into the work force and of being able to financially assist our household again...

I will still be working on my school studies...and I am actually looking for a job in the medical community which will help me in my prepartion for becoming a Medical Transcriptionist...

Cody is doing wonderful...he is very excited about going back to school...but first things first...he is chomping at the bit awaiting Sunday's departure for camp...

Everyone will be leaving this weekend...

Michelle has been here for about a week, she leaves on Saturday...Jeremy flies out on Sunday...and Cody hops on the bus for Cancer Camp Sunday as well...

Riley and I will be living it up all alone doing a whole lot of whatever he wants to do...or whatever I want to do...maybe nothing at all :-)

Soon I will update again...and Saturday we will be going for family pictures again so look for new pictures after that!!! :-)

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 7:30 AM CDT

It has been a really adventrous week for us...

Chris came to visit last Friday...we took her to the Virginia Marine Science Museum...a Mongoose BMX Demo...Nauticus (The Naval Museum)...Battleship Wisconsin...the movies...the River Front...Barnes & Noble...and the beach!!!! We also played board games and had a lot of quality chilling out time...

We had a lot of fun...I was sad to see her go :(

I have posted some really awesome pictures from our adventures...Check them out!!!!

Hurricane Alex diverted our travel plans to Durham a little bit...typically we venture out on Monday night, stay in the hotel, get up on Tuesday go to clinic and the venture home...

Well the weather all along our driving route was predicited to be pretty bad...so Cody and I got up at 4 something in the morning on Tuesday and got on the road by 5...we made it to clinic around 10...

What a wonderful visit!!!

Dr.K. gave Cody premission to go back to school next month with all of the other kids...she also said he is allowed to go to Camp Fantastic...it is a camp for cancer kids...she gave him a great assesment and even complimented me on his skin!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??? (yes he did turn red while we were waiting so I was sure she wasn't going to be happy) SURPRISE to me!!! HOORAY!!!! She gave him premission to go to his dad's at Christmas and to swim in private pools :-)

Overall she says he is doing GREAT! I am so thrilled...but believe it or not that was not the best part of our visit...

While we were there a whole bunch of our friends showed up!!! I was so excited!!!

We got to see Carrie, baby Jordan and Grandma...that was really wonderful...I always love having the chance to hang out and chat with them...they really are like family...they moved to the Raleigh?Durham area now though...so we will see them every visit!!!

Next we got to see Michelle and Ashleigh...who looked AWESOME!!! I was so worried about her the past few weeks have been really difficult...looking at her yesterday, you would never ever know she was in the hospital only a week and half ago on the ventillator...GOD is AMAZING!!!

Next we got to see Lori, James and baby Degan!!! Another true miracle!!! I have never seen a Krabbe kid look so wonderful...to be honest...my only interaction with Krabbes has been through transplant so I have not much exprience with the disease at all...it is medabolic so until transplant these children are treated by different types of doctors then cancer kids...anyway...my point is that I have seen a lot of heartbreaks and a lot of setbacks...but not with this baby...Degan is an amazing testament to GOD and to transplant...HOORAY!!!!

Finally...we got to see Nicole and Trey!!! Trey was diagnosed a short time after Cody and they went through treatment together at Joe Dimaggio in Florida...they transplanted right after us...as a matter of a fact they took our room when we got out! Anyway, Trey looks wonderful and so does Nicole...it was a wonderful blessing to have a few moments with them and just chat about all that has happened...it has been a long and hard journey but it would seem we are all finding our way through narrow end of the tunnel...Praise GOD!!!

After we saw Dr.K. we went and checked into our hotel...we slept for several hours, got up and went to eat soem dinner...we came back and rested for a little while longer and then got back on the road...

I am overwhlemed with the latest developments...Our God is an AWESOME God!

Thanks for checking in...

Until next time...stop by and sign the guestbook, it makes us happy to know you have been here!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, July 26, 2004 4:19 PM CDT
NEW PHOTOS ADDED!!!

I was just sitting here wondering where July went...

It seems that so many months have passed us by since we heard the dreadful words...relapse and transplant...

I notice that I have basically lost the past two years...I think of things that happened pre-transplant as though they happened the other day when in reality it has been the other day a couple of years ago...it is a difficult thing to grasp...to realize that my infant has blossomed into his terrible two's...my eldest is ready to start middle school...and my Cody has been through hell and back...all the while...I feel like I am suffering from an undiagnosed case of Premature Alzheimer's...I do remember things just not in any kind of time realm...

POOF!!! Another year has GONE!

Anyway...enough of my elderly babble...

Lots of stuff going on around here...this weekend our friend Chris will be coming to visit...I always like getting visitors...it gives me a reason to make everyone clean better than normal :)

Jeremy has been real sick today...we think he may have had some bad chicken to eat...I felt so bad for him...poor little guy looks kind of green...it was sweet to watch Cody take care of him though...I guess he had a good teacher...or maybe I should say a lot of good teachers :)

Riley isn't feeling too well either...he seems to be sporting an ear infection...par for the course...I believe he is cutting hsi two year molars...

Cody feels GREAT! Tomorrow we will have our weekly appointment at CHKD...then next week we will go to Duke...I am excited about the trip because Ashleigh will be there with her family and so will baby Jordan...I don't know if any of our other friends will be there but I can hope...can't I?

Greg has decided to try and send himself to an early grave...instead of regitering for only one class...he decided to take two...we will all be praying for him to maintain his sanity...of course I need to try and maintain mine as well...it may be difficult ;)

As for me...I am working really hard on my school stuff...I have increased my typing speed to 72 correct words per minute...and I have mastered my grammar modules...I am working now on medical word building...Greg spent some time last week making my office space into a more condusive work and study environment...my AAMT mentor suggested I get a white board to write hard to remember things on so the wall to my right is a large white board for that purpose...in front of me Greg put up a cork board and a white board calendar so that I can plan my days and better hold myself accountable for my daily or weekly progress...He also built me a book shelf as suddenly I have an abundance of Medical and College books...YAY!!!

So as you can see things for us are going well...a few of our friends could use some prayer support...take a few minutes to check out the links above to offer your love and support...

Also...don't forget to offer your suppor to Trevor's dad as he continues to ready himself for Team in Training...his link is attached below! (and that reminds me...JILL!!! I WANT my pictures!)

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Thursday, July 22, 2004 7:59 AM CDT

Well Good Morning...

I guess my entry from last time was hard to relate to...No one signed in :(

Anyway...things are going well...

Riley had a really nice birthday...he made a mess of his cake but not like last year...we bought him his own recliner for the living room and it is the cutest thing...he seems to like it a lot so that is really cool...

Cody had a great visit with his doctor on Tuesday...she said he was looking really good and was impressed with how well we have gotten the skin rash under control (of course it will get bad the day we arrive at Duke...seems to be our fate...LoL) While we were there, we ran into our transplant friend Carson and his family...their doctor just signed on at CHKD from DUke so Carson and his family are doing thier follow up care with us at CHKD now...it was really great to see them...Carson looks so good!!!

Jeremy is doing well...he has been reading and playing on the computer...I picked him up some of his school supplies last night...I just have such a hard time believing that he starts middle school next month...

As for me and Greg...I am still working really hard on my school stuff and Greg is preparing to start his next class called Networking in a couple of weeks...

Yesterday...I ventured out to BG with the boys all by myself...we met up with Trevor and his mom Jill and sister Emmy...it was way toooooo hot to be there...but we had fun...Trevor, Jeremy and Cody made Jill go with them on the Rapids...I didn't argue for I have had the chance to be soaked there one too many times...She got off looking like a drowned rat...I had fun laughing at her...Of course, I got to wait for them to come back with Riley and Emmy...I'm not sure, but between the two of them...I think I may have preferred being wet!!!

Today we are going over to check out their new house...I am looking forward to just chilling out and spending some time chatting with my friend while the kids are nuts outside or whatever...

As you can see things are going pretty good around here...we are happy, we are well and we are getting by...Praise God!

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. A Special Prayer request for our friend Ashleigh...she has been having a rough time the last week or so...Please click on her link above in the Friends box and let her know your prayers are with her and her family.

***The link is still listed below for Trevor's dad Rob...Rob will be running in the Team In Training event for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society...Please click on the link and offer your support***

Monday, July 19, 2004 5:00 AM CDT

Good Morning Friends & Family!!!

Today is Riley's Birthday...HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY!!! Can you believe the little stinker turns 2 today...I certainly can't and he's mine...~~~smiles big~~~

Anyway...Cody had a few stomach problems on Friday which almost earned us a trip to the clinic...but things subsided within a very short time and he was great for the whole rest of the weekend...

Last night, he slept over at his little friend Aaron's house...this is his first sleep-over with a non-family or close family friend member...he tried to stay there a few weeks ago but got scared and came home...this time he stayed so that is a WONDERFUL accomplishment for him...I cannot believe how well he is doing...

I think back to when this all started...the first diagnosis...the relapse...it's all basically a blur...but none of it more so then the last two years...with the last year in particular...

I am not sure if anyone will be able to relate to this...but...over a short time, we grow to love the kids we come in contact with...whether it be the ones we know personally from treatment centers...or ones we grow to love through caringbridge...we have a unique family of friends who share a common bond...I am not sure I have ever been so blessed to know the kind of people I have known on this journey...the kids I have known on this journey have made my life complete...but, with this connection and love there comes a GREAT sense of loss when one of "our" kids runs into road bumps, relapse and even death...

I woke up one day just after our beautiful friend Jillian passed away July 8, 2003 and realized that I was lost in grief...I had eternalized the suffering of so many moms...of so many families...and in such a short time I relived the trememdous loss of our friends...Brittney, McKenzie, Tommy, Reese, Douglas, Mitch, Keshawn, Travis, Ryan, ALexandria, Colby, Tara, Taylor, Meghan, Ashley, Nicole, Jake, Lindsey, Noah, Jillian and there were more...and more...and more...the list doesn't stop...but I had to take a break...I had to pull myself out of the despair...I began to pray without ceasing for the families that are forced to face the bitter reality of loss, every single day...I began to pray without ceasing for the families who continue on this journey called cancer and transplant and disease with us...I just began to pray and pray...but...I had to take a break...

I found it difficult to understand when a mom would just stop checking...for me, it was a ritual...everyday in the morning and everyday at night...I had to sit down to check on "my" kids...then the Lord moved His healing hand on my heart...and realized that prayer would conquer all...whether our children are healed here or in heaven...they would be healed...by God.

I had to take a break...

I began to only check websites on a monthly basis...I began to come out from under all of the saddness and pain...not because it wasn't there to be recognized...but because the blessings that were meant to be seen...

Just recently...I have began checking in on "my" kids again more frequently...trying to sign guestbooks and let my family know I am still here...still praying...still loving...and still available to offer support...

I hope you all can understand that even though I wasn't physically stopping by that daily...I prayed...I continue to pray...I pray for you and your children...I pray for health and peace...

I love each of you so much...I am uncertain I could ever explain in words the way that this community has rescued me again...and again...

I guess that is all...because I drawing a blank...

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR RILEY...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

****The link is still below for Trevor's dad...he needs your support to accomplish his goal for Team in Training...Team in Training raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...Leukemia is the disease that both Cody and Trevor suffer from...Click on the link to find out more information on how you can help find a cure!!!****

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 10:06 AM CDT

Hi Everyone!!!

We had a great trip to Florida...I cannot tell you enough how great it was to spend some time with our family and friends...

It was really AWESOME!!!

I really enjoyed spending time with my mom...I also had the opportunity to spend some good quality time with my friend Chris (she is coming to visit us up here at the end of the month, I am looking forward to that)...

On Saturday, the kids had a lot of fun playing and swimming and driving the tractor...On Sunday, a lot of my friends came by to visit and that was really great...I truly enjoyed my time with Laura, Michelle and Lauren...In addition, it was great spending more time with Chris...

Just before we arrived in Florida, Liz (my step-sister) delivered her new baby...Liz was released from the hospital, but Kaitlin had to stay because she was Yellow Jaundice...I never did get to see the little bundle of joy while we were there :( I did however, have a chance to spend sometime with Liz and Phil on Sunday...that was really nice...

Riley is now known as Riley Angelo (brother to the great artist Michael Angelo) for the design work in ink he did on Grandma and Papaw's office walls...

Of course, the trip would not have been complete with Riley coloring the walls and Jeremy destroying the $50. shower head...and me, somehow crashing the entire computer hard drive...Life with all boys is so difficult sometimes...I do what I can to keep up but...it's really hard... :)

Anyway...I think the highlight of the trip was having the opportunity to hang out with my Grandpa...I just love him so much...he is a really great old guy...and of course, riding around in his great big car was the best ride of the whole trip :}~

Cody is at the doctor today for his weekly visit...he is receiving his Cytogam and Pentamidine treatments...he is doing really great...and he had so much fun on our trip...Dr.K. gave him permission to get his ear pierced so I think we may go and do that sometime this week...Jeremy is also going to get his done...it should be fun...

During our trip we missed out seeing Jillian's mom Laura and Nathan her brother...unfortunately, Nathan was sick...but...we do owe Laura a HUGE thanks for telling us about the Sun Suits...we bought one for Cody and I believe it really did make a difference...that and the Bull Frog and Clear Zinc...You can't even tell that he spent the entire weekend outside...

That's all for now...I need to get to work on my school stuff...I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I HAVE ADDED A LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO SUPPORT TREVOR'S DAD WITH TEAM IN TRAINING...TEAM IN TRAINING SUPPORTS THE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY AND IS AN AWESOME WAY TO HELP FAMILIES LIKE OURS AND TREVORS...TO FIND OUT MORE CHECK OUT THE LINK!!!

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 6:11 PM CDT

Well the transition is coming together just fine...I am so glad that everyone has had the opportunity to join us over here...

This site is better for us for a few reasons...the first one being that caringbridge is free for families dealing with illnesses...AND...it is much more manageable for me...

Anyway...we went for our weekly check up at CHKD today...the doctor says that Cody is looking really good and all of his levels came back within range...we are still on a truckload of medicine but we are making progress...HOORAY!!!

Around the house we have been doing a lot of work to get ready for our mini-vacation to Florida...Greg will not be able to go with us because he does not have any time to take off from work...but we will have fun visiting with Gamma and PapPaw...

Greg has been really busy studying for his upcoming A+ Exams, as well as, his next Navy advancement exam...

I have been working every day on my school work as well...I have increased my typing speed to a consistant speed of 71 wpm...and I am making all A's on my Grammar work...Medical Word Building is proving to be a little more difficult...but it is all about studying...so...hi, ho, hi, ho...to study I must go...

Cody and Jeremy have been running a muck nearly every day...it has been pretty hot around here...but everyone is happy and having fun!!!

Riley will turn 2 on the 19th of July...I can't hardly believe that two years have passed...WOW!

Well...I will be around...and hopefully as you all begint o migrate over here with us you will actually start signing the guestbook...we all love to know when you stop by!!!

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Monday, July 5, 2004 7:20 AM CDT

SWEET VICTORY!

I love the small accomplishments...I woke up early this morning and finished transporting the Journal Archives over here...There is sort of a double entry in there but I messed up last night...I guess I was too tired...

ANYWAY...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRANDPA THE GREAT!!!! 77 YEARS YOUNG TODAY!!!

Things are going GREAT! We celebrated the July 4th festivites on the top parking deck of the Children's Hospital...it was AWESOME...we had a bird's eye view of the fireworks and had the wind been blowing in the other direction; I am confident that the smoke would not have been such a bother! It was wonderful regardless...Very few people (which is what Cody needs...I think I need that too...LoL!) and Lots of Fireworks!

On Saturday we made our way to Busch Gardens...it was a lot of fun...but it got crowded near the end and Riley had had enough...so we left...of course, it was impossible to make it out of there before the boys talked me into going on the Roman Rapids twice...Since I was the "fat one" (as cody put it) on the boat, I was blessed to get the wettest...I must admit even though I had water pouring out of my pants, shirt, shoes and socks...it was a blast!!!

Aside from all of the fun and festivities...we have managed to do quite a few chores this weekend...it has been really good to get so much accomplished...

Tomorrow is Cody's doctor day...so we will spend a few hours there...when we get home, I will start packing for our trip to Florida...it should be a whole lot of fun...we are all looking forward to it...I just wish Greg would have been able to get the leave :(

Anyway...I want to send out a HUGE Thank You to my friend Jamie for all of the helping getting this page set up the way I want it...We have a few more things left to do...but I think its AWESOME!!!

Well...I can hear Riley upstairs rearranging his bedroom so I should probably get going...I will see you all again soon!

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

JOURNAL ARCHIVES

Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Hello Everyone...
I just wanted to take a few minutes to let you know that things are going well...
Greg and I are progressing well with school...
Cody seems to be getting better and better every single day...We had our visit to Duke yesterday and Cody was given a few more priveleges...In addition, Dr.K. said she thought that if he continues to progress this way then he will be able to return to school in the fall...He is very excited!
Jeremy has been here for a little over a week and he and Cody are already fighting in true brother form! Jeremy has grown another couple of inches and I figure by the time he is here to visit next he will be taller than me :( LoL! Oh well...I guess that is the natural progression of life...
Riley is doing awesome...he is a little toooooo big for his britches and he definitely keeps us on our toes...he loves to sing and dance...his birthday is just around the corner...can you belive he is about to turn 2 already??? It is amazing to me how fast time is flying by!!!
Marina has been coming to visit us on the weekends some times...it is really great to have time with her...she had a great graduation and even received a National Excellence Award signed by President Bush!!!
Overall things are going GREAT!
I also needed to take a few minutes to let everyone know that soon...we will be shutting down this website...if you would like to continue to follow our progress send me and email and let me know...I will be sending out monthly reports to our friends and family!!!
I hope everyone is having a really GREAT summer...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:20 AM EST [Link]
Sunday, June 13, 2004
It's been a long time since I last updated...I wanted to take some time today to do that...
We have had a lot of excitement around here lately...we are preparing for summer which turns out being quite a bit of work...(I had no idea) Anyway, the garage is almost complete and we are all so excited...we have already put the foos ball table back up and started playing it again...it's all coming together!!!
Jeremy will be here next weekend...we have alot of plans for the summer...we will try to make a trip to Florida...a trip to Missouri...and of course, several trips to Norht Carolina to visit Dr.K.
After our last visit to Duke, Cody came down with some sort of eye infection...they scared us at first with talk that it may be the Adeno Virus...but it turns out that Cody now officially has allergies...he must have gotten them from his girl cells...because he never had them before! This week has been uneventful, he had some elevated kidney levels...but that seems to be a regular issue with us...today, he scared me when he had a touch of what appeared to be Tetnious...Tetnious is when the hands get stuck in one position and is typically caused from an electrolyte deficincy in the kidneys...since he was in Electrolyte Renal Failure last year and had the same thing happen...I wasted no time calling our docotrs...they gave me a list of things to told me to continue watch him close...the medications the doctor told me to give him along with the supplements seem to have gotten the Tetnious under control...but we already decided that if he had even one more episode tonight we are going into the hospital...in addition, we changed our appointment from Tuesday to Monday for the blood work...so...hopefully everything will be ok...otherwise I figure they may try some supplements and/or and admission...
I know that a lot of you know how long I have been trying to find a way to take classes in Medical Transcription...I have done a lot of research and through some friends on Caringbridge and from teh hospital, I obtained an adequate amount of information to know that this is the career path that I wanted to take...becoming a certified MT makes a lot of sense...as this is a career that I can work from home, the hospital, Virginia or Durham...and I am still able to attend to my duties here at home with Riley and with Cody...
Well...my mom and I have spoken about my schooling previously and while she was here for Mother's Day she told me that her and her husband had decided that when some of our travel expensies still owed to us (actually her now) from the Navy came through that she had decided to allot those funds to pay for my school...THIS IS BY FAR THE MOST AWESOEM MOTHER'S DAY PRESENT EVER!
For a long time now, I have felt a little lost...when we came home from Durham our financial troubles did not end...I am still not able to return to work...Cody, though he is a lot more mobile, still requires weekly or more visits to the doctor as well as monthly or more visits to Duke...Riley has never been able to get any vaccinations because of the risks they pose to Cody so...to make a long story short, I am still needed at home...My family is of course the most important thing to me...and the welfare of my children are at the top of the list...finances aside...I am requirred to be here first...the problem is not knwoing that I am needed here...it's knowing that there is nothing I can do in my power to change that or help our situation...and it seems to be NEVERENDING...just when things start looking up...some other little thing happens to throw the whole financial thing all out of whack one more time...to be honest...my mom and her husband have been keep us afloat...them along with some other people who continue to give to us...I personally do not have the words to ever offer a proper thank you...I do know though that the rewards are in heaven...the generosity...the caring...the prayers...the giving...those are the things that score points in the after life....
Well anyway...after my mom returned home, her and her husband called me...they decided to pay for my school now!!! We are still unsure of when or if the Navy will ever reimburse us for the expenses paid out last year...and my mom said that it was place don her heart to help me now! I am so grateful...I am so happy...when she told me I cried...to me this is a way to finally utilize all of this at home and free time for hte betterment of myself and my family...it will take a while to finsih school but once I am done...I will again be a responsible, productive member of society...able to help support my family...no longer requirring monthly support from others in order to buy groceries or get gas...able to help other families and tithe to my church again...I am so looking forward to being a little bit more independant financially...and it is finally happening...LITTLE BY SLOWLY...thanks to my God, my mom and her husband!!!
So now that you know all of that...I can go into telling you about all of the work I have been sinking into school...I am practicing my typing daily as my speed needs to be much, much improved...I am working on keyboard kinectics right now...in addition, it was brought to my attention that a refresher in grammer was most likely neccessary...so I have been doing that...I have managed to complete module one of that course with a 94% average...I am continuing on though...because grammer and puncuation are very important with my new job...I have always been good at it in the past...but a refresher can never hurt...besides, I read on my school's website that on my worst day I will only be allowed one or two mistakes per page...YIKES! I have a lot of work today...that's ok though...I'M NOT SCARED! :) This is all so exciting to me...
All of my classes are done through distance learning so I work from home on that as well...it's cool because I am a night owl and this gives me something to do besides computer games at any hour of the day or night!!!
In the meantime, Greg also started school at ODU...he is studying to obtain his Microsoft Certified System Engineer certifications...this will serve him well when he gets out of the Navy...he is doing pretty good and he is enjoying it...this is definitely his forte...and not mine...e talks about his classes and I am looking at him like he is speaking Greek...or is that Computer Geek??? hmmmmmm...the nice thing about it is the GI Bill and tution assistance is picking up the tab...so his school only costs the amount of gas back and forth to class...
The only other exciting thing happening is we joined a bowling league...I am not a very good bowler...but that's ok...my handicap makes me look like I am doing ok! It's fun and it gets us out for a few hours ever Friday...it has been a really long time since we have been able to do anything outside of the house...this is nice...plus the bowling alley is very slow since it is summer and it doesn't allow smoking except for designated areas so Cody is allowed to go!!!
Marina graduates from 5th grade on Wednesday...Greg is going to go to that...I will stay home with the kids...the crowd will be too big for Cody...we are so excited for her!!! Jeremy also graduated 5th grade this past week...I cannot believe that my little Jeremy is starting middle school in the Fall...that's kind of scary!
I have a lot of work to do around the house still...so I better go ahead and get busy...I will update again when I update...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:56 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
What happens when life goes on?
We live every day to its fullest...or to fullest that we are able on that given day...some days we wish we had done more...some days we wish we had done less...and still other days we wish...wish for something different...wish for something better...wish for something else...
It makes me wonder what is this journey? What plan does the Lord have for us? I am forever blessed that He chose me...chose me to be a mother...to be a fighter...to be a student...to be a teacher...to be His instrument...
Our daily lives seem to find us forever busy...still making weekly visits to see the doctor here in Norfolk and mothly visits to Durham to visit Duke and Dr.K.
Cody seems to be progressing well...although he continues to deal with the same, old same old...kidney function...levels...steroids...weight....
Life around here is always introducing new and exciting obstacles...
It would seem that the Lord's plan for our family is HUGE! For if it were something minor then the enemy would not be so interested in attacking us...
Some days when I pray, I ask the Lord when will this all end??!! When will we get a break??!! When will it be over??!! How much longer do we have to endure??!!
In my best day I am able to rejoice in Christ...I am able to remind myself that I am taking part in the sufferings of Christ...that I am being used to do His bidding...I am being molded and prepared for the work the He would have me do!
I don't know...I don't think I am supposed to know...and I am okay with that...
Today when I look at my children I am full of love...full of patience...full of grace and mercy...things that have been bestowed upon me by my Father in heaven...I wonder if He looks down from heaven upon me the way I am able to look at my children...I wonder if I amaze Him every day like my children amaze me...I wonder...
I have been taking the time to be more involved...I have done so much different...I have done these things because my heart is that of a mother...a mother who has been blessed with a tragedy that has made her life a journey...
We play outside everyday...we walk...we ride bikes...we draw pictures...we yell less...we hug more...we are a family.
I am here...I am alive...I am living...I am...because He is.
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:57 PM EST [Link]
Monday, May 3, 2004
Well life here in the big city continues to continue on...
We have been doing pretty well...
Our trip to St. Louis was a whole lot of fun...Cody had the chance to get some serious quality time with his Dad, Grandma, Tina and family...The weekend we were there was packed with excitment...There were a ton of people over and we celebrated his 8th birthday at party number two in style...Cody was especially excited that he was able to finally meet his cousin Vinnie AND his soon to be brother and sister Austin and Michelle...Riley and I had fun too...Riley was his same old crazy self and we all just ran around in their huge yard playing for hours...During Cody's party, his daddy pulled out the go-kart, the four wheeler, the peewee dirt bike, the bicycles and the scooters...The kids ran wild well into the darkness...When we finally wound down for bed, we all crashed out instantly!
We got home Wednesday afternoon and had clinic on Thursday...Cody continues to have issues with his FK levels and his electrolytes...We have had to increase the amount of Magnesium that Cody is receiving again..and the FK has been changed three times...we go up...we go down...we go round and round!
This weekend was really great...we went to Williamsburg and attended church at King's Way...they have been really great supporters for our family through out this whole journey...it was really AWESOME to get to meet so many nice people...I do, however, wish we would have been able to stay longer and meet more people...
In a little while, we will be heading out for our adventure to Duke...I am interested in what Dr.K. will have to say about the progress we seem to have made during this last month...PLUS...I am looking forward to seeing all of our friends...we will have the chance to see baby Jordan and Isaiah this time for sure...I'm not sure who else will be there but I always look forward to our visits to Duke...aside from the drive of course ;)
On a heavier note...we have been having a lot of financial issues...we are no longer receiving assistance from the Travel department...due to our current treatment status and their budget constraints...it has been very difficult...I am still not able to work and it is a strain...I have been looking for a job but it is difficult because I am not very flexible...but I am trying...I pray that we will find some new supporters soon...I am forever gratefulf or all of the support we have received to date...we can never thank those who have been touched by our situation and lead to help us...OUr latest supporters have helped us more than we can ever begin to explain...
TO THE PAYNE FAMILY...THANK YOU!
TO THE CANCER CARE FOUNDATION FO TIDEWATER...THANK YOU!
TO MY MOM FOR AN AWESOME GARAGE SALE FUNDRAISER...THANK YOU!
I am logging off now so that I can get ready for Duke...I look forward to the new guest book entries when I return...it has been a long journey and I am tired.
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:19 AM EST [Link]
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Once again it has been far too long since my last update...
I do not have a whole lot of time now...but I just wanted to take a few minutes to let everyone know we are doing well...Cody is progressing and by all accounts is doing better then he has been in a long time...we of course, are forever dealing with the kidney function issues and optimum med levels...but that is so small considering all that we have walked through to date...
We had a fantastic visit with Jeremy...it was very difficult to watch him board his plane today for the return to Ohio...but we hol don to the fact that he will be returning in a few short months for the whole summer...
We did end up canceling our trip to Washington D.C...the press release that came out earlier in the week detailed a few things that we were not counting on and few changes that made it necessary for us to forego our plans to attend...there would have WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE!!!
We had a an AWESOME Easter celebration right here at home...we all colored eggs...even Riley...and we took the time to give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Thr boys and I sat and talked about the true meaning of Christ and we all had a celebration! HE IS RISEN!!! Hooray!
Cody's doctor visit today went great...we are leaving very early in the morning for St. Louis and we will be there for a week...I will update sometime after we get back...
Until next time...
In Love and Prayer...
Eleasha
P.S. It was really great talking to you on the phone Michelle...don't be a stranger...I am home all the time :)
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:45 PM EST [Link]
Friday, March 26, 2004
Life...
I am hopeful that you all are able to understand that sometimes while we are on this journey we get overwhelmed with all of our responsibilities...
Things have really been going well around here...we have had our ups and downs of course...it wouldn't be the same traveling this path without the detours and obstacles...Cody definitely has God's timing...not mine...I am so impatient sometimes :)~
Anyway...my car was in the shop for repairs from the little on the way to Duke deer mishap...we had a rental car for a week and it smelled like deodorized cigarette smoke...YUCK!!!
The St. Baldrick's Day event was great...Cody and Greg both got their heads shaved...Cody was on the news and in the paper...he just loves that attention...everyone at clinic asked him he was a SuperStar!!! A HUGE THANK YOU to the folks that were able to support us in this event!!! You guys are WONDERFUL!!!
Riley is growing like a weed...just as crazy as ever...and a little more animated and verbal with every passing day...he copies every single thing Cody does...he seems to take issue when people are paying more attention to Cody so he just weasels his way right in to whatever you are doing...the other day, Cody and I were working on his homework on the living room floor...the whole time, Riley was climbing on me...sitting in the middle of the papers...on my back...he even pinched me!!! He's so funny...We are really starting to focus on discipline and time outs now...Riley is finally getting to the point where we are able to negotiate with him a little bit...Personally I think he understands way more than he lets on...he still thinks that peeing on the floor is the funniest thing he can do!!!
We have been blessed to have Marina over more frequently...it has been really great to do all of our family stuff together with her...we have been going bowling on a regular basis (mainly because Cody can't really go anywhere else) but she really enjoys being here with us and the boys and God knows we enjoy having her here...
Jeremy will be here soon for Spring Break...we have for a week and a half this time and we are all very excited...especially me...I miss him so much...every time he comes here I realize just how much I wish he were with me more often...he is very loved...very well taken care...and very adjusted with his dad...and with all of our constant travels and constant changes...I know he is right where he needs to be...but...
Greg is doing really well on the new ship...the USS Theodore Roosevelt...he seems to be settling in just fine and we are all doing well having the whole family together...next month, he will be starting school at Old Dominion University...he will studying for his Microsoft Certified System Engineer Certifications...he is very excited and I am so happy for him...
As for me...I am waiting to start my school soon as well...I decided several months ago that I wanted to retrain in a field that would allow to establish myself working from home...since I do so much in the medical field...Greg and I thought that Medical Transicription would be right up my alley...I had consider nursing school and/or completing my Paralegal but both would pull me out of the home to work a fulltime job...that is not condusive to our situation at all...plus the MT will allow me the flexibility that I need and it will give me a sense of accomplishment out side of my motherly duties...I am excited!!! Greg has decided that I will use the tax returns to pay for my schooling so soon...you will read about my adventures in MT training :)
On another note...I feel as though I am constantly apologizing for not updating the site as often as I used to...I wanted to try and convey my feelings...lately I have not been led to do much with the site...I have been in my own little world caring for my family...trying to get my house in order...doing laundry (for those of you who know me this is an amazing feat!)...preparing for school...family time...my focus has been on getting my affairs in my home in order so that when Greg and I begin our new journey...there will not be any garbage (literally) in our way...we have several big projects we are working on: Spring Cleaning, Unpacking the Rest of the Garage, Lawn & Gardening...the list continues to infinity...Anyway...my point is I hope you all know that we love and your support is invaluable to us...I know that eventually I will come back around to this...its just that right now...I need to focus my energies on some other things...
Aside from the household projects (as if they weren't big enough) we are also preparing for few other "BIG" events...
Cody was invited to the White House for the First Lady's ANUUAL EASTER EGG ROLL...so we will be doing that on Monday April 12.
April 14 is Cody's 8th birthday...he will have a slumber party on Friday April 10th...Jeremy will be here and his three little friends from across the street...he is very excited! Of course the birthday list is nearly as long as the Christmas list :)
On Cody's actual birthday, we will be making our journey to St. Louis to finally visit his daddy and family there...Dr.K. has finally given us permission to make the trip so long as Cody stays well and continues to progress like he has been...we are looking forward to the trip...unfortunately, Greg will not be able to go with us...he does not have any more leave time that he can use right now and we will be gone for about a week and a half...I am still hoping to find a babysitter for Riley...road trips are very difficult with a toddler strapped in for hours on end in a car seat...
Now about Cody...
Cody is doing really well...his weight is up finally THANK YOU GOD!!! But we are still having a lot of trouble with his FK levels...we have come to expect a call every week telling us to adjust the med from this to that...his kidney function seems to have leveled off and we PRAISE GOD for that miracle...all of his numbers looked pretty good yesterday...he is still on increased steroids but that seems to be helping his appetite...so, I can't complain about it too much...of course the mood swings can contend with a pregnant woman's hormones...
At home we have been dealing with some regular kid issues...he has been having trouble being honest so he seems to be in trouble all of the time...I have been trying to spend a lot more time with him...we are working on trying to figure out what the real issue is...I am having trouble with the whole thing myself...mainly because, I am so terrible at following through on discipline with him...I always feel so bad for everything he has been through that keeping him grounded or whatever is probably harder on me than it is on him...go figure! Anyway, we are working on it...that along with the anger management stuff has definitely taken up quite a bit of time...of course...I can't blame him for being angry...more than half of his life has been used up fighting cancer...I would be pissed off too! We bought him a punching bag and I have started working with him so that he will use it and get out of it what he needs to...in addition, I bought him a white board and we listed each of his daily responsibilities on it...everything from meds to personal hygiene to free time...this way he knows what stuff he needs to do, when and with who...it seems to be helping a lot...
At school (home school) his teacher said he is doing very well...she is working to get him on track so that he can promote to 2nd grade in the fall...I have been focusing on making sure that happens...I do NOT want to see him retained in 1st grade again...it will already be difficult enough for him having been set back once...so his teacher comes to work with him 3-5 days a week and on the other days he gets mom...Lucky him! LoL!
Well...my dryer just yelled at me to come and get the next load folded...so I am going to go ahead and go for now...
I will update again sometime soon...
One last thing before I go...Please take the time to offer Abby's parents your prayers and support...she passed away from complications related to a third transplant at Texas Children's Hospital on March 12th. We spent many clinic hours with Abby at the Naval Hospital...Abby was an AWESOME little girl...full of life and love...her passing has been very difficult for us and for Cody...
www.caringbridge.org/va/abbyallies
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:51 AM EST [Link]
Sunday, March 7, 2004
Shew...
A whole other week has passed us by and once again I have been a hugs SLACKER!!!
Well there is lots to update...so let me start from the top...

Greg arrived home from somewhere in the middle of the ocean on Saturday evening...I picked him up from the airport and we grabbed some take out on our way home...
Cody called us about 6 times while we were waiting for the food and then driving home wanting to know how much longer until Greg would get home...
When we walked in the door...Cody bum-rushed and gave him lots of love...for a second or two Riley just sort of looked at him and from that point forward Riley was attached to Greg's hip...Greg was NOT allowed to set him down...not even to go to the bathroom :)
Sunday was a really nice family day...it was so pretty outside we had to get out and do something...when Riley went down for his nap...Greg, Cody and I left and went to the beach to roam around for a while...Justin stayed home with Riley and we got home right after he woke up...
During the day on Monday we had a nice time just hanging out and talking...taking care of things around the house...I had officially don almost ALL of the housework before Greg came home on Saturday but Greg had some man chores to do :)
Monday night...Greg and Cody left for Durham...they decided that I could have a vacation day...so this was my reprieve...and boy did I need it!
On the way to Durham, a deer came out of the woods and hit my car...Greg was startled and rightfully upset...while Cody slept through the whole ordeal...my car ended up having nearly $2500. worth
of damage...I am still getting estimates and trying to find an auto body repair shop...
Greg and Cody had a long day in clinic on Tuesday with all of the same information from the week before...the only real difference this time was that Cody's weight is up slightly...his FK level was low this time...this has turned out to be the absolute strangest thing ever...one week really high...they adjust his meds...the next week he is really low...there seems to be no more middle ground...hopefully soon we will find it again though...because this can't be good for his system...
The increased steroids seem to be helping his appetite some and his mood swings a lot...I am happy to say he has started eating a lot more...so the mood swings are worth the pay off...
Wednesday I took my car over to the insurance adjuster and got the official paperwork handled...
Thursday we drove around town collecting estimates from several different body shops...I can't believe how much money one little deer can cost...a year ago...I hit a deer on the same route...of course, I was hysterical because I killed one of God's creatures...but I was driving my truck so there was no damage...this time...boy, let me tell ya...the worst part is that there is little deer hairs in the door handle and everything...he hit the front passenger side and then smacked down the side of the car effectively smashing up the fender, the door and the quarter panel...so...there you have it...of course, my heart is once again broken for the life loss...and now I have the added headache of property damage :(
Praise God! I have insurance...now too bad I have a $500. deductible...I will continue to get estimates though...because I am confident that the Lord will provide a body shop that will be within the budget of the insurance post deductible amount...
Friday we picked up Marina from school so she could spend the weekend with us...we had a lot of fun making dinner and then hanging out as a family...I wished that Jeremy was here...then we would have been totally complete...
The rest of the weekend has been pretty much the same...lots and lots of good family time together...we have been playing at the park...and playing games...and just enjoying our time together...
Cody returns to his regular doctor here at CHKD this week...we are scheduled to return to Duke again at the end of the month...
Greg will report to the USS Theodore Roosevelt tomorrow morning...this is really great because the Roosevelt is also a carrier but it is in the shipyard for now so Greg will be able to provide me support and help on a daily basis...
I am grateful for all of your love...support...and prayers...KEEP "EM COMIN'!!! PLEEEASEEE!
Until Next Time...
In love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:14 PM EST [Link]
Friday, February 27, 2004
Well things have leveled off considerably...
I am feeling much better mentally and spiritually...I cannot tell you all how much your encouraging word of support have meant to me...it has helped more than I could ever begin to imagine or explain...
ANYWAY...only a moment ago, I was wrapping this journal entry up...I pressed a wrong button and POOF! Gone! So...I am thinking that it was not the message that God wanted me to send :)
The last week has proven productive...we made our way to Duke on Tuesday after a little bit of a scare Monday morning...Cody had diarrhea again and I was certain that DrK. was going to admit him...instead she gave him a steroid boost and opted to see him there in clinic on Tuesday...
THANK GOD!!! Carol allowed Justin to take the day off of school and he came over and watched Riley so we did not have to drag him to Durham with us...that was a serious relief...the Amell family has truly been our only real and consistent means of support here in Virginia...I don't know what we would do with out you guys...Thanks!
Tuesday at Duke in clinic...another long day...but at least Riley was at home in Virginia...I had the chance to spend some time talking to Ashleigh�s mom and dad while we waited for Dr.K. that was really nice...after an hour or so...we made our way to an exam room and waited our turn to see Dr.K...I took some time speaking with Marion our social worker and between her and Dr.K. we figured out that it was imperative for me to have some help...Dr.K. was very concerned with Cody's weight and she also noted that he seems to have a GvH flare up on his skin and around his eyes...she increased his steroids and asked us to return again next week...
I took the time to review all of the options with Dr.K. and she decided that the best option was to have Greg home...so after we were finished there...I took the time to send the AMCROSS message to Greg's ship...with Dr.K.'s input, we were able to have him sent home...he will be transferring to the Roosevelt in a couple of weeks and I will have some much needed support...THANK GOD again!
We got home from Durham around 6:30 p.m. Shortly after that, Gil called to let me know that Cody's FK levels were out of whack again...they lowered his dose and told me to make an appointment for clinic today to has his levels rechecked...hopefully they will be good...
Cody and I spent some time yesterday cleaning and doing laundry...we conquered his room (including the toy box and under the bed) his bathroom and the dining room...during that time I managed to pump out 3 loads of laundry, HOORAY!!! Today my goal is to do the kitchen and the living room...tomorrow I am going to try and conquer the upstairs...Small Goals are Accomplishable!
Well I must go and get ready for the clinic now..So I will update again some time next week...
Thanks again for your prayers and words of encouragement...PLEASE keep leaving them :)
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:22 AM EST [Link]
Friday, February 20, 2004
Sometimes I just get so dang tired...
Tired of all the sickness...Tired of all the sacrifice...Tired of the isolation...Tired of the poking and prodding, the late night doctor visits, the all day clinic visits...Tired of always wondering when the bottom is going to fall out...Tired of worrying...Tired of being afraid...Tired...Tired of watching my child suffer...Tired of being powerless...Tired of being lonely...Tired of being depressed...Just tired!
We spent all of Wednesday night in the E.R. at which time they informed me that Cody's kidney function was 33% worse that night from Tuesday morning...Cody had lost 1.6 kilograms (roughly 4 pounds) and that overall...we were back in the toilet...
DANG! When does it end?
All of Thursday was spent back in clinic...due to the extreme weight loss...we were informed that even one more round in the bathroom and we would be admitted until further notice...until Cody can stabilize...gain weight...and whatever...
I'm so over it...
I focus as much as humanly possible on the "bright side"...I find the ability to cling to gratitude through faith...I pray without ceasing...I walk in the shadow of Christ...and still I have found NO PEACE!
I am not asking for my child to be instantaneously healed...I am asking for a freaking break!
ENOUGH SUFFERING...
We came home from the clinic yesterday and I had to take a nap...no housework would be done that day...that is for sure...
When I woke up I saw my baby sitting in a chair, gazing out the window at his friends on the playground...he sighed several times and said I wish I could go out side...
AND DAMN IT! I want him to go outside...but right now his body can't handle it...right now...it is always something...
GOD PLEASE LET ME ENDURE THIS PAIN FOR MY CHILD...
Finally I broke down and began to cry...Cody came and put his arms around me...he told me it was not my fault that he was sick...he told me that I was the best mom ever...he asked me what was wrong...
I told him I was just tired...to which he replied and told me to just go back to bed...get some sleep...
I am broken...crawling on my knees before my Father screaming for mercy...PLEASE GOD...do not allow the enemy to continue to attack my baby...
I am just done...
I am sad...I am lonely...I am scared...I am angry...I am tired...
BUT I am not alone...and it is only by the Grace of God that I am able to walk through this with a loving heart...an attitude of mostly gratitude...and the ability to get out of bed and do the next thing that needs to be done...
Some days are better than others...I am grateful to have these problems...but I am tired...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:12 AM EST [Link]
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Well I seem to be constantly having to apologize for not updating more often...
I am sorry but it would seem that I have been led away from here for a season and that is okay...
I wanted to take a few minutes today and let everyone know that we are doing okay...
Cody's appointment yesterday was okay...he had his monthly pentamidine and his monthly cytogam...of course the pentamidine made him sick...
He has been having some trouble with his FK levels so we are still working to get that corrected...I am fairly certain that we got back a skewed lab report in Florida that said his levels were high...so we adjusted him down and have been trying to fix it every since...
Anyway...today started off fairly good and then over the past hour Cody has been pretty sick...Dr. K. ordered a steroid boost and we are waiting to see how he is doing in half an hour...if he has not stabilized I am pretty sure we will be making a trip to the hospital :(
Greg's ship remains far away from home and we all miss him something terrible...
It has been hard to do things lately...Not much energy...the house is a wreck...the website is behind...and to be honest...I don't really care too much about any of it...
The good news is that I have been doing the best job I can to take care of me and then kids...we are sitting at the table for dinner almost every night...I am taking vitamins and have been making some of the doctor appointments I have been wanting to make...
We are working hard to come up with the money so that I can start my school...so maybe soon...
Cody has an appointment at Duke next week...I doubt I will update again before then...
Please offer up your prayers, love and support for Joanie...her daddy passed away last night...
Guestbook entries really do help a lot...so please sign while you are here...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 05:31 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, February 8, 2004
It's Been A While...
I am so sorry for the delay between updates...we have had a lot going on around here...
Greg's ship deployed and he will be gone from us until the summer or so...we think???
Anyway...right after our return from Duke, we learned that my Grandpa was not doing too well...it was only a matter of time before he had deteriorated significantly...
After a lot of planning and work...Dr.K. did finally give me permission to take Cody to Florida...the trip was planned very fast...my friend Chris flew in on Thursday night and we left Friday morning...we took our time driving...stopping to stay in a hotel so that Cody could receive his meds and his night feeds...
While we were in Florida...Cody was seen by his doctors there...his counts and levels all looked good except his FK level was a little high...Dr.K. adjusted the dose and everything else was fine...his weight was even up some...HOORAY :)~
Unfortunately...sometime around the middle of last week we received the results of our one-year study...Cody's immune functions are only at 40%
This heartbreaking to me...I so wanted to hear that he was somewhere up around 80%
I so wanted to hear that soon enough my baby would be back in the world of the normal...but alas...the words we heard again would remind us that Cody still has a long road of recovery ahead of him...
PRAISE GOD FOR ALL OF THE PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE...AND THANK YOU GOD FOR ALL OF THE LOVE AND SUPPORT...WE ARE FOREVER GREATFUL FOR THE JOURNEY
My grandpa did start doing better...he was discharged from the hospital and placed in a rehab center...he stayed there for a while and then just after we left for home...he was released to go home with my mom...
I am grateful for all of your prayers for my grandfather and I appreciate the continuous intercession on our behalf...you guys are GRAET!!!
On Sunday...we had the chance to talk to Ben and his family...PLEASE PRAY FOR CODY'S GRANDPA BEN...HE HAS JUST UNDERGONE THROAT SURGERY TO REMOVE A MALIGNANT MASS AND IS SUFFERING FROM ASPIRATION PNEMONIA
By Monday last week...South Florida would be rocked with the dreadful news of Carlie Buscia's disappearance...we all gathered around in prayer and we hoped against all hope that Carlie would be found...on Friday she was found...and like her biological father stated in the press conference held outside the Sarasota PD...She has gone home to heaven...the way she got there was horrific but she is at peace and happy...PRAISE GOD!!! Please continue to pray for her family as they begin to deal with their loss and as they begin to question the reasoning behind this awful trial...
Our time in Florida went by way too fast but I was able to spend quite a bit of quality time with my family...especially my grandpa...and of course my friends...I am so grateful to have had the chance to go...I was sad to leave but glad to come back to the home that my husband and I have made together...
Thursday night we left for home...we drove up to Leesburg, FL and stayed the night...
On Friday morning...we had the chance to go to Kody's house and meet his family...Cody was so excited and Kim let Kaysha, Kody and Kolin stay home from school...we had a blast there...the kids played for a couple of hours and then we had to get back on the road...Kody was so cute trying to negotiate with me for another hour...I gave him half of one and then we headed out...check out the pictures on Kody's Photo Page www.caringbridge.org/fl/kodysstory
Friday night a nasty storm began to brew so we stopped and hankered down for the night in Walterboro, SC...it was just before 7:00 p.m. By 8:30 p.m. we were all in bed to sleep except Riley...
Speaking of Riley...he sure did have a lot of his own adventures on this trip...on the way down...he pooped in the bath tub with Cody...I thought Cody was going to have a cow, he was screaming so loud...while we were there he did everything under the sun...my mom and glen's house is not in any way child proof...you can imagine from there what that means...Riley also found the time to STREAK in the back yard...Cody and I were on the Tractor when Riley came running out naked with soap bubbles and all!!!
On the way back...Riley pooped on the floor in the hotel room...Chris and Cody were laughing so hard Riley fell on his butt and smooshed the poop...they laughed harder...I got to clean it up...LUCKY, LUCKY ME :):):):):):)
I never sleep well in hotel rooms...so by 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning we were back on the road...we arrived home at 10:45 a.m. and I promptly vacuumed...YES...VACUUMED!
It seems ACE made himself at home on my c ouch while we were gone and my black couch was looking gray from the multitude of cat hair on it :)~
Chris and I spent some time together yesterday and then last night we watched a movie with Cody...
This morning I got up and took Chris to the airport...I was sad to see her go :(
When I came home I decided to get dressed and go to church...I checked out the Vineyard...still have not figured out where the Lord wants while I am here...so I continue to pray...pray...pray...
LORD FIND ME A HOME

Tonight I made dinner and decided to update the site...I am trying to establish a good routine and stick the resolve that I will take care of me, as well as, my family this year...
Thanks for stopping by...I promise to keep up with my updates now that things seem to have settled down some...
Until next time...PLEASE KEEP PRAYING...AND SIGN THE GUEST BOOK WHILE YOU ARE HERE!!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:58 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
I am truly sorry...I do not have too much time to do an update...
There are quite a few things going on around here...Cody will have his doctor visit tomorrow at CHKD...he is scheduled to get his Pentamidine and Cytogam while we are there...
Riley hasn't been feeling too well this week...I took him to the doctor yesterday and they said he just has something viral and it will run its course...Tylenol for fever and/or pain and nothing else...this has not affected anyone else...so I really think he is just cutting his back molars...
Greg's ship left yesterday...they will be gone for the next 6-8 months...this makes me very sad...probably why I don't feel like being on the computer too much...
My Grandpa is very sick and we are not sure how much time we have left with him...it looks as though a trip to Florida may be in order again soon...PLEASE SAY SOME EXTRA PRAYERS FOR MY GRANDPA
I am not sure when I will update again...but PLEASE sign the guestbook anyway...I do love to read the entries of encouragement...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 02:09 PM EST [Link]
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Dukey :)
Sorry I did not update sooner but our trip was just exhausting...but worth it!!!
Okay KUDOS & ACCOLADES to Cody...
Our clinic visit was long and tiring BUT filled lots of GREAT visits and lots of GREAT news...
Dr.K. said that his Echocardiogram, Pulmonary Function, Chest X-Ray all came back at 110% YIPPEE!!!
The blood work that came in yesterday all looked normal and good except for his Magnesium and FK levels...She increased his g-tube feeding significantly and she changed his FK back to the pill form and the Mag back to liquid...The immune function studies will take 4 to 6 weeks...
The Psych evaluation was actually a really great idea...Michelle told us that Cody is having a lot of difficulty finding a way to properly manage anger...some of this is most likely long-term steroid usage and side effects of prolonged drug use...overall, she says he has a good grasp of what is going and he is doing well to process and handle all that he is dealing with...she did say that she wants him to see a regular therapist here at home and she wants us to install a punching bag for him so he has a regular outlet...She said he cannot tolerate yelling but that we should work to come up with a "strict" discipline structure that he knows and understands...we have to re-teach him boundaries for normal things {things he has not been able to be a part for several years} and we need to teach him that the consequences are non-negotiable...she also suggested that we ask Dr.K. if he can start taking Karate {we will ask when the immune functions come in}
On Wednesday we went for Cody's hearing exam and he actually has better than normal hearing...SO...NOW WE KNOW!!!! We are being IGNORED! :):):):):):):):) Normal kid stuff is so foreign to us, we have to get a test to prove that it is really normal and not a new issue...{how sad is that?} HOORAY FOR NORMAL!
While we were at clinic we had the chance to see a lot of our friends...
We saw Jacob Deal and his family...Jacob transplant the same day as Cody and they have been "transplant brothers" and friends every since then...
We also got to see Degan and Ashleigh, two of our Krabbe friends...
We spent a few minutes with Khalita...
And we got to se ALL of our favorite nurses, nurse practitioners, testers, receptionists and of course Dr.K.
After all of that we came home and I went to the dentist yesterday for the first time in like 9 years...WOW!!! Now that was an experience...and definitely NOT a comfortable one...Praise God!! I still have really great teeth...the dentist did find my first two cavities...EVER! He said that they are very small..."Not even toothache worthy..." I will have those filled in two weeks and then I will go back for the second half of my cleaning (Yep I said second half) The bright side is it NEVER has to be this painful or uncomfortable again...unless of course I wait another 10 years :)~
My New Year's Resolution is to take care of myself as well as my kids this years...So far so good...You all have to help me keep myself in check on that one...OKAY??!!
OH I ALMOST FORGOT!!! Mr. Cody has earned a few new privileges...
Drum roll, Please!!!
Cody can now go to the grocery store, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, and the movies while wearing his mask!!! This is really great since previously he was only allowed to go bowling and to the doctor...he has been dying to go to Wal-Mart for the past year and believe it or not...the first place he had me take him was the grocery store...He is so happy :):):):):):) It really is the mini milestones that make all of the difference...
Finally...
Our new cat Ace has moved and is doing really well...he is an awesome kitty cat...and soon enough he will be really big and fat...so far he and the dog have not exactly bonded...BUT...I am sure (I hope) that soon they will get over this whole Tom and Jerry deal and we can all live in peace :)
Well I guess that is all for now...my next update will not be for a while as we are preparing for Greg's upcoming deployment and family time is a luxury right now...I hope you all understand...
Please leave as many guestbook entries as possible...they really do brighten our day...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:24 AM EST [Link]
Sunday, January 11, 2004
BUSY BEES
Well I finally started feeling better on Wednesday...THANK YOU GOD! Even though I was feeling better, the week remained rather lazy and we did only the necessary things each day, as I was still not 100% better...
We received word early in the week that a nasty cold front was heading our way bringing with it snow and ice...YUCK!
On Thursday...my wonderful husband came home from work and cleaned out the garage so that my car could fit in it...I have been worried about the weather and managing the children on my own in the coming months...
I was so EXCITED to be able to pray my car in the garage, I did a little cheer...Cody thought that was really funny :)~ (at least I amuse someone other than myself)
Anyway...Friday came with about 3 inches of snow that actually "stuck" so the kids were living it up having snowball fights and building snowmen (at least I think that is what it was)
As you can see life around here has been fairly "normal"
On the other hand...my Grandpa has been really sick so he actually moved down to Plantation to live with my mom and Glen...the doctor there admitted him to the hospital on Thursday and as of yesterday he was improving quite well...my mom said he was back to being his regular old ornery self...Praise God! I just love my Grandpa so much...
Cody and I will leave for Duke tomorrow evening...we have all of our one-year studies scheduled...I also talked to Gil and had him add a hearing exam and a behavioral study...
Cody seems to be having trouble hearing us...since I am not sure if it is a side effect or selective...I asked to have him tested...
In addition, he seems to be having a lot of issues with anger management and mood swings...I am not sure if this a behavioral or if it is steroid induced...
Regardless it is obvious that Cody is need of some outside help...the poor child has been sick more than half of his life...as he gets stronger it becomes more and more difficult for him to accept and understand why...why can't he do what all of the other kids are doing? Why can't he go to school? Why can't he be okay? Why does he have to be sick?
Just try answering questions like that from your 7 year old son...LOGIC is left up to interpretation and WHY? is very demanding...I have no answers for my child...this breaks my heart...so I pray that someday soon His Father in heaven will give him the answers he so longingly desires...and as far as I am concerned...he deserves those answers...as always though, we are only along for the journey and we wait on the Lord to reveal His perfect will...
Now onto the dreaded plea for financial assistance...I apologize for needing to ask...however, our last stay in Durham depleted all that was left in our Foundation account and then some...Our stay this last time for 9 weeks cost nearly $7000...I am very grateful that my mother continues to "finance" and float us from month to month...but our debt is growing and I am sick with worry over it...I have placed all of the donation information on the home page and pray that if you are able, you will help...
Finally...I joined an online support group for families who have children with Leukemia...to date it has been a really neat and rewarding experience...
Today I learned of a family though that now has two children diagnosed with the same Pre-B cell Leukemia...In all of my life, I could never imagine taking this journey with two children...I have posted their information on the home page as well and BEG that you will keep this family in your constant prayers...I also ask that you will take a moment to stop by their site and offer your words of encouragement (even if they seem inadequate)
www.caringbridge.org/wi/ashley
Greg ship deploys in a couple of weeks and then the boys and I will be on our own for the next 6-9 months...
I will update when we return from Duke...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
P.S. Dr.K. gave Cody permission to adopt a kitty...we are going through the adoption process with a really neat organization called Hope For Life Rescue...please say a pray that Cody's kitty will come live with us soon...Cody has decided to name him Ace...you can see a picture of him here http://www.hopeforliferescue.com/describe.asp?n=Asia
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:23 AM EST [Link]
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Headaches and Tummy Aches
We had to cancel our trip to Duke this week...I woke up on Monday with a terrible headache but as the day progressed it came and went...
After Greg came home from work on Monday afternoon...we did a few things around the house and then by early evening I laid to nap before our scheduled drive to Durham...
When I woke up my headache was very bad and I ended up with a terrible tummy ache...before too long I found myself sick in the bathroom...Cody came in and took care of me...he even called Greg to tell him that "Mommy is puking"
I had no other symptoms...no fever...no "using the bathroom"
Greg called Dr.K. and I was still going to try and drive there when I got up yesterday morning...I woke up and still had the headache...my stomach remained sick through out the day...
Greg had duty so he was on the ship from yesterday morning until this morning...Praise God for Cody he did everything for Riley except change his diapers :)
All of our one-year studies were re-scheduled to next week...so I will keep you all posted...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:45 AM EST [Link]
Sunday, January 4, 2004
Okay, Okay...I am finally posting an update...
Sorry it has been so long...BUT...there has been a lot going on around here...
Overall, things are going well...
Cody had his clinic visit last week and we learned that his kidney function is still not up to par...so they added an extra dose of Magnesium...the rest of his levels were okay including his FK level...his weight is up a little to 19.2 kilograms (still less then I had hoped for...but up none-the-less)
Aside from the minor medical issues...Cody is doing great...he had a really nice visit with his paternal family while Jeremy and I were away...and on Monday December 29th, his cousin Vincent was born weighing in at a hefty 9 pounds 3 ounces...and 22 inches long...Vincent gave his mom some trouble...seems he was rather comfortable hanging out in the womb and it took a lot of convincing before he finally came out to meet everyone :):):):):) WELCOME TO THE WORLD VINCENT!
After our return from Florida, Jeremy still had basically another week with us...I cannot tell you how wonderful it was for us to all be together as a family...Jeremy and Cody did really well...not too much brotherly bickering...although I think I am certain that they made a pact to try and see if they could drive mom crazy...it almost worked...but by the grace of God...I survived :):):):):):)
We had a lot of time with Marina over the holiday break which was really great...yesterday we went and had out family portraits taken...I will post them soon [be happy I posted an update, everything is else is gravy;)~]
Riley gets more and more amazing every day...he has a full vocabulary of words we aren't sure are actually English...but the words we can understand include Gank Gu (thank you), Yo Weco (your welcome), Peas (please), Bo (boo), Co (Cody), Riii (Riley), NiNi (Night Night), Ja (Jeremy), Says (Sissy), Hi (Hi), Dad (Dad), Greg (which also means dad), Ma (Mom), and my two favorites HIGH PICTHED AHHHHHH (more), LOUD VOICE, COMMANDING NO (NO!)...
He loves to talk on the phone...it is actually rather comical...he will carry on lengthy conversations as he paces back and forth, like a mini me...he has started dancing and singing even more, we actually got out his Karaoke machine and uses it every day...and finally this week he learned to jump up with both feet, he especially likes to use this on my bed :)
So anyway...like I said...lots and lots going on around here...we have been having a lot of fun family time together...
We have gone back to some kind of normal...home cooked meals instead of fast food...family movies...together time...and lots of cuddling and love...it has been a true blessing...I am grateful.
NOW THE HOUSE IS A WHOLE OTHER STORY...
I feel as though it is never-ending JOB that I hate...I pretty sure I may never figure out how to keep up with it...but, I have decided to try...
I have spent the last week trying to get everything in order...I took all of the Christmas stuff down as soon as I came home from Florida...after that I cleaned and cleaned...the living room was immaculate (now it looks as though I never even touched it)...the kitchen was immaculate (now my feet are back to sticking to floor)...my bedroom was immaculate (then my husband came home)...the boys room was immaculate (then the Christmas presents spontaneously exploded)...the dining room table is a work in progress...and the bathroom and laundry have been considered and ignored several times (HEY! I'm getting there...slowly but surely)

Greg's ship will deploy soon and I will be on my own...I am not looking forward to this but I will adjust...I have been in a strange state of mind...it almost feels as though I am constantly PMSing (and I'm not) I guess I must be stressing...we have a couple of big projects that need to be accomplished before he goes...
I want the garage to be unpacked enough for the car to fit inside of it...to date, our "winter" has been rather mild...but in the event that it does happen to get colder, I want to be able to have the car in the garage for pre-starting, warming up and loading up...
And we need to get the truck cleaned out and returned...sitting in my drive it is taking up space and offering a constant reminder that I wish I could still drive my truck :( I sure did love that thing...too bad it broke...
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
We celebrated Cody's re-birthday...ONE YEAR post transplant anniversary on New Year's Eve...as the ball dropped on TV in Times Square...we all gave thanks to our Lord that we were together with our miracle and able to bring in the new year as a family...{of course, Greg fell asleep before the New Year actually chimed in...so he missed out...but the rest of us were up for the count down, HOORAY!)
Tomorrow, Cody and I will be leaving for Duke...we will be there until Wednesday as Cody is scheduled for his one year studies...we have the super long clinic day from somewhere down below scheduled...we will drive back on Wednesday...
I was blessed when Liza and Jason agreed to take Riley...I am not sure I would have been able to handle them both with all of the scheduled test...THANKS LIZA & JASON
Well...that is all I can think of for now...
WHILE YOU ARE HERE SIGN THE GUEST BOOK
ALSO TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO CHECK IN ON SOME OF OUR FRIENDS...THE ONES ON THE FRONT PAGE COULD TRULY USE SOME ENCOURAGEMENT RIGHT NOW
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 03:09 PM EST [Link]
Monday, December 29, 2003
Uh Oh Back to the Lab Again!!!
HEY THERE EVERYONE!!
Christmas was wonderful...
Wednesday night...we picked up Ben and Paula from the airport...Cody was really happy to see them and I was glad that they got to be together with him for Christmas...
Early Christmas morning...Greg got up to take Jeremy and I to the airport...we arrived on time with no problems and flight was uneventful...
We arrived in Florida in the afternoon...and believe it or not...my mom forgot to come and pick us up!!! NO, I AM NOT KIDDING!!! Praise God she does not live far from the airport...she was there by the time we got the luggage...
We went home and I was finally able to share with my mom the scrap book I have been working on for her for the past 4 months...she cried...this was a very special gift as I had "collected" pictures of our family from the 1930's forward...the book was beautiful and since I constantly talk to my mom it was very difficult not telling her about each new page as it came to life...
My mom and Glen gave Greg and I the new cell phones we wanted...they are the picture phones and they are really cool :)
On Friday morning...I got up early and went to pick up my Grandpa...Chris rode with me and it was nice to have some time with her and then with him...it was an interesting trip as my Grandpa had a lot to say...Jeremy stayed with Robin and went out on a date that included lunch and a movie...
When we got back...my mom and I left to go run our last few errands before the wedding...we ended up running into every problem you could imagine and we drove back and forth across town several times...we finally accomplished everything and made it back to the house by 10:00 p.m.
On Saturday morning...we woke and Jeremy was very sick...he was throwing up and having diarrhea...he was very upset because he thought he was not going to make it to my mom�s wedding that night and he was very concerned about letting her down...I gave him some tummy medicine and made him spend the entire day in bed...Praise God by the evening time he was feeling better and he ended up being the life of the party!!!
In the afternoon...I left to go get my hair done...the first try did not work out so well so I ended having to go and get my hair re-done somewhere else...it was crazy...and time was just falling away...
When my mom and I finally got together and made it to the hotel for the wedding we were WAY BEHIND!! However, we weren't the only ones running behind...it seemed as though the comedy of errors that plagued us the night before had followed us into the wedding day...we couldn't help but laugh for fear if we didn't we would have to cry!!!
My mom finally did walk down the aisle nearly an hour late and her and Glen took their vows...POOF I now have a pretty big family...
Let's see...I have a sister and brother-in-law, Liz and Phil...I have a niece, Brittany...I have a brother Steven...and I have a Glen...YEA ME!:)
Steven told his dad he was glad to have a new sister because he was getting tired of the old one :):):):):):):) We all thought that was funny...{Liz, don't hit him too hard}

The wedding was absolutely beautiful and it was really great to see so many family members and friends...I felt so blessed to be there and I am so happy for my mom I could just burst!
On Sunday...Liz and Phil drove Grandpa back home and I took my mom and Glen to the Port so they could catch their honeymoon ship...I know they will have a really good time in the islands...the ship they are on is HUGE it looked like a floating apartment complex...NO JOKE!!!
Anyway...after I dropped them off...I went and had lunch with Ken, Laura and Nathan...Jillian's family...it was really great to spend some time with them and the food wasn't too bad either...by the time we left the restaurant...I had found a new boyfriend, Nathan...and he even kissed me goodbye :):):):):):):):)
I made it back to Chris's house after that with Lauren and Michelle in tow and we had a really nice dinner with quite a few friends...Ed was there with his little boy Joseph...Shelby and Terry were there...Walter was there playing with Jeremy...later on Laura came over and we spent a lot of time just talking and hanging out...it was really great...I was sad that Cathy, Ryan and Joe did not make it over but maybe next time...
This morning...we overslept...well since the Security Level is HIGH...they we were doing vehicle inspections and Jeremy and I nearly missed our plane...only by the nick of our chins did we make the flight and believe it or not...our luggage did too...THANKS BE TO GOD
So here we are...safe and sound at home...tomorrow, Ben and Tina will leave to go back to St, Louis...Paula left yesterday because Cody�s Aunt Shawnna should be giving birth to little Vincent any time now...WELCOME TO THE WORLD VINCENT!!!
In two days, we will celebrate the Cody�s new blood birthday...what a great way to ring in the NEW YEAR!
We are schedule to go back to Duke soon for our one year studies...we pray for all good news...I will update again on Wednesday once Cody has had a chance to go back to clinic...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 04:12 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
A Vacation's All I Ever Wanted...Vacation, had to get away...
Friday's "snow storm" melted away before it ever accumulated on the ground...PRAISE GOD!
Today it was a balmy 68*
Greg took Cody and Marina and went the clinic...they had a fairly long day...but we heard all good news this time...The increase Mag dose is helping his kidneys and to date, he still has not started having the diarrhea...HOORAY!!! {isn't it strange what makes us cancer mom�s happy}
Cody's weight is maintaining which is a little disappointing to me...he is doing so well with his g-tube feedings that each clinic visit I have such high hopes that his weight will have increased...but, alas, we stay the same...That is a BLESSING as I know all too well what we could be going through...but still a DISAPPOINTMENT :(
Anyway...The stockings are hung on the wall with care...and the presents are wrapped and my DANG back hurts!!!
Tomorrow morning we will wake up and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ...Jeremy and I are leaving early on Christmas morning for my mom's wedding so we will do our celebrating as a family tomorrow...
Ben, Tina and Grandma Paula are coming in to stay with Cody, Greg and Riley while Jeremy and I are gone...it will e really nice for them...especially for Cody since he will get to celebrate two Christmas mornings :)
THANK YOU, NORTH NAPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
If it were not for your kindness and generosity...we would have very few gifts under our tree this Christmas...we are BLESSED beyond words by your generous donations, gifts and financial blessings...the kids were well taken care of by the support that you all offered to our family...
I do not know if I will have a chance to update tomorrow...we will be celebrating Christmas in the morning...cleaning and cooking and then making a run to the airport before we pack and get ready to leave the following morning...
In short...each kid has 18 presents under the tree...which consist of everything from, books, computer games, clothes and toys...
My mom and Glen will be getting married on Saturday...I am very excited for them...and I am looking forward to my visit to Florida...I truly wish my whole family could be going but...Dr.K. is the expert and she knows what is best...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Posted by Eleasha @ 06:01 PM EST [Link]
Friday, December 19, 2003
The Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round...
SNOW!!!! I had to drive in the SNOW!!! Now being from Florida originally...this is a very big deal...
It looked as though God and the angels were up in heaven having a classic slumber party pillow fight!!!
SNOW!!!! My body was not made for cold weather...and DEFINITELY NOT SNOW!!!! What in the heck am I supposed to do with SNOW?
So far it is just a light dusting and I am hopeful that the Lord will see fit to warm this place up some tomorrow for all that snow will melt away...

ANYWAY
We got up early this morning and drove over to the base to watch Greg's hip pull in...of course we missed the part that I actually wanted to see but Cody was still impressed with what we did see...TWO JETS on the Flight Deck right in plain view...WHEW HEW It was pretty neat to see...
After that we headed over to clinic so that we could get a weight check and some labs...
I am happy to say that Cody's is doing very well weight wise...he is up to 19.0 kilograms now and holding his own...he is tolerating his g-tube feedings at 100cc's per hour and he is drinking as much milk and drinkable yogurt as I can buy and keep in the refrigerator...
Unfortunately...even with such wonderful progress in that arena...we were still sad to hear that his kidneys retained very little of the IV Magnesium that he received on Tuesday...they increased his oral dosage to 3x per day from 2x...and we go back again on Tuesday...
In true Cody fashion...he remains A-Symptomatic (showing no signs of the issues his body is having)...we praise GOD every day for that fact because any "normal" person leaking Magnesium at the rate Cody is would have already been admitted to the PICU with major complications...but not our boy...he is running around like normal...nothing out of the ordinary here...I know in my heart that it is only because of the faith that we have and the prayers that we pray that we are so blessed to have him shielded from some of the horrible things that could be happening...
Satan is cunning and baffling...he is always looking for his chance to bring us down...to attack...like a wolf in sheep�s clothing he waits among the flock for the perfect moment and then POOF He moves in...Only through prayer and supplication are we spared...and only in prayer and meditation do we find hope and faith...
As his human mommy...I am worried and scared...but I hold fast to the fact that his Father in Heaven has a plan which far surpasses my realm of understanding...so I get up every day and do the next thing that needs to be to save this precious and wonderful life that is my son...
This weekend has been set aside for my husband and I to spend together alone...our early Christmas present to each other...
On Sunday, we will pick up Marina for most of the week and Jeremy will fly in on Sunday as well...we will have our family together and we will celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve...
Jeremy and I will be flying out for my mom's wedding relatively early on Christmas morning...we are looking forward to the trip...
I will update again on Tuesday after clinic...until then...
Happy Holidays!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 02:23 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Have you ever been punched in the stomach so hard you get the wind knocked out of you?
It�s kind of like that song...
I get knocked down...then I get up again...
Of course...I am not going to follow the rest of the advice given in the song about getting drunk or whatever...but some days are sure hard to swallow...
The past week has been rather uneventful...no problems...no worries...no issues...
I had to make the decision to quarantine Cody from his friends in the neighborhood because the flu is getting worse and I am not willing to take the chance of having him exposed...he has been fighting a cold...but with all of the antibiotics he has been on it has not really reared its ugly head up on him like it did the rest of us...
Anyway...I loaded up the kids for clinic this morning with the plan that we would be there for a couple of hours...little did I know...Cody's body had other plans...
His labs came back and we were shocked to learn that his kidney's are still having some serious issues...Cody's magnesium levels were at a critical level of 0.9...the doctors considered admitting him but decided that they would given him a 2 hour infusion of IV magnesium and have us come back for follow up care on Friday and then Tuesday again...
This is huge blow...I was confident that since we finished the Vancomycin and his g-tube feedings have been going so well that issues like these were behind us...
I had no choice but to sit in the little room with my boys for nearly 8 hours...
During that time I watched my oldest boy struggle through two separate needle sticks and an IV placement...and I watched my youngest boy struggle with the fact that this entire day would be spent strapped into his stroller with nothing to do...
Of course, somewhere along the way the both passed out and there I was alone with my thoughts...alone with my God...for a moment I began to question Him...but then I caught a glimpse of my children as they slept and I realized...they were at peace...it was placed on my heart at that very moment that I, too, should be at peace...for my Father in heaven has already taken up this fight for me...He has already taken my burden upon His shoulders...my only "job" at this point is to just hang on and do my best to enjoy the ride...do my best to share the truth as I fall through this journey...
I am not sure if I am succeeding...but every day...I get another chance...
Every day I make a choice...I hit my knees and I pray...I reach out to my God and I beg Him for His mercy and Grace...I beg Him for His perfect healing...not just for my child but for a list of children so long...to the mere human that I am it is scary...

Today...as I sat in the chair...I realized that we are called to handle a very large job...we will get knocked down...we will face setbacks...but we will also get up again...we will survive...we will make it through this because we believe...
It was a very long day and by the time it was over...I was tired...so were my boys...we came home and Cody and I went to sleep...Riley decided to play and watch the Wiggles...
Aside from all of that...I did finally accept that just me and my little Jeremy will be going to Florida for my mom's wedding...
I reached out in every ay I could think of...I contacted Angel Flights but since the trip was not medical they could not fly us...I tried to arrange a MAC flight but could not get a schedule that worked put together...I checked into every alternative and even tried really hard to get Dr.K. to budge on her no driving rule...
With this flu season turning out to be so horrible and so many innocent healthy children and adults losing their lives as they battle this sickness...there is just no way we can risk Cody...even though he seems like his old self again...he it still severely immune suppresses and as we quickly found out today...his body can change at any moment requiring immediate medical attention...
Jeremy and I will fly to Florida and stay for 4 days...Greg, Riley and Cody will stay home...
Cody is sad but we made plans for his Grandma Paula, his daddy and Tina to come and stay for the whole time we are away...this is very exciting for him so it took the sting of not being able to go away...at least a little...
It was extremely difficult for me to resign myself to the fact that he just cannot make the trip...it was equally as difficult for me to tell my mom...
{Mom...I love you so much and I am so sorry that it did not work out for us to all come...you mean the world to me...and I will carry a suitcase full of love, prayers, thoughts, wishes, hugs and kisses from Greg, Cody and Riley...I know it is not quite the same...but Jeremy and I will do our best to be everyone all rolled into a tiny package of two...I love you so much...I hope you know that}
It is almost 7:00 p.m. and I need to get Riley into the bath tub...after that I think I will put him to bed early...it really has been a long day for us all...
Please remember to sign the guestbook while you are here...I cannot express in words what a difference it makes when people sign...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:57 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Is there anyone out there?
I am pretty sure that you are here to see how things are going and to check up on Cody...BUT...I am not really sure since you haven't signed the guestbook in like FOREVER!!!
Our trip back and forth to Durham was long...as usual...but it was rather fun...
On Monday, we left earlier than normal...I ended up having no one to keep Riley so by 4:00 p.m. we were all piled in the car driving...we made plans to stay with Liz and Raj in their new house...WHAT A FABULOUS HOUSE!!! Their new baby boy Asher didn't care much for me holding him but Simi and Cody had a blast...Riley was in toddler paradise and I was glad to be settled and going to sleep before 1 in the morning...
Their cat, Sailor, slept in the room with us...he was absolutely gorgeous...grey and white and really husky...I think he was a Himalayian...I felt bad though because Cody could not play with and he really, really wanted to...
By Tuesday morning...Sailor decided he had had enough of our company and wanted out...so Cody got up and then he stayed up...in true little brother fashion it wasn't long before Riley was ready to follow his brother downstairs...
We got to spend some more time with our friends before we had to leave for clinic...it was nice to just relax and talk for a while before we were shuffled off into clinic land for the rest of the day...
Dr. K. was out of town at a huge HEM/ONC convention in San Diego so we did not get to see her while we were there...Gil was working on the floor so we did not get to see him either...it was a strange visit without them...the other doctors and NP's are great but they are not as familiar as our primary is with Cody's history...of course, I had to be the crazy/protective mom again...they were all messed up on why we were there so I had to stand firm and insist that they call Dr.K. :) [you didn't really think they would listen to me, did you?]
Anyway...everything worked out and they ended up taking long enough for us to have some time with baby Jordan, Carrie and her mom...it was really great to see you all...we miss you already :)
After clinic...we started the drive back...it was long as usual and I was exhausted when we got home...I put Riley to bed and then did Cody's meds and went to bed myself...
Cody's weight was up a little which was a big relief...unfortunately...he is still having trouble holding on to his FK levels...they have been steadily increasing the dosage for a full week now...Dr.K. said that this happens as the body gets healthier it begins to metabolize the drug faster...I almost had to cry...she used the words healthier and Cody in the same sentence...HIP, HIP HOORAY!
I asked Dr.K. one last time today for input on how to get Cody to my mom's wedding and she gave me her final answer...Cody should fly on a small plane or not go at all :(
I could almost hear my mom's heart break when I told her...I am so sorry...I am still really hopeful that we will be able to find a way to go..All of us...
Today...Cody and I did some Christmas shopping online via iGive.com...it was a lot of fun...he picked out a special gift for his new little girlfriend Katia and we had it shipped straight to her hospital room...Cody just thought that was the coolest thing...he has such a heart for other kids who are going through what he has been through...
As for me, I attempted to spend most of the day making up for lost sleep...that trip, especially with Riley...is always so very hard...I wish had half the energy of Cody or Riley...
I praise God that the trips are becoming less frequent...
Speaking of less frequent...our next trip to Duke is not until the first week of January...we will go then to see Dr.K. and do our one-year studies...
We are at day T+344...it is SO hard to believe that last year at this time we were getting ready to start this journey...
Whew...what a ride!!!
Marina came over with her mom for a while tonight...I made dinner and her and Cody had a blast...riley did too but they eventually got tired of playing with him and went to work on their homework...
Poor Riley was dissed for homework...I am not sure I think he minded though...at his age the Wiggles are very important so they just stuck in front of the TV and no one even knew he was there...
Jennifer and I just hung around and talk for while...mostly about iGive.com and then about what a butthead my husband was before he married me :)
Course, I talked a little bit about what a butthead I was too...but not much...HEY, ANYTHING TO KEEP THE FOCUS ON SOMEONE ELSE! :)~
Anyway...I just put Riley down for bed a few minutes ago and I need to go take care of all of Cody's night meds...so I will update again soon...
Thanks for stopping by and unless you need me to start begging...PLEASE SIGN THE GUESTBOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:42 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, December 7, 2003
Whew...What a weekend...
The latter half of the week was pretty yucky around here...I was afraid that Cody was going to come down with that cold so I basically kept him inside the whole time...
On Friday, we went to the doctor for our weight check and he was up a little bit from 18.0 kilos to 18.2 kilos...at least we are making progress...
I spoke with Gil, our Nurse Practitioner at Duke...I wanted to let him know what was going on with Cody's weight and he agreed that most of it is probably related to discontinuing the TPN and moving to full dependence on g-tube feedings...
Friday night I went over and got Rose and Brittany...we went to Fozzolli's for dinner and then we roamed around the mall for a while...we had considered going to the movies but we were at the wrong place so we skipped it...
Early Saturday morning...Cody, Mia and I got up and started making preparations for Cody's first sleep over...we got everything in order and then I ran over to the grocery store to pick up some juices and snacks...
The other boys showed up for the "party" around 6:00 p.m. Kyson and Dawson's mommy Robin hung out with me for a little while...I had a lot fo fun talking with her...After she left though...there was a lot of playing to be done...Kyson, Dawson, Aaron and Cody all teamed up on me and it looked as though I were going to lose the battle until...
Around the corner came Riley and then Justin to my rescue :):):):):):):):) HOORAY ME!!!
Of course, as always, little boys will be little boys...and things got too rough...so no more wrestling...and I was having fun to...dang it :)~
The boys did everything from A-Z...literally...around 10:00 p.m. I had everyone clean up...turn off the video games and get ready for bed...I set everyone up and they watched the Pirates of the Caribbean...Dawson and Aaron passed out in the middle of the movie so Kyson and Cody snuck into the room where Justin was and played some more video games...at 1:00 a.m. I made everyone finally go to bed...
Do you know they were back just after 8:00 a.m. ARE THEY INSANE?
They all stayed over until about noon when Riley had to go down for his nap and then they went outside and played...it was a very pretty day today...a little cold but picture perfect...
I napped on and off and then got up and went and ran my last few errands before I am on my own again for the week...the weekends are always really nice because I have Justin and Mia to help...I went and hung out with Rose and Brittany for a little while and then picked up a few things from the store before I came back home...
When I got here, Carol pulled in behind me so I hung out and talked to her for a little while...
Tomorrow we will be leaving again to go to Duke for a check up...Liz, I think we are all well enough to hang out at your place if that is still an option...I will call you in the morning...
Carrie, I am really looking forward to seeing you and baby Jordan...Cody and I will not get there until tomorrow night and then we leave right after clinic on Tuesday...so we will probably have to settle for visiting in clinic...
Anyway...I think that is all for now...I will update again after we return from Durham...Hopefully all good news!!!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:25 PM EST [Link]

Thursday, December 4, 2003
Well the past few days have been just awful...
Nearly one month ago...Riley caught a cold...he got over it...and then...he caught it again...
Nearly three weeks ago, I caught a cold...I got over it again...and then...I caught it again...
Cody has started showing some signs of catching this cold...we have been taking medicine and hopefully soon we will all be better...I'm not sure...but aside from Riley, I think I have caught the worst end of the yuck...
Poor Riley has a big fat runny nose that just won't quit...and of course, like any almost two year old...he would prefer to have snot and boogers all over his face instead of having a tissue cross his nose...
I, on the other hand, have not had the pleasure of too much of a runny nose...No, instead I have had the lovely opportunity to deal with sinus headaches and laryngitis...
Cold Medicine has become a necessity around here...
This past week has also brought the woes of travel...
Dr.K. gave us permission to attend my mother's wedding in the coming weeks with Cody in tow...however, we are not allowed to drive AND we are not allowed to fly on a commercial plane...
I have looked into every option I can find...I even looked into chartering a plane...DID YOU KNOW IT COSTS ALMOST $15000. TO CHARTER A PLANE? I could not help but laugh when the guy told me that...I didn't even have the heart to pretend as though I were wealthy enough to consider the option...I just laughed, uncontrollably...It has been so trying...I want so desperately for us all to be able to attend my mother's wedding...to watch her exchange vows with the man she loves...to have the opportunity to witness before God, our family and friends the absolute completion of our family...
I am still hoping for a MAC flight schedule that will work out but I have started making the preparations for just my little Jeremy and me to head to Florida...
It is still my hope and prayer that somehow, some way we will all be able to be there...
DOES ANYONE OWN A LEER JET I CAN BORROW?
Cody's visit to the doctor on Tuesday went well...they went ahead and removed his PIC line and he did very well considering...as usual he had them bag the line so he could bring it home...he likes to show people what he had in his arm...
We made our schedule to return to Duke this coming week so that we could be sure to see Carrie and baby Jordan while we are there...we had hoped to see Patrick to but he'll be working on the railroad all the live, long day...Cody is sad that Patrick cannot come...but we are happy that we will have the chance to see our friends...our family...
Dr. Owen scheduled Cody to come back into the doctor tomorrow as his weight seems to be down a kilogram...he is doing really well with his g-tube feedings but supplemental Magnesium always gives him diarrhea...aside from that, he just finished up his TPN and Lipids last week so now he is relying on all of his calories and nutrition to come from the g-tube feedings and what little regular food I can get down his throat...
The bright side is that I am fairly certain that this is just a lull and he will start recovering his weight in no time...but as always, we must be concerned for his weight right now...he has NO ROOM to lose any weight...
So my new official job is WEIGHT WATCHER EXTRAORDINARE...
Other than that, things are going okay...
My husband and I are going through some difficulties but that is just because sometimes men and women don't think the same...
Okay...well men and women NEVER think the same but usually when that happens we are able to find a middle road somewhere...for right now...I am still standing across the street telling stupid to get out of the puddle on the other side!!!
I have the house decorated for Christmas...it looks very pretty...our Christmas this year will be rather meek but I am grateful that we will all be together as a family...we have suffered through so many losses this past year with so many of our friends that I know that in the blink of eye...we could be looking at a totally different family...with one less person present for Christmas...so when you ask me what we want and what we need for Christmas...I can tell you wholeheartedly that I already have ALL that I need...ALL that I want...I have a little boy who is on his way to total recovery...I have another little boy who is crazy but teaching us all things we had forgotten as he discovers all of his very firsts...I have another boy who is rapidly evolving into a young man, who has started making strides in his education and working hard to accomplish his life goals...I have a little girl who has blessed my life thoroughly this past three years since Greg and I married, as she too evolves into a young woman, I am amazed and blessed that she is a member of my family...I have a mommy and a new dad on the way...I have a mother and father in-law...I have a sister and brother in-law...I have friends...friends to whom which I can lean on and call my family...I am blessed...
I AM RICH
Of course, I am not rich with money...I can hardly afford all of the cold medicine we are going through...I will probably never be able to buy a leer jet...and quite frankly my highest paying job this year may be official weight watcher...BUT I HAVE MORE RICHES THAN ANY ONE WOMAN DESERVES...
I have eternal life in and through Christ...I have my family together and I have a list too long of angels who have taken guardianship over my family and me...
I will update again soon...
Until then...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:13 AM EST [Link]
Monday, December 1, 2003
Well another week has passed us by and I needed to take a few moments to update everyone on our boy...
Cody's surgery went really well last Tuesday...the procedure should have taken about 1 hour but it took closer to 3...that had us all a little anxious but we were relieved when they doctor came out and said he did well...removing the lines and the port was easy...placing the PIC line proved to be more difficult...the surgeon said it is always harder to put things in then it is to pull things out...
Greg got up when we left for the hospital to take Riley over to Rose's...she watched him for the day...TAHNKS ROSE!
Anyway...after the surgery Paula and I went in to see Cody...he was still really out of it and I had started working on helping him wake up when the x-ray's came back and said that the PIC line was not in the right place...the IV team had to come and pull it back 4 cm...Thank God they did not have to try and push it in any farther...
Cody asked for Greg shortly after he started waking up so I went and got him and he stayed in there for a little while...
Once Cody was completely recovered, they went ahead and released us to go home...we were really excited...there is always so much worry and concern walking into any surgery...to be able to go home afterwards with no complications is always wonderful...
Grandma Paula was here with us for one whole week and let me tell you...Cody just ate here up...he loves his time with her soooooo much...she is really good too...they play cars and video games and whatever else Cody's wants to do, play, read, say, go, anything...this time was kind of unique though...I had the neighborhood kids knocking on the door asking for Grandma Paula...that was really cute :):):):):):):) Can Grandma and Cody come out and play? heeehehehehehe!
Paula also helped me out a lot with Riley and the house...In my day to day routine there are several things that seem to get neglected most...most noticeably...and most difficult to catch up with is the laundry...I have talked about this before as I put a lot of pressure on myself when I feel as though I am not able to accomplish everything I need to for my family through out one day...well let me tell you...after nearly 3 months back in Durham and and and...I had laundry that was probably knee deep that filled my whole laundry room...my laundry room is about the size of a small bedroom...well Grandma Paula, in between playing with Cody, did every bit of the laundry we had here including the other 6 loads in my closet...I cannot express my gratitude enough for all of the help...Thanks Paula...hopefully now I can keep up with it a little better...I think we already have like 3 or 4 new loads...Cody misses you terribly and Riley has said been talking up a storm...we aren't sure what he is saying but if he was asking for your return do you think you could come? Heck, are sure you can't come back to stay...FOREVER? :)
It was a true blessing that Greg was able to make it for the surgery...Cody really wanted him here and so did I...Our family has been through so many things in the past year that it is really difficult on me to try and handle everything with Greg being back out to sea...thanks to the US NAVY and the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON...we did not have to go through the surgery alone...
Wednesday Cody was doing well enough to go outside and play with Grandma and a few of his friends...he did not last for too long but it was good to see him outside trying to be fine...
Thursday he seemed to be doing really well...we went to Jason and Liza's for Thanksgiving dinner and Jason made a fried Turkey...it was really good...I got up early and made quite a few side dishes and some pies while Cody and Grandma Paula made the deviled eggs...by noon all of the food that we were making was done cooking but we still had like 5 hours before dinner...we were all starving :)
Very early Friday morning Greg and I go up so that he would make his flight back to the ship...well...I dropped him off and about a half hour later he calls to tell me the air terminal was not open until 6:00 a.m. So he ended up waiting there for nearly hour before he called me back to tell me that the flight he was supposed to be on had been cancelled so we would try again the next day...YIPPPPEEEE!!! I got to get back up and go get him from the air terminal...I was glad to have him for an extra day but wish we have known sooner that there was no flight because we could have stayed in bed!
By Friday afternoon...we were all coming back down with that stupid cold...I had it two weeks ago and then got better...Riley had it three weeks ago, got better and then got sick again...now...I was starting to feel sick again and Greg started catching it for the first time...
Friday night was Grandma and Greg's last night in town so we piled in the car and drove to the light show on the beach boardwalk...it was pretty...I will post pictures soon...
Saturday...very early in the morning again...I got up and took my husband back to the air terminal...this time there was a plane there and he left...
Saturday afternoon...Paula left...and the boys and I were back on our own...
Sunday was melancholy we did some more work on Christmas decorations and we watched a movie...
Today was okay...Cody has really started catching this nasty cold...so let's pray that it won't be anything but a regular old cold and we get through it quick and easy...
I spent most of the day trying to figure out how we will get from here to Florida for my mom's wedding...Cody cannot fly a commercial airline and Dr.K. does not want Cody driving in the car for 14 hours...
Has anyone every tried to get 1400 miles without being able to fly or drive? I just love my mommy so much and I want so badly for our family to be able to be there with her for her big day...it is very important to us all...I know that Cody will be thoroughly heart broken if he can't go...and I don't even know what I will do...my mom will be heart broken too...IF ANYONE IS A PILOT AND WOULD LIKE TO DONATE A FLIGHT, SINCE WE ARE A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, THE EXPENSE CAN BE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE...PLEASE CONTACT ME RIGHT AWAY IF YOU CAN HELP WITH THIS Angel Flight is not an issue because we are not flying for medical reasons...we tried for a compassion flight but they would not approve it for a wedding...
We were supposed to go to Duke tonight but since we are all feeling so yucky and since Cody's PIC line is scheduled to come out in clinic here tomorrow...Dr.K. said we could wait until next week...this also allows the opportunity to see baby Jordan, Carrie and her mom next week...I think I read on someone else's site that they would there too but I am drawing a blank...
Liz...we would love to stay with you if we are all better...I will call you closer to weekend and we can make plans...
The ForCody Foundation is now officially part iGive.com...you can join iGive.com for no cost and then a considerable portion of all of your online shopping proceeds will go to benefit our foundation...iGive.com has over 400 merchants registered everything from PetSmart to eBay to JCPenney to Land's End and more...please paste the following link in your browser window and considering joining to help us TODAY...this is the year for online shopping...iGive gives to us while you shop!!!
http://www.iGive.com/causetoolbox/html/joinlink.cfm
In closing...I would like to once again to remind everyone that tomorrow our little buddy Tommy will be laid to rest in California...we will be doing a blue balloon release in his honor here in Virginia Beach while our thoughts, hearts and prayers will be standing along side his family as they say their final good byes...Please stop by his page and offer your support...
www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:49 PM EST [Link]
Thursday, November 27, 2003
I feel like a want to cry...I just spent eh past hour typing an update and I lost it...
Anyway...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Every year on Thanksgiving and sit back and think of all have to be grateful for...I consider all of the things I am thankful for and I do my best to give thanks...
Before I start talking about this past year...I need to first give my thanks, my love and my life with whole and humble heart to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...I am grateful for His life...for His blood...for His love...and for His forgiveness...without Him...we would never have made it through this past year or any of the others before it...I am forever thankful to God for making the ultimate sacrifice by giving up His son that we could chose life...
As I spent this last year fighting for the life of my child...I could just barely understand what it must have been like for our Lord to allow His son to pay the price of death for our sins...If I were asked to do the same thing...I think I could not...I think I would not...I think I would rather die first...she who is full of sin, would rather take the place of the little one who knows no real sin...who has suffered for more than half of his life...who has been more faithful than her...the little one who has never, ever given up...
This past year has been one heck of a ride...it was just over a year ago when we packed dup a few suitcases and headed to Duke...Duke would be Cody's only chance at life beyond cancer...the Lord blessed us with a donor match and we were on our way...
I had no idea that our journey would be what it has been...it has been long and difficult...while at the same time it has been heartwarming and rewarding...with each step we have taken in faith we have been rewarded...we have learned more about the Lord's love, His grace, His mercy...we have learned more about our purpose in life...we have found a lifetime of friends who we proudly call family...
For a brief moment in time...
We were able to know a beautiful, feisty little girl named Jillian...we had the chance to know her and love her...to play with her...to spend time with her...we had the chance to say goodbye as she earned complete healing...we were able to cry and mourn her loss yet rejoice in the knowledge that someday soon we would be reunited with her...we able to find comfort in the fact that she has taken her seat next to Jesus as she waits for the rest of our line to catch up...
We were able to know a beautiful little miracle girl named McKenzie...we watched as she made medical history...we were amazed each time she over came the odds and proved that she could and she would be healed...we were able to offer whatever support we had as she took her last breath and earned he purple tipped angel wings...we cried as she drifted from sight...
We were able to know an amazing little boy named Mitchy...we learned how he was a true HERO...how he was able to save his little brother's life...we held hands with his family as went home with Jesus...we prayed and we cried...
We were able to know an adventurous little boy named Tommy who taught the world to never give up and never stop fighting...we were amazed by his never-ending, undying, unconditional love...we fell apart this past week when we read the news that he too had died...it's so hard sometimes not to wonder why they get prefect healing why we get left behind...
We were able to know a wonderful little boy named Noah...we watched as he fought and never gave up...we prayed over him...for him...with his family...we cried when he left us to go be with our Father...we cried...
We were able to, for such a brief, small moment know a beautiful little girl named Brittney and an amazing young man named Ryan...and a cutie pie named Cameron
We were able to know and love a champ named Travis and a Princess named Madison...we knew a fighter named Keshon and an Angel named Brittney...a sweet pea named Reese...and a lover boy named Douglas...
We were able to grow and love so many others at Duke and through Caringbridge...we were able to pray...and to beg for their lives...we were able to accept...we were able to cry...we were able to find the peace that can only come from God as we realized that their work here was complete and their healing was in heaven with Jesus...
Miracles do happen...
With all of the loss we have witnessed you may ask yourself...why? How can they continue on this road to new life???
We continue because we have no choice...we continue because with each child there is hope...we continue because we are called to fight this fight...we are called to witness and to stand by the each other�s side...
We watch miracle after miracle as healing is found here on earth...there is Jordan, Sarah, Andrew, Hunter, Trevor, Kody, Abby, Aidan, Alex, Jacob, Carl, Carson, Cole, Isaiah and Whitney...there is Trey, Jillian F., Katia and khalita...there is John, Shannon, Mitchell, Monika, MJ and Kyle...there is Lindsey, Morgan, Nolan and Ryan, there is Tucker and Cameron and the list goes on forever...
We are grateful...we are blessed...we are thankful...we are blessed to have this journey to go through...
This past year we have learned more about life...more about love...more about support...and more about what is truly important...
This Thanksgiving I give Praises to my Father in Heaven...I give thanks that He chose me to take this journey with my son...
This Thanksgiving I give thanks for my family...each and every single one of them...
This Thanksgiving I give thanks for you...for the prayers you have said on the behalf of our son...for the donations...the time...the support and the love...I am forever in your debt...
From the bottom of my heart HAPPY THANKSGIVING...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
P.S. Cody's surgery went well and Greg was able to be here along with Paula...I will do a more detailed update on that with my next entry...in the meantime...GOBBLE, GOBBLE, GOBBLE!

Posted by Eleasha @ 08:21 AM EST [Link]
Friday, November 21, 2003
Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday 25 November 2003...
We will have the exact time on Monday evening when call in for our surgery schedule.
During the procedure, Cody will be placed on general anesthesia...the surgeons will work to remove his Central Line and his Port which are both threaded directly into his heart. The procedure should take from 1 to 2 hours...once they have removed those lines, they will place a temporary PIC line into his arm so that he can continue receiving IV antibiotics for another week post surgery...since the infections that Cody has been harboring are so hard to fight, Dr.K. did not want to take any chances...Provided there are no complications, Cody will be released from the hospital on Tuesday...
I have sent a message to the ship requesting Greg to be here for the procedure...anytime Cody is placed under general anesthesia there is a chance for complications...aside form that, I am not sure what kind of attention Cody will require and I may need some extra help with Riley.
I will update as soon as I can after Cody's surgery...until then, please keep us in prayer...
This is a major step in recovery...once the lines are removed; if we can stay line free we are one step closer to being cancer free and transplant successful!!!!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 04:47 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
WHEN IT'S GOOD...IT'S GOOD
I am having a hard time figuring out where to start...
We got out of the hospital last Wednesday and had pretty uneventful weekend...Cody has been doing GREAT with his g-tube feedings...his weight is up to 19.8 kilograms!!!! This is close to his best weight ever!
I came down with a cold on Thursday and have been dealing with that every since...Praise God it is not the worse cold I have ever had...I have had a nasty sinus headache and a sore throat with a slight runny nose but overall I have still been able to function and do everything I need to do...
Since Cody's cultures were still coming up positive through Thursday we were released from the hospital on a few extra IV meds...on Friday we made a trip to clinic...Cody had a reaction to the Clindomycin so they had to switch him back to Vancomycin...they decided he needed to get the first dose right there in clinic...
I was supposed to have a determination meeting at the Social Security office at 2:00 p.m. so I called Carol and she came to my rescue...Carol was able to come and sit with Cody at the clinic so that Riley and I could make the SSI meeting...
Riley and I ended up being late because I got VERY VERY lost...this almost never happens so it was very frustrating...I could not figure out where I was supposed to be and in true government fashion I could not get anyone on the telephone to find out where I was supposed to be...Naturally I drove around in circles and eventually I found the place...My case worker made me reschedule since I was late but she took all of the paperwork and promised that on Monday when we returned I would only have to sign a few papers...
Mia came to help with the kids and the weekend was really nice...Cody and I spent a lot of time over at Rose's house playing with her and Brittany...Rose has been helping me with a very special project and I am so excited about the way it is all coming together...
On Monday morning I went and shipped a box to Greg on the ship...plus I sent out some other mail I have been slacking on...after that Cody and I got everything ready for our bi-monthly trip to Durham...I was excited about going this time because Cody has really made some significant progress this last two weeks...
After we got all of our night meds under control, we got on the road...Riley went and stayed with Pastor John and Tracie...he had a blast with them...they played with him...fed him all kinds of new and exciting stuff and took him bowling...
Not having Riley made the trip a lot less stressful...the trip up and back in less than 24 hours is definitely a hard one BUT with Riley it is even harder...and rightfully so...what one year old wants to be stuck in a car driving, driving, driving and then in clinic strapped to a stroller and then back in the car driving, driving, driving...
The drive up was fun...I spent some time talking on the phone with Christina, McKenzie�s mom...that was really great...I miss them so much and every single day I think of McKenzie...I bet she is one of the most beautiful angels in heaven...
Anyway...Cody and I arrived in Durham late Monday night and then made our way over to clinic pretty early yesterday morning...I had to wear a mask while we were there because I was afraid of passing my cold on to one of our friends in clinic...
We had a very, very, very FAST clinic visit...Cody had his labs drawn and received his weekly Cytogam and saw Dr.K. We were out of there by 12:30 p.m. YEP...YOU HEARD ME RIGHT...12:30 p.m.
On the way into the clinic I talked to my friend Liz...we met her and her husband Raj at Duke last year when their little boy Simi was in for a GI procedure...we were instant friends and they have been a great source of support and encouragement through this whole ordeal...we lost touch with them for a few months while we were back and forth between Durham and home...in the hospital and out...well...Liz and Raj just had a new baby 7 weeks ago...baby Asher and I cannot wait to meet him...I opted not try this visit though because I did not want to pass my cold on to the baby...
Anyway...our appointment went really well...Dr.K. was very impressed with how well Cody has progressed...she is still concerned about the infections we are dealing with...our plan is to wean Cody off of the TPN over the next few days and then have ALL of his lines removed including the port...during his surgery, they will place a PIC line that we will use to administer IV meds for another week post surgery...after that Cody will be on all oral meds...Dr.K. wants to try and leave him line free...the thought is that we can administer our meds and get our blood work drawn from an IV site each visit...since our infections are all line related...we are hoping that this will solve the rest of our problems...
I am so excited...it seems as though we are finally making GOOD progress...please keep us in prayer...ask God to place a hedge of protection around our family and to keep the enemy far from this house...
Cody and I got home in the early evening and I rested for a little while...Cody played with his friends and then Tracie brought Riley home and we all played together until it was time for bed...
The box I sent to my husband on Monday arrived on the ship yesterday...CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT??? I could not have planned that if I tried and I am fairly certain it would never happen that way again...LESS THAN ONE DAY!!! I told Greg if I would have known it was going to get there so fast I would have sent him some Taco Bell :):):):):):):)
The weather is supposed to get nasty later on today so we are waiting to see what is going to happen...
Cody and I are planning on doing some work around the house this afternoon...we are preparing for his Grandma Paula to come and visit for a week starting Saturday...Cody is extremely excited that his Grandma is coming...we have been counting down the days together...
Well I guess that is all for now...all around GOOD NEWS this time...which happens so rarely that we need to all take a moment to give the PRAISE AND GLORY TO CHRIST for it is ONLY in and through HIM that we are where we are today...
I will update again soon with all of the surgery information and what we are looking at next...
In the meantime, make sure you sign the guestbook while you are here...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

To My Husband:
I love you and I miss you more than any words could ever describe...I am counting down the days, the hours, the minutes until you return home...I love you...
Always, E
Posted by Eleasha @ 12:46 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Lemons Are For Lemonade...
Lemons by themselves are sour and cause your lips to pucker up when you suck them...BUT...Lemonade, on the other hand, is sweet and yummy...
God created Lemons and then gave us the ability to make Lemonade...
I woke this morning and thought...if I could I would sell some of my Lemonade...
God has offered me such an amazing opportunity...Everyday...I get to look at something sour and make into something sweet and yummy...
If I had the chance I would package up that attitude and sell it to you for the price of a prayer :)
Our family has been through SOOOOOO much...I often find myself wondering WHEN WILL IT ALL END?
I find myself asking the question HOW MUCH MORE CAN I HANDLE, LORD? And my Father in Heaven, replies and says..."MY DEAR CHILD...MAKE LEMONADE!!!"
The doctors came to our room early yesterday morning...the word was that Cody's Gram Positive cultures were sensitive to Clindomycin so the Vancomycin was discontinued and they were comfortable allowing us to go home on this other medication...
He remains on the Ceftaxidine for the Gram Negative cultures but overall he continues to do pretty well...
CODY MAKES HIS OWN LEMONADE
On Monday night, Cody received a unit of blood which really helped him...I haven't seen him that pink in a long time...
Dr.K. did not want him to receive any growth factor and by yesterday, his WBC had started to recover on its own...PRAISE GOD!!!
We had our appointment with the new GI team and then they released us to come home!
PRAISE GOD for that...As I had almost exhausted all of my help...
Everyone I thought would be able to come and offer a hand ended having other things come up...SO...getting out really made a difference for Riley...
Not knowing what to do with Riley has been the ABSOLUTE MOST DIFFICULT thing to deal with through ALL of this...
I feel as though I am slacking in my MOMMY duties when I am unable to take care of him myself...or when I am constantly scrambling to find someone else to care for him...
I really had hoped that Greg's mom or dad would have been able to come and stay with me for a while but they were not able to find the time off or the funds to come...
Paula and Ben have really tight work schedules so they could come...Tina was going to but since it was so last minute the first available, reasonably priced flight made it so she would only be able to be here for 2.5 days and that made very little financial sense...
My mommy and Glen...along with the rest of my family and friends were willing to drop everything to come and get Riley...but my heart just broke at the thought of sending him away...
Riley is my sunshine baby boy and I love him so much...even 5 minutes a day with him is better than nothing...
Rhonda was going to come but she ended up having some other things that required her attention at home...so that had to be postponed...
So many others tried to rearrange everything to help but it proved to be difficult since it was SO totally unexpected and unplanned (can you plan for something like that?)
But...never-the-less...I was truly blessed with the help that I received from Carol and family...Carol saved my life and kept me from completely falling apart...her, Justin and Mia did a wonderful job taking care of Riley and Gunny for me...
Carol was planning on taking Riley with her to stay starting yesterday...Pastor John and his wife reached out and offered to take Riley over there and then Rose reached out too...
Rose is Hadji's wife...Greg's friend from the ship...Rose and I talked on the phone for a couple of hours last night and it was really great...I like her a lot and she is home without her husband too...so I hope to spend some time with her soon...
Speaking of talking on the phone...
Greg called me from the ship phone and we got to talk for about 5 minutes last night...that was awesome! I love him and miss him so much...It was really great to hear his voice and know that he is out there thinking about me, loving me and missing me too...
I also spoke to my beautiful, wonderful Jeremy on the phone last night...I cannot believe how big and grown up my baby is getting...Jeremy's school moved him into the Gifted program and his reading level (even with Dyslexia) went from a 2nd grade level to a high school level since September...I am so proud of him...He is getting ready to graduate from the DARE program and has started rehearsing for the Christmas pageant...He is an amazing child and I am counting down the days until I see him for Christmas :)
As for Cody...we are schedule to be back at the doctor first thing on Friday morning...
Of course...the first thing he did yesterday when we got home was run off out side to play with his friends...he stayed out for a few hours and then came in and went to sleep for the night...
My nursing duties have increased ten fold this time but that's okay...the alternative is worse!!!
I AM SUPERWOMAN...FASTER THAN A RUNNING TODDLER...ABLE TO ADMINISTER MEDS IN A SINGLE LINE...ABLE TO CATCH A NAP AT THE DROP OF THE HAT heehehehehehehehee:):):):):):)
Not sure I would have it any other way! I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE GIFT THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME...
Thanks for stopping by and like I said Please sign the guest book while you are here...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:48 AM EST [Link]
Monday, November 10, 2003
It Is All In The Way We Choose To See Things...
I can look at what we have been dealing with over the past few days and I could very easily allow myself to question God...I could allow myself to think that things have gone from BAD to WORSE....
BUT
Instead I choose to wake up each day and ask God...OKAY WHAT IS NEXT?
Satan can only win if I allow him the opportunity to take up space in my head...if allow him the opportunity to get me down...
Now don't get me wrong...I am tired but I am not defeated...I remain forever grateful to my Father in heaven for each obstacle brings a new resolve...a new chance to value my relationship with Christ Jesus...
Today brought us yet another positive blood culture...we are now fighting 3 separate bacteria...One: Staph Aurius; Two: Klebsiella; Three: Coag Negative Staph
The two Staph infections are Gram Positive and the Klebsiella is Gram Negative...
The Vancomycin has already started doing a number on his kidney function after only three doses...SO...they are working hard to figure out what the bacteria are sensitive to in the hopes that soon we can switch to something more kidney friendly...
Cody's Creatine levels are elevated slightly and I am awaiting word on our Magnesium levels...his Potassium and Calcium levels are still holding within the normal range...
Today's labs showed a significant dip in his Hemoglobin and his white blood cell count...we will receive a red blood cell transfusion this afternoon and we are waiting word from Dr.K. in regards to whether or not she wants him to receive Growth Factor for the WBC...
We are most likely going to be in the hospital for a while longer but that is okay...our first priority is to get Cody straightened out...
Greg's ship went out to sea so it has been difficult taking care of Cody in the hospital and "stopping by" my house to see how Riley is doing...
Carol brought Justin over to help me on Saturday and he stayed home from school today to hang out with Riley...I am so grateful for the help and support have been receiving from them...I do not know what I would do without them...
Later on today, Mia will relieve Justin and she will stay here until tomorrow since there is no school...
Tomorrow...our close family friend Rhonda will be coming to stay with me as long as I need her to...that is such a relief...
We remain positive and grateful that Cody is still A-Symptomatic...and we remain diligent in our prayers that the Lord will soon remove this burden from our shoulders...
I have very limited access to the internet at the hospital...so please sign the guestbook...it is OUR ONLY LINK to the outside world except for when I come home for a few minutes...We have no e-mail access and no journal access so I will update as often as I can...
Cody loves mail while he is inpatient so please try to take a moment and drop a hello off in the mail to him, as I know it would just truly make his day...
434 Ingram Loop Norfolk, VA 23505
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 12:31 PM EST [Link]
Saturday, November 8, 2003
Things sure change fast around here...Cody is being re-admitted to the hospital today...he has grown several more positive culutres and they are going to start treating him with the Vancomycin along with the other stuff...
PLEASE PRAY THAT CODY'S KIDNEYS CAN HANDLE THE TREATMENT WITHOUT ANY ISSUES.
I will update again later when I can...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 02:36 PM EST [Link]
Amazing Grace...
How sweet the sound...
Cody remains A-Symptomatic and has been quite the little maniac man in the hospital...we love the staff and the doctors...and while being in the hospital is never our favorite place to be...it sure has been fun...
I have found much peace and serenity in the view I have from my 8th floor window...the bed I sleep in is quietly positioned on the window's ledge and I sit looking out into the world that God created for me...and I am in AWE!
I received the news again yesterday that we had yet another Positive culture...this one is a Gram Positive Culture in his White Line...
SO...we now officially have Gram Positive on the outside of the lines...Gram Negative and Gram Positive on the inside of his lines...
The Intern who told me that the Gram Negative was E.Coli was incorrect as the culture sensitivities have grown something called Klebsiella...it is a bacteria which grows in the intestines and a person usually contracts it from the inside out...HOWEVER...in Cody's case we are fairly certain that he contracted it from his g-tube site...
His g-tube is constantly leaking stomach bile and it is an all around unclean site...there is nothing much you can do about it considering it is a hole in his stomach and you open it and close it...pour things in it...pull things out of it...
Anyway...the thought is that since his CVL hangs immediately on top of the g-tube...chances are his button transferred the bacteria to the line...
Klebsiella is sensitive to Ceftax so we are using that to treat it...this is good because Ceftax is kidney "friendly"
Now the Gram Positive cultures are still showing as Staph Aurius...we are using Oxycillian to treat them...Oxycillian is also kidney "friendly" but if the sensitivities so that the Oxycillian is not working well enough we will upgrade to the Vancomycin...
Vancomycin worries me since that was what sent his kidneys over the edge in August...I am always praying that God may never allow us the opportunity to stay in the PICU again...it is a very scary place.
Now...having said all of that...I spoke with Dr.K. around 8 a.m. yesterday morning and she told me that with everything going on and Cody receive IV meds around the clock that chances are we would be in the hospital for several more days...
Greg and I began making arrangements for him to take leave for a few days BUT Dr.Owen came in and SURPRISED us by telling us we could go home...
Dr.Owen felt that since Cody had absolutely no symptoms AND since I was able to administer the meds...that Cody would be safer in his own home instead of in the hospital with all of the sick kids :):):):):):)
We were very EXCITED!
NOW THE LOGISTICS...
Here at home we had the pleasure to use Home Choice Partners for Home Health care...they treated us well and we have no complaints...BUT...after using Coram...I have been spoiled...I do not care for the pumps and the supplies used by Home Choice Partners...so given the choice...I choose Coram.
The folks at Coram have become part of our family...I can't say for certain but personally I think the whole entire staff is pulling for us...we receive regular phone calls and everyone there does WHATEVER they can to make sure that we are VERY well taken care of...
YESTERDAY...Coram (in Durham) received a call which stated that Cody had the opportunity to get out of the hospital...this could only happen if home health was able to provide us with the necessary supplies and drugs to care for him...
DO YOU KNOW THAT OUR CORAM FAMILY...found someone to drive Cody's stuff all the way here to Norfolk...
I cannot even express my gratitude to them for going the extra 200 miles (literally) to make sure we were taken care and able to go home...
Cody and I have spent so much time in the hospital through out the last four years...we value any amount of time we can get at home...having the chance to come home last night as opposed to waiting until today was invaluable...and only possible because of the staff at Coram...THANKS CORAM
We are getting ready to leave in a few minutes to go get Riley from Leigh Anne...another person I am unable to express my gratitude to...
I cannot wait to see my crazy baby...life is a little to calm and slow without him...I realized that God gave us Riley to keep us on our toes...without him we all sleep WAY TO MUCH...and sleep is overrated anyway...
Greg was able to cancel his leave request which is really good...they have a lot fo training going on right now and it is important for him to be part of it...aside from the fact that he absolutely loves his command and his job...
So...our saga continues from our own home...HOORAY!!!!
I need to go so I can administer meds and get ready to go get my baby...
Until Next Time...Keep Praying...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:18 AM EST [Link]
Thursday, November 6, 2003
God's Pretty Pictures...
My Father in heaven almost always paints me a pretty picture when I am down...whether it be the amazing sight of a sunset or the awe of a new daybreak...He throws the most prefect colors together to make my heart feel so wonderful...full of life...full of hope...full of happiness in the midst of my fear...when I look out the window I KNOW that the picture that is painted there is just for me...I know that without a doubt my God is real and He is the one carrying me through these horrible daily trials...I am able to reflect on the knowledge that Jesus died so that we could be saved...Jesus died so that we, Cody, could be healed...
As I sat in the room on the unit of our new hospital...I gazed out the window for what seemed like countless hours last evening and then today...we positioned high up on the 8th floor of the hospital overlooking the Elizabeth River...we can see everything from our room...including God!
This last day has been a difficult one...I received word from the doctor here that the Gram Negative culture that Cody is harboring in his lines is the E. Coli virus...apparently it is not to uncommon BUT it is very difficult to fight and will sometimes cause Sepsis...
As I prayed for the strength to fight through yet one more obstacle...I was informed that the outside of the life has grown a Gram Positive culture, which is Staph...
Cody is being treated very aggressively but also very cautiously as the doctors do not want to send him to Renal Failure again...His kidneys are definitely expected to take a beating during the next few days so that staff and doctors are monitoring him very closely...
THE BRIGHT SIDE
In true Cody fashion, he remains A-Symptomatic (showing no signs of illness) and today spent his time putting the fear of Syringe Squirting into anyone and everyone who came near our Pod :)
CHKD has a pretty unique little layout...the have Pods...each Pod has 4 rooms and there is a nurse assigned to the Pod every 12 hours...This really unique and really great...our nurse is NEVER too far away and we are WELL taken care of...PRAISE GOD FOR THAT PEACE OF MIND!
I had to postpone our new GI appointment...since we are inpatient...we couldn't make it.
The dietician came in and they did decide to start Cody's new g-tube formula since he was sick most the night and through out the morning...
The new IV antibiotics taste VERY yucky...when the nurse administers them, my poor baby has to concentrate on not getting sick...
LUCKY FOR US HE IS NOT EATING ANYTHING?
Or he probably would be sick :)
Riley went to my lifelong friend who lives in Williamsburg until Saturday...Riley is living it up there...giving poor Leigh Ann a true run for her money...between her baby Hunter and my crazy baby Riley she has cleaned up more poop and toys then in the last few hours then any one person should have to in a week :) Thanks Leigh Ann...I love you and appreciate you so much!
Anyway...my 5 minutes at home has almost expired so I need to go get ready to head back to the hospital...I must say that your guestbook entries (especially yours Becky) have really helped to sustain me...
Please continue to pray for Cody and for the rest of us...Also, pray that Leigh Ann can survive Riley!!!
Finally, before I go I needed to take a minute to say THANKS to Mary Ellen and to Grandma Sherrill for the winter clothes...we truly appreciate them and they will for sure be put to good use very soon!
Until Next Time...Go TAKE SOME TIME To Find God's Pretty Pictures in YOUR Life!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:26 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, November 5, 2003
The Terrible Two's
I sure do wish there was some way to push a fast forward button and run through the terrible two's...
We have so many to deal with right now...it almost seems crazy!!!
Our 15 month old baby does not realize that the terrible two's were supposed to be another 9 months away...SO...we are forever in the midst of trying to negotiate with a strong willed, storng tempered, non-negotiating child. Riley is definitely a mad man...he knows what he wants...WELL...actually, he knows that he wants whatever you have...he sure is a handful...he is a little overwhelming at times...but I am thankful to have him...God blessed us with a beautiful, smart, loving, crazy baby...and I thank the Lord he is happy and healthy...even if he is INSANE!
Our Twosday clinic visits are equally INSANE...we drove to Duke yesterday morning...on the way there, we had to stop on the side of the raod so that Cody could be sick...I wasn't sure what would happen after that so at 6 something in the morning, I called Dr.K. She said she wanted us to finish making the trip...so we did...Thank God, in true Cody fashion...he was able to rebound and be Goooood...
Once we got to clinic...I had to argue a little bit with the new blood draw nurse...I wanted his lines cultured and she did not have paperwork to do it...I insisted that she draw the cultures anyway...well, of course that wasn't going to happen...so we both left to get Gil...Gil took one look at Cody's line and got Dr.K. Of course, I was scoulded for not having the line cultured at CHKD last week (it didn't look so bad last week) Anyway, we determined that Cody's two lines were staying in his chest on thier own...the stitches were not attached to anything and all they were good for at that point was collecting YUCK...SO...Dr.K. spent quite a bit of time fighting with Cody trying to cut off the stitches that weren;t attached to him but hurt anyay :):):):):):) If he is not an actor who wins at least two best actor performance awards after this then Denzel should hand his Oscar in!
Now after that was finished, we headed back to our room in Rainbow Day...Riley decided that even though he woke up at 5 a.m. nap taking was unnecessary...especially when there was sooooo much to see...Greg and I double teamed him but he took the two fo us down in no time...
Speaking of Greg...I got premission for him to go with me yesterday from the CO during our USS George Washington Family Support Group meeting...the CO wrote Greg a note telling him to do as I say...that will sure come in handy when he is not complying with my irrationale strange wife requests :):):):):):) I am pretty sure I will be able to use that note as proof that he has to do what I say at least two or three times...
Meanwhile...back at the clinic...
Cara showed up and we quickly unloaded are insane, wanna be two year old crazy baby on her...she took him outside where he stole the basketball from everyone else and played in the mud...she kept him for an hour...we wished it were two!
The home health company came and delivered two boxes to me...they were really heavy but lucky for Greg was there...as many of my friends know...I am the first to admit that I am a girl (the man at Home Depot last weekend told me that was the sorriest excuse he had ever heard! I just smiled and put him to work)
Cody's weight was down a little but that was no surprise considering the poor guy is still having difficulty with his g-tube feedings and unfortunately has not started eating any real food again yet...
Dr.K. finally gave us orders for a new formula and we will start that this week...HOPEFULLY...this is our FINAL ANSWER!
Now...you know that since we woke her up at 6 something in the morning...took up nearly an hour when we first got there...that we were...of course...LAST to be seen...it was a long and excuriating wait...but we did in true family fashion...we bickered and argued while Riley cried :)
When Dr.K. and Gil finally came in to see us we were so grateful to see her that it didn't matter that we had started our day 14 hours earlier in Virginia Beach...
Cody's counts were a little on the low side...Dr.K. feels we are still dealing with GvH...the upside is that it is a very mild case...She discountined one of his three doese of Cellcept...so now we are down to two doses per day...everything else stayed the same including the elevated dose of FK...she did not think it was necessary to have our counts checked early but for my peace of mind, I will drop off blood when we make our first visit to the new GI doctors at CHKD tomorrow...
We went over our list of common questions and we got some good news and some okay news and some we have to wait and see news...
The Good News is...Cody can eat any fruit he wants...he can also start trying ice cream once he make the transistion to the new formula nad tolerates it for a couple of weeks...
The okay news is we will only have to continue our trips back and forth every other week for the rest of the year (basically) and then we should change to a monthly schedule...considering this is November that really isn't that bad...
It's hard to believ that this year is just about over...can anybody say 2004?
The other okay news was that Greg and I are allowed to get flu shots...YIPPEE!!! The bright side is you know you are getting back to some kind of normal when they say you can have shots again and you don't have to worry about what your shot might do to your child...
The we still have to wait and see news revolved around all of our publis places and travel questions...
Cody will be one year post transplant in 57 days...and that is an amazing milestone...we thank God every day for Cody's progress and his continued resolve to make it through this...
UPDATE
I just received a call from Duke and Cody's line is infected...it has already grown a Gram Negative culture so we will be making a trip to the doctor tooday
UPDATE NUMBER 2
WE ARE GETTING ADMITTED WHEN WE GO...
The bright side is we will get to see what the unit looks like in the new hospital :)
Well I have to go because, I have a lot of work to do since we are getting admitted to the hospital...I have to find help with the baby and I have to pack a bag...I also need to call my husband...
ANY VOLUNTEERS?
Until next time...
Keep up the prayers...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:35 AM EST [Link]
Monday, November 3, 2003
Pagans and Saints...
This past weekend has been filled with memories of what it was like before this all began...I journaled about the night that we learned of Cody's diagnosis and to the best of my ability, I shared my experience, strength and hope...
We have come so far in so short a time...I truly do praise God for the opportunity to ride along on this journey...
I realized along time ago that if I were to have any hope for my son's future that I could never hold on to the words of man...but I would have to rely on the word of God...only God knows the outcome of our journey...and only God can heal him and make him whole...
Anyway...Thursday ended as an evening of reflection and prayer...
Friday...was a new day, Halloween...we had a lot to do...we got ready to go to the clinic to drop off blood and weigh in...they didn't need his weight so we were in and out...of course, before we left...I thought it would be a good idea to run myself into one of Cody's IV poles...needless to say I broke my poor little toe and had to deal with that OWEY for the rest of the day...
Cody had originally wanted to dress up as a Ninja...but somewhere along the way, I guess he found out that most of the boys in our neighborhood would be dressing up as Ninjas...SO...at the last minute he decided he wanted to be a Dirt Bike Rider (which of course, was a much more authentic costume since he has all of the stuff to ride his dirt bike)
As a Christian...I sometimes, wonder if I should be teaching my child to celebrate Halloween...there are many options about what Halloween is, what it represents and what it is about...
Our church celebrates a night called Hallelujah...a different way to have fun and offer the praise and glory to God...we have spent many Hallelujah�s instead of Halloweens...
Hallelujah still calls for dress up and the kids still get candy...SO...I am left to question whether or not we are truly teaching our children anything different...
I took some time to research the holiday of Halloween and I have posted an article at the bottom of the page that explains how Halloween came to be...I hope you find it informative...
Regardless...I spent quite a bit of time in prayer asking my Father what was important...and my answer was simple...
PAGANS AND SAINTS...
I have a choice every single day to teach my child about Pagans and Saints...I have a choice how to raise my child and guide him...
My choice is to lead my child to the Father...to teach my child to be a Saint here on Earth to the best of his ability...
I realized that if dressing up and knocking on some doors "begging" for candy made my child feel good then what better way to spend an evening...
Halloween does not teach us to be Pagans...it does not teach us to practice in Satanic rituals...the origins are actually from the Celtic Ireland...and while the controversy may rage on and on as to whether or not we as Christians should celebrate Hollow�s Eve...I chose to take myself out of the debate and just go out to have fun...
As a family we have so many other real, scary, hard life crude to deal with...we look into the face of the demon every morning when we wake up...every night before bed...and all through out each day as we fight our way through this thing called childhood cancer...through all of this, our faith has not wavered...through all of this we continue to find our strength, our hope, and our rations in and through our Father in Heaven...in and through Christ Jesus...if cancer has not made us Pagans...then Halloween surely never will.
ANYWAY...
On to more important things...
Cody's FK levels came back good so that was a relief...
As the day progressed my toe got so bad that I could not hardly walk...while Cody ran around the neighborhood with his friends like a mad man...I sat in front of our house handing out candy...Greg attempted to taking Riley trick or treating but Riley had a fit when Greg wouldn't let him have the candy out of the bucket...I thought for sure I was going to bum rushed and trampled when we ran out of candy...it certainly did not take long and we had to flee inside...I hopped while Greg grabbed my chair...we quickly closed the garage and turned off all of the lights...WE WERE SCARED :):):):):):):):):):)
Chris got here late Friday evening after everything was all done and Cody has truly enjoyed having her here (so have we) They have spent a lot of time together playing cards...taking walks...talking about the birds...it is hard to believe that the weekend has already come to an end and Chris will be leaving us this afternoon...
On Saturday, Chris, Cody and I ran around town doing some errands and enjoying our time together...Chris and I talked a lot and Cody just enjoyed the ride (I am pretty sure he was still tired from his wild night before)
Later on...Greg, Chris and I went to the movies and dinner...we ended up seeing Runaway Jury with John Cusack...it was pretty good...then we had dinner and came home...
Greg and I went to the base club to play trivia and ended up going to the Comics On Duty show...it was free and it was really funny...we had a great time and were home by 11:30 p.m. (does that make us old?)
Yesterday was nice...Greg and I ran some errands in the morning and then came home with some neat stuff for Cody...he and Greg went to work setting up his stuff and then figuring out how to use it all...
Chris and I ran to the Commissary to pick up the food for the BBQ at Hadgy and Rose's house...
We got back just in time to guide Leigh Ann the rest of the way to the house...Leigh Ann brought over her baby Hunter (he is sooooooo cute) and she also brought us over a bunch of clothes that were donated by King's Way church...I am forever grateful for the help and support we have received from their church family...they have truly wrapped their arms around our family and we thank you so much for everything...
Leigh Ann stayed for a couple of hours and it was really great having the chance to see and talk to her...
After that we headed over to the BBQ and it was a lot of fun...it got pretty cool though so Chris and I hid inside most of the time :)
Speaking of cool...the weekend has been beautiful...Chris had to borrow clothes from me since all she had was warm clothes...our high yesterday was 74...YIPPEE!!!
This afternoon...we will take Chris to the airport and this evening before we leave for Durham again...I will attend my first USS George Washington family support meeting...I am looking forward to the meeting but not the drive :(
Greg is going to try and have off tomorrow so that he can take care of Riley and I will have one (actually one hundred) less things to deal with :)
Well...I guess that is all for now...I will write again when we return from Duke...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

by Jerry Wilson
Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual?
The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en), the Celtic New year.
One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It was believed to be their only hope for the afterlife. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living.
Naturally, the still-living did not want to be possessed. So on the night of October 31, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, to make them cold and undesirable. They would then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes and noisily paraded around the neighborhood, being as destructive as possible in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess.
Probably a better explanation of why the Celts extinguished their fires was not to discourage spirit possession, but so that all the Celtic tribes could relight their fires from a common source, the Druidic fire that was kept burning in the Middle of Ireland, at Usinach.
Some accounts tell of how the Celts would burn someone at the stake who was thought to have already been possessed, as sort of a lesson to the spirits. Other accounts of Celtic history debunk these stories as myth.
The Romans adopted the Celtic practices as their own. But in the first century AD, Samhain was assimilated into celebrations of some of the other Roman traditions that took place in October, such as their day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple, which might explain the origin of our modern tradition of bobbing for apples on Halloween.
The thrust of the practices also changed over time to become more ritualized. As belief in spirit possession waned, the practice of dressing up like hobgoblins, ghosts, and witches took on a more ceremonial role.
The custom of Halloween was brought to America in the 1840's by Irish immigrants fleeing their country's potato famine. At that time, the favorite pranks in New England included tipping over outhouses and unhinging fence gates.
The custom of trick-or-treating is thought to have originated not with the Irish Celts, but with a ninth-century European custom called souling. On November 2, All Souls Day, early Christians would walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes," made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, could expedite a soul's passage to heaven.
The Jack-o-lantern custom probably comes from Irish folklore. As the tale is told, a man named Jack, who was notorious as a drunkard and trickster, tricked Satan into climbing a tree. Jack then carved an image of a cross in the tree's trunk, trapping the devil up the tree. Jack made a deal with the devil that, if he would never tempt him again, he would promise to let him down the tree.
According to the folk tale, after Jack died, he was denied entrance to Heaven because of his evil ways, but he was also denied access to Hell because he had tricked the devil. Instead, the devil gave him a single ember to light his way through the frigid darkness. The ember was placed inside a hollowed-out turnip to keep it glowing longer.
The Irish used turnips as their "Jack's lanterns" originally. But when the immigrants came to America, they found that pumpkins were far more plentiful than turnips. So the Jack-O-Lantern in America was a hollowed-out pumpkin, lit with an ember.
So, although some cults may have adopted Halloween as their favorite "holiday," the day itself did not grow out of evil practices. It grew out of the rituals of Celts celebrating a new year, and out of Medieval prayer rituals of Europeans. And today, even many churches have Halloween parties or pumpkin carving events for the kids. After all, the day itself is only as evil as one cares to make it.
� 1995-2002 by Jerry Wilson
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:19 AM EST [Link]

Thursday, October 30, 2003
4 YEARS AGO TODAY
On October 30, 1999...I was a mother of two beautiful, healthy boys...
On October 30, 1999...I was preparing to go out for the annual Halloween celebrations...it was a Saturday evening and I was to dress up as GI Jane...
On October 30, 1999...I had a gut feeling I needed to talk to Ben...I needed to talk to Cody...
It was 7:06 p.m. when I finally received the news that would absolutely change my whole entire life FOREVER...
It was 7:06 p.m. on October 30, 1999 when I learned that my baby was thought to have High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia...NOTHING COULD HAVE EVER PREPARED ME TO DEAL WITH THOSE WORDS COMING FROM MY EX...NOTHING!
In less than 12 hours, I was onboard a TWA flight to join Ben, his family and my beautiful baby boy at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis...Cody had been visiting his dad and this was HUGE shock to us all...
Ben picked me up from the airport and the man that I had known for nearly all of my adult life...the man whom I had been through more life altering experiences than anyone should experience...the man that I had loved and hated would stand in the airport and hold me while I broke down and cried...
I quickly pulled myself together and within no time we were at the hospital where I would see my son and learn the grim statistics surrounding the disease that had taken residence in body...
Cody was very sick...the doctors pulled no punches with us when explaining that our child may not even make it through the induction phase of treatment...
TODAY
It has now been 1,460 days since those awful words were spoken to me...it has been a long and trying journey...I have found much sorrow and much joy...
I have become a different person...I have, Ben has...Our families have been forever altered...No matter what, we have been able to come together to ensure that Cody has felt the love and support that he needs...
It has been 437 days since my baby suffered his relapse and it has been 303 days since my son received the transplant that will save his life...
While this has been THE ABSOLUTE most difficult journey I have ever been through in my whole entire life...I realize that the ONLY thing I wish I could have done differently was take on his pain, treatments and disease for him...I wish I could carry the burden that has been placed upon his shoulders...
Other than that, I would never have changed a thing...
I PRAISE God every single day for this journey...I praise God for giving us a second and then third chance at life...
I PRAISE God every single day for the extended family he has blessed us with in the world of Childhood Cancer and Bone Marrow Transplant...
I PRAISE God every single day for allowing me the opportunity to be the mother of such and amazing child...
I PRAISE God for so profoundly changing my person that I was able to find my husband and commit to a relationship...to have and create a stable home life...a FAMILY.
I PRAISE God every single day for the chance to do His work...for the opportunity to wake up and conquer yet another obstacle...for the strength to stand up for my child...for the ability to be an active participant in his care and treatment...
I PRAISE God for the opportunity to know you...to be able to reach out and ask you for your support...for your prayers...for your love...and actually get it!
I PRAISE God for allowing me the opportunity to reach out to others...for giving me the ability to offer Him the glory every single day...
Sometimes, I kick and scream...
Sometimes, I really think this whole deal SUCKS!
But ALL the time I am grateful for the chance to participate in the sufferings of Christ.
I HAVE A CHOICE...THIS BURDEN CAN BE A BLESSING OR A CURSE...TODAY I CHOSE TO BELIEVE IT IS A BLESSING
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
P.S. Cody's FK level was low on Tuesday and they have decided to make a few changes to his TPN...we will be going to clinic tomorrow for an unscheduled visit but it should be short and informative :)
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:02 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
I just read that our beautiful little princess friend Madison has left us...
REJOICE MY FRIENDS, FIND COMFORT IN HER COMPLETE HEALING...Rejoice and Mourn...mourn my friends for Madi has moved on without us...she has a left a void that cannot be filled by anything else that can only be softened by God the Father...
My heart aches for her family...for the loss of the best Princess Duke CHeerleader there was...My heart aches for Marion, Madi's mom...my heart aches for her daddy and for her brothers...my heart aches.
Please take the time after you have read this to stop what you are doing and PRAY...Pray that Madi's family will continue to find peace and strength in and through Jesus Christ...PRAY...
You may also stop by to offer your prayers and words of encouragement to them personally by logging onto to www.caringbridg.org/nc/princessmadison
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:25 PM EST [Link]
Just a Quick Update to let you all know how we are doing...
First of all let me start off by saying CODY IS STILL DOING GREAT!!!! His weight has fluctuated some this week up one day down the next but overall he is maintaining and he feels WONDERFUL! He has finally begun getting sick less...about every other day now instead of every day...even when he gets sick he still seems to bounce right back...so we just keep puttin' along...HOORAY CODY!
Our first visit at CHKD went GREAT! Cody enjoyed the new doctor and the new hospital...I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with our primary nurse Theresa and Dr. Owen...Our arrival was slightly amusing as we were a little bit lost but quickly found our way through the parking lot maze and then the hospital halls until we arrived at the Hem/Onc clinic only 3 minutes late HOORAY!!!!
Praise God for me, Greg's ship came home early...they got in on Monday morning so Greg was able to leave work early and join me on our adventure to the new hospital.
Monday afternoon, Cody's new teacher came to the house and they worked together for quite a while...they were having so much fun, they even ran over on the scheduled time...Cody really enjoyed having his new teacher here and is very excited about the work they will be doing together...
Cody has made several new friends here in our neighborhood and it would seem that we have inherited a few more kids around our house on a daily basis :) Cody just loves his little friend Aaron and they are almost inseparable...Aaron is here from the time school lets out until his sisters come and tell he MUST come home now...PRAISE GOD! Cody really truly needed that.
I have applied for a couple of part-time jobs online but have not yet heard anything...so we shall see what God had planned...I am being patient...awaiting word from Him on what or where to go next.
I have been working on writing a lot and have some really great feedback on two of the children's books that Cody and I have worked on together...I have nothing but positive feedback and have been told by numerous people that I should work on having the books published...I guess that will be next project...
THANK YOUS ARE IN ORDER
I am absolutely overwhelmed by the response we have received in regards to our request for winter clothing...so many folks have reached out to us and offered to help...I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord will provide for us through our wonderful supporters and I cannot express in any way how grateful I am to each and every person who has taken the time to contact me personally and offer words of encouragement and support...
The past few weeks have been very difficult for my PRIDE...I am not good at expressing my needs...A friend sat me down and explained me that my PRIDE was robbing her of her blessing from God...she told me that God had called her to help me in a certain way and that if I was not willing to accept that help (because of my Pride) then I was robbing her of her blessing...
During this conversation, the Holy Spirit truly convicted me...I was moved to sit down and actually write out a list of the tings that we are in need of...especially the winter clothing. For months I have felt as though I am "begging" for help from our family, friends and supporters...I have tried to...in a round about kind of way...express the fact that money is great but not the only need we have...I realized that people are not mind readers and so many want to do something special for our family...so many want to help but do not have money to give...so I am here to tell you that my heart has been forever touched by the love and outpouring of encouragement and promised donations...
I pray daily that the Lord will provide...that He will allow me the discernment to be a good steward of His money and the gifts that have been bestowed upon us during our greatest time of need...
Nevertheless, I still allowed my PRIDE to prevent me from letting you know what we need...THANK YOU FOR REACHING OUT the most when God moved His hand upon me and led me out into a place that was foreign to me...THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING that I am just a woman...scared, broke, lonely yet still prideful and pretending to be strong...
THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Our fundraisers over the weekend went fairly well...as always we leave the end results in the hands of our Father...
At the last minute I received word that the Rummage Sale was to be held this past Saturday...it did okay with almost no advertising...they are committed to hosting it again this coming Saturday so to all in the Virginia Beach area, please drop by and show your support to us at the CALVARY CHAPEL RUMMAGE SALE FORCODY...Calvary Chapel Virginia Beach is located on Virginia Beach Blvd between Rosemont and Thalia...THANKS CALVARY
The Boutique Sale was a little slower than we had hoped BUT we have beefed up our advertising efforts and are praying that God will bless this fundraising event throughout the next couple of weeks as it continues...My mom has put so much time and energy into this project, I know God will truly bless her for all of her work and all of her efforts...THANKS MOM
The PartyLite Fundraiser went really well and Chris still has orders coming in...when the show finally closes out I am sure that it will be a fruitful event!!! THANKS CHRIS
The Raffles are still going on...we are excited by the amount of support and ticket sales we are receiving from our friends at Grace Road, Verizon and Starbucks in Florida...plus our friends at King's Way and Sugar N Spice are also selling tons of tickets too!!! THANKS YOU GUYS
Finally...we are working hard to correct the linking issues we are having for the online donations to the foundation...we have received several donations in the last week and we are FOREVER grateful...the link seems to work sporadically...so please keep trying while we attempt to figure out the problem and have it corrected...
If you are having trouble making a donation through the link but would still like to donate, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD YOUR DONATION TO:
THE FORCODY FOUNDATION
c/o ELEASHA HILLIARD
434 INGRAM LOOP
NORFOLK, VA 23505
I guess that is all for now...we are looking forward to our visit from Chris this weekend...I will update again soon...
Until next time...KEEP PRAYING!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
OKAY SO IT WASN'T AS QUICK AS I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE...sorry!
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:27 AM EST [Link]
Friday, October 24, 2003
Chills and Thrills...
Well the past few days at home have been rather uneventful...I have spent most of my time enjoying my own room, my own bed and my own home...
Cody continues to be sick at least once a day but it seems to have leveled off some...his weight has not changed and overall he is doing well...
We have everything set up and his new homebound teacher will be coming over to start working with him on Monday.
Today, I will be going over to his school to teach his class about Cody's disease and what they should expect when they see Cody...he is not actually going to be going to school or be in a "class" but it was VERY important to Cody to have a class and to be included in that way...in an effort to make him feel like he belongs to something "normal" we will attempt to join his class for recess occasionally and we will also attempt to join them on field trips to places that are outside...
Cody is thrilled to be home and has spent nearly every day until dusk outside playing with the children in the neighborhood...he literarily counts down the hours until school lets out along with the days until the weekend...
We got our first taste of cold weather this week...the temperature dropped down into the very lower 40's last night...today is supposed to be cold and then we will see another warming trend by the weekend...
With the cold front rolling through...we realized that we are most definitely ill prepared for the cooler weather...none of us have anything in the way of winter clothing...so I am on a mission to beg for help from all of you...
WE DESPERATELY NEED WINTER CLOTHES FOR CODY AND RILEY (Greg and I will survive with what we have)
CODY WEARS A SIZE 5 IN PANTS AND A SIZE 6-8 IN SHIRTS...CODY COULD USE GLOVES, HATS, WARM SOCKS AND A NEW JACKET...HE IS INSISTING THAT I TAKE HIM FOR HIS SNOW BOOTS BECAUSE HE HAS TO PICK THEM OUT HIMSELF...
RILEY WEARS A 2T OR A 3T AND HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN THE WAY OF WARM WINTER CLOTHES...LAST YEAR HE WAS AN INFANT...
Speaking of help...this past week, Cody received an AWESOME package from a high school student in Minnesota named Allison...Allison, Cody has played non-stop with his dirt bike and the shampoo and lotion will definitely be used up in no time! He took his $5.00 to Toys R Us and made me go in and get him a Transformer... THANK YOU SO MUCH Cody will be working on a letter for you soon!
We also received our Jillian shirts this last week and I have already started wearing mine out!
Cody has TWO very special fundraising events happening in Florida this coming weekend...
My mom is hosting a Designer Clothing Boutique Sale: ALL CLOTHES ARE 50% BELOW WHOLESALE IN NEW CONDITION, SOME WITH TAGS! For more information sherrill_kinser@hotmail.com
Chris is hosting a PartyLite Fundraiser: ALL SALES PROFITS WILL GO TO BENEFIT THE FORCODY FOUNDATION! For more information freecandlesrus@yahoo.com
We are also hosting a raffle to help raise funds...there have been quite a few really great things donated to the raffle: $100. PartyLite Gift Certificate, $50. Disney Store Gift Card, $20. Blockbuster Gift Card, Movie Basket, Mary Kay Facial and $20. credit toward purchase. Raffle tickets are $2. or 3 for $5. For more information you can contact Chris grk4chrst@yahoo.com or Leigh Anne Langlures@aol.com
Jazz and Carol are still working hard on the Large Gift Basket Raffle for more information jacksonsgiftitems@cox.net
I am hopeful that soon we will be able to pull together the Rummage Sale because I am confident that will be a great fundraiser...
We have several other projects in the works and we are praying that we will receive a lot of help as this last trip to Durham and our truck finally going to truck heaven has really set us back a lot...
The bright side is...with everything leveling off, soon I will only beg for money for other families who are in need and even sooner than that...I should be able to pick up some part time work!!!! I am actually excited about that and hope that God reveals His plan for me soon...
Don't get me wrong I love being a Mommy Nurse but I long to be able to help take care of my family's other needs as well...I long to have friends and an outside purpose...
As always though...I praise God every day for the work He ahs blessed me with this last year...I praise God that my son is finally on the road to health and recovery...I praise God for the new, extend family I have found and I praise God for His never ending Grace and Mercy...
Throughout this whole ordeal, I have had so many folks come to me and offer me their sympathy to which I am always led to reply WHOLEHEARTEDLY that we do not need sympathy...this journey, while it has been difficult has been our Ultimate Blessing from God...each day we are able to give Him praise for the small miracles...each day we are able to realize that our lives before, our normal lives, NEVER took the time to stop and notice all of the IMPORTANT things...each day I praise God for one more minute with my child...I praise Him for every minute with my infant/toddler...I thank Him for the joy of being happily married...I sing praises to His name...for it is Him who ahs carried us through this...all of the good and all of the not so good...He has carried...He has taken us and made us whole when we were broken...He has given us strength when we were weak...He has wiped away tears with a burst of sunlight when we were bankrupt...He has been the one to heal...He continues to take us and make us whole day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute...He has given us this opportunity to go forth and discover this journey has a purpose that will glorify Him...He has given us peace in the knowledge that our sufferings are not in vain but our in His name...in His honor...I am grateful...I HATE THIS DISEASE...I HATE THAT WE WALK THIS JOURNEY...BUT...I am grateful and I do not feel sorry for myself, my son or my family...we have learned more about life, love, happiness and what is truly important in the last few years then most will learn in their whole entire lifetime...THANK YOU JESUS FOR THE OPPORTUNTIY TO KNOW MORE OF YOU!
Until next time...we stay diligent in our countdown to Greg's return and Chris's visit...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:58 AM EST [Link]
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
The Tide Is High...
First of all let me start by saying I was on the ball...I had the update all ready to post last night and then Riley pressed a button and POOF! It was gone! I didn't have the energy to redo it last night so here I am today...All ready to start over...YIPPEEE!
Anyway...
The weekend went well...we got a lot of unpacking accomplished and really enjoyed our time at home, getting settled into our own house...it is really nice to sleep in your own bed and to have help and support right around the corner or just down the street...
Monday we packed a backpack with clothes and meds...we got all of our IV meds started and our night oral meds done and we hit the road...we arrived in Durham just before midnight and we checked in to the University Inn...
I am infamous for my inability to pack light...so I have been working really hard on this defect...I realized that when I am alone with the kids...there are several major issues with over packing...ONE: it takes a really long to pack a lot of stuff and TWO: I have to carry it all by myself...Now, you see I realized that this Independent Woman has learned to rely heavily on her husband when it comes to the manly responsibilities and to be honest...I have no desire to "kill" myself trying to drag everything from home to a hotel and then back home again...
So having said that...let me tell the *FUNNY FOR THE WEEK*
I decided that the portable crib was not necessary since our reservation to the luxurious University Inn stated that the room should be equipped with a crib...Well, Guess What???!!!>>>Yep, you guessed it...NO CRIB...I called the front desk, mind you it is now the middle of the night and Riley has just wake up from what he has decided was a nice little nap, the night clerk informs me that there are no cribs and that in the morning I would have to call and complain...WHAT? In the morning...What good would in the morning do me now? So there we were...poor Cody and I...with Riley (a.k.a. NUTBALL BABY) on the loose...after a little while I came to the conclusion that my efforts to talk him into coming to bed were fruitless and I finally gave up and fell asleep...a few minutes later I awoke to the clock radio blaring in the pitch darkness of the room...I quickly turned it off while Cody unplugged the very loud and upset telephone...Riley continued to have free run of the room until he finally decided he was tired and came to bed...Of course, I was asleep so I do not know what time it was when he finally got in bed with me...I do, however, know exactly what time he woke up and realized that he was not confined to a crib...he popped up like a bolt of lighting and decided that Cody and I needed to be awake to at 7:03 a.m. Tuesday morning...
Realizing that we had been defeated, we reluctantly got out of bed, got dressed and headed over to clinic to start our day (which I don't think ever ended from Monday)
Clinic went great! Finally, I am able to report good news for two weeks in a row...Cody's weight increased this last week along with the increased g-tube feedings...I was worried because he had been sick every day but regardless he managed to gain weight...We saw Dr. Shaboltz this time and he was very impressed with Cody's progress...we were done fairly early and only had to wait for the GI nurse to come and change out Cody's g-tube button...after that we were done for the day and we headed out for home...

Before we left, we saw Dr.K. and she said that she was comfortable setting us with Dr. Owen at CHKD this coming week and then having us report back to her in two weeks...YEP!!! Two weeks...I was very excited to learn that our trips back and forth to Duke would soon taper off to monthly...
This week at clinic was actually a lot of fun...we got to see Jacob and his family...Jacob looked really good and he just loved seeing Cody and Riley...Jacob transplanted on the same day Cody did...you can check up on Jacob by logging into his website at www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob
While we were there, we also got to see Trey, our friend from Florida...he and his mom were in town for his 9 month studies...We also got to meet their new baby Hunter...what a cutie pie...Trey's website is www.caringbridge.org/fl/trey
I had wanted to go and visit with Tommy but Riley was so tired from not hardly sleeping the night before that I was having a lot fo trouble managing him (I'm so SORRY, Alicia) I did check their website though and it seems as though Tommy is coming along good and hopefully he should be released soon...you check in on him at www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
I saw Khalita from across the room but didn't get a chance to talk to her before they sent us down to the GI Suite for our button change...Cara came to visit and Cody just had a blast making up the rules to a bouncy ball game as they played...of course, the rules always seemed to favor him and he was forever winning :)
I guess we are adjusting and we are so happy to finally, hopefully be creeping back into some kind of normal life...
Cody's new homebound teacher will start with him on Monday...we are going to try and go on an outside field trip with his "class" next week to a Pumpkin Patch...that should be fun if we get to go...Our only hold up is the field trip is on a Tuesday and that is our usual doctor day...
Greg's ship is scheduled to come back on Halloween and we are all looking forward to seeing him...
Chris will also be getting here on the same day so we should have a lot of stuff going on that weekend...I am looking forward to having a lot of fun!
There are a couple of fundraisers going on for us this coming weekend in Florida...My mom has been working really hard to pull the Boutique Sale together and Chris has a PartyLite fundraiser...Check out the Current Fundraiser page for more information...
Finally...
PLEASE PRAY WITHOUT CEASING FOR OUR LITTLE FRIEND MADISON...MADISON HAS RELAPSED WITH 100% DONOR CELLS...THE DISEASE HAS ATTACKED HER BRAIN WITH A VERY FAST AND AGGRESSIVE GROWING TUMOR...PLEASE PRAY FOR THE MIRACLE OF COMPLETE HEALING FO RMADISON...AND PLEASE PRAY FOR STRENGTH AND PRESERVERANCE FOR HER FAMILY AS THEY FACE YET ANOTHER VERY LARGE OBSTACLE. You can check in on Madison at www.caringbridge.org/nc/princessmadison
I guess that is all for now...Please sign the guestbook to let us know that you stopped by...your kind words and encouragement mean the world to us.
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 02:29 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, October 19, 2003
OBA LA DI, OBA LA DA...LIFE GOES ON...ON...ONE YEAH YEAH LIFE GOES ON...
I continue to miss my husband so much it hurts...but it will get "worse" before it gets better...what the heck am I going to do when he goes out to sea for 6 months when I am already complaining about 2 and a half weeks :) I guess my mom and my other friends will get to hear a lot of complaining and crying...
My weekend was jam packed full of adventure...
I have so much help here at home it just amazes me...it all started when we moved into our house in Virginia Beach...the neighbor next door and her family jumped in and started helping us with the stuff we could not take care of while we were in Durham but were required to according to housing...from there my friend Carol, contacted the Family Dollar and asked them to do a fundraiser on our behalf which turned out pretty good...
On the several short occasions that we were able to be home...Justin, Carol's son, would always come over and help with Cody allowing Greg and I the opportunity to get some time alone...maybe dinner or a movie or something special...I am forever grateful for the help and support that we have received from Carol and her family...
This last time we were sent back to Durham after Cody was released from the PICU...Carol reached out to even more friends seeking alternative ways to do fundraising for our family...Carol has worked very hard on our behalf...not because she had...not because she was asked to...but all because she wanted to...
Carol was instrumental in introducing us to Jazz and her family, who has not only taken the ball and run with as far as developing new fundraising projects and ideas...but has also given us the added support of Mia along with Justin...
Man it sure is nice to have friends...better yet it is nice to have an extended family...I am so blessed and grateful for all of the help and support we receive from those who have fallen in love with my beautiful little boy...I am blessed to have you all in my life and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart...
Friday night was fun...Justin came over to hang out with Cody and they played video games while me, Carol, Jazz and Al all hung around and shot the breeze...I always enjoy the time when I find myself engaged in an adult conversation...it is such a rare thing that I have to take note and praise God for the simple things as well as the HUGE things...
Saturday was hectic...Carol and Jazz MADE me get dressed up and go to the Navy ball...it was fun but I missed my husband even more while I was there...the celebration was in honor of the Navy and Marine Corp 268th birthday celebration...the cake was good and the water was gone by the time I got there...I did not stay long but I still enjoyed getting out of the house for a little while and I enjoyed being dressed up with a little bit of make up and my black boots...
Today, Mia and I got a really early start...we started off with a morning fashion show...Mia inherited a ton of clothes so I could make room for the new stuff that came home from Durham...she was so cute modeling all of her new treasures and I could tell that she was very excited by all of the new things that she was able to pick out and keep...
After that we started the work...YES, BELIEVE IT OR NOT I ACTUALLY SPENT ALMOST THE WHOLE ENTIRE DAY WITH HELP FROM MIA, CODY, AL AND TATE MOVING BOXES, STAGING AND UNPACKING... Mia did almost all of the kitchen unpacking while I unpacked nearly 15 boxes of medical supplies...I am convinced that we officially have more medical supplies than most third world countries and quite possibly several local hospitals :):):):):) From there we moved upstairs and I was very excited to find my long lost clothes...it is hard to explain how an old t-shirt and good pair of underwear can make you smile from ear to ear...OH YEAH, AND SHOES...I FOUND MY SHOES :):):):):):):) Al and Tate came for a couple of hours and they moved the boxes around in the garage and got everything to their staging locations...that was a really great help because Mia and I figured out fairly fast that we were not going to be able to handle that project alone...you should have seen us...we were such girls trying to move boxes I am pulling and so is she then I push and so does she...we were a regular episode of Laurel and Hardy...so the men were definitely a HUGE asset :)
We wrapped up for the day at 4:30 p.m. and I took Mia home with her new treasures...Cody earned himself a toy from Toys R Us so I ran in and got one and then we went for food...after that I picked up some other things we needed and then we came home...Cody and I started working on a very special project together this evening until we decided that we were tired...
Cody had a pretty rough day...he was very sick this morning and then he leveled off...he did a lot fo work unpacking with Mia in the kitchen and then he just kind of pooped out...he was ready to go to bed at 7:00 p.m. but I had him stay up to help me for a while longer...I am a bit concerned about how he looks...his skin is very pale and he has red, dark circles under his eyes...I have checked his temperature several time but he has not had one...since it just started this evening, I am hoping he is just super tired and by tomorrow he will be better...if not I will have to contact Dr.K. and let her know my concerns...we will be leaving for Duke tomorrow anyway so hopefully nothing will come up before then...
Tomorrow, I have a meeting with Cody's school here...I am in the process of working through all of the politics to get a homebound teacher set up...tomorrow is a simple 504 update and then on the 29th I have a school board meeting for our IEP and our homebound determination...so keep that in prayer as I have heard some horror stories when it comes to dealing with the school boards and what not...
Finally...Praise God, my aunt Joanie is back on her feet and out of the hospital...please continue to pray for her health and wellness...
Also, please pray for my cousin Lea she is was admitted to the hospital this past weekend and needs as many prayers as possible...pray for her salvation and for her family as they deal with all that lies ahead.
I guess that is all for now...
To my wonderful and devoted husband:
I don't even know if you check the website but I wanted to tell you that you are my very best friend and I miss you with all of my heart and soul...I can't wait until you come home so I can be next to you...so I can hold you and kiss you...I slept with your pillow last night because I could smell you and it made me feel close to you...I miss you so much my heart hurts...
Love Always and Forever,
Your Wife.
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:08 PM EST [Link]
Friday, October 17, 2003
Is it the middle of the nite? Or is just really early in the morning?
I am awake...it is 4:03 a.m. and I wish I were asleep...but...I'm Not!
I miss my husband...he has been gone for only a day but I wish it were not at all...I am very blessed to have a husband who loves me like Greg does...being able to commit to this relationship and marry my very best friend has truly changed my life...it has made a totally different person...
I miss him when he is not right here next to me...I long to hold him...to smell him...to see him...to be near him...
I thank God every single day for making Greg just for me...and I thank God every single day for making me just for Greg...God knew exactly what He was doing...and I praise Him for His love and compassion.
Speaking of praising God...
Man, we sure have had a lot of really neat things happening this past week...
First of all, we are home and loving it!
As most of you know, we have been fighting to transfer our care to the Children's Hospital...well we found out on Tuesday that we had received approval for the move, HOORAY! According to what we were told the move would take a few weeks making it necessary for us to travel back and forth to Duke once a week until we could get set up...Well, our transplant case manager called today and told me that she has us all set up with Dr.Owen...I called Dr.K. and let her know that we are set up and she said she would be contacting Dr. Owen...we still have to return to Duke this coming week but hopefully after that we will be home for a good long while...This is such a relief...and we are excited about our new doctor for we have heard many, many good things about him...
On the fundraising front, we have had a ton of people coming over from our friend Jazz...many have already begun offering their support and we are grateful...we are truly looking forward to seeing the outcome of ALL of the proposed fundraising projects...it is our honest desire that the Lord will shine upon these projects and that we will finally be able to start helping others!!!
Now, in addition to that, I was able to spend some time with Mia this evening...Mia is Jazz's daughter and she has accepted my job proposal :):):):):):):):) Mia will be coming to help me out with the kids and the house during the weekends...She is 17 and she just had a blast with the kids tonight...I really liked her and I am ever so grateful for the help...Since Mia will be helping us for such a small amount of money, we are hoping that you all will include Mia in our family and if you so have the notion...please send your thoughts, love and prayers for her through our guestbook...Mia is 17...a senior in high school...Mia loves to read and Riley has already decided that she belongs to him...
Finally, I am hoping to find the energy to start unpacking the house...it is a pain in the butt trying to dig everything from A to Z out of a box that is in the garage...somewhere :) Greg was getting really good at it...I told him that was really sad...he could go out in the garage and find whatever we needed in less than 3 minutes...now when you know where the stuff is in the boxes in the garage...HELLO IT'S TIME TO PUT IT AWAY :):):):):):):):) So that is my goal unpack and get settled into our house! I also need to work on setting up Mia's room and Marina's room...I am not sure where I will put everyone...but I am pretty ingenious when it comes to stuff like that so we will see what I figure out :)
As always we ask for your continued prayers for us and for all of our friends...
Well...I guess that is all for now...maybe if I am lucky I can go get some sleep.
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 04:25 AM EST [Link]
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Sorry I am so slow...I honestly didn't think anyone would notice since we get so few guest book entries :):):):)
But Alicia Bennett let us know we are, in fact, LOVED!!!! HOORAY US!
Speaking of the Bennett's...Tommy is doing so great he will be released from the unit tomorrow barring any changes...WAY TO GO TOM! Stop by and offer him a big fat congrats www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
And speaking of a big fat congrats...baby Jordan and his family finally got to go home this past weekend...we are so happy for them and so proud of Jordan...Make sure you take a few minutes to stop by and say hey...www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
It is really great to be sharing some good news...of course there are still many, many, many prayers that are needed...so keep praying.
Now without further delay...
Here Is Your Uppppppp-Date!
Today brought us nothing but GOOD news! It started off bad but ended up awesome...Cody woke me up very early because he was sick...we went ahead and left for the clinic and by the time we got there he had leveled off quite a bit...
We received our meds and from there we had to our monthly Pentamidine...Cody was very upset about that but he made it through it like a champ...
Anyway...for the good news...I received a call from the Naval Medical Center Commander...the Commander called to inform me that our request to move our treatment to CHKD was approved...we are ever so grateful...we will truly miss our friends at Naval and hope that sometime in the future we will have the chance to see everyone again...we are very happy with the decision and wanted to tell everyone on the record that the Naval Medical Center treated us very well and did a phenomenal job caring for Cody...we are convinced that because of the efforts made by the doctors at the Naval Medical Center we have our son today...the decision to request the move was solely based on the fact that his post -transplant needs and consistent issues required a facility that has more expertise caring for kids like Cody...
After that...Dr.K. came and said that we can go home tomorrow...we have to come back every week on Monday night for Tuesday clinic until Dr.K. is comfortable that Cody is 100% stable and until all of the paperwork and logistics are worked out for our transfer...
Greg is here with me to help me pack out our little apartment/hotel box...we have had an extremely difficult time finding a U-Haul truck on short notice...we thought we might be able to ship the stuff but it would cost nearly the same if not more...
Becky, our adopt-a-family, lady is helping us pull everything together...we just hope that U-Haul pulls through for us tomorrow...
Once we return home, Greg will report to his ship tomorrow night and the ship will be going out to sea...they will be gone on and off for the rest of the year and then they will be gone for 6 months...
It is our prayer that we will be able to return home and stay there for a while...we truly pray that God will bless Cody's little body with complete healing...
I am so sorry that I have slacked so bad this past week with updates...I will try to do better this week...it is my hope that we will be able to find some peace and quiet which will offer me a few minutes to spend letting all of our friends, family and fans know what is happening :):):):)
Until next time!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:08 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, October 8, 2003
Two is for Twosday...
Well the official word is another two weeks...we may get to go home sooner but we are supposed to plan for two...
Dr.K. was happy with Cody's improvements over this last week but wants to make sure that he is level before she releases us...Of course, it doesn't help that we are still in limbo with the whole hospital switching thing...
Hopefully by next Tuesday we will have everything resolved and if we are lucky she will give us our walking papers then...
In the meantime, we are down to two days per week at the clinic with meds only being administered on Tuesday...HOORAY!
Please pray that Cody will stay CMV negative and that he will be able to tolerate his increased g-tube feedings...Dr.K. told me that I should not force him to eat regular food but that I have to get and stay very aggressive with his g-tube feedings...
EMBRASSING MOMENT OF THE WEEK
Over the weekend, Cody complained of pain in his groin area...he came in the house limping and was obviously in pain...Naturally, I was overly concerned since his relapse was testicular...so, I checked him out to the best of my ability...he explained the pain which sounded similar to pulled groin or a hernia...this was close to how he presented so since then, I have been asking him regularly how he feels to which the reply has constantly been good...
So there we were with Dr.K. and I express my concern for his recent pain...to which he explains to Dr.K. that he was playing bad mitten with his friends and he hit himself with the racket in the groin...
NOW THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO KNOW! I have been a worried sick over nothing! I think I must have turned 4 shades of red...of course he thought it was funny that he aged me 10 years in 2 days but never told me the real cause of the pain...

Other than that...Cody continues to do great...his schooling is coming along wonderfully...we have been working really hard...every night he and I sit at the table and do homework and crafts...it is a lot of fun...Cody has such a big heart and he is always thinning of others...I just admire him so much...he is always making something for somebody...drawing pictures...writing stories...it is really great to be able to spend quality time with him while he feels great!
Of course, Riley has the preconceived notion that he is supposed to get ALL of the attention...mine and Cody's...so typically we wait until he goes to bed before we try to do anything...
Speaking of Riley...he sure is coming along...his vocabulary is increasing everyday and he is more and more demanding...he has a very strong will...and he is very, very smart...I believe he will be my biggest learning experience yet! :)
Greg reported back to work this week...I know he misses us but is glad to get back to his job...he just absolutely loves his new command and he loves what he does there...I am really happy for him but I truly miss his help and support...
Unfortunately, I will miss it a lot more over the next few months...Greg's ship will be out to sea a lot through the end of the year and then in after that they will leave for their 6 month deployment...
Basically that means I am on my own until next June...SO...I will be accepting applications for a nanny/roommate...the pay is awful...but the rewards are plenty :) heheheehehehehe!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please continue to pray for Noah's family as they deal with the loss of their beautiful, sweet baby Noah
www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah
Please continue to pray for our buddy Tommy...he has made great improvements over this last week but still has a ways to go
www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
Please pray for my Aunt Joanie...this past week she began experiencing spontaneous nose bleeds...she has been admitted to the hospital and has had to receive two units of blood...the doctor's are unsure of what is causing the nose bleeds and have her scheduled for a CAT Scan today...Please pray that they are able to determine and correct tee problem...
(Joanie...I love you so much...hang in there...I wish I could come and see you...please know, my heart is there with you)
Please pray for our friend Steve from church...he was in an accident last year, which left him, paralyzed from the chest down and today he is undergoing surgery...
It is time to take Cody to school so I will have to go for now...I will update again soon...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Posted by Eleasha @ 10:32 AM EST [Link]
Tuesday, October 7, 2003
Noah received ultimate and complete healing sometime early this morning...
Noah's family was able to spend a few sweet moments with their baby free of machines...free of tubes...free of IV's...they were able to bathe him and hold him close...
In the end, his little body gave out on him and the Lord called him home...
Please pray for Debbie and Greg as they now deal with their greatest loss and their darkest hours.
www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah
Posted by Eleasha @ 05:34 AM EST [Link]
Please Continue to Pray for baby Noah...
His oxygen requirements did not change today and after many hours of talking to doctors and prayer...they have been told that the damage caused by the life support machines is no longer reverseable...
I read on Tommy's site that Noah's family had removed him from life support and he was on his way to 5200 to spend time there in a private room with his family, pastor and Dr.K.
Please pray for a miracle...God can still heal Noah's body if that be His will...
Noah was diagnosed as an infant with a disease called Krabbes...while I know very little about the disease itself, I have met many families that are fighting to save thier children from this horrible, terminal disease...Noah's family has fought hard...Noah is tired and he too has fought the good fight...while it is absolutely my heart's very desire that he remain here amoung us...as best as I can, I "understand" if he has to go...
Noah's mom, Debbie...and Noah's dad, Greg are two very faithful people they have lived this entire experience depending on our Father in heaven for all of thier support...it is with my whole heart that I send my love and my prayers to them tonight as they wak out into the darkness to offer up the light which is Noah.
Please God...make a miracle happen tonight...Please God, if it be your will...heal Noah...In Jesus' name...Amen
I would truly appreciate all of our friends and supporters taking the time to stop by Noah's site and offer your heartfelt prayers and support to him and to his devoted and loving family...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah
Posted by Eleasha @ 12:04 AM EST [Link]
Sunday, October 5, 2003
Sunday Bloody Sunday...
All day I have been singing that old U2 song...Sunday Bloody Sunday...it is a song about war...why am I singing it? Your guess is as good as mine...I woke up and thought...today is Sunday and there is where it started...
Anyway...I just wrapped up checking in on my 50 some kids that I follow and believe it or not I signed most of the guest books...
While I read about a lot of heart breaking situations...I was blessed to read a lot of "NORMAL" life stuff too...
I wish I could make a list to request prayer for each and every child who is in need but I am not sure I would remember everyone and I think my journal might run out of space...so...I will only ask you to pray for one child this time:
Our little friend baby Noah is having a super hard time...he remains in the PICU on 100% oxygen requirements...his family is facing their darkest hours and their strength is fading...
PLEASE STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND SAY A PRAY FOR BABY NOAH!
Father God, we come before you in faith with a humble heart...we beg you to please place a hedge of protection around baby Noah...we pray that you will wrap your arms around Debbie and Greg, Noah's mommy and daddy, that they would know the strength that can come only from You. You are wise Father...You are merciful...You are gracious...You are God...For we know that on the cross Jesus died for us...on the cross we died to sin...we know that You are able and willing to heal baby Noah...we know that Your plan and your will is perfect...it is our sincerest prayer and our greatest hope that Noah's healing will be here with us on earth. Please God; wrap your grace and mercy around this family. In Jesus' name...AMEN!
Noah's family can use all of the encouragement they can get...please take a moment to stop by their site and offer your prayers...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah
Now back to us...Wednesday and Thursday were fairly uneventful last week...on Friday, Greg took Cody to clinic and then after that we got ready and left for home...it was a long day and the truck was having a lot of problems...
Anyone who knows me knows I love my truck...it is a Dodge Ram Quad Cab...banana yellow...and it sounds really tough when I drive it...I love me truck...BUT...lately it has been causing me much heartache...
About 2 months ago it started doing some strange things...of course, we have very little money so any extensive work on the truck is basically out of the question...I had the tires checked and some general maintenance done and found out nothing...
During the last two weeks the problems have gotten worse...the transmission has begun slipping and the front end violently shakes whenever you go over a bump...being that I am mechanically inclined, it is my thought that the transmission is shot and the stabilizer bar is done...so...knowing this...I knew that we were looking at somewhere around $3000.00 worth of repair work...
Since you all come here regular and read about our fundraising projects and what not...you know that we do not have $3000.00 Shoot, we don't even have $300.00 :) much less $3000.00...SO...I did a lot of praying and was at my whit�s end...I did not know what to do...we could not afford to fix the truck but driving scared the heck out of me...Norfolk to Durham is just over 200 miles but that truck is our only form of transportation...
Now as some of you know...last year after Cody completed his chemotherapy...before he relapsed and we started over...Greg and I made a very hard decision and filed for bankruptcy...Cody's medical bills had put us in debt for over a half of a million dollars...so we really had very little choice...it was next to impossible to fend off the creditors and we couldn't even buy a stick of gum on credit...it was our hope that the bankruptcy would be a fresh start and that we would be able to rebuild...little did we know we would be starting over again only a few short months later...the bright side is that, with the economic down turn...Cody's dad was temporarily laid off making it necessary for Cody to be covered under Greg's military benefits...Praise God! TriCare pays for almost everything...and what they don't pay for...I have been able to push my pride aside and tell people that we need help...I do not want to land where we were just one short year ago...so far we are doing okay but this truck thing had us for a loop...
My truck was included in the bankruptcy last year but we were able to keep it because we were able to keep making the payments...with all that has been happening lately...it has come to our attention that we need to turn the truck in...it is not financially responsible for us to continue to hang on to something just because "I LOVE IT"
My only God is God so the truck had to go...I called my mom and we got to brainstorming...as usual...my mom, against her better judgment, bailed me out...we were able to borrow the money from her and I purchased a new (used) car...it is a Ford Escort ZX2...it is black and it is a 2001...the car had only 9300 miles on it and I was able to negotiate a deal which included a full warranty, tax, tag and title out the door for less than $8000.00...the best part is the loan is interest free and we will be done paying in one year...PRAISE GOD!
You know...I am truly grateful for my mom...she is an Awesome woman...she is always there for me no matter what...whether it is an ear...a shoulder...a sounding board...or a lending institution...She loves me and she has been our greatest supporter through out this whole ordeal...I am so glad that God gave me my mom...
Oh yeah...about the new car...I filled it up with gas last night and it cost less than $18.00...my truck usually costs over $40.oo so that was really neat...it was kind of funny seeing myself dance out of the gas station store...
While Old Yella, will be truly missed...it is time to move on and Greg had promised me that someday I can get another big, mean, tough sounding truck...and it can even be yellow again if I want it to be :)
Anyway...as you probably guessed with everything going on...we had to postpone our trip to go see Rick and Christina...I was sad to have to make that decision...I wanted to so badly to go and spend time with them...
Unfortunately, the car trouble had to be taken care of and Greg has to go back to work tomorrow...so, I had little room for negotiation...
The good part about being home was we got to go to the Annual Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Virginia Beach...we met up with Trevor, his family and all of his neighbors and we walked down the boardwalk of Virginia Beach with lighted balloons...it was a magnificent tribute to our little CANCER SURVIVORS...
At the walk, I met Lindsey and her family...they go to CHKD and knew of Cody from our website...how cool is that? Anyway, they introduced themselves to us and I am hoping if they stop by they will sign the guestbook and tell us what their caringbridge address is so we can keep up with Lindsey...of course, when we come home we will be reporting to CHKD for treatment so if we don't hear from then here...we will definitely find out then...
Tomorrow will be a very busy day...we have many things to wrap up before we head back to our Durham Jail Cell...
Oh yeah...Cody is doing great! He has been doing really well with his g-tube feedings during the day and we have started pushing the food issue...Dr.K. said that we needed to be more aggressive so we are trying...Cody�s weight is up some and his spirits are high...he loves the new car and ahs enjoyed our 3 day furlough home...
Finally...Last but not least...my friend Kim wrote a beautiful letter to God and to her husband...I wanted you all to take a moment to stop by and read it www.caringbridge.org/fl/kodysstory
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Posted by Eleasha @ 08:38 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
It's Toosday, again...
First let's start by saying today is my Aunt Joanie's birthday..."HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOANIE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! CHA, CHA, CHA"
I can never decide if I should start from the last time I wrote and forward or from today and backward...so anyway...
Last Friday we celebrated Greg's birthday...we had a lot of fun...not that we did much but we were all just so grateful to be together as a family that we celebrated with lots of love (and a few presents) Riley got Greg a new video game...Cody got him a model car (which they have been working on together every day) and I got him a portable CD player to take on the ship :) He really wanted a new tattoo but who has the money for stuff like that...maybe when we go home for Christmas I will take him over to see Kevin at Cool Cats and he can get a new one then for cheap.
On Saturday, Cody and I went to see Tommy on the unit...he is having a really rough go of it this time and I can't ask you all enough to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Tommy is going through his 3rd transplant and his family has been through so much...please remember them in your prayers and thoughts www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys...It was really nice to see Alicia and we talked for a little while...Cody was very sad to see Tommy so sick so he did not want to stay for too long...I felt really bad that we had to rush but Cody was very upset...Alicia was awesome and she understood.
Saturday night we went over to visit with Jordan's family...Carrie, Riley and I went to the mall while Cody, Greg, Jordan and Patrick hung out and played video games...Unfortunately, Jordan did not care much for the new video game and he insisted that Patrick play with him...Carrie and I had a lot of fun talking about throw up and gas :)
Sunday we went to the park and Greg threw the football with Cody and I played on the play set with Riley...we had a really great time together and it was a lot fun! Cody is still not 100% so the heat made for a short visit to the park...when we came home, Cody and I worked on his school work and then we all watched the movie Holes...
Yesterday we were lazy and we stayed home almost all day doing a whole lot of nothing...I hoped to get Alicia out of the hospital for a while but Tommy wasn't doing so great so she was afraid to leave for any kind of time...In the evening time, Cody and I walked over and hung out with his friend Andy for a little while www.caringbridge.org/md/andy
Today we woke up and went to clinic...our visit went pretty fast...Cody had his meds running before I even got back tot he room from parking the truck...I was scared at first because I couldn't find him...I could not believe he was already in a room and hooked up.
After about an hour, Carrie came and got me and we walked over to visit baby Noah in the PICU...I was very sad to see him there and his mommy just seemed so very tired...I stood there at a loss for words (yes, I had no idea what to say) with tears in my eyes as Debbie explained what was going on with Noah...I could not help but think of baby Noah Sinko from our hospital in Florida...to me the name Noah signifies heroic strength and I just know in my heart that this baby can get through this...he will be healed according to God's perfect plan...I asked Debbie if I could pray for him and she said yes...I was honored to be able to intercede for this baby and I asked God to place a hedge of protection around Noah and to offer his family the strength that can only come from Christ...I tell you my prayer for them so that you can say the same prayer...I ask you to say this prayer because when I was finished praying...Debbie pointed to Noah's monitor and said he's at 96...the whole time we were there he stayed between 88-91...this number is the amount of oxygen he has in his system...normal is somewhere around 98 to 100...so please pray for God's healing and strength for Noah and his family www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah
Carrie and I left the PICU and headed over to see Tommy on the unit...Tommy was restless and his daddy was laying in bed with him...Alicia was resting so we did not gown up and go in...I will try to go back and see them tomorrow...
Dr.K. came to see us and we went over everything...Through out this past week, I changed up the way Cody was getting his feedings in hopes that he would tolerate them better, and so far he has...what we have started doing is hooking up his g-tube feedings through the day while he is up and moving around as opposed to at night while he is laying flat trying to sleep...my thought was this may help him digest and feel less sick...Dr.K. said this was a good idea and we were happy that Cody's weight was up by about a pound...
Dr.K. lowered Cody's FK 506 since his level came back high...she stopped his Foscarnet and has moved us to a Tuesday and Friday clinic schedule...Cody will go in on Fridays for a check up only...This news is very exciting to us...all of the meds that Dr.K. changed are the ones that are used to control CMV...since Cody has not had a positive CMV test in over 2 months we are reducing and/or stopping the meds to see how well he does...
Dr.K. still said she wanted another couple of weeks but I expected that so...I guess we will be home somewhere around mid-October (don't worry Chris...we should be home by Halloween)
We had fun at clinic today...we met our new best buddy...her name is Cara and Cody really got a kick out of telling her story after story...she was just laughing and enjoying Cody...it was really fun to meet her...Cara will be helping me with the kids and I Praise God that He has been gracious enough to provide me some more support...Cara is a student at Duke and she should be graduating this coming year...we are looking forward to spending time with her and having the support...
We saw Khalita at clinic and she had to get stuck 8 times today...I always hate it when they have to stick her so many times...she was supposed to come and hang out with me and Cody for a while but with Greg here I took her off the hook...we will get some time together soon and I am really excited about being able to spend some time with her...
This weekend we are going to go see Rick and Christina, McKenzie's mommy and daddy, we are all so excited to get to go and see them...I think I am the most excited...but when we get there and they take us around to all of the race tracks and stuff, Cody will be jumping out of his skin with excitement :):):):):):)

Okay so I guess that is all for this entry...as always please keep us and all of our friends in your prayers...
Oh and while you are here, be sure to sign the guestbook...it really means a whole lot to us to know you were here...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 05:46 PM EST [Link]
Friday, September 26, 2003
Birthdays and Pity Parties...
It all started on the next to last day of August...I turned older and I think it is going...well, shoot I don't know where it�s going...not downhill...not uphill...just on some kind of plateau...
We rolled into September where we promptly began celebrating birthday after birthday...
On September 10th...I mourned the loss of my Uncle Steve...that was his birthday and he was such a young man when he passed away...
On September 11th...While our nation mourned the second anniversary of 9-11...I celebrated the life of my mother...that was her birthday and without her I do not know how I would be able to make it through all of this...My mom is a beautiful, caring woman who has always stood by my side and who has always been there for me and I love her with all of my heart...
On September 13th...I mourned the loss of Grandma...that was her birthday and she too was very young when she passed away...
Throughout the month of September, we have celebrated many birthdays with our transplant family...
Today...we celebrate the birth of the man I call my husband...God created this man to love me and no mater what else he may do wrong...he certainly does that right...my husband has stood by my side even when I am at my worst...he has held me up, picked me up and backed me up...he has sacrificed and he has given our family 250%...I thank God every day for my husband...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREG!!!
Now speaking of today...I am over my Pity Party...this past week has been kind of strange for me...I have been dealing with a lot of emotion...maybe it's PMS...or maybe I am just finally falling apart :) NAH!
Anyway...I truly appreciate the outpouring of love and support I have received from those who truly love me the most...you all are so wonderful and it makes my heart happy to know that I am loved even when I feel low.
I just miss my home and my family and my friends so much...
This past week has been okay for Cody...we have been working on getting the new meds into his system but so far there has been no change...hopefully after the 72 hour mark we will start to see a difference...I am going to try a few different things with Cody to see if anything helps...we may just need to try and be creative?
I have been working really hard doing research for the book that God is using me to write...I am grateful and blessed for the ability to do His work and I pray that soon I will see His glory revealed...Everyday...we wait in hope for the Lord.
Riley has been his normal little nut ball self...he is into everything but I wouldn't have it any other way...I enjoy my time with him even though it is usually really short...he has way to much to do to be hanging out with mom :)
Greg's ship gave him orders to Duke for the next 2 weeks...so praise God he is here with me and will be until we go home (hopefully) He has been a really great help and thanks to him being here I have been able to get the house cleaned and have more than 3 minutes to alone...WHEW HEW!
Well that's all for today...please stop by the guest book while you are here...we always feel special when you let us know you were here...
Please continue to pray for us and for all of our friends...You can check updates on our friends by clicking on the Updates on Friends link in the website toolbar.
Until Next Time...
In love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:03 AM EST [Link]
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Well Dr.K. added two more weeks yesterday during the our clinic visit...
Finally we got at least a couple of answers...Cody's GI study from last Wednesday showed that his stomach does not empty correctly and his food is not digesting as fast as it should be...so...
They prescribed him two more medications...the number one choice was not an option for us because it was not compatible with FK 506 so we had to go with the number two choice which requires an antibiotic to make it work right...
Dr.K. told Greg that she wanted us to stay a couple more weeks so that we can be sure that Cody is on the right track...he needs to gain back quite a few pounds and he needs to be eating or at least tolerating his g-tube feedings and his meds...
I am certain that everything will work out when it is supposed to...
Up until now, I had decided not to share what we have been dealing with as far as the hospital at home goes...I am working diligently to get transferred to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. Our doctor at the Naval Medical Center is a good Hematology doctor, unfortunately, he is not accustomed to treating post-transplant patients and we have experienced quite a number of "major issues" I am no longer willing to allow them to "learn" as they go...this is my child's life they are playing with and I will do whatever I have is necessary to get him the best care...I will miss all of our friends and nurses and corpsmen at the Naval Medical Center but I will not go back there for treatment...I am sorry Meredith and Carrie...I am sorry Amy and Jill...we will miss all of you so very much.
Anyway...the stomach bug, if that is even what it was, came and went...and everyone seems to be doing great.
Cody has spending time over at Andy's apartment the past couple of days...he has really enjoyed being able to spend time with someone other than Riley or me...Andy received his transplant not too long ago...you can check up on Andy at www.caringbridge.org/md/andy
As for me...well as usual...I am dealing with my own issues...
I wonder, and maybe my friends can answer this, am I likeable? What is wrong with me? I am I annoying? Do I talk too much? Am I boring? Am I jerk? What is wrong with me?
I have to wonder when several of my friends would get together and leave me out...I have to wonder when this one calls that one and that one calls this one but I can't get a return call...I don't know, maybe I should be happy with what I have.
I have a wonderful husband...he is my best friend...I have a wonderful mother, who is also my best friend...and I have children who absolutely adore me and I have a million people who remember to say prayers for our family every single night...I just wish I had some friends...
I would thoroughly enjoy hanging out with the girls...sharing lunch...catching a movie...talking about whatever...I would love to be able to talk on the telephone with someone who understands what I am going through...I don't know...maybe there is something wrong with me.
Oh well...I guess I have one more thing to add to my list of prayers...
Dear God, Please make me a likeable person...Help me be a different person...Dear God, please give me a few good friends. Amen
Anyway...in the overall scheme of life...these issues are really so minor...most of the time I do not have the time to think about my insecurities between Cody's med infusions and Riley's diaper changes...the bright side is...when I go to heaven, Jesus will already know me and like me...I am pretty certain of that since He hung on a cross and died for me...Praise God! I guess I do have a friend...HOORAY, Me!
Okay enough about that...
Please keep baby Noah in your prayers, he was placed back in the PICU yesterday and this latest setback has really been very difficult for his family
www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah
Please keep Tommy in your prayers...transplant number 3 is proving to be a little more difficult then the other two...hopefully that's because the third time is a charm
www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
Please keep baby Jordan in your prayers...he continues to have some minor problems that make Dr.K. too uncomfortable to allow him and his family to go home
www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
Please consider helping Andrew and his family...Ellen is putting together a cookbook and the proceeds will benefit Andrew's Hope...you can read on their site how to send in your favorite recipes for the book
www.caringbridge.org/page/andrewshope
And last but not least...
Please stop by Jillian's site and check out the T-Shirt that she designed for an upcoming Radiothon to benefit the Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida...Jillian did such and awesome job on the picture and her brother Nathan is modeling the shirt on the front page of her website
www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
(Laura: I definitely want one of those shirts!)
As always...keep us all in your prayers...God knows we need them :)
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:28 PM EST [Link]
Monday, September 22, 2003
Izzy Is Gone...But will NOT soon be forgotten for most.
Praise God, my house is in one piece :) AND thanks the to the U.S. Navy we are one of a very small few that actually have power...
From the news, many of you know that the power company here, Dominion Power, has been unable to re-establish power to nearly 91% of its customers...we however, receive our power from the Navy base so I really do not know if we even lost power at all...
As for damage, we have a lot of yard debris, but nothing to major and it should not take too long to clean it all up...
Unfortunately, with the good news there always seems to be some not so good news...we seem to all have a stomach virus of some sort...right now it is my turn...I knew I was getting sick so I drove home yesterday and Greg will be taking leave this week to come back to NC and help me get better and take care of the kids...
Khalita will wait to come next week after the sickness is gone from our house...I was afraid to have her come and catch since she has a comprised immune system also...I am grateful that she was able to postpone and is willing to come up next week...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/khalita
So back to the storm stuff...while we driving back we saw some horrific damage...the news really has not caught the brunt of what has happened...some of the people here in Virginia, between Emporia and Suffolk, have lost everything...businesses were barely standing...houses had large trees in them...roofs were missing, graveyards were desecrated, churches were hit, power lines were down in the highway, trees, trees and more trees...down, down, down...my heart just felt terrible for these people...
However, there was a spot of laughter in our drive...we came upon a house that had quite a bit of damage but the community was there helping the family with their clean up efforts and on the pole in front of their house was a small sign that read...ELECTRIC COMPANY STOP HERE! :)
(I thought of you Kim...I figured that would be something you and Kody and Karl would do for sure)
We are headed back to Durham tonight so that we can attend clinic tomorrow and get back into our Durham life routine...I can only pray that sooner rather than later I will feel better...
I need to take a few minutes to say thank you to a few people...
The Hester family of Virginia sent us back some checks we had left in the van we rented in July...it was great to receive them especially now when we are in such great need...Can you believe it? There are still good Samaritans out there!
The Tuttle family of Florida sent us some really great grocery coupons that will be of tremendous help when we get back to Durham...THANKS!
And last but not least...
Cody received the most beautiful card from Angel Jillian and her family...On the front of the card is a picture that I believe Jillian painted herself...it is of her planting a flower garden...the flowers are taller than she is and her smile is magnificent...Inside is a picture of Jillian, which I am guessing was taken sometime around Mother's Day before she got really sick again...Cody really loved the card and has asked us to hang up in his room...Thanks Ken, Laura and baby Nathan for the thoughtfulness and for the help...You guys are forever in our thoughts, prayers and hearts...
We are still working hard to raise new funds to help support our prolonged stay in Durham...if you are interested in helping, you can click on the fundraising link to read about our upcoming fundraisers...OR...you can check out the new and improved donation link...for easier navigation, I placed banners up with the title of the things we are in need of, by clicking on a banner you can get more detailed information...
Well that is all for now...we have clinic tomorrow and are still praying for some much desired answers...Keep us and all of our friends in your thoughts and prayers...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:35 AM EST [Link]
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Whew Hew!
The storm came and went...here in Durham we lost power for nearly 24 hours and there was plenty of downed trees and "yard" debris...I noticed some downed phone lines along with the power lines and a few light poles became casualties of Izzy's 65 mph winds...but all and all we were spared the brunt of the storm.
To be honest, I am concerned about my house in VA...The word from our area is pretty ugly...I am interested to know if my lawn chairs are now in the family room...I also wonder if the front plate glass window is still in tact? I called the Navy Lodge which fairly close to our house and they said they were not flooded...I am hopeful that means we are not flooded either but it will be a while before I know anything...
Jason and Liza evacuated from Virginia Beach on Wednesday morning and came here to stay with us...they wanted to leave yesterday so that they could get back to access the damage...they are in the process of buying a new house plus they have their townhouse...Unfortunately after some research on the internet, I found out that 58 was closed most of the way between Emporia and Suffolk...so, they decided to wait until today...Cody and I are sad to see them go, it has been really nice to have the company but now we will make room for Khalita, HOORAY!
Greg's ship may be pulling back in today but I am not real sure...I have not heard from him in a couple of days...the ship e-mail and internet does not always work so we are stuck dealing with whatever we can get...I miss him so much...being away from him is very difficult but the hardest part, I think, is not being able to speak to him for days and days at a time...then on top of that, we deal with intermittent e-mails, so most of the time we end up with little or no communication...since Greg is my very best friend...my husband whom I love so much...that is very difficult.
Cody has been feeling pretty good the past couple of days...we are still waiting to hear what the test results came up with from Wednesday and Thursday...we are really hopeful that Dr.K. will be able to give us some answers during our appointment on Tuesday...Keep us in prayer...some answers would really be wonderful...
Please keep all of our friends in you prayers as they keep up the good fight...please take a few extra minutes, stop by and offer your support to
Taylor's family www.caringbridge.org/va/taylor
Jillian's family www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
McKenzie's family www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay
Reese's family www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesiecup
Baby Jordan www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
Tommy www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
Baby Noah www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah
That's all for now...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:16 AM EST [Link]
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Well we are expercieing the wonderful effects of Hurricane Isabel...
The power went out about half an hour ago and we are unsure when they will restore it.
No worries though we are not alone and we are well prepared to weather the storm...we have plenty of water, batteries, candles and flashlights.
My computer battery will not last for long but I wanted to make sure that everyone knows we are okay...we are far enough inland that the worst effects of the storm here are "higher" winds and rain...they have forcasted that by midnight the storm will have pretty much passed us and tomorrow we are expected to have rain in the morning and partly cloudy by the afternoon.
Cody's Gall Bladder test came back not showing any stones...they found some defects in digestive GI study but I will not know anything for sure until Tuesday.
That's all for now...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Posted by Eleasha @ 06:10 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Well I just got done typing like an hour-long journal entry, which I somehow erased!

GRR! I hate it when that happens...
Okay...here we go again...
Not much has changed for me since my entry from Saturday...God did not offer me any new insights to His plan...He did not take away the burdens on my heart and He did not change my sufferings...He did not heal my child and He did not raise the dead...BUT!!!!
Instead He gave me peace...He allowed me the opportunity to scream and yell...he allowed me the chance to be upset and mad...He allowed me to share my spirit with you so that you would know that we fight this battle together...he allowed me a chance to be a testimony to Him...to His greatness...His mercy...His grace...for He is the one who continues to give me hope...He is the one who has weathered the storm and He is the one who carries me...and Thank God, I am not here all alone...I am alive because Jesus gave His life for mine...I can pick up my cross and follow Him because He loves me...because He will carry me...Thanks God...You are the BOMB!
What about Cody you say?
Well Cody has been having a really rough go of it the past few days...he has not been able to tolerate his g-tube feeding and he has spent more time in the bathroom between watery stools and throw up then he has spent sleeping in the bed through the night...
Yesterday morning I took him into clinic and we spent for hours there being evaluated when they finally decided to administer fluids...by then Riley had had enough so I asked Sue if we could leave and come back in one hour...she said yes...I called Carrie and baby Jordan to see if they would like a visitor and they said yes...so my littlest monster went and wreaked havoc on the Horton's until Cody and I could finish up with two rounds of fluids and a steroid boost...THANKS CARRIE AND CONNIE FOR HELPING OUT WITH RILEY!!!
After the fluids, Cody seemed to be doing well...we came home and he felt good until we hooked up for our g-tube feedings...last night went pretty much the same as the night before less the throw up...that came later while we were at clinic...
Poor little guy had hardly any sleep when we had to leave for clinic early this morning...but...we had all kinds of plans for today...Cody was to undergo his 9 month studies...he had an Echocardiogram, a Pulmonary Function Test and a ton of blood work...I did not receive any results on the Echo...the Pulmonary Function Test showed a decrease but "nothing too alarming" and his blood work will be sent off to some lab somewhere so they can determine how well his donor cells are doing and how much of an immune system he has...
After all of that, we received our Cytogam and then found out that Cody had to get Pentamidine (his monthly breathing treatments to prevent pneumonia) Well Cody had already thrown up since we got to clinic so the news of Pentamidine made him very upset...the taste of the medicine always makes him puke...I attempted to have them "change" the Pentamidine to Thursday but they said no...so Cody begged and pleaded telling me he didn't want to throw up anymore...I felt really bad but I held the bucket while he threw up and then I wiped off his face...
Tomorrow, Cody will have another series of GI studies done to try and determine if he has any trouble with digestion and then Dr.K. wants him to have a Gall Bladder study done on Thursday...Apparently Gall disease and/or Gall stones are common for these kids post transplant...
Dr.K. was very frank with me in saying that if these last two tests don't show anything then we are all a little baffled...she said that the good news is we are not dealing with any of the "MAJOR" concerns...PRAISE GOD for that...but as always...leave it to my boy to stump the experts...as I have said before, Cody is writing his own story here...
Riley spent today and will spend tomorrow with Becky...she is our adopt a family lady and we are very grateful for the help...
Friday, Khalita will be coming to stay with us for a little while...YEAH!
As for Greg...his ship is out to sea and will stay there until after the Hurricane does whatever it is going to do...
I am prepared to lose the electricity here...I have candles, flashlights and bottled water...most folks around here think I am nuts but I will always be from South Florida so Hurricane preparedness is part of my yearly routine...besides this place is prone to losing electricity...
Well...I guess that is it for now...I will update after we know more on the testing results...
Until then...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:22 PM EST [Link]
Saturday, September 13, 2003
I try not to complain too much...I hold fast to the fact that I have a loving and gracious God who wraps His arms around me every single day...a God who carries me through all of the hard times and rejoices with me during the happy ones...
BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...
When the heck does it all end?
I am tired...
Tired of being strong...Tired of walking this road called Cancer...Tired of watching as our friends have their hopes shattered and another baby is called home...Tired of living in two houses...
I am tired...
Tired of worrying about how I will pay for gas, food and lodging...Tired of wondering how long my checking account will be overdrawn...I am tired of begging my friends and family for money...I am tired of always needing something...I am tired of knowing that ALL of my friends here are in the same position I am...
I am just so damn tired.
I look ever day for the joy and happiness but these days it is getting harder and harder to find...I realized earlier that as I checked on "my kids" most of them are in heaven...Jillian...McKenzie...Mitchy...Travis...Ashley...Douglas...Alexandria...Sydney...Kyle...Brittney...Reese...Tyler...and the list never seems to end...all of these families I know and love...
Where is my attitude of gratitude you ask??? Well, I am trying but I look at the fact that 9 months post transplant we are still trying to figure out what we are dealing with and we aren't the only ones...baby Jordan...baby Noah...all fighting to be go home...Tommy going in for a 3rd transplant...when does it all end?
Jesus, if you are listening...you can come back at anytime now...the rapture would be a great thing to wake up to tomorrow morning...
Don't get me wrong there are success stories and to be honest...Cody is one of them...for that I am forever grateful...but when I read of kid after kid having set back after set back...I get mad...I want to know when will it end...
In Matthew Jesus looked at Peter and said "GET BEHIND ME, SATAN! YOU ARE STUMBLING BLOCK TO ME!" and today on www.forcody.org I say "GET BEHIND ME, SATAN! YOU ARE A STUMBLING BLOCK TO ME!"
I do not want to be angry...I want to look at the Lord in all things...I want to seek His face...His understanding...His love...His grace...but I fall short...I have no tolerance for the enemy and I choose not go through this anymore {if it only it were that easy}
When will be a "normal" family...when will dinner consist of food on the dinning room table and dishes in the sink instead of which fast food stop shall we make tonight and how many more bags from McDonald's can I fit in the garbage before I bundle it up and drag it out...
When will life be full of friends and family...church...bible study...youth groups and PTA meetings...when will Cody be able to play soccer, t-ball...football...for that matter...when will he be able to eat without a g-tube...when will he be done with his central line...when he only have to go to the doctor monthly...when will deem him cancer free...when will my Savior return...
Guys...I don't mean to be a big fat bummer...but these are thoughts that sometimes consume...so much that I can't sleep at night...so much that I sleep all day...so much that I cry for no reason...scream in silence and retreat in the darkness...
I look at the joys of every day...Cody is here and aside from some "fixable" issues he is really doing well...Riley is growing up so fast I don't even know what to do...Jeremy is in 5th grade and is happy...my mom is getting married...I am married to a man that absolutely adores me and who I adore more then anything...I am saved, forgiven of sin...I am on my way from misery to happiness with each passing day I am one step closer to seeing my Jesus face to face...
But alas...my heart bleeds...my heart bleeds for Laura, I see her and her sweet baby in my mind every single day...my heart bleeds for Christina and Rick, another baby I see every single day...my heart bleeds for Tracie...for Dave...for Christy...for Shawn...my heart bleeds for every family that has to suffer through the loss of a child...my heart bleeds...
I cry out to my Father for understanding but I have none...
I attempt to find peace and acceptance but I find none...
Am I selfish...I guess so...
My God is an Awesome God...He has healed each of these children...one by one...He has healed them completely...BUT WHY WEREN"T THEY HEALED HERE WITH US???
Why do so many suffer? Why does my baby have to get up to be sick during the night...why did her baby die...why did hers just get diagnosed...why did hers relapse and hers not engraft...why?
Dear God...I am sorry I question you...am I the only one...how do I manage all of this...how do I make my head shut up...how do I make the enemy leave this place...how do I lean on you...Please God take away this burden from me...help me to be a better mother...a better friend...a more compassionate person...God please help me understand...In Jesus Name, Amen.
Posted by Eleasha @ 05:49 AM EST [Link]
Tuesday, September 9, 2003
Is it Tuesday again already?
Okay well here is the update you have all been waiting for...
As you know, last week Cody had surgery to determine whether or not he was suffering from severe GvH or something else...I am happy to say that all of the results were back today along with his Thyroid panel and everything is absolutely NORMAL!!!
This makes us ever so grateful and happy...PRAISE GOD! Our only concern now is trying to figure what the problem is...since everything we can think of has been checked...we are all out of ideas...this week, we will attempt to switch the g-tube formula and Dr.K. said that she would speak with Dr. Treem to determine if they have any other ideas at all...Cody has taken almost no food or drink by mouth since before he was admitted tot he PICU a month ago...he has tried things here and there but nothing tastes right and he always turns away from them...yesterday and today though he did eat some chicken...Thank God for KFC...
Anyway...Cody's 9 month studies are scheduled for next week and then so long as everything is worked out at home we will be on our way back to sleep in our very own beds...THANK YOU LORD!
Speaking of home...Cody and I spent a couple of days over the weekend at home with Greg before his hip left again for the rest of the month this morning...
It has really been a rough week and I ask that everyone please keep our family in your prayers...going through life altering events can get very trying for everyone involved...it is unfortunate but sometimes the problem here and now can cause so much turmoil that we miss the bigger picture...
We continue to stay and prayer regarding our financial situation while we remain here and it is our sincerest hope that soon we will be in a more stable position...we are grateful that the Rummage Sale Fundraiser will be held at Calvary Chapel in Virginia Beach on September 20th...aside from that we have a few people working on some other fundraising ideas including a car wash and a bake sale...if you are able to help in anyway...please let me know...
Now for some really important stuff...
My mom's birthday is this Thursday...while our nation will mourn the second anniversary of the NYC tragedy...my mom will be turning 29 again...please be sure to keep her in your thoughts that day...
Also...
Our friend Tommy Bennett will also be celebrating his 4th birthday next week...this Sunday, Tommy will wrap up his chemotherapy and be admitted to the unit to undergo his 3rd transplant...Tommy has a disease called Sanfillipo Syndrome and he is one of 3 children in his family who all suffer from the same disease...without a successful transplant, Tommy would likely pass away by the age of 15...unfortunately, Tommy's brother and sister are too far progressed in their disease to be able to go through transplant...so Tommy is his family's hope for the future...please keep them in your thoughts and prayers...
www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
Baby Noah will also celebrate his very first birthday on September 16th...Baby Noah is a miracle in the making and we are so blessed to see him here...God has been so wonderful to Noah and his family...please continue to pray for them...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah
Of course...all of friends need your prayers and support...so don't forget to keep up the good work...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:58 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, September 3, 2003
Well I figured I should update before I headed off to bed...
The journal entry from yesterday which gives a very specific lists of our needs while we are here in Durham will be listed in the Journal History section of the website tool bar...I cannot express my gratitude enough for your kindness and generosity over these last few months...it is my deepest desire that soon our family will no longer need donations to stay afloat but instead will be in a position to make donations to other families who are in the process of going through similar situations...Again I can only say please help us if you can and thank you for all that you are able to do...remember every little bit helps...the box of diapers is just as important as the rent...the $5.00 gift card for Wal-Mart will stock us up on household goods...every dollar is one more than we have now...I feel like I am begging for donations...but we truly are in a very tight situation these days...I spent several hours tonight trying to make heads or tails of receipts and expense reports...I began to make a plan and reach out to my family and friends in an effort to come up with some more fundraisers...I am happy to say that there is light somewhere at the end of the tunnel even though it seems well off in the distance...at least we can see it...HOORAY!!! Praise God for allowing you all to help us get this far...Praise God for always knowing exactly what we need and how we are going to get it...as a human I sometime fall short of the glory of His mercy in my mind...I wonder off in my thoughts and my worries consume me but I am confident that He will provide for us just He has and always does...Just as he provides for the sparrow, so He shall provide for me and my family...for we are His and He dwells within us...PRAISE GOD!
Now onto other topics of interest...
Once again I am left to ask the question...Surgery Anyone?
Cody's surgery went well...the procedure lasted just over an hour and Cody was ready to leave 10 minutes after they let me into the recovery room...we came home and he slept off the anesthesia...he hasn't felt that great the rest of the day, but still felt good enough to complain about not being able to stay and play with Patrick when we went to pick up Riley...
We should have some solid answers by next Tuesday when we see Dr. K. I will make sure I give detailed update then for sure...
I need to extend a very special heartfelt THANK YOU to Carrie, Patrick, Baby Jordan and Grandma and Grandpa Horton...if it were not for them, I would have spent today at the hospital with Cody in surgery and Riley driving me crazy...they graciously offered to spend the day with my youngest and gave me the opportunity to focus my attention on Cody and his needs...I really truly appreciate you guys from the bottom of my heart...Baby Jordan has Hunter's Syndrome and transplanted only a few weeks before Cody did...you can follow Jordan's progress by logging onto his website via the link our Friends page or by copying this URL into your browser window
www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
Also, I wanted to say Thanks to Alicia Bennett for making sure that I had help today...it meant the world to me that you came down to check in on us...You can check in on Tommy by clicking on his link on our Friends page or by copying this URL into your browser window
www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
Please continue to pray for our friends...ALL OF THEM and for us...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:24 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, September 2, 2003
Terrible Tuesdays have officially been renamed to Tolerable Tuesdays...Things haven't been so bad lately...Dr.K. has been really cranking us in and out...Praise God!
Anyway...not much new news today...tomorrow will hopefully offer us a whole lot of answers...we did find out today though that we are going to have to stay here in Durham for at least another couple of weeks...by the time we go home we will have been here for nearly 2 months...
It is because of this I am once again asking for your help...fundraisers are needed...BIG or small...everything helps...we are trying to maintain two households again and our expenses are astronomical...
Our current expenses in Durham are as follows:
Apartment/Hotel Stay: $60. per day to date (3Sep2003) we owe for 23 days
Groceries/Fast Food: $100. per week
Gas: $45. per week
Diapers/Wipes: $20. per week
Formula: $35. per week
Misc: ?
In addition, we have expenses at home...
As it stands, my husband is the only one working...on a monthly basis, he does not bring home enough net income to even cover the expenses here in Durham much less anything else...
The only way we have been able to make it as far as we have here on this long and winding road in Durham has been due to your generosity and kindness...Every day here is a struggle and a blessing...we appreciate all that everyone has done for us and we apologize for having the necessity to reach out and ask again...
Donations, Care Packages and Gift Cards are what will keep us afloat...Please take a few minutes to pray about helping out and then if you feel so led...you may mail donations, care packages or gift cards to our address here in Durham:
1304 White Pine Drive
Durham, NC 27705
Or you can always make monetary tax deductible donations via check or credit card using the Donation Link in the website tool bar...
We truly appreciate your willingness and ability to help us out in our greatest time of need...
Finally...we are working on a Rummage Sale/Fundraiser which will be held at Calvary Chapel in Virginia Beach on September 20th...if you have any donations or are able to participate in this fundraiser in anyway...please contact Tracie 757-971-0309
Thanks Again...
I will update after surgery tomorrow or Thursday...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:58 PM EST [Link]
Monday, September 1, 2003
Well as the weekend is coming to a close, I figured I would take some time and update everyone on all that has happened here...
Thursday morning after I updated, Cody got very sick...he was in the bathroom throwing up for quite a while...I called Dr. K. and she said he could go back to bed for a while before going to clinic...he slept for several hours and when he woke up he seemed to feeling a lot better...Grandma Paula took him to the clinic and when they got back, he took another nap...
Thursday night, Ben and Tina arrived...Cody rode with me to the airport and we drove around in circles until they came out of the baggage claim area...Cody was very excited to see them...
On Friday...we got up and headed over to the clinic...we had to drop off labs and get a weight check.... mainly as a precaution since he was so sick on Thursday...while we were there. Cody had school and he did really well...
After clinic, we went to Super Cuts where Cody, Riley and Ben all got hair cuts...it was a really nice day....
After Greg's ship got back into port Friday night, he went and rented a car and came here sot hat he would be with us for my birthday...
Saturday was my birthday...Cody had to go to clinic so Grandma Paula, daddy and Tina took him...after that, they all went down to 9th Street (Cody is allowed in the stores on 9th Street) While they were gone...me, Greg and Riley all went to he mall...it was really nice...we had a nice time...
Saturday evening we all went out to dinner and then Greg and I went with Ben and Tina down to 9th Street...it was a lot of fun...
On Sunday, we attempted to go out to lunch but unfortunately it was raining so we ended up ordering take out and bringing it back to the apartment...Cody and his daddy built some Lego�s and then they all went out for a little while...when they came back, it was time for them to leave...they all have to work really early on Tuesday and the drive from here to St. Louis is pretty long...Cody was really sad that they had to leave...
Today has been fairly lazy...Greg has to leave later on to go back to Virginia and tomorrow...Cody and I will be on our own with Riley...
Cody has his surgery scheduled for Wednesday...so keep us in prayer...
Well...that's all for now...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:04 AM EST [Link]
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Is it really Thursday already?
Well...Tuesday at clinic went well...we weren't really there for too long...Dr.K. came to see Cody fairly early because he was so sore from having surgery on Monday...she said everything looks pretty good and Cody's counts have been stable along with his kidney functions...the TPN and med changes have really done wonders for Cody since being in the PICU only a few short weeks ago...
Dr.K. did not make any med changes this week except for a slight increase in the FK506...our goalis to have his g-tube feedings increased to 70 cc's per hour over 10-12 hours by next Tuesday...he was tolerating 90-95 cc'c per hour until he got sick at home and had all of the problems with his kidneys...starting over is always hard so we go real slow...as he begins to tolerate things better we increase...
Dr.K. had Gil schedule us an appointment with Dr. Treem our GI doctor to discuss the Barium Swallow results from a couple of weeks ago...they look great and to also review a few of our other concerns...based on the fact that Cody continues to have regular issues with loose stool and occasional vomitting and that he has no real desire to eat or drink anything by mouth...they have scheduled him for a complete G.I. scope...they will explore his stomach, his small intenstine and his colon...Dr. Treem will look for GvH and/or any other viruses that or not detected through conventional methods and he will also take a biopsy of the small intensine to determine the amount of digestive enzymes in Cody's system...the surgery will be on Wednesday September 3rd...and Cody will receive General Anesthsia...
IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN COMING TO STAY WITH ME, CODY ANR ILEY NEXT WEEK...I COULD REALLY USE THEHELP...PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!
Cody has been doing really well with his school work they started back her a few weeks ago so Cody has been studying everyday...according his teachers, he is testing very well and is progressing wonderfully...HOORAY!
Ben and Tina will be here tonight and Cody is so looking forward to seeing his daddy...I will go and pick them up from the airport at 11:00 p.m. and Cody said he will be up and waiting fpr us to get home...
Greg called me last night...his hip came back into port...I was so excited to hear from him...he is going to come for the weekend also...I am very excited about seeing him...I miss him and I love him sooooo much...
Riley is cutting some teeth and it has caused him to have a rpetty nasty chest cough...he seems to just feel horrible and I feel so bad for him...it was really be awful to not be able ot tell anyone how you feel or what you need :(
Paula has been an AWESOME help...she has spent countless hours with Cody and still finds time to help with the house and Riley...I am truly grateful to have the help and I am blessed that the Lord has been faithfult o keep on providing for our family...
Cody and I will both be so sad to see everyone leave on Monday :(
I will update again soon...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
WANT TO HELP? AS ALWAYS TWO HOUSEHOLDS ARE HARD TO HANDLE...WE HATE TO ASK FOR HELP BUT FIND IT NECESSARY SOMETIMES...IF YOU ARE CALLED TO HELP, HERE ARE A FEW OF THE THINGS WE NEED...
1. PAMPERS SIZE 5
2. HUGGIES BABY WIPES
3. WAL-MART GIFT CARDS
4. SOCKS (they keep disappearing?)
5. KROGER GIFT CARDS
6. LYSOL
7. DISINFECTING WIPES
8. APARTMENT STAY $60.00 PER NIGHT
9. GAS GIFT CARDS
10. MONETARY DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE FOUNDATION BY CLICKING ON THE LINK IN THE WEBSITE TOOLBAR.
BY CHOSING TO DONATE, YOU HAVE GIVEN US THE OPPORTUNITY TO STAY HERE IN DURHAM AND TAKE CARE OF OUR CHILD WHILE WE MAINTAIN OUR TWO HOMES AND FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE...EVEN THOUGH THE WORDS THANK YOU SEEM SO SMALL IN COMPARISON, WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING.
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:23 AM EST [Link]
Monday, August 25, 2003
Surgery for lunch anyone?
Yes...once again our boy was up and ready to go just 30 minutes after waking up in the Recovery room...as usual he had us helping him get dressed, shoes and all before the surgeons even had a chance to sign him out...
The surgery went well and the lines are in place...Praise God! He did wake with a little more pain than usual this time though and we got home he slept for about 5 or 6 more hours...after his nap he got up and has been doing arts adn grafts incluidng Oragami every since...
We were blessed to have had such an uneventful day...I was truly pleased with the swiftness of the surgery and the way Cody handled everything...as always he inspires me to be so much better than I am...a better person...a better mom...a better everything...
Cody has been throuoghly enjoying his Grandma Paula...he has spent as many hours in each day as he possibly can right by her side playing and doing...then he sleeps with her at night...he just loves her so mucha dn I am so glad htat she is here to be with him...
Cody has been talking a lot about his daddy and Tina coming on Thursday...he is really excited about that too...
Riley has been his regular handful of a self...he figured out how to climb out of his portable crib this morning...I sat right there and watched him in disbelief...I was sure there was no way he could do it...SEE WHAT I KNOW! Anyway...rigth leg up...left leg over...and summersalt out...I am hoping he won't remember how to do it again for a while...especially since we are stuck living in apartments and hotels for a while yet...
As for me...I really miss my husband...I really wish he could be here with me...I just love him so much...it is hard to be away from him for a day much less a week or a month or whatever...I thank God everyday for allowing me to find my husband and for giving me the strength to marry him...God usre knew what He was doing...and lucky for me I wasn't quick enough to wreck it up :)
Anyway...tomorrow is our long day at clinic...Cody and I will be going while Grandma Paula stays home with Riley...the baby can't handle Tuesdays...On Thursday, I will stay home with Riley while they go to clinic...
That's all for now...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
WANT TO HELP? AS ALWAYS TWO HOUSEHOLDS ARE HARD TO HANDLE...WE HATE TO ASK FOR HELP BUT FIND IT NECESSARY SOMETIMES...IF YOU ARE CALLED TO HELP, HERE ARE A FEW OF THE THINGS WE NEED...
1. PAMPERS SIZE 5
2. HUGGIES BABY WIPES
3. WAL-MART GIFT CARDS
4. SOCKS (they keep disappearing?)
5. KROGER GIFT CARDS
6. LYSOL
7. DISINFECTING WIPES
8. APARTMENT STAY $60.00 PER NIGHT
9. GAS GIFT CARDS
10. MONETARY DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE FOUNDATION BY CLICKING ON THE LINK IN THE WEBSITE TOOLBAR.
BY CHOSING TO DONATE, YOU HAVE GIVEN US THE OPPORTUNITY TO STAY HERE IN DURHAM AND TAKE CARE OF OUR CHILD WHILE WE MAINTAIN OUR TWO HOMES AND FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE...EVEN THOUGH THE WORDS THANK YOU SEEM SO SMALL IN COMPARISON, WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING.
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:10 PM EST [Link]
Saturday, August 23, 2003
The kids and I arrived at The Norfolk Naval Base Gate 2 at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday we drove to the end of the street where we parked in the parking lot that overlooks whatever waterway that is and
watched until Greg's ship disappeared from sight...everyone thought it was the
coolest thing to see especially Cody...Jeremy was very impressed whent the ship
passed over the tunnel...from there we left and went cruising the Virginia Beach strip...of
course we forgot Riley's stroller so... we opted to just drive down Atlantic Avenue...we
went from there to Oceana so Michelle and Jeremy could see all of the jets amd other
planes...while we were out that way there were several F-somethings doing
manuevers so all of the kids were trying their best to look out the windows to
see who would spot the planes first...Jeremy decided that Cody would get to be
his Wingman and Cody actually agreed...we went to Friendly's for lunch (they
had outside seating...sort of...we had to order it to go and then we could sit
at the tables outside) When we got back to the house...Riley and I decided to go over to the NEX and pick up some Navy Pride stuff for Michelle and Jeremy...and Cody and Riley :) They
loved it!!! I went to the Commissary and picked up dinner...since we have no
dishes unpacked deciding what to make for dinner was a challenge but I made do
with a disposable caserole dish (which served well as a frying pan) and the
styrofoam bowls that were on the counter...I wanted to make Gorditas but they
did not have them so I settled for the doubledecker, hard and soft taco combo
mix thing...dinner was okay...
Our computer at home almost crashed...all of the memory is used up on it...I
deleted a bunch od game programs and ran the defrag but it still only
cleared up 7% of the space...I guess we will have to get rid of some of those
music files when we get back :(
On Friday, Nancy came to watch Cody...he had a great time with her...they
went to watch her son at baseball camp then he went over and met her
doggies...
I took Michelle and Jeremy to the airport...Riley came with me...he was a nut
ball...as usual.
After Jeremy's plane took off, Riley and I headed home in time for Cody and
Nancy to get back...Riley went down for a nap so Cody and I decided to take a
short nap before starting our drive back to Durham...we left the house at 2 p.
m. and it took nearly an hour to get through the midtown tunnel...after that,
the ride was pretty uneventful...Gunny(our dog) did great...Cody slept and Riley
screamed that high ear piercing scream about every 5 minutes or so...I thought I would die :(
Anyhow...we got into Durham just about 6:45 p.m. and Paula wasn't too far behind us...we
unloaded the truck and headed over to Duke to get Cody's port reaccessed...I
got his meds started at 8 p.m. which was an hour later then I am supposed to but
since then...I have done everything else...his pumps are all set up for when
the first rounds are finished he can just change over...I did all of g-tube
meds...cleaned up the house...moved Riley to my room...I cleaned up dog crap off of the floor and finally sat down to check e-mail...
Today...I got up and did Cody's meds and then we all took off for the Dollar store...after that, Paula took Cody to the hospital for his Cytogam...
Riley and I got a break and took a nap...
Monday...Cody is scheduled for surgery to have his new CVL placed so I will be sure to update after that...
Thanks for stopping by to check in on us...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 03:00 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Okay...Apparently I gave several people a heart attack...My last journal entry was a reflection of last year when was Cody was diagnosed with his relapse...I started off the entry with today's date 2002...I am truly sorry for causing undo worry...
Things right now...
We are actually doing pretty well here in Durham...Dr.K. is monitoring Cody very closely...they have adjusted his meds and they have placed him back on TPN which is definitely helping...
Cody is scheduled to have a new central line put in next Monday...this will be a tremendous relief on us all...As it stands he is on 20 hours of meds a day through one line...
Tomorrow after clinic the kids and I will be headed home to Virginia for a couple of days...
Jeremy and Michelle are both scheduled to fly out of Norfolk very early on Friday morning...I am sad they are leaving...so is Cody...
Greg will leave to go out to sea on Thursday for the rest of the month...I will miss him greatly...
Cody is getting very excited about his grandma Paula will be here on Friday and then his dad and Tina will be coming on the following Thursday...
It looks like we will be here until at least September 10...
I will update again soon.
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 04:47 PM EST [Link]
Monday, August 18, 2003
August 19, 2002...Once again life would be turned upside-down...
Not much different then the original diagnosis...the relapse diagnosis was almost as difficult to digest...the difference that nearly 3 of chemotherapy and treatment had made was gone...POOF! In just the blink of an eye...we would be told we had to start over...
Like everything else...Cody would write his own book with this relapse...
25% of all children diagnosed with Leukemia will relapse sometime during treatment or after...of that 25% only 10% will relapse in what is referred to as a sanctuary site...since girls are unable to relapse testicular...this type of relapse is very rare...
366 days ago...I was packing Cody for a planned visit with his dad...we were supposed to have a doctor check up with our Hem/Onc team and then Cody would fly out of Fort Lauderdale to St. Louis...At the end of the his trip to his dad's, he would fly into Virginia where we were to begin our new life...in our new house...with our new neighbors...at Cody's new school...
Instead...we were in a counseling session with or new Hem/Onc doctors...the team would explain our best treatment options...Cody's prognosis...and...and...and...
It seems like a lifetime has passed since August 19, 2002...but instead it has been a simple...difficult...trial enriched...365 days...
Praise God for always wrapping His loving arms around me...for always showing me Grace and Mercy.
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
P.S. Life here in Durham continues to progress...we do not have a whole lot of news yet...but maybe tomorrow when we see Dr. K?
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:03 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Well we have no real news to share yet...we got in to Durham at 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning...Riley screamed and cried until after 3:00 a.m. and then woke up and started over around 7:00 a.m. It was horrible.
We got up and headed over to clinic...we were there from 9:00 a.m. until 7:45 p.m. Although it was a really long day...I was extremely grateful to be back here where the doctors truly know how to treat Cody...
Dr. Kurtzberg made several changes to his meds and scheduled him to have quite a few tests done today...
First on our list was the Ultrasound of the Kidneys, Liver, Pancreas ad the Gall Bladder...everything looked fine except the Kidneys, which were enlarged...
After that we went in for a Barium Swallow...the swallow gave us WONDERFUL NEWS! Cody's throat seems to be maintaining his opening...It is our sincerest prayer that the dilatation procedure he had in May will be his last...during the Barium Swallow they decided to go ahead and do an upper GI...I do not know the results of that yet...
One of the med changes Dr. Kurtzberg made was discontinuing the Anti-CD 25 and adding Cellcept...the Cellcept is an IV transfusion twice a day...he had to receive his first dose in the clinic so that he cold be monitored for reactions...
Dr. Kurtzberg made the decision that Cody will need to have a new CVL placed...we should have a surgery date by next week...he is on too many IV meds for the port to handle...plus the port is not designed to be accessed for such long periods of time...it is required tat every 5 days we deaccess him, then reaccess him and put on new dressing...this leaves us wide open for infection....
Anyway...this is all we know for now...I will update again soon...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:35 PM EST [Link]
Monday, August 11, 2003
Hey there...
Thanks for checking in...
Today was kind of hectic...we were supposed to receive 6 hours worth of meds and then get discharged so that we could leave for Duke...instead...
We got our labs back and found out that Cody's labs were all out of wack...for the first time since March, Cody had to receive blood...his Mag levels are still low but he is on TPN with Electrolytes to compensate...
Anyway...it is 8:20 p.m. and we are getting ready to leave for Durahm...I have the laptop all packed up so we should be online and able to update after we get home from clinic tomorrow...
We are grateful to the Lord our God for his continued grace and mercy...we are thankful that our son has yet another chance to write his very own story...and we are truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family...
I will keep you updated...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:26 PM EST [Link]
Saturday, August 9, 2003
My future is so bright I've gotta wear shades...
Cody has continued to improve over the past few days...they have stopped the oral (g-tube) supplements and have placed him back on TPN with all of the necessary Electrolytes...
His kidneys are still in grave danger but with the medication changes and the TPN, they have been able to get his system back into normal ranges on almost everything...
The doctor informed us that Cody will be moved back to the unit...hopefully by tonight...from there, we should be released by Monday morning...upon our release, we will be on our way to Duke to see Dr.K. on Tuesday...
I have to say a special thanks to everyone who has taken the time to say the extra prayers and especially to those of you who have left such wonderful words of encouragement in the guestbook...
This stay in the PICU has been difficult for all of us...and without the prayers and support we wouldn't be on our way out tonight...
I have to get back to Cody now...so I will update again as soon as I can...
Thanks again for checking in...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 02:09 PM EST [Link]
Thursday, August 7, 2003
Well they say when you hit rock bottom the only way you can go is up...
I'm not sure if we have hit rock bottom but PRAISE GOD!!! Things are finally starting to look up...
Cody continues to have issues with his kidney functions and his electrolytes...he remains in the PICU and his status is stable but guarded...
He has been receiving a lot of Electrolyte Supplements in an effort to get the issues undercontrol...the problem with the increase in supplements is that most cause him to have diareha...the diareha screws up his electrolytes...so go figure that one out {sigh}
But have no fear...like I said things are looking up...
In the past two days that have been able toget him back into normal ranges...his kidneys are still not functioning properly so we will have a consult with a kidney doctor to find out the long term effects and what we need to do for treatment...
In the meantime, I called Dr. Kurtzberg yesterday and it is her feeling that our doctors here are in need of some serious help with Cody's treatment...she made quite few changes to what they were doing here and to his meds taking some of the stress off of his kidneys and ultimatley allowing the supplements to take affect and offer his body some relief.
We are still scheduled to arrive at Duke next Monday and from what I understand, Dr. Kurtzberg may have us transported there if we have not been completely stabilized and released from the hospital here by then...
We received word that our new housing will be availble next Tuesday...this is exciting...HOORAY! So we will be moving over the next few weeks...we are praying that the newer housing itself will help to resolve several of Cody's ongoing long term issues...the doctors at Duke determined that we are dealing with something called Sick House Syndrome...this happens in very old housing when there is mold, lead based paint and older heating and cooling systems...
Greg's ship gave him leave next week so that he can work on getting us moved...this works out well because that means that the baby can stay with him instead of going with us to Duke...(me by myslef with all of the kids...that would have been a total nightmare!)
God continues to bless me with peace and strength...Cody has continued to be blessed with rest and healing, and as always strength...
We are so grateful for all of you for the many prayers and all of the guestbook entries and support...
It is time to go eat lunch so, I will be sure to update again as soon as I can...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Posted by Eleasha @ 01:16 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, August 6, 2003
Just a few short hours ago Cody was placed in the PICU.
This is very difficult news for our family; please keep Cody in your prayers.
It was a terrible day yesterday. They decided that Cody is in Electrolyte Kidney Failure...meaning that the damage sustained by his kidneys through years of chemotherapy, relapse, transplant, drugs, drugs and more drugs it has become nearly impossible for his kidneys to effectively manage his electrolytes...in an essence, his kidneys are failing to properly maintain his electrolytes.
Up until now we have only been concerned about the Magnesium...however, over the last day he has began having issues with his Potassium and Calcium as well...Making his situation critical.
Last night, his body began to exhibit all of the classic symptoms of electrolyte deficiency...his hands were stuck in a cramped like position pointing upwards towards his bicep. He had double vision with trails. He has continued to experience bloody noses and added puking and more diarrhea to his routine last night.
At 2 in the morning, I made several phone calls to let our family know what we were dealing with...of course, ultimately we remain in a "wait and see" mode.
The Lord is capable of ALL things...He is able to offer us strength when we think we have none...He is able to lift us up from the depths of despair when we are stuck there...He is able to heal our broken body with His will when we are dying. I pray today that He will move and do all of these things for Cody...for us, his family.
Again, we beg for your prayers...
Thanks for checking in.
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:55 AM EST [Link]
Monday, August 4, 2003
Well things never seem to stay UP around here for too long...
Cody remains sick...we made our way to clinic today and all of his levels were down again drastically...his hemoglobin had fallen back to 8.3 and his Mag levels were back down to 0.9...
He continues to sleep and sleep and sleep...
Yesterday morning he scared the wits out of me...I awoke to find him pale with blue lips...I called out his name (I was terrified to touch him for fear he would be cold) and after the second try his eyes popped open...I was like your lips are blue! He said, "Yeah I had a blue Popsicle before bed" OKAY HEART ATTACK!!! No More blue Popsicles before bed!!!
Tomorrow, we will be admitted back to the Naval Medical Center where Cody will receive Mag over a day or two...and maybe a blood transfusion if it is necessary.
I know my updates are usually a lot longer...but I am out of stuff to say for today...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 04:37 PM EST [Link]
Saturday, August 2, 2003
Well, Things remain fairly crazy around here...Cody is doing better but still not 100%
His Hemoglobin was really low on Wednesday so the first thing on Friday, they drew his Type and Cross...his CBC and then his Cytogam was ran over two hours.
Greg had the day off, so he took Cody and Riley to the hospital while Jeremy and I stayed behind and Tracie from church came over to help us clean...
We spent 4 hours cleaning the house...we did the floors, the bathrooms and everything that I do not usually have all the time I would like to have to do them...About noon, Greg called and told me the CBC results, Cody's hemoglobin had increased on its own so he did not require a transfusion...PRAISE GOD!
Cody remains on 6 IV meds per day plus all of his oral meds...he was feeling sick last night so he went to bed early...I checked in on him frequently...
Jeremy has been having a rough time coping with all of the hustle and bustle around here...with Cody in the hospital and sick so much lately things have been a little topsy turvy...so, we made plans to let Jeremy go and hang out in Florida with Grandma Sherrill for a week...Jeremy will fly back next Saturday with Michelle...
I am looking forward to having Michelle here...I miss her a great deal and she is a tremendous help to me...it means a lot to me that she will be here...
Greg's sea schedule is starting to heat up...he will be out to sea the week of August 11th...and then he is home for a few days and they go out again on the 21st through the end of the month...
My grandpa came to visit with my aunt Crystal for about 5 minutes today...Grandpa is very set in his ways...Jeremy left with them and will be riding back with Grandpa and Glen to Florida starting tomorrow morning...if Grandpa has his way, they will be on the road by 2 a.m. Please pray for Glen :) Between my grandpa and my kid...I'm not sure he will make it through this with his mind intact :)
Khalita...Michelle is here through the 22nd...and then anytime you are interested in moving in with me after that would be AWESOME!!! :)
Christina...let me know when you and Rick have settled into your new house, we will definitely plan a trip when Cody is stable enough to travel...
Anyway...things remain crazy but God has definitely saw fit to move His hand and calm my heart...I continue to pray daily for peace of mind and sanity...I pray for healing for our entire family...the Lord is awesome ALL of the time...and I am blessed to know Him through Jesus Christ...
I have to go handle some meds so...I will update again later...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 12:19 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
I am sorry I haven't updated in a few days.
Cody has still been having a rough time...he is doing better but has been sick. His blood cultures were still positive as of yesterday. His blood pressure is still high but they have him on the Amlodipine which seems to be helping trememdously. He continues to have diareaha and vomitting. He has lost several pounds again as his weight 2 weeks ago was 21.2 kilos and today it was 18.6...each kilo is roughly 2.2 pounds.
Cody was released from the hospital yesterday. We had to go back this morning for most of the day to receive meds and to be checked and re-checked. It looks like he may have a fungus on his tongue but we are not for sure yet.
They sent us home on Vancomycin plus all of his other meds...I am now trying to figure out how to administer 3 drugs via one IV line...he has 2 drugs that are given Q12 (twice a day) and one drug which is to be given Q8 (three times a day)...In addition he is still on all of his regular oral meds with the addition of Amlodipine again.
Overall, Cody seems to be doing okay...he is still sleeping quite a bit but...I think if I were him I would to...
Tomorrow, we will return to clinic for a Vancomycin level and to plan out when we will be headed back to Duke.
I am a mess...I cannot seem to get anything in order...my house is a big fat mess...the dishes are not done...I haven't been home for long enough to breathe much less clean...I haven't had any time with Jeremy or Riley and the only time I have had with Cody ahs revolved around medical issues...my husband is working and scheduled to go out on a Fast Cruise for 3 or 4 days in like a week and half...so then I will be even more alone...I just feel overwhelmed...I have been praying without ceasing and I am begging my Father to lift these burdens from my heart and my shoulders...I pray each day that the enemy will just elave us alone...I reached out for some help from my church and my family in Florida...the church is coming to clean on Friday and Michelle, Laura's daughter will be coming to spend 2 weeks with me starting one week from Friday...I am grateful that the Lord has blessed with some many people willing to reach out and help.
That's all for now... I will do my best to update again soon.
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 01:55 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Well Greg came to relieve around 5:30 p.m. We hung out as a whole family for about an hour and then me and the other two boys left for home...
We had a rather eventful night and then an even more eventful day...
Cody only has a port now...which means he only has one line going in...well he is officially on 6 IV meds...his meds are now taking approximately 7-10 hours to transfuse depending on the day...in addition, he is still receiving all of his oral meds...they have increased his steroids again and had to add his blood pressure medicine back to the mix...
We had a HUGE scare today...Cody's blood pressure went up to 158/115...I had asked a few hours before this happened for them to administer his Niphedapine (fast acting BP med) this was when his blood pressure was 140/95...I also asked they add the Amlodipine back as a maintenance drug since his steroids are up so high again...anyway...the doctor opted to only order the Amlodipine...well within 2 and a half hours, he had soared up to the highest ever 158/115...well I freaked out! I went out and told the doctor I wanted the Niphedapine NOW! I then called Dr.K. because I wanted her back up...which I got...the Niphedapine made him puke all over himself and I felt really bad...but it worked...an hour later, he received his maintenance dose of Amlodipine which he will be on until further notice...
Now...as if that wasn't exciting enough...they came back in a little while later and gave us the bad news that new cultures from last night were also positive...this time they grew a whole lot faster...the ones from Friday took about 30 hours to grow...the ones from last night took about 16...sooooo...what now?
We have no idea...
We were supposed to leave for Duke tomorrow after clinic, but, that will only be possible if the cultures are able to tell us if what we are dealing with...so far the only thing we know is that they are gram positive...
Greg has to work tomorrow...so I will up really early to go to the hospital...Jason is coming over at like 6:30 a.m. to pick up Riley and maybe Jeremy too...he will watch them until Greg can get home and get them...
I guess we will figure out what's next once we know whether or not we are getting out or not?
NOW ON THE BRIGHT SIDE...
The hospital had Christmas in July and since we were in we got to participate...Cody saw Santa Claus and he received a Spiderman and Green Goblin Walkie Talkie set...it is really neat...and he loved it...he saw two clowns and had an entire Harley Motorcycle Club called Rolling Thunder drop by and give him lots of attention and lots of love! He enjoyed...Praise God he was feeling well enough to enjoy it...
AND ANOTHER PRAISE REPORT...
Our friend Malcolm is 97% donor cells on transplant Number 2! Way to Go Malcolm!!!! Please keep us and all of our friends in your prayers...
Please be sure to sign the guestbook while you are...we love the entries...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:23 PM EST [Link]
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Well...if it is not one thing it's another...
We are on our way to be admitted to the Naval Medical Center.
Cody's blood cultures grew positive so we will be admitted until further notice...I am so upset...I just feel like bursting into tears!
Cody started crying asking me WHY? HOW AM I SICK? I didn't even know what to say...
This just sucks...
PLEASE SAY AS MANY EXTRA PRAYERS FOR US AS YOU CAN...Pray for our sanity and for Cody's well being...
Thanks for checking in...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:14 PM EST [Link]
Friday, July 25, 2003
Hello Out THERE...HELLOOOOOOOOOOO!
I am beginning to feel as though you don't love me anymore...no guestbook entries for like two days...don't you understand, we really enjoy reading your words of encouragement...your hellos...and your love.
Anyway...enough whining...on to the update...
We had our day in clinic...things went rather well...Cody's mag levels have increased significantly...PRAISE GOD!!!! 2.0 today...We spent quite a bit of time talking with a pharmacists at Wal-Mart the other night and he really gave us a lot of input on how to better mix the drug to get it down the g-tube...you see the problem has been that the crushed mag is not liquid soluble...the only thing we have been able to make it kind of dissolve in has been Pepsi (the carbonation makes it work) but still I was concerned that he was not getting the best amount of the drug that he could...apparently after seeing his levels today...I was right...Thanks to Jeremy the Wal-Mart pharmacist for helping us out so much.
Aside from the mag levels, I have been a little concerned about Cody's overall demeanor...he has been sleeping quite a bit...not hardly eating anything and just overall depressed...I haven't been able to determine if he doesn't feel good or if he is just depressed...I'm guessing it is probably a little bit of both...
We went bowling yesterday...Dr.K. had given us permission to go if the alley was basically empty and it was...when we got there...there was only one other family bowling and they were at eh other end of the bowling alley...Cody and Jeremy bowled and did really well...of course the bumpers were up to help them...but we all had a blast...except for Riley who had to stay strapped into his stroller...I was afraid he would run down one of the alleys or something :)
We have a long weekend ahead of us...Greg has duty tomorrow...which means he goes to work tomorrow morning and does not come home until Sunday morning...so far he seems to love his ship pretty good...he has spent this whole week in something called ship of school...that is where they teach all of the newly checked in sailors the rules of the ship and the command...
The boys and I will be working on getting the house cleaned tomorrow so that when we leave on Monday for Duke we won't be leaving Greg in a "war zone"
I have been working on starting up my on little business...buying and selling video games and game systems...so far so good...I am very excited...I will soon be putting together a business plan and making it an actual incorporated business...we have all been participating and we are having a lot of fun together as a family...
My mom and Glen finally set the date of December 27th to get married...I am very excited for them...my mom has been working on getting all of the details worked out and I just know it is going to e absolutely beautiful...
My aunt Joanie had her surgery and is working on recovering...from what I understand, she has been having some issues with reactions to the anesthesia...so please remember to keep her in your prayers...
That's all for now...thank you so much for checking in on us...please be sure to sign the guestbook and let us know you were here...it means more to us then you know.
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:08 PM EST [Link]
Monday, July 21, 2003
Well here is where we are...
We went to clinic today and Cody's magnesium levels came back at 1.2...a little lower that Saturday but they are at least maintaining better than they were on Friday...Cody received several meds while we were at clinic and then Dr.C. and I sat and had a nice long talk...it did me some good to better understand what is going on...
The weekend was crazy for me emotionally...and even now, I am a little on edge...I am worried about my baby...I continue to pray though that God will lift this worry from my heart and that I will be able to level off and get back to normal...I praise God that He has continued to keep His hedge of protection around Cody and the rest of us...I praise God for keeping me sane through all of this...
Now on to the GOOD NEWS!!!!
Our family in Sarasota, FL at Calvary Chapel Christian Fellowship did a garage sale fundraiser for us this weekend and it raised a very nice amount of money...PRAISE GOD!!! He always knows what we need when we need it!!! Drena and Dara hosted the sale at their house and it really was a great success...Dara is 8 and she was quite the salesperson...sharing the story of her little friend Cody and why someone should pay $20. for a bouncy ball :):):):):):):):) In addition, the youth group came out to help with the sale and they also had baked goods! The church did such an awesome job...I know that God will surely bless them 10 fold for their efforts...
Drena has been an adopted member of our family for quite a few years now and I am forever grateful for the love and support she has offered us through out these trying times...I am grateful to have her in my life and in my family...
We also need to send out a huge thank you to Drena's brother Wayne for the efforts of his Sunday school class who raised a couple hundred dollars for Cody...HOORAY!!!! PRAISE GOD!!! AND THANKS!
Now while we are on the subject of Drena and Dara...please keep Dara's daddy Mike in your prayers...he was diagnosed with throat cancer and will soon start chemotherapy and radiation...please pray for his complete healing and for his family as they endure the terrible ordeal called Cancer.
A big thank you to Yvonne for her efforts also...helping out with the garage sale and also planning the other two fundraisers this fall...THANK YOU!
And last but not least...HOORAY!!! The Calvary Chapel Virginia Beach, our home church whenever we are in town :) has agreed to do a Rummage Sale for us in about 6 weeks...we are truly grateful for this since we are not allowed to host our own garage sale in base housing...this wouldn't be any big deal if we didn't have a garage full of stuff that we were saving for the garage sale we didn't know that we weren't allowed to have :) SO ANYONE IN THE VIRGINIA BEACH AREA WHO HAS ANYTHING TO DONATE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW...WE WILL BE RENTING A STORAGE UNIT NEAR THE CHURCH FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS TO MAKE IT EASIER TO PREPARE ITEMS FOR THE SALE...
We will be moving soon to our new base housing...we do not have a date yet...but our housing manager came to see us on Friday...our doctors feel that moving into newer housing will be a benefit to Cody since he seems to get sick every time we come home...so...hi ho hi ho it's time to move again :):):):):) YEEHAW!
The pictures from Riley's birthday party will be posted shortly so make sure you check them out!
I love you all...thanks for checking in...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:59 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Well for my own PEACE of Mind, I contacted Dr.K. to let her know all that was happening on Friday night.
She e-mailed me back late in the evening and stated that like Dr.C. and me she was very concerned about the magnesium levels...
HOWEVER, unlike Dr.C. waiting until Monday was inadequate...she prescribed an extra Magnesium boost of 1200 mg, which she had me give to him at 1:00 in the morning...
In addition, since he has started having diarrhea again, she had increased his steroids...there is a catch 22 in doing this...without the higher steroids, his GvH is flaring up rather significantly...with steroids, his CMV will show higher numbers...GO FIGURE?
Anyway...
Friday night and well into Saturday morning...I slept very little...I had Cody sleep in the bed with Greg and I so that I could keep an eye on him...I checked his pulse every hour or so and monitored his breathing through out the whole night...
Saturday morning, I woke up and called Dr.C....I told him that I was worried about waiting until Monday to get another Mag level...especially when Dr.K. said that if the mag levels had not increased with the high boost doses he had received Friday night that she recommended him be admitted...SO...we went to Naval Medical and had a mag level drawn...we waited for the results to come back and to find out if we would be checking in or not...
WELL PRAISE GOD... Cody's levels did come back up...on Saturday afternoon, after he had received a total mag boost of 2800 mg...1600 more then his regular daily dose...he was back up to 1.3 HOORAY! Of course, he is still extremely low but 1.3 is way better than 0.8...
I am really glad we went because I needed the Peace of Mind...
So anyway...that's where we are today and we are very grateful that God continues to take care of our Cody and us...
I know this update is probably a little scattered and I apologize but I am still pretty tired...the past few days have been really scary for me...I continue to turn to the Lord in prayer and reach out to you for all of the prayers and support that we can get...I appreciate every one stopping by and leaving all of the wonderful words of encouragement...it has meant a lot to me...I love you all...
Riley's first birthday was yesterday...we celebrated with a little family party...Riley ate his cake all over the place and I will be posting those pictures later...he loved all of his wonderful new toys...and we were happy to be home as a family to celebrate his life...THANKS GOD!
I will update when we get home from clinic tomorrow...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 01:30 PM EST [Link]
Friday, July 18, 2003
Well I am beginning to wonder if Cody will forever be re-writing the pages of medical history...
Today was a very scary day for us...
We got to clinic around 10:30 and everything was going along fine...Cody received his pentamidine treatment and was almost finished with his cytogam...Dr.C. came "running" into the transfusion room and looked me dead in the eye and said...PLEASE TELL ME THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVING HIM HIS MAGNESIUM...I was like yes...noticing the urgency in his voice, I became extremely alarmed...
Dr.C. went on to inform me that Cody's mag levels had fallen to 0.8 when normal is 1.7...Cody had begun having issues with his mag levels while we were in Durham this last time...actually through out his post transplant process, he has occasionally needed a mag boost via IV...well, while we were in Durham this last time, he was getting it every other day AND even with that he wasn't showing normal levels...I HAD NO IDEA WHY THIS WAS SO IMPORTANT...
Well, Dr.C. took me into a room and begin to explain to me how this happens and what it means...
Apparently through out the past four years of chemotherapy, radiation, transplant and, and, and...Cody has sustained damage to his kidneys called Renal Tubal Damage...these tubes inside the kidneys are tasked with determining what and how much of any one thing in the body is waste...Cody's damage is allowing his body to discard too much magnesium...
This drop was very significant because on Wednesday he was at 1.4...so this can mean that his issues of just gotten worse...fast.
Now according to Dr.C. any other person with a mag level of 0.8 would be in dire straits...not our son...if it weren't for his blood work, no one would even know that he has all of these "potential" problems lurking...
Dr.C. went on to tell me that being magnesium deficient can cause him to be hypersensitive...meaning that his body would over react to stimulation and may even over react to nothing at all...this hypersensitivity can cause him to go into cardiac arrest...meaning he can have a heart attack...
Dr.C. sat and talked with Dr. Porea for a while trying to determine what we were going to do while we waited for an additional lab report to come back...we needed to make sure that there were no lab errors...the new report came back a 0.9 no better really...They discussed whether or not they were going to admit Cody straight into the PICU...they were trying to decide if putting him intensive mag therapy, heart monitors and constant nursing care was the best treatment for him...
The decision was made that since he has no other symptoms that they would allow us to come home...they have increased his mag supplement at home and change the way the doses are to be given...we have a list of symptoms we are supposed to be on guard for including cardiac arrest...SO, we have put a "FIRE PLAN" in affect...Jeremy has been given explicit instructions on how to take care of Riley, go next door and call 911...Greg and I have taken a "refresher" course in CPR and printed out the steps just in case it is necessary...
To be honest I am kind of scared that we are home when he could possibly be in such grave danger physically...as a family we have made a pact that at least for the weekend Cody is "King Cody" and he is to be treated as though he is a very fragile China Doll...
Dr.C. is on call for the weekend...we live very close to the Sentara hospital...
Above all of that we have God and I know that Jesus will carry us through each and every trial no matter how big it may seem to me...my God is just so much bigger...He will never give me more than I can handle...
I will only update again over the weekend if something comes up...otherwise, I will update on Monday to let everyone know what is happening...
Thanks for checking in...while you are here please sign the guestbook, as we need all of the encouragement we can get right now...I am really having a hard time with this.
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:47 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Well we are back home from Florida...
Jeremy and I truly enjoyed our time with my mom, Glen, Chris, Ed, Laura, Julianne and everyone else on the east coast...
Our trip was full of so many things but most of all it was full of love and quality time with those that mean the most to us...I am so grateful that we had the chance to go and I want to make sure that my mom and Glen know how much we love them and how much we loved hanging out with them!
On Saturday, Chris rode with me to the West Coast where we attended Jillian's services...they were absolutely beautiful...
I sat towards the back in the center rows...Up above me were these really pretty stained glass windows that caught the sun just perfect...where I was sitting was basted in about 45 different spectacular colors! A rainbow shined down in the church the whole time we were there...
During the service Jillian�s church family and friends got up and shared their memories and thoughts about Jillian...the Children's Choir director led us all in song and we sang This Little Light of Mine and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands just like Jillian used to...we did hand motions and everyone had big giant smiles...I could help but cry then...it was really touching...the choir director had such a beautiful voice...God truly did bless her with an AWESOME gift...
After the service we headed over to the Memorial Gardens where Jillian's body was laid to rest...the sky kept trying to rain but I think Jillian kept us covered because hardly any drops fell...the deacon and deaconess who spoke during her service said a few prayers...and then the pastor gave Jillian some very pretty flowers...Laura and Ken said goodbye to Jillibear and we all headed back to the reception hall...
The reception hall was full...everyone was celebrating the little girl that had touched so many lives...I had the opportunity to speak with Laura for a few minutes...I was amazed at how well she handled everything...I hugged her and I was grateful for the chance to be there...even though mostly I did not know what to say...
I met Kim, Whitney�s mom...Whitney transplanted at Duke a few years back...she is a beautiful young woman now and a GREAT example of SUCCESS!!!
I also had the chance to meet quite a few members of Jillian's family...the neatest thing happened...almost all of them seemed to already know me and Cody...it would seem that many of them have been following our progress too...FOR THE LOVE...THE PRAYERS...AND THE SUPPORT...WE THANK YOU!
At the end of the reception, we all went outside to send Jillian a whole bunch of BIG PINK BALLOONS...her mom wrote a note on one and her dad played the Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley...I cried again...I am guessing there were at least 100 people there and all of us watched the balloons until we could not see even one left in the sky...her dad said that the balloon release was special because at the Memorial Gardens, we are forced to look down as they bury the body...but releasing the balloons forces us to look up where Jillian is now...During the balloon release, I noticed that the balloon that Laura had written the message on floated up the fastest and the highest...it was much further ahead of all of the rest of them...I am confident that Jillian reached down and got that one as fast as she could...I know she loved her little pink treasures...
I'm not sure but I think that Chris and I were the last to walk out of the reception hall...I had a really hard time leaving Laura...but I knew it was time to go.
On the home front...Greg and the boys did a really great job...Cody is still getting tons of meds and going to clinic every day so Greg definitely had his hands full but he did a great job and I am thankful that he is my husband...Cody helped take care of himself and Riley, I am blessed with 3 awesome sons...an awesome step daughter and a SPECTACULAR HUSBAND...THANKS GOD! YEAH ME!!!!!
Our flight home was great and we are sure glad to be back...Greg checked into his ship today and has to be there tomorrow at like 6 something in the morning to muster...
All is well...thanks for checking in.
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:07 PM EST [Link]
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Cody and I woke up early yesterday morning...Greg had a meeting with the Lieutenant at the NROTC so I was left on my own with all 3 boys...we hurried but it still seemed to be forever before we finally had everyone dresses...all the meds done...and the blood drawn...
We got to clinic around 9:00 a.m. and by 9:30 a.m. they had Cody's meds started...HOORAY!
Greg met us in clinic and we negotiated on who would be the lucky winner of 3 hours of packing...somehow, I won! So Jeremy and I left to go pack up the room...this way when Cody's meds were done we would be on the road and on our way home...
Well Cody's med were scheduled to finish at 11:30 a.m. and they did...when Greg called to say they were on their way back to the room...Jeremy and I had done nothing...we had not even packed one single thing...it seems we spent all of our time on the computer making plane reservations for Florida...
You see...
Each time a child passes away from anyone of these horrible diseases, my heart breaks...especially when a child passes away that I knew and loved...I have witnessed so much sickness and death since I came to Duke...it is amazing that there is still as much hope in my heart as there is...
Anyway, my heart has been at each and every Celebration of Life...but my physical being has been unable to go to any of them...my heart's desire to wrap my arms around that mommy and tell her that I love her...that I am sorry...to just be there...
With Jillian's passing...I searched for a way to go to her services...just as I did when McKenzie passed...just as I did when Reese passed...when Travis passed...when Ryan passed...when Mitch passed...when, when, when...well as always I found soooooo many obstacles that I was sure there was no way for me to go...I would stay here at home praying for her and her family and wishing I could do something...anything...wishing I could be there.
Little did I know this time would be different...my mom and Glen decided to help us make the trip...Jeremy and I will leave tonight and stay until Tuesday...on Saturday my mom and Jeremy will spend the day together while my friend Chris rides over to the West Coast with me for Jillian's service...I am grateful that I will have the chance to be there...although I so wish I was going to visit them for a fun filled day at the beach in the Florida sun instead...
If it were up to me I would going there to watch a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Mexico...hang out with a feisty little girl named Jillian who I had met at Duke several years ago...Cody would be with me and all better...I would have my whole family there and it would be a reunion of friends instead of a "Celebration" of Life service...
Praise God for healing Jillian...I am ever so happy that she is home in heaven with Jesus...I just have a hard time understanding why all of the time...Lucky for me I do not need to know all of the answers...I just pray and God leads me...as time goes on I learn to accept, however small my understanding may be...
So after Greg got back to the room...he and I rolled through it as fast as we could and we were all packed by 1:00 p.m. we left Durham and made it home by 4:30 p.m. YEAH!
Greg will be here with Riley and Cody so say some extra prayers! They have clinic on Friday and Monday and then Greg checks into the George Washington on Tuesday...our plane will come in around 3: something so hopefully Greg will be able to come and get us...if not then...TAXI!
I have a very long list of things to do today before we leave so I really need to go and get the day started...I love you all so much and our whole family truly appreciates you stopping by to check in on us...
Don't forget how special it makes us feel when we know that you have been here...the page counter is nice but the guestbook entries mean so much more...signing in only takes a second longer but it fills our hearts with joy for the whole day!
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
"They will be Mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. Malachi 4:17
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:14 AM EST [Link]
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
More Tears on Earth...Another Angel in Heaven
Jillian has gone home to be with Jesus.
Jillian was a very beautiful little girl and we were blessed to have known her and her family...My heart is just broken in two.
I thank God that He healed completely and whole today...I just fail to understand...I am only human and I have no comprehension of His plan...it's bigger and greater and more complex then I am...
I am so very sad that she had to go...I know that when Jesus looked down from heaven and saw all of her pain...He said NO MORE...THAT'S ENOUGH! He called her home and she is CNACER FREE...FREE OF PAIN...FREE OF DISEASE...FREE.
Please pray for her family that they will continue to have the strength that only the Lord can provide...
To offer your prayers and support to the Lamparyk family please log on to their website at: www.caringbridge.org/fl/jilliann
Our day at clinic was fairly quick...they cancelled his Spinal Tap...Dr.K. decided that with the such a high amount of CMV active in his blood stream it was too risky to subject his spinal fluid to possible contamination...we totally agreed...Dr.K. asked Cody a lot of questions regarding his headaches and then said that she did not feel that the symptoms and pain that he is experiencing is very likely related to some of the meds that he is currently taking...the plan is to wait until his CMV is completely under control and then if he is still having regular headaches they will decide on a Spinal Tap then...
We do not have any of the CMV results back from this week yet, but bar any major issues, Dr.K. has already said that we should be able to go home tomorrow.
I will update again soon...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 02:35 PM EST [Link]
Monday, July 7, 2003
As promised...I am here to update...
We have very little news as to whether or not the new medications that Cody has been have begun to do there job and knock the CMV out of his system...What we do know is that he is still A-Symptomatic (showing no outright physical signs of sickness) and that his energy level has been "ok"
His runny nose has subsided some but now he is experiencing bad headaches again...he has been having this problem on and off for a while now...they have done 2 CT Scans and several Neurological exams in an attempt to determine what the problem is...all of these tests to no avail...Finally tomorrow, they will do a Spinal Tap...we are praying that the results from the fluid will come back ALL CLEAR! Aside from the headaches, I get the impression that overall he does not feel well...he will not admit that to me, as he does not want to stop trying to be a normal little boy...
He has had to take naps the past few days though...
Cody has had to be in clinic every single day so they could check his weight, which is good...and so they could listen to his lungs, which also sound good...
He has been having some trouble holding on to his Magnesium so he has received two separate mag boosts since Saturday, including one today...
His 6-month studies have started coming in...His chest x-ray was all clear...his echocardiogram looked good...his pulmonary function test came back with a little bit of a change from before but they are not worried...and his swallow study showed a decent improvement since the last serious of throat procedures were preformed...non of the immune studies or blood studies have come back yet...I will let you know when they do...
Since we have been staying at the University Inn...the Bowman's are just downstairs and we have all been enjoying quite a bit of time together...the boys have really just plain enjoyed spending countless hours out of each day with Simon and Andrew and of course Ice...while Ellen and I just talk and talk...it has been really great to have time with them...
We spent the 4th of July on the roof of the Duke North Pavilion parking garage...we went there in an attempt to see fireworks while be far, far away from the crowds and the smoke...the Bowman�s went with us...when we got there we met a couple of other families that are in different phases of transplant and it was really great to have a chance to hang out and talk to everyone even though we could not see hardly any fireworks at all...The Yost family was there and Andy's dad saved the day...they had a box of sparklers and some fireworks...the boys thoroughly enjoyed watching the "little" stuff up close...we headed back to the hotel at around 11:00 p.m. and called it a night...
Most of our days have been spent in clinic and our nights in the hotel...I know that we will all be happy when they release us to go home...of course none of us want to leave until we know that everything is starting to work and the CMV is under control...
Tomorrow will be our long clinic day and we will have a meeting with Dr.K. if we are lucky we will have the CMV results back by tomorrow night and we will know that things are the way up...
I will update more about us tomorrow or Wednesday...
In the meantime, I must really ask for you say as many prayers as possible for one of our transplant family members...Jillian L. who also has Leukemia and transplanted her at Duke with us...we spent many months with Jillian and Laura on the unit and in the clinic...for many weeks, it seemed as though Cody and Jillian were on some sort of cosmic plain together, experiencing all of the same issues, viruses and what not at the same time...on several occasions we would spend time out with them and through out the whole thing we became very close...Just after Cody's relapse in March, Jillian relapsed also...Jillian's relapse has proven to be much more troublesome...her and her family begun working up for a second transplant as most of her original donor cells were wiped out by the new chemo and the Leukemia blasts...subsequently Jillian has gone for many weeks now with No Immune System at all...as of late, she has developed a severe case of pneumonia, in addition to an active case of the CMV virus and a few other unidentified infections...since she has absolutely no immune system to fight these infections the doctors have offered her family little hope of Jillian being able to recover enough to make it to the 2nd transplant, without which, she has no good cells...the doctors have told her family to begin to consider hospice and to prepare for the worst...
This news is devastating to her family and to all of her friends...Jillian is a very beautiful, very spunky little girl who is bright and full of life...it is our prayer that she may be healed completely according to God's will...it is our hope that His plan is to heal her here on Earth.
Please stop by and offer Jillian and her family your prayers and support...they truly need as much encouragement as they can get right now www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
In addition, please pray for our other transplant family member Jacob...Jacob transplanted on the same day as Cody and they spent a lot of time together on the unit and in clinic...Jacob has Burkett�s, which is the worst kind of Leukemia/Lymphoma you can have, it is very rare and very difficult...Jacob and his family have fought long and hard to get this far...For the past week, Jacob has been in the hospital and fighting a nasty case of pneumonia also and his family has asked for as many prayers as possible...Jacob is an awesome young man who has more love and affection then any other child his age I have ever met...
Please stop by and offer Jacob and his family your prayers and support also...they too need as many as they can get right now www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob
Until next time...
Please keep praying...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 04:56 PM EST [Link]
Friday, July 4, 2003
Freedom...
Independence...
Choice...
Inherent Rights...
Today is INDEPENDENCE DAY and we will all come together in celebration of our country's freedom.
This freedom was achieved by our forefathers...men who believed that all of us were created equal and that we had certain inherent rights as people...
Later on in history we would celebrate many other freedoms...Slaves would earn the right to be Americans...Women would earn the right to vote...Other countries would learn of democracy...and Soldiers would return and return and return and return from war...All MEN and WOMEN would in fact be created equal...we have had our difficulties "growing up" but never-the-less we have grown and we have prospered...
I am grateful that I was never forced to make the choice to run in the night fearing for my life in the underground railroad...I am grateful that I never had to burn my bra in protest...I am grateful that I never had to go out to fight in a war...I am grateful that throughout my entire life the only thing I have ever known is freedom...
For my whole entire life I have had choices...certain inherent rights...freedoms...independence...I have had the ability to decide whether or not I wanted to be this or that...I have had the ability to decide...
Blessed to live this in country, I took for granted all of my freedoms and for many, many years...I never realized that I was really a prisoner...oppressed...unable to be free...I was confined by my life...I was STUCK in SIN...
It would be many years of mistakes and misery before I realized that the only true freedom I could ever have was the freedom that was offered to me in and through Christ.
The country I live in offers me the opportunity to worship whatever God I choose...it gives me the right to be an Atheist...an Agnostic...a Muslim...a Jew...a Hindu...a Christian.
My country gives me rights...the freedom to choose whether the baby I am carrying will live or die...whether the life I lead will make me rich or poor...whether the deeds I do will earn me a medal or land me in jail...My country gives me all of these choices...just as my God did...
For many years I wondered around this country...I made life decisions based on my sins...I neglected the needs of others and I lived to satisfy my own selfish desires...I did many things, bought many things, acted many ways in an effort to fill that void...the hole...the emptiness in the pit of my soul...never CHOOSING to realize that what I was missing was fundamental...
I neglected to realize that the knock I was hearing was Him...He was calling me...
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me. Revelation 3:20
I live in country where I have always been free...BUT...I never experienced freedom until I accepted Christ. Until I realized that real freedom came when I was released from sin...when I began to walk in the light...when I realized that the only way to be saved was in and through Jesus Christ...when I found out that the sacrifice on the cross was so much more then just an event in time...it was my freedom! The fireworks should have gone off that day...every Jew and every Gentile was given a choice...every Jew and every Gentile was set free.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
Today...I celebrate my freedom...I celebrate the life that has been given to me...I celebrate the choice that I was afforded the opportunity to make...I celebrate a man who gave His life to save me from sin...I celebrate the Father who sent His son to die for me...I celebrate the Lord! I celebrate today and every day.
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Cody's CMV levels are still high...they have increased his IV meds and we are scheduled to go to clinic every single day for check ups...overall, he looks and feels pretty good...Praise God for that blessing...
Cody got his first haircut since September yesterday and it looks really great...I will take pictures and post them when I can.
Tomorrow is my Grandpa's 76th birthday...the boys call him Grandpa the Great...he is an awesome man and I thank God every day for placing him in my life.
We will be in Durham at least through next Wednesday...Pray that Cody will be well enough to go home then...
I will update again on Monday after I know more...
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:53 AM EST [Link]
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
Well...
Dr.K. officially cancelled our vacation plans during our clinic visit yesterday...Cody's CMV results came back really high this past week so they wanted to start aggressively treating him...we were all devastated but none of us could have been half as upset as Cody. Dr.K. would not budge on her idea that our trip was a bad idea...we were given a long list of what if's and finally a big fat "AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE" if you go...we discussed with Cody's family in St. Louis and we all agreed (not because we wanted to) that we had to "obey" Dr.K. and cancel our trip.
The decision to cancel the trip was very difficult to make because of how emotionally traumatic it was for Cody...he has been looking forward to this trip for nearly 2 months now and he has made plans with his family members there in St. Louis...Dr.K. said that she felt the compromise was that she was going to allow us to return home...
Apparently...we should have left last night...of course if we had we would have been on our way back today...
This morning brought more bad news...Cody's CMV levels went from 2 to 36 last week and then to 57 this week...basically Cody is a very very sick boy, again...Praise God he is still A-Symptomatic (not showing signs of the disease physically) but inside his body is working hard to fight off this potentially fatal virus...CMV, also known as Cytomegliovirus, causes very severe case of Respiratory Distress and/or Pneumonia...this virus can wipe out his donor cells and his immune system...it can also force him to require help breathing and in a worse case scenario take his life...
We are extremely upset by the latest development...as this is the virus that claimed the life of our little angle McKenzie only a few months ago...we are crying out in prayer as a family and we beg you to stop right now and pray your hearts out for Cody to stay strong...
We are all staying in a hotel room...while it is the biggest hotel room we have been in thus far it is still very difficult for 5 of us to coincide here...so, Greg will be leaving with the baby tonight and I will stay behind with Jeremy and Cody...we will be spending the next week or so in clinic every single day for meds, meds, and more meds...plus check ups and whatever else they may decide to do to him...Greg will return our rental van while he is home (we rented a van for vacation) and then he will come back over the weekend or early next week with the truck...we are trying to get into an apartment if we have to stay any longer...
Chances are I will not be able to start my new job...I plan to call them tomorrow with the latest developments...but Greg us required to report for duty in his new ship no later that 15 July...so I may be winging it here on my own for a while...
We really appreciate you stopping by to check on us...I will do my best to keep the site updated...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 04:27 PM EST [Link]
Friday, June 27, 2003
God is GOOD...ALL OF THE TIME!
The past few days have been fairly uneventful...
We spent most of the week trying to figure out what to do to no real avail...it has been very hot and very humid out and we have been wishing we still had a pool!
Anyhow...the beach has been nice and we are certain that eventually we will be able to go to the Gator Pool and play on the waterslides...we haven't felt comfortable going there yet because of the crowds...
On Thursday, I received the final word...the job is MINE!!! Hooray! I start in mid-July and they liked me so much I basically work whenever I can...I am very excited to be working for AFG...and I am so very amazed at their willingness to work with me and still offer me the opportunity knowing up front that my priorities are at home first...God surely did open this door, because Satan couldn't even get a curve ball in...
Today we went to the clinic and everything went great...Cody was given a clean bill of health...we picked up some prescription refills and saw Dr.C.
Riley and I went for a visit at our doctor before we met back up with the guys at the clinic...I was actually supposed to have an appointment but there was a scheduling mistake so mine was cancelled...I went ahead and had the doctor check Riley because he has been sporting a low grade fever the past couple of days...he finally cut a new tooth but to be safe, I had the doctor check him anyhow...While we were there a man came in having a stroke...his name was Mr. Garr and I would like to ask everyone to pray for him and his family...he was having trouble with basic motor skills and he could hardly talk.
Now about our upcoming trips...we are all so SYKED! I have been working really hard to get a good deal on a rental minivan...the prices have been really high...well finally today, another door opened and Budget is having a "sale!" I was able to et the minivan for a lot cheaper then what was showing up yesterday and we are all set to leave for Duke on Sunday night. We will be in Durham until Wednesday morning and then we will head to St. Louis...We will be there Wednesday night and stay until Monday morning...
I posted a couple of very important prayer requests on the home page...our friend Jillian was d/x with pneumonia and could really use some extra prayers www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian...also the other prayer request is for a wonderful family who came from Greece to transplant their two sons who were d/x with Sanfillipo Syndrome, both boys passed away within 3 weeks of each other...this family can use many, many, many prayers www.caringbridge.org/nc/koumpourasboys
Of course, the prayer requests could list out to infinity...each and every day we face more and more tragedy...it is my sincerest hope that you will just pray as hard as you can for all of the families that are dealing with the trials of terminal illness and transplant...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 1 Corinthians 15:20-21
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:22 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Things are going really great!
Cody has had an AWESOME week...we checked into clinic today at 11:15 a.m. and we were done with everything at 3:33 p.m. Cody weighed in at 21.2 kilos and everything else was normal except for a pretty bad headache. Dr.C. prescribed him some Tylenol and then did a Neurological exam during our regular check up, just as a precaution. Everything was fine.
We have been a very busy family...we are enjoying our time together as a family and we have been making the most of every single day...we went to the beach yesterday...the boys had a great time...I stayed out of the water since the seaweed was everywhere...I hate that stuff! Cody, Jeremy and Riley were covered in it...EEEEWWWWW! The boys worked really hard an built a sand castle with a swimming pool and a fortress...while they were digging they found an albino crab...it was missing some legs but didn't seem to mind...I think Greg cut his legs off but he said he didn't think so...it was really kind of neat...we watched him for a little while and then he tried to come over by me...I made Greg take him somewhere else...he walked him quite a ways up the beach and then put him back down in the sand...when we left he had come back to his spot and was digging back into his hole...the boys really thought that was cool!
We have officially made our 4th of July plans...we will be headed to Duke this Sunday...Cody will undergo his 6 month post transplant immune studies...can you believe that today is day T + 175...time certainly does fly by...anyway, after the tests are all done in Durham we will be headed to St. Louis to celebrate with Cody's family there...we are all excited about the trip...while we are there, Greg's parents and brother will be coming in for an Elk's conference so we will get to see them also before we leave on Monday to come home. Ben and his mom are helping us pay for the trip and we are very grateful. While we are there the we will get our dogs back...Cody is just beside himself...he gets to spend a week with his family in St. Louis and when we leave for home our doggies will be with us...
As for me...I still have not received any word on the job...they did call today but we were in clinic and by the time we made it through the tunnel and home, it was too late to call...we shall see tomorrow...the bright side is I have another interview for a part time position at a Christian law firm on Thursday...this job is also exciting to me since I am only about 24 credits from finishing my second degree...my first one was in Communications...this one started off as Political Science but I have decided to finish it out as a Paralegal...I can finish the degree in like 3 or 4 semesters...
Greg finally received his orders and will report to his new ship the USS George Washington by 15 July 2003. He is very excited about his new assignment and we are all excited for him...Our neighbor is stationed on that ship also so I won't be by myself when it comes to getting plugged in. YEAH ME!
I will update again this weekend before we leave to go out of town and then I will be offline for a week...
Please make sure to keep us and the rest of our transplant family in your prayers today and every day...Also, while you are here SIGN THE DANG GUESTBOOK!
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
What does "He ascended: mean except that He also descended to the lower earthly regions? He who descended also ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach unity in faith and in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:9-13
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:27 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Each day holds in store something New and Exciting and with my kids...sometimes it's each minute :)
The past few days have been rather uneventful...Cody went to clinic on Friday and received his Pentamidine and Albuterol nebulizer treatments...Greg took him and I cleaned the house while they were gone...WHEW...what a job!
Friday also held a new job offer in store for me...I was really excited when I went and interviewed for it on Thursday...it took nearly 4 hours to get through the whole process and as I left the events of the interview replayed in my mind...I knew they would offer me the job...and then it hit me like a ton of bricks...if they do, what will I do...first let me preface this and tell you that this job is working for a non-profit organization...it would be my responsibility to work with teens who live in troubled households...this is a company that I have a true heart and passion for since I have been a part of the organization myself since I was only 14 years old...when we came to Virginia for Christmas 2001, by accident we drove past the World Service Office for this non-profit and I immediately pointed to the building and said..."That's where I want to work!" This was 8 full months before Cody would relapse...it was 7 full months before Greg would accept his new orders to the area and it was well before our lives would e forever changed by a journey we never could have imagined or prepared for...Praise Be to God that we are still here together as a family! Anyway, that December when we returned home, I took it upon myself to make contact with the HR Coordinator at the organization and make myself known...they had originally wanted to interview me for a position in early 2002 but we were not ready to relocate at the time, plus God knew a lot more then we did about what was about to happen...anyway, throughout the months, I have stayed in regular contact with them...well last week they called and scheduled me an interview which was this past Thursday...they were supposed to have a few more candidates to interview before they made their decision but...they called and made me the offer on Friday morning. A great starting salary...my perfect job...but the hours are way over my head...there is no possible way for me to work them...SO...I made an appointment and off I went to divulge my personal information to my potential boss and the HR Coordinator...I did not feel that our family situation, Cody's treatment and the rest of it were interview material...However, now they had offered me the job...it was their right to know before I accepted the position what my obligations are upfront...so I told them all there is to know and then told them that the ball was in their court now...so since I know God will not give me more then I can handle, I expect to have word of God's decision on Monday...I am at peace with the whole thing as I know in my heart that I handled it the right way...
WOW! That story was longer then I thought :)
Okay so on to more exciting news...I have had the opportunity to team with Kim, Kody's mom www.caringbridge.org/fl/kodysstory and we are working on the Memorial page...it would seem we both have very similar ideas as to what is a proper tribute to all of the losses we have experienced either in person or through Caringbridge...I will be updating the In Remembrance page with links to a whole new page once we are done...I am very excited about this, as my original ideas for the In Remembrance page kept making the whole site crash...some of you may recall the Bandwidth Exceeded Error a couple of months ago...well...anyhow, Kim and I are combining our efforts and I believe the outcome is going to be AWESOME!!!!
Other than that, Cody and Jeremy have been driving us crazy...they are always BORED! They are always hungry...and they are always GOING< GOING< GOING...I love it!
Riley is really moving around and he has an official vocabulary...it includes YES and YUCK! It also includes AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! Which apparently means give it to me now!
We tried to go to the beach yesterday but there was an Island Party going on in our normal spot...we would not risk exposing Cody to that many people...
We have been spending time with Jason and Liza again which has been fun and Cody has been really happy to have them over a lot...he just absolutely loves them.
Well...Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2
Posted by Eleasha @ 02:40 PM EST [Link]
Thursday, June 19, 2003
FIRST LET ME SHARE THE MIRACLE...BABY NOAH HAS BEEN EXTUBATED AND IS HOLDING HIS OWN IN THE ARMS OF JESUS RIGHT HERE ON EART...HE WAS MOVED TO THE UNIT AND IS PROGRESSING WELL! KEEP PRAYING FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY!!! www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah

Well I tell ya...If it's not one thing...it's another...
Cody did great at clinic on Tuesday. Greg went with him while I went to my own doctor's appointment. I finally went in for a general check up and took a list of referrals I needed to get. Everything went great for all of us and we were back home...Cody's labs looked great and the ones that needed to be FedEx'd to Duke were sent off without any problems...
EARLIER THAT MORNING...(actually before that)
Over the weekend while we were in DC I started having some trouble with my tummy...to be honest since no one else had any symptoms, I assumed I had eaten something bad...well, Tuesday morning was started with Marina in the bathroom...we had to call her mom and figure out what the best plan of action was...since I already had a doctor appointment, I couldn't keep her home and since she was sick she could not go to the hospital with Cody...Cody was really upset that marina had to leave as they had planned to hang out together at the hospital and do arts and crafts...
SOOOOOOOOOO...
It would seem we have a little virus running wild around our house...first me, then Marina...yesterday was Jeremy�s turn and today...we are not sure but we think Cody may now have it too...
Why aren't we sure.... wellllllll...that's the big story for the week...it goes like this...first let me tell you, I have not been this upset in a very long time...I broke down and started crying and everything...
So here goes...
A week ago Tuesday, I informed Dr.C. that Cody was running low a drug called Vorinconazole...this drug is an anti-fungal and protects Cody from different types of bacteria and what not...
On Friday when we got to clinic, I reminded Dr.C. that he needed to put or prescription in so that the discharge pharmacy could have it to us by the end of our visit...Dr.C. attempted to put the order in when the computer rejected it with a notation that the drug was restricted...RESTRICTED? What the heck does that mean...DR.C. called the doctor in charge of this with me sitting next to him...I could hear this doctor become overtly annoyed with Dr.C. when he questioned why we could not have the drug...the other doctor when on to inform Dr.C. that this drug was not the BEST choice for our son and that he did not "feel comfortable prescribing it" he told Dr.C. that he would not release the drug...MIND YOU THIS DOCTOR MADE THIS DECISION WITHOUT REVIEWING OUR CHILD'S MEDICAL RECORD OR CONSULTING WITH HIS ATTENDING PHYSICIANS...WITHOUT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT OUR CHILD'S OTHER DRUGS OR ANYTHING...
Being the kind of girl I am I decided that there was more than one way to skin a chicken and I was going to pick my battles...little did I know...this WAS my battle...
Anyway, after I heard the doctor telling poor DR.C. in a loud voice NO (in Durham, near Duke this is a very easy fix)...so, my response was okay write me a script and I will get it from Kroger...off I went prescription in hand...I take it to Kroger, who of course does not stock it sooooo, we are informed that they would order it and have it on Monday...okay we have enough to last us, that's fine...we go to DC for the weekend...we return home...we try to pick up the drug...no drug...Kroger was unable to get the drug and no one called us, WHY NOT? Now, we go across the street to Walgreens...they will order it...later they call they can't get it either...not even their distributor has it available...WHAT!
By Tuesday morning it has been a full 24 hours since Cody has received his drug...when Greg gets to clinic he explains to Dr.C. that we have been unable to find the drug and that we really need this other doctor to release the drug...Dr.C. being the AWESOME guy that he is had already been working and advocating for us since the previous Friday and had finally gotten the other doctor to relent and release the drug...BUT (yes there is more)...the hospital also did not have the drug...maybe Friday...
Every Tuesday, I send an e-mail to Dr.K. at Duke with a copy of his CBC and his Chemistries...with a report of what has been happening through out the week, Cody's weight and his meds...Needless to say the fact that we were out of his Vorinconazole went over like a fart in church...Dr.K. was very upset with this information and for the very first time, I was informed that hits drug not only protects Cody from different bacteria and infections...it also affects his FK506 level...FK his immunosupression drugs and considering we just got a very huge case of Graft vs. Host Disease under control, anything that can screw up those levels is a BIG deal...Dr.K. gave me an ear full to which of course I was like but, but, but...and then we went on to try and figure out a solution...Dr.K. decided that she was going to call Dr.C...she did and learned the same thing we did...so she decided that Duke would overnight us the drug...well, our insurance does not cover Duke Pharmacy so, the Pharmacist calls us and tells us that she can ship the drug to us but we would need to offer payment of $471.92 for a 30 day supply...
NOW I AM IN TEARS...We can't get the drug here and we can't afford the drug there...and my son's life is being threatened because some (insert bad words here) doctor decided he was uncomfortable with the drug...
All the while we have this really wonderful Pharmacist from Walgreens calling us and telling us his progress to try and find the drug...I refer the Pharmacists from Duke to him because she has some other ideas of how he may be able to find the drug and dose it out for us...MJ, the Walgreens Pharmacist, calls me up (mind you I am almost hysterical) and tells me that he has it worked out and they can have by tomorrow (which is today) in the meantime, he has found a Farm Fresh pharmacy by the Children�s Hospital which has the drug and will sell us enough to get through the day...
THANK YOU MJ...THANY YOU WALGREENS...(I could do a commercial)
After I pulled myself together, I made a decision that all of this was a bunch of BS and that a formal complaint was necessary so I contacted the Social Worker and then Patient Relations...THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO US (or anyone else) AGAIN...I don't give a damn if that doctor doesn't feel comfortable with the drug prescribed by our transplant team and treating physician...he can argue with them later, not while we are in need of the drug...
Now, the virus...if Cody had been on his meds as prescribed and started having the issues he has today, I would be able to say whole heartedly that it is just a case of whatever stomach virus the rest of us have been having...but...since all of his meds are messed up, this new found diarrhea may be the re-start of his Graft vs. Host Disease...it is my honest and humble prayer that this is not the case...PLEASE PRAY WITH ME...Cody cannot handle going through that again...he has finally started getting his weight and energy back...I just cannot even begin to imagine how losing and gaining like that can effect his body...
Sometimes it is really hard to keep a sense of humor...
Other than ALL of that things are going well...we are enjoying our time together as a family...and we are praying that tomorrow will be sunny so we can go outside and play...
Cody has clinic tomorrow and will receive his Pentamidine and Albuterol treatments...it should be a short day...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:21 PM EST [Link]
Monday, June 16, 2003
This Land is Your Land; This Land is My Land...
The traffic to get Jeremy and then back was absolutely terrible but we are all too excited to stress out :) We met Neil and Cindy and got Jeremy in a little town called Crystal Spring, Pennsylvania...the whole entire town consisted of one building which was the general store, the post office, and the diner...the welcome to and now leaving signs were literally 30 feet apart...
We had such a Spectacular time in Washington, DC...our nations capitol is really quite an amazing place!

We thought we had it all figured out with our trip being so cost conscious and all...but...you get to the hotel and it cost a truckload of money to park...then one bellhop gets your bags out of the car and another takes them upstairs (tip one guy...tip two guys)...the kids were always hungry and the only thing within walking distance was Chinatown...HA, Again! Room Service anyone? $15.75 for 2 eggs and some bacon plus you have to tip(the same thing at Denny's $2.99 and it comes with hash browns and toast) The housekeeper come sin to clean more tips...then when you check out one bellhop, two...there went all of out money to you...but wait we have to find more for once we exit the valet wants more...So even with our well thought out budget and priceline buying, the trip was still Very Very Very expensive...
BUT HONESTLY WHO CARES!!!! WE GOT TO BE A FAMILY ON VACATION...LAST DECEMBER IT LOOKED AS THOUGH CODY WAS GOING TO LEAVE US...NOW THIS JUNE WE WERE ALL TOGETHER OUT OF THE HOSPITAL...
We started off the morning walking down to Chinatown and looking for some place outside to eat...that was when we realized there was no way Cody was going to be able to make all of the walking...after we ate, we went back to our hotel and started trying to figure out our options...
We ALL had such a wonderful time, we ended up renting a limo once we figured out Cody could not handle walking...the tour bus trips were only $25. cheaper and the crowds on the buses were much too risky for Cody to be around...so we splurged (hey, who needs groceries next week anyway...heheehehehehehe)...the kids ran back and forth in the limo while we all stuck our heads out the window...the sodas were free and the kids thought this was just the absolute greatest thing, so we drank a bunch and even considered "borrowing" some for our hotel room...the lights inside the car changed colors and we though that was cool too...and even though Greg and I had been in a limo before and so had the kids you would have thought it was our very first time...
Our first stop was the White House...AWESOME!!!! The house is so pretty and the rose garden is spectacular, you can smell it from more than a block away...The US Treasury was our second stop and it was equally as AWESOME!!! The whole city is filled big bronze statues of country's founding fathers and government icons...
From there we went on to the Lincoln Memorial...it was absolutely SPECTACULAR! President Lincoln was really an awesome man with great vision...we were so blessed to have had him for our 16th president...directly opposite fo the Lincoln Memorial is the Washington Monument and the reflecting pool...on the way out, we went and saw the Korean War Memorial, this was very special to me since my grandpa did several tours of duty there...I paid many respects to this Memorial in honor of Donald Jacques, US ARMY...I am truly grateful that my grandpa came home and that today is an awry old man who is retired in Florida :)
After that we went on to the US Capitol Building and the Supreme Court...again AWESOME!!!!!
We ended our limo ride at the National Air and Space Museum...we went in and looked at everything, it wasn't too crowded so Cody kept his mask on and we breezed through it rather quickly...for Father's Day the kids bought Greg the flight simulator...he loved it!
As a military family, I think touring DC was even more special...since September 11th...so many things have changed in the capitol...many streets are still blocked off to moving traffic...there are officers all over the place and in some places it looks like our security color code is RED! In a way it made me sad to realize who different our lives are today...
Today we got up early and went swimming in the hotel pool...the kids had so much fun and I was able to get in some relaxation before we got packed and headed out of town...
Once we were packed, we headed off to Arlington National Cemetery...I knew there was no way Cody could handle walking through the acreage, so we went ahead and bought the tour guide tickets...it was truly a blessed experience...the remains of so many soldiers are buried there and we were able to pay our respects to them...as we rode through, I said a prayer for all of the brave souls who have gone before us and I said thank you...from Arlington we went to the Pentagon where we ended up getting in trouble for taking pictures...we had no idea that they were not allowed...another September 11th tragedy...we ended our Washington DC trip with a drive by of the Jefferson Memorial and the Potomac...the only we missed was the Vietnam Memorial Wall :(
The best part of the trip was the fact that we were all together...we were a whole family...me, my husband and all four of our children on our very first real vacation (Durham does not count) and none of us had ever been to DC before so it was new and exciting for everyone...we did not take any video games, we watched only 2 hours of TV on Sunday night and basically we all just hung out...we had tickle fights and bed jumping parties...pillows flew from here to there...and there was plenty of hugs and love for everyone to share! God is good!
Since we were out of touch, I have not had the chance to follow up on my kids...when I finally did sit down and start reading tonight, I found a very nasty guestbook entry on our little buddy Noah's page...an unidentified Debbie signed and wrote
"Do all you people use your kids to get money given to you?
your kids are going to grow up begging
look at the horton kid his family is just like that
get a job pay your own bills"
I am always amazed when I come across such a sad example of a human being...It is my request that anyone and everyone stopping here tonight will make it their business to pray and pray hard for Debbie...she needs all she get lest she be struck down with a real trial of her own...
In the meantime,
In case the nasty Debbie from Noah�s guestbook is reading...it is our desire to have many more trips like this one to DC, we want the opportunity to make real memories with our children even if we really shouldn't be spending the money we really don't have to be spending... if you don't mind, we could really use a donation for when we go on our next adventure, heheehehehehehehehe!
Cody has a super long day at clinic tomorrow so that he can receive a ton of meds...pray that he tolerates everything okay and I will update again on Wednesday...
Until next time...
In love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:12-14
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:44 PM EST [Link]
Friday, June 13, 2003
Superstition is not something I suffer from, for I know that there is no such thing as "luck" whether it be good or bad...there are only blessings, they way we view the daily trials we face is completely up to us...each and every day offers us new insight, new chances for gratitude, new visions of hope...each and every day offers a chance to learn and be closer and more like Jesus! Praise God! I am a work in progress and every day I learn, every day I pray.
So Friday the 13th is just another day...black cat's do not jinx my path...and broken mirrors do not cause 7 years of folly...I do knock on wood but only because it reminds me to pray...and I do believe that everything is part of God's divine plan...no need for superstition when the story is already written!
Anyway...
The last time we saw our hero...was Tuesday we had a lengthy day at clinic but all things went well!
On Wednesday, Cody and Greg got up and went to the amusement park for the day...they had a blast! Riley and I stayed home and hung out with each other until the boys came home.
On Thursday, we all got up fairly early and tried to go over to the base water park...it wasn't open yet...they were actually working on filling the pool and are scheduled to open for the season this weekend...so off we went in search of somewhere to swim...we ended up a State park on the Chesapeake Bay and we had a whole lot fo fun...basically it was like we were at our own private beach with a really great big sand bar...we all walked out to the sand bar and played for a while...Riley got to try out his new baby float and he loved it...Cody and Greg rode their boogie boards and my bathing suit top broke so all of my unmentionables were almost exposed...luckily I caught them before they fell out then I made Greg give me his shirt :)
Today, Greg and Riley picked Marina up from here very last day of 4th Grade while Cody and I went in to the clinic for a regular check up...Dr.C. said everything looks really good with Cody...we went over a few changes, Meredith drew out labs and away we went just in time to catch all of the terrible tunnel traffic...YEAH US!
We spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the house and doing laundry in preparation for our trip to pick up Jeremy and hang out in DC for the weekend...we are all very excited...especially Cody as he cannot wait to see his brother and the White House (hey, you have to have your priorities)
Life is good and we can't complain...
We won't be home until Monday so no updates until then...no e-mail access either but please keep sending them along with the guest book entries as ONCE AGAIN I cannot begin to express how much the entries meant o all of us...especially me :)
Until Next Time...Catch you on the flipside!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha & the Rest of the Motley Crew
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:55 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Life Goes On...
We have been home for nearly week and Cody is proof positive that no matter what the obstacle, life goes on...and on and on...
This week has been all about calorie counting and scale watching...it is like some sort of sick religion...every day we stuff as much food into him as he can take...at night we hook him to his kangaroo pump which administer a continuous flow of pediasure into his g-tube and then every morning we start the day with a weight check. Cody has been doing really well, he is back up to 19.2 kilograms which a far cry from the 17.9 kilogram low that we hit last week...each kilo is 2.2 pounds so "little" steps are actually major milestones around here.
Of course, the steroids have helped increase his appetite 10 fold...it would seem we are always cooking, preparing or looking for something to eat...I feel really bad for him because most of the time he has no idea what he wants and then on the occasion that he does know what he wants there is a 50/50 shot that we don't have it...we usually try to get him whatever he wants but typically our best-fast efforts fall short of his craving and he is on to the next desire before we can catch up...
The steroids also give us an added element of displaced anger and hypersensitivity. Lately our normally happy go lucky boy has been biting our heads off and then bursting into tears because he is a "bad kid." I have definitely been working overtime in the consoling department...it is very hard to explain mood swings to a 7 year old child...but I don't mind trying...to be honest, I just like the hugs and kisses I get after I have explained to him why he is NOT a "bad kid" and that getting angry sometimes is really okay :):):):):):):):)
Overall things are going well...we are still gearing up for Jeremy to come this weekend...we are actually driving halfway to pick him up and then we will all be staying in Washington D.C. for the weekend...Whew Hew! We are all very excited!!!
Until next time...please continue to pray...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:18 PM EST [Link]
Friday, June 6, 2003
Well today went well at clinic...we were there for just about 2 hours and Cody was evaluated and his blood was drawn for lab work.
Things have been going really well since we arrived home on Wednesday night. We had yesterday off from the clinic as Dr.K. decided to change our schedule some. We all slept in kind of late and then we went over to the other side of the river to pick up the car that my mom and Glen picked up for Greg. We just cannot thank you all enough...Greg has been tinkering away with his new project since we got it home...it is a good little car for the money and Greg is really happy with it.
As for the rest of us...we are trying to catch up with all of the house work and get things in order for Jeremy's arrival...we go to get him in 8 days :):):):):):):) We are all so excited about having him here...the weekend we pick him up we will be staying in D.C. so that Cody and the rest of us can tour our nation's capitol...since none of us have been there before this is really exciting!
We have started working on getting our dogs back from MawMaw and PawPaw, they get to come home when we go to Durham for our 6 month studies...Cody is so excited! He keeps talking and talking about it...I can't wait either...I just miss our little dogs so much!
We have also started trying to work out plans to go to St. Louis over the 4th of July...Cody's dad and whole paternal family live there and Greg's parents will be there for the Elk's National Convention that same weekend...Cody is especially excited about the prospect of going to see his family there as he hasn't been able to see most of them since before he relapsed last year.
Overall it has been a pretty amazing week...God is good ALL of the time...Always answering our prayers...
We ask for your continued prayers for our family and all of our friends...many miracles have occurred this week...
Jordan broke out of the PICU
Noah moved from the Oscillator to the Vent
Tyler went home to be with our Lord
Andrew started smiling and laughing again
Sarah may not have to undergo more chemo
Morgan is Neuroblastoma free
Cole had a really good doctor visit
Alex and Isaiah are home and progressing well
Carl had a blast on his home week from NYC
Khalita continues to offer her prayers and support to everyone
Carson had surgery and still played in his baseball game
Jillian is tolerating Campath treatments and soon to receive her stem cell boost
Tommy is preparing for his 3rd transplant on July 1st
The Nicoll's are digging out from under a few horrible months in transplant land
Ryan is doing awesome even though baseball season has ended
Aidan's family had a blast during their Make A Wish
Mitchell went in for his first Dr. visit since his port removal
Trevor looks great and will hopefully have a higher ANC today
Hunter is doing awesome
Trey is out of the hospital
Please remember all of our families and so many others each day as you say your prayers...Also do not forget to pray for our angels and their families:
Kyle C
Brittney
Ryan K
Keshon
Mitch
Reese
McKenzie
Travis
Jose David
Astophinas
Tyler
Well Until next time...PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Sow for yourselves righteousness reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:43 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Okay so yesterday went well at clinic...
We were there for about 11 hours and Cody received IVIG, Diclusamad, and Magnesium on top of his regular fluids...the diarreha and vomitting has pretty much stopped...but his weight is still down...
We are packing everything up to go and check out of the "Donald House" with orders to report to Naval Medical on Thursday and Friday for more fluids if necessary and more meds...
We increased Cody's tube feedings last night from 70 cc per hour to 80 per hour and we changed the concaution from 50% pediasure 50% pedialyte to 75% pediasure 25% pedialyte...he tolerated it well.
Dr.K. told us yesterday that so long as he is on the increased steroids he will have to stay on the blood pressure meds...and we are to keep increasing his tube feedings until we reach what we were at before all of this started.
Speaking of steroids and feedings, Cody has been eating everything...he has had a special interest in popcorn and the marshmellows from his Lucky Charms...he is constantly hungry and nothing is completely satisfying :( It is really hard for him and I feel so bad it seems like we are forever looking in the pantry or the refrigertor for something that looks good...nothing ever does...
It has been really nice here at the "Donald House" and we have made some new friends...we spent a while last night talking to Jey and Lori...they will give birth to their baby boy Degan soon and Degan will undergo a stemcell transplant for Krabbes...you can follow their story and offer words of encouragement to them at www.caringbridge.org/co/deganmiles
Anyway...I am really sorry to cut this entry to short but I need to go finish packing out the room adn getting everything ready for whem Greg gets back with the truck...we will be leaving here in about an hour and on our way home...we are scheduled to return to Durham at the end of June for our 6 motnh studies...can you believe it has already been 5 months and a few days since Cody transplanted.
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:56 AM EST [Link]
Monday, June 2, 2003
Well here it is the much anticipated update...
Cody has been doing a littl ebetter each day...his diarreha is almost under control completely...he is still having bouts of being in and out of the bathroom but nothing like it was...
Yesterday we went into the clinic for our daily dose of fluids and to our surprise Cody's blood pressure was through the roof...when we first got there we weighed at 18.3 kilos which was down .3 kilos from the day before :( Big Bummer! Anyhow, we progressed with our vital signs and Cody's blood pressure started off at 135/89...so we took it again...it was the same...within the next hour his blood pressure jumped all the way up to 145/107...that was when they decided to that immediate treatment was necessary...they gave him the fast acting stuff you put under your tongue and within 10 minutes his pressure was down to 116/75 much better...and definitely acceptable...
The Nurse Practitioner decided that the sudden blood pressure problems are most likely associated with the major increase in his steroids over hte past week and a half...remember since a week ago Saturday he has been increased 5 times the dose he was on...in addition to the fast acting stuff, they prescribed Amlodipine again which we were on when we were first released from the hospital but have been off of since late February or early March...
We checked in this evening just to make sure that the Amlodipine was bringing his pressure down toooooo much and we were pretty good at 113/76...HOORAY!
BUT...his weight has dropped again to 17.9...I just do not understand...he is using the bathroom less...tolerating his feed better and instead of gaining his weight back he is losing even more...we iwll of course discuss this in great detail with Dr.K. tomorrow while we are at clinic...I am sure this will most likely keep us in durham even longer then we had expected...I just can't see her releasing us to go home if his weight is continuing to drop...
Lately it would seem if it is not one thing it is surely another...
I was sad to have reject the job offer...God knows the money would have been a huge blessing...but the schedule and the chaos was just not something we could take on as a family right now...I guess I was day early and still a dollar short :):):):):):) Oh well, the Lord continues to provide for us every single day...
Speaking of providing...
I would like to send out a very special thank you to Sally Miller for her monetary donation...as well as the Prevost family for their very generous donation...we are ever so grateful for all of the help that we continue to receive from you all every day...
I would also like to thank Julianne and her father for the fundraising efforts they have done on our behalf this past week, the funds will certainly be put to to good use...and also a HUGE thank you to the INFIELD PUB for all of their continued fundraising efforts on our behalf...
Finally...a VERY LARGE thanks to Glen Croft and my beautiful Mommy for donating the car to Greg...he is very excited about getting it when we get back to Virginia!
THE MOST IMPORTANT REQUEST I CAN MAKE OF YOU IS THE ONE THAT BEGS FOR DAILY PRAYER...PRAYER IS WHAT WILL SUSTAIN...THE MORE TIMES IN ONE DAY THAT THE LORD IS CALLED UPON ON OUR BEHALF THE MORE TIMES IN THAT DAY HE HEARS THAT WE ARE ALL UNIFIED IN OUR DESIRE TO MAKE CODY AND THE REST OF THESE CHILDREN WHOLE AGAIN...
My Mom had a young lady approach her and apologize the other evening for only being able to offer prayer...and her response...was look at the results we are seeing from that once a day prayer...Prayer is in fact more valuable to us then any other donation or contribution we could hope for...please know that guestbook entries that offer prayer and words of support and encouragement are what keep us going...they pick us up on the worst days...they remind us to have hope when we feel hopeless...they offer our hearts a smile when our eyes are filled with tears...they give us strength to go on one more day...so Please always pray...the Lord will let you know if He wants you to do anything else...

For those who feel so led...
Care Packages and Donations can be sent to:
Cody Hoffman
PO BOX 61754
Durham, NC 27715
or to our home address:
1893 Port Lyautey Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Once again I am listing our needs:
WHAT WE NEED:
AS ALWAYS WE NEED PRAYER!
FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATES (i.e. MCDONALDS, HARDEES, DOMINOS, SUBWAY)
WAL-MART GFT CERTIFICATES (FOR TOILETRIES & OTHER NECESSITIES)
MONETARY DONATIONS TO HELP PAY FOR HOTEL STAYS
QUARTERS FOR LAUNDRY
PAMPERS SIZE 5 FOR RILEY
ENFAMIL LACTOFREE FORMULA FOR RILEY
Please continue to pray for the rest of our family...with very special prayer request going out for baby Jordan and baby Noah...you can log onto their sites by clicking their names on our Friends page...
Tomorrow is our very long clinic day...I will try to update when we get back...but no promises :)
Oh yeah...I almost forgot...the Ronald McDonald House is really nice...if you are ever in McDonald's and you see the Ronald McDonald House doantion bins...drop your extra change in the bin...it certainly does way more good then you could ever imagine. Check it out...
http://www.ronaldhousedurham.org/
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at that the painful trial that you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you are participating in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-13
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:48 PM EST [Link]
Saturday, May 31, 2003
I just wanted to take a few minutes to let everyone know how things are going...
Cody had another long night in and out of the bathroom...we got to clinic at the crack of 10 o'clock and weighed in at a whopping 18.6 kilos...this was really the best news of the day...I was worried that as much time as he has been spending in the bathroom that he weight may have dropped again.
We spent 4 hours receiving fluids and a quick steroid dose...we ran out at home because of all of the changes to his steroids this past week...
Anyway...we got out of clinic at 3:00 p.m. and headed to Eckeerd to have Cody's prescription filled for with all of the new steroid doses...
When we got back to the House, I sought out the laundry room and threw some clothes in to wash...
I finally had time to sit down adn check in on some of our friends and I was devastated to find out that our transplant brother Jose David passed away on Wednesday night...and on Friday morning Aristophanis passed away...these losses are just terrible...we ask that you will keep their families in your prayers as they are faced with the most difficult trials...
I also found out that baby Jordan was placedin the PICU on the ventillator this morning...we are very close to their family and this setback for them is like we are going through it ourselves...PLEASE stop by and offer them prayers and support at www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
Noah remains in the PICU and so does Alex...
It looks like Tommy will be undergoing transplant #3 www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
Malcolm will be undergoing transplant #2 www.caringbridge.org/va/malcolm
and Hermes, Aristophanis' brother will be undergoing transplant #2
Jillian and her family are still awaiting word on what treatment path to take following her recent relapse www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
and so does Sarah and her family www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith
Prayers are needed everywhere...our problems seem big for us until we are able to step outside of ourselves and realize that we are truly blessed right now that we are dealing with what we are dealing with adn not something much worse...
Please continue to pray for health and strength fo rus and the rest of our transplant family and friends...
As for donations...we would like to send out a special thanks to Melinda Kasten for the monetary donation received throught he foundation last night...we would like to say thank you to Shawna and Chris for putting together the 2nd annual ForCody Car Wash in Hollywood, FL...we would also like to offer a huge thanks to Junior, Aunt Crystal and Michael for all of the help finding the extra cheap car, and to my mom and Glen for donating the funds to get it for us...life will surely be a lot easier with two forms of transportation...
Anyway...I have some phone calls to make and some folks that really need to hear that there is someone over here at the Ronald McDonal House in Durham that love and care about them...that that same someone is available at the drop of a hat for whatever they may need day or night...just like you all are for us.
Thanks for checking in...
Your love and pryaers mean everything to us...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:19 PM EST [Link]
Friday, May 30, 2003
Praise God for friends and family like you...we are so very blessed by the outpouring of support we have received since yesterday...it is hard to comprehend sometimes...
Anyway...here is the scoop...
First about Cody...
He ended up having a fairly decent day yesterday...we spent nearly 10 or 11 hours in clinic...they administer his new drugs and a ton of fluids...we went back to the hotel sometime aropund 8:00 p.m. and all of us were tucked into bed by 10:30 p.m. (forgive me but the days have begun to blend together some so I am having trouble remembering times...) Cody slept through the night with only one trip to the bathroom to pee...HOORAY! Greg set the alarm for 4:30 a.m. so I could get up and turn off Cody's feeding pump...this was necessary so that his surgery could be at 9:30 a.m. as scheduled.
At 7:15 a.m. I got up and started getting ready to head over to pre-op...Greg dropped us off and then headed back to the hotel with Riley so they could pack out the hotel (will get to that in a few minutes) Cody received a steroid boost, some general antibiotics and fluids from 9:00 a.m. forward...again he was still doing great...he had not had any diarreha in nearly 18 hours...we were thrilled...he went in for surgery and the procedure went well...Dr. Treem said the opening is maintaining at about 4 millimeters which is awesome since pre-dilatation we were only at 1 millimeter...once Cody was in the recovery room he had a major accident...at first I thought he had just peed in his pants but very quickly I relized it was much more then that...this is very traumatic for him so he was very upset about this and we proceded to spend the next 2-3 hours in and out of the bathroom...originially we were not scheduled to go to Rainbow Day but as soon as everything started up again, I called Jen and told her we were on our way up for fluids and an assessment...
By 12:30 p.m. we were tucked away in our bed in the Rainbow Day hosptial hooke dup to yet more fluids...his weight went up a little to 18.2 kilograms...not much but an improvement none the less...YEAH!!!
We were done with everything just before 5:00 p.m. making our day at the CHC a total of 9 hours...not too bad considering all that we had done.
Cody is scheduled to receive more fluids tomorrow and Sunday...he has Monday off and will be back in clinic on Tuesday...we are hopeful that all will be under control by then and that maybe we will be able to return home by the weekend at the latest.
Now about the rest of the stuff...
Aside from posting our needs on the web page yesterday, I also reached out to our social worker and today the Lord did indeed bless us again...we were able to secure a room at the Ronald McDonald House...the House will cost us less then half of what we were paying at the hotel, plus there is a kitchen in our room and an even bigger kitchen in the common area...many companies donate food and other items to the families who stay here...tonight, a local Girl Scout Troop cooked dinner...it was really good...
We are still in need but things are a lot less scary today then they were yesterday...I am including the list of things that we can use help with...all of these things are equally important so if you have prayed and you feel led this is what we are in need of...
WHAT WE NEED:
AS ALWAYS WE NEED PRAYER!
FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATES (i.e. MCDONALDS, HARDEES, DOMINOS, SUBWAY)
WAL-MART GFT CERTIFICATES (FOR TOILETRIES & OTHER NECESSITIES)
MONETARY DONATIONS TO HELP PAY FOR HOTEL STAYS
QUARTERS FOR LAUNDRY
PAMPERS SIZE 5 FOR RILEY
ENFAMIL LACTOFREE FORMULA FOR RILEY
LARGE PULL UPS FOR CODY
Care Packages and Monetary Donations can be sent to:
Cody Hoffman
PO Box 61754
Durham, NC 27715
Or to our home address as we will be back and forth as often as we can:
1893 Port Lyautey Drive
Virginia Beac, VA 23455
Tax deductible monetary donations may also be made to the The ForCody Foundation by clicking on the Donation page and the link listed there...
I would like to send out a very special thank you to all of the well wishes and extra prayers that we have been receiving over this past day...I would like to thank Vicki Talbot and Beverly Hoercher for the monetary donations...I would like to thank Chris and company for their work and efforts on the Pampered Chef fundraiser, the donation will really help...I would like to send a very LARGE thanks to my mom who never stops trying to pull it all together for us...her love, fundraising and genuine hard work has helped us get through every single day of this journey...I would like to thank Joanie, Ann and Rusty for calling and letting us know that HELP IS ON THE WAAAAYYYYY...and to Amy for letting us know that Cody would soon be receiving a Care Package...
So many of you have continued to support us through out this past year and we could never come up with words to express our gratitude...we appreciate each and every person who has said an extra prayer or sent support in any form...
THANK YOU ALL...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:02 PM EST [Link]
Thursday, May 29, 2003
The wheels on the bus go round and round and round and round and round...
Cody continues to progressively get worse...
Last night, he had a really rough night he was in and out of the bathroom somewhere between 6-8 times and in additional to his regular diarrhea...he had the added vomiting...I felt so bad for him...we tried and tried to comfort him but there was just not too much we could do...I did however, stop his kangaroo pump for a little while to allow his stomach sometime to rest...we emptied the pediasure half strength and filled his bag with 400 cc's of Pedialyte (special water). Our hopes were to help him stay hydrated through out the night yet keep him from spending the ENTIRE night in the bathroom.
We got up fairly early and I gave Dr.K. since all of his initial stool samples came back negative for infection and he does not seem to be getting any real relief from the small changes they have made...I pinned her down for some real changes in an effort to resolve these issues NOW. She decided to add a bi-weekly drug which I can�t remember the name of Di-something or other...she switched his Cyclosporin to FK506 and they increased his steroids again, this time by double....she has also decided that we need to stay here for another week...
Anyway...
After we spoke to Dr.K. we ahead and got ready for clinic and went over earlier then we had planned...Dr.K. told us that we should expect to be there for a very long time so that all of his new stuff could be administered and so he could receive extra fluid...when we got there, all of his meds were already ready...we weighed in and found out that Cody dropped another whole pound overnight...he weighed in at 18.0 this morning...all of his meds were administered and he did fine...the Nurse Practitioner called in all of his new meds to the pharmacy for us...about halfway through the day, Greg and I switched out for a couple of hours...I took Riley to the urgent care because he hasn't been feeling well either...his problems are all related to cutting so many teeth at once...the doctor there confirmed he had an ear infection and prescribed him some antibiotics to get rid of it...after that I went back to the clinic with Cody while Greg and Riley came back to the hotel...Cody was finished with his fluids at 7:55 p.m. Greg picked us up and we headed over to pick up the prescriptions...we got back to the hotel and Cody went to straight to sleep.
Tomorrow, Cody has his throat procedure and then we will see if he still needs fluids...
As for our us...this stay is kicking our butts financially...the hotel is costing us $69. per day plus taxes...in addition, we are required to eat every meal out, costing approximately $25. Our daily expenses right now have soared to nearly $100. per day...this estimate does not include anything except for food and lodging...as our stay here is prolonged, we will have to add on for other things like toiletries, laundry more prescriptions...now we did plan to be here for 3 days so we had money saved for that but we did not plan to be here for two weeks...I hate to have to ask for more help from those who have already done so much but I must ask that anyone who is reading this please pray...if you feel so compelled we would be forever grateful for any kind of donation you may be able to make...
WHAT WE NEED RIGHT NOW:
AS ALWAYS WE NEED PRAYER!
FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATES (i.e. MCDONALDS, HARDEES, DOMINOS, SUBWAY)
WAL-MART GFT CERTIFICATES (FOR TOILETRIES & OTHER NECESSITIES)
MONETARY DONATIONS TO HELP PAY FOR HOTEL STAYS
QUARTERS FOR LAUNDRY
PAMPERS SIZE 5 FOR RILEY
ENFAMIL LACTOFREE FORMULA FOR RILEY
LARGE PULL UPS FOR CODY
Cody really loves to receive mail and care packages...so again I say PLEASE pray and if you are so led, offer whatever support you can.
Thanks for checking in on us...
Until Next Time...
In love & Prayer...
Eleasha
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. For those who believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:27 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Hey All...Thanks for checking in on us...
It has been a rough few days...we arrived in Durham late Monday...we got checked into our hotel, unpacked everything and went to bed just after 1 a.m. Poor Cody was up and down in and out of the bathroom throughout the night...
Tuesday morning we got up and headed off to clinic...we arrived there at 8:15 a.m. we got checked in had out vitals taken and our labs drawn...after about an hour we were in our Rainbow Day room and Cody was hooked up to his IVIG along with tons of fluids and later on after his counts came back he had to receive calcium too...unfortunately all of this diarrhea and vomiting have done nothing to help maintain his weight...so he continues to drop...this is very concerning considering he had very little room to drop weight as it was anyway...he is not down to 41 pounds which is around 18.5 kilos...they took 3 stool samples from him and sent them off to the lab to test for all of the other possibilities that may be causing the problems we are having...there are a variety of different virus that can cause similar symptoms to GvH so we need to rule those out before we start adjusting his meds and treatment protocol to compensate for the GvH...we met with Dr.K. who says overall he looks pretty good and once all of the test results come back we will discuss what the next course of action is to be...she said if all goes well, he will still undergo his throat surgery on Friday and we will be able to return home on Saturday...she also prescribed fluids for the next few days while we are here...
We left hospital just after 7:00 p.m. making our clinic day right around 11 hours long...it wasn't too bad though...we came back to the and picked up Greg and Riley...Riley and I went to Wal-Mart to grab a few necessities while Greg and Riley went to check on the old place and grab our mail from there...we picked up dinner and came back to the hotel...
Once we were settled we all ended up in bed fairly early...Poor Cody was once again up and down, in and out of the bathroom...at about 5 a.m. we had an accident which required a clothes change...I think that is the hardest thing he has to deal with...he is very hard on himself when it comes to that stuff plus it embarrasses him a great deal...we make out to be no big deal and he handles in a normal Eleasha and Ben style by joking about later...so I guess he realizes there isn't too much he can do about it...and we all love him no matter what...he had fun tell Greg that he could borrow his boxers that he changed out of :) eeeeeeewwwwwwwwwww!!!!
Oh yeah...I almost forgot...at 3:30 a.m. Riley thought it was time to get up and play for a while...so I got up with him and so did everyone else...he had peed through his diaper so his clothes were soaked...I went to change his diaper and realized there was more then just pee...while Greg was grabbing the wipes I suddenly felt very warm and hot all over my shirt pants...YEP, YOU GUESSED IT...I GOT PEED ON (okay, you stop laughing, it's really not that funny, you would think a seasoned veteran like me would know better)...at this point, we were still pretty much in the dark...but once that happened, I think we turned on all the lights in the room...I got up to go change while Greg picked up where I left off and finished dressing Riley...I vowed to get him back as I rushed off in the bathroom walking as though I had just jumped off a horse...So there we were at 3:30 in the morning stripping the linens off of our bed and trying to figure out what to use as a sheet...lucky for us we had an extra blanket which did a fine job doubling as a bottom sheet.
So now for today, Greg took Cody to clinic and Riley and I ran a few errands and then came back to the hotel room and waited for the guys to get done...Cody received a 25 minute infusion of sodium bicarbonate and then 3 hours of saline with dextrose followed by another 25 minute infusion of the sodium bicarbonate...he did well. They were in clinic for just about 5 hours this evening he has not been feeling that great and actually opted to go to sleep just after 7:30 p.m.
Tomorrow we are scheduled to be back in Rainbow Day for the same scenario...of course, since it is my day we will probably get to stay longer :)
On Friday, Cody is still scheduled for his throat procedure so he will receive a steroid boost and more fluids...by then, we should know more test results and hopefully have a new plan of action to get this under control...
In the meantime...I can only beg you for lots and lots of prayers...GvH that gets out of hand can cause some very serious complications...it is our heart and prayer that the Lord will offer the wisdom that only he can offer to the docs her and soon Cody's little body will be whole again...
I am grateful that we have so many friends and family that have been here to support us through this journey...it is because of you all...and the because of the blood of Jesus Christ by and through the grace of God our father that I can tell you whole hardly that my human self wants to worry about all of the what ifs and the unseen and the and the and the and the...but my spirit within me is at peace, for I know my Redeemer lives and today our victory is in and through Him...I am confident in the knowledge that the enemy can never win! Praise God!
I cannot even begin to tell you how much the extra guestbook entries have meant to us...I can only apologize to those who have had trouble navigating the site and I am hopeful that soon all of the bugs will be worked out...in the meantime, please take the time to stop by and sign the guestbook while you are here, my heart was overwhelmed within me as I read all of the new entries...this setback has definitely taken its toll on all of us...
Please know I will do my best to keep the site updated but our days are very full...Please also know that my heart is with each and everyone of my transplant and caringbridge family...I am so sorry that I have not been able to check in on you all...it was my heart's daily prayer and sincere desire that all of our children remain well...we continue to pray and as soon as I can I will be checking in on you all again daily...
Also...if anyone would like to take the time to stop by and check on our other friends...so many can really use some extra prayers and encouragement right now as it would seem the enemy is trying to wreak havoc in transplant land...I would truly appreciate if you would click on the link to Our Friends and pick at least one or two kids that you can sign their guestbook and send love from our family to theirs.
Until Next Time...Stay Well and Keep Praying...I am leaving you tonight with a really awesome verse that Nancy, Nolan's mommy, left for me in the guestbook...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
"Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17
Posted by Eleasha @ 10:24 PM EST [Link]
Monday, May 26, 2003
Well Cody has continued to stay sick overnight...we had hoped that we were out of the woods when they released from the Naval medical Center yesterday but unfortunately, the GvH has really hit his gut hard.
Once Cody began to get so sick yesterday, we discontinued his g-tube feedings and had him hooked up to IV fluids with dextrose...well yesterday morning we administer his first g-tube feeding of pediasure along with his morning meds...not long after we got home, he began having diarrhea again...of course, he did not go once while we were in the hospital (meaning they could not get a sample to culture) anyway, he says he does feel too bad just now his butt hurts from going to the bathroom so much.
Dr. K. ordered an additional steroid boost this evening and the effects of high dose steroids are really beginning to show as Cody has less and less control over his mood swings...he is having spurts of really intense anger followed by rounds of weepiness...he is very loving one minute and ready to rip your head off the next...WHEW...and I thought I had bad PMS, lucky for him he is not a girl or he would be one difficult chick to deal with after puberty!
Okay so back to the scoop...Dr.K. said he continues the way he is we will need to leave for Duke today so that she can see at the clinic tomorrow and do an actual visual assessment of him...and determine what the best treatment course will be...
He has lost nearly 2 pounds since yesterday morning and he was up and in the bathroom again at 4:30 this morning...he is hooked up to his kangaroo pump but it is running with 40% Pediasure and 60% Pedialyte (water with electrolytes) I also added a little bit of single grain baby rice cereal as this sometimes helps to solidify the bowels (rice, bananas and Gatorade = the get rid of diarrhea diet)
We are prayerful that this will work out to be just a minor setback and even if we do have to leave for Duke today it is our hope that things will still work out for us to come back home post op on Saturday.
I plan to put a call into the company that offered me the position on Friday and give them a little run down of the situation...if it is God's plan then I am confident that they will understand and hopefully postpone my start date...if not, then I will wait to see what God's plan is from here...
We could really use a lot of prayers...emotionally this has been a huge setback for all of us...physically it has been a moderate setback...
Please pray that the Lord will continue to work His miracles with Cody. Pray that the doctors will be able to determine in a timely manner what the best course of treatment it is to help Cody and to sustain him from losing any more weight. Pray that the Lord will open new doors and continue to bless us with financial support while it is so difficult for us to support ourselves.
I copied the previous journal entries so that everyone will know what has been happening...
Thanks for checking in on us...
Until Next Time...we could really us some guestbook entries, if I could explain in words how much the word of encouragement mean to us I would, but I can't...if I could tell you how disappointing it is to check and see that there are no entries I would, but I can't...I can only tell you that it really means so much to know that you are out there, thinking of us, praying for us, loving us.
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Micah 6:6
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Sunday, May 25, 2003
Well it was definitely a very long night...
As most of you know from reading the home page, we were admitted to the Naval Medical Center yesterday. Cody started his day off pretty sick with a mad case of GvH. He has been having trouble with the GvH on and off for nearly one month now and it finally hit him hard yesterday.
This is the message that we posted on the home page...and at the risk of sounding repetitive, this should bring everyone up to speed...
WELL A DAY CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN LIFE POST TRANSPLANT. CODY WOKE UP VERY SICK THIS MORNING, HE WENT TO THE BATHROOM AND HE WAS FINE. MY FIRST INSTINCT WAS GvH AND APPARENTLY, I WAS RIGHT. HE HAS CONTINUED TO BE SICK THROUGH OUT THE DAY WITH FREQUENT VISITS TO THE BATHROOM WITH DIAREHHA AND FINALLY VOMITTING. HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO KEEP ANYTHING DOWN NOT EVEN HIS MEDS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER SYMPTOMS WHICH IS WHY WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT GvH. WE SPOKE TO OUR DOCS HERE AND OUR DOCS THERE AND THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE TO ADMIT CODY TO THE UNIT. WE WILL BE INPATIENT AT NMCP. PLEASE KEEP CODY AND THE REST OF US IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TONIGHT.
We arrived on the unit at 6:00 p.m. at which time, Cody had already received the steroid boost that Dr.K. had told me to administer. Since he had been so sick through out the day, they ordered him to receive fluids through out the night and no kangaroo pump (overnight g-tube feeding) In addition, they ordered all of his meds IV to ensure that he would actually be able to retain them in his system...our biggest concern was that he had lost so much fluid and all of morning meds, if he continued that way, he would have a full day without meds...this is a really big deal because of all of his post transplant "issues"
Anyway, we started off in a really great room...it had two hospital beds on for me and one for Cod...we had a view of the Elizabeth River that we would have had to pay double for if we were staying in a hotel room...then Dr.C. came in and said oh no, you can't be in this room it is not one of those special bone marrow transplant kid air flow rooms...so off we went to the other room...the one that had only one bed and a cot...oh and a spectacular view of the building across the alley. HMMMMMM...I think I got the short end of the stick on that one...
Our night was rather eventless and this morning Cody was feeling much better...the doctors came in and out accessing him and asking all of the same questions over and over again and then they released us...Hooray!
He still has a pretty good case of GvH but Dr.K. has decided to increase his steroids by 3x the dose he was receiving...his Cyclosporin stayed the same for now but they are going to monitor him over the next week and if things don't improve...I am guessing they may switch him to FK...
We had to miss the BBQ which absolutely broke Cody's heart...but considering his physical status, I just could not make the concession...we did go ahead and make plans to go and visit with Trevor and his family tomorrow when the part will only include us and them :)
We have several friends that really need to be remembered in your prayers...please take the time to stop by the link to Our Friends and stop by their sites and offer some encouragement...
Thanks!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:28 AM EST [Link]
Sunday, May 25, 2003
Well it was definitely a very long night...
As most of you know from reading the home page, we were admitted to the Naval Medical Center yesterday. Cody started his day off pretty sick with a mad case of GvH. He has been having trouble with the GvH on and off for nearly one month now and it finally hit him hard yesterday.
This is the message that we posted on the home page...and at the risk of sounding repetitive, this should bring everyone up to speed...
WELL A DAY CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN LIFE POST TRANSPLANT. CODY WOKE UP VERY SICK THIS MORNING, HE WENT TO THE BATHROOM AND HE WAS FINE. MY FIRST INSTINCT WAS GvH AND APPARENTLY, I WAS RIGHT. HE HAS CONTINUED TO BE SICK THROUGH OUT THE DAY WITH FREQUENT VISITS TO THE BATHROOM WITH DIAREHHA AND FINALLY VOMITTING. HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO KEEP ANYTHING DOWN NOT EVEN HIS MEDS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO OTHER SYMPTOMS WHICH IS WHY WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT GvH. WE SPOKE TO OUR DOCS HERE AND OUR DOCS THERE AND THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE TO ADMIT CODY TO THE UNIT. WE WILL BE INPATIENT AT NMCP. PLEASE KEEP CODY AND THE REST OF US IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TONIGHT.
We arrived on the unit at 6:00 p.m. at which time, Cody had already received the steroid boost that Dr.K. had told me to administer. Since he had been so sick through out the day, they ordered him to receive fluids through out the night and no kangaroo pump (overnight g-tube feeding) In addition, they ordered all of his meds IV to ensure that he would actually be able to retain them in his system...our biggest concern was that he had lost so much fluid and all of morning meds, if he continued that way, he would have a full day without meds...this is a really big deal because of all of his post transplant "issues"
Anyway, we started off in a really great room...it had two hospital beds on for me and one for Cod...we had a view of the Elizabeth River that we would have had to pay double for if we were staying in a hotel room...then Dr.C. came in and said oh no, you can't be in this room it is not one of those special bone marrow transplant kid air flow rooms...so off we went to the other room...the one that had only one bed and a cot...oh and a spectacular view of the building across the alley. HMMMMMM...I think I got the short end of the stick on that one...
Our night was rather eventless and this morning Cody was feeling much better...the doctors came in and out accessing him and asking all of the same questions over and over again and then they released us...Hooray!
He still has a pretty good case of GvH but Dr.K. has decided to increase his steroids by 3x the dose he was receiving...his Cyclosporin stayed the same for now but they are going to monitor him over the next week and if things don't improve...I am guessing they may switch him to FK...
We had to miss the BBQ which absolutely broke Cody's heart...but considering his physical status, I just could not make the concession...we did go ahead and make plans to go and visit with Trevor and his family tomorrow when the part will only include us and them :)
We have several friends that really need to be remembered in your prayers...please take the time to stop by the link to Our Friends and stop by their sites and offer some encouragement...
Thanks!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:19 PM EST [Link]
Friday, May 23, 2003
Well the rain has been non-stop since Wednesday...YUCK!
Rain or Snow...It's still great to be home...
The Truman Battle Group came back in from the Middle East today...I was watching some of the news footage on the return celebrations and the family reunions...it was awesome...the ship Greg was previously stationed on returned today too...and I must say I was truly blessed to have been able to have my husband here with me this past 6 months instead of out to sea and off to war...
Anyway...
Cody had his weekly doctor's visit and things went great...his counts look good and we are gearing up for our trip back to Durham this coming week...Greg took him to the appointment today so that I could clean the bathrooms and the floors...LUCKY ME :)
If it ever stops raining, we will lay the mulch that Jill and Rob gave us and we will work on planting our garden and fixing our lawn...the coleus bushes seem to be doing a whole lot better...I am guessing that there are one of two reason they were looking so bad...ONE they were in shock or TWO they are really shade loving coleus instead of sun loving?
I found these little outdoor statues of cherubs and they were on sale for really cheap so I bought those to go in the Remember Garden...they were prefect little reflections of all the kids we have lost this past year.
Speaking of Jill and Rob they are forcing us to attend a BBQ at their house on Sunday...they plan to put up the bounce house and make us get in it to jump around...they also said we have to bring Cody's dirt bike so he can ride it and they may even make us ride the go kart...can you believe them???
OH GUESS WHAT!!!!! I got a job...that's right I said a job...I got one! I will start training on Tuesday...I chose the 3rd shift so that I would be scheduled to work while the kids are sleeping and it will not affect our bi-weekly doctor visits...to be honest, the money was too good to pass up especially with our current financial status...I am very excited about the opportunity...
Well that's really all for now...
Until Next Time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Then Job replied to the Lord: "I know that you can do all things, no plan of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:1-2
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:42 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Well today was certainly not that great for my poor baby...he started off with his monthly pentamidine treatment which made him feel kind of yucky...once that was finished we moved into the transfusion room where he began receiving his IVIG...a little more then half through the treatment...he announced to the whole room he was going to need a puke bucket and things went downhill from there...
My poor baby was so very sick...we are not sure why...but they have added a whole new regiment of pre-medication drugs to our list before he receives the treatment next time.
We were at clinic for quite a while today but that was mainly because of how sick he was...if not for that we would have been home before 3:00 p.m.
By the time we left, he felt much better and went outside to play once we got home...
Anyway...the weekend was kind of cruddy it rained a lot and it was cold...
We worked in the garage a little bit and in the front room...the house is really coming a long well...I am very excited about that...
As for the yard, a green thumb I do not have so far...we planted our new little coleus bushes and they were doing really well until this morning...three of them are trying to die and I am just heart broken...I went out this evening and placed sticks in the ground and tied them to it in hopes that they will revitalize...aside from that I put down some weed and feed the other day which has killed most of the grass in the front yard...apparently almost all of our grass was weeds (go figure?) So I am not having much luck in the landscaping department...I am praying really hard that when I start my memorial garden God will provide me with some plants that are really pretty yet extremely hard to kill.
Now on another no9te...there a couple of families that I feel I need to make a direct amends to...so aside from the personal e-mails I have already sent to you expressing my heart...I wanted to take moment here to tell everyone what I have done...occasionally I am led to correspond with a person directly as opposed to signing a public guestbook or making a journal statement...well the other I day I was so compelled to send off two e-mails and it has been brought to my attention that my writings lost something in the translation...my heart is always to offer hope and express love...if ever I have done anything else then I am sorry...I pray for wisdom when it comes to telling someone what is on my heart...but it is not every day that I can express myself the way that the Lord would have me to...it is for that that I apologize...I love each and every person that takes the time to check on our family and pray for our family...I love each and every family that I have come in contact with on this journey as well as those that I have only had the chance of getting to know through their journals...through out my life...it has been a regular prayer of mine that I would have a large family... well today I can honestly say I have more family members now then I could have ever hoped for...every member is beautiful and blessed in my heart and in the eye of Jesus our Savior...each uniquely special child...each family member has a place in my heart that can never be taken away...it is always my desire to be uplifting and helpful...I love you all so much...please forgive me if I am anything less then what He has called me to be...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:07 PM EST [Link]
Friday, May 16, 2003
Another GREAT Day at clinic! PRAISE AND GLORY BE TO GOD!!!
Not a whole lot to report...we went over all of the meds again today with Dr. C. and Dr. Burnal...Cody will receive his first Pentamidine and IVIG treatment here at this hospital next Tuesday...they examined Cody and said he looks really good...
While we were at clinic Trevor, Jill and Emmy showed up...we were very excited to see them...Cody was begging for Trevor to spend the night but he starts his bi-weekly chemo tonight and they have plans tomorrow...soooooo, maybe next weekend?
I talked to Jen at Duke yesterday...I wanted to make sure that she was aware that Cody was still sporting the GVH rash...it is not bothering him at all but it is STILL there...he has the rash on his arms...his legs and his face...I took pictures of it from head to toe and e-mailed Jen along with a cc: to Dr. Kurtzberg...Jen told us to start administering two extra applications of a separate topical treatment in an effort to bring it under control a little bit better...
As for the rest of us...
Riley is cutting a new tooth and it really is kicking his tail this time...he has been cranky and miserable for several days now...I had Dr. Burnal look at his ears to day and they are perfect so I guess it is all about the tooth...overall he is happy but you can tell he just plain feels bad...as most of you know he started walking last month right before he turned 9 months old...well he is cruising right a long these days...he started off fairly slow with 2 or 3 steps here and there...but over the past couple of weeks...he has finally just about stopped crawling...
Jeremy is doing great...we are making plans for when he gets here this summer...we are having a lot of trouble finding a plane ticket that does cost close to $600. Worse case scenario...we will beg someone for the money or find a way to drive up there and get him...Hey, you do what you have to do...
Marina is doing well...we are hopeful that she may come and hang out this weekend...
Greg finally received his NEW ORDERS yesterday...HOORAY!!! We are all so very excited...Greg will be reporting to the Carrier USS George Washington no later than mid-July...this is such a magnificent step for his career...he will have the ability to really work his training and follow the career path that he so much desires...and deserves! We are still waiting for the results of his advancement exams and evaluations...EVERYONE PRAY FOR GREG TO MAKE PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS!!!
Now for me...I have been doing pretty good...I went to the Little Creek Community Association Meeting last night...I am very excited about getting involved with the community here...it means a lot to me to be able to get plugged in...after we got back from the clinic today I went through the garage and donated a few things to a fundraising rummage sale they are holding tomorrow at the self help center...then we went with Lisa and her husband to pick up the tables and drop them off...after I am done with the update...I am heading over to Lisa's house to help prepare the merchandise for tomorrow...
Around the house...
Greg and I have been working extremely hard trying to get our house perfect the way we want it...last weekend we dug out the front year and started preparing the soil for fresh planting...I plan on planting a memorial garden to remember all of the friends we have lost through out this past year...in addition, we dug up a bunch of dead plants and trees and we are going to plant new bushes and flowers with some sod...I am so excited...this is all so very important and special to me...
Inside we spent the past week working on the living room...we designed a work area which has both computers networked and routed...we picked up a new dining room table which seats the whole family...we cleaned and cleaned and cleaned some more...we moved the old tall table into the kids area with the foos ball table...along with the other desk...this area will be a homework area/play area where the kids can sit at the table and play board games or sit at the desk to study and do homework...and then of course, there is always the foos ball table for us big kids...
We will be working our way into that room this weekend along with the kitchen...next we are making our way out to the garage and then we will tackle the upstairs...by the time we are done this place will be totally perfect!!!
Anyway...that's our world as it turns...we only have one life to live...and today we are doing our best to get it right...
Until next time...
Stay Tuned...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.
Isaiah 59:1-2
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:16 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Okay let me just say there really is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
First of all let me apologize to all of my friends who are still undergoing weekly visits to Rainbow Day...While we so loved the staff and nurses at Duke...the Tuesday clinic VISITS left so much to be desired...I say let me apologize in advance...BECAUSE...in a minute you are going to wish you were here with us!
Okay here is how our day went...we got up around 9:00 and took our time getting ready to go to clinic...when we got there it was about 10:30...we were greeted by 4 nurses and our doctor, all of whom were happy to see us...
Dr. C. informed us in advance that we may have to wait a while as he had much he wanted to discuss with us regarding our trip to Duke...to this Cody's response was, "that's okay, Tuesdays are our long day anyway"
We went into an isolation room where Laura came in almost immediately to take his vitals along with his height and weight...we then waited for about one whole half hour before Dr. C. came in with a rather larger folder which he said was our history from Duke (way to go Jen!) anyway...as he is walking in to our room he informs the nurses that they should not bother him unless it was an emergency because Mr. Hoffman (Cody) was his first priority...YEAH US! From there the we sat with Dr. C. for about an hour while he reviewed all of the information that Jen sent him from Duke...I paged Jen so Dr. C. could ask a few questions about some test and monthly meds that Cody will need to receive here...the phone conversation lasted a few minutes...
Once we were finished with our review Dr. C. was ready to check Cody...Greg ran down to grab him from the playroom where he had been playing the whole time with Christ eh Child Life Specialist...Dr. C. said that Cody looks really great and that we were doing a very good job taking care of him...he told us that it was very important for us to return to Duke monthly so that the transplant team can have frequent contact with Cody. Dr.C. feels that they would recognize any "problems" or "signs of problems" long before he would since BMTs are not his specialty...
After Cody's exam, Dr. C. looked at us and apologized that our visit today had to be sooooooo long and said that in a few minutes the nurse would access Cody and draw all of his labs...
Five minutes after Dr. C. checked out of our room, Chandra came in to get us...she drew Cody's labs and we left to go home...for a total clinic stay of 2 hours and 25 minutes...
Now let's compare:
Tuesday at Duke: height and weight (wait time minimum 1 hour)
Tuesday at Naval Medical: height and weight (wait time 5 minutes)
Tuesday at Duke: labs and meds (wait time minimum 1 hour)
Tuesday at Naval Medical: labs and meds (wait time 5 minutes)
Tuesday at Duke: actual Dr. Visit (wait time minimum 2 hours)
Tuesday at Naval Medical: actual Dr. Visit (wait time 30 minutes)
Tuesday at Duke: Time spent with Dr. (approximately 15 minutes)
Tuesday at Naval Medical: Time spent with Dr. (approximately 1 and a half hours)
Tuesday at Duke: Total Clinic Time (Usually a Minimum of 7 hours)
Tuesday at Naval Medical: Total Clinic Time (2 hours and 25 minutes)
Tuesday at Duke: Bedside Attitude (wouldn't accept it for free)
Tuesday at Naval Medical: Bedside Attitude (worth a 10 hour clinic day)
Being home is absolutely PRICELESS!
Now don't get me wrong...we are ever so blessed and grateful to have been able to receive care at Duke...Dr. K. is an expert in her field and she really is EXCELLENT at what she does...we have a great respect and admiration for her, as God truly has blessed her with a gift...a gift that may have helped to save the life of our precious child...
BUT...we are so pleased and blessed to be back home at Naval Medical aside from the AWESOME care we receive, like Duke, we receive it from people who love us and care...we receive it with respect...we feel important as we receive this most excellent care and we are forever grateful that God has placed us here...
THANK YOU LORD!
So we will look forward to seeing Jen and the rest of our transplant family on our monthly returns to Duke...but we will pray about the rest of it...mind you we are of the utmost thoughts and feelings that it is our ATTITUDE that makes or breaks us!
So Until Next Time...Stay strong in GRATITUDE...Keep the FAITH...and PRAY PRAY PRAY!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
The he said, "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who with His own hand has fulfilled what He promised with His own mouth to my father..." 1 Kings 8:15a
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:59 PM EST [Link]
Saturday, May 10, 2003
1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child. I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as fully as I am known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:32 PM EST [Link]
A Mom's Version of 1 Corinthians 13
Though I lecture and harp at my children and have not love, I will be background noise to rebellious thoughts.
And though I wisely warn them not to use the street as a playground, or they will be killed; and though I patiently explain why snails live in mobile homes, and I give endless answers to life's other mysteries; and though I have faith that can remove mountains of ignorance--yet never hug my children--I have taught nothing.
And though I slave over a steaming stove with balanced diets and complicated recipes and even burn my fingers--yet never smile when I serve--I have not really fed them.
A truly loving mother suffers through unfinished sentences, clutter, nicks on furniture, sleepless nights and adolescent insults, and is kind enough to think her kids are the greatest. A loving mother tries not to resent her children for being free like she used to be, and she does not brag about how she never talked to her mom that way.
Real love considers a childish nightmare more urgent than her need for sleep; is not shattered by the title "Meanest Mom"; doesn't shame a toddler who breaks training or a teen who still spills milk; steadfastly refuses to entertain visions of escape and; and does not smirk as her child trips over the toy he refused to put away (but with silent wisdom rejoices in the effectiveness of lessons of experience).
Mother-love has arms strong from lifting, a heart large with believing, a mind stretched with hoping, shoulders soft with enduring, and knees bent with committing.
True mother-love never fails to point her child to the Author of Love.
Author: Susan L. Lenzkes
When the Handwriting on the wall Is In...Brown Crayon
[more]
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:28 PM EST [Link]
Thursday, May 8, 2003
Finally we are back home...I would have updated sooner but we just got back here a little before 5 and it was necessary to work on getting the stuff from our last trip home unpacked...The house is mostly back in order, the laundry is going and my husband is bugging me to figure out what we are going to do for dinner...
Anyway...the last few days have been really crazy...
Monday night we got to Durham just in time for Greg and Cody to change their clothes, shower and head off to the Durham Bulls baseball game with Alex and his family, Isaiah and his family, Jordan and his family and Simon...they all had a blast and the Bulls pulled off the win at the lat minute...
Riley and I stayed in the hotel and got everything unpacked and ready for our 3 day "visit" to Durham...we stayed at the Howard Johnson's which was just recently remolded...it was inexpensive and decent but it was not big enough for a family of 4 for so many days...we ready to get out of there on Tuesday but instead we had to wait until today...
Speaking of Tuesday...we were up early and off to clinic for our usual long day...right after we got there Cody broke out into a rash...at first I thought maybe it was from the soap at the hotel but later we figured out it was a bit of a GVH rash...they gave him a dose of Benadryl and that seemed to control the itching and the redness subsided some...they prescribed some topical cream...bout of course the outside pharmacy could not get it for a day...
Our appointment with Dr. K. was normal with its regular blah blah blah, yackety smackety...she did tell us that while we are home we will be scheduled to go and see Dr. C. at Naval Medical twice a week for a while and we will make appointments to see the doctors at Duke based on our scheduled dilatation procedures...overall the day went well and we actually got finished fairly early...afterwards, we went back to the hotel and just relaxed...
On Wednesday, we got up and ran a few errands and then went over to the hospital a little early so that that Nurse Practitioner could look at his rash because I felt that it was worse not better...she made some notes and they already had him scheduled to receive extra steroids before his throat surgery...so downstairs we went...while we were downstairs, I received a call from the NP telling we to give him an extra boost of Cyclosporin also since his levels were a little low...the surgery went well and he was done rather quickly...I was actually surprised at how quickly they finished him...I am really impressed by the work that this doctor has been able to accomplish...we are scheduled to return to Durham on May 30th for another dilatation procedure and then after that we will have a bit of a break to see how long the stricture will stay open...Dr. Treem said that once he has a better chance to evaluate the success or lack there of we will know better where to go next...it is our hope and prayer that these procedures will do the trick and save Cody from a very major surgical procedure...
Now on to today...we woke up and headed over to the clinic so that they could draw a Cyclosporin level and take a look at his GVH rash...of course it started to look worse and worse while we there...through out Wednesday night after the steroid and Cyclosporin boost he looked great...Anyway, after we drew his Cyclosporin levels we de-accessed him...of course, once Dr. K. caught wind of how his rash looked, she decided he needed another steroid boost...Cody and I had already left clinic when we received that call because we had to go and check out of the hotel...we went back to the clinic and they accessed him, administered the steroids, de-accessed him and cut us loose...and then we were on the road to home...
We have no idea what we are going to do for the next 3 weeks but whatever it is I am sure it will be great because we will be at home and happy...
I have not had a chance to check in on anybody for several days so everyone please know that I have been continuing to pray for each and every one of you every single day...I will spend some time later on tonight or tomorrow checking in on every one...you are all in our thoughts and prayers...please stop by and sign the new and improved guestbook while you are here...Also take a minute to check out the In Remembrance page...I designed the page myself...it is still a bit bigger then I would like but the webmaster is working on correcting it for me...
Until next time...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:39 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, May 4, 2003
Well it has been a great weekend at home...we have accomplished way less then we had hoped and to be honest, we really don't care :)
The house looks like a tornado hit it as most of the stuff that we brought home from Durham is sitting in various places all over the living and dining rooms...we hope to have most of it put away before we leave tomorrow morning...but if I have to guess I will say I seriously doubt we will get to it as being home and doing absolutely nothing except meds has been our ideas of preference...
Yesterday it rained and it was down right cold outside so we stayed in all day...well, I went to Wal-Mart and boy was that insane but other than that NOTHING!
Today we waited until after noon time and went to visit our church...it was really great to see everyone...from there we just sort of drove around a little bit and then we came back home where we plan on being for the rest of the night...
Tomorrow morning we will get up fairly early and head back up to Durham...we have plans to hang out with a couple of other transplant families Monday night...then we have clinic on Tuesday and surgery on Wednesday...hopefully we will be back home on Thursday night...
The arrangements for Travis have been made in Sunrise, FL on Thursday...please be sure to stop by and offer his family some encouragement...
Until next time...we are out of touch at least until Thursday...if anyone needs us please call us on the cell 954-665-7995...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5 - 6
Posted by Eleasha @ 05:57 PM EST [Link]
Friday, May 2, 2003
It is with such great sadness that I make an addition to my morning entry to let everyone know that earlier today I found out that our buddy Travis passed away on Tuesday. I was very sad not to know sooner but with the move we have been out of touch. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they walk through the loss of a true fighter...a hero...a great warrior.
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:36 PM EST [Link]
Well after a long and weary, winding road...I am so proud to announce to everyone that we are home...SAFE and SOUND!
We will be going to clinic in Durham again this Tuesday for another long day...which is no big deal really as we were already scheduled for the surgery on his throat on Wednesday...
We are all adjusting well and very grateful to be in our own rooms and in our own beds...I got up at about 6:30 this morning and took a nice long lavender bath...it was awesome!
Cody soaked in an hour-long shower last night before bed and we were able to raise the IV pole high enough to connect the kangaroo pump up to him while he slept in the top bunk...that is where he likes to sleep...
When Greg crawled into our bed last night, I heard him say aaaahhhh, I forgot how comfortable this bed is :)
Cody has been living it up outside with his friends...While Greg and I have been working on getting all of the stuff we brought home from North Carolina put away...I find it almost impossible to believe we have sooooo much stuff...but our house is living proof right now that 6 months is plenty of time to collect more things than you know what to do with :)
I went last night to collect a few things from the store...we needed groceries and a new shower curtain...the new curtain I bought is guaranteed to never mildew and it has built in allergy resistors...
So all in all being home is just what the Ultimate Healer ordered for all of us...God knew what we needed and when we needed it most!
I have to say that we are so very blessed to be surrounded by the friends and family that we have here in Virginia...last Saturday 3 of our very dear friends, Jill, Laurie and Carla...drove for nearly an hour to come and clean the entire upstairs of house...and boy did they kick some cleaning booty...on Sunday Jill came back to help Greg and Jason...this was really special to us because it was so last minute...I called and Jill dropped everything she was doing to go and help Greg and so did Jason...I cannot even begin to express in words how grateful we are or how much the help means to us...it because of you all and your love for our family that we were able to come home with Cody and not have any worried about his health or safety...that is piece of mind that can only come from the grace of God...THANK YOU ALL!!!
I heard from Jill this morning and she said that our little buddy Hunter has been admitted into the Naval Medical Center for high fevers...please keep him and his family in your prayers...you can stop by to check on them at www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter
Until next time...Make sure you stop by the guestbook and sign in...plus be sure to check in on our friends, the links are listed under their pictures on the updates on friends page :)
Talk to you soon...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Isaiah 53:4-9
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins � that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.
Posted by Eleasha @ 01:49 PM EST [Link]
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Our clinic day yesterday was awful...we spent nearly 10 hours between meds, fluids (which I requested because he had not been urinating enough), and waiting to see the doctor...when she finally came in she had a few not so nice things to say to me about Cody's progress this past week and I basically let her have it...I was nice but loud...firm instead of hysterical...
We knew that morning that the doctor was not going to be happy with our progress...Cody's weight was down a whole kilo (which is 2.2 pounds)...his CMV results came back positive at a very low, low rate and his Cyclosporin levels are off...
The doctor gave me hell for trying the kangaroo pump with meds on Monday night last week...and that was when I snapped...I was like you do not need to beat my head against the wall for that...I ALREADY BEAT MY HEAD AGAINST THE WALL...I was like I beat myself up when I was watching my kid puke...while I held the bucket and especially when he looked at me with all sad eyes and said..."Mommy, I don't feel so good." Obviously, we had no clue that administering the meds over 12 hours instead of all at once was going to screw him so much or we never would have done it...my thoughts on the whole thing were that all of the meds on an empty stomach at once make him feel sick so I thought hey...we can put them in the kangaroo pump and he will get through the night...alleviating his nausea...instead I made him puke...she looked at me and told me that I needed to be a better parent ...that I needed to call them when I was going to make changes in Cody's routine...I was like YOU ARE KIDDING ME RIGHT...I CALL JEN TO FIND OUT IF I CAN GO TO THE DAMN BATHROOM...I CALL FOR EVERYTHING...(Jen is the Nurse Practitioner) and this is true...I page her and call her for everything.
Anyway...I finally told the doctor that she was right...I am not a medical professional...and it is true I do not know anything about the kid in the room across the hall...down the block or around the corner...BUT...I do know my child and I do know his needs...of course I am going to make mistakes...but I learn from them and we move on...this does not mean that I am not able to be a good caregiver for my child...
We then went on to address the weight issue...and this pas week has been real screwy...first I messed him up Monday night which led to puking on Tuesday...then Wednesday he had surgery on his throat and on Thursday he was still recovering from the anesthesia...on Friday he started to eat regular food again, only very small amounts though as his stomach has not had regular food in it for like 3 years, anyway this has made him less than hungry for his normal g-tube feedings...on Sunday he played his tail off and that is what I feel probably caused the extra use of fluids...anyway...that brought us all the way up to yesterday...
Today we went in for a weight and it was back up .7 kilos...
We are wrapping up the apartment and going to stay in a hotel tonight...we will find out in the morning if we have to stay here or if we can go home...we are scheduled to come back here to clinic next Tuesday and then we will be in for surgery on his throat again Wednesday...
We will not have access to a computer for the next couple of days but please know that the guestbook entries really really really mean a whole bunch to us...so PRETTY PLEASE sign it while you are here...
Until next time...
In love & Prayer...
Eleasha
May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 2Samuel 2:6
Posted by Eleasha @ 03:04 PM EST [Link]
Friday, April 25, 2003
Well I stood on the front porch of our beautiful little Durham apartment and gazed into the back of a U-Haul truck as my husband made some mostly final adjustments to just about everything we own here in Durham...
I thought back to when we first got here full hope and fear all at the same time...My eyes filled with tears and for a brief moment I started to cry...
I thought about how difficult our journey has been over the past four years...I gave thanks to God that He chose me to be the mother of such an amazing child...such a true fighter...such a great warrior...a walking miracle...
I reflected for a few moments over all of the loss we have lived through here...never in my life have I been through anything like Durham...never have experienced so much joy and so much pain all in the same hallway...all on the same day...
It is only by the grace of God that our family is able to pack up and return to our home...whole...
I praise God every single day for the miracle has given us...for this day...for this little life...for the healing He has bestowed upon our child here on Earth.
I do not know the person that I was before all of this began...I do not even know what normal is anymore...none of us do...I remember one day during all of this here in Durham...Cody looked at me and told me wholeheartedly that he would like to go home and just do chemo like a normal boy...
I will miss my family here in Durham so much...we all will...but it is our continued hope and prayer that our whole family will soon follow in our footsteps and disburse all over this great nation...back to Illinois, Alabama, Colorado, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, Washington and all other points North, South, East and West...
As for our immediate family...another page is about to turn...we are sad to go but grateful to leave...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
P.S. Please sign the guestbook while you are here...if you are having difficulty signing it...please go to the contact page and let me know...I am trying to figure out if the guestbook is good or bad...so some feedback would be great!
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:17 PM EST [Link]
Thursday, April 24, 2003
Hey there all you Cody fans...the man rocks!!!
After surgery yesterday, he did so well they kicked us out of the hospital and sent us home...Cody slept most of the day after that but not from pain...from the anesthesia...
His procedure went well and we are scheduled to come back to Durham for an additional procedure on May 7th...
We have started packing and preparing everything for home...Greg will be picking up the U-Haul tomorrow and we will pack it out...he will take it home on Saturday...we are still trying to figure out how to get him back on Sunday but I am sure we will get it worked out...
Tuesday is our last "live here" doctor appointment in Durham...we will have to come back regularly for a while so that Cody can receive treatment for his throat and we will also have monthly visits with Dr. Kurtzberg...on a weekly basis we will see Dr. C. at the Naval Medical Center...
Basically that is all for now...
I will update again soon...in the meantime...PLEASE SIGN THE GUESTBOOK!
Thanks for checking in!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:21-22
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:43 AM EST [Link]
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
So sorry that the site has been down for the last couple of days...we had some problems with bandwidth...hopefully the problem is all corrected now and there won't be any more issues!
Anyway...Cody is still doing really well...
We had an awesome Easter together...we were sad to take Marina home and put Jeremy, Grandma Sherrill and Papa on the airplane...
Anyway...clinic went really well today we were in and out by 12:30 p.m. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???? Well, it's true no April Fools Joke here...before we left we got to see Shawn and Doug, Reese's mommy and daddy...it was really great...Doug brought junior firefighter helmets and badges from the Mount Airy Fire Department...Cody proudly wore his badge and helmet almost ALL DAY!
After we got home...Cody and I took a nap...when we woke up Cody was sick...he started throwing up so I called Jen at the clinic and told her we were coming back...my fear was that we wouldn't be good for surgery tomorrow if we didn't get a steroid boost and some fluids...Apparently my little medication experiment was not a very good idea...
{here is what happened, Cody has been complaining of a sick stomach after meds...so I thought I would try administering the meds in the kangaroo pump with his regular nightly feeds...this prolonged his doses over 12 hours...then this morning we had to hold meds until after clinic so that they could get proper levels on drugs and such...which also didn't work because of the overnight thing...but anyway...the lack of meds in his system at the regular dose...during the regular time made him sick...so basically it's all my fault} I felt really bad...We went back to clinic at 5:45 p.m. and we stayed there receiving fluids and steroids until 8:30 p.m.
Cody being the AWESOME Warrior that he is...DANCED OUT OF THE CLINIC :)
Cody is scheduled for surgery at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow so we have to be in Pre-Op at 11:30 a.m. Keep Cody in prayer...Ask God to give the doctors strength and wisdom in correcting the stricture in his throat...
Thanks for checking in...
I will try to update tomorrow but don't know if I will be able to as we are scheduled to be admitted to 5300 for a couple of days post procedure...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. Proverbs 14:32
Posted by Eleasha @ 09:08 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, April 20, 2003
This is the most wonderful truth to ever be told...
This is the story of Christ, Good Friday and Easter Sunday...
Somewhere around 2003 years ago a man by the name of Jesus walked the earth along the way of Israel...He was sent here by God, as THE Messiah...THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
They beat him with the cat of 9 tails...giving him 39 stripes...they punished him for preaching the word of truth...they disregarded his teachings, calling him a liar and a cheat...they looked upon his miracles as hoaxes, set up for the value of a show...they hunted him like he was prey...he was betrayed and sold to those how hunted him for 20 pieces of silver...he was denied by those who knew him best...he was laughed at...he was left to suffer the wrath of the ungodly...he was Christ.
On Friday they brought him out into the street where he was spit on and called smitten by God...they believed him to be a great deceiver...they watched as he was fitted with a crown of thorns and then nailed to a cross...they offered him urine to drink...they left him on the hill at Calvary and did nothing as he cried out in pain...as he begged his Father to do this another way...as he again begged his Father for forgiveness for those who had done this to him...all of this he did to prove his love...
After his death, they sent a guard to secure his tomb...just in case he was telling the truth...
Sure enough...
He lay dead in the tomb of Joseph, where they wrapped and buried him, for 3 days and 3 nights...
On Sunday, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb of Joseph to see Jesus...when they got there an Angel of the Lord came, his appearance was like lightning and his clothes were as white as snow...the guards were so scared they shook and passed out...the Angel of the Lord rolled back the secured stone from in front of the tomb...he told them to go and see for themselves that Jesus had RISEN...just as he said he would...then the angel told them not to be afraid and to hurry and tell the disciples that Jesus had RISEN and that he was going on ahead of them to Galilee.
The women went to tell what they had seen and what they had learned...as they were telling the disciples the good news...the guards were in the city giving the same report to the chief priests...
When the disciples arrived at the mountain where Jesus had told them to go, when they saw him, they worshiped him but some doubted. Jesus began to speak and they knew him. He told them (Matthew 28:18-20) "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
We celebrate Easter to acknowledge the life, the death and the resurrection of Christ...to give thanks to God for making the ultimate sacrifice...
For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY son, that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have ever-lasting life.
Do you get it? Is it making sense now?
He died so that you would not have to. He died so that you could be forgiven.
He died so that you could go to heaven.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through me."
SO the ONLY way to go to heaven is by and through a true and honest, humble acceptance of Christ.
The only question is what or who do you chose to believe?
Do you choose to call him the deceiver, smitten by God?
Or do you accept that he is the way, the truth and the life?
Jesus said, "If you profess me with your mouth to men, I will profess you to my Father in heaven. But if you deny me with your mouth to men, I will deny you to my Father in heaven."
As for me and my house...WE CHOOSE LIFE!
HAPPY EASTER!!!!!
Posted by Eleasha @ 12:28 AM EST [Link]
Thursday, April 17, 2003
This weekend has definitely been eventful...I have a total of 10 minutes per day all to myself and that is usually while I am taking a shower...
Cody has been loving having his brother and sister here...we have too...it has been so great to have our whole family together...we have worked on family projects...we have played...we have watched movies...we have flown kites...we have driven remote control boats...we have fed fish, fed ducks and fed geese...we have driven around all of Durham...we have hiked the Eno River...we hake had family dinners and family love...
HAVE I EVER MENTIONED HOW MUCH I LOVE MY LIFE!
Riley will be home in a couple of hours and I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am about that...we have been missing him so much especially since the rest of us are together...we have all been counting down the hours today awaiting his arrival...
Cody has been doing really great...I cannot even express how much good having everyone here has done for him...I know I said this last time but he is just thriving...I am amazed...he went from sleeping nearly 20 hours per day to only sleeping 9...CAN YOU SAY TOTAL DEPRESSION! And to think we did a spinal tap and an MRI to find out what was wrong with him...WHO KNEW? (well actually, Greg suggested it but the doctor dismissed him)
So anyway...thanks for checking in on us...we are doing GREAT! Preparing for HOME!!!!!! HOORAY!
Don't forget to check the Prayer Warrior page for URGENT PRAYER requests...and don't forget to stop by the Updates On Friends page click on the names and say hi to our friends...
Until next time...I have to go join in family movie time :)
BYE!!!!!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I can finish the race and complete the task that the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:24
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Posted by Eleasha @ 08:35 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Can I just say that having the whole family together really does make a difference...Cody has been thriving the last couple of days since Marina and Jeremy got here...they are up and outside every single day...
Yesterday was his birthday and he had surgery...GOODBYE CVL...HELLO PORT! things went pretty well but he woke up from the procedure in pretty bad space...I guess I really wasn't prepared for that since he has done so well with everything else...it kind of upset me...
We got home and things leveled off...Cody started feeling a little bit better and then Ben and Tina came over...Tina and I hung out on the deck while the boys all played with the remote control boat in the lake...
Ben and Tina left this morning...it was really great having them here...we all spent some good quality time together and we were sad to see them go...
Today was our LOOOOOOOOOOONG clinic day and things went well...we got there and had forgotten a few things so I called Ben and he came by the house to pick them up for us...him and Tina brought the stuff up to us along with Jeremy...we finished up clinic by mid-afternoon and Dr. K. gave us our walking papers...
THAT'S RIGHT...I SAID WALKING PAPERS!!!!
WE ARE OUT OF HERE...As of May 1st we will be back in our own house and we are ALL very excited...especially Cody...
What a difference some good news and family makes...PRAISE GOD for all of the blessings that He has and continues to bestow upon us...we are so blessed and so grateful...
I finally got a chance to talk on the phone to Christina, McKenzie's mommy, yesterday...it was really great to hear her voice...I have missed their family so much since McKenzie went to be with God...Christina said she has her really good days and then her really bad moments but all in all she is at peace with everything and knows that McKenzie is perfectly healed now and happy...you can check up on their family at www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay We are making plans for us to go visit them sometime soon and I am very excited :)
Dr. K. said NOOOOOO! to the Chuck E. Cheese idea so scratch that...however...she did say YES! to the movies if the theatre will agree to only have PBMT kids there...so I am working on it :)
Until next time...don't forget to check out the Prayer Warrior page for urgent prayer requests...and if you are having problems signing the guestbook, just go to the contact us link and send me an e-mail...we will be changing out the guestbook soon so that it will be more user friendly...we are also working on making the page more narrow so that you do not have to scroll left to right to see everything...it is important that you fill out the feedback form and let us know if you have any other ideas for the site...send them! send them! send them!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:45 PM EST [Link]
Sunday, April 13, 2003
This Day Was Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Let's start from the beginning...
We picked Jeremy up on yesterday afternoon...we came home just time for all of our friends to arrive safely from Virginia...Cody was so excited to see everyone...he was already having a blast with Jeremy and Marina...adding Hunter, Jimmy, Willie, Trevor and Emmy was just icing on his 2 days before his birthday, birthday cake
Amy and Erin wanted to go pick up some clothes for warmer weather so me, Jill and Marina took my truck while Amy, Erin and Hunter followed us to the Old Navy Store...
We left the rest of the kids at home with Rob (Jill's husband) and Greg ...they were thrilled :):):):):):)
Anyway...when we got back they all left to go get settled in to their hotel rooms and have dinner...Greg and I cooked a really nice dinner and our whole family minus Riley :( sat down and ate together for the first time since Christmas...
Today started off with a crystal clear blue sky that did not even have one cloud in it...there was no wind to speak of and it wasn't toooooooo hot or tooooooooo cold...IT WAS PERFECT!
Cody woke me up a little after 7:00 a.m. and was already ready to put on his party clothes...he was soooooooo cute :)
We noticed that Ben had called my cell phone the night before so we called him back to find out how far away him and Tina still were...they were already HERE!!!!!!! Now Cody was even more excited...Everyone was here...except his two favorite grandmas and Riley...oh yeah and his dogs (this was his quote)
Marina and I took off and went to the store so we could pick up some last minute things for the party and head back to the house before everyone started arriving...The boys stayed behind to straighten everything up...when we got home, Jill and Rob were almost right behind us...they set up the Bounce House....
By noon, our house was one BIG party...we had a total of 15 people here...me, Greg, Cody, Jeremy, Marina, Ben, Tina, Amy, Erin, Hunter, Jimmy, Willie, Jill, Rob, Trevor and Emmy...
I got all of the stuff out and ready for lunch while Greg worked the BBQ...
Through out the day we were all in the bounce house...it was a blast...I'm not sure but I think the "big" kids may have had more fun then the "little" kids...
About 2:00 p.m. everyone came inside so that we could open presents...Cody had so much fun...he told me later that he loved ALL of his presents but having his family and his friends here was the best part :) I just love this kid :)
After the presents, I yelled water balloon fight and 10 little kids bum rushed Ben trying to make it out the door to the back yard where about 75 water balloons were waiting...Again I think the "big" kids had more fun :) Ben tried really hard to get me with a balloon but it backfired and he got soaked...the next thing I new I was being drenched in really warm water...I looked up to see Ben with the water hose and my husband running away...I guess when all else fails...grab the "BIG GUN!!!!" I don't know what happened but somehow...Jill, Rob. Amy and Erin were MIA throughout the entire water balloon fight...so when it ended Greg was dry but me, Tina and Ben were in desperate need of some dry clothes...Greg gave Ben some pants and I tried to give Tina some but all of my small pants are still at home so I got her some of Jeremy's and they fit her really good (I haven't figured out if Jeremy is just big or Tina is just small...or maybe its both?)
Once we cleaned up we did the cake and everyone chilled out for a little while eating it...the kids went back out to the bounce house for a little while longer and then we took everything down...me, Tina and Ben cleaned up the house while Greg helped Jill and Rob take the bounce house down...
All in All the day could have only been better if the two favorite grandmas and Riley were here...other than that...our best friends were here and almost all of our children...this was in fact a PERFECT day!
All of our friends left to go back to Virginia around 3:00 p.m. and after they left, Cody suited up and gave daddy a special performance of Cody on a dirt bike...we let Jeremy ride it (that won't happen again) and then Marina...Jeremy almost killed himself...Marina tried to kill Greg :) soooooooo, we have definitely determined that, in our family, Cody is definitely the one cut out for becoming the next Jeremy McGrath :) the rest of them will have to pick another occupation :)
After the special performance, daddy and Tina went back to the hotel to get cleaned up and relax...me and Cody lay down and took a nap...we got up about a half an hour ago...
In a few minutes we are going to call and make plans with daddy and Tina for dinner and what not...they will come over to eat and join us for family movie time...
Cody has surgery scheduled for 9:15 a.m. tomorrow morning...daddy and Tina are going with us...the waiting room is gonna be full of Cody fans tomorrow :)
I will update when we get home from the hospital tomorrow...
Just a quick note to say THANK YOU to our awesome friends that drove up from Virginia to hang out with us...You will never know how much it means to us...ALL OF US :) You guys are the BOMB!!!!!!!!!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of your was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32
Posted by Eleasha @ 06:54 PM EST [Link]
Friday, April 11, 2003
Whew Hew...A major milestone...
Today marks Transplant plus 100 and 1...Can you believe it?????
T+101 HOORAY!!!!!!!!
Cody has done so well I just cannot even begin to explain how strong this little boy is...God truly blessed us with a warrior straight from heaven...
We went to clinic this morning...dropped off our labs...got our height and weight...then Jen looked at him and we were out of there...I told her it was a waste of parking money we were in and out so fast...she said we could stay if we wanted...we both promptly said NO! :):):):):):):):)
Yesterday was fun...we rode with Greg to Virginia to pick up Marina...we stopped at our house for a few minutes...boy is it going to need a whole lot of work before Cody can actually go home to live...I sent out an e-mail to my dear friends in the Virginia Beach area and asked for some serious help getting the house in order...everything has to be cleaned...I mean the walls, the doors, the railings...EVERYTHING!
I am so grateful that I have friends to reach out to and they are all so great they are already responding that they are available to help and I just don't even know how to express my love and admiration for those who are so willing to take care of our family and our home...THANKS GUYS!
Tomorrow, Jeremy will be coming but my mom and Riley have had to postpone their flight...Riley caught a little bit of a cold and with all of the work my mom has been doing to raise funds for our family and the foundation, she has caught it from him too...she called me yesterday morning in tears and I felt so bad...she wanted so badly to be here for Cody's birthday and for Jeremy and Marina's visit...now she will have to wait and come later in the week...the best part is that she will have the chance to spend time with everyone and the extra wait should give them both time to get better...
Please take the time to check the Prayer Warrior Page for Urgent Prayer Requests!
Today is our buddy Travis' birthday...make sure you stop by his site and offer him some much deserved Birthday Wishes!!!
Until next time...Thanks for checking in!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
Posted by Eleasha @ 11:00 AM EST [Link]
Wednesday, April 9, 2003
T + 99
B - 5
Can you believe it in 5 short days my baby will be a whole 7 years old...he is very excited...however...I believe he is even more excited about the fact that just about our whole family will be here...
Jeremy, Riley, Marina, Me, Greg, Grandma Sherrill, Uncle Jill, Uncle Rob, Trevor, Emmy, Aunt Amy, Hunter, Willie and maybe even Daddy and Tina!!!!
Of course Cody does not know about Uncle Jill and Uncle Rob coming with their kids or about Aunt Amy bringing her friend, Hunter and Willie...he also does not know that Uncle Jill is bringing the bounce house...
I am so excited for him...He is going to be SOOOOOOOO surprised and we have worked really hard to keep everything a secret too :)
Anyway...our day at the hospital went pretty fast...we only had to visit Pre-Op for the Anesthesia evaluation for the CVL removal and Port Placement on Monday...Cody decided that sleep medicine was indeed a good Birthday present...I didn't bother trying to argue with him as I have resolved myself to the fact that he LOVES to bother me about being able to get "sleepy" medicine :):):):):)
We were getting ready to leave when we got the chance to meet Jeff Burton (the NASCAR drive) in person...we went down and met with one on one before he made his public appearance on the floor he has donated funding to...It was a lot of fun and Cody really enjoyed meeting him...Jeff gave him an autographed picture, a t-shirt and a matchbox Jeff Burton race car...of course, we didn�t tell Jeff that Cody is big Hendrick Motorsports Team Fan :) The t-shirt is pretty cool...so I am sure he will get lots of use out of it :) and Jeff was really a nice guy...
That's pretty much it here...so I will sign off for now...
Please be sure to stop by the guestbook and sign in...let us know how you like the site!!!!
Also, stop by the Prayer Warriors page and click on the prayer warrior forum so that you can read up on families and kids that need EXTRA prayers...
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord will be made known to His servants, but His fury will be shown to His foes. Isaiah 66:13-14
Posted by Eleasha @ 03:14 PM EST [Link]
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
I was just wondering how many people are actually taking the time to check out the new site...if you are here and reading this, please stop by the guestbook and let us know what you think of the new site...
Anyway...
T + 98
B - 6
We arrived at the clinic a little after 8 this morning...things started off pretty crazy...all of the computers were down so basically the CHC staff were not able to do ANYTHING!
The nurse came in to get us and take us to Rainbow Day to start our meds...I had to inform her that we still needed to have all of his blood work drawn for his 100 day studies...
Anyway, after I told the nurse he needed his labs drawn still, we were sent back to the waiting room...we sat there for a while and then I went to track down another nurse...she said that we should go ahead and go down to Radiology for our Barium Swallow...Cody handled that like a champ...the stuff he has to swallow is so "nasty"
After the Barium Swallow we went back upstairs...we waited in the waiting room and then the nurse finally came and got us to draw Cody's blood...they took about 20 tubes which hold around 2cc and then a 30cc syringe full of blood...all of this blood will be sent off for various studies and and and...
Finally after ALL of that we were in our regular room in Rainbow Day...Cody's meds were started and Jenn came in to examine him...
After that Dr. K. came in to see him and she said he looks really good...I asked about when we might get to go home and she said if everything stays the same maybe in about a month! HOORAY!!!
Once we were done in Rainbow Day we headed down to the 3rd floor to meet with Dr. Treem the GI doctor...Cody is scheduled to have his next dilatation procedure on April 28th...the last time Dr. Treem did the procedure he did really well...he seemed to be able to swallow solids for a few weeks...we are excited and hopeful at the progress that Dr. Treem was able to make with just one procedure...now that he can focus on him we are very, very optimistic...
We got home at 5 something and now I am getting ready to go to bed early...
Until tomorrow...Thanks for checking in!
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20
Posted by Eleasha @ 07:49 PM EST [Link]
Today started off early...and it felt even earlier since the time change has thrown for a loop...
It is was cold...really cold...and rainy YUCK!
Anyway...we were up at the crack dawn and getting ready to go...we had an Echocardiogram, a Pulmonary Function Test and a Chest x-Ray...Personally, I thought that everything looked great! We actually ended up getting done with all of the testing fairly early...
Tomorrow we are going in with the expectation that we will spend our entire lives there...I have already packed a suitcase...literally!
We are scheduled to have our 100 day labs drawn in the morning...then we go down for a barium swallow...then we go back up for our Cytogam...then we wait and wait and wait for Dr. K...depending on fast or slow that is going we have an appointment with the GI doctor in there too...I am hopeful that we will have already seen Dr. K. by the time we go down for the other appointment...but I know not to get my hopes up...I am confident though that if we do not see her before we go down, we WILL be in clinic until at least 8:00 p.m.
So I am preparing now :)
Cody seems to feeling better the past couple of days...he is still sleeping a lot but not 20 hours a day anymore...
My mom is doing well with Riley but we found today that he might have a cold...I was telling my mom, you have to get him to an Urgent Care Facility, have him put on some antibiotics and she was like okay...he's not that bad...I was like this that and the other thing...then she was like ok...really he is not that bad just a running nose a little cold...and then I said well you only have 4 days before you leave to come her and he has to be on antibiotics for at least 72 hours before he can be around Cody...suddenly she goes...OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH! Man, I was sitting here thinking wow, she is really over re-acting for a little cold...she didn't catch that I was worried about Riley being around Cody she just thought I was a basket case worried about my kid having a slight cold :) heeheheheheehe!
Anyway...Things are good today...we are all happy...Greg and Cody have been enjoying the Spyro game we rented from Blockbuster along with the Wild Thornberry's Movie...
I will update tomorrow...
Until Then...Have fun exploring the new site :)
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha
The Lord appeared to us in the past saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt,...
Jeremiah 31:3-4a
Posted by Eleasha @ 12:03 AM EST [Link]
Sunday, April 6, 2003
Good Sunday Morning!
Can You Believe It!!!! The New Site Is UP!!! Hooray!!! We are so excited...
Amie has been working so hard on this site and I wanted to make sure that we gave her a VERY LARGE THANK YOU!!!
The weekend has been fairly quiet...Cody has not been sick since Friday, Praise God! We are getting ready to head over to the clinic this morning for a quick check up anyway...I just do not want to take any chances...
Tomorrow will prove to be extremely busy...we continue on with our 100 day studies...Cody will have an Echocardiogram, a Pulmonary Function Test, and a Chest x-Ray...
Tuesday we have lots and lots of blood work, our weekly Cytogam and visit with Dr. K.
We will also be doing a Barium Swallow to see how well his stricture has held since they dilated him in December, later in the afternoon, we will meet Dr. Treem, the GI doctor and we will make a plan for what to do next with the stricture...YEAH!!!!!
On Wednesday we will visit with Pre-Op to prep for the CVL removal and Port placement surgery that is scheduled for the following Monday...
I hope everyone enjoys the new site...as Cody and I have really put a lot of thought and effort into its design...the In Remembrance page is not yet up...this page is Very Special to us...and it will be very graphic intensive...it is my hope that each and every child that we are familiar with and aware of will be remembered and honored with the love and respect that we have in our hearts for each and every one...
Please stop by and leave your comments in the guestbook...Let us know what you think!
Also the message board is up on the Prayer Warriors page :) Get busy :)
In Love & Prayer...Eleasha
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
Posted by Eleasha @ 08:16 AM EST [Link]

JOURNAL ARCHIVES

Sunday, July 4, 2004 10:36 PM CDT ARCHIVES ARE BELOW:

Tuesday, April 8, 2003 8:03 PM CDT

THE NEW SITE IS UP AND RUNNING...I AM POSTING ALL CURRENT INFORMATION ON THE NEW SITE...PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO STOP BY AND CHECK IT OUT...IF YOU ARE COMING TO THIS SITE VIA OUR CARINGBRIDGE ADDRESS...PLEASE REDIRECT TO THE NEW SITE

WWW.FORCODY.ORG

THE SITE MIGRATION IS STILL IN PROGRESS SOME OF YOU MAY BE ROUTED HERE EVEN AFTER TYPING IN WWW.FORCODY.ORG...KEEPING TRYING THE NEW SITE IS AWESOME!!!

Tuesday, April 8, 2003

I was just wondering how many people are actually taking the time to check out the new site...if you are here and reading this, please stop by the guestbook and let us know what you think of the new site...

Anyway...

T + 98
B - 6

We arrived at the clinic a little after 8 this morning...things started off pretty crazy...all of the computers were down so basically the CHC staff were not able to do ANYTHING!

The nurse came in to get us and take us to Rainbow Day to start our meds...I had to inform her that we still needed to have all of his blood work drawn for his 100 day studies...

Anyway, after I told the nurse he needed his labs drawn still, we were sent back to the waiting room...we sat there for a while and then I went to track down another nurse...she said that we should go ahead and go down to Radiology for our Barium Swallow...Cody handled that like a champ...the stuff he has to swallow is so "nasty"

After the Barium Swallow we went back upstairs...we waited in the waiting room and then the nurse finally came and got us to draw Cody's blood...they took about 20 tubes which hold around 2cc and then a 30cc syringe full of blood...all of this blood will be sent off for various studies and and and...

Finally after ALL of that we were in our regular room in Rainbow Day...Cody's meds were started and Jenn came in to examine him...

After that Dr. K. came in to see him and she said he looks really good...I asked about when we might get to go home and she said if everything stays the same maybe in about a month! HOORAY!!!

Once we were done in Rainbow Day we headed down to the 3rd floor to meet with Dr. Treem the GI doctor...Cody is scheduled to have his next dilatation procedure on April 28th...the last time Dr. Treem did the procedure he did really well...he seemed to be able to swallow solids for a few weeks...we are excited and hopeful at the progress that Dr. Treem was able to make with just one procedure...now that he can focus on him we are very, very optimistic...

We got home at 5 something and now I am getting ready to go to bed early...

Until tomorrow...Thanks for checking in!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20

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Friday, April 4, 2003 3:26 PM CST

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS ON ITS WAY TO BEING ONLINE BY THE BEGINING OF NEXT WEEK...THROUGH OUT THE WEEKEND YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES LOGGING ONTO OUR WEBsite...THINGS SHOULD WORK FINE BY WEDENSDAY...IN THE MEANTIME KEEP CHECKING IN!!!

T + 94
B - 10

Can you belive it??? Cody is almost 7...

Today started off really rough...Cody was very sick...he was throwing everything up and he felt really bad...

We were already scheduled for clinic for labs, a check up and a CT Scan...so we got to there a little late because of our inability to move away from the toliet or the garabge can for long periods of time...

It would seem that he is experiencing some GVH...most likely from the reduction in steroids and the switch to oral meds...

I made a decision that I wanted them to put him on fluids for the weekend to make sure he stays hydrated and while we were in clinic we received a steroid boost and some fluids with potassium and magnesium...

He slept most of the time we were at the hospital and by the time we were done with fluids he had perked up and started feeling better...

We are going to keep a close eye on him this weekend and we will be dropping labs every day...I scheduled him a visit for Sunday jsut to be safe...

I will update next week on our new website :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

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Thursday, April 3, 2003 8:54 AM CST

T + 93
B - 11

Our days have been very lazy...there is not many transplant friendly things to do in Durham...so we spend most of our time at home...

Yesterday instead of going for a regular two hour drive around Durham...we drove to Emporia which is about half way between here and our house...we met Greg and Marina...we bought a pizza and went over to the Veteran's Memorial Park to enjoy our time together as a family...

I cannot even begin to explain to you how happy this made Cody...he and Marina played and talked...they walked around exploring the park and the moment...when it was time to go he told Marina he wished we could bring her with us...

He was so sincere and so cute...he slept all the way back to our apartment...

Dr. K. switched a few of our drugs from IV to oral on Tuesday but the pharmacy had to order the drugs for us...so when we got home last night we had our first experience with administering most of drugs via the g-tube instead via syringe pumps and 60/60 pumps...

WOW! What a difference...I didn't even know what to do with myself...he was IV free an hour after I hooked him up and got to sleep with only the g-tube hooked up to the continuous feeds...

He seems to be doing so well and we are all so relieved by the news we received on Tuesday...I just cannot tell you what a difference having that worry removed has made...

Things are great...it is a beautiful day and I bought some kites when Beth comes over we are leaving to go fly them...

Tomorrow is our new clinic day and hopefully it will be a really short one...we only need to drop labs and get looked at...that should not take too long...Right???

Anyway...I will update tomorrow...Thanks for checking in...Please sign the guestbook while you are here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:25

ATTENTION FRIENDS HERE IN DURHAM:
I HAVE CONTACTED CHUCK E. CHEESE IN REGARDS TO HOSTING A PBMT KIDS ONLY PARTY...THEY ARE RECEPTIVE BUT NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY ARE INTERESTED...PLEASE LET ME KNOW IFYOU THINK YOU MIGHT LIKE TO DO THIS...

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Tuesday, April 1, 2003 7:06 PM CST

T + 91
B - 13

We actually had a really good day at the clinic...

The pathology reports came back...the cells in the testicle were in fact leukemia...BUT...they were dead leukemia cells...meaning that the donor cells were doing their job even before the Oriectomy (testicle removal) Dr. K. knows her stuff...she started reducing his Cyclosporin immediately when the testicle began to present again...the graft vs. host worked! The graft killed the leukemia...PRAISE GOD FOR AN ANSWERED PRAYER!

The funny thing about this is that we are now left in a sort of dilemma...Cody is the first case of this kind...Dr. K. is not sure what to do with him...she informed me that in all of her years (and she is the expert in this field) she has only come across one other case which remotely similar to Cody...she will now start doing some additional research...she will contact some other experts and she will consult with the radiation expert to determine what our next course of action needs to be...if additional radiation is necessary...

Cody's Bone Marrow Aspirate from Friday came back ALL CLEAR!!! NO BLASTS! Hooray Again...PRAISE GOD FOR ONE MORE PRAYER ANSWERED!

BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!!!

Dr. K. saw fit to switch Cody to oral Voriconizole and oral Cyclosporin, which is called Neoral...she took us off of TPN and we are 100% g-tube fed now!!!

He now only has to receive two meds via IV...his steroids, which were reduced another milligram and his Gancyclovir was switched to a once a day dose...He will still receive his Cytogam via IV in clinic...BUT...we will only have to go for this drug on Tuesday now instead of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday...

Our new clinic days will be Tuesday and Friday...We will go on Friday to drop labs and get looked at...Tuesdays will be doctor and medication day...

Cody is scheduled to begin his 100 day studies this next week...and Dr. K. has added an extra CT Scan just to be safe...since the Spinal Tap came back clear we still no explanation for the 19 hours of sleep per day...

Cody will also have his CVL removed next week and a new port put in...

What does all of this mean???

It means we are ONE GIGANTIC STEP closer to leaving Durham and going home...

This all so very encouraging...We are very excited about this news...

HOORAY! CODY...Way to go girl cells...kicking some leukemia butt!!!

YEAH GOD!!! PRAISE JESUS!!! Thanks for our miracle...

I will update again tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Then Jesus answered, "Woman you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Matthew 15:28

ATTENTION FRIENDS HERE IN DURHAM:
I HAVE CONTACTED CHUCK E. CHEESE IN REGARDS TO HOSTING A PBMT KIDS ONLY PARTY...THEY ARE RECEPTIVE BUT NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY ARE INTERESTED...PLEASE LET ME KNOW IFYOU THINK YOU MIGHT LIKE TO DO THIS...

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Tuesday, April 1, 2003 5:58 AM CST

T + 91
B - 13

We got to clinic this morning and we were the only patient Dr. K. had...we received all good reports and we got to go home within a half an hour.

Can you believe it?

Well don't!

APRIL FOOLS!

I will update later when we return from clinic :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Without a sense of humor, we would never make it through life.

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Monday, March 31, 2003 6:00 AM CST

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be moved. My salvation and my honor depend on my God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Selah!
Psalm 62:5-8

I have hope because my comfort and my strength are in and come from God alone.

I feel so blessed as I look down at my sleeping son...blessed that I have been called to walk this journey with him...blessed that the Lord chose ME to be his mom...blessed that I am willing and able to be next him through every single trial...blessed that there are doctors who have been given the gift of healing...

I reflect on all that we have been through during this journey...it has been difficult...so many times I have lost heart...so many times I have been angry...sad...confused...crazy...I have lost my cool...given up my witness...forgotten to depend on my God...I have lost my witness...I have acted inappropriate...I have been wrong...but alas, I am human...I am but a mother tasked with the awesome experience of raising a child with cancer...

Each day, I reflect on the events of that day...

Was I patient? Sometimes...
Was I tolerant of others? Sometimes...
Was I strong? Yes...
Was I weak? Yes...
Was I supportive? Usually...
Was I faithful? Most of the time...
Was I a good example of Jesus? Not as much as I would like to be...
Was I worldly? Yes.

Each night, I pray for the attributes of God...I pray for forgiveness...I pray for a very long list of families who are also dealing with the horrors of a sick child...I pray for mercy...for strength...for hope...for love...

Praise God! Praise His Mercy! Praise His Strength! Praise His Hope! Praise His Love! Praise Hid Forgiveness! He alone is my rock and my salvation...He is my fortress I will not be moved!!!

How could I do this alone? I could not! How could I make it without God? I could not! How could I be strong without His love? I could not! How could I make it through daily loss? I could not! How could I find hope in the work of man? I could not! How could I make it through this? I could not! How could I do this without faith in God? Without my Rock...my Refuge...my Strength...my Hope...my Love...How could I? Why would I?

Why would I want to??? Why would you want to???

God continues to call us to Him...with every trial...every obstacle...we are given another chance to find hope in Him...to find peace...to find salvation...

Today is the day that the Lord has made...I will rejoice and be glad in it!!!

Find comfort and salvation in and through Christ Jesus...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Saturday, March 29, 2003 3:35 PM CST

Well today has been pretty lazy around here for most of the house...

Cody continues to sleep for nearly 18 hours per day and I think Greg has decided to compete with him :)

We still do not have any results on the pathology reports (not that I expected to get them on a Saturday...but...)

Anyway...I got early this morning so that I could get together a list of how to's for my mom so she would know what to do for Riley...then I made a Riley grocery list...After all of that I packed up his diaper and suitcase...and then just spent as much time with him as he would allow until it was time to take them to the airport...their flight got off without a hitch and we came back home...

Greg went in to take a nap and I started playing a video game with Cody for a little while and then we joined Greg...they are still sleeping...

It has been crazy around here lately...so much stuff going on...

Our friend Travis remains in the PICU www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams on a ventilator

Another little boy I follow, Noah, is also in PICU www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah

Juan is PICU

Our friend Andrew was re-admitted to 5200 with high fever and vomiting...they have not been able to figure out what is wrong with him www.caringbridge.org/page/andrewshope

Brent is still on 5200 but they are hopeful that soon he will at their new apartment www.caringbridge.org/ga/brentr

And the list goes on...our friends at home are also having some concerns...

Our best little buddy Hunter is having some trouble with his different organ functions...this comes from being on high doses of steroids and chemo for a prolonged time www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter

Cody's best friend Trevor is having a whole lot of trouble holding on to his platelets www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

On the upside
Jordan is doing awesome www.caringbrdige.org/il/jordan

Jacob is doing well aside from some ankle pain www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

Tommy has 1% donor cells www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennetboys

Jillian L. is doing really well aside from some yucky allergies www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian

Jillian F. is out of the hospital www.caringbridge.org/oh/jill

Trey is getting settled in www.caringbridge.org/va/trey
and so is Nolan www.caringbridge.org/co/nolanramsey

Tucker is doing really great and he looks so good since they removed his spleen www.caringbridge.org/nc/tuckerhall

Sarah continues to recover and her dad wrote a very beautiful tribute to McKenzie's family in his last entry www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

Morgan is preparing for her trip to NY for the antibody treatment www.caringbridge.org/nc/morganbarnes where she will see our little friend Carl at the "Donald House" www.caringbridge.org/mn/carcar

Khalita is doing really well and she has really reached out to help out Andrew and his family www.caringbridge.org/nc/khalita

Carson is doing well...Tyler is doing well...Trey (Florida) is doing well..

Finally, I would like to send out some very special prayer requests for our friends who are still dealing every single day with the reality of loss

Alexandria's Family www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels
Brittney's Family www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney
Keshon's Family
Kyle's Family www.caringbridge.org/wa/kyle
McKenzie's Family www.caringbridge.org/nc.mckenziefay
Meghan's Family www.caringbridge.org/fl/megahansjourney
Mitch's Family www.mitchellkyle.com
Reese's Family www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup
Ryan's Family www.caringbridge.org/nc/ryan
Seth's Family www.caringbridge.org/fl/sethlovestrains

Please take a few minutes this weekend to stop by the sites you are called to...leave a word or two of encouragement...we all love to read the entries so very much...

And in your prayers tonight make sure you ask God for His will and healing for us all...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I heard but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all of this be?" He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand but those who are wise will understand.
Daniel 12:8-10

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Friday, March 28, 2003 5:23 PM CST

Well the lumbar puncture went well...Cody handled it like a real champ!

Cody, as usual, walked out of the procedure almost immediately...he really is so amazing...we should have the results from the spinal tap on Tuesday when we see Dr. K.

They STILL DO NOT HAVE back his pathology reports on the testicle that was removed a week and a half ago...

The CMV results did in fact come back negative so they discontinued his Foscarnet and have moved him to maintenance doses on a few others...HOORAY!!! One step forward!

While Cody was in his procedure, I walked over to the PICU to try and visit our friend Travis...unfortunately, they would not let him have any visitors when I arrived so I was only able to say a quick prayer from the waiting room...

Please take a few minutes to stop by his site and offer his family your prayers and support...Travis and his family are from Sunrise, FL

www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

All is well here...my husband arrived safely for his two day visit and we are going on a date so I have to go...

I will update again tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord -- and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;
Isaiah 11:2-3

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Thursday, March 27, 2003 7:17 PM CST

T + 86

Clinic was reallllllyyyyyyyyyyy looooooooooooooong today...we went late which was MY MISTAKE!

We ended up waiting nearly 6 hours for 2 hours worth of medications...

Anyway...it was fun to visit with all of our friends and then when we finally got back into a room we took a nap...well Cody did (I just watched him sleep for a while)

So the word is...

There is no word yet...

The pathology reports are still not in...so we have no answers to last Wednesday's procedure yet...I do know that Dr. K. has been personally calling the lab for two days now (of course, it hasn't helped yet)

The Negative CMV results from this past Tuesday are not in yet so we have no word on the rest of med changes...

On Tuesday when we saw Dr. K. she too expressed some concern over the fact that Cody was having regular headaches and sleeping nearly 18 hours per day...he is scheduled for a spinal tap tomorrow at 1300 hrs.

I am hopeful that we will have some more answers tomorrow...as I do not WAIT very well...

I will update tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things.
Ecclesiastes 11:5

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Thursday, March 27, 2003 4:35 AM CST

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:8

What is faith? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What is hope? Faith that the will of God will prevail.

What is fear? Lack of faith.

Here am I. Send me! I will not be afraid...I will not be consumed for You are with me. Aren't You?

My heart is full of faith...full of hope...

My mind is full of fear...

Is possible to do both? Is possible to have faith and hope, yet be fearful?

Without fear we would feel no need to rely on God. We would have no reason for hope. We would not know or understand how much His love abounds us. We would not cling to what is good. We would have no way of understanding that His grace is sufficient.

Throughout these past months I have had the opportunity to go before God in prayer...I have begged for faith...I have cried for answers...I have praised His miracles...I have been grateful...I have been angry...I have been ambivalent...I have felt alone...I have felt His presence...I have been fearful...I have been fearless...I have been everything and nothing ALL at once!

I am humble.

I know not what tomorrow holds...I only know that today He is worthy to be praised!

I only know that today we have been given a reprieve...

I only know that this morning, I was able to lay and watch my son sleep...peaceful...painless...beautiful.

I am his mother...I am human...I will never be able to do this on my own.

Praise God...I do not have to!

When I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" I said, "Here am I. Send me!" The Lord said, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and I will rescue you declares the Lord.

Be grateful for today...have faith...have hope...give up the fear...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will update later today upon our return from clinic to let everyone know if we have any results from the pathology reports...and any other news....

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Tuesday, March 25, 2003 6:58 AM CST

Tuesday, March 25, 2003 9:07 PM EST

Okay so clinic went well...we did not rush to get there this morning...I just did not have it in me to wait ALLLLLLLL day again...

We arrived promptly at 9:30 a.m. We waited to be weighed in for about a half an hour and after that we waited some more for our meds...

We finally had our meds going at about 11:45 a.m. which finished up at 1:35 p.m.

Once our meds were finished they quickly booted us out of our room and sent us back to the fish bowl so we could...(you guessed it) wait!!!

I was ready for the long haul but we were actually done fairly quick...Caryn got us into a procedure room (they were out of Exam rooms) did all of our preliminary stuff and then in came Dr. K.

I was hopeful that today would hold many more answers for us but alas we are again tasked with waiting...

The pathology reports from Cody's disected testicle are not in yet so we have no word as to what has been found there...

Cody has been experiencing regular headaches and he is sleeping nearly 18 hours per day...I was hopeful that Dr. K. would have some expert insight but she has none...she too is concerned about these "issues" so we are scheduling a spinal tap for later this week...

It is our goal to first eliminate the possibilities one by one starting with the biggest and worse case scenario first...

We are hopeful and we are in no way detered from our faith...although our path has been paved with potholes lately...we hol don to the absolute truth...

There is absolutely NO better way we could be walking into this relapse...we are 100% donor cells and we are producing our own cells...while Cody is awake he is feeling great and in excellent spirits...

Please keep us in prayer...

Below is my journal entry from earlier this morning...

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Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him if Baal is god, follow him." But the people said nothing. 1 Kings 18:21

Right now Cody and I are preparing to go for a long day at clinic...I wanted to take a few minutes to post something I sent to ABC World News...I will update later when we return home...

My husband is a proud member of the United States Navy...he has served for the past 10 years and plans to retire in 10 more...
As I sit here, I consider his deployment to the Persian Gulf and I am fearful, we have an infant son and another son battling Leukemia...do I want to lose my husband? NO!
But do I think that my husband should go to Iraq? You bet your butt I do!
Our family supports President Bush, our country and the action against Iraq...
Are we to sit back and watch as Saddam continues to defy every single sanction placed against his country by the UN...are we supposed to wait until Israel and the entire Arab world are under the control of a tyrant...are we supposed to wait and watch as weapons of mass destruction become a reality...NO!
We are blessed to live in the United States...we live in a country where citizens can protest and march in the streets, complaining about the fact that the US and coalition forces are at war with Iraq...
Maybe for a moment they should consider the alternative, they could be a citizen of Iraq, where instead of marching in protest...they would be in the war, marching in front of cowardly Iraqi forces being used as human shields...
Our troops risk their lives so that tens of thousands can say what they want about the occupation of Iraq! They risk their lives abroad so that our homeland will never again face the loss and devastation of September 11th.
It is NOT our goal to make Iraq a United States territory...but instead to allow Iraq to decide what kind of state the citizens there would like their state to be, without fear of death for opinions that differ from the leadership...
I am on the frontline...I am fighting the battle here as I watch and wait for word of where my husband may go next...I am the one that the protestor says should not have to deal with the loss of life...but I am willing! President Bush has spent much time waiting...hoping...praying...asking...even pleading for peace...for Iraqi's compliance with the UN...all to no avail...
Now is the time for our country to come together...it is not the time to divide and protest! By: Eleasha L. Hilliard

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Sunday, March 23, 2003 5:43 PM CST

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

When I read this passage, I could not help but ask myself...Are you really convinced? I have so many questions...so many doubts and fears...so many thoughts...

What is life? What is death? What is normal? What is this love that God has for us? Why are we here? Why do we suffer? Why do watch those around us grow sicker? Grow weary? And then die? When will it end? When will it be over? When will we finally be able to go home? Who is responsible for this pain? Who would cause such heartache? Who can endure these trials? This grief? Who should have? How come these things happen? How do we deal with daily loss? How do we make through tomorrow when today is so full of despair? How are we supposed to stay faithful?

I wonder if I am able to stand up under the trials of daily life...of living here in Durham...some days are just so difficult...I get angry...I get mad...I have doubt...I do not know if I am convinced of all that I should be...I do not know if my faith is as strong as it could be...I am not sure witness is as perfect as it would be...

I do know that I believe in Christ Jesus...I do know that as many times in a day that I may try to make sense of God's plan...or as often as I may think I have things ALL figured out...it continues to be beyond me...for His ways are not my ways...His plans are not my plans...

I have the overwhelming feeling that I am covered by His grace...His mercy abounds me...My life is in His hands...My family is His to maintain...I am what He has made me...

I do not know what the future holds...I cannot predict what tomorrow will look like...

Each day I awake with my life, I give thanks! Each day I awake to face another day in this battle called cancer and transplant, I give thanks! Each day I have my child to hold near me, I give thanks! Each day I can reach out to another and offer support, I give thanks! Each day I can break bread with my friends, I give thanks! Each day I can make a phone call to say I love you, I give thanks!

The first thing I do when I awake each day is look out the window...I give thanks for this day...I give thanks for the sun...I give thanks for the rain...I give thanks for love, for life and for happiness...but most of all I give thanks for you!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. Please don't forget to sign the guestbook...the entries really do mean so much!

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Saturday, March 22, 2003 2:24 PM CST

T + 81

Clinic went well today...Cody's counts are looking good...but it is just not the same around there without McKenzie...

It has been a rough couple of months here...there is so much hope and so much despair all at the same time...

My heart just aches and aches over all of the loss we have been subjected to...for each of the families that we have grown close to and then had to witness them go through more pain than any parent ever should...

I know in heaven with Jesus there is no pain...no suffering...no chemo...no machines...no more nothing...

However, I do not pretend to understand why things happen the way that they do...I do not even pretend to be able to explain what the greater plan might be...

I only know that there is nothing else I can do except reach out to the heart that aches...offer my shoulder...my support...and my prayers...

I am at a loss...once again my prayer was for healing here on earth...once again I wished for McKenzie to prove the statistics wrong...I prayed for complete healing but I was saddened by the answer to that prayer...I have faith...I have trust...I just wish I had the knowledge that only the Lord has...

Please see the photo tribute to McKenzie on the photo page...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call on My name, I said, 'Here I am, here am I.'
Isaiah 65:1

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Friday, March 21, 2003 3:52 PM CST

I updated earlier today...to read that entry to to the History section...

IT WAS A FEW MINUTES AGO THAT I READ THE NEWS...I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT...I DID NOT EVEN WANT TO BELIEVE IT...

I AM WRITING WITH SUCH A HEAVY HEART...THE TEARS ARE FLOWING DOWN MY FACE AND I CANNOT STOP THEM...

MIRACLE MCKENZIE HAS FINALLY EXPERIENCED THE MIRACLE THAT IS COMPLETE HEALING...

LATE THIS AFTERNOON...LITTLE MS. MCKENZIE FAY SCHOELNOB PASSED AWAY...

IT HAS BEEN A LONG AND HARD BATTLE.

SHE HAS BEEN A TROOPER, EVEN TO THE VERY END, SHE FOUGHT TO STAY HERE WITH US.

RICK AND CHRISTINA ARE A MESS...

I JUST LOVE THAT FAMILY SO MUCH...

THERE IS JUST SO MUCH HOPE AND SO MUCH LOSS ALL AT THE SAME TIME...

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FEEL...I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO HAVE ALL OF THESE EMOTIONS AT ONCE...I SO WISH FOR A TIME WHEN I CAN LOOK BACK AND SMILE AT THE GOOD MEMORIES BUT NO LONGER BE HAUNTED BY THE FEAR...MY HEART JUST ACHES AND ACHES...

I LOVE THAT LITTLE GIRL...

I AM SO SAD.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 1 Corinthians 14:15

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Friday, March 21, 2003 12:53 PM EST

T + 80
B - 24

Clinic went well yesterday...we weren't there for too long and we were able to get out and go pick up Paula from the airport...

Cody went to bed on Wednesday when we got home from surgery and stayed there all night and most of yesterday...he was pretty sore from the surgery but considering all they have done to him...

He is doing great!

Greg and I are going to go out tonight...I read on Tommy's site that the Goo Goo Dolls are here for a concert tonight...so I checked on ticket prices to see if we could afford to go (they are one of my favorite bands) Well it turns out that since it is war time we get a lot more military discounts than normal...We were able to buy one get one free ticket so they worked out to be very reasonable and we are going! I am so excited...we haven't been anywhere together in a very long time...

Paula is going to keep the boys while we go...Greg and I will get all of Cody's med administered before we leave and Riley will only need his regular stuff...

Yesterday during our time at clinic, I grabbed Carrie (Jordan's mom, www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan) and we walked over to the unit so that we could visit Travis, Jillian F. and McKenzie...

McKenzie looks good but her respirations are up to about 140 per minute...this makes it very difficult for her to breathe...she is really having a hard time of it and the doctors are out of options with her...I just love that little girl so much...I pray that the Lord will heal her soon...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

Jillian looked really good...she had surgery on Wednesday too to have a shunt placed in her head...she looked really good and was way more alert than we have seen her in a long time HOORAY!
www.caringbridge.org/oh/jill

Travis is having a rough time of it...he is such and awesome young man...so strong...a true fighter...he was very tired when we got there and I was sad to see him still so sick...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Please keep us and every one else here and across the country dealing with disease and sickness in your prayers...

I will update more tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water.
Ezekiel 19:10

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Wednesday, March 19, 2003 3:22 PM CST

We just got home from the hospital...and like everything else...Cody did great!

20 minutes after they moved him to the recovery area he was up, getting dressed and ready to go...Can you believe this kid...he walked out of the hospital...

He said that he is having some pain and he is tired but other than that...he is feeling good and he did great...

I just praise God for the strength that He has blessed our child with...Cody is such an amazing boy...he touches everyone who comes in contact with him...

While we were in the waiting room...we had the chance to hang out with a few other families...it was nice to be able to socialize...

If you have a moment to check in on them and leave a note that would great...today was difficult for us all but we got through it...

Noah www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah

Jillian F. mom www.caringbridge.org/oh/jill

Cameron L. family www.caringbridge.org/nc/cameronlaugh

Ellen brought Simon and Andrew to see us...they wanted to make sure that we were doing okay...it is a blessing to have people who care and take the time to make sure you know they care...Ellen is an amazing woman...Andrew has been through so much...he is the 2nd Sanfillipo child to undergo a transplant and he is the oldest...he is doing really well post transplant but he has been in so much pain that they were forced to come back here in an effort to have every day clinic visits to try and determine what the source of his pain is...Ellen has had to stay up with him crying in pain for more than 40 hours at a time...I am amazed at the tremendous amount of love and patience she is still able to muster up after having almost no sleep...taking care of your child, who is not able to tell you what hurts, watching helplessly as he suffers...the Lord has really surrounded her with a neat gift...I hope by spending some time with them...maybe some of it will rub off on me :)

Please add them to your prayer list...they are also in need of some specific donations...check out their website and see if you are willing or able to help...

www.caringbridge.org/page/andrewshope

Now...I know many of you have read mention in my journal entries of McKenzie...well I read in her journal last night that she has taken a turn for the worse...she has been re-admitted to 5200 and they were evaluating her last night to decide if they were moving her to PICU again...the doctors told her mother there is nothing else they can do for McKenzie, as she has already been through 3 transplants and has now been infected with every single post transplant virus there is...God has preformed many miracles for McKenzie...we have all loving started calling her Miracle McKenzie...well little Ms. Miracle can use your prayers now more than ever...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

Jacob got to go home last night...they were able to hydrate him and get his pain under control...his appetite has returned with a vengeance and his mom says he is doing good...they will be back in clinic with us next week YEAH!

www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

Our friend Travis remains on the unit and has recently developed some serious complications related to being on so many different meds for so long...he was on the unit when we got there and has still not bee released...please send him some much needed prayers also...

www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Finally are little buddy Trey is in the work up phase pre-transplant...he has been having a rough go of it the past few days with low counts and fevers...please say some extra prayers for him as he continues to work up for transplant

www.caringbridge.org/va/trey

Last but certainly not least...please pray for the rest of our friends here and through out the country and world who are dealing with disease and every day face the battle of their lives...there are so many more that could use your prayers and your support...so many are doing well...so many are waiting for news...so many...too many...

Paula will be here tomorrow evening...Cody is very excited...

We have clinic in the morning...I will update as soon as I can...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

But as for me, I watch and hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7

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Tuesday, March 18, 2003 7:01 PM CST

Well the word is Surgery...

Cody will go in to have his right testicle biopsy and removal tomorrow morning...we are scheduled to be at the hospital at 10:30 a.m. and his surgery will take place sometime around 12 p.m.

They have decided that we are not taking anymore chances...the testicle will be completely removed and the biopsy will be sent to pathology...the pathology reports will come back at the end of the week and if they are in fact positive for Leukemia, we will be on our way to radiation again...

Cody is excited about receiving sleepy medicine tomorrow...I, however, am not excited but instead I am relieved that we have some solid answers by the end of the week...the worst part about this whole thing is that suddenly we have all new later on variables that we were hopeful we would never have to consider again...

But, that's okay...

God knows exactly what He is doing (I wish He would fill us in a little faster...but...He has His own schedule)

Paula will be coming in on Thursday...Cody is so very excited...and I am too...he has been really wanting to see the rest of his family...everyday, he has asked for his grandmas, his brother, his sister, his dad...his friends...this is so hard sometimes.

I cannot reiterate how awesome you all have been supporting us and keeping us in your prayers...we truly appreciate the outpouring of love on our family...it means more than we can ever begin to explain...

Cody's clinic visit went really well...he has a new GVH rash...which is good because we want his cells to fight off the Leukemia...

They discontinued his Amlodipnie (Blood Pressure Meds)...they reduced his steroids and his Cyclosporin...in two weeks he will be off of TPN so long as his urine is cleared up sufficiently (he is still urinating blood)...

THIS AWESOME NEWS...THE FASTER WE GET OFF OF OUR IV MEDS THE SOONER WE GO HOME (they will not let us leave Durham on any IV meds)

Things are really going well aside from the relapse...

Our buddy Jacob was admitted back on 5200 last week...Jacob has been having a pretty tough time of it...check in on him and let him know he is in your prayers
www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

Also, please see our remembrance to Reese on the photo page if you have not already...you can also stop by and send your love and prayers to his family
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

I will update tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust--there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Lamentations 3:28-33

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Monday, March 17, 2003 7:05 PM CST

Okay sorry I haven't updated but things have been kind of quiet...

We are in a waiting patern until tomorrow...we have a meeting scheduled with Dr. Wiener where we fully expect to be evaluated and scheduled for our biopsy later on this week...

Cody has been running a low grade fever which has peaked out at 101.3...we were supposed to be off from clinic Sunday and Monday but with this fever we have had to go in and get broad spectrum antibiotics both days...thank God our visits have been short...

Besides the fever the only other thing we have going on is a nice little rash...they have decided that it is a Graft Vs. Host rash...but it is a very strange looking rash...it looks like the measels...Dr. K. will evaluate it tomorrow...

Tomorrow will be extra long considering we have to see Dr. K. and Dr. Wiener...

I will update tomorrow as soon as we get home...

Cody feels great! Things are going well and we are still very optimistic about the outcome of this relpase...

Thanks for checking in on us and please keep us in your prayers along with the rest of our friends that are dealing with transplant and disease...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Our pain is relative to the love of our child and is not a denial of God's grace. God does not promise that His grace will remove pain but rather that we can go on no matter how bad the pain is.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to this pain away from me. But He said no to me, my grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in your weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9

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Friday, March 14, 2003 5:01 PM CST

T + 73

Well the Unofficial, Official word is RELAPSE!

Dr. K. checked him again today and confirmed that Cody's testicle is definitely enlarged and that he will require some other form of treatment in an effort to prevent him from having any "other" issues...

The reason I say it is the unofficial, official word is because until Cody is able to go through the actual testicular biopsy next week...we are going on an assumption...

NOW FOR THE NUTS AND BOLTS:

Cody will undergo a biopsy of his right testicle next week...the Doctor who will be performing the procedure has been out of town...he will return on Monday and Dr. K. has told us it is her desire to have Cody treated sooner than later so she will be pushing for his procedure to be done next week...we will have a definite date on Monday.

(a little funny: Cody is seeing an Urologist, a wiener doctor, his name is Dr. Wiener hehehehehehehehehehehehe)

During the actual biopsy procedure they will do a sample test to determine if there are Leukemia cells present...if the test results are positive, they will remove the testicle immediately...

After that, Cody will be evaluated and they will decide what room he has for additional radiation on and around his private area...he will undergo more radiation.

Dr. K. has already started decreasing his suppression drugs (i.e. Cyclosporin) so hopefully the continued reduction will help flare up a little bit of graft vs. host which will work as graft vs. leukemia.

PLEASE KNOW AND UNDERSTAND...

CODY IS DOING AWESOME!

We all are actually...We have extreme faith that this is just another hurdle that we will clear with little or no difficulties...Our faith is not swayed...this is actually more of an annoyance than anything else...

YES IT IS RELAPSE...BUT IT IS NOT A "HUGE" RELAPSE AND THE TREATMENT IS PROMISING!

Of course this news has difficult to hear but we are confident in the talents that the Lord has bestowed upon the doctors here and the Lord will heal Cody...

Cody goes into this relapse with 100% donor cells producing in his bone marrow...he is strong and feeling good...his testicle can most likely be isolated and the disease can be stopped there...we choose to believe that that is exactly what will happen...we will pray for this outcome...GOD IS AWESOME! HE IS FAITHFUL AND WILL ALWAYS GIVE US THE DESIRES OF OUR HEARTS ACCORDING TO HIS PERFECT PLAN...

We have faith and resolve in the fact that we WILL be leaving Durham with Cody alive, on his way to being healthy and ready to ride his dirt bike...

Please keep us in your prayers...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
Habakkuk 2:1

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Mom's NIV Devotional Bible Excerpt

Praying and Waiting

There are so many ways in which God's actions or inactions make little sense to us. We ask Him for help, and He is silent. We trust in Him to provide and He withholds. But is God inconsistent, or is He simply running according to another time schedule, another set of priorities?

Habakkuk questions God's plan to use the pagan nation of Babylon to discipline the wayward Israel. He then settles in to wait for God's answer: "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will wait to see what He shall say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint" (Habakkuk 2:1). Like a guard who waits through his watch with his eyes peeled for a sign of movement, Habakkuk waited for God.

So MUST we. We must pray with a willingness to wait and wait with a willingness to pray. Waiting and praying go together. Like two shoes of a pair or two halves of a whole, they work as a team.

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Thursday, March 13, 2003 11:52 AM CST

T + 72
B - 38

It is with a very sad heart that I am writing to inform everyone that our beautiful and precious little Cody baby is in relapse...

We had some suspicions that have been basically confirmed today...Dr. K. will have the final say during our time with her tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

The deal is this...

When Cody originally relapsed last August, he presented in his right testicle...a normal 6 year old testicle is approximately 1x1x1 in diameter...Cody's "infected" testicle was 5x3x2...HUGE! He loving called it his BIG BALL :)

After we started over with chemotherapy and then radiation...his testicle was reduced to its normal size...showing no further signs of leukemia...

Anyway...since the original relapse (I guess out of instinct now) I frequently check his testicles to make sure everything looks normal...I have had the opportunity to look at them even more lately because of all of the blood in his urine and him needing help going to the restroom...

I noticed while I was bathing him on Monday that the right testicle looked a little bigger...I am not a doctor but I checked it out the best that I could and I was concerned...

On Tuesday, I asked Jenn (Our Nurse Practioner) to take a look at him and then Dr. K. did too...Dr. K. also expressed that she thought it seemed to be bigger than she previously remembered...

We were scheduled to be checked again today by Jenn and then tomorrow by Dr. K.

Jenn and I both agree that the testicle today is larger than it was on Tuesday...it firm and warm, almost hot, to the touch...this is how it was previously...there is no tenderness (ultimately ruling out infection) Dr. K. will have the final say tomorrow...

We do have options...our outlook is not grim or even bleak it is actually very promising...

Cody will undergo surgery to remove the testicle where the leukemia is presenting...

His counts have been awesome...we already know that his bone marrow is producing and what he is producing are in fact donor cells...so after they remove the testicle they will reduce a lot of his suppression drugs in an effort to induce a good form of graft vs. host disease...which, if it works as planned, it will act as graft vs. leukemia...

Obviously we have many questions of our own right now...I do not have or know anything else right now...

I only know that the Lord is with...He is protecting us and giving us whatever strength we seem to have right now...

I don't know what else to say...

I will update tomorrow after our meeting with Dr. K.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name!
1 Chornicles 29:12b-13

Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my supplication in Your faithfulness answer me. Do not bring judgment upon your servant, for no one living is righteous. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those who have long been dead. So my spirit within me grows faint; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I mediate on Your works and consider what Your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. SELAH!
Answer me speedily, O Lord, My spirit fails! Do not hide your face from me lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for I lift up my soul to You. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may your good spirit lead me to level ground. For Your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life; in righteousness bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy those who would oppress me, for I am Your servant. (Psalm 143)

In Jesus Name, Amen

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Tuesday, March 11, 2003 6:54 PM CST

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE OUTPOURING OF LOVE I HAVE RECEIVED SINCE REESE'S PASSING...I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE SOME OF THE CREDITS THAT HAVE BEEN PLACED ON ME...UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO "BE THERE" FOR HIS FAMILY...ASIDE FROM A PHONE CALL AND MANY PRAYERS I HAVE NOT SEEN THEM SINCE SATURDAY BEFORE REESE PASSED...I WENT TO THE PICU AND SAW REESE BRIEFLY AND THEN SPENT SOME TIME TALKING TO HIS FAMILY BEFORE I RETURNED TO CODY IN THE CLINIC...I DO SO ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND FEEL THE PAIN OF THEIR LOSS...LAST NIGHT, SHAWN (REESE'S MOM) WAS SURROUNDED BY HER ENTIRE FAMILY, THEY WERE PACKING AND PREPARING TO RETURN HOME TO MT. AIRY, NC...I WISH I COULD HAVE DONE MORE...BEEN MORE...SAID MORE...PRAYED MORE...I WISH I COULD HAVE CHANGED THE PLAN...BUT I KNOW AND FIND COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT REESE IS AT PEACE...SHAWN WAS ABLE TO EXPRESS SO BEAUTIFULLY IN HER JOURNAL ENTRY LAST NIGHT...SHE SAID, "At 2:45 today, my sweet baby Reese was placed in my arms � finally free of tubes, wires, and machines � and he took his last sweet breath. He was surrounded by family and friends that loved him so much. He fought the best fight he could."

'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17a

REESE HAS BEEN RESTORED TO HEALTH...HIS WOUNDS HAVE BEEN HEALED...ALL OF THIS WHILE HANGING OUT IN THE ARMS OF JESUS...AMEN!
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T + 70 (days since transplant)
B - 34 (days until Cody's birthday)

WOW! What a day! We got to clinic at 8:15 a.m. and never left until 4:15 p.m.

Here is what we found out...

Today's Counts:

WBC = 18.3
RBC = 3.62
Hemoglobin = 11.4
Platelet = 148

ANC = 16104

Cody's counts are awesome!

Let's talk turkey...for all of you all out there who do not understand what these numbers mean...please...let me explain :)

WBC = white blood cells = little dudes that fight infection
RBC = red blood cells = little dudes that carry hemoglobin
Hemoglobin = little dudes that distribute oxygen
Platelets = little dudes that keep us from bleeding to death

ANC = the overall ability for his little white dudes to fight infections (common or otherwise)

To determine an ANC you take the number of bands (baby white blood cells) add it to the number of segs (teenager white blood cells) and multiple that percentage times the number of white blood cells:

For example:
Cody has 77 Segs + 11 Bands = 88

88% of 18.3 = 16.104 (everything is in 1000 so ANC = 16104)

Now some of you are already familiar with that lesson in science...others have just learned something new :)

Today we learned something new...

Bands and Segs tell us how well are white blood cells are producing...giving us our ANC and Absolute Neutrophil Count; i.e. the ability to fight infection!

Reticulocytes and Immature Reticulocyte Fractions determine the Reticulocyte Count (don't know how to figure it out, that will have to be next week's lesson)

Anyhow...Cody's Reticulocyte Count is 137.2 high normal is 80 so what this means is Cody has definitely started producing his very own red blood cells :)

HOORAY! Cody!

He has been producing his own platelets for several weeks now and his white blood cells are producing quite nicely with some help from lots of nifty little drugs...
This is VERY GOOD NEWS!

More GOOD NEWS:

Cody has officially been taken off of isolation...his CMV results are negative in the urine and from his other test, they have determined that he is good to be around others...

What that means is we can now officially be invited over! Who will have us first? :):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Some OK NEWS:

The reason that Cody has been having so much trouble with his legs...walking...and balance...was confirmed today...He has what is called Muscle Atrophy...

Muscle Atrophy means lack of muscle...

This is a side effect of long term steroid usage...this will get better once he is off of the steroids...which they reduced his dosage again today so soon he will be down to nothing :)

Now, Muscle Atrophy explains the leg pain and the walking...however, the balance issue is something different...

Cody has received truckloads of different medications throughout the past 3 and half years...one of his regular drugs has always been Vincristine (a simple leg poke) well a long term side effect of that drug is the loss of an ankle reflex which helps to control balance...the issues he has now with tripping and randomly falling down will get better but will never be 100%

The bright side: they did a complete neurological exam and were able to determine that his brain is functioning perfectly...so all of our issues are minor :)

Some SO-SO NEWS:

Cody's urine cultures for the BKV (polyoma virus) still have not grown anything...So you are thinking that's good, Right? Well no...the doctor is 98.9% sure that the blood in Cody's urine can be explained by BKV...however, with the urine cultures coming back nothing...that means we have to wait longer to see for 100% sure if BKV does in fact explain this "NEW" and Improved? urine color...It is very scary...at first we were describing it as urine with a slight tinge of blood...then by accident I said his blood had some urine in it, and it stuck (that's what it looks like) I guess it always good to find humor...even in the most inopportune places :)
He is having some more frequent pain with urination but nothing that requires additional medication at this point...
The bright side is: this virus is not contagious...so it does not keep us on isolation...and he is being treated for it with fluids...
Our prayer is that blood in the urine and some infrequent pain will be the only effects of the virus that we are forced to deal with.

Now there may be some bad news but I am not in the space right now to share it...as I have decided that if I don't think it then there is NO WAY it will be...we are scheduled for an extra visit to see Dr. K. on Friday...I will know more then...at that time I will update and offer you all more information...for now just know that we need your extra prayers for Cody during these next few days...

Overall...I would rate today a B-

Thanks for checking in on us...

Also, if you have minute...our little buddy Carl whom we adopted through the Adopt a Kid site received his transplant today...stop by and let his family know you are thinking of him:
www.caringbridge.org/mn/carcar

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done and light will shine on all of your ways.
Job 22:26-28

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Tuesday, March 11, 2003 6:54 PM CST

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE OUTPOURING OF LOVE I HAVE RECEIVED SINCE REESE'S PASSING...I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE SOME OF THE CREDITS THAT HAVE BEEN PLACED ON ME...UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO "BE THERE" FOR HIS FAMILY...ASIDE FROM A PHONE CALL AND MANY PRAYERS I HAVE NOT SEEN THEM SINCE SATURDAY BEFORE REESE PASSED...I WENT TO THE PICU AND SAW REESE BRIEFLY AND THEN SPENT SOME TIME TALKING TO HIS FAMILY BEFORE I RETURNED TO CODY IN THE CLINIC...I DO SO ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND FEEL THE PAIN OF THEIR LOSS...LAST NIGHT, SHAWN (REESE'S MOM) WAS SURROUNDED BY HER ENTIRE FAMILY, THEY WERE PACKING AND PREPARING TO RETURN HOME TO MT. AIRY, NC...I WISH I COULD HAVE DONE MORE...BEEN MORE...SAID MORE...PRAYED MORE...I WISH I COULD HAVE CHANGED THE PLAN...BUT I KNOW AND FIND COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT REESE IS AT PEACE...SHAWN WAS ABLE TO EXPRESS SO BEAUTIFULLY IN HER JOURNAL ENTRY LAST NIGHT...SHE SAID, "At 2:45 today, my sweet baby Reese was placed in my arms � finally free of tubes, wires, and machines � and he took his last sweet breath. He was surrounded by family and friends that loved him so much. He fought the best fight he could."

'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17a

REESE HAS BEEN RESTORED TO HEALTH...HIS WOUNDS HAVE BEEN HEALED...ALL OF THIS WHILE HANGING OUT IN THE ARMS OF JESUS...AMEN!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
T + 70 (days since transplant)
B - 34 (days until Cody's birthday)

WOW! What a day! We got to clinic at 8:15 a.m. and never left until 4:15 p.m.

Here is what we found out...

Today's Counts:

WBC = 18.3
RBC = 3.62
Hemoglobin = 11.4
Platelet = 148

ANC = 16104

Cody's counts are awesome!

Let's talk turkey...for all of you all out there who do not understand what these numbers mean...please...let me explain :)

WBC = white blood cells = little dudes that fight infection
RBC = red blood cells = little dudes that carry hemoglobin
Hemoglobin = little dudes that distribute oxygen
Platelets = little dudes that keep us from bleeding to death

ANC = the overall ability for his little white dudes to fight infections (common or otherwise)

To determine an ANC you take the number of bands (baby white blood cells) add it to the number of segs (teenager white blood cells) and multiple that percentage times the number of white blood cells:

For example:
Cody has 77 Segs + 11 Bands = 88

88% of 18.3 = 16.104 (everything is in 1000 so ANC = 16104)

Now some of you are already familiar with that lesson in science...others have just learned something new :)

Today we learned something new...

Bands and Segs tell us how well are white blood cells are producing...giving us our ANC and Absolute Neutrophil Count; i.e. the ability to fight infection!

Reticulocytes and Immature Reticulocyte Fractions determine the Reticulocyte Count (don't know how to figure it out, that will have to be next week's lesson)

Anyhow...Cody's Reticulocyte Count is 137.2 high normal is 80 so what this means is Cody has definitely started producing his very own red blood cells :)

HOORAY! Cody!

He has been producing his own platelets for several weeks now and his white blood cells are producing quite nicely with some help from lots of nifty little drugs...
This is VERY GOOD NEWS!

More GOOD NEWS:

Cody has officially been taken off of isolation...his CMV results are negative in the urine and from his other test, they have determined that he is good to be around others...

What that means is we can now officially be invited over! Who will have us first? :):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Some OK NEWS:

The reason that Cody has been having so much trouble with his legs...walking...and balance...was confirmed today...He has what is called Muscle Atrophy...

Muscle Atrophy means lack of muscle...

This is a side effect of long term steroid usage...this will get better once he is off of the steroids...which they reduced his dosage again today so soon he will be down to nothing :)

Now, Muscle Atrophy explains the leg pain and the walking...however, the balance issue is something different...

Cody has received truckloads of different medications throughout the past 3 and half years...one of his regular drugs has always been Vincristine (a simple leg poke) well a long term side effect of that drug is the loss of an ankle reflex which helps to control balance...the issues he has now with tripping and randomly falling down will get better but will never be 100%

The bright side: they did a complete neurological exam and were able to determine that his brain is functioning perfectly...so all of our issues are minor :)

Some SO-SO NEWS:

Cody's urine cultures for the BKV (polyoma virus) still have not grown anything...So you are thinking that's good, Right? Well no...the doctor is 98.9% sure that the blood in Cody's urine can be explained by BKV...however, with the urine cultures coming back nothing...that means we have to wait longer to see for 100% sure if BKV does in fact explain this "NEW" and Improved? urine color...It is very scary...at first we were describing it as urine with a slight tinge of blood...then by accident I said his blood had some urine in it, and it stuck (that's what it looks like) I guess it always good to find humor...even in the most inopportune places :)
He is having some more frequent pain with urination but nothing that requires additional medication at this point...
The bright side is: this virus is not contagious...so it does not keep us on isolation...and he is being treated for it with fluids...
Our prayer is that blood in the urine and some infrequent pain will be the only effects of the virus that we are forced to deal with.

Now there may be some bad news but I am not in the space right now to share it...as I have decided that if I don't think it then there is NO WAY it will be...we are scheduled for an extra visit to see Dr. K. on Friday...I will know more then...at that time I will update and offer you all more information...for now just know that we need your extra prayers for Cody during these next few days...

Overall...I would rate today a B-

Thanks for checking in on us...

Also, if you have minute...our little buddy Carl whom we adopted through the Adopt a Kid site received his transplant today...stop by and let his family know you are thinking of him:
www.caringbridge.org/mn/carcar

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done and light will shine on all of your ways.
Job 22:26-28

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Monday, March 10, 2003 6:06 PM CST

Throughout the past 4 months we have been so very blessed...

Blessed because we were given the chance at a new life...one that would include NO CHEMO...NO REGULAR MEDICATION...NO DAILY DOCTOR VISITS...NO MORE WORRYING ABOUT COUNTS...NO MORE CANCER!

A more "normal" life...a life that a 6 year old boy should be allowed to live...

HAPPY! FREE! WILD!

The road here has been anything but easy...but I have been reminded that the Lord is infinite in His wisdom and His mercy and love endure forever...He knows us inside and out...right down to every last hair on our head...He made us...formed us before we were ever placed into the wombs of our mothers...He knows...He sees...His plan is perfect...beyond the realm of our ability to understand...The Lord is faithful and just...He will never allow us to be burdened with more than what we can handle...

We have made many new friends a long the road to transplant...

In Durham...we have made some very special friends...our family, if you will...those kindred spirits who have been tasked with defeating the same obstacles as we are...

We have become so close to them all...
There is Jillian with her rocking smile and spunky personality...
There is Sarah with her beautiful voice and sparkling eyes...
There is McKenzie, the miracle girl who had truly defeated the odds while melting everyone's heart in the process...
There is Jacob who has more love and compassion than any other child I have ever known...
There is Baby Jordan...pure and sweet full of awesome smiles and fabulous grins...
There is Robert...and JD...
There is Big T and Brent...
There is Tommy who melts the whole world with one simple hi there...a hug and a kiss...
There is Travis the warrior with a heart made of gold...
There is Douglas and Cameron who light up the room with their laughter
There's Tucker and Carson and Trey and there's more...
Our lives have been touched by them all in some way...

We have been through our share of losses here too...
We have cried and prayed and cried and prayed and cried and prayed...We have found that sometimes the ONLY place to find comfort is in the arms of the Lord Himself...

We were heartbroken by the loss of Kyle...of Brittney...of Ryan...of Keshon...of Mitchell...

These were our children...our family...our friends...

Before we came here we were so naive to all of the loss and the pain...all of the disease...the hardship...

It was tears streaming down my face and the greatest sadness I have felt since I have come here that I am writing to tell you that the journey of our little friend and buddy Reese has today come to an end...

I cannot tell you how much Reese and his family meant to us...they were the first people we befriended here in DURHAM...they were our neighbors in the apartment complex and then on 5200...

This is by far the worst thing that could have happened for those of us who are left behind...stuck here to grieve the loss of such an awesome little solider of God...

I find peace and comfort in the knowledge that baby Reese is no longer in pain...he is perfect and healed in the arms of Jesus...

It was my constant prayer for the past several days that his healing would have been one that was witnessed here in the flesh on earth...

I do not pretend to understand the plan of God...I do not even want to pretend that I think it is perfect or that I want to do the right thing and just accept it...

I AM ANGRY! I AM SAD! I AM MAD! I FEEL SHAFTED! LIKE HOPE HAS SNATCHED AWAY! I FEEL LIKE THE ENEMY HAS SCORED A VICTORY HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO HAVE! I FEEL LIKE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! THIS ISN'T FAIR! WHY?

I feel all of these things right now...all at once...

I know that the Lord has a plan...I know that it is greater than my understanding...I know, I know, I know...I just wish this was a loss that wasn't lost...

I want to go home...I don't want to be here anymore...I do not want to see one more child suffer...one more child find healing through death...I have seen enough to last my whole entire life this past 4 months and I am all done.

I love you all...thanks for checking in on us...

I will have more information on Cody tomorrow...

Please take the time to stop by Reese's site and offer your prayers and condolences to his family...this would mean the world to me...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

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Sunday, March 9, 2003 11:16 AM CST

T + 68

The past few days have been extremely difficult for Cody seems fine...he is active for shorter periods of time but the blood output in his urine seems to have increased...they have added extra fluids to his TPN to keep him urinating constantly...he is filling nearly two urinals per night...

Although, we have been dealing with a lot here...I feel truly blessed...there are so many other things we could be facing right now...there are so many things that would be so much worse...

Our little buddy Reese continues to be sick...he has been through so much and now his family is dealing with the prospect of having to make some very difficult decisions...one that no parent should ever be forced to make...

In her journal entry today, Shawn posted the following:

______________________________________________________________________________
I don't know how to put this lightly - there isn't a way, really. Reese is taking steps into the wrong direction. Last night they started him on dialysis in hopes to get the fluid off. But, it's not working. The oscillator has been working overtime, too. They keep having to turn the settings up to keep his blood oxygen saturations up. Right now he's on 100% O2. They've tried epinephrine, dopamine, and so much more with no positive results. Our last ditch effort to save Reese is high dose steroids. Maybe this will decrease the inflammation. If we see no improvement within 24 hours we'll just have to make Reese comfortable, unplug the machines, and just hold him in our arms until God takes him to heaven.
______________________________________________________________________________

It is my request that anyone who stops here today would leave immediately and go offer your prayers and support to their family...the link to their site is listed at the bottom of the page or you can cut and paste this in your browser window

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Pray for the miracle of healing to come upon Reese and his entire family...that God's perfect plan would be revealed to them and that they would be forever blessed by what the Lord has in store for them...

My heart aches for their pain and I am praying for them around the clock...please join me...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

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Friday, March 7, 2003 4:01 PM CST

T + 66

WBC = 23.2

Yesterday must have been a fluke as far as his white blood cell count goes...

However, we got hit pretty hard on the other things...

After we got home last night...Cody started having to use the bathroom rather frequently...about every 15 minutes...besides the frequent urination he was also having frequent bowels about 7-10 in the course of last night through about noon time...

Now as we are dealing with this, there is no fever...no pain...nothing...so we are left to wonder...

I thought for sure that the labs we dropped off this morning were going to be awful...but we never received a call...no bad news...no news...I guess that is good news, right?

Well...

Cody went with me to drop off his labs...we made a few stops on our way back from clinic...three times Cody had to go to the bathroom...once I drove him up the hospital so he could go in there to pee...he is not allowed to go inside anywhere...so bathroom stops did prove to be difficult...

I decided that when we got home we would place a call in to Dr. K. for hopes that she would see fit to order a urinalysis for our visit tomorrow...now, here I am all the while thinking he probably has a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection...at least these were what I thought his symptoms were pointing to...frequent urination, etc...

I told Cody I needed to see everything he was putting out...urine, bowels, everything...well that didn't take long...as soon as we walked in the door he went directly to the restroom...there I was to discover that he had a very significant amount of blood in his urine...in addition, he is passing clots through his urethra...

OKAY...I AM OFFICIALLY FREAKED OUT!

I called Dr. K. immediately...of course we were told to go to clinic...which I had already started packing for before the call came back...we got there and they took two urine samples...

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst...Cody rated his bathroom going experiences as a 4...this means he is having some decent pain during urination...aside from the constant urge to have to go...

At the clinic they did not have real solid explanations for what is happening...it is there belief that Cody has something called the Polyomavirus...or BKV...this is a regular nuisance for transplant patients...

It is treatable...but like everything else can be very dangerous to for someone like Cody with little or no immune system...

We will not have any test results back for a couple of days...as we are tasked with waiting until something grows in his urine sample to know for sure what we are dealing with...

Cody is sleeping a lot...which is good I guess...maybe his body is trying to heal...

They have increased his fluids in his TPN to keep him going to the bathroom as often as possible...this will help keep the blood flushed through his system...

They have told us to expect some serious fluctuations in his counts over the next 3 weeks or so...including the necessity for more frequent transfusions...we will going to clinic every day for a while so they can closely monitor Cody and they have given the go ahead for the administration of pain meds if they are needed...

I am worried but I lean not on my own understanding...I am praying that Lord will wrap His ever so loving arms around my baby and the rest of our family as we face yet another small trial...I am confident that we have already found victory as we have our faith and trust in the Lord Himself...

My friend Chris is always really good at looking out for us...she loves to do research...I had her search for as much information on the BKV as she could find...below I have posted what she found...

This is scary...but with your prayers and His love...we will make it through...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."
Lamentations 3:22-24

Description
The human polyomaviruses were first isolated in 1971. They are named BK and JC after the initials of the patients in which they were first discovered. The BK virus was isolated from the urine of a renal transplant patient who developed urethral stenosis postoperatively. The JC virus was isolated from the brain tissue of a patient with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). BKV and JCV share 70% homology at the level of nucleotide sequence. The two are not cross-reactive serologically and serologic tests for antibodies are able to distinguish between BKV and JCV.

Clinical Manifestations
BK viremia can be seen in patients with a wide variety of immunodeficiencies, but appears most frequently in renal and bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients. Immunosuppression leads to BKV reactivation and replication. When BKV replication is low the patient remains a symptomatic; however, higher levels of replication can cause significant uroepithelial cell lysis that results in hematuria. BK virus was observed to be associated with the development of hemorrhagic cystitis during BMT in early studies. Today, hemorrhagic cystitis is an important cause of morbidity and occasionally mortality in patients undergoing BMT. The clinical manifestations vary from microscopic hematuria to severe hemorrhage of the bladder leading to renal failure. The incidence varies from 7% to 68% of bone marrow transplants.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the BK virus has relied heavily on histological techniques. Recently, ViraCor has introduced a sensitive and quantitative PCR assay that can aid in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of BKV infection. The new assay: BKV ViActiveSM qPCR will open the door to a better understanding of BK virus.

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Thursday, March 6, 2003 5:32 PM EST

T + 65
B - 39

WBC = 8.4

Today was a really rough day for us...we arrived at the clinic at 8:30 a.m. and just got home at 5:15 p.m.

Cody's counts have dropped dramatically today...it has made for a very uneasy day...I guess the Nurse Practitioner could see on my face that I felt sick because after he told me Cody's counts he said he would go and "trend" them out...when he came back he brought the doctor...

Here is the deal...I will first explain the differences in his counts and then I will go back and fill you in on what the doctor had to say...

Cody's White Blood Cell count on Tuesday was 25.4 and today it was 8.4...he dropped 17 points in a day and a half...

His hemoglobin on Tuesday was 8.9 and today it was 7.2...he dropped 1.7 points...this a direct reflection on the red blood cells...

His platelet count on Tuesday was 139 and today was 90...he dropped 49 points...

Now let me start from the top...

Cody's White Blood Cells are where his disease began...in his bone marrow he was producing massive quantities of immature white blood cells...cells that were not good for anything at all...they took up all of the space in his bone marrow making it impossible for him to produce any other cells...no good white blood cells...no red blood cells...and no platelets...This in itself is Leukemia...

When Cody relapsed and the decision was made for him to have a transplant...they started him on some very aggressive chemotherapy along with high doses of total body radiation...all in an effort to kill off any existing cells that were made by Cody...this prepared him for transplant...

In order to receive the transplant Cody had to have his bone marrow wiped out...that way the new, transplanted cells would have some place to take up residency...

After he received his transplant they started him on a drug called GCSF (cell growth factor) this helps his body to produce the new engrafted cells faster than if he were left to do it on his own...

When the CMV virus came back positive they started him on two different drugs...Gancyclovir and Foscarnet...both of these drugs can affect the White Blood Cell count...

Cody has been on the Gancyclovir for 4 weeks and the Foscarnet for 2 and half...he has already experienced a dip in his white blood cell count from the administration of these drugs and was back on the rise...last Thursday his white blood cell count was 35.6...

The doctors made the decision then to cut his growth factor in half...this may not have been a good decision...but they do not know...

No one knows why Cody dropped the way he did in a little less than two days...

There are several factors...

One could be the Gancyclovir

Two could be the reduction in the GCSF

Three could be some type of virus or infection

Four could be that the CMV is taking its toll on his little body

Dr. K. was notified and responded immediately with some new instructions for us...

They decreased his Gancyclovir dosage by 40 percent...we are now required to drop blood work off every day so that they can watch and him and keep a close eye on the trend...

All of these things are being done to help his white blood cell count...

As for his hemoglobin or red blood cell count...he received a transfusion today over 3 hours...they always transfuse if the kids are below 8...this was a major punch in the gut for me as Cody had been doing so well...he has not required any type of transfusion for nearly a month...

They have no explanation for the drop in his red cells or platelets...they can only tell me that some ups and downs are normal...

Like I said they must have been able to see it all over my face that this was not "okay" with me because they kept re-explaining and then they would say things like some changes are okay...it is just a matter of adjusting things until they suite Cody's needs...BLAH...BLAH...BLAH...

My head was spinning...

My eyes will stay focused on the Lord...and my heart will stay pure in my faith that all things will work according to God's awesome plan...

Please keep us in prayer...as it is days like today that make us realize we are here for a reason...

Cody will get better in His time...and we are willing to wait for as long as it takes...

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I serve the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested...
Acts 20:19a

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Wednesday, March 5, 2003 12:51 AM CST

OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE CONTINUES TO STAY THE SAME WITH LITTLE IMPROVEMENT...HIS MOM HAS MADE THE FOLLOWING REQUEST:

At 7:00 tonight, say this prayer for Reese. If we all say the same prayer at the same time our voices will be louder in Heaven. Please pass this prayer to everyone you know. Even if they don�t normally pray � send it to them anyway. Reese needs this and so do I, so does everyone else. It would mean so much to me and it won�t take very long.

Father, You formed us in our mother's womb and established the number of our days before there was even one of them. You are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, and nothing escapes Your notice.

Jesus, You are the Great Physician, and there is nothing too difficult for you. So we bring Reese before you now, and ask that you would touch him with Your almighty power. Your word says that "You hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." Hear us now, as we cry out to you and answer us in this time of need.

Touch his body Lord, with the strength he needs to fight this pneumonia and heal his lungs so that he may recover quickly. Your Word declares that it's by your stripes that we are healed, so I take hold of that promise for Reese right now, and I proclaim your provision for his healing. Let Your peace overshadow him, and Your presence be his comfort at this time.

I pray in Jesus mighty name, Amen!

THIS FAMILY MEANS THE WORLD TO US AND I AM REQUESTING NOW THAT EVERYONE EVERYWHERE JOIN IN THIS PRAYER TONIGHT...

"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will bedone for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 18:19-20

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Tuesday, March 4, 2003 3:18 PM CST

T + 63
B - 41

WBC = 25.4

ANC = 22352

Well Cody just continues to rock and roll!

Our clinic visit went great! We were in there by 8:05 a.m. and on the road on our way home by 12:25 p.m.

The doctor says that Cody looks awesome and is doing GREAT!

Cody's CMV test from last week came back positive but the RLU's are significantly lower this time...the two drugs (Gancyclovir & Foscarnet) combined seem to be doing the trick...this is a relief...maybe soon we will be off of isolation and able to spend time with others :)

The clinic on Tuesdays is insane...since Dr. K. is our primary doctor we cannot leave on Tuesday until we have actually been seem by her personally...this would be fine if we were her only patients...in a perfect world that would be the case but not in our world...in our world...when you walk into clinic on Tuesday...you walk in expecting to be there from morning until night...it is insane...people are everywhere...IVs are beeping...kids are crying...adults are waiting...no one is "happy" to be there...this is made worse when you finish up all of your meds and what not and then wait for another 2 hours to see Dr. K. (remember I said you can't leave until she sees you personally)

Anyway...I realized today that I kind of like Tuesdays in clinic...I mean everyone we know and love here is there...on Tuesdays we see them all...

Today...

I spent half an hour talking to Sharon and Scott (Jacob's parents; www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob) We didn't talk about anything but we talked about everything...it was really great to have the interaction...

I saw Carrie and Patrick (Jordan's parents; www.caringbrdige.org/il/jordan) from across the room and I was able to smile and wave...

Cody and I stopped and spoke briefly with Laura (Jillian's mom; www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian)

We passed by and said hi to Alicia (Tommy's mom; www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennetboys)

We checked in on McKenzie, who looks great (www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay) and saw Rick (her dad) in the hall for about a second on his way back from the gift shop...

While Cody did school I ran over to the unit and stopped in to see Steve and Maria (Robert's parents; www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert) and Robert looks great...they are talking release soon :)

I headed over to the PICU and peeked in on Reese and then I spent sometime talking to Shawn and Doug (Reese's parents; www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup) plus Reese's grandparents...it was really nice to see them...Reese is getting some much needed rest on the Oscillator but is nowhere near "out of the woods" he still needs as many prayers as you can possible find in your heart to give him...

Clinic life on Tuesdays is filled with lots of visiting and we are so grateful for the chance to socialize...even if it is in clinic during the longest clinic visit day of the week :)

Being on isolation does really funny things to your perspective...

Things are going really well around here...

Thanks for checking in...

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," He said. "Don't be a afraid." When they looked up all they saw no one except Jesus.
Matthew 17:7-8

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Monday, March 3, 2003 9:16 PM CST

T + 62
B - 42

Today was a really nice family day...

We got up this morning and spent some time together...

It was a really beautiful day here in Durham...we have been doing our researching trying to figure out where we could go that would not be dangerous for Cody...

We had thought of going to the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway...but it was further away then we thought...

We ended up finding a state park only about 15 minutes form our apartment...it is on a river and it was really nice...

On the way to the park, we stopped and bought a baby backpack...which proved to be a very good investment...

We went hiking through the trails along the river and it was beautiful...I posted pictures on the photo page...we had a really good time but Cody quickly tired so we headed home...he went to bed at 7:30 p.m.

We have our clinic visit tomorrow...

PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE IN YOUR PRAYERS...THEY HAVE MOVED HIM TO THE PICU AND HE WAS ON THE VENT BUT HAS NOW BEEN MOVED TO THE OSCILLATOR...

REESE AND HIS FAMILY ARE SUCH AN AWESOME FAMILY...I AM REQUESTING THAT YOU ALL TAKE A MOMENT TO STOP BY THEIR SITE AND OFFER YOUR PRAYERS AND ENCOURAGEMENT...

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to check in on us everyday and thanks to all of you who have already dropped by to send love to Reese and his family...

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines."
1Samuel 7:8

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Sunday, March 2, 2003 8:20 AM CST

It is with such a heavy and sad heart that I am writing this entry, begging for your prayers for our little buddy Reese...

Reese is a very very very sick little boy...he was admitted back on 5200 a few weeks ago for pneumonia and other complications associated with transplant...being on medications...chemo and dealing with all of the other stuff that goes along with getting sick before you can get better...

Throughout the past week...Reese has progressively gotten worse...first requiring blow by oxygen...and then a BiPap machine (a full face mask blowing oxygen all of the time) It was hoped that the BiPap would give him the ability to keep his SATS up and rest so that his little body could recover from this awful pneumonia...

Unfortunately while he has not gotten any worse...he has also not gotten any better...he is in pain and he is very, very tired...

The doctors informed his mom this morning that the best thing to do was to put Reese in the PICU on a ventilator...the vent will breathe for Reese giving him some much needed rest...it is our prayer that this rest will offer him the opportunity to heal...

His mom has put calls in to their pastor requesting prayers...she has called for her husband to come and join her here...her sister and brother in-law are at the hospital with her and JESUS is cradling her and baby Reese as we speak...

I cannot tell you how difficult it is to see your child so sick and in pain...we have experienced some of our most difficult trials through this transplant with Cody...still I have no experience dealing with the pain or the fear that Reese and his family is experiencing at this moment...

I can only BEG that YOU will find it in your hearts to stop right now and pray...

Pray for baby Reese...pray for his healing and rest...pray that the Lord will place a hedge of protection around him, keeping the enemy at bay...

Pray for his mom and dad...pray that they will find comfort and strength in and through the Lord...pray that throughout this entire ordeal that the Lord will reveal His plan and that all things will be to the desires of heart...

Pray for his aunt and uncle...pray that they would know exactly how to be a pillar of strength for their family right now...pray that they to would find their strength in the Lord....

Pray for Reese's brother and grandma and all of the rest of his family as they walk through the darkness...pray that they will always see the light of the Lord...

This is not the life we prayed for here in Durham...it is not the life we ever dreamed of as a young families starting out...although we have embraced our trials so that triumph over them would be victory in Christ...we are still human...we are still scared...we rely on our own understanding and have much difficulty in believing in the Lord's plan...while we are faithful and in constant prayer during and through each step...we are still human...plagued with doubt and fear...

It would mean everything to me and the rest of our family if YOU would stop by and leave your words of hope and encouragement for Reese and his family...reading our guestbooks can really help us to realize that the Lord continues to be here...He continues to carry us...He continues to love us...never leaving us nor forsaking us...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Please distribute prayer requests to everyone you know...even those who would not normally pray...we ask that you would stop today and pray...

It is my heart to fast and pray continually over the next 2-3 days...I will make myself an instrument and pray that the Lord will hear my cry and that Reese and his family will find peace.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You.
Psalms 143:8-9

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Saturday, March 1, 2003 5:39 PM CST

T + 60
B - 44

WBC = 35.3

Our clinic visit today was painless...we were in and out in about 4 hours...

Cody's counts, levels and all other blood work look awesome...

His WBC is kind of high so they have finally decided to cut the Growth Factor (drugs that force the marrow to produce white blood cells) in half...

His Cyclosporine levels from Tuesday came back a little high so they reduced the rate of that drug also...

We seem to have a pretty good routine going on around here and we are all pretty content...

NOW IF WE COULD JUST FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK THE LAUNDRY INTO THAT ROUTINE LIFE WOULD BE A LOT EASIER!

From what we have heard the dinner at Cody's school went really well last night...again I can't even begin to express how grateful we are for the people at Shelton Park...

My mom and Glen are in Sarasota this weekend picking up donations for the ForCody Yard Sale coming up on March 15th and 16th...Our Aunt Jody donated several really neat things and really close family friend Drena reached out to her church, Calvary Chapel Sarasota, and they have been bringing donations to her all week...there is so much good stuff...my mom and Glen have to rent a U-Haul to bring it all back!

Now...about Riley...he has really started getting around...he is crawling...he is able to pull himself up on things and free stand for about a minute before he crashes over...this has proven to be a bit of a dilemma though...so far he has a bruise on his cheek...one in between his eyes...and two slightly black eyes (the left one is in the brow and the right one is underneath)...HE IS JUST SO FAST...AND SO TOTALLY FEARLESS! :) He finally cut that third tooth...hopefully now he will be a little less fussy for a day or two before the next one starts to come...WE CAN WISH...CAN'T WE?

Greg has started looking for orders to a Cruiser...soon he will have to go back to a ship...although we are not looking forward to the separation...we are looking forward to our departure from Durham.

Life is good...GOD IS AWESOME...We are happy!

OF COURSE WE WOULD BE EVEN HAPPIER IF YOU ALL WOULD TAKE A MINUTE TO SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK...WE REALLY LOVE READING THE ENTRIES...

Thanks for checking in...

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.
Isaiah 55:6

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Friday, February 28, 2003 9:08 AM CST

Just a quick update to let everyone know how awesome our newfound friends are in Virginia Beach...

Tonight Cody's school (that he had very little opportunity to attend) is hosting a spaghetti dinner in his honor. The proceeds from this event will benefit our family directly during our stay here in Durham...

In addition to this main event, the staff has been collecting Coins for Cody since October when our relapsed made it next to impossible for him to attend school on a regular bass and then ultimately led to the news that he would require a transplant...

We are truly blessed by the way that the Shelton Park community has absolutely wrapped their arms around us and embraced our family as though we have been part of the community for years...I can never express the gratitude I have for each and every person in our housing development...at the school...and in the PTA...

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Jessica Farrell...we are told that she has coordinated this entire event on our behalf and has really reached out to make sure that everything would come together and work...

Last night several volunteers came in and prepared the sauce...a special thank you to Francine, Mary, Tammy, Penny and Donna...I certainly wish we could be there to enjoy the pasta and participate in the festivities...we certainly miss you all so much...

I have been told that several things have been donated, although I do not know from exactly where...I very large thank you to those who have felt so compelled to participate in supporting our family...

Another thank you goes to Ms. Rheins and Ms. Hasher the Principal and Assistant Principal at Shelton Park who have made for all of these projects to be possible and come together...

I feel like I am receiving an OSCAR :)

Cody would like to say a special thank you to his teacher...whom he expressedly loves...and his classmates who have gone out of their way to stay in touch with him and make him feel missed and loved...

We have found our home in Virginia Beach...and we are so grateful...Praise God for the work that He does in and through others...

Thanks to everyone who has reached out to help us...who has said a prayer...sent a well wish...worked a fundraiser...donated finances and everything else...

Each and everyone of you have made it possible for us to be here...you have made it possible for us to go through this endeavor as a family and we are so grateful...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha & Greg

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down his friend can help him up...
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

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Thursday, February 27, 2003 2:59 PM CST

T + 58
B - 46

WBC = 31.5

Clinic went well today...we are only doing one med there now so we are actually in and out...

Cody's blood work looks awesome! He has definitely started producing his own platelets and he is maintaining his red blood cells and hemoglobin...we have not had to receive any red blood since 10Feb and no platelets since 7Feb...his platelets are just out of normal range (normal for all of us) and at this rate it will be just a matter of time before he is able to get on the dirt bike and ride :)

He has a pretty decent appetite...which is really good...he is not doing well enough to be off of TPN...but he is doing well...

Things are going really well...we praise God for our miracle...and we continue to walk the path...

HERE ARE SOME FRIENDS YOU CAN CHECK IN ON:

AIDAN http://caringbridge.org/wa/aidangoodwin/
CARL http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/carcar/
COLE http://www.caringbridge.org/co/cole/
COLBY http://www.caringbridge.org/pa/colby/
ELIJAH http://www.caringbridge.org/ia/elijahpoolman/
ERIC http://www.caringbridge.org/ia/ericfischer/
HUNTER http://caringbridge.org/va/hunter/
JACOB http://caringbridge.org/va/jacob/
JILLIAN http://caringbridge.org/fl/jillian/
JORDAN http://www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan/
LUCAS http://www.caringbridge.org/il/lucas/
MCKENZIE http://caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay/
MITCHELL http://caringbridge.org/nc/mitchellmartin
MJ http://caringbridge.org/ny/mjpurk/
MORGAN http://www.caringbridge.org/nc/morganbarnes
NOAH http://www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah/
REESE http://www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup/
ROBERT http://caringbridge.org/nc/robert/
RYAN http://www.caringbridge.org/ky/ryans.hope/
SARAH http://caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith/
SEAN http://www.caringbridge.org/europe/sean/
TARA http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/tara.bullerman/
TOMMY http://caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys/
TRAVIS http://caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams/
TREVOR http://caringbridge.org/va/trevorco/
TREY http://www.caringbridge.org/va/trey/

Believe it or not...this is only about half of my list of kids I check on just about every single day...I don't expect everyone to go to every single site...but maybe pick a couple of kids...stop by and say hi...it really does mean so much to know there are people out there who care...

Don't forget to stop by our guestbook while you are here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all of their heart.
Jeremiah 24:7

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Tuesday, February 25, 2003 7:15 PM CST

T + 56 (Days Since Cody's Transplant)
B - 48 (Days Until Cody's Birthday)

WBC = 27.5
ANC = 24475

Today went great...

We started at 6:30 a.m. changing out lines and caps...drawing blood and administering meds...we were out of the house on the way to clinic by 8:00 a.m.

We arrived at 8:15 a.m.

Clinic went great!

Cody's CMV test results came back from last week with less RLU's...this hopefully means that soon he will be rid of that silly virus...

Next...we found out that the cultures that they drew last Thursday are still negative...and the cultures that they drew on the unit Saturday night are still negative too...they discontinued the Vancomycin...

He looks great and if everything stays the way it is...and he continues to progress this well we will be able to go home in by May :) The doctor gave us a definite yes for May 32nd! :) :) :) :) :)

We had school...saw Dr. K. and were on our way home by 1:30 p.m.

While we were at clinic we received a call from my mom...
GLEN PROPOSED! AND SHE SAID YES!
THAT IS SO COOL...WE ARE ALL SO HAPPY FOR THEM!

This evening...our close enough to be family friends Jason and Justin stopped by on their way from Florida to Virginia...Cody was very happy to see them especially Justin, as he just absolutely adores him...we were glad to see them too...we wish they could have stayed longer but Jason has to be back at work tomorrow...

PLEASE KEEP ON PRAYING FOR REESE...HE IS STILL IN THE SAME CONDITION...SUFFERING FROM SOME UPS AND DOWNS...HIS FAMILY COULD REALLY USE THE PRAYERS AND THE WELL WISHES!
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

ALSO, KEEP PRAYING FOR OUR BUDDY TREVOR...STOP BY AND LET HIM KNOW THAT HE IS COOL!
www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

I JUST GOT DONE DOING MY NIGHTLY CHECK UPS ON ALL OF OUR KIDS AND FOUND OUT THAT OUR FRIEND JACOB IS BACK ON 5200...HE IS VERY SICK AND NEEDS A LOT OF PRAYERS...PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM AND HIS ENTIRE FAMILY.
www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

FOR SOME GOOD NEWS...OUR LITTLE BUDDY HUNTER IS DOING GREAT! HE FINALLY HAS SOME DECENT COUNTS AND IS BACK TO BEING A REGULAR CASANOVA...HE GETS ALL OF THE WOMEN...GREG IS JEALOUS :) ANYWAY, HIS MOM SAID HE WAS ABLE TO MAKE HIS INTRODUCTION BACK INTO SOCIETY THIS PAST WEEKEND...HOORAY!
www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter

*******************LAST BUT NOT LEAST*********************

THERE IS A MAJOR BLOOD CRISIS...I CANNOT EXPRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR US ALL TO GIVE BLOOD...IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA THERE IS NO O POSITIVE BLOOD ANYWHERE...AROUND THE COUNTRY I KEEP READING STORY AFTER STORY ABOUT KIDS HAVING TO WAIT FOR DELIVERIES OR HAVING TO USE FROZEN BLOOD PRODUCTS...PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! CONSIDER DONATING BLOOD TODAY! IF YOU WORK IN A LARGE OFFICE...CONSIDER HOLDING A BLOOD DRIVE...IT TAKES LITTLE OR NO EFFORT...THIS IS SO IMPORTANT AND IT COULD SAVE A LIFE...IT COULD SAVE CODY'S LIFE.

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7

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Monday, February 24, 2003 10:04 AM CST

T + 55
B - 49

Well to be honest...I just did not feel like updating the web page yesterday :)

We spent the early part of our day in clinic yesterday...Cody got looked at...and then looked at again...and then he got some medicine and we were allowed to leave...about that time...tornado warnings were in affect...so we got to stay and wait...after about a half an hour the threat was gone and we were on our way back to the apartment...

Once we were home we took a nap :)

When we woke up we realized what a beautiful day it had turned out to be so we headed over to Duke Gardens were we played for about half an hour...it was windy so even though the temperature wasn't bad...Cody cannot be out with wind for too long...

When we got home from the park...Greg and I went to work on the house...we rearranged it so that it would be more conducive to my nursing needs...I am really happy with the way we have things set up now...

We sat down and ate dinner at the table last night...that was really great...

Today we are off...no clinic and no blood draws...we still have plenty of meds though...it feels as though half of our life is revolving around the administration of one drug or another...I am grateful though...so very grateful...I love doing it all and being out of the hospital...

We are looking forward to when we can go home to our own home and develop our life routine there...I have been very homesick lately...but as with everything else...I am sure this too shall pass...

I would like to ask everyone to take a minute to sign the guestbook and say hello to my husband...as he never ever complains about anything...seriously...he is so awesome he just does and does...I love him so much...anyway...he is feeling a little left out as most everyone who signs the guestbook directs their comments towards me or Cody...so don't forget Greg today when you sign :)

FINALLY...

YOUR PRAYERS ARE STILL NEEDED FOR OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE...STOP BY HIS SITE AND LET HIS FAMILY KNOW THAT THEY ARE IN YOUR PRAYERS...IT REALLY MEANS A LOT TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE PRAYING FOR YOUR CHILD
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

PRAY FOR TREVOR TO GET BETTER AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL SOON...STOP BY AND LET HIM KNOW THAT YOU ARE PRAYING FOR HIM TOO...
www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

For nothing is impossible with God.
Luke 1:37

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Saturday, February 22, 2003 10:52 PM CST

T + 53
B - 51

WBC = 25.2

Clinic went really good today...we left with the thoughts that we would be free from DUKE for all of Sunday and Monday...

MY HOW QUICKLY THINGS CAN CHANGE!

I am writing this entry from 5200...we are here because Cody's CVL had some white gunk all around it when I went to do his dressing change after his bath...

Dr. Loncart had us come in so he could draw cultures and take swabs of the site...they are administering a dose of Vancomycin and then we will be allowed to go home...

Tomorrow...our wonderfully planned lazy day...will be spent in clinic...but that's okay...it gives us more time to watch Cartoon Network...

As always the Lord carries us through the rough spots...we are in good spirits and glad that we can go home later on tonight...

Thanks to everyone who has been and continues to pray for Cody and the rest of us...I don't know what we would do without you.

ALSO...PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE IN YOUR PRAYERS, HE IS REALLY HAVING A ROUGH GO OF IT...PRAY THAT THE DOCTORS ARE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST TREATMENT FOR HIM...PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL HEAL HIM AND HIS FAMILY...PRAY THAT HIS MOMMY SHAWN CAN HAVE GOD'S PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

CODY'S BEST FRIEND TREVOR GOT ADMITTED TO THE NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER LAST NIGHT TOO...HE IS NETRUPENIC AND HAS SPIKED A FEVER OF 103+ HE IS ON MAINTENANCE SO HAS NOT HAD TO STAY INPATIENT FOR QUITE A WHILE...PLEASE KEEP HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS TOO...
www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

Until Tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Friday, February 21, 2003 5:43 PM CST

T + 52
B - 52

WBC = 16.9

Clinic went better today...as always...we assess, adjust and move on :)

Cody was feeling a lot better today and did not suffer the same horrible affects that he had yesterday...so we are left to wonder...WHAT THE HECK MADE HIM SICK?

Anyway...we were in clinic today from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. another long day but not so bad as yesterday...

We are in good spirits...and all is calm on the home front

It is almost time to get all of our night meds ready so I am going to wrap up early...

I WOULD LIKE TO PUT OUT A VERY URGENT URGENT URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE...

REESE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A VIRAL PNEMONINA AND HAS BEEN BACK ON THE UNIT FOR LIKE A WEEK NOW...HE WILL BE THERE LONGER AND THE PICU TEAM HAS CONSULTED THEM IN CASE THE NEED TO MOVE HIM THERE ARISES...

HIS FAMILY COULD REALLY USE YOUR EXTRA PRAYERS AND WELL WISHES...PLEASE LOG ONTO THEIR SITE AND LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE PRAYING FOR THEM...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Until Tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7

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Thursday, February 20, 2003 8:26 PM EST

T + 51
B - 53

WBC = 13.4

See what I get for talking about how great things have been going...today was very difficult...

Cody and I got up at 7 a.m. to take care of 12 hour meds that were ending and beeping...we drew our labs...got ready and were out the door on our way to clinic by 7:50 a.m.

We arrived at the North Pavilion...dropped off labs...drove over to DUKE (where the media has the place surrounded, thanks to the organ transplant botch up) and found a place to park...

We checked into clinic at 8:30 a.m. and proceeded to wait until 9:20 a.m. before our meds came up from pharmacy and our day at the clinic officially began...

On a normal Thursday we should have been done and out of there by 2 p.m. at the latest...the very latest...well today that would not be the case...

We ran into one problem after another...

First...Cody's CMV test came back positive again this week with a higher ratio of RLU (relative light units = virus DNA)

This is bad because we have been treating him for two full weeks now with no results...so...they have added an additional med to treat it called Foscarnet...

The Foscarnet was to be administered over an hour and they started the med at 1:15 p.m.

Well just before 2:10 p.m. just after he finished his lunch (60cc of Pediasure down his tube) he pukes up all of that plus some Gatorade...at least he made it into the bucket...

Occasionally he gets sick from his tube feedings so we decided that this must be the case...even though he has been taking up to 75cc and not having any issues...

BUT...from there it got worse...he started with chills and then a fever that peaked at 101.8

Our idea of it being the tube feeding was officially ruled out...that would not make a fever or any of the new symptoms...

Now there is concern...the Nurse Practioner comes in...then the doctor...then one nurse...then two...now I am worried...

They decide to draw cultures off of all of his lines...to rule out a "bug"

And they gave him an antibiotic called Ciftriasone...this did not accomplish what they were looking for so they gave him an another antibiotic called Tobiamycin...

He was still holding on to a decent little fever...

AND now his blood pressure was sky high...175 over 97...so they went to work to fix that too with some blood pressure meds...

His temp finally started to come down at about 5:00 p.m.

They decided he needed an IV protein supplement...

Somewhere in the middle of this his tongue cultures came in positive for a yeast infection so that requires a whole new medicine called Voricanzole...they will start that in place of the Amphotericin

They explained all of that...and then said we could go home...

They decided that we would need to come into clinic tomorrow for our whole new mired of meds...

And there is some uncertainty as to what caused the reaction earlier...if it was caused by the Foscarnet...it is important that we are in clinic so that they can monitor him while he receives it and then make a decision where to go next...

We left clinic at 6:30 p.m. on stand by to go to the floor tonight if his temp goes back up at all...

We got home just in time to get all of his night meds ready and started...we sat down for dinner, as a family, at 7:55 p.m.

Once I have completed this update...I am off to bed...Greg will finish up the night meds and put Cody to bed with his continuous pumps...

Please pray for Cody...CMV is a very dangerous virus to have full blown...so far we are truly blessed that we are only hosting its DNA but at anytime it can present itself as a major problem...and a HUGE setback...the doctor said that I am rightfully concerned...in addition, all of the new meds that they are adding all hold new side effects of their own...all threaten to put stress on his vital organs and cause him other difficulties...

My faith remains in the fact that the Lord will heal my child and we will move past this trial and onto a brighter tomorrow...

We truly appreciate all who have stopped by and signed the guestbook...it really brigthens our day to have contact with the outside world...Cody and I sit together to read the entries at least twice a day :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested...
Acts 20:19a

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Wednesday, February 19, 2003 1:36 PM CST

THIS PRAYER REQUEST IS OF EXTEREME URGANCE!!!!!

We just found out that our buddy Jacob has relapsed...

Jacob had his transplant on the same day as Cody...

His family was told yesterday that Jacob had suffered a relapse in his Central Nervous System...his cells were 100% donor, however; the CNS works differently than the Bone Marrow...

Jacob and his family...Sharon (mom)...Scott (dad)...Jonathon (brother) all need your prayers...

HEAVENLY FATHER, PLEASE HEAL JACOB ONCE AND FOR ALL...ALLOW THIS FAMILY THE ABILITY TO WALK THROUGH THIS TRIAL AND LET THIS BE JUST ONE MORE VICTORY FOR CHRIST, THROUGH CHRIST, IN CHRIST! YOU ARE AWESOME! WE HAVE SEEN THE MIRACLES THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO WORK AND WE KNOW THAT THIS REQUEST IS NOT TO GREAT TO ASK. YOU ARE ABLE AND YOUR PLAN IS PERFECT. HEAL JACOB FATHER, SO THAT HE MAY NOT HAVE ANYMORE PAIN. HEAL JACOB SO THAT THE ENEMY WILL SEE THAT HE CANNOT MESS WITH WHAT BELONGS TO YOU. TAKE THIS FAMILY IN YOUR ARMS; WRAP A HEDGE OF PROTECTION AROUND JACOB. JONATHON, SHARON AND SCOTT...THAT THEY MAY FIND PEACE IN YOU AND THAT THEY WOULD FIND COMFORT IN YOUR WORD.
AMEN

Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
___________________________________________________________
T + 50
B - 54

So far Cody has done nothing but sleep away our day off from clinic :)

We got up early this morning to administer meds and change out lines...but after that we were back to sleep...he continues to sleep...

He has Sommolin Syndrome a.k.a. the Sleepy Syndrome...it is a normal side effect of radiation...which occurs like most of the other side effects from radiation about 6-8 weeks post procedure...so we are right on track...

We are truly blessed with the progress that Cody continues to make and I am so grateful to God for sparing us some of the trials that I see others are facing...

If you did not already do so...I would like to suggest again that you take a few minutes to stop by Alexandria's website to read the letter that her dad wrote to God about his beautiful little girl
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

Please continue to keep us all in your prayers...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to those who seek Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25-26

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Tuesday, February 18, 2003 6:18 PM CST

TAKE A MINUTE TODAY AND STOP BY ALEXANDRIA'S SITE...HER DAD WROTE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LETTER TO GOD THAT I HAVE EVER READ...
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

T + 49
B - 55

WBC = 11.1

Things went GREAT! at clinic today...Cody has officially moved on to the next phase...we now are only required to go to clinic on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday...

Dr. K also said that it looks as though he is creating his own platelets and he is holding on to his Red Blood Cells...this is great news...Cody has not had a platelet transfusion since 7Feb03 and he has not a blood transfusion since 10Feb03...keep up the prayers...because those cells are really starting to grow :)

Dr. K also said that we should not be surprised if we have to face a few medicine changes this week...it looks as though Cody is the host of a nice little yeast infection on his tongue...they swabbed that and sent it off to the lab to see if anything grows...if it does then he will switch from AMPHO to something else...

Besides that he is still throwing positives on the CMV tests...so if the test form yesterday comes back positive again tomorrow...then they will change his gangcyclovere to something else also...

His spirits are great and he has finally started to get an appetite back...praise God...

But he seems to be suffering from a side effect of the radiation called Somnia Syndrome (I'm not sure if that is the correct name but it is the opposite on Insomnia)...this just means he is very sleepy...this is normal...

He has also started loosing his finger nails...from the cuticles up...it would probably not be so bad if I could get him to stop picking...but that has proved to be impossible...

Our worries are so few though...I mean if this is the worst of it these days then PRAISE GOD FOR OUR MIRACLE!

I am still feeling yucky in my tummy...I have been hearing and reading of a nasty little virus going around here so I just pray that if I have it...then it can wait to really affect me until after Greg gets home tomorrow night...Pray for me that God would relieve this sickness and spare from its wrath, but if not that He would hold it off until after Greg comes home...AMEN!

Tomorrow will be our first day clinic free...we don't even have to run labs in since Cody is doing so well...We will be doing all of our medicine here at home...the travel nurse is going to come by in the morning to help with the new things that are usually done at clinic but other than that we do not HAVE to do anything until we drive to the airport at 9 p.m.

Things are going very well...please continue to pray for our miracle...and for Cody's progress...the Lord still has a lot of work to do with him...and with our entire family...

GREAT NEWS ON THE FUNDRAISING FRONT!

The P. Buckley Moss Raffle is coming along great...tickets are still available llbrantley1955@msn.com

The Great Spaghetti Dinner at Shelton Park is scheduled for 28Feb03...tickets are available by contacting the school 757-460-7577

The Yard Sale is now scheduled for 15Mar-16Mar in Fort Lauderdale to make donations or get involved sherrill_kinser@hotmail.com

The C.O.D.Y. cookbooks are still for sale phoffman@srob.com

And finally...Cody's book This Is Me Cody is available for $15.00 (printing costs $9.00 per copy) I have made up an order form for those interested in obtaining a copy for anyone who has already requested a copy...check your e-mail the form is there...for anyone else interested let me know...we are still working on trying to find a printer as this will hopefully reduce the cost of printing significantly...it is our desire to be able to sell the books for less...

Until Tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 11:19

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Monday, February 17, 2003 7:57 PM CST

T + 48
B - 56

WBC = 14.2

Things went well at the clinic today...driving to the Duke proved to be more difficult than being at clinic...

Cody's counts have improved all on their own...without any transfussions...his red blood cell count and hemoglobin were up (very small fractions but still up) his platelets went from 36 to 46 and his WBC went from 13.2 to 14.2 (he is still receiving growth factor for this)...I haven't seen a differential in a few days...they have them...I ask for them and that's as far as it goes...the differential gives us the ability to figure out his ANC, an ANC is the absolute neutrophil count (HIS ABILITY TO FIGHT INFECTION) I am not concerned with it though because with his WBC as high as it is...it signifies that his ANC is good...plus if he was in danger of being too low they would tell me that...

I mentioned earlier today that the news had been confirmed...our beautiful little friend in Missouri Alexandria did in fact pass away at 10:20 p.m. CST 16Feb03...PLEASE KEEP GRANT AND ALISON (HER PARENTS) AND THE REST OF HER FAMILY IN YOUR MOST PROMINENT PRAYERS THROUGH THEIR SEARCH FOR PEACE THAT CAN ONL YBE FOUND IN GOD...

Things are coming together well for the yard sale and many have started requesting copies of Cody's book...

Cody's book is really awesome...due to our personal finances, we are unable to produce large quanties of the book until we have received payment...the printing cost associated with the book are very high for single copies nearly $18.00 each...in quantity we can bring the cost down to $9.00...once we have received an ample amount of orders, we will place the order...the order will be ready in 2 days...we are requesting that anyone interested in ordering a copy of Cody's book...please send a note along with payment to our address listed below...the books will be ready in a few weeks and we will ship them out to anyone who has sent in payment...

On the other hand...if there is anyone out there who maybe able to help us with printing...we would love to hear from you...any print donation may be consider as a donation to the foundation there for making it a tax deductible donation...I am confident that an actual printer would be able to produce the book for a lot less...

The book is 15 pages long and it is really good...I was so impressed with Cody...he told me what to type and we drew together on the computer...after that he colored all of the pictures by himself...

Anyway...that is our news for today...

Please say an extra prayer for me tonight as I am feeling really bad...very sick to my stomach...Laura leaves in the morning and Greg does not return until Wednesday night...if I am sick...we are in a world of trouble...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man."
Matthew 16:23b

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Monday, February 17, 2003 7:27 AM CST

IT IS WITH A GREAT SADNESS THAT I AM ADDING THIS UPDATE TO A RATHER LIGHT HEARTED ENTRY...AT 10:20 P.M. 16FEB2003
ALEXANDRIA NICOLE HADDOCK 9 1/2 YEARS OLD EARNED HER BEAUTIFUL PINK TIPPED ANGEL WINGS...PLEASE PRAY FOR ALISON AND GRANT HER PARENTS AND THE REST OF HER FAMILY AS THEY SEEK OUT THE PEACE THAT ONLY GOD CAN OFFER!

Anyway...here is your laugh for the week...here I am, you Florida girl from way back...and ooooohhhhh...there is all kinds of snow...on the deck...on the steps...in the driveway...now, without Greg here...what the heck am I supposed to do with snow?

So I decide I am woman...hear me roar...I can do the manly jobs, RIGHT?...NO, WRONG!

I start off by bundling myself up in clothes that are loose enough to work in, yet warm enough to stay warm (good plan)

Anyway...I get out the front door and slowly and carefully) because yesterday Cody and I both almost ended up in the bushes) I hold on to the bottom side of the railing, which is not iced so that I can walk down the stairs to the sidewalk that is covered in snow...from there I make way over to the truck where first I cannot get the key in the hole...finally I get that accomplished...now I can't get the door open...I am pulling and pulling but it is frozen shut...finally one big pull and boom, I almost land on my butt :)

Now, I start the truck so that it can run for the next hour (hate to be cold while I am trying to drive, race car drivers need to be comfortable to offer optimal performance) Now I am onto my next task...

I decide that I am going to shovel the snow and throw down the ice salt...sounds easy enough...least that is what I think as I am pulling the shovel out of the shed...well, I don't guess I have ever shoveled snow...I AM FROM FLORIDA, YOU KNOW! So there I was...shoveling away when I realized...where the heck do I put it after I am done shoveling it???? I mean, if I throw it in the bushes they will die...I can put it in the driveway but the kind of defeats the purpose...so I decided to stop shoveling...I got the deck cleared and the sidewalk that leads to the driveway...the snow from the sidewalk is under the stairs and the other stuff is in the driveway out of our walking area????

Now I am ready to throw down the salt...well, I pick the bag up and it is open at the wrong end...so most of the salt is in one place, on top of my foot :P I attempt to kick it off but manage to fill it into my shoe :) after I get that problem corrected...I decide that I "good has been done here" and the rest can wait for Greg!

I updated last night...so make sure you read the past journal entries to know what is happening at the clinic...

PLEASE KEEP ALEXANDRIA IN YOUR PRAYERS...
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

I will update again tonight with today's adventure in the clinic...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

If we cannot laugh at ourselves...then tell me whom can we laugh at?

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Sunday, February 16, 2003 3:58 PM CST

*********************URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!!!!**************
PLEASE SAY ALL OF THE EXTRA PRAYERS THAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR HEART FOR ALEXANDRIA AND HER FAMILY...
In her journal from approximately 11 a.m. CST today...Alison her mom said that Alexandria's time here was coming to an end but that she continues to fight...Alison has been whispering to Alexandria all day that Mommy and Daddy love her but the Jesus and God love her too and that it is okay for her to let go...she has told her that there are no more hospitals...no more chemo...no more cancer and no more pain in heaven...my heart is heavy for them as they walk through the most difficult trial of their lives...PLEASE STOP BY THIER SITE AND OFFER YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

T + 47 (it has been 47 days since Cody received his transplant)
B - 57 (it is now 57 days until Cody's Birthday, he has requested that we start the count down)

WBC = 13.2

So our little trooper continues to get stronger...I cannot remember when he had to have blood or platelets...I mean I know it was sometime last week but I don't remember when...he had been receiving blood every 2-3 days and platelets every other day...this is a great milestone as it would appear that he has started holding on to his red blood cells and his platelets...HOORAY, CODY!

THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE OFF THE HOOK...WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WHO NEED BLOOD AND PLATELETS...LOOK IN THE PHONE BOOK AND FIND YOUR LOCAL RED CROSS AND GO GIVE BLOOD TODAY!!!!!!!!!

So anyway...our time at the clinic today was pretty short...only had to have our meds administered and Cody had to get looked at and then we were on our way...

The beginning of an ice storm rolled in last night so after clinic we stopped by the grocery store so I could run inside and pick up pre-fab fire logs (Cody cannot have real ones) and ice salt...the last time a big storm came here the electric went out for 8 days...so we figure better to be prepared then not to be...

Miss Ann and Rusty signed our guestbook and stated they did not think we had time for useless chit-chat...YOU ARE KIDDING ME RIGHT...WHEN WE ARE NOT IN CLINIC...ALL WE HAVE IS TIME FOR THINGS LIKE USELESS CHIT-CHAT...THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE THIS OKAY...this is why we have requested more more more guestbook enteries and e-mails (no forwards though unless they are really good) We feel special and loved when our friends drop by and say hi...it is a highlight...a sun spot in our snowy-rainy days here in NC...

Anyway, today...like every day...is a blessing and we are grateful to have it to celebrate the Lord!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 30:11-12

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Saturday, February 15, 2003 8:55 PM CST

*********URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR ALEXANDRIA*******
She was admitted to Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital yesterday with a terrible case of pneumonia

http://www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

T + 46

WBC= 13.7

Okay so I am wondering do you people have no love?

Is there no one out there that can stop by and sign the guestbook...Cody and I were very disappointed to come home from 6 hours of clinic and then get up from a nice long nap and find that not even one person has signed out guestbook today :(

ANYWAY...

Life is good...

We miss Greg and Riley...We are enjoying Laura

Everything is good...we are still going to clinic everyday...but it has been such a significant change to only have to go once a day...We are much happier and a lot of neglected things are actually being taken care of...we have been eating dinner at a decent time and we have been able to keep up the house and, and, and...

Please continue to pray for us...as we need your prayers as we continue along our journey...we have a long way to go...but the Lord continues to bless us each and every day along the way...

We received a package from Ann T. in Florida with a bunch of things that we get to go and distribute at the hospital...of course, with Cody on contact isolation for CMV we aren't able to go for a while yet...I know it will be in God's perfect timing though...Thanks to Ann for being so generous to us and to all of the other families here...also for continuing to hold such a great place in her heart for our family...Cody has a whole lot of fun with the things that Ann and Paul have sent...I know we have been slow to respond...please forgive us, it has been an adjustment switching from the hospital to the clinic...

Please keep in prayer the upcoming fundraising events and if you choose to participate and need more support you can contact the following:

P. Buckley Moss Signed Print Raffle llbrantley1955@msn.com
The Great Spaghetti Dinner at Shelton Park 757-460-7577
The ForCody Yard Sale sherrill_kinser@hotmail.com
The C.O.D.Y. cook books phoffman@srob.com
This Is Me Cody (a book by Cody) codman@cox.net

We are prayerful that these projects will yield the results that God has planned...we are confident in His ability to continue to provide for our needs...

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

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Friday, February 14, 2003 6:25 PM CST

T + 45

WBC = 17.9

Well today was really great...we were in and out of clinic in under 4 hours...we have a routine developing and we LIKE IT!

We have more time at home, which is great!

I posted information on the photo page regarding our upcoming fundraisers...we have another yard sale and Cody wrote a book...check them out!

GREAT GREAT GREAT NEWS! MCKENZIE WAS IN CLINIC TODAY...I was so excited to see her...I went in to talk to her for a few minutes...I just love that little girl...Anyway...I was in there talking to her and looking at her outfit and talking about Clifford when our nurse came in and yelled at me...Apparently I wasn't supposed to be in there because she is on contact isolation too...I thought it was for CMV...I asked Rick (her dad) if that's what it was...he thought so too...so with that I went in to talk to her...it was funny...when the nurse was giving me heck...I was like oh sorry...sooooorrrrrryyyyyyy...and then I looked at Rick and said...hey, you got me in trouble :) It was really kind of funny...

Keep her family in prayer though...as the enemy continues to attack them...after all of the work they have done to get McKenzie well enough to get out...they still can't be together...poor Christina (her mom) is stuck separated from her husband and her daughter because there is fear that the other children may be exposed to illness in school...

I told Rick to talk to Sharon (Jacob's mom) and find out what they worked out for Jonathon their other son...I just feel so bad...I know Christina has got to be going crazy...first she was really sick and now this...

Chris...we are praying for you...hang in their...you will be back with your baby soon :)

Anyway...for today, life is good :)

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Thursday, February 13, 2003 8:21 PM CST

T + 44
WBC = 18.9 (yes, it is down)
ANC =

Today was great!

We went to clinic this morning...Thursday is one of our long days so we were there until close to 3 p.m. Once we finished, we went home and got the house in order...

Instead of going back to clinic this evening...the travel nurse came over and thought me how to administer the night meds...HOORAY!

Cody is currently hooked up to 4 pumps...3 with meds 1 with TPN...we did great!

Now you say...why did Cody's WBC drop...well for the CMV he is receiving a drug called Gangcyclovere...this drug effects the WBC...he is still receiving growth factor (GCSF) in an effort to keep the WBC producing at higher quantities...eventually we will work him back to a normal range of 3.5-5.5...For transplant patients, normal is 10-15 at least for 6 months...maybe longer? They drew another CMV culture on Monday which came back positive again...this means we will probably have to stay in isolation even longer...we have to have 3 negatives before we can come out of isolation...as I have stated before though...there are some benefits to being on isolation...when you get to clinic there is no waiting in the Fish Bowl room...you go straight into a room and usually they get all of your stuff started right away :)

Cody wrote a book for his classmates...we are going to drop it in the mail tomorrow...and then I will probably have copies made that we will sell, with the proceeds benefiting the ForCody Foundation...it is an awesome book!

Reese was at clinic last night and they sent him to the floor...the last time I checked his site he was still there and had just finished a chest x-ray...You can follow his progress by logging onto
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

And apparently I am a big dork...I messed up when I posted Alexandria's web page address...I corrected it but for those who are interested in tracking her progress:
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

Things are good...I will keep you updated as we progress...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple.
Isaiah 6:1b

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Tueday, February 11, 2003 12:08 AM EST

T + 42
WBC = 26.4
ANC = A Whole Lot :)

Well this day turned out to be our longest yet...

Clinic started at 8:30 a.m. but that's okay because I wasn't there...I was fast asleep in my little dreamland, thanks to my awesome husband...of course that all ended when Riley thought I should get up at 9:40 a.m.

So up I got...as if he was going to take no for an answer...anyway, I got him out of his bed and WOW! what a mess...I took him straight to the bath tub...he enjoyed his long bath, filled with lavender scented baby shampoo...we talked and played...soaking (he was literally) in our quality time together...

Mind you...quality time with that kid has to be fast and low these days...he just figured out how to crawl yesterday...so unless you have something he wants...he is gone...

Now back to Cody and Greg...Tuesday is our long day...but of course greg go off easy...you know if I went we would have been there all day and all night...but instead Greg was out there by 3 p.m. We reported back promptly at 5:15 p.m. where we proceeded to hurry up and wait :)

And wait...and wait...and wait...Our meds finished up at 8:10 p.m.

BUT...we had yet to see Dr. K

We finally left clinic at 9:35

That's okay though...because I had the chance to sit with Dr. K and go over his progress...he is doing very well by medical standards...but, as always...they are cautious...if things continue to go as well as they are right now...by next Tuesday we will only have to go to clinic Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings...They are finally going to give me more to do...HOORAY, ME!

Don't get me wrong...I do understand and actually agree with the reasons for all that we are having to do right now...I just wish they would allow us to be more involved...Honestly, I could care less if we spent every day at clinic so long as I had an active roll...this is my baby and I love him more than life...I feel so useless just administering TPN, g-tube meds and tube feeds...

God has so blessed me with this child and He continues to keep and make Him whole...I was created by Him to care for this child...I am lost without that responsibility...

Since my husbadn almost never reads this...

I figured I would take some time and tell you all what an awesome man he is (of course, if you tell him I said that I will deny it)...it just never ceases to amaze me how awesome the Lord is...He gave this man to me when I needed him most...Greg has just done so much for Cody and me...for our family...I don't know how we manged before he was here...he is genuine and true...he absolutely loves us...he does so much more than he has to...he helps around the house...he cares for Riley...he gives with no expectations of a thank you or anything else in return...and I want everyone, every where to know that I love him with everything I am...I appreciate him and I thank him for being all that he is...all that God created him to be...

Greg is taking Riley and going to visit MaMa and PaPa in New Mexico tomorrow for a week...that was the present I bought him for our anniversary...Praise God for airfare wars :)

Laura will be coming in from Florida to help me and to hang out with the CodMan...Laura was his very first babysitter and has stayed part of our lives every since then :)

Now for a special note for our family in Missouri...Cody and I have been making friends all over the country and we have been so blessed to come in contact with a family who lives just outside of St. Louis...their daughter was being treated at St. Louis Children's until yesterday when she was transferred to Cardinal Glennon...this family has had a really rough time of it and could use some extra support...we know you guys know and understand first hand how much it takes to go through all of this...we have all been through so much together with Cody...her webpage is as follows:

www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

And for everyone else...please check in on Alexandria and keep her in your prayers...she is really fighting the good fight and the Lord is craddling her in His arms tonight and every night...

As for our other friends here at Duke...Jacob, JD, Sean, Tommy, Sarah, Jillian, Jordan, Cameron and Douglas ( I hope I didn't forget anyone) are all doing the clinic thing with us...

McKenzie is scheduled to get out on Thursday (yes, this Thursday) HOORAY! HOORAY! GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!

Tyler, Carson, Jaxon, Brent, Brittany, Jose, Juan, Travis, Robert, Lexia and the rest of the crew including our bud Trey from Florida are all working on transplanting, engrafting, getting better and getting out...

We can't wait for the day when the halls of 5200 are baron...of course, we will have to find work for our most awesome nurses...actually, I think I read somewhere that there was a nursing shortage so they can easily be placed elsewhere :) I bet they wouldn't mind if it meant we were all, all better :)

In Virginia...Trevor is doing great, as always...

Hunter is working on an expereiment to determine if there is such a thing as a negative number for blood counts...keep him prayer...he has had a rough go of it the past few weeks:
www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter

Oh and just to make sure you know...Mom, I love you...

Okay so aside from the reminder that EVERYONE REALLY, REALLY, REALLY NEEDS TO GIVE BLOOD (this is not a joke...there is a major crisis going on and most of us don't even know about it...I guess it is not news worthy enough)

Anyhow...I think that is it.

Until tomorrow (or later today...I guess)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is.
Amos 5:14

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Monday, February 10, 2003 11:33 PM CST

T + 41

WBC = 20.7
ANC = A Lot :)

Today was really a great day...Cody and I spent to two separate rounds at clinic together today for a total of just under 10 hours...but we had fun and we slept so all is well...He received his 20 million meds twice�plus we were the lucky recipients of blood and platelets today�

(start the music�you know the up on the soap box kind�and then read on)

SPEAKING OF BLOOD AND PLATELETS�THERE IS A MASSIVE BLOOD SHORTAGE THROUGH OUT THE UNITED STATES RIGHT NOW TODAY AS WE SPEAK! IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF TAKE THE 15 MINUTES AND GIVE BLOOD�YOUR BLOOD COULD BE THE PINT THAT SAVES CODY�S LIFE�OR MCKENZIE�S LIFE�OR JACOB�OR JORDAN�OR REESE�OR EVEN ME�WHAT IF YOU GAVE IT AND IT WAS USED TO SAVE YOU�WOULD YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND THEN? OUR KIDS GO THROUGH SOME WHERE BETWEEN 80-100 TRANSFUSSIONS OF BLOOD AND PLATELETS POST TRANSPLANT�AND ON MORE THAN ONE WEBSITE TODAY I READ THAT THEY WERE PULLING UP FROZEN BLOOD PRODUCT BECAUSE THEY WERE OUT OR THEY WERE WAITING FOR DELIVERIES FROM THE RED CROSS�THIS IS VERY SCARY�OUR KIDS CAN DIE BECAUSE THEIR BLOOD TYPE IS NOT AVAILABLE�WHAT IF THAT TYPE WAS YOURS? WHAT IF?

Okay�now that I am done with the give blood today speech�here is what�s going on�

Cody has been longing to see his friends from the floor and is having difficulty with the whole isolation thing as he wants so badly to be able to go around and say his hellos and pass out his smiles from behind his mask...I feel so sad for him sometimes when I can see him longing for something more...something "normal"...

As always when I feel this burden for my son I find a spot and I go to the Lord in prayer...I seek His face...His answers...His plan...and as always He is faithful...Cody shines his light that the Lord has so thoroughly drenched him around and onto all that he comes in contact with...He has begun decorating his masks...his favorite one seems to be the one that states loud and clear...JESUS RULES! Then the verse reference of Philippians 1:6...his life verse through these times that are so very trying for us all...

I am grateful that the Lord shows me that my refuge is in Him and that my strength is His alone...that victory over every trial means glory to Christ...He has fought and won the battle so that I may be lifted up from the pit...so that I may never have to carry more than I can bear...I confident in Christ...therefore, the enemy may never win here...

I cannot express enough gratitude and joy over how much Cody enjoyed being at the park with Jillian yesterday...he just ran and played and got to be 6...aside from the mask and the bald head...he was a normal kid out at the park on a day that the only thing God could have done different was turn the temperature setting up just a little :)

My husband and I celebrated a beautiful anniversary...one that really was not about the gifts but about the time we have together as a family...

While we were at clinic my husband cleaned up the kitchen and made me dinner...I walked in to a homemade candle lit dinner with some of our favorite songs playing and a full screen display of pictures of us set up on the computer facing our dinner...

Cody and Riley opted to watch Stuart Little 2, as our dinner plans were not of any interest to them...

Tomorrow is our long day at clinic...thank God for me Greg has the morning shift...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

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Sunday, February 9, 2003 4:26 PM EST

T + 40

WBC = 24.3
ANC = ?????

Today has been a good day...

We praise God for days like this one...the sun is shining and we are all happy...

I took a break from clinic this morning and Greg took my shift...the visit was uneventful...Cody received his meds and they came home....they were there for about 3 hours...

I think they must like me better than Greg...otherwise they wouldn't keep me there so long :) and let him go so fast...

This afternoon was great! We got permission from Dr. K and were able to join Jillian and her mom Laura at the park...it is a really nice park around the corner from the hospital...I posted pictures on the photo page...

Anyway...I am working on receipts and then it will be time to go back to the clinic so I will update again tomorrow...

Oh and by the way...tomorrow is Reese's mommy's birthday...make sure you log on and wish her a happy birthday...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

And someone needs to call my husband and help him figure out what to get for our anniversary tomorrow...if he doesn't come up with something...I am going to have to kick him to the curb :) :) :) :) :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Psalm 34:8

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Saturday, February 8, 2003 8:23 PM CST

T + 39

WBC = 18.0
ANC = ????

Things went really good today...we were at the clinic forever though...our long days are always going to be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday because Cody has to get 2 different medicines that cannot run at the same time and they both take 2 hours so it is a minimum of 4 hours right there...that's okay though...we get to catch up on some sleep while we are waiting for stuff to finish...

Once we were done...I went to Wal-Mart and picked up some new drawer storage containers so that we could get our medical supplies organized...Greg messed around with that while I went to the grocery store...

I concur with my good friend Amy...if I never eat fast food again it will be too soon...so we are all sitting down as a family for dinner tonight...

Here's a funny...we are eating at home together for the first time in like forever and guess we decided to have dinner...hamburgers! :)

Can you believe us?

I went ahead and started a beef stew for tomorrow night, I slow cook it over 15 hours...I think that is Greg's favorite thing I make...and it's the easiest, you just slop a bunch of stuff in a pot and forget about it until tomorrow :)

We have plans to try and go to the park tomorrow with Jillian and her mom...I still want to ask again and make sure if it is okay for them to be contacted isolated together outside with masks...but it is our plan for the moment...maybe we will go and stand across the lake from them or something if the doctor says no...then we could just wave and say we were all at the park together :)

Anyway, things are good...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13

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Friday, February 7, 2003 8:57 PM EST

T + 38

WBC= 11.7
ANC= ????

Today was a good day...

We are actually starting to get into a groove and develop a routine...I have morning visits and Greg has evenings...I know I have already explained that but it is really working well...

Clinic was actually kind of fun this morning...I sat in with Cody during his visit from the teacher and we were all playing around and having a lot of fun...he is doing so well with his reading and writing skills...he seems to be getting a really good handle on math too...we were learning sums today and we read a couple stories...the first one was about a dog that made stuff and the cat that ate it...and the second was about Alex and Maria on the seesaw :)

Cody is and will continue to be on contact isolation for CMV for about 2 more weeks...I think Jillian's mom explained it best, so I have decide to paraphrase from what she said...we have just very small trace amounts in our DNA...he does not have the "active virus" but they are treating him as a precaution as if he had the full blown virus...he will go through this treatment for 3 weeks and then should go back to his regular schedule (whatever regular is now)

I got to spend some time with Jacob's family while we were there this morning and it was really nice to see them...we all sat around talking for like 15-20 minutes (which is along time around here with everything going on) I really like his mom and dad and his older brother Jonathon...Jonathon is the greatest kid...Jacob is blessed to have a brother that genuinely knows, understands and cares for him...theirs is a really cool relationship...

We were at clinic from 8:43 a.m. (seems to be my magic time to get there) until 1:18 p.m.

They changed his TPN to include less magnesium as his levels were a little high today...they also reduced his cycosprolin a little bit because his levels came back high...

Greg and Cody got back to clinic at 5:05 p.m. and were out of there by 7:45 (I'm wondering if I picked the wrong shift)

Life on the outside as a family is worth all the work though...we are all thriving together and I am just grateful to sleep whenever I can in my own bed :)

Our prayers continue to be with so many others...please take the time to check out their websites and track their progress...Our new website will include a friends page and I have sent out e-mail requests to several families so far to request permission to post updates from their journal on our new website...so far we have all yeses...HOORAY! I am very excited about the new site and I am so looking forward to it launch here in the very near future...if you are willing to be added to our friends page...Please, Please, Please let me know...you can respond in the guestbook or via e-mail...

I am excited about the prospect of joining Jillian and her mom at the park on Sunday...of course, we have sort of invited ourselves and don't know if they be contact isolated together :) so we shall see...if not we are thinking of going to the park across th elake from where are staying...I will take pictures and post them no matter where we go...

Oh yeah...and a special note to Willie...as soon as we get home Cody says youcan have a go on that new dirt bike...if you know Cody, then you know that means he really, really likes you :)

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

And everyone who call son the name of the Lord will be saved;
Joel 2:32a

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Thursday, February 6, 2003 8:13 PM EST

T + 37
WBC = 11.4
ANC = 9006

Well today was a lot better...

Once we got home and settled in last night, the antibiotics began doing their job and Cody's fever broke...

Greg and I had a long talk last night trying to figure out what our new routine would be...and as it stands, it looks as though I have morning duty at the clinic and Greg has evening duty...

I think this will work out really well as it gives us a chance to both be there with him and to also both have time to with Riley and at home...

Anyway...

At clinic this morning...I sat down for a good while talking to our primary Nurse Practitioner, Caryn...I calmly explained to her my frustrations and my concerns...it was good for me to have had the night to pray and get settled...

Caryn and I went over the projected road map and tentative schedule...which made me feel better, and then I had her explain CMV to me...

CMV is a virus that can cause pneumonia...most people have in their system all of the time but have the kind of immune system which is able to combat the virus leaving it basically "dormant" Transplant patients are susceptible to this virus in a heightened way because of their suppressed immune systems...the test that revealed the CMV is a super sensitive test that perform every Monday and then treat for if any levels of the virus show up at all...even the smallest trace amount...since the virus is contagious to other immune suppressed kids (mainly) so we are on contact isolation...

We were at clinic from 8:43 a.m. until 2:06 p.m. and then Greg took him back for second shift at 5:05 p.m. and they are still there...

I have to say that I am really grateful for all of you who took the time to sign the guestbook last night and send me e-mail...while my faith is now and forever in God, whom I know and trust will heal Cody and me both...I sometimes lose sight of the greater purpose and get caught up in the here and now...

The Lord is good though...as always, He provided me with the exactly what I need to read in scripture and then He had others give me exactly what I needed through guestbook entries and e-mail...thanks Jill for the pictures fo Trevor...I laughed for like 20 minutes :)

Cody is handling everything like the champ that he is...his light just always seem to shine and shine...we could all learn a few things from him...I am blessed to be here and experience him firsthand...I wish so much that we lived closer to the other half of his family and my family...I wish there some magical place that we could all station ourselves that he could be part of the every day life of us all...for now though...I just praise God that everyone gets to come often and that we are all together in spirit...

MORE PRAYERS PLEASE...

I had the chance to speak with Douglas' mom at clinic yesterday and she said that Dr. K. said that so long there is even trace amount of donor cells they will try everything possible to prevent Douglas from going through a second transplant...PLEASE PRAY THAT THE LORD GIVES DOUGLAS ALL THAT HE NEEDS AND THAT ULTIMATE HEALING OF TOUCH OF JESUS SHIENS UPON HIM!

Also...please take a few minutes to check in on our friends...as it has been a little to hectic for me to post all of my normal updates...I will get it together soon :)

www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco
www.carinbridge.org/va/hunter
www.caringbrdige.org/nc/mckenziefay
www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob
www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert
www.caringbrdige.org/il/jordan
www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers
www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup
www.caringbridge.org/nc/jdsadventures
www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams
www.caringbridge.org/nc/bigthorton
www.mitchellkyle.com
www.carinbridge.org/page/gooch
www.caringbridge.org/ny/mjpurk
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

I will update again tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you...
Ephesians 1:17-18a

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Wednesday, February 5, 2003 8:13 PM CST

T + 36
WBC=8.5
ANC=????

Today was a rough day...we started at 5:15 a.m. when the machine started beeping and wouldn't stop...

At 7:00 a.m. we were up and at 'em...IV's blaring and all...Cody started off the day right with a temperature of 102.7...and so off to the clinic we went...

We arrived at the clinic at 8:45 a.m. after dropping off our lab work and ended up staying there until 15 minutes ago...

We found out that Cody has CMV; a virus that attacks the blood and the lungs...so we were placed on contact isolation...the upside of isolation is, we never have to wait in the waiting room...the downside is that the virus, coupled with the fever has added about 4 more new drugs to our daily treatment routine...

They have determined that the only work I am "capable" of doing at home is TPN...this makes me very angry...they do not want me to do anything else...I am not supposed to draw labs...administer antibiotics or anything else...I feel as though they do not believe I am capable of caring for my own child...caring for him in a way, mind you, that I have been for nearly 4 years now...

Of course they tell me that these are normal precautions that they are taking because they do not know what is causing his fevers and all that...I just feel so helpless...

Anyway...

Overall, I was thoroughly disappointed with the way this day came to a close...I take issue with some of the things that are changing and re-arranging...but mostly I take issue with the lack of communication I have experienced here...I feel completely left out of the loop, useless and incompetent...

The enemy continues to attack me and with the lack of sleep and 12.5 hour day in clinic...I finally had enough and let Dr. K. know of my "displeasure"

By the time we checked out of clinic I was in tears...which does not happen very often...I guess that the bottom line is I just wish we could go home...I really want to be back where I am comfortable...my hopes and prayers are obviously not what God has planned for us right now...I am trying to accept this but as always...I am failing miserably trying to do this on my own...

I realize I am in desperate need of some time with God so I am going to wrap up here so I can go spend some time in His word...seeking out His answers through prayer and supplication, before I lose my witness any worse...

We are home but we only get to stay here if the fevers stay at bay...so we keep track...and we pray...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant to judgment, for no one living is righteous before You. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within is dismayed.
Psalm 143:1-4

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Tueday, February 4, 2003 7:33 PM EST

T + 35
WBC = 11.3 (yesterday must have been a fluke)
ANC = ????

Today has in fact been our day...after 39 days in the hospital we have been released...it is with great pleasure that I write this entry from home...HOORAY!

Cody just loved the whole confetti thing...I think almost everyone came out to bid us farewell...and even though we will miss the people, our awesome extended family...we were glad to get out of there...

So now, on to the next phase...this is the phase I am very comfortable with...lots of home meds and twice daily visits to the clinic...waiting at the clinic is one of my least favorite things to do but so long as we go in believing we will be there ALL day...if we get out earlier, then hey BONUS!

Packing our room proved to be a much bigger task than we had anticipate...poor Greg had to make four trips down to the truck...

When we got home...we were greeted by the home health RN who proceed in teaching us how to utilize the new pumps and BLAH...BLAH...BLAH...but we listened and practiced playing with all of the neat new toys Cody has attached to him...

The Lord is so good...He continues to bless everyday...as the next chapter of our life begins...we walk into with arms wide open...

Talk to you again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me...
Habakkuk 2:1a

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Monday, February 3, 2003 9:42 PM CST

WBC = 6.7 down 2.0 (but that is okay)
ANC = 6013

Another awesome day with gift from God...

Cody is so cool...his heart is just one that has been sent here to give all of the glory to Jesus...I cannot begin to describe the feeling I have as I watch this child give of and from himself to help the other children here on the floor...he is so genuine...and true...he is beautiful...the Lord has really begun a good work in him...I am confident of this...

We went out for a 4 hour pass today but did not get released (obviously) they say maybe tomorrow...but, we have decided until we actually have discharge papers in hand...we aren't going to believe them :) :) :)

I am inspired but some of the feed back that you all sent regarding my entry from yesterday...Cody and I have started talking about what we are going to do...I think we may have little business sized cards made up with the journal entry from yesterday printed on them...we already draw smiley faces on his masks but I like the idea of writing praises to God...so I think we will switch...

So even though we haven't been released our hearts are happy and we are fairing well...maybe tomorrow will be our day?

WE HAVE AN URGENT PRAYER REQUEST...

The results of Douglas' test today revealed that he has re-grown his own cells...meaning his family will undergo a 2nd transplant with him...this is so heart wrenching...as a family they have already been through so much...both of their children are diagnosed with Sanfillipo (MPS) and both have just recently been released from 5200...please lift their family up in prayer as much as possible over the next couple of weeks...we know for a fact that prayer works much better than statistics or medicine...so please PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! You may leave your thoughts for them directly by signing their guestbook at:

www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

Finally, the donation link for the ForCody Foundation has been on the fritz...they have changed servers and are having some problems getting everything switched over and working right...this problem should be resolved in the very near future...you can keep trying the link in an effort to make donations or you can always send them via snail mail...no matter what you may choose to do...know and understand that all your donations are greatly needed and extremely appreciated...as with ALL things before making a donation to the ForCody Foundation...seek first the kingdom of God...the Lord will lead you toward His plan...I continue to reiterate that monetary donations are needed and necessary...BUT this is not the only need...first and foremost we need and want your prayers...we need mail (both kinds) contact with the outside world is an awesome commodity around here...we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE guestbook entries (even short ones)...occasional phone calls...bible study material...lesson tapes from church services...music...

Our new and improved website should be completed, up and running soon...I am so very excited about the work that Amie has done for us...I cannot wait for the new site to come online as it will meet the current and future plans of the foundation in such an awesome way...the Lord is so awesome...everyday He continues to bless us...we are grateful...

Thanks for checking in on us...don't forget to sign the guestbook...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12

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Sunday, February 2, 2003 5:11 PM CST

WBC 8.7
ANC ????

My beautiful son...so absolutely brave and strong...

I noticed today as we left the ward on our 3 hour pass that so many people...by-standers...passer bys...stop and take notice of the poor little boy with the mask covering his face...They turn their eyes upon my beautiful child with a look of sadness...in their worldly ways...they feel sorry for us...I know this even though it is unsaid because...they will always first glance down at my baby and then at me with a look of extreme pity...

Would they have noticed him if he were "normal"? Would they have given us a second look? I tell you...NO!

I wish there was a way to say (in a nice way) please do not pity us, for we are blessed beyond this world...we have had our shares of trials...of heartache...we have been through the ringer and back again...we have looked into the face of death...we have seen the enemy...and through prayer and supplication...we have been delivered...the Lord has wrapped his love around us and carried us through every hardship...for our sufferings have not been in vain but in and through Christ...that victory over those ties that have been sent to bind us would be glory to Him...

We do not need pity...for we are surrounded by His grace...His mercy has saved us...by His stripes my beautiful child has been healed...this child that those around us would feel sorry for has been given life...twice...in Christ...

I am grateful we are alive in Christ...our bounty come from Him.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles. An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed
how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the
strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the
judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over
your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine
through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

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Saturday, February 1, 2003 7:51 AM CST

Well...can you believe it is the first of February already...

T + 32

WBC = 7.8
ANC = ?

Things are going pretty good...we had a good night...and he is tolerating his new feeds okay...which is a good sign...

We are still working towards being released on Monday.

Cody is a featured child on Make A child Smile.Org this month...check out the site...www.makeachildsmile.org...I have also placed the link at the bottom of the page...

Now for the other kids on the ward...Cody handmade a card for each and every kid here yesterday and then hand delivered them...it was so cute :)

Anyway...

Carson is doing really well...he is up and walking around
Brittany B. back in for complications of some sort she was released just before we were admitted...
McKenzie is doing better but has been placed in contact isolation due to the EBV (virus) she has...www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay
Jose is doing well
Jacob is doing great! He is scheduled to go out on his first pass on Monday. www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob
Robert is doing a lot better...he turned 10 on Thursday. www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert
Sean is doing well with transplant number 2
Tyler is doing okay...just had his transplant last week. www.caringbridge.org/nc/bigthorton
Jaxon had his transplant yesterday...he is so cute
Tommy is doing well...he has been up and playing everyday in the playroom www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
Lexia looks awesome...she came out of her room yesterday for the first time and spent some time decorating and playing cards
Brent was just admitted yesterday...he is a funny guy
JD is coming along great...he went on his first pass yesterday. www.caringbridge.org/nc/jdsadventures
Juan is doing good...growing cells
Travis is doing awesome as always...he is such a cool kid. www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Now for those who have been released...
Jillian is doing great! She just amazes me. www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
Sarah and her mom are adjusting to their new outpatient lifestyle. www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith
Cameron went home the other day to join Douglas, his brother, and the rest of his family in the world off 5200. www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers
Jordan continues to amaze us all. www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
Reese is doing well, having some issues with hsi little lungs though so keep him in prayer. www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup
Cameron L. hasn't been back so a I assume he is doing well and the same goes for Rashaun...
Kyle F. is doing great. www.mitchellkyle.com

Please say an extra prayer for those families who are still dealing with the devastation of loss...
Mitchell F. 1-18-03 www.mitchellkyle.com
Kyle C. 12-23-02 www.caringbridge.org/wa/kyle
Ryan K. 1-3-03 www.caringbridge.org/nc/ryan
Keshon 1-5-03 www.caringbridge.org/sc/keshon
Brittney 12-30-02 www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send Me!"
Isaiah 6:8

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Friday, January 31, 2003 at 10:35 AM (CST)

Well today has been a good day so far...of course, every day with Cody is a good day...he takes everything in stride with a great big smile on...

T + 31

WBC 6.5
ANC 3315

FISH Test = 100% Donor Cells!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so excited...another hurdle, jumped over with room to spare!

They have re-started his tube feedings...very slow...only 2 teaspoons per hour...he should have no problems tolerating the feeds but we will monitor him and see how he does...

All of his previous issues seem to have been related to the feeds be too much, too fast, too soon...his little mucositis infested tummy couldn't take it...never mind the fact that he had nothing by mouth for nearly a month...so slowly we will go :)

Our new discharge goal is Monday...we are hopeful that this will come to fruition...but we know how quickly things change around here...

Starting tonight Cody will be a featured child on www.MakeAChildSmile.org
Be sure to log on and check it out...

Greg went to Virginia to take care of some Navy stuff and spend some time with Marina...I am happy that he and Riley will get some time with her...we all miss her so much...and Jeremy too...I so wish for a time when our family will be more "normal"

The new website is almost complete so keep your eyes out for the new and improved www.forcody.org...I am so excited...Amie from ChubbyChica.com and I have been working together to get the vision up and going...and soon it will be a reality...HOORAY!

The raffle is completely underway and we are excited about the prospect of raising funds for the foundation...we are in need and request that everyone pray and consider making a donation...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Romans 8:24-25

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Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 06:47 AM (CST)

T + 30

WBC 6.2

His WBC is up 2 points, which is a good sign...Other than that...

We have no news...none good...none bad...

We are just waiting...waiting for tests...waiting for cultures...waiting for antibiotics...

Cody is feeling better...his bowels have settled and he has not thrown up since yesterday morning...his fevers are under control...

No one knows what the exact problem is...maybe a virus...maybe his tube feedings were resumed too early...maybe he has been having a reaction to one of his drugs...maybe...maybe...maybe...so we eliminate and wait...

We continue to keep our eyes on the Lord and place our hope in Him...our faith is in the Lord and we know He will have His victory regardless of what the enemy might think or say...

On a different note...

We continue to work on fundraising projects...the raffle is underway for the P. Buckley Moss print...we are planning a second raffle in Florida for the Gregory prints...and as soon as we can we will make plans for some other projects...

In the meantime...donations are still very much needed...we continue to have issues with expenses being processed through our insurance company and our available funds are quickly depleting...I really hate advertising and asking...but we truly do need your help...every little bit helps...so please prayerfully consider making a donation today...if you are so led, you may click on the link at the bottom of the page and make a donation online or you may make checks payable to the ForCody Foundation and forward them to our place here in NC...

4407 Beechnut Lane
Durham, NC 27707

Well, here is for a little bit of added hope...the nurse just said they are thinking about sending us home today :)

Nix that...Dr. Mustafa came in and said maybe Monday...I guess I will redecorate :)

Oh and here is a really neat way to make a difference...there are many families who have been touched with devastating illness and many that need support...by logging onto

www.ChuubbyChica.com

You can adopt a caringbridge family...just click on the link called caringbridge and there are over 300 families that have requested to be adopted...adopting a family is easy...the only requirement is that you follow there progress and sign their guestbook on a regular basis...we all need that contact with the outside world...so think about it and then go for it...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:24-25

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Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 03:47 AM (CST)

Well so much for going home...They haven't said no to me directly yet...

BUT...

We had some major set backs over the last 24 hours...he has not been able to tolerate any of his g-tube feedings so they have discontinued them altogether...he continues to have a serious case of loose bowels (more like pee) and he tested positive for blood in his bowels last night...he has been throwing up rather frequently and we woke up about 15 minutes ago with a fever of 102.5

The nurse told us that we should pray this is a virus because the other exploitation is much worse...GVHD (graft vs. host disease)

GVHD is when the transplanted cells begin to attack his body...recognizing it as foreign...some GVHD is good it means that the transplant is working...too much is not good as it could mean that the transplant has failed...

Our white blood cell count has dropped today from 5.0 to 4.2 and it is too early to have differential back so I am sorry but there is no ANC again...

It looks as though he will need a red blood cell transfusion later on today or tomorrow...they always do it when the hemoglobin gets to 8 and right now he is at 8.5 (this is normal post transplant stuff)

I should have known that the enemy wasn't going to let go of us that easy...

Of course, I have already undecorated the room and given away a lot of my busy work projects...I am confident that the Lord will provide me new and more exciting assignments...plus I can always redecorate :)

I am staying in prayer...trying not to lose hope or get distraught...for those are the reactions that the enemy is striving for...My belief is that we need stay because there must be work to do...

Today I pray...

May the light of Jesus continue to shine through me and my attitude be full of gratitude...though my worldly thoughts may want to consume me and the negative emotions may want to encompass me...let me stay ever so close to Him...allow me to know and feel His strength...let me find comfort in His arms...allow me the total realization that He is with me...He will never leave me nor forsake me...these trials, as difficult as they may seem, are to His glory...and that triumph over them and the enemy is victory in Christ.

In Jesus' name...AMEN!

Please keep up the prayers as we need them now more than ever...pray that we will complete our work here soon and that we never lose sight of the greater purpose...pray that Cody is healed...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
1Peter 4: 12-13

(I decided to keep the same verse of the day from yesterday, as I need this reminder, now more than ever)

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Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 09:08 AM (CST)

Well, things change fast around here...I guess tomorrow is our day...

Cody's sodium levels came back too low for us to be discharged...they are going to draw levels again later and administer something to raise the levels through out the day...

________________________________________
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 07:57 AM (CST)

T + 28 (28 days post transplant)

TODAY IS OUR DAY...WE ARE OUTTA HERE!

With a white blood cell count of 5.0 we are rocking and rolling and on our way home...

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS VICTORY!

We are so grateful that the Lord has blessed us with this trial for we have been blessed beyond what words can describe...

The people we have come to encounter...by the situations we have been forced to deal with... have forever changed our lives

Each day something new has touched us...a small victory...a new friendship...a miracle in the flesh...

The enemy can never win here...for the lord has shone His face upon us and we will always find our strength in Him...

We are ready for the next phase of our journey...

We are blessed...

Pray! Today and Always...Continue to Pray!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha, Cody and Family

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
1Peter 4: 12-13

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Monday, January 27, 2003 at 08:11 AM (CST)

Cody continues to progress...His white blood cell count today is at 3.8...the differential hasn't come back yet so I do not know his ANC but I would imagine it is better than yesterday...

I am concerned though...we are scheduled to get out tomorrow...but, we spent our 4 hour pass at home yesterday taking a nap...he has had watery bowel movements and he threw up at about 5 a.m. He is also having some issues with his blood pressure again...and he has been sporting a low-grade fever...

I guess the enemy is mad that we are doing so well...

Keep us in prayer...I am confident that the Lord will prevail and His plan will not be altered...praise God for the peace He has given me...
I am okay, really okay with either staying in or going home...whichever way they decide...

Please also keep up the prayers for the rest of the families on this ride right beside us...

*****McKenzie continues to improve, defying the odds and proving just how big and great our God is*****

I will update again tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...But David found strength in the Lord his God.
1Samuel 30:6b

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Saturday, January 25, 2003 at 3:28PM (CST)

Cody continues to improve...His white blood cell count today is 3.2 with an ANC of 1693...

WE HAVE OFFICIALLY ENGRAFTED!

The next step to ensure totally success is something called a Fish Test...it is a test that checks the chromosomes to make sure that his cells are donor cells and not Cody cells...

They have started weaning him off of TPN (nutritional maintenance) because he is tolerating his feeds by g-tube...that is awesome...one less thing for me to do at home...

Speaking of home...we are scheduled to be discharged on Tuesday 28Jan03 so long as things continue the way that they are right now...

Now for the kids on the ward (with our daily passes and everything else, I have not had the chance to see the other families like I usually do)...

Carson is one week post transplant and still seems to be doing well, he was walking the halls this morning...

Sarah is doing great as far as recovery goes but having a rough day: www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

PRAISE GOD FOR THE WORK HE DOES...
McKenzie is doing a whole lot better...the prayer work that we have all been doing has not gone unheard...a beautiful miracle...check out the latest update at:
www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

Jose is doing well with several family members visiting his weekend

Robert had his transplant provided by his brother and will hopefully begin to improve soon: www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert

Sean is doing really well with transplant number 2...

Jaxon is still doing the pre-transplant work ups and having a rough go of it...he is very young...like only a month or two OLD...so this is hardest on his mom...

Cameron is slowly starting to improve: www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

Lexia had her transplant

Tommy Bennett had transplant number yesterday with the whole crew from 60 Minutes II in tow...for more information on their story: www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys

JD is doing better every day and has started updating his own web page: www.caringbridge.org/nc/jdsadventures

Juan (no info)

Travis is starting to improve...they keep doing all kinds of procedures but his mom says his spirits are good and he is finally progressing...on his way to being engrafted: www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Jillian is doing really good at home: www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
Jordan is doing great: www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
Cameron L. (no info)
Rashaun (no info)
Reese is doing really well too: www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup
Douglas is doing well, he and his family are adjusting to the new routine: www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

Keep everyone in prayer...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1

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Friday, January 24, 2003 at 08:30 AM (CST)

Okay well, things are going great...God is so Awesome...as He always is...I am in awe at the work that He continues to do for us and through us....

Cody is doing great! His white blood cell count is 2.8 today...we have had an ANC of more than 500 for 4 days now...actually for more than a 1000 the past 3...the doctors have not officially said he has engrafted but I think the usual protocol has been met...

We are now allowed to have a daily pass...the one form yesterday was sooooooo cool...we didn't do much, Cody is not allowed out in public...but being home with him away from the hospital was great...there are pictures on the photo page...

I have been skeptical about reporting this before now...as I know that the enemy is close at hand and things can change rather rapidly...BUT...they are talking about sending us home next week...home here in NC...but out of the hospital home...we still have to stay here for a pretty long time...we will have daily clinic visits and I will be back to earning my at home nursing degree...I think I should have already earned my BSN but they want me to actually go to school before they will give it to me...I guess on the job training only counts for trades...LOL!

I came home last night for the first time in nearly a week...I stayed her with Riley...I am trying to get the laundry caught up...with my mom here the second bedroom has turned into one giant laundry basket :) Greg has done okay keeping up with the rest of the house though...so I can only complain a little bit :)

When I left the hospital last night at 9 p.m. McKenzie was stable...Christina (her mom) said that they were doing everything that they can to help her get better...

I will continue to beg for your prayers and support for their family as they have been through so much...the testimony that they will have to offer on the other side of this will be so awesome...

Now for the rest of the ward...

Carson received his transplant on Tuesday...Sarah is doing well with a white blood cell count of 1.0...Jose looks great...Robert received his brother's marrow yesterday and is on his way to becoming a black belt...Sean has been walking the halls, looking pretty good...Douglas went home yesterday, HOORAY!...Cameron is doing a little bit better everyday, HOORAY!...JD is doing really good, his new cells are starting to grow grow grow...Travis is so awesome, he continues to fight and he is finally growing some cells...Tommy is doing great with new work ups for transplant number two...Lexia, I still have not met her...Juan is working on getting better...Jaxon is a new addition...and there are a couple of other new additions but I do not yet have their names...Jillian is doing great at home and her mom is adjusting well to nursing...Reese is doing great too...and baby Jordan is just rocking the house with his normal baby routine...

Mitch's parents left to go back to New Hampshire were they will hold services for Mitch this weekend...they are remarkable people and I am blessed that the Lord gave us a minute to get to know them...

Keshon's mom sent me an e-mail last week and said she was adjusting...I am touched by the strength that the Lord has given to her...

Britnney's mom continues to struggle with the loss of her beautiful little girl...I pray for her regularly...I saw that she signed the guest book on McKenzie's site offering encouragement to Christina...I thought that was awesome.

Ryan's family continues to adjust with rallying support from their community, church and friends...

Kyle Cottey's family continues to offer support to so many other families that are still on this roller coaster...their unwavering support to others even through their grief is awesome...

Please continue to offer up your prayers for all of the families who have been through this...for those here still on 5200 and for those who have gone home...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither heights nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

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Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 11:54 PM (CST)

Well as always things on the ward are bitter sweet...

Cody continues to improve...they were actually incorrect in the ANC calculations from yesterday morning...we were at 1125 as of 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday 23Jan03...

Cody will have a two hour pass off of the hospital floor tomorrow where we will get to go home and do whatever we want...when we told him, youwould have thought we told him we were going to Disney World...he is very excited...

So our news is great...

McKenzie on the otherhand is in desperate need of your prayers...

She has developed some major complications...nothing that God cannot pull her through but the doctors have told her parents that the long term outlook is grim...she now has tested positive for two different viruses, treatment for these viruses can potentially knock her new donor cells out (this is her 3rd transplant)...to make matters worse, she is having some serious problems with her lungs, respirations and breathing, they told Chrisitina that they are not sure exactly what is acting her lungs...she has been on oxygen for a few days now...last time I checked she was receiving 80% oxygen from the machine...

Her whole family is really feeling the pain and they can use as many prayers as you can possible give them...Christina and Rick have really been through the ringer up here...

McKenzie continues to be a real fighter and the Lord will heal her, His way and in His time...I pray for them that these latest obstacles do not become a stumbling block and that they never give up the fight and never ever lose hope...for more information check out her website at

www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

I am confident that Cody will show even more improvement tomorrow so in an effort to muster up as much prayer support as I can for McKenzie and her family I will not update again until Friday...

Please pray for McKenzie and her family today and every day...for the next couple of days, we would like for you to send up the normal prayers you may offer on our behalf for her...Cody has been praying for her too...so I know that he won't mind if a few of his prayers are handed off to McKenzie...

Also, like me...her mom checks the website frequently reading the words of encouragementsent in by folks from everywhere...as difficult as it is for me to say this...please direct any and well wishes that you would offer us in our guestbook to them as well...I know that many of you are strapped for time...so signing guestbooks is probably last on your list...but the encouragement really helps up here...and I can't explain to you enough how much they can use right now...

I wish we could offer more...

I will give updates on the rest of the kids on the ward on Friday and I will also let you know the names of the new additions...we are full up here with at least one patient in overflow on a different unit...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down his friend can help him up...
Ecclesuastes 4:9-10a

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Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 04:31 AM (CST)

Still having lots of fun trying to work with the computer, so if it starts acting up, this update will be brief...

GREAT NEWS!

Our white blood cell count is 1.5 this morning...that's right 1.5...

AND...

We are sporting a big ole ANC of 825...WHEW HOO!

I am excited but cautiously so as things do change around here rather quick...

According to the doctors, if Cody keeps it up we will be able to get out of this place pretty soon...again excited but cautious...

Cody continues to have issues with high blood pressure and has been receiving daily platelet transfusions along with not as frequent red blood cell transfusions...

Today is a Good Day!

As always, we continue to request your prayer support...

As far as the kids on the ward go...

Carson transplanted yesterday.
Sarah is doing ok, still feeling pretty yucky.
McKenzie came home from the PICU but continues to have many complications...they need your prayers...lots and lots and lots of prayers...
Jose is doing pretty well.
Jacob is doing better, not as much nausea.
Robert is going through the ATG yuck.
Sean has been up walking the halls.
Douglas is doing great.
Cameron is still having issues with gvhd...so keep him prayer too...
Alexia...no information
Tommy is doing okay...working up for his 2nd transplant as it was determined that all the cells he was producing this time were his.
JD is doing pretty good.
Juan...no information
Travis continues to amaze us all with his attitude and outlook...he has had a rough time of lately but is working toward getting better.

So that's the scoop...

The raffle tickets for the P. Buckley Moss print are just about ready and I am in need of some ticket ambassadors...AMY C. (yes you Hunter's mommy, I have never seen anyone move tickets like you), JILL (even cheerleaders work fundraisers), SHAWNA G. (you rock and roll with this kind of stuff so I know with help from Walter Lee...hey) Of course, there are so many more of you that are good with this type of fundraiser...Chris, Mom, Aunt Crystal, Grandma Paula, Liz...and I do not want to forget those who are already committed to the project...Laurie, Leigh Anne, P. Buckley Moss for taking an interest in our efforts and donating, signing and numbering the print, Sugar and Spice in Williamsburg for hosting the print, the printing company which donated the printing of the custom tickets and the shop that matted and framed the print...this project has really been a God thing and I know it is going to kick butt...so let me know if you are interested in helping us with ticket distribution and donation collection :)

We also started the votive rose and tealite angel campaign full swing...we sent out nearly 100 e-mails to consultants and are hopeful this will be an exciting way to raise funds for the foundation. If you are interested in adding these neat little treasures to your collection, please let me know.

Thanks again to everyone, everywhere who has continued to pour out their love and support to our family

So much for a brief update...guess I must have this thing figured out...at least for now :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the slender, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
1Chornicles 29:11

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Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 4:37 AM (EST)

Okay, we are having a lot of trouble with computer here on the floor so I have not been able to update...sorry...

Cody is doing pretty good...they have started changing some of medications from IV to g-tube...this is an awesome step...one closer to going home...

Our white blood cell count is now at .7 (normal white blood cell counts 3.5-5.5)

We received a call from Pastor John yesterday (from Calvary Virginia Beach) that was so cool...we just talked for a few minutes and were able to catch him and the church up on all that has been happening...they are going to start sending me the service tapes...

Chris has been sending the cds from Grace Road and Leigh Anne was sending the ones from Kings Way...it is awesome to have the chance to be fed while I am here...I am still praying, hopeful that I will be able to find a few women interested in doing a regular bible study with me (maybe I can get it scheduled for the floor?) Good God idea...I will have to check into that...

I have been praying a whole and talking to God...He has been giving me awesome insight on what He wants in the book we are working on together...I am so excited that He has decided to utilize me in this way...He keeps placing the right people in my path and in His time this project continues to come together, actually kind of effortlessly...that's when you know you are doing the right thing by Him...the enemy has tried to interfere though...with no laptop (it died), I have been forced to actually write everything...that makes me procrastinate...so I just keep praying and whenever the Lord places stuff on my heart (even at 3 a.m.) I am obedient and I get up and work...this is His project and I am confident that He will be glorified...

Now for the kids on the ward...

We met Carson yesterday...he is doing well, scheduled for transplant later today...he has a dirt bike too :)

Sarah has been feeling a little bit better her mom had me laughing really hard when I read their guest book entry yesterday (Sarah asked the nurse for something to "perk" herself up)

McKenzie remains in PICU and Rick and Christina (mom & dad) have not had a chance to update their website...last I heard McKenzie was doing okay...just keep on praying for her...a whole lot

Jose is doing pretty good...he has been up and moving around...he seems pretty happy

Jacob has had a slow go of it but his family reports what we are all hoping to be signs of engraftment...HOORAY!

Robert is still doing work ups on his way to transplant...he has been really sick and throwing up...so keep him up in prayer also...

Douglas Nicoll is doing great...progressing just like they say he should...text book style...that's Awesome!

Cameron Nicoll...has been having a real rough time of it...he has begun to show signs of chronic graft vs. host disease...please pray for him too...

Alexia is the new girl...we still haven't met them...maybe today

Tommy was admitted again, he will be going through transplant number two...his cells were growing great but they are not donor cells :(

JD was out in the halls walking around...he has been going through all of the yuck lately so it was really great to see him out...

Juan is doing I guess...they don't come out of the room too much...at least not when I am out...but he has a really neat sign that he drew on his door that says "ALMOST CURED"

Travis is doing really well considering everything he has had to go through the past couple of weeks...he has stayed happy and bright through procedure after procedure...and with prayers...lots of and lots of prayers...I am prayerful that he will get better soon...

That's all for now...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"being confident of this, that He who began a good works in you shall complete it until the day of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:6

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Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 04:50 AM (EST)

Cody has a white blood cell count of .4 this morning...way to go CodMan...Grow Cells Grow!

He continues to have trouble with his blood pressure but we are all hopeful that with the new meds it will level off...

I had them increase his stomach medication yesterday because that blasted button keeps leaking...it is quite a bother for him...

Now for the rest of the family...

Baby Mitch went home to be with Jesus sometime right around 9:00 p.m. last night...Please continue to pray for their family...send your wishes to them at:
www.mitchellkyle.com

5201: Carson is new...I have not met them yet, but was told by one of the nurses that he is very interested in meeting Cody as he is a big dirt bike fan himself

Previous 5201: Jillian has been doing well...her and her mom seem to be adjusting to the new schedule and getting down the routine...
www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian

5202: Sarah is doing okay...they are in the midst of all of the yucky, yucky engraftment stuff...but prayerfully the sickness is a sign of wellness to come...they have a really nest story, check out her website when you get a chance:
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

5203: McKenzie is having a rough go of it the past couple of days...they got her DNA results which said she is on her way to engrafting on Friday but then Saturday found out she is dealing with fluid around her heart...keep her and her entire family in prayer as they deal with some really hard stuff this week...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

5204: Jose is doing well...he is still in contact isolation but has been able to get out and walk the halls, in full gear of course...

5205: Jacob has been really sick...they are saying that it is all signs of engraftment so we pray the yuck will subside soon...
www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

5206: Robert is doing okay...they just started his chemo drugs and are working up for transplant at the beginning of this coming week...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert

5207: Sean is still sick...but will hopefully start to feel better soon.

5208: Cameron L. got to go home HOORAY!
www.caringbridge.org/nc/cameronlaugh

5209/5210: The Nicoll Brothers seem to be doing pretty good...Douglas is up and almost back to normal...Cam has had more trouble with the yucky side effects but is on his way to feeling better...
www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

5211: New Girl...haven't met yet

5212: Reese got to go home again...Hooray!
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

5213: Jadarian has also been going through engraftment yuck...high fevers and all that...his mom Lucy is really great, she is here by herself and doing an awesome job...she stays funny

5214: That's our room

5215: Juan...I think he is doing okay but do not know

5216: Travis has had a really rough week with seizures and fevers and lots of procedures...he is a really strong young man...a great fighter...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91:11-12

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Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 11:45 AM (CST)

Cody's white blood cell count is .2

He is doing well...a little cranky and a little tired...mad that Grandma Paula had to leave today...

Today Dave and Fran have to do the unthinkable...after a long family meeting yesterday, the doctors explained that Mitch was not going to get any better...at approximately 8:30 p.m. tonight, they will shut down his life support...

Please keep their family in prayer, especially Dave as he has not had the understanding of God's perfect healing...in a quote from his journal he wrote:

"For all of the faithful folks out there, I believe I have lost my faith due to the never-ending nightmare that is going on here. I have a very difficult time being faithful to a god who would allow this to go on. No child or family should ever have to endure the pain and sickness that we have seen here everyday. If you do believe, an extra prayer can't hurt. Fran spends most of her evenings with Mitch saying her prayers for him and praying to her favorite saints."

I fear for him that Mitch's passing is going to only affirm this for him...I pray that somewhere in this, the Lord will shine His awesome face upon Dave and he will be able to find the peace of God...and strength in Christ.

Dave dropped by this morning and gave Cody a couple of Mitch's toys...I know that had to have been difficult, I have reached out to him and Fran every chance I have had...I went to the PICU to see them this morning and offered prayer and whatever support I can give...I will head back over there this evening...

Please leave your prayers for them...

www.mitchellkyle.com

My heart continues to ache for the losses we have experienced here...I pray that the enemy will not prevail on this ward anymore and that his reign of "terror" will come to an abrupt stop when my Lord yells...ENOUGH!

I will update again later...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

God knows the stubborn human heart. He knows that if He is to accomplish His deepest work, He must take us into the desert in order to give us the privilege to be used in His Kingdom. In the desert God changes us and removes things that hinder us. He forces us to draw deep upon His grace. The desert is only a season in our life. When He has accomplished what He wants in our lives in the desert, He will bring us out. He has given us a mission to fulfill that can only be fulfilled after we have spent adequate time in preparation in the desert. Fear not the desert; for it is there you will hear God's voice like never before. It is here you become His bride. It is here you will have the idols of your life removed. It is here you begin to experience the reality of a living God like never before. Someone once said, "God uses enlarged trials to produce enlarged saints so He can put them in enlarged places!" (Author Unknown)

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Friday, January 17, 2003 at 03:22 PM (CST)

Cody's white blood cell count is still at .3 with no real ANC to speak of...

His spirits are good and I am grateful for that...

We got snow last night...the nice fluffy kind like Jillian prayed for :)
www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian

Of course, the snow put a little damper on our date night...it was really coming down so we ended up just having dinner and then going home...that's okay though...we got home and started a fire and watched a little TV and played Tetris...

Travis is still having a rough time of it...I hope everyone will say some extra prayers for him...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Reese got to go home again...Hooray!
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Sarah is doing a whole lot better since they adjusted her medication...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

Jacob seems to be doing well as I saw him out and walking the halls for the first time in nearly two weeks
www.caringbridge.org/nc/jacob

Mitch was doing better but had a major setback last night...he is a BMT kid that was readmitted into the PICU...
www.mitchellkyle.com

There are some new cellmates getting admitted...not sure what their names are but add a couple of extras to your prayer list...

Pastor Bob e-mailed me...that always brightens my day so much...it was great to get an e-mail from him...

The art raffle is underway and the print is posted on the photo page...

I also posted some pictures of the snow in our backyard from this morning...

Trevor and family should be coming to visit soon...we are excited...I think me more than Cody...well, maybe not?

Laura will be here soon too...

Oh and by the way, you all are slacking again on the guestbook entries and e-mail...Cody has been stopping in to check his mail every day and gets very upset when there is none...so tighten up out there! ;)

Talk to you soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
Psalm 130:7b

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Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 11:55 AM (CST)

Our white blood cell count is down to .3

He has been having trouble with his blood pressure...and his output...they have added a few new medications to help with those things...and so far tehy are helping...

They have decreased his pain medication as he does not seem to need it...

He had to have platelets again last night...that makes 3 reems in less than a week...

Our spirits are still excellent! our eyes are focused on the Lord and our hope is in Him...

My husband and I have a date tonight...I am excited...I think we are going to go to dinner and a movie.

Paula is here until Saturday afternoon...

We expect snow tomorrow...I just pray the electricity won't go out this time...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 12:52 PM (CST)

I delayed updating yesterday because the news was not as great as it has been...Cody's white blood cell count fell to .4 and his ANC fell also...they say this is normal...but I do not like it...his counts were the same today :(

On the other hand, Cody is doing great...he has been up, playing and having fun...he has enjoyed spending all of the time he can with Grandma Paula...she is still working my shift so I have been staying home at night...I still wake up several times and call in for counts at 0430 hrs.

I have been making him walk the halls in an effort to help clear his lungs and everything...

He has been doing his school work every day with the teacher...he would never admit it but I am pretty sure he likes it...

They switched his medications around after the big scare the other night...no more Benadryl for a while...instead he is now taking Attarax...they have decreased his Morphine dose, since he does not seem to be in much pain...and he keeps gaining and losing weight through out the day depending on his output or lack there of...

Cody got his very first dirt bike! A Suzuki Pee Wee 50...

Triangle Cycles, the cycle shop by our house has really been doing great by Cody...they have given him an autographed Jeremy McGrath jersey...plenty of dirt bike posters to decorate his hospital room...for Christmas we bought him some gear and they gave us 40% off...we stopped by last night to look for DVDs and the guy gave us a deal on the dirt bike that we could not refuse...less then 1/3 the normal price...they really have a heart for Cody there...they have his dreams poster hanging by the parts department...

We have been frugal and cautious about spending money on his "quality of life wants" Mostly, we have stayed with video games and that kind of stuff but this was perfect...and the right price...I'm not sure but I think Greg is just as excited...Cody said he can't wait to get the heck out of here so he can ride it...we ordered training wheels...

Quick update regarding the kids on the ward...

Jillian is going home today: www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian

Reese is back in with a respiratory infection :(
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Mitch is off the respirator and onto a ventilator...Hooray!
www.mitchellkyle.com

Mckenzie seems to be engrafting
www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

The Nicoll Brothers are engrafting...
www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

Sarah has been real sick since transplant...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

Travis is still sick but doing better...

The raffle tickets are ready for the P. Buckley Moss print...we have decided to give the tickets away...we are accepting donations...the suggested donation amount is 1 for $2.00 or 3 for $5.00...please contact Laurie if you are interested...
llbrantley1955@msn.com

Thanks to everyone for everything...Please keep praying...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God..." 1Peter 3:18

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Monday, January 13, 2003 at 02:31 PM (CST)

Our white blood cell count is still at .7 but our ANC has gone up to 378...once his ANC reaches 500 he can roam the halls of the ward without a mask...that is a major goal...

I added new pictures of all of the kids that were on the ward as of yesterday...of course we have a couple of new kids today so I will have to fix that again soon...In case you would like to add them to your prayer list...the new tenants are Robert and Juan...

We got to see Reese today for a few minutes...he looks great...I am so proud of him...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

We had another little bitty scare yesterday...seems to be our normal routine to have a scare right around shift change...anyway, his heart rate fell to 54 and he was awake...his blood pressure was up 130/90...they gave him some medicine which brought everything under control and we did an EKG just to be cautious...everything came up normal so we were relieved...

Paula has been staying with him overnight...per his request (I mean demand) LOL! Steroids, gotta love them...

We received a really great package from Trevor and his family today...it had a t-shirt which said "I'm too sexy for my hair, that's why it isn't there" he also received a digipet, a hand made by Trevor and Emm (certain to be worth millions someday) picture...and a sun catcher that he gets to paint...

On another note...the raffle tickets for the P.Buckley Moss print raffle are for sale...please contact Laurie Brantley for more information and to participate in this project...

llbrantley1955@msn.com

Keep up the prayers...you guys are awesome...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" John 6:37

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Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 03:35 PM (EST)

Things are going pretty good...Cody's white blood cell count is .7 today with an ANC of 238 (ANC = good white blood cells which are able to work and fight infection) This means all of those cheerleading prayers fro GROW CELLS GROW must be working :) HOORAY!

We had a bit of a scare last night...Cody had an allergic reaction to the vitamins in his TPN...his face blew up like one of those blow fish who have just been caught by the fisherman...his lips were so big I thought they might burst...his eyes were really bothering him too...he had to hold a wet washcloth on them until the benadryl kicked in...I felt so bad for him...it happened really fast...

The EXTRA STRONG DOSE of steroids has really helped get the acute graft vs. host under control...he still has the engraftment rash but nothing like before and his fevers are all but maintained...

He continues to have issues with his the fluid on his lungs and when he sleeps his heart rate and his respiration have been falling to levels that I am less than comfortable with...to say the least...

He has started regular lasix to try and help him pee but it has not been working as well as we would like...he is retaining a whole lot of water...even gaining weight from it...his glucose level in his latest urine indicates that we need to watch for steroid induced diabetes (a short term issue)

Overall though everything is really good...his spirits are high and he has been getting good rest...Grandma Paula has taken over my normal shift so Greg and I have had the chance to spend some much needed married time together and with Riley...

I will keep you all updated...keep up the prayers for us and all of the others here on the ward...especially say your prayers for Travis this week as he suffered from two grand mal seizures night before last...he is doing okay now but this is a major set back for them...

Oh and Trevor, you can come visit any time you want so long as you have your latest lab reports...Emmy can come to...bring shot records...tell your mommy I said the last weekend of this month or the first weekend of next month would be great...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" Galatians 2:20b

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Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 11:27 AM (EST)

Cody had a bit of a rough day yesterday but by the evening he was doing a lot better...

His rash has been really bad, so bad it is even in the whites of his eyes...he has continued to have very high fevers...the doctors told me his morning that he is experiencing some graft vs. host...this scared the heck out of me...but, I made them explain to me better what they were saying and it turns out that a little bit of graft vs. host is good...it means the cells are starting to grow...he is just having a little bit of an "allergic reaction"...PRAISE GOD!

He now has a low dose of pain medication being administered through out the 24 hours in each day...he also has a button he can push for more if he needs it...I am glad that he has that, he was in so much pain...unnecessary pain...

We got up at 5 a.m. to change our bed linens and found out that our white blood cell count is .5 (normal is 3.5-5.5)...HOORAY! GROW CELLS GROW! GROW CELLS GROW!

Around 7 a.m. we had a little bit of a scare...his pulse oxygen level dropped dramatically and his lungs have some fluid in them...the way I understand it this is because his kidneys are not functioning at 100%...he is not peeing enough and his body is filling up with "extra" fluids...they started him on his lasix which should help that...and they set up the machines for blow by oxygen in case it becomes necessary...apparently this is pretty normal around here...

I don't like it at all but I am trying to just turn it over and let God handle it all...there is nothing I can do to help so I might as well stay out of the way :)

Finally...Grandma Paula will be here today and Cody is very very very excited about this...I am so happy for him...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5b

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Friday, January 10, 2003 at 03:40 AM (CST)

PRAISE GOD!

Cody has a white blood cell count of .2...the only way for him to have white blood cells at all is if the transplanted cells are ENGRAFTING starting to GROW...

HOORAY! ONE FOR THE GOOD SIDE...

God is so Awesome and prayers are always answered...we are grateful that this one has been answered so quickly...

Please continue to pray...GROW CELLS GROW!

A brief explanation of what all of this means...this means we are on the right path...we are not so nieve to think that we will not have any other problems, however; we are proving to the medical community that our God is bigger then there statistics :)
(a funny side note...the Dr. told me day before yesterday...blah blah blah...Cody will not have any white blood cells for another 3 weeks or so...I said to him you don't know that...my God is bigger than any statistic...how awesome is your God? Mine is the bomb diggity, baby!)

Now on the other side of everything...

We continue to have fevers...they have been fairly high but nothing like they were...I think we topped out tonight at just under 103...he has a lot of swelling which is related to the engraftment rash...the skin irritation we see on the outside from the new cells starting to grow are true for the inside of his body...he continued to refuse pain medication but I could tell he was in a lot of pain...I made an executive decision that e would begin receiving regular doses every 6 hours ( I just could not stand to see him suffering like he was) this has helped him tremendously, he is up and a little bit more active...we walked around the halls last night...aside from the baths to bring down his temperature, he has not been out of bed in nearly 3 days...he is not peeing enough, but this is not yet a major concern...his input and output ratio is at positive 600 (he has taken in more then he has put out) they don't get really concerned until positive 800+ the nurse said we should not be surprised if he has to start lasix tomorrow (that is some stuff to make him pee a lot)

We would like to thank everyone for supporting us so much...the mail has started coming and Cody just gets so very excited when he receives stuff...we have a pretty decent card tree going...

Everyone has been asking for more clarification on the pictures from around the country...this is a snail project, as we would like actual pictures...one from each state...something of significance in that state...for example, Arizona: the Grand Canyon...Nevada: The Las Vegas Skyline...New Mexico: The Sunset Mountains...Florida: The Ocean...Missouri: Merrimac Caverns, The Arch...Virginia: Old Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown...D.C.: The White House...Washington State: The Seattle Needle thingy, Mount Rainer...Kansas: Dorothy�s House:)...Oregon: The Coast...Ohio: Cuyahoga Falls...California: The Streets of San Francisco...Colorado: The Olympic Torch Lighting place at Pikes Peak...Idaho: Potatoes? South Dakota...The Presidential Faces...and so on...I am sure you can catch the idea now...any typical vacation spot...these are the pictures we are after...heck, you know what...we would even be grateful for pictures of your house (the caption should read this is my house in Indiana) LOL...

Anyway...I have been away too long so I need to get back in my cell before the guards catch me out here on the computer again :)

If you are one of the poor souls I called at 0430 hrs this morning...sorry, but I had to share our good news with as many of you in person as I could...

I love you all and we can't thank you enough for all of the prayers...keep praying for the rest of our kids up here as not everyone has been blessed to have things work as quickly as Cody has...

Jillian, Sarah, McKenzie, Jose, Jacob, Sean, Cameron, Douglas, Cameron 2, Rashoun, JD, Travis, Mitch (PICU)

Also pray for those who got to go home from this place...

Baby Jordan and Reese

And then for the families of those who have been called to home to God...

Kyle, Brittney, Ryan and Keshon

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Psalm 37:4
"Delight yourself in the Lord
and He will give you the desires
of your heart."

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Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 07:46 AM (CST)

My heart just continues to break for my little boy...I would gladly trade places with him if God would make it so (of course, I probably would not handle it half as well as he does)

He is really doing awesome considering...

His temperature sky rocketed to 106 last night...I had him take a bath to try and bring it down...he has a cooling blanket...they have added 2 more antibiotics to our already overdosed IV pump...he has constant chills...his rash is now head to toe...he is swollen...he is not peeing enough...he has open, agitated sores through out his mouth...he is delirious...but he continues to smile...and he keeps on telling us he feels good...

Now that you know all of the horrible, yucky stuff...

The bright side is that they have told us that these are all signs of engraftment...engraftment means that the transplant is working and he is starting to grow cells...of course, there is no guarantee...but this crude is a good sign...HOORAY?

Keep praying...Keep mailing...Keep smiling...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples."
John 15:7-8

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Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 08:40 AM (CST)

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride seems to be stuck in the on position and we can't get off...my very good friend Jill (Trevor's mommy) said we should try moving on to something a little more sedate like Small World...I told her we are gladly waiting in line for that one :)

This kid never stops amazing me...he has had a steady temperature since night before last and he still manages to smile and keep his spirits up...

His white blood cell count is still less than 0...and he continues to need transfusions in an effort to maintain him until his transplant engrafts...if you are able and willing...please donate blood...these kids really need it...all of the time...

Anyway...back to the temperature...he has been everywhere between 99 and 104...for the most part though he has stayed around 104...he is sleeping a lot which is good...at least that way he is not awake an miserable...he has been dreaming a lot and talking nonsense (I think the fever is making him delirious)

His heart rate and respirations have stayed elevated while his body continues to try and fight the fever...he has been breathing heavy and shallow (this all worries me...but the doctors keep saying its normal)

Up until now...Cody has not done anything with this disease by the book...but apparently now we are following the exact protocol...even having the projected side effects on the documented day (makes things a little easier for me to know what to expect and when, thanks God!)

They have discontinued his g-tube feeds on the pretense that they are only aggravating the mucusitis...he has lost 3 pounds all together...

He is still refusing pain medication stating that he is not in that kind of pain...he is such a trooper...I am amazed by his strength...the Lord has truly blessed him...I am grateful...

Looks like God made the perfect kid to be a dirt bike rider...strong and brave...a winner all the way...

Well, I can see that BEGGING really works with all of you...so I continue to BEG for e-mail and regular mail...I am wondering do I need to BEG for the pictures from around the country...we are working on a poster board and it is empty (how sad is that???)

Until next time...keep us in prayer...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God." -- Luke 1:76-78

1133 hrs Cody has a really neat rash again...this is a sign of engraftment...HORAY! GROW CELLS GROW!!!!!!!

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Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 06:52 AM (CST)

Well like as if we were at Disney World...we have been waiting in line and have finally stepped onto to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride...

Cody has been very sick...his fever started yesterday around 1830 hrs. We started off at 101.2 and within a half an hour we spiked up to 103.1...this morning we woke up at 104.9...they are giving him Tylenol...his respirations are at 44 and his heart rate is up around 178...these elevations are associated with the fever...he is also having some very extreme chills...

His spirits are still good and he is resting now.

He started also having trouble with the mucusitis last night...he has open sores in his mouth...the doctors have told us that he most likely has sores all the way down his esophagus, through his intestines and even around his anus...this is very uncomfortable...he had his first dose of Morphine last night to manage the pain...but has refused any more at this point...

As far as I am concerned...the Lord has really placed a great peace on my heart...I am taking comfort in Him and finding all that I need in His word...

I AM BEGGING...PLEASE SEND MORE E-MAIL...PLEASE SIGN THE GUEST BOOK...AND PLEASE SEND SNAIL MAIL...Cody has not received any e-mail or mail for days...he is very sad about this...PLEASE SEND IT...WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are doing well...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance."

Romans 5:3

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Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 02:14 PM (CST)

Psalm 25:1-3a

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame...
___________________________________________________________
My heart cries out...I do not understand...so many things are happening so quickly...every day holds a new hope and every day has held a new sorrow...

My hope is in the Lord my God...my enemies shall not triumph over me...my heart aches for those who have been lost though and I am human and I do not understand...

My spirit within in me is lost...I cannot comprehend why...I am strong in the arms of my Lord...but my thoughts seem to elude me...I have fear...I have anxiety...My trust is not as it should be...

Healing is perfect...the Lord knows His plan...
___________________________________________________________
Isaiah 53:4a
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,...
___________________________________________________________
On the ward this week...I have watched as the Lord has worked His plan...though I do not understand...I pray that He will keep me close an teach me...
___________________________________________________________
Job 11:16
You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.
___________________________________________________________
On December 30, 2002, we lost Brittney due to transplant complications and organ failure...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

On January 3, 2003, we lost Ryan due to transplant complications and organ failure...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/ryan

Today January 5, 2003, we lost Keshon due to transplant complications and organ failure...

www.caringbridge/org/sc/keshon

On the ward we are tight knit family...we live in very close quarters and any loss is difficult for each and every one of us...

I am staying in prayer and in the word of God...
___________________________________________________________
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.
___________________________________________________________
My thoughts deceive me...the enemy continues to try and attack me...my eyes will stay focused on Him...although, I am afraid and have no way of understanding...I take comfort in the fact that the Lord has healed each of these children...he has called them home to Him...they will no longer suffer...they will now know and have His perfect peace...
___________________________________________________________
Matthew 16:23b

..."Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
___________________________________________________________
Please keep us in prayer along with all of the other here on the floor...Jillian, Sarah, McKenzie, Jose, Jacob, Jordan, Sean, Cameron, Douglas, Rashaun, JD, Cody, Travis

Pray for the families of those we have lost...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Friday, January 03, 2003 at 07:36 PM (CST)

First of all let's talk about Cody...Cody has been doing really great so far...his only issues have been the start of mucositis and he has lost close to 3 pounds in the past couple of days...I say that these are his "only issues" so far very humbly as we have been preparing for worse and are so grateful to our father in heaven that as of today we are still seemingly healthy...

Now...Let's talk turkey...the nuts and bolts...

Why do we need donations...

We are dealing with some very big expenses...My husband, Greg is in the Navy so in theory...most of our expenses are covered...however, here is the real deal...

We are responsible for maintaining two households...the military does not provide a living expense allowance for two seperate living spaces...we are in base housing in Virginia Beach so we live on my husband's bi-monthly paychecks which total $1,100. From that we are responsible for all of our normal bills, groceries, communications and cell phones...

Here in North carolina, the Navy has committed to paying what is called actaul costs for me and Cody only...this will cover my eating expenses, hotel or housing, and local transportation...the problem is that we are requirred to pay everything up front and then submit for reimbursement...I am not the active duty service member so we are not premitted to utilize the government credit card nor are we eligible for a per diem rate...Expense reports are sucrutinized to the utmost extent and then everything is questioned and more forms are always needed...I submitted our November expense report on December 2 and still have not receivd reimbursement for more then $4000. worth of expenses...now it is January and we are trying to submit for an additional $4000. worth of expenses from December...so as it stands we are floating over $8000. worth of expenses that we hope will be reimbursed...Now aside from this, the Navy does not cover our prescription copays which range anywhere from $50-$100 per month give or take a few dollars...we have dental insurance but are only covered up to 50% for major dental work...so for the previous dental work we had nearly $1450. in out of pocket expenses (of course, he doesn't have any teeth left so that should not be an issue anymore)...now that Cody is in the hospital we are not entitled to any reimbursement for food purchased for him...he still eats his regular diet to some extent and we are always buying things to try and keep him eating...he will not touch the trays brought in by the hospital...

Recently, in an effort to curve some of the out of pocket expenses, we moved into a different place which will cost us nearly $800. per month less than what we were paying out of pocket...of course, up front this cost a great deal of money...we had to pay $2000. to move in and then an additional $500. to rent furniture and then we had to buy living essentials (i.e. pots & pans, dishes, silverware) and have utilities turned on...

Some funds are used to help support the costs of those who would travel here to help take care of our household...our baby...and Cody...we rotate at the hospital...

Finally, donations are used to purchase quality of life things for Cody's enjoyment...we buy him school supplies...arts & Crafts...video games...dvd's...and building toys...things to make his stay a little more tolerable (oh, I get me some fuzzy posters to color too...I hope that is okay)

To date we have received nearly $10,000. in donations and I thank you all for donating...please understand and know that we are committed to managing God's money the way He would have us...it is our greatest desire to be good stewards of His money...we have prayed and tithed 10% to various places that the Lord has placed on our heart and He continues to provide...I know not what to expect next and I ask only that if you are touched and considering what to do for our family...

FIRST AND FOREMOST...we need and want your prayers...what you do besides that is between you and God...pray about it...if you are called to donate you may do so for a tax deduction...maybe you are not called to donate funds...we could use regular mail...we could use e-mail...we are working on a project of pictures from every state...we are building a card tree...

Basically what we need is your love...your prayers...we need your thoughts...we need your well wishes...anything above that is a great blessing...

I hope this answers some of the questions you may have had regarding donations...and as always...we suggest a reference from God's word which reminds us that the Lord is not the author of confusion...if this project is causing you dilema then maybe you are not called to support it...

If you need specifics regarding this project, please let me know our financial statements are open for anyone interested...when you do things in prayer and supplication, there is nothing to hide...

In Love & Prayer...
Greg, Eleasha & Family

For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever beleives in Him shall not perrish but have everlasting life
John 3:16

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Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 10:57 AM (CST)

The worst is yet to come...

So many of you have been asking just exactly what does that mean as many thought that it would be uphill from here...

Well, according to physicians...in the coming weeks we should be prepared for many obstacles...for now it is normal for him to feel good and to be acting fine...

Anytime now, though, we should expect the start of mucositis (this is severe mouth sores and swelling through out his esphogas and stomach lining, etc.) Cody has a white blood cell count of 0 right now and this will hold true for a few more weeks, provided we engraft(a white blood cell count of 0 makes Cody extremely susceptible to infection) Starting next week, Cody will begin to experience high fevers of 102 plus...We have stay alert and concerned for the possibility his primary organs malfunctioning (this is what happened to Brittney)...we won't know whether or not he has engrafted for at least 3 weeks...on day 42 they will do a bone marrow biopsy to see if he has began producing cells...we should expect 80-100 blood transfussions over the weeks several weeks...there will be days that he will not even get out of bed...he will continue to lose more weight and they will have to start him on maintence therapy to maintain him...and and and...

But we will not fall victim to the worries that the world would have us fear...i am confident and I hold on to the fact the Lord is here beside us every step of the way...I know that He will never leave us or foresake...He will not allow us to go through anything more than what He knows we can handle...

I have been really lonely here though...and I need everyone to know that we really really like e-mail and we really really like regular mail...it is not a bother...it is a welcome distraction...a welcome contact with the outside world as we are for the most part in isolation...please feel free to send send send...as for e-mail, personal stuff is appreciated more so than forwards :)

My heart continues to ache for Christy and her loss of Brittney...the funeral service is today and I wish I could have gone...I encourage you all to log on to her site and leave messages as I know that the more love she receives the better...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

I will update again soon...I am sorry for the lag but my laptop is still not fixed...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Phil 1:20-21
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

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Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 6:56PM (EST)

Please stop today and say a pray for Christy and Brittney...the Lord saw fit to call Brittney home after a long and hard struggle with disease, transplant, organ failure and the like...the enemy really had his way with them...my heart aches for their family and for Christy, Brittney's mom...

Please, please, please send your prayers to their family by logging onto

www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

The whole unit is greiving for their family...they need much love...and as many prayers as possible...

As for us, the transplant was complete at about 1:15 p.m. EST...

So far all is well, however, the physicians have warned us not toget too comfortable as the worst is yet to come...I say they don't know how big our God is...we are preparing for the worst but praying and hoping for the best...

Cody was really sick last night but has had no problems today...as a matter of a fact, he and Jeremy are playing the PS2 as we speak...he is up, he is happy, and he is just as anwry as ever...

Ben and Tina drove straight through from St. Louis and were able to be here in time for the transplant...Cody was really happy...we have some really great pictures but I still cannot use my laptop...as soon as I can, I will post the new stuff...

I will keep the site updated...as we progress....

Keep up lots and lots and lots of prayers...

GROW CELLS GROW!!!!!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens...
Exodus 6:6

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Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 6:56PM (EST)

Please stop today and say a pray for Christy and Brittney...the Lord saw fit to call Brittney home after a long and hard struggle with disease, transplant, organ failure and the like...the enemy really had his way with them...my heart aches for their family and for Christy, Brittney's mom...

Please, please, please send your prayers to their family by logging onto

www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

The whole unit is greiving for their family...they need much love...and as many prayers as possible...

As for us, the transplant was complete at about 1:15 p.m. EST...

So far all is well, however, the physicians have warned us not toget too comfortable as the worst is yet to come...I say they don't know how big our God is...we are preparing for the worst but praying and hoping for the best...

Cody was really sick last night but has had no problems today...as a matter of a fact, he and Jeremy are playing the PS2 as we speak...he is up, he is happy, and he is just as anwry as ever...

Ben and Tina drove straight through from St. Louis and were able to be here in time for the transplant...Cody was really happy...we have some really great pictures but I still cannot use my laptop...as soon as I can, I will post the new stuff...

I will keep the site updated...as we progress....

Keep up lots and lots and lots of prayers...

GROW CELLS GROW!!!!!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens...
Exodus 6:6

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Monday, December 30, 2002 at 04:38 AM (EST)

Well this night has been a whole lot less eventful than the previous...our only side effect from the immune suppression therapy this time was hives...of course, the enemy has to hit him hardest with the one thing I prayed he wouldn't get...stupid Satan...

We have had several accidents...so I have a load of laundry in the washer...you have to stay up pretty late or get up pretty early to be able to use the washer around here :)

The chemo and IST is doing its job...his counts have dropped dramatically over the past few days...they are giving him some red blood cells as we speak, in an effort to raise his hemoglobin and the like...hopefully, that will help with the fatigue...

ANYWAY! Aside from fundraising...we have decided to work on a really neat project...and art project that covers teh United States...here's what we need help with...we are looking for pictures from around the US...we would like at least one from every state...and as unique to that state as possible (i.e. Arizona/Grand Canyon) If you are able and willing to help with this please forward your pictures to 4407 Beechnut Lane Durham, NC 27707 (our new place) Also, don't forget Cody is still working on his card decorations for his room...mail really, really, really lifts his spirits...also, in case you forgot guestbook enteries and e-mail lift mine...so keep those kinds of things coming our way...even just a quick hey means the world...that includes you Trevor...Cody misses you very much :)

Conitnue as always to pray...pray...pray...Tuesday is our big day and the more people that give intersession on our behalf...the better...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV

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Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 04:19 PM (CST)

Lat night was our worst night yet...Cody started the Immune Suppression Therapy called ASG...it was horrible..he started off okay but it goes in over 9 hours...he had fevers topping out at 104 plus...he had hives...he was vomittingand expereincing uncontrollable bowel movements...

I felt so bad for him...we were basically up every hour between getting sick...the fevers...the chills...the pain...and the accidents...he is doing better today so far but has started receiving the next dose of the big nasty yuck!

I continue to pray that the Lord will continue to hold our hand and walk us through each and ever step...we are well...

The road ahead promises to be worse...but I am confident that my God is big enough and storng enough to make anything possible...the doctors here are great...but they are not as great as my God is...

Please continue to pray...as we are in need of all of the prayers we can get...there are many others here...16 families to be exact...all need prayer...we will pray for brighter days...we will pray for gratitude NOT attitude...as the enemy is ever present waiting int he darkness, like a lion waits for his prey...we shall overcome...we shall be free...the battle has belonged to the Lord...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at that the painful trial that you are
suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you are participating in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-13

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Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 02:30 PM (EST)

Well we have just spent our first full day in the hospital...

So far things are going okay...it is sort of a relief to be in and to be onto the next phase...

We have been told that the next couple of weeks will begin to be and continue to be the hardest...

They started hitting him with chemo again today and it made him sick...he had a little accident in his pants so we had to take another bath and change our clothes...

Later on today they are going to give the immune suppression drugs...the doctor told us to expect extremely high fevers and possibly a rash...I have already started praying asking God to spare him from the rash...he does not do well with skin dysfunction...

Riley has been having a real hard time of it...he is teething pretty good...I was worried that he was sick but today he is all better...still chewing on everything he gets his hands on...

Check this out...the Car Wash in Hollywood is going on today...so far they have been raking in the donations...Chris has been taking pictures for me so when she sends them to me I will upload them...the neatest part of the whole car wash fundraiser is that almost every helper is under the age of 11...I want to send a very, very special thank you out to Walter Lee and all of his friends for all of the hard work, time and energy they have put into this project...we are truly grateful to have such awesome people in our lives...our thanks go to you and up to our Lord in heaven that he would bless you all greatly...10,000 times what you have done to bless us...

Well...anyway, thank you again to everyone for all of their prayers and support...we need them so keep them up...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him,
to all who call on Him in truth."
Psalms 145:18

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Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 1:34 PM (EST)

Well today has been back to our normal routine...just me and the little masked man :)

Cody is doing remarkable, just as he always does...his counts are still doing pretty good considering all of the radiation they are hitting him with...

He has had to start wearing his mask though because the more he gets, the more susceptible he is to whatever is floating around...

So far the only side effects he is having is fatigue and weight loss...he lost almost a pound...which I thought was strange because he is still eating pretty good and getting tube fed...plus, he hasn't been sick except for after the first treatment...the nurse practitioner was not concerned...she so far he is doing excellent...

I am just really grateful that he has not had any of the hardcore vomiting or the mouth sores...those two side effects were of my biggest fears for him as far as the outside stuff is concerned...

Well, I cannot believe Christmas has already came and went...the days seem to fly by anymore...hopefully, it will be similar when we spend most of the new year in the hospital...it is my hope that we will blink and be done...

It is absolutely INSANE...Our house is a complete disaster area...I cannot believe how much stuff there is...we can hardly walk through the living room...the boys really made out...I think they have everything from action figures to video games on the floor...oh yeah and don't forget, it is everything from A to V...times 2 and a half...I will be happy when we move over to our new place...at least then we will have more room to explode :)

Greg is in Virginia to handle some things with insurance and pick up Marina...once they return this evening, we will take some more stuff over to the new place and then go to Wal-Mart to have the family portraits taken of all of the kids...I will send out the pictures later...if you want one, let me know...I will also try to post them up on the website too...

We are due back to the hospital in less than an hour and I need to give Cody his tube feeding and his anti-nausea medicine so I will update again soon...I will post some pictures later of the masked little man :)

Thanks again for all of the prayer support...it is so awesome to see God's hand at work...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

You will pray to Him and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways.

Job 22:27-28

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Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at 03:10 AM (CST)

Jews demand miraculuos signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ curcified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

1 Corinthians 1:22-25
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Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...

Today we celebrate new life...

Just as we have been born again through the blood of Jesus, forgiven of all sin...in just 5 short days our little CodMan will be born again with the blood of a life saving donor match, something made possible only by the grace of our God...what an awesome God, who would show mercy to our family and save this young life...what an awesome Christmas gift...what happy way to start off the new year...

The only thing more miraculuos than what the Lord has done for our family, is the fact that He did it for our family...not because He had too...not because we were upright and pure, but because we believe...because we have asked and received...our miracle is proof positive that our God is real...He is alive...He is with us...and He is BIG!

The Lord gave wisdom and talent to each and physician that we have come in contact with...His wisdom...His knowledge has been given to our family...His great plan reveals itself to us each and everyday...and we are drawn closer to the One who has given us life...what could be wiser than a man who has talents and uses them...what could be wiser than the sinner who hears teh call of Christ and listens...what could be wiser than seeking forgiveness at the cross...true wisdom, only He can give...

Happy Birthday Jesus...Happy Birthday Cody!

Our gratitude is to the One who knows us, loves us and saves us...our thanks are to all of you who continue to pray for us day in and day out...to you all, our best wishes...and all of our love!

In Love & Prayer...
Greg, Eleasha, Jeremy, Marina, Cody & Riley

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Monday, December 23, 2002 at 08:43 PM (CST)

It's funny how plans change...

My mom came in with Riley on Saturday and then Jeremy came in on a different flight which was delayed...all together Cody and I spent 5 crazy hours at the airport...

Marina was supposed to come on Friday but she was sick on Thursday night so now she is coming the day after Christmas...we had to make sure that she would be all better before she comes to visit...

We went to Chuck E. Cheese last night with Liz, Raj and Simi...it was a lot of fun...Greg and Raj talked about designing a new website for www.forcody.org...that is really cool...Liz and I talked about their new house and I am really excited for them that everything is coming together...

Cody started radiation today and he did well...Radiation is very similar to having x-rays taken...Cody described it best to Jeremy saying that he had to lay on a bed with his arms up and then they pointed a big laser beam at him that made a cross like the one Jesus died on...he went on to say the machine makes lots of noise and then it is done...

He was very sick after the first treatment...it started off as a stomach ache and went into full fledge vomiting...they gave us some anti-nausea medicine and that seemed to help...the afternoon appointment went a little better...after the total body irradication (TBI), they did the isolated testicular radiation...that was uncomfortable for Cody because they had to tape up his penis to his stomach that way they could direct the radiation on his testicles...overall everything went well and we go back again every day this week except for Christmas day...I posted some pictures on the photo page...

We will be admitted into the hospital starting this Friday and then we are there for the duration...

Ben and his mom are coming in sometime this weekend also...Cody is very excited about that...and I am happy for him...

We found a new place to stay for a lot less money...the Lord has been so awesome...He continues to provide for us...every day...in every way...we are so thankful that He has this battle fought and won...

The car wash fundraiser for this weekend is coming together in Hollywood nicely...please pray about getting involved and if interested, contact chrisg@cinmail.net...

Anyway, all is well...as always, please continue to pray for us...we need all that we can get...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."
Matthew 8:7

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Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 06:22 PM (EST)

Okay so long as nothing comes up, we are on for transplant on New Year's Eve...

We sat through the consent session today and went over all of the if this happens then this...if that happens then that...

I am relieved that we are finally going to get through this phase of our treatment but I am also anxious about the what ifs and the what tos and of course the what nots...

Cody is doing awesome! You cannot even tell that he has had so many things happen in his little life...I love him so much...it is amazing how many people he has touched and inspired...

I am excited about this weekend...Marina will be here tomorrow...My mom will be here with Jeremy and Riley on Saturday...we were going to try and make it to the Christmas party at the Naval Medical Center but Jill just told me it is at 1:30 p.m. :( We have to go to the doctor here in NC in the morning so unfortunately, we won't be able to make it to VA in time for that party...it's all good though because Trevor is going to ask Santa if he can hold on to Cody's present...

We have a lot going on over the next several weeks...keep up all of the prayers...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Return faithless people, I will cure of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to for you are the Lord our God.
Jeremiah 3:22

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Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at 02:08 AM (EST)

Today at the hospital...

Cody had surgery to have his new CVL placed, a spinal tap, bone marrow biopsy and aspirate...everything went fine...

As usual, Cody handled everything like he always does...just like nothing ever happened...he won't even accept pain medication most of the time...he really amazes me...he resilience is astounding...

Tomorrow we go in for the Echocardiogram I have been talking about for like 2 weeks and then we have to have a dressing change and some blood work...

I sent Jill an e-card saying that I was glad that God made us friends and Rob (her husband, the spade loser) was making total fun of us...Jill had me laughing so hard when I was reading the e-mail she sent telling me about it...Rob was telling her he could never imagine sending one of his friends a card like that...and then he was like oh, I am so glad you are my friend, you inspire me...let's go get our hair and nails done...blah blah blah...LOL! I replied back and told her that I would make sure Greg sent him a card so he wouldn't feel left out...Greg said no way...but I'll probably do it for him behind his back :) just kidding!

Anyway, things are moving forward and it looks like our transplant date is going to stick this time...if that is the case then we will ring in the new year with a new life...what better way to start off 2003???

Now, about Christmas...don't forget in the hustle and bustle of your so called crazy life...the season is not about giving or getting...it is not about shopping and wrapping or even decorating...this season is about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...today is the day to celebrate Him...the One who gave His life up for our sins...while it is true that Christmas is an actual celebration of the giving of the gifts...let us not forget that the wise men were actually sent by King Herod to kill baby Jesus...King Herod was afraid that baby Jesus had been born to take away his throne...according to many scholars, Jesus was actually born sometime in July or August... due to limited transportation (as you can imagine), it took the wise men until December to get to Him...once they arrived and looked upon the King...the baby Jesus, their hearts were changed, they fell to their knees and begged for forgiveness and they then gave gift offerings...

The wise men are much like we are...when we come to Christ...we have fallen...we beg for forgiveness...and then we offer our hearts to Him...Tis the season to be jolly...Tis the season to dedicate your heart to Him and be saved...be cleansed...be forgiven...what better way to celebrate Christmas or New Year's then, like us, with the gift of new life...

Please keep up the prayer support and love...also, please sign the guest book and send more e-mail...I really love that kind of stuff...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

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Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 04:11 AM (EST)

Okay so maybe your asking yourself...what in the world is she doing updating this website at 4 in the morning...well if you aren't wondering it, I am...

Today...well I guess it was yesterday now...went pretty smooth...we spent most of the early part of the day at the hospital...they started off with the ultrasound of his neck, which looked good...then we moved on to our pre-op appointment and from there we had labs drawn and finally a pysch evaluation and IQ test...

We are scheduled for surgery this afternoon at 1:15 p.m. for the new CVL placement...hopefully he will do better with this one...maybe you all could send up some extra prayers...

The week at home was really nice...Jill, Rob, Trevor and Emily came over to our house on Saturday afternoon...that was really great...Trevor is Cody's "best friend"...he is a Hem/Onc kid too, we met them at the Naval Hospital...it is amazing how many really neat people you meet along the journey when you aren't so wrapped in yourself...I believe that is part of the lesson we are learning this time around...and maybe I am getting the hang of it...Jill is really special to me...she has reached out a lot and I feel valued by her...I think I am blessed that she calls me her friend...Trevor is really awesome too...he handles the whole chemo and cancer thing like a champ...he was diagnosed 8 months ago and like Cody he is amazing...

I also made friends with Hunter's mom Amy...I don't have the chance to talk to her as much as I would like though...she is still working fulltime aside from going through the motions of chemotherapy, and, and, and...We tried to see them on Friday but there clinic visit was too early for us...Amy's entire family has wrapped their arms around us...Cody has received mail from all over the country...it is really neat and he just loves getting it...Hunter is really close to my heart I guess because he reminds me of Cody when he was first diagnosed...Hunter is 3 years old just like Cod was when he was diagnosed...Hunter is really amazing too...

I was reading the update on his website earlier and it made me think of what an absolute awesome experience it is to have a chance to be surrounded by these kids...they way they look at life...the way they see their disease...they are at peace...they go through the poking, the prodding, the testing and the drugs and still...somehow they are able to continue to be children...to be happy...to grow and thrive...it makes you wonder what is the true plan...who is learning the lesson...I do not believe that it is God's will to make our children suffer but instead I believe He carries them through the treatments and therapy...all the while teaching us how to depend on him and have faith...

You can keep up with Trevor and Hunter's progress by logging on to their web pages:

Trevor:
www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

Hunter:
www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter

On a different note, our trip back to NC on Sunday night was uneventful until I ran over a deer...I don't know why she was running across I-85 but she was and I hit her going 70 mph...I freaked out...I got out of the truck and walked all the way back to where she lay in the middle of the highway...she was dead and all I could do was cry...Greg came and I made him pull her out of the street so she wouldn't keep getting ran over...I truly believe my heart broke over that one...Greg said that I reacted as if she were a person...I guess that's true...but in my mind, I reacted like I just killed something that was living...the crazy thing about it is...every time I tell someone what happened, the first thing they ask is how is your truck...and I can't believe that...my truck is fine...the deer is dead.

Anyway, all is well back here in NC...

Oh and I just wanted to send an extra special thank you to Pastor Steve and the folks at King's Way Church in Williamsburg, VA...they did an awesome presentation the Christmas Shoes over the weekend where they did program inserts requesting support for the ForCody Foundation...how cool is that???

Please keep up the prayer support...

In love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him
Nahum 1:7

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Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 12:06 AM (CST)

Just a quick update to let everyone know that we will be returning to North Carolina on Sunday.

Starting Monday we are back to work...we will be at the hospital every single day...we are scheduled for several appointments on Monday...pre-op...labs...ultrasound...psych evaluation...and a regular check up...on Tuesday Cody will have a new CVL put in and Bone Marrow Biopsy...Wednesday we have an Echocardiogram and lab work...line care will be preformed at the hospital everyday until his body has accepted the line...we will start radiation on December 23rd and have our transplant on December 31st...

It has been really nice to be home...we have done a lot of work getting the house unpacked and cleaned up...this will make the transition back home a lot easier....we have to have the house sanitized before we can come home...

So many neat things have been going...we are still working hard on our fundraising projects...I am grateful to all who have continued to offer their support to each and every effort...the holidays have made it difficult for many to be as involved as they would like but everyone has been really awesome...

The art raffle is coming together...we have a company who is framing it for free...and we also have a printing company which has offered to print the raffle tickets for free...now we only need to find a place to host the auction...I am confident that the Lord will provide this, just as He has everything else...

The car wash scheduled for December 28th in Hollywood, FL has been booked at an ideal location just off of Hollywood Blvd. and N 46 Avenue...it looks like the project will be a great success too...

The Cody Cookbooks are at the printers and should be ready to sell soon...

The eBay sales have been coming along slow but now that we have a digital camera we will be able to put pictures up too...that should make the items sell faster...

Several places have been so kind as to set up donation sites for the foundation...The Family Dollar Little Creek and Shelton Park Elementary to name a few...these sites seem to be doing well even through the holidays...

I cannot say thanks enough to everyone, everywhere, for everything...

Please keep up the prayer support...and again I remind each of you...place your prayer requests up on the guest book...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple with glory...

Isaiah 6:1b

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Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 10:01 AM (CST)

Well today is Wednesday and this has been one of our best weeks since before we relapsed...we have been home all week and it has done us all some good...

Cody told us yesterday when he was eating and swallowing some eggs that he is almost like a normal kid now because he can eat and doesn't have any "extra" stuff (with no ports or lines or anything the only "extra" we have is the g-tube)...we told him is always a normal kid, his "extra stuff just makes him special :)

We have been visiting Trevor in the hospital every day...Cody just loves going up to see him...I think he likes everyone else too :)

He was able to play Cody Clause yesterday...we brought the gifts that he picked out for the Hem/Onc club...it was fun but only Trevor was actually there...we had to leave Hunter & Willie's stuff for Hunter's appointment on Friday and we left Katie's stuff for the next time she comes to visit too...Trevor loved his Spiderman game, as soon as he opened Cody, Trevor and Greg (the bigger kid) played it...Jill said Emmy loved her care bear :)

Cody worked on some Christmas presents he wanted to make last night...when we went to eh Family Dollar store yesterday they had some donations they had collected and they gave them to Cody...we let him use the money to buy his gifts for the family...he was so cute walking around the store picking out stuff for people in his price range...I was so proud of him...he stayed within his budget and even paid the cashier all by himself...the best part was after his expenses we had some other things to pay for...Cody took Greg's credit card and put it through the machine...then he signed the slip himself too :) it was so cute...he even asked if he should tip the cashier :)

Anyway, I am happy and still glad to be home...

I will update again soon...

Until next time...keep up the prayer support AND I have not noticed too much in the way of prayer request...we really want them posted...everyone is looking for something to pray for this week since we are doing so great :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

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Monday, December 09, 2002 at 09:25 AM (EST)

Not much going on around here...we are still in Virginia and will be for a good part of the week as there is still no electricity in Durham.

We had a few tests scheduled for the early part of the week but I had to have them rescheduled...with no power and no available rooms in nearby hotels, I spoke to my coordinator yesterday and she said we should stay here...

We will be going to the Naval Medical Center for labs, cultures and regular check ups almost every day until we leave...

We went yesterday to visit Trevor at the hospital...when we were on our way, someone said, oh yeah that is just where you need to be :) and my response was, well that's where our friends are :)

I am really happy to be home...I love my bed, I love my shower...I love my neighbors...I love my hospital...I love my town...don't get me wrong NC is nice but we are guest there...this is home and I miss all of the support when we are gone...

I don't think I realized how much I truly appreciate the staff at Naval Medical...I mean I knew that I liked it there more than the other two hospitals...and there is nothing wrong with Duke...but there is just something about the Naval Medical Center that you don't get anywhere else...I think the people there care more...the core men and the nurses actually take time to play with Cody...they talk to me...they don't just come in for a set of vitals...throw out some orders, ask some questions and then they are gone...

Anyway, like I said, I am glad to be home even if it is only for a few days...we just found out a few minutes ago that our transplant has schedule has been pushed out another week...we are now scheduled for radiation to start the week of the 23rd...

Until next time...keep up the prayer support...

Also, a quick challenge to all who check this site regularly...please take a minute to sign our guest book...we are interested in your prayer requests...I figure with so many prayer warriors at hand...I should share the good fortune of having so many prayers...plus it does my heart good to be able to pray for you all as much as you pray for us.

Lastly, the Cody Cookbook is almost ready, if you are interested in purchasing one, please let me know ASAP...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21

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Monday, December 09, 2002 at 09:25 AM (EST)

Not much going on around here...we are still in Virginia and will be for a good part of the week as there is still no electricity in Durham.

We had a few tests scheduled for the early part of the week but I had to have them rescheduled...with no power and no available rooms in nearby hotels, I spoke to my coordinator yesterday and she said we should stay here...

We will be going to the Naval Medical Center for labs, cultures and regular check ups almost every day until we leave...

We went yesterday to visit Trevor at the hospital...when we were on our way, someone said, oh yeah that is just where you need to be :) and my response was, well that's where our friends are :)

I am really happy to be home...I love my bed, I love my shower...I love my neighbors...I love my hospital...I love my town...don't get me wrong NC is nice but we are guest there...this is home and I miss all of the support when we are gone...

I don't think I realized how much I truly appreciate the staff at Naval Medical...I mean I knew that I liked it there more than the other two hospitals...and there is nothing wrong with Duke...but there is just something about the Naval Medical Center that you don't get anywhere else...I think the people there care more...the core men and the nurses actually take time to play with Cody...they talk to me...they don't just come in for a set of vitals...throw out some orders, ask some questions and then they are gone...

Anyway, like I said, I am glad to be home even if it is only for a few days...we should have an update on our transplant schedule later on this afternoon...when I find out...I will update the site...

Until then, take care...and keep up the prayer support...

Also, a quick challenge to all who check this site regularly...please take a minute to sign our guest book...we are interested in your prayer requests...I figure with so many prayer warriors at hand...I should share the good fortune of having so many prayers...plus it does my heart good to be able to pray for you all as much as you pray for us.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21

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Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 12:54 AM (EST)

Well, the past few days have been kind of crazy...we went into the hospital on Wednesday for the dilatation procedure...while Cody was in surgery, the snow storm started...it lasted all through that night and most of the next morning...North Carolina was hit really hard...apparently this is the worse damage caused by a storm there since Hurricane Hugo in 1989...Over 1 million people were with out power...some even now...we were blessed enough to be part of the some that even now do not have electricity...

They kept us in the hospital last night and Cody had surgery this morning to pull his CVL...we were never able to get the infection under control...surgery went well...Cody is always a real trooper...I am grateful for that...my coordinator told me today that Cody was amazing to her...she said she has never met a child like him, that can go through so many major, traumatic, difficult, painful surgeries and things and still be a normal 6 year old (crazy) kid just an hour or two afterwards...

They released us from the hospital at 7:30 p.m. and Greg came from Virginia and picked us up...we went to our apartment where we could see absolutely nothing...picked up a few things and headed home for the weekend...we will be here until Monday evening...I am really hopeful that the electric will be back on by then...

I am always excited to be home and this time is no different...I am really hopeful that we will get to see some friends and maybe accomplish a few life things while we are here...

They haven't said for sure yet...but...I am under the assumption that they will most likely postpone us another week as far as the transplant goes...especially since his line had to be removed today...I will update the website on Monday when they let me know a definitive answer...

Thanks again to everyone, everywhere, every day, for all of the prayers...keep them coming...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Ecclesiastes 4:10

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Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 01:55 PM (CST)

Yesterday went well. Cody had his dilitation and cauterization procedures. They were very aggressive on the dilitation and we are hopeful that he will be able to start eating real food soon!!!

They kept us overnite in the hospital as a precaution and wasn't allowed to eat anything except for ice for two days.

We had a really bad snow and ice storm last nite. So there is no power in Durham at all. Cody had positive cultures come back again in his lines so surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning to remove the lines. Considering there is no power and we have surgery we will be staying in the hospital.

Greg is still stuck in Virginia but hopefully he will be back soon.

My mom is doing well with Riley. I will try to update soon.

Keep the prayers coming ... check the photo pages for scheduling and fundraising updates.

In Love and Prayer

Eleasha

Phillipians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"

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Tuesday, December 03, 2002 at 10:54 AM (EST)

For the most part, yesterday was just plain disappointing...

We started off the day with news that the airport was so crazy, Ben could not make his flight :(

Next we had to take Chris and Riley to the airport...it was hard seeing Chris leave and even harder to let Riley go :(

After that we went to meet Dr. Kurtzberg for our consent session...we never signed the consent forms...the reason is there are too many things outstanding still...

First of all, Cody came up with new positive cultures...this time all 3 lines are infected...if they cannot get this under control then they will have to pull his new CVL out and put it back in later...they are attempting to schedule a special Echocardiogram or MRI to try and determine if Cody is really hosting an infection around the vavles of his heart...I am scared for him...it is my hope that he does not have to go throught wo extra surgeries...

Second of all, the dilatation procedure and the nose cauterization procedure scheduled for Wednesday is going to be a little more in depth then I originally anticipated...the doctors will decide what is best for him on those on Wednesday when they can actually get into his throat and evaluate his situation...the reason this stuff is such a big deal is because radiation causes really bad mouth sores and low counts will cause really bad nose bleeds...

Finally, because of all of this, our transplant scheduled has again been postponed...as of today, we are looking at receiving the transplant on Christmas Eve...

On the bright side of things...Riley made it to Florida without giving Chris too many problems and my mom has been having a really good time with him so far this morning...Greg had to go to Virginia to handle some stuff with work and his ship...he will be back tonight...

I can only assume that the reason our day was so crazy yesterday is because we received so many extra prayers...the enemy just hates it when that happens...I, however, am of the strongest belief that more prayers will cure the extra trials...I am reflecting today on Job and the trials that he had to face...all the whil he continued to praise God...I am sadden by the events of yesterday but I have love and trust still today in my God...I am confident that He will carry us through this and on the other side we will realsze victory and we will glorify Him...

Keep up the double prayers...add triples if you want...the more we receive, the better...the enemy will not win...he may be able to defeat my body and soemtimes change my mood...but he cannot defeat spirit and he will not beat my God...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them"

Matthew 18:19-20

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Monday, December 02, 2002 at 05:20 AM (CST)

The weekend was really great...We were back and forth to the hospital for our normal routine, bloodwork, cultures, levels...and all of that kind of stuff...

On Saturday we went to Chuck E. Cheese...it was fun...we met up with this really nice couple that we made friends at the hospital...Her name is Liz, his name is Raj and their little boy is Simmi...Liz is really great, she has really reached out to us and I am grateful to have some friends to interact with...Raj is nice too...Simmi is 13 months old and he is really, really cute...he goes to the hospital for some stomach problems...they haven't figured out what is wrong yet, but hopefully soon they will...

Today is kind of crazy...Cody is scheduled for his psych evaluation...Ben is flying in for the consent session...Chris is leaving to go back to Florida and Riley will be going with her to stay with my mom...

The closer we get to Transplant Day...the more I feel helpless, anxious and stressed out...I am scared for my son...but, I am confident that the Lord will reveal His plan to me and all things work out to His glory...of course, that sounds really good in theory...if I could only relay that information from my brain to the rest my body...I know I would be doing a whole lot better...right now, I wish my walk...was as good as my thoughts...sometimes I hate being human :(

I am sad that Riley is leaving but I know my mom will take really good care of him...she has a whole lot of really great support...Joanie, Rusty, Anne, Liz, Glen, Robin and a few others...

Riley will be back here, with my mom, for Christmas on December 21...so he will only be gone for 19 days...it gives Greg and I the opportunity to focus on Cody completely through all of the upcoming difficult and unknown stuff...

Paula is also going to be here with us...she plans on coming this weekend so she will be here for the whole week of radiation through the transplant...Ben and Tina will be traveling back and forth in an effort to offer as much support as possible for Cody and the rest of us...I am hopeful that they will also be here for Christmas...if they are...we will definitely have a very full house...and a very full hospital :)

Jeremy will be coming on the December 21 along with my mom and Riley...Marina will be here from December 20 to December 24...the weekend after Christmas Glen will be here too...so I am looking forward to the chaos :)

Tomorrow is fairly uneventful...Greg has to go to Virginia for the day...Ben will be going back to St. Louis...Cody has clinic...

Wednesday, Cody has a dilatation procedure scheduled, along with a button change and a nose cauterization...if all goes well, when everything is finished we will be on our way to St. Louis for the rest of the week and the weekend :) Cody is very excited about getting to go...I pray that it all works out...

As the days draw closer to the actual transplant...I would like to request even more prayers than normal...prayers for a hedge of protection around Cody...for the will of God in all things...and also prayers that I may find some peace and comfort in the arms of the Lord...

If you already pray for us once a day...please pray twice...if you don't usually pray...you can pray now...God is faithful...He will hear you...if you know anyone, anywhere...ask them to pray...the more prayers we can get the better we will all be doing...pray in groups, offer intersession...for it is written 1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask for anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us -whatever we ask- we know that we have what we have asked of Him

Thanks again to everyone...everywhere...for everything...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

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Friday, November 29, 2002 at 09:45 PM (EST)

Thanksgiving was pretty cool...Chris arrived safely from Florida...we have enjoyed having her here with us...

I roasted my very first turkey and it came out pretty good...I also made a green bean caserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh vegetable salad, rolls and pumpkin pie...

Today was event filled...we went out for the first time ever for the day after Thanksgiving sales...That was absolutely insane and something I will probably never ever want to do again...BUT...We are almost all done with our Christmas shopping...Yeah :)

We decided to take it easy this year...Christmas is about so much more than gift giving...today we are able to reflect on the ideas of what it truly means to be thankful...to appreciate others...to love and accept...to realize that the trials we are facing can be used to glorify He who has sacrificed everything for our salvation...to understand the Christmas is a celebration of Christ...

We have been busy dealing with hospital stuff too...Cody had a new positive culture...this time in the blue line instead of the red line...so now they have increased his antibiotic dosage and changed the way he is to receive the doses...

The beginning of next week is pretty crazy also...we have several appointments on Monday and Tuesday and then we have a couple of procedures scheduled on Wednesday...if everything goes well it is our plan to go to St. Louis for the latter half of the week and the weekend before we start radiation and pre-transplant procedures...

We received the P. Buckley Moss print that was donated on Wednesday...Raffle tickets will be going on sale this coming week for the art raffle fundraiser...for more information on P. Buckley Moss the artist who donated the print...you may log on to http://www.mosssociety.org
The art raffle will also include some really neat prints donated by an awesome new artist in the Fort Lauderdale area, her name is Gregory Z.

Another really great fundraising effort has taken off too...our family in New Mexico is well affliated with the Elks Lodge and a request for donations has gone out to over 20 lodges in their area...we received our first donation from that today :) How cool is that???

All is well and again we ask for your prayer support and your love most of all...

Thanks for everything...every single day...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
Matthew 16:24b

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Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 08:57 PM (EST)

I can stand today at my watch station and give thanks to the Lord...I can accept whatever may come my way and I can do it with grace and understanding because I know the Lord has given me more than I could have ever hoped for...there are people in my life that love me...that love my family...that have offered support...thier gifts...and thier prayers...there have been tremendous trials but the fear does not overcome me for my faith is in Him...

I have not the words to articulate the way I feel about each person that has offered their prayers, their love, their support, thier guidance, thier hardwork and thier finances...

Each and every person deserves a separate thank you...a separate well wish...a separate prayer...a separate I love you...a separate gift of gratitude...

To my God...without your grace and mercy and without my love and trust in you...I would never be able to endure what is thrown at us each and every day...I would not find hope...I would not see the light or the good...I would not understand that there is a greater purpose...

To my beautiful child, Cody...you have taught me more than I can ever hope, as a mother, to teach you...you are brave, thoughtful, and loving...your relationship with Jesus amazes me every single day...you saved my life and your dad's...you will make it through this trial and your life will reflect your strength for you will have looked in the face of the enemy and been able to SCREAM...with Him, I WIN!!!

To my husband...without your love and support I would have fallen apart a long time ago...I cannot express in words how much I appreciate you...I respect you...and I love you with all of my heart...

To Ben...without your undying love for your son...I know in my heart that he would be void something that no other could, can or would ever replace...your love and support have been invaluable to Cody and to us as a family...

To my mom...I don't think I could have gotten through these trials without the love you have given me or the strength that you have taught me...I love you more than words can express...you have been there next to me through everything...your support and everything else mean more to me than I could ever, ever express...

To Paula...I am forever grateful that I am able to talk to you and depend on you for support and love not just for Cody but for me too...you always take the time to listen...and I appreciate you...

To Tina...I am so happy that you are now part of our family...your insight and support have proven to be an awesome asset to Ben...

To Jeremy, Marina, Riley, Austin and Michelle...you are all so beautiful...so loving...so wonderful...Cody could never have been blessed with better sibilings...for the love you offer...the prayers...the time...for the brothers that gave blood and got shots and palyed games and other things...for the sister that spent countless hours raising money and playing boy stuff...for the new brother and sister-to-be that beg to come visit...thank you...

To MawMaw and PawPaw...for taking care of the girls and being there for us through all of this...your love and support have meant a lot...

To Aunt Shawnna, Uncle Bryon, Auntie Cheryl, Uncle Jacques, Uncle Johnny...for being part of our lives and offering so much love and support...

To Chris, Glen, Leigh, Laurie, Joanie, Anne, Rusty, Jason, Liza, Jill Coe and Amy Cleghon for being awesome friends and an excellent extended family...for offering more support than anyone could ask for...for reaching out and for working so hard for the cause...for giving us love...for being there for us at the drop of a dime and for everything else...

To the staff at Siegel-Robert St. Louis, the staff at Siemens Newport News, the Denbiegh/Menchville Class of '72, King's Way Church in Williamsburg, Ogden Publications, Calvary Chapel Hampton Roads, Grace Road Coral Springs, the docotrs, nurses and staff at the Naval Medical Center and Duke Medical Center, the United States Navy, and the USS Briscoe for offering prayer support, help support, financial support and a whole lot of love...

To everyone, everywhere who has been touched by Cody and the story of our family...for the prayers...the love...and the support...

Thanksgiving is a special time to give thanks...I do not know if this could possibly be thanks enough but...

Thank You...

I love you...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give...
Habakkuk 2:1a

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Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 07:53 PM (CST)

Today was an okay day...

We went in for lab work and then an appointment with the Pulmonary Specialist...Cody had to redo some of the Pulmonary Function tests that he had already done...but overall, everything went well and no new things were added as far his lung functions and testings go :)

It looks like we are set for our transplant on Tuesday December 17...I have updated the schedule on the photo page...

The rest of this week is pretty slow because of Thanksgiving...we have an appointment tomorrow with the ENT Specialist and some regular lab work with cultures...just keeping track of the staff aurius that grew last week...Cody is still receiving home antibioitcs for that and will until December 3.

As it stands, Chris will be here to visit us on Thursday...she wants a Turkey dinner...but I say if she wants a Thanksgiving...she has to cook it...we can be thankful at Bob Evans :)

It looks like we may have Chris take Riley back to Florida with her so my mom can keep him until her and Jeremy come on December 21st...this way Cody can be the primary focus of the entire family throughout his radiation and transplant...

The week of the 2nd is our last "free week" and we are trying really hard to go to St. Louis so that Cody has the chance to see his family and friends there...there are a couple of small obstacles...we have to go through the consent session and a few other evaluations and appointments through Wednesday...we are hopeful that we will be able to go on Wednesday night if everything works out according to "our plan"

Cody was so excited...he found out yesterday that his Aunt Shawnna and Uncle Bryon are going to have a baby...he can hardly wait for his new cousin to arrive in July of 2003 :)

Auntie Cheryl is having a girl...Marina was very excited about that...Cody wished for a boy :)

Greg and I spent a lot of time working on our expense reports and the like this evening...I just wanted to thank each and every one of you once again for your continued prayers, love, and support...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

That night the Lord appeared to him and said, " I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you..."
Genesis 26:24a

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Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 09:55 PM (CST)

Well the weekend went really great...we got to go home to our house in Virginia...

We had a little bit of a scare though...on Friday my coordinator called to tell us that Cody had another positive culture (Staff Orius)...we almost got to stay in the hospital for the weekend at home...

Cody was actually excited about the prospect though because his buddy Trevor was in for chemo...I wasn't too thrilled about the idea but it was nice to be home at our hospital with our doctors, nurses, and friends...

They did some blood cultures and started him some antibiotics...again...

His counts were actually really good though...his ANC was 4400...and with no real signs of being sick, they let us handle his meds at home :)

We are back at our "other house" here in North Carolina...

Tomorrow we have the day off...we only have to do line care and cap changes...we get real busy again starting Tuesday...

I just wanted to say how much we are truly blessed by the love and prayer support we have been receiving...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you...
Deuteronomy 1:29-30a

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Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 02:28 PM (CST)

Oh Yeah! We definitely have some peach fuzz growing around here...Cody is so excited that he has a little bit of hair again...he liked having the bald head for tattoos but apparently the bald head led to a little more attention then he really wanted...especially at school :(

We are all adjusting to the new look that Cody is displaying...one that includes a lot less teeth...as you know they pulled 8 of his teeth yesterday...they took the 4 front ones on top...2 on the bottom, 1 on either side of the 2 middle front bottom ones...because of it, he has a lisp but it is really cute...he is very aware of when he pronounces something wrong so he practices trying to say it right without the assistance of teeth :)

Today was a good day...we went in for line care...and then we had a GI appointment...this new GI doctor is right on...he seems to really know his stuff and I am excited about the care that he can give Cody when it comes to handling the stricture...I just wish we could do more for him in reagrds to that now...even though we can't it is okay because we know now that we have a really good doctor to work on us when we are done with all the other poop poop...

One of my mom's friends from high school sent Cody the Hot Wheels Jeremy McGrath electric dirt bike track with racing guys...I cannot explain to you how excited he was...of course, I don't know who was more excited...my son...or my husband :) They have been working on building it since it got here...

Earlier today Cody received a bunch of mail from Hunter's family (Hunter is one of the little boys that we go to clinic with at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth)...that was really cool...he was very excited about getting mail and then when he found out it was from his little buddy Hunter's family he thought that was the neatest thing...

Overall, today has been awesome...we received clearance to go home for the weekend so we are going to leave tonight to go...I am excited about that...

Thanks Again for the continued love...prayers...and support...We feel the love :) Keep it coming :)

In love & Prayer...
Eleasha

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

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Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 07:09 PM (EST)

First of all Guess What!!!

We have hair...not much and it is still kind of like peach fuzz...but hey its hair and its new and we have some...

Today was a pretty hard day for the little man...

He had major dental surgery...they pulled out 8 of his 20 teeth and drilled and capped most of the rest of them...

Of course, you know him...he woke up ready to go...as usual you would never be able to tell he had major surgery because as always...he felt and still feels good :)

Yesterday was kind of crazy...I was lost in Durham, again...I lost my ID...and we had two extra doctor's appointments...that we did not know about...but never-the-less...we made it through the day :)

We are still working hard on our fundraising projects...as the need is still great and with the latest dental bill...well you know how that goes...

hi ho hi ho it's off to work we go :)

Fundraising Updates are posted on the Photos Page...

I will be making a new picture arrangement as soon as we get some pictures of the other half of the family...Hopefully, soon...

Please continue to pray for us...before anything else...we need and want all the prayer support that we can get...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
Daniel 10:12

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Monday, November 18, 2002 at 09:27 PM (CST)

The weekend was pretty cool but today we were back to business...

We started off with line care and tons of lab work...they drew cultures and blood from each of his 3 lines...we changed out the caps and then we were done...his dressing was fine...so no changing it...YEAH!

Next we went on to the barium swallow...Cody is an old pro at this procedure...none-the-less he still hates it and fights it all the way...the object is to swallow this really nasty tasting stuff (I tasted it once and it is nasty) while they take x-rays...the reason for doing this, is so they have pictures of his stricture...

After that...we were done for the day :)

Tomorrow we have line care in the morning and then pre-op in the afternoon for the dental surgery scheduled on Wednesday...the dental work is going to cost us a lot of unplanned out of pocket money...

That's okay though because the Lord always seems to provide...

Anyway...I made updates to the schedule on the photo page...I expect more additions and maybe some changes but I listed what we know for now...

Thanks again for the continued prayer support and love...we need all that we can get...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

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Monday, November 18, 2002 at 09:27 PM (CST)

The weekend was pretty cool but today we were back to business...

We started off with line care and tons of lab work...they drew cultures and blood from each of his 3 lines...we changed out the caps and then we were done...his dressing was fine...so no changing it...YEAH!

Next we went on to the barium swallow...Cody is an old pro at this procedure...none-the-less he still hates it and fights it all the way...the object is to swallow this really nasty tasting stuff (I tasted it once and it is nasty) while they take x-rays...the reason for doing this, is so they have pictures of his stricture...

After that...we were done for the day :)

Tomorrow we have line care in the morning and then pre-op in the afternoon for the dental surgery scheduled on Wednesday...the dental work is going to cost us a lot of unplanned out of pocket money...

That's okay though because the Lord always seems to provide...

Anyway...

Thanks again for the continued prayer support and love...we need all that we can get...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

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Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 06:11 PM (EST)

The Schedule is Updated...

Well the weekend is coming to a close :(

We had a lot of fun with Ben and Tina here...

We attempted to go to Chuck E. Cheese but I was driving so we drove around in circles a few times and about 10 miles in the wrong direction before finally we called and got new bad directions...finally we gave up and went to Fuddruckers and then Toys R Us...

The weather was basically yucky all weekend so we just spent a whole lot of time doing indoor things...it was a lot of fun...

Ben and Tina are engaged so Cody thinks it is neat that soon he will have another brother and another sister...plus an extra mom :)

We still had to go the clinic for CVL care and dressing changes...on yesterday and today...Tina went with us...it was hard on Cody but we still had fun...

Greg and Riley got here on Friday...I was really happy to see them and the girls...so was Cody

The best part of the whole weekend is...we all got along great together...

Looks like families really do come together through the hard times...

We have another busy week...I will work on updating the schedule as soon as my husband hooks up the p.c.

The girls left this afternoon to go stay in New Mexico with MawMaw and PawPaw for a while...we were sad to have to send them...but we know they will come back soon and hopefully PawPaw will have them housebroke :o

Anyway...all is well here...

Thanks again for all of the love..the prayers...and the support.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines."

1 Samuel 7:8

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Friday, November 15, 2002 at 04:51 PM (CST)

YEAH!

Our first seriously easy day!!!!!

We started off with line care and a dressing change...that was pretty hard and painful on Cody but it was over quick...

Next we went on to the CT Scan of his entire upper body...that went really good because they let him drink the contrast through his g-tube...we waited forever for the actual test but once that was finished we got to come home :)

Ben and Tina got here this morning right before 8 a.m. They were exhausted from drivig all night so they laid down for a nap while we went and did our thing...

We got home at 2 p.m. and then we went took a nap too...we just got up a little while ago...

Greg, Riley and the girls are on their way now...they should be here sometime in the next couple of hours...

Tomorrow and Sunday we are only scheduled to go into the clinic for line care...a dressing change only if necessary...

We have plans to do some fun stuff this weekend...don't know what yet and the weather is supposed to be stinky :(

I will probably not update again until Sunday night...

Thanks again for all of the prayer support and love...

In love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25-26

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Thursday, November 14, 2002 at 08:27 PM (EST)

Today was actually pretty good...Maybe we are starting to get the hang of this?

First thing this morning was Cody's eye doctor appointment...you would have thought that they were sticking needles in his eyes when they put in the cateract drops...

Next he had surgery...they removed the port that he has had since December of 1999...all went well with that and he made it through with flying colors...again...

While we waited we got the chance to meet with the social worker, the family support group coordinator and the child life coordinator...

The newspaper article ran today in the Flagship...you can check it out at www.flagshipnews.com...it was actually a really good article...

Ben and Tina are on their way and should arrive sometime tomorrow morning...Cody is very excited about them coming :)

Greg and Riley will be here tomorrow also...Cody is very excited about them coming too...

Oh and don't forget the girls (our dogs) are coming with them so that they can leave to go live with MawMaw and PawPaw for a while...they have to fly out of Raliegh/Durham because Norfolk does not allow live animals to fly...

Tomorrow we go for a CT Scan...that ought to be lots of fun...

Well we are off to bed, another early night :)

Please continue to pray, send love and mail :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

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Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 07:12 PM (EST)

Well overall I would rate today okay...Of course I did think I was losing my mind...but...I guess that is the least of my worries...

Cody made it through the surgery for his new triple CVL (central venous line) with flying colors...as a matter of a fact he walked out of the recovery room...I ended up making him sit in a wheelchair but he did great...he always does...

The day started off a little crazy as several things that were supposed to happen, have been postponed...several other things that were supposed to happen, didn't...then of course there were the things that weren't supposed to happen, but did...I guess with everything moving so fast and changing so much I am either not catching everything or not understanding some of the schedule changes, additions and what not? I don't know...I write most of the stuff down so I guess I must be really distracted or there is a missing link in the communication line somewhere???

I talked to Paula when all of this miscommunication stuff came to light and she helped me remember that it is okay to be overwhelmed...and that really I can't lose my mind because it was already lost long ago :) at least I think I remember that was what happened??? :)

Cody has to go back into surgery tomorrow to have his port removed...they didn't take it out today because of one of those things that should have happened but didn't miscommunications...it's all okay though...at least I keep telling myself that...

I met with my coordinator in between appointments (which is another funny story) and just let her know that I was missing information and that I was needing things to be explained to me...ensuring that my actual attention is on the conversation instead of whatever may be happening with Cody at that moment...my coordinator is awesome and it was good to actually communicate my needs instead of just getting upset...

We are working the new schedule and I should have it by the end of the week...I will update that part of the website over the weekend...

Now about the appointments, I keep getting lost :) This place is huge...the Medical Center campus is like 4 miles around and of course we do stuff in every building...from one end to the other and then back again through out the day, depending on the department and the appointment...

God has provided us with some good contacts...a lady named Becky called me this afternoon and told me she was our official support person...she is from a local church (the lady I met a few weeks ago on the airplane hooked me up with them)

It's early but we are headed to bed as tomorrow is another day that promises to bring more of the same...

I love all of you very much...Thank you again for the continued prayer support for us. Besides us, please start praying for the rapture, because I don't know about you, but I can't wait to go home :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring you health and nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8

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Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 07:12 PM (EST)

Well overall I would rate today okay...Of course I did think I was losing my mind...but...I guess that is the least of my worries...

Cody made it through the surgery for his new triple CVL (central venous line) with flying colors...as a matter of a fact he walked out of the recovery room...I ended up making him sit in a wheelchair but he did great...he always does...

The day started off a little crazy as several things that were supposed to happen, have been postponed...several other things that were supposed to happen, didn't...then of course there were the things that weren't supposed to happen, but did...I guess with everything moving so fast and changing so much I am either not catching everything or not understanding some of the schedule changes, additions and what not? I don't know...I write most of the stuff down so I guess I must be really distracted or there is a missing link in the communication line somewhere???

I talked to Paula when all of this miscommunication stuff came to light and she helped me remember that it is okay to be overwhelmed...and that really I can't lose my mind because it was already lost long ago :) at least I think I remember that was what happened??? :)

Cody has to go back into surgery tomorrow to have his port removed...they didn't take it out today because of one of those things that should have happened but didn't miscommunications...it's all okay though...at least I keep telling myself that...

I met with my coordinator in between appointments (which is another funny story) and just let her know that I was missing information and that I was needing things to be explained to me...ensuring that my actual attention is on the conversation instead of whatever may be happening with Cody at that moment...my coordinator is awesome and it was good to actually communicate my needs instead of just getting upset...

We are working the new schedule and I should have it by the end of the week...I will update that part of the website over the weekend...

Now about the appointments, I keep getting lost :) This place is huge...the Medical Center campus is like 4 miles around and of course we do stuff in every building...from one end to the other and then back again through out the day, depending on the department and the appointment...

God has provided us with some good contacts...a lady named Becky called me this afternoon and told me she was our official support person...she is from a local church (the lady I met a few weeks ago on the airplane hooked me up with them)

It's early but we are headed to bed as tomorrow is another day that promises to bring more of the same...

I love all of you very much...Thank you again for the continued prayer support for us. Besides us, please start praying for the rapture, because I don't know about you, but I can't wait to go home :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring you health and nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8

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Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 10:35 PM (EST)

Today was another rough day...we have been so busy we can't hardly stand ourselves, well at least I can't stand ourselves :)

I guess that is good though, if we had too much time to rest we might actually get bored :)

Let me start off by explaining what we woke up to...the rain was coming down in sheets and it looked worse today than yesterday...but yesterday there were tornado warnings...as the day progessed it dropped about 15-20 degrees...now that I have set the scene...let me continue :)

We started our morning with a lung study which remind me of lamaze class

Then we moved on to an echocardiogram (the receptionist sent us to the wrong bldg. so you know I was stressed out...poor Greg called at the wrong time).

Next we went in for our Pre-Op appointment as Cody is having his new central venous line(CVL) put in tomorrow morning...he is scared of this procedure which has made the day a little more difficult...

From there we actually got to come home for about an hour and a half before we went back out to the dentist...

More bad news there...

Cody has about 12 cavaties in his 20 teeth...the dentist explained that this is from all of the chemo and the way his teeth have developed so close together...aside from that, he has a couple of loose teeth that need to be pulled (he can't have loose teeth in case he has to get a breathing tube later) to make a long story sort of short...he gets to have major dental surgery on Wednesday...

Our schedule has officially been pushed back at least one week probably two...

We will be unable to start with radiation next week for a few reasons...
One, the dental work (Cody cannot have any places that can harbor an infection i.e. bad teeth)
Two, the transplant physician did not realize all that we were dealing with in regards to Cody's stricture so we must now go see a G.I. (tummy) doctor plus an ENT (ears, nose, throat)
Finally, they want to make sure that he does not grow any positive cultures over the next few days...

I should have a new copy of the schedule by Thursday, I will update the schedule on the photo page as soon as Greg gets here with my pc...

Which reminds me...The Navy is awesome! Greg got all of his paperwork turned in today and did a bunch of stuff with the command...he and Riley will be joining us here this Friday :) Yeah!

I talked to Ben today...and I talked to Paula...I really am excited about Ben and Tina coming on Thursday...Paula had planned on coming the weekend before the transplant so she would have also been here for Thanksgiving...I asked her to come then anyway even though our schedule has changed...

Chris will be here for Thanksgiving and the weekend after...Cody is siked...but I'm not sure who is more excited Chris or Cody :)

My mom and Jeremy are coming for a couple of weeks at Christmas...I don't think Cody knows this yet as I have not directly told him, but he tends to hear a lot more than I give him credit for sometimes...I am very excited about the visit...I cannot wait to see my mom and my Jeremy

Cody has been dealing pretty well but I think all of the visitors will be good for him...it is kind of lonely here for us...and Cody has been just kind of afraid of everything...every night he has me hold him and rock him to sleep...I think I might get more out of that than he does :)

I love you all so much and I wish that I had you here in person instead of in spirit...I continue to "beg" for the prayer support as I do not believe there could possibly be anything we need more right now...except for maybe the rapture :)

I will update again soon...maybe tomorrow.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

..."Don't be afraid, just believe." Mark 5:36b

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Monday, November 11, 2002 at 08:17 PM (EST)

We got checked into our new "home" late yesterday afternoon...the Angel Flight went pretty cool, Cody had a blast being the co-pilot...a limo picked us up, Spencer for Hire, and Mr. Spencer himself brought us here to the apt. and brought all of our luggage in.

God has blessed us once again...the Angel Flight was free and Mr. Spencer would not even take a tip from us...everyone has insisted that Cody getting better would be payment enough...everyone except the apt. complex, of course :)

Today was a very crazy day...We went through a battery of different tests...they drew labs and cultures, did chest x-rays and an EKG...oh and they did this really neat nose sucker thing...Cody just loved that :) NOT!

Once all of that was finished...we met with June the Nurse Coordinator who told us all about the upcoming weeks, which turn into months...we talked about the transplant procedure and all that comes before and goes after

We met with Dr. Kurtzberg the transplant physician, Caryn the Nurse Practioner, and June some more...we had to go over all of Cody's history and what we have been through to date...we also talked about the low grade fever that Cody has been having and found out that we may be changing our schedule in an effort to figure out what the actual issue is...he hasn't had much of a fever for a couple of days but the doctor said it doesn't make sense not to be cautious...

I have not been sleeping very much at all...so I was really tired today...I was glad when we got home and I was able to take a little nap...

I have been a little sad and over anxious...I will be relieved when Ben and Tina get here on Thursday, they are staying for the weekend and joining us for the consent session on Thursday afternoon...

I am hopeful that Greg will be here before they leave as I miss him and Riley something terrible and am not doing so great keeping my own spirits up...I figured out, right now, I am bad company :(

Tomorrow will prove to be even busier than today...as they have changed a few things around and added his dental appointment...

Please continue to pray for us...we need all of the prayers, love and support we can get...

Send more e-mail and snail mail as it is good for us both...the address here is:

1704 White Pine Dr
Durham, NC 27705

I still have my cell phone and if you want the phone number to the apartment, please let me know.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

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Sunday, November 10, 2002 at 10:40 AM (EST)

Well, Today is the day...

We will be leaving real soon to go to Duke University in Durham, NC...

I am not sure when I will be able to update again as our next couple of weeks are completely insane and then we are in for the Bone Marrow Transplant...you can see our schedule on the photo page...

I want to thank everyone again for all of their hardwork and efforts on our behalf...

I especially want to send out a special thanks and lots of love to

My mom, Joanie, Glen and their garage sale "crew"...

Ben, Paula and the entire St. Louis family including Foremost Printing and Seigel-Robert...

Greg for being here to support us...

Marina, Jeremy, and Riley for being the best most understanding big sister, big brother, and little brother Cody ever could have been blessed with...

The U.S. Navy, the USS Briscoe, and the doctors, nurses, staff, and social workers at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for all of the help, support, research, fast work, and compassion...

Chris, Barbi, Lori and the entire ParyLite family in the Synergy and Unforgettable Region...

Liza and Jason for being here with us almost everyday...

Pastor John and the entire Calvary Chapel Hampton Roads family...

Laurie, Pastor Steve and Leigh Ann from King's Way Church in Williamsburg...

Plus everyone who has prayed for us and been so compelled to donate to the cause...

I promise I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Friday, November 08, 2002 at 06:48 AM (EST)

Well D-Day is almost here and still so many things to do...to be honest with everything else needing to be done...we haven't even started packing yet :)

Yesterday was pretty busy...Cody had a spinal tap with a bone marrow aspirate and bone marrow biopsy...after that was complete he received his chemotherapy...he did well but has been going through some regular spells of vomiting...he continues to run a low grade fever which spikes every now and again...I really wish I knew what that was all about as he has been on antibiotics for nearly 2 weeks now...

We go back today in order to pick up some slides to take to Duke...some chemotherapy for home administration...and he has to have his port needle changed...

We are going by his school today to pick up all of his schoolwork to take to Duke as the teachers there follow his teacher's teaching plan...when we come back from NC Cody will have a teacher all summer and then until he can return to school...probably around December 2003...we are hopeful that with all of the help he will be receiving he won't have to be left behind on top of everything else...but I guess that is actually the least of our worries :)

We were on the news last night...

News Channel 3
http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=1003476&nav=0oa7CFlQ

Channel 13 News
http://www.wvec.com/news/health/wvec_health_110702_cord_blood_transplant.27fd74b5.html

Plus we were interviewed by a reporter from the Flagship Navy Newspaper...that story should run next week...
http://www.flagshipnews.com/

We have received confirmation that the NAVY will be reimbursing almost every expense that we will incur...WAY TO GO NAVY!

Not only that...We have confirmation that Greg and the baby will be able to join us soon...another WAY TO GO NAVY! It is so awesome to be part of an institution which cares so deeply for its service members.

Fundraising projects are going well but since the NAVY is so awesome our fundraising goals can be a little more modest...Again, thanks again to everyone who has felt so compelled to donate...

The Lord continues to bless us daily...

For today all is busy but well...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

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Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 05:43 PM (EST)

Well it seems as though everything is coming together...We will be in Durham, NC on Sunday and ready for a pretty fast and extensive work up and pre-transplant schedule...Our full schedule is posted in the photos section of this website...

As you will see, Cody's transplant is now scheduled for Tuesday 26Nov2002.

We have been working with the social workers and the case workers in preparation for our departure...Things are progressing well but I am still feeling quite a bit overwhelmed...

Cody coninues to run a fever, usually low grade, even on antibiotics...he has a bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap scheduled for tomorrow...they are going to take some extra precautionary measures in an effort to figure out what is going on with him and why he is still experiencing these fevers...

We are going to be interviewed by a couple of TV stations tomorrow at the hospital in the morning...I think that will be pretty neat...They are doing a "human interest" story on Cody...

I really am very excited about all that is happening. I'm just not too sure I am doing so well with the speed...

We continue to ask for prayer from everyone, everywhere...we are truly blessed by the love and generosity of each and every one of you...

The body has truly been our blessing from the Lord...

I will update again soon when I am feeling a little less overwhelmed...Maybe I will be able to explain more then...

As Always...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, Save Me!"
Psalm 116:3b-4

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Monday, November 04, 2002 at 08:00 PM (CST)

This morning at 10:00 a.m. we were informed that Cody and I are to be leaving for Duke University Medical Center in Durhanm, NC this Sunday...originally we were not planning to go for another 4-6 weeks...

So as you can imagine...

The day has been exteremely hectic and we are working really hard to try and get everything in order...I spent the better part of the day on the phone speaking to social workers, case workers, doctors, nurses, making flight and housing arrangements, informing family and friends, etc, etc, etc...

I know that the Lord will provide all that we need in the time that we need it in, now and for all things to come...for everything works together in His perfect time for His perfect plan...

Of course, even though I know all of that, I am still whirling with all that needs to be done...I pray that I will have the ability to follow everything through to completion...I have a whole lot of foot work to do and a very short time to do it all in...

Greg will not be able to go with us right away since things are happening so fast...we will go and eventually he and Riley will meet us there...the familyhas started making thier plans for who is going to come when and how...

We have been blessed with an Angel Flight...Angel Flights are flights where the pilots volunteer thier time and aircraft to help patients get where they need to go...in addition, we have Mercy Med Airlift Flight options for other families so that they may travel to support us at a more feasible expense...

The place we will be staying is a corporate apartment which has 2 bedrooms, a washer adn dryer, is fully furnished and all utilities are included...also included is a shuttle service for us to go back and forth to the hospital...

We are still in need of much fundraising and are open to any and all suggestions and/or help with ideas to obtain our necessary goal...

Calvary Chapel Hampton Roads has been reaaly good to us...the Pastor stopped by our house last night with two of his sons...the youth pastors stopped by the hospital on Saturday evening...Many other have reached out and are offering to provide us with much needed help and support...

Everyday, the Lord continues to show us just how great He truly is...how big and awesome He really is...

Please keep up the prayer support...we need all we can get...every single day...

Cody is doing well receiving antibiotics at home...he continues to run a low grade fever and we are hopeful that in the next day or two the antibiotics will knock that out...

Thanks again to everyone...everywhere...for everything.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Jeremiah 30:17
'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord.

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Sunday, November 03, 2002 at 09:54 PM (EST)

HOME AGAIN!

Yeah! The doctor's let us come again this afternoon...we are still administering IV antibiotics...but that's not so bad...we are really happy that we got to come home...

The last day has been really great...the Navy returned Greg home to me via helicopter almost one week early...that is so cool...

Cody had quite a few visitors at the hospital yesterday Andrew and Shawn came from the church...Leigh Anne came up from Williamsburg...Marina came to visit and then she took Riley so she could babysit for the night...that was really exciting...Pastor John and two of his sons came over to the house this evening and we had the chance to hang out with them...it has been really great to have so much support and as always we still need prayer...lots and lots of prayer...

Being in the hospital this time while all of the other Hem/Onc kids were in was really good for us both...I was able to spend some time talking to other moms and Cody had a "club" they partied until the late hours and started over again the next morning...I think it was great for all of the kids to have the interaction...and I know it did wonders for me.

The homebound teacher will be coming out tomorrow so that we can put together our schedule for his home schooling. I am relieved about that because I am worried about him falling behind...hopefully he will be able to keep up with his class and not be left behind on top of everything else...

He has been asking to go to George Washington D.C. so that he can see the White House...from here D.C. is only about a 3 hour drive so we are considering trying to go one day this week just for the day...

The fundraising efforts have been yielding excellent results...the garage sale alone raised $4200. we are up to almost $5000. a little less than 3/4 of the way to our goal...Check out the updates on the Photo page...

We cannot begin to thank everyone enough...we really love and appreciate everyone...especially those who are jumping in and offering up the support so desperately needed...

Again today, God is Awesome

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

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Saturday, November 02, 2002 at 1:21 PM (EST)

Well we only ended up being out of the hospital for about 10 hours on Thursday...I woke up to administer his antibiotics at 3:30 a.m. and realized he was burning up.

103.8

That was really scary...I called and talked to my mom after I said a prayer and told God this time it was ALL Him as I was and am spent...

Being here without Greg has been a lot harder than I thought it was going to be...I am blessed to have such a supportive man in my life and I cannot wait until the Navy returns him to me at the end of this coming week.

I talked to Paula most of the way back to the hospital early Friday morning, I have been blessed to have so much love and support..

Everyone has been working really hard for us and I cannot even begin to explain how grateful we are for everything. I am just absolutely amazed by it all...

Well, you would all be so proud of me...I actually put a call into the church early afternoon yesterday and yes...I did it...I...yes, Me...I asked for HELP! Can you believe it??? As you can probably guess, everyone is more than willing to be here for us and help...I think we are expecting more visitors over the next few days than we had ever in the hospital while we lived in Florida :)

Being in this time, at least right now, has not been so bad...All of the other Hem/Onc kids that are around Cody's age are in for their chemo treatments this weekend so, it has been really great for him...he actually has some playmates and they had a big ole' party last night that lasted until nearly 11 p.m. (He's a PARTY ANIMAL)

It has been nice for me too because I have been able to interact with the other moms that are dealing with the same stuff...

God is always so good...giving us exactly what we need when we need it...

I was up at 2:00 a.m. so I went ahead and started working on a bible study in 1 Peter 3...I stayed up with that for an hour until I was tired enough to go back to bed...I woke up this morning and did some more work on the study...it has been a really cool study...I am not sure what the Lord has planned but He is having me write down some really neat stuff...this has been an opportunity for me to learn more and more through the spirit.

I look forward to our visitors...

Thanks Again to Everyone...All of our love.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything offer up prayer and supplication.

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Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 06:20 PM (EST)

Happy Hallejauh!

The day of Harvest has been good to us...we got to come home from the hospital this evening. Cody's counts are still fairly low, his ANC is only 408...normal is somewhere between 3000-5000...one of his cultures came back positive which means he has some type of staff infection so...we will be receiving IV antibiotics here at the house and are scheduled to return to the hospital tomorrow for blood work and counts.

Cody has dressed up like Scooby Doo and we will be going to church for the HALLEJUAH FESTIVAL...if the nurse from home health ever gets here :(

Anyway, Jeremy McGrath (dirt bike rider extraordniare) did indeed call Cody in the hospital yesterday...it was so cool...Cody talked to him on the phone for nearly an hour...I was truly excited for him...he sang about it for the rest of the day...they talked about everythign from video games to his hair falling out...

I received a call from one of the promoters from Clear Channel Entertainmant, they host the World SXGP series, he said that he will take Cody around to meet a bunch of the riders at any event that we are able to attend...we are hoping to attend St. Louis on March 22, so that we can be there with Ben and Paula and the rest of Cody's family there...but since I have no idea what to expect from Duke, I am optimistic, but figure we won't be able to make that event...the last event of the season is May 3 in Las Vegas...maybe we will make it there? Who knows what God has planned?

The support we have been receiving as far as fundraising efforts go has been awesome...I can't believe how much effort you all have been putting into ensuring that we are able to meet our goal and obtain all that we need for this Transplant and temporary move...I wish I were able to be there with each individual group and help out personally...but I am so blessed that the Lord has offered these gifts and talents to to you who are reaching out, doanting, helping and working...

My mom's garage sale idea has been an absolute hit in the Fort Lauderdale area...everything starts tomorrow and her and Joanie along with countless others have been working from morning to night to make sure that everything is set up and ready to go for tomorrow...they are still in need of much support manning the actual sale...so, if you getthis and you are in the area...please, please, please let us know...all of the proceeds from the garage sale will benefit the Cody fund...

Ben's mom, Paula has been working on putting together a receipe book that they will selling with all of the proceeds going directly to Cody's fund...anyone interested in obtaining a copy can get in touch with us...

The PartyLite family has really wrapped its arms around us...Chris has been doing a fundraiser selling the Angel of Hope, 20 % of the proceeds will go directly to Cody's fund...two seperate regions have done fundraising projects at the Regionals and have raised a pretty good amount of money that will be contributed directly to the Cody fund...anyone interested in participating in this project should contact Chris directly at freecandlesrus@yahoo.com...

Mr. Ed is working on putting together the Christian concert benefit, several bands have already committed to preforming and the proceed will go directly to the Cody fund...More information will posted once we have it...

The auction will take place at King's Way Church in Williamsburg...Laurie is working really hard to pull everything together there but a lot of work must still be done...we are accepting donations of items that can be auctioned...we are looking for event workers and everything else that is necessary to pull the whole project together...Laurie and Pastor Steve have had the opportunity to discuss the plans...as soon as we know more we will post the information...

Marina has been working really hard raising funds through her Big Sister Fund for Cody and we are so proud of the job she has been doing...Cody is blessed to have such an awesome big sister...

We officially have our Non-Profit status and donations can be made out to the ForCody Foundation...Official Receipts will be sent out to individuals or organizations that donate more than $250...in accordance with the rules of the IRS, any donations under that amount the donor may use the cancelled check as receipt...I have attached a link at the bottom of the page for easy access or you may contact me for mailing information...

You all are so very, very awesome...We appreciate each and every one of you...we love you...but most of all we thank you for your hard work and everything you are doing to support our cause...

Thank You...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

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Tuesday, October 30, 2002 at 04:58 AM (EST)

Today is the anniversary of the day we were diagnosed, it has been 3 full years since Cody was diagnosed, 1096 days...it is hard to look back and realize that we are now at the beginning again. I wish I knew what the Lord's perfect number was for this...I pray for the day when it all ends. I am not discouraged though...The Lord stays so good.
It is amazing to me how everything is coming together for our temporary move to NC, it looks as though we will be leaving to go there in about 6-8 weeks and every day we are finding out more and more information about different ways to make ends meet while we are there, not just financially...but more importantly spiritually, we are getting connected to a couple of different community churcehs and the support from those we have reached out to so far has been surreal...I am anxious to get onto to the next chapter of our life and treatment...I am giving thanks all of the trials that we are facing as victory over them is glory in Christ.
We are back in the hospital, Cody's counts were really low. We were placed in an isolation room and he is on antibiotics and has received a blood transfusion...we can be reached in the hospital for the rest of the week, at least 757-953-4504.
Riley and I are fairing well but we wish we had Greg here with us...Jason and Liza continue to offer more support than anyone should...the neighbors are taking care of the dogs and the house will just have to be okay all alone...
Finally I have an awesome story about temptation...it was put before me that I could have been dishonest in order to obtain a "wish" for Cody...after much thought and prayer...the Lord placed on my heart that the witness I would offer my son should I chose to obtain this "wish" via dishonesty would be so worng...so, as my husband always says, I am resourceful and I was able to contact Jeremy McGrath(dirt bike rider extraordinare) and his wife Kim in California yesterday. As many of you know, Cody's dream is to be a "dirt bike rider when he grows up" so Jeremy McGrath is his hero...well, Jeremy will be calling Cody here in the hospital today...Is God awesome, or what?
Thanks again for all of your love and prayer support. I will keep the site updated as much as possible while we are here in the hospital...
In the meantime, pray.
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Saturday, October 26, 2002 at 11:39 PM (EST)

I was waiting to update the entry because I wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to read what the Bone Marrow Transplant will entail, you can look at the past journal enteries for the one dated October 22, 2002 in order to find out more about the transplant and what we will be expecting as a family.
This has been an awesome week...Our fundraising projects are coming together well and I am amazed and honored by the amount of people that have been willing and able to reach out and help make this thing start to work. The Lord is awesome...
I have posted updates to the fundraisers on the photos site and as you will see...we have already started earning some money :-)
I did a lot of foot work and research this week finding out and attempting top understand all that I can in regards to the transplant and then offering whatever help I can to the fundraising coordinators.
I am signing papers with the Childhood Organ Transplant Association (COTA) this week coming up. We will obtain our non-pofit status from them, as well as, a whole lot of help with the fundraising campaigne. Things are moving fast but they need to so that is great!
I have been a little overwhelmed with everything but the Lord just keeps scooping me out of bed and getting me through the day. PLUS...He keeps on placing the next "right" person in our path...I am in awe at how many new, sudden contacts we have in Durham, NC...only the Lord could have pulled this together...First two donors...now a whole new extended family...My Cup Runs Over!
I miss my husband tremendously...as most of you know he is in the Navy and out to sea...I did not realize how much I depend on him until after he left Thursday :-(
We are talking every day via e-mail but that offers little comfort...I love and miss him very much.
We will know more this week about our scheduled departure date for Durham and I am confident that the Lord will provide us with everything we need...He has so far.
Mostly what I need is all of your continued prayers...and I could use a few more friends...it never hurts to have people near you who love you.
Oh yeah...you are probably wondering how Cody is (considering this is his site and all) well he is great! Tired alot and trying to recover from a small allergy induced cold...he is going to school on Monday for the first time in two weeks...he is excited and I am for him. His classmates have been diligent in keeping in touch with him...they sent him a card yesterday he was so excited...he loves snail mail, e-mail and guestbook enteries...I do too :-)
So keep them coming...We appreciate and love everyone...you are all in our prayers and our thank yous are forever yours.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 08:57 (EST)

Today has been a very busy day. I have been working hard doing whatever foot work possible to prepare for our temporary move to North Carolina.
We have a lot of great fundraiser ideas that are coming together and there are so many people we would like extend our gratitude, love and thanks to for their efforts and support. Nothing has gone unnoticed. Everything is appreciated and more than words could ever express. Thank You all.
We received a bunch of information from Duke today. We now have a better idea of what to expect as far as the transplant process is concerned. Cody will be receiving what is called an ALLOGENEIC bone marrow transplant. This type of BMT occurs when another person supplies the new marrow. This can be an unrelated donor found usually n the National Bone Marrow Program (this is why it is so important for people to register). In our case the two matches are cord blood. This is a promising new development in bone marrow transplant therapy. By using umbilical cord blood, rather than bone marrow, the patient is able to receive the benefits of the bone marrow transplant in a way which may minimize the immune response that leads to the complication called graft vs. host disease. Graft vs. host disease (GVHD) is when the transplanted bone marrow or cord blood recoginizes the child's body as "foreign" and tries to react to it. It can cause mild or severe complications and will be treated for immediately following the transplant. This is precautionary drug treatment that will be given even before any signs of GVHD may present themselves. Cody will have to have an additional port line called a central venous catheter placed in his chest which will remain there through out the transplant and all subsequent procedures.
The transplant itself is fairly simple, from what I have read, it seems like he will undergo what looks like a blood transfussion that takes a really long time. We will have to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 6 weeks following the procedure and we will be in protective isolation.He will be IV fed and and set up on a daily schedule which includes mouth care 4 - 5 times per day, as extreme mouth sores usually develop after the transplant. He will have catheter care, bath time and dressing changes daily, he will have physical therapy and child life activities everyday also. Visitors may only visit if they are in no way sick...they must wear gowns, and sometimes masks...they must scrub for a minuimum of 15 minutes before entering the unit.
While they would be beautiful and appreciated, we cannot receive flowers, plants or fruits of any kind as they harbor germs and bacteria.
The major side effects that we can expect to experience are viral, bacterial and fungal infections as these things typically cause major problems for transplant patients.
For the first 100 days after we are discharged and going to clinic on an outpatient basis Cody will be requirred to wear a germ mask. This is to help make him less vulnerable to complications. Because we are receiving an ALLOGENEIC bone marrow transplant Cody will have to wait one full year before he may return to his normal activities and life. While this means that Cody will not be able to attend school, it does not mean that he has to avoid all public places completely. According to the information, we can go to the mall on weekday instead of a Saturday. He can play with his friends but will need to take precautions. No sick friends, etc...and he will have to wear a mask when in enclosed areas with a number of people.
Anyway, I know this is a lot to digest but I think I understand most of it...so if you have any questions...let me know.
I am still grateful because even though the road ahead looks long and grim...I am confident that He will prevail...that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Thanks again to everyone...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Monday, October 21, 2002 at 7:05PM (EST)

On Friday Ocotber 18, 2002 we were informed that Cody has two bone marrow matches! :) The matches are cord blood donors so that is the best we could have ever prayed for.
Fund Raising projects are being put togther and donations are being accepted as the transplant process is long, difficult and expensive. We have a fundraising goal of $16,500. This money will cover our living expenses (i.e. hotels, Ronald McDonald house, food, gas, support, misc., etc.)
We will be going to Duke University for our procedure. Cody will undergo full body radiation and then his transplant. We can expect to "live" in North Carolina for at least 4 months. After that Cody will not be able to go to any public places for 6-12 months. For more information on his procedure you can go check out http://cancer.duke.edu/pbmt/
The Leukemia Society and Duke University will be sending us information on Bone Marrow Transplants and Radiaition. I am hopeful that we will be able to obtain a better understanding of what to expect.
Riley will be going with me and Cody when we go to North Carolina (sometime in the next 6-9 weeks). Greg will there with us for the first couple of months and then will be leaving to meet up with his ship wherever they are. Ben will be coming to visit as often as he can get off of work and afford to come. Marina will be staying home in Virginia with her mom. Jeremy will be staying in Ohio with his dad. Grandma Sherrill and Grandma Paula will be visiting as often as they can, depending on finances and vacation time.
Everything has been happening so fast but we continue to pray and thank God. I am certain that everything we are going through will work out to be some kind of blessing. Each of the lessons we have learned through out this ordeal have valuable.
Please continue to pray for us and if you have any ideas as far as fund raising goes...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let us know.

In Love & Prayer,
Eleasha

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Monday, October 13, 2002 at 07:05 PM (EST)

You see there is a neat story that goes along with Cody getting sick...When Cody was just barely 3 he would tell me things that Jesus told him...I didn't believe him at first until one night he was telling me adamantly that Jesus told him not to bump his head...suddenly it occurred to me that he was serious...that someone...something...could it be??? Naturally, I wanted to know what else Jesus told him (thinking maybe he had the secrets to the universe or something:) yeah, I know) Anyway...he kept on telling me that Jesus didn't tell him anything else except not to bump his head...of course, I wasn't giving up...come on you can tell me, what else did he tell you...then all of a sudden, in a real deep almost evil voice...he says, "Jesus said you should stop at the store and buy me some candy." I just busted up laughing...and I was like you almost had me dude...

So to make a long story longer...it was not rare for Cody to have conversations with God...to which I am fully convinced that God used to talk to Cody...

Anyway, there we were...in the hospital for 40 days and 40 nights (no there was no floods) and Cody was extremely ill...For 12 days (no not apostles or disciples, just days) Cody was so sick that the doctors actually thought he may not survive...At that point he was in a lot of pain...he was very sick.... very skinny...and just plain sad? I don't really know how to explain it all...but I am positive you can relate...On the 12th day I looked at my son, who seemed more miserable to me than he had ever before in his short 3 & 1/2 years...and it dawned on me...I had been praying...I had been doing bible study over the phone...I had been singing praise and worship...but I had not (and I don't know why) really asked my son how he was or if he had been talking to Jesus...so I looked at my son that night and realized that I needed to ask him how he was...I did...and I asked him if he had been talking to Jesus...he said yes...and so I asked, as I always did, what did Jesus tell you...and he told me that Jesus told him to come home...I began to cry...and then I began to accept (as best as anyone can) that God's perfect plan might be to heal him through death...I looked at my child and I told him that if all of this was too much for him...if he was in too much pain...if he just couldn't do this anymore that he did not have to stay here for me...that if he needed to go home that I would be okay...that I would tell the whole world his story...that I would be okay...

The next day...he didn't look any different...he didn't even seem to feel any different...BUT...for the first time in 12 days he had no fever (which was 103.6 or higher for those 12 days)...for the first time in 12 days he was able to hold down his food...and the list of changes could go forever...what I believe with everything that I am is that night...my son made a choice...God gave him the chance to choose whether or not he wanted to live or die...he chose to live...he chose life...everything up until that moment was his lesson...everything since then has been mine...

I just wish for his sake I would learn faster...you see, before the relapse this story was way more important to me...while it is still important, I can't help but wonder what I missed the first time around...and I feel like if I would have gotten better the first time around maybe we would be going through this again...maybe he wouldn't be going through this again.

I continue to pray for the Lord's will and I constant in my quest for what His will...what He will use this for...what He is going to teach us...I am confident that He who began a good work in me will finish...

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Monday, October 14, 2002 at 01:33 PM (CDT)

When I was 3 years old I got sick with Leukemia.
I have been sick since then. I have to go to the doctor a lot where they poke me with needles in my leg and in my port. The doctors are trying to make me better and sometimes (most of the time) it hurts. At the doctor, they check my counts and give me spinal taps and bone marrows. I like when I get the sleepy medicine.
I have to go to the hospital a lot. It is fun because I get to play my play station all of the time. My teacher came to visit me and my family is there all of the time so I won�t be alone or scared as much. The hospital is also boring though, especially when you stay for a long time.
Mommy says that Leukemia is cancer of the blood. The bone marrow, is the factory where blood is made and mine does not work too well. In order to make my blood right, the doctors give me chemo and pretty soon I have to have radiation.

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----End of History----

Sunday, July 4, 2004 10:59 PM CDT

Okay...I have posted a ton of Archives on the Past Journal page...Please feel free to browse around in there...Ihave a few more to go but am too tired to do it tonight...

I hope you all had a really GREAT 4th of July...as soon as I get all of the old entries moved over here...I will begin regular updates on this page...

Thanks Again for your support...and Thanks for following us around!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sunday, July 4, 2004 10:41 PM CDT ARCHIVES BELOW:

Sunday, July 4, 2004 10:36 PM CDT ARCHIVES ARE BELOW:

Tuesday, April 8, 2003 8:03 PM CDT

THE NEW SITE IS UP AND RUNNING...I AM POSTING ALL CURRENT INFORMATION ON THE NEW SITE...PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO STOP BY AND CHECK IT OUT...IF YOU ARE COMING TO THIS SITE VIA OUR CARINGBRIDGE ADDRESS...PLEASE REDIRECT TO THE NEW SITE

WWW.FORCODY.ORG

THE SITE MIGRATION IS STILL IN PROGRESS SOME OF YOU MAY BE ROUTED HERE EVEN AFTER TYPING IN WWW.FORCODY.ORG...KEEPING TRYING THE NEW SITE IS AWESOME!!!

Tuesday, April 8, 2003

I was just wondering how many people are actually taking the time to check out the new site...if you are here and reading this, please stop by the guestbook and let us know what you think of the new site...

Anyway...

T + 98
B - 6

We arrived at the clinic a little after 8 this morning...things started off pretty crazy...all of the computers were down so basically the CHC staff were not able to do ANYTHING!

The nurse came in to get us and take us to Rainbow Day to start our meds...I had to inform her that we still needed to have all of his blood work drawn for his 100 day studies...

Anyway, after I told the nurse he needed his labs drawn still, we were sent back to the waiting room...we sat there for a while and then I went to track down another nurse...she said that we should go ahead and go down to Radiology for our Barium Swallow...Cody handled that like a champ...the stuff he has to swallow is so "nasty"

After the Barium Swallow we went back upstairs...we waited in the waiting room and then the nurse finally came and got us to draw Cody's blood...they took about 20 tubes which hold around 2cc and then a 30cc syringe full of blood...all of this blood will be sent off for various studies and and and...

Finally after ALL of that we were in our regular room in Rainbow Day...Cody's meds were started and Jenn came in to examine him...

After that Dr. K. came in to see him and she said he looks really good...I asked about when we might get to go home and she said if everything stays the same maybe in about a month! HOORAY!!!

Once we were done in Rainbow Day we headed down to the 3rd floor to meet with Dr. Treem the GI doctor...Cody is scheduled to have his next dilatation procedure on April 28th...the last time Dr. Treem did the procedure he did really well...he seemed to be able to swallow solids for a few weeks...we are excited and hopeful at the progress that Dr. Treem was able to make with just one procedure...now that he can focus on him we are very, very optimistic...

We got home at 5 something and now I am getting ready to go to bed early...

Until tomorrow...Thanks for checking in!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20

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Friday, April 4, 2003 3:26 PM CST

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS ON ITS WAY TO BEING ONLINE BY THE BEGINING OF NEXT WEEK...THROUGH OUT THE WEEKEND YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES LOGGING ONTO OUR WEBsite...THINGS SHOULD WORK FINE BY WEDENSDAY...IN THE MEANTIME KEEP CHECKING IN!!!

T + 94
B - 10

Can you belive it??? Cody is almost 7...

Today started off really rough...Cody was very sick...he was throwing everything up and he felt really bad...

We were already scheduled for clinic for labs, a check up and a CT Scan...so we got to there a little late because of our inability to move away from the toliet or the garabge can for long periods of time...

It would seem that he is experiencing some GVH...most likely from the reduction in steroids and the switch to oral meds...

I made a decision that I wanted them to put him on fluids for the weekend to make sure he stays hydrated and while we were in clinic we received a steroid boost and some fluids with potassium and magnesium...

He slept most of the time we were at the hospital and by the time we were done with fluids he had perked up and started feeling better...

We are going to keep a close eye on him this weekend and we will be dropping labs every day...I scheduled him a visit for Sunday jsut to be safe...

I will update next week on our new website :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

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Thursday, April 3, 2003 8:54 AM CST

T + 93
B - 11

Our days have been very lazy...there is not many transplant friendly things to do in Durham...so we spend most of our time at home...

Yesterday instead of going for a regular two hour drive around Durham...we drove to Emporia which is about half way between here and our house...we met Greg and Marina...we bought a pizza and went over to the Veteran's Memorial Park to enjoy our time together as a family...

I cannot even begin to explain to you how happy this made Cody...he and Marina played and talked...they walked around exploring the park and the moment...when it was time to go he told Marina he wished we could bring her with us...

He was so sincere and so cute...he slept all the way back to our apartment...

Dr. K. switched a few of our drugs from IV to oral on Tuesday but the pharmacy had to order the drugs for us...so when we got home last night we had our first experience with administering most of drugs via the g-tube instead via syringe pumps and 60/60 pumps...

WOW! What a difference...I didn't even know what to do with myself...he was IV free an hour after I hooked him up and got to sleep with only the g-tube hooked up to the continuous feeds...

He seems to be doing so well and we are all so relieved by the news we received on Tuesday...I just cannot tell you what a difference having that worry removed has made...

Things are great...it is a beautiful day and I bought some kites when Beth comes over we are leaving to go fly them...

Tomorrow is our new clinic day and hopefully it will be a really short one...we only need to drop labs and get looked at...that should not take too long...Right???

Anyway...I will update tomorrow...Thanks for checking in...Please sign the guestbook while you are here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at the days to come.
Proverbs 31:25

ATTENTION FRIENDS HERE IN DURHAM:
I HAVE CONTACTED CHUCK E. CHEESE IN REGARDS TO HOSTING A PBMT KIDS ONLY PARTY...THEY ARE RECEPTIVE BUT NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY ARE INTERESTED...PLEASE LET ME KNOW IFYOU THINK YOU MIGHT LIKE TO DO THIS...

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Tuesday, April 1, 2003 7:06 PM CST

T + 91
B - 13

We actually had a really good day at the clinic...

The pathology reports came back...the cells in the testicle were in fact leukemia...BUT...they were dead leukemia cells...meaning that the donor cells were doing their job even before the Oriectomy (testicle removal) Dr. K. knows her stuff...she started reducing his Cyclosporin immediately when the testicle began to present again...the graft vs. host worked! The graft killed the leukemia...PRAISE GOD FOR AN ANSWERED PRAYER!

The funny thing about this is that we are now left in a sort of dilemma...Cody is the first case of this kind...Dr. K. is not sure what to do with him...she informed me that in all of her years (and she is the expert in this field) she has only come across one other case which remotely similar to Cody...she will now start doing some additional research...she will contact some other experts and she will consult with the radiation expert to determine what our next course of action needs to be...if additional radiation is necessary...

Cody's Bone Marrow Aspirate from Friday came back ALL CLEAR!!! NO BLASTS! Hooray Again...PRAISE GOD FOR ONE MORE PRAYER ANSWERED!

BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE!!!

Dr. K. saw fit to switch Cody to oral Voriconizole and oral Cyclosporin, which is called Neoral...she took us off of TPN and we are 100% g-tube fed now!!!

He now only has to receive two meds via IV...his steroids, which were reduced another milligram and his Gancyclovir was switched to a once a day dose...He will still receive his Cytogam via IV in clinic...BUT...we will only have to go for this drug on Tuesday now instead of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday...

Our new clinic days will be Tuesday and Friday...We will go on Friday to drop labs and get looked at...Tuesdays will be doctor and medication day...

Cody is scheduled to begin his 100 day studies this next week...and Dr. K. has added an extra CT Scan just to be safe...since the Spinal Tap came back clear we still no explanation for the 19 hours of sleep per day...

Cody will also have his CVL removed next week and a new port put in...

What does all of this mean???

It means we are ONE GIGANTIC STEP closer to leaving Durham and going home...

This all so very encouraging...We are very excited about this news...

HOORAY! CODY...Way to go girl cells...kicking some leukemia butt!!!

YEAH GOD!!! PRAISE JESUS!!! Thanks for our miracle...

I will update again tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Then Jesus answered, "Woman you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Matthew 15:28

ATTENTION FRIENDS HERE IN DURHAM:
I HAVE CONTACTED CHUCK E. CHEESE IN REGARDS TO HOSTING A PBMT KIDS ONLY PARTY...THEY ARE RECEPTIVE BUT NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY ARE INTERESTED...PLEASE LET ME KNOW IFYOU THINK YOU MIGHT LIKE TO DO THIS...

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Tuesday, April 1, 2003 5:58 AM CST

T + 91
B - 13

We got to clinic this morning and we were the only patient Dr. K. had...we received all good reports and we got to go home within a half an hour.

Can you believe it?

Well don't!

APRIL FOOLS!

I will update later when we return from clinic :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Without a sense of humor, we would never make it through life.

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Monday, March 31, 2003 6:00 AM CST

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be moved. My salvation and my honor depend on my God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Selah!
Psalm 62:5-8

I have hope because my comfort and my strength are in and come from God alone.

I feel so blessed as I look down at my sleeping son...blessed that I have been called to walk this journey with him...blessed that the Lord chose ME to be his mom...blessed that I am willing and able to be next him through every single trial...blessed that there are doctors who have been given the gift of healing...

I reflect on all that we have been through during this journey...it has been difficult...so many times I have lost heart...so many times I have been angry...sad...confused...crazy...I have lost my cool...given up my witness...forgotten to depend on my God...I have lost my witness...I have acted inappropriate...I have been wrong...but alas, I am human...I am but a mother tasked with the awesome experience of raising a child with cancer...

Each day, I reflect on the events of that day...

Was I patient? Sometimes...
Was I tolerant of others? Sometimes...
Was I strong? Yes...
Was I weak? Yes...
Was I supportive? Usually...
Was I faithful? Most of the time...
Was I a good example of Jesus? Not as much as I would like to be...
Was I worldly? Yes.

Each night, I pray for the attributes of God...I pray for forgiveness...I pray for a very long list of families who are also dealing with the horrors of a sick child...I pray for mercy...for strength...for hope...for love...

Praise God! Praise His Mercy! Praise His Strength! Praise His Hope! Praise His Love! Praise Hid Forgiveness! He alone is my rock and my salvation...He is my fortress I will not be moved!!!

How could I do this alone? I could not! How could I make it without God? I could not! How could I be strong without His love? I could not! How could I make it through daily loss? I could not! How could I find hope in the work of man? I could not! How could I make it through this? I could not! How could I do this without faith in God? Without my Rock...my Refuge...my Strength...my Hope...my Love...How could I? Why would I?

Why would I want to??? Why would you want to???

God continues to call us to Him...with every trial...every obstacle...we are given another chance to find hope in Him...to find peace...to find salvation...

Today is the day that the Lord has made...I will rejoice and be glad in it!!!

Find comfort and salvation in and through Christ Jesus...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Saturday, March 29, 2003 3:35 PM CST

Well today has been pretty lazy around here for most of the house...

Cody continues to sleep for nearly 18 hours per day and I think Greg has decided to compete with him :)

We still do not have any results on the pathology reports (not that I expected to get them on a Saturday...but...)

Anyway...I got early this morning so that I could get together a list of how to's for my mom so she would know what to do for Riley...then I made a Riley grocery list...After all of that I packed up his diaper and suitcase...and then just spent as much time with him as he would allow until it was time to take them to the airport...their flight got off without a hitch and we came back home...

Greg went in to take a nap and I started playing a video game with Cody for a little while and then we joined Greg...they are still sleeping...

It has been crazy around here lately...so much stuff going on...

Our friend Travis remains in the PICU www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams on a ventilator

Another little boy I follow, Noah, is also in PICU www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah

Juan is PICU

Our friend Andrew was re-admitted to 5200 with high fever and vomiting...they have not been able to figure out what is wrong with him www.caringbridge.org/page/andrewshope

Brent is still on 5200 but they are hopeful that soon he will at their new apartment www.caringbridge.org/ga/brentr

And the list goes on...our friends at home are also having some concerns...

Our best little buddy Hunter is having some trouble with his different organ functions...this comes from being on high doses of steroids and chemo for a prolonged time www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter

Cody's best friend Trevor is having a whole lot of trouble holding on to his platelets www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

On the upside
Jordan is doing awesome www.caringbrdige.org/il/jordan

Jacob is doing well aside from some ankle pain www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

Tommy has 1% donor cells www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennetboys

Jillian L. is doing really well aside from some yucky allergies www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian

Jillian F. is out of the hospital www.caringbridge.org/oh/jill

Trey is getting settled in www.caringbridge.org/va/trey
and so is Nolan www.caringbridge.org/co/nolanramsey

Tucker is doing really great and he looks so good since they removed his spleen www.caringbridge.org/nc/tuckerhall

Sarah continues to recover and her dad wrote a very beautiful tribute to McKenzie's family in his last entry www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

Morgan is preparing for her trip to NY for the antibody treatment www.caringbridge.org/nc/morganbarnes where she will see our little friend Carl at the "Donald House" www.caringbridge.org/mn/carcar

Khalita is doing really well and she has really reached out to help out Andrew and his family www.caringbridge.org/nc/khalita

Carson is doing well...Tyler is doing well...Trey (Florida) is doing well..

Finally, I would like to send out some very special prayer requests for our friends who are still dealing every single day with the reality of loss

Alexandria's Family www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels
Brittney's Family www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney
Keshon's Family
Kyle's Family www.caringbridge.org/wa/kyle
McKenzie's Family www.caringbridge.org/nc.mckenziefay
Meghan's Family www.caringbridge.org/fl/megahansjourney
Mitch's Family www.mitchellkyle.com
Reese's Family www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup
Ryan's Family www.caringbridge.org/nc/ryan
Seth's Family www.caringbridge.org/fl/sethlovestrains

Please take a few minutes this weekend to stop by the sites you are called to...leave a word or two of encouragement...we all love to read the entries so very much...

And in your prayers tonight make sure you ask God for His will and healing for us all...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I heard but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all of this be?" He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand but those who are wise will understand.
Daniel 12:8-10

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Friday, March 28, 2003 5:23 PM CST

Well the lumbar puncture went well...Cody handled it like a real champ!

Cody, as usual, walked out of the procedure almost immediately...he really is so amazing...we should have the results from the spinal tap on Tuesday when we see Dr. K.

They STILL DO NOT HAVE back his pathology reports on the testicle that was removed a week and a half ago...

The CMV results did in fact come back negative so they discontinued his Foscarnet and have moved him to maintenance doses on a few others...HOORAY!!! One step forward!

While Cody was in his procedure, I walked over to the PICU to try and visit our friend Travis...unfortunately, they would not let him have any visitors when I arrived so I was only able to say a quick prayer from the waiting room...

Please take a few minutes to stop by his site and offer his family your prayers and support...Travis and his family are from Sunrise, FL

www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

All is well here...my husband arrived safely for his two day visit and we are going on a date so I have to go...

I will update again tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord -- and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;
Isaiah 11:2-3

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Thursday, March 27, 2003 7:17 PM CST

T + 86

Clinic was reallllllyyyyyyyyyyy looooooooooooooong today...we went late which was MY MISTAKE!

We ended up waiting nearly 6 hours for 2 hours worth of medications...

Anyway...it was fun to visit with all of our friends and then when we finally got back into a room we took a nap...well Cody did (I just watched him sleep for a while)

So the word is...

There is no word yet...

The pathology reports are still not in...so we have no answers to last Wednesday's procedure yet...I do know that Dr. K. has been personally calling the lab for two days now (of course, it hasn't helped yet)

The Negative CMV results from this past Tuesday are not in yet so we have no word on the rest of med changes...

On Tuesday when we saw Dr. K. she too expressed some concern over the fact that Cody was having regular headaches and sleeping nearly 18 hours per day...he is scheduled for a spinal tap tomorrow at 1300 hrs.

I am hopeful that we will have some more answers tomorrow...as I do not WAIT very well...

I will update tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things.
Ecclesiastes 11:5

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Thursday, March 27, 2003 4:35 AM CST

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:8

What is faith? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What is hope? Faith that the will of God will prevail.

What is fear? Lack of faith.

Here am I. Send me! I will not be afraid...I will not be consumed for You are with me. Aren't You?

My heart is full of faith...full of hope...

My mind is full of fear...

Is possible to do both? Is possible to have faith and hope, yet be fearful?

Without fear we would feel no need to rely on God. We would have no reason for hope. We would not know or understand how much His love abounds us. We would not cling to what is good. We would have no way of understanding that His grace is sufficient.

Throughout these past months I have had the opportunity to go before God in prayer...I have begged for faith...I have cried for answers...I have praised His miracles...I have been grateful...I have been angry...I have been ambivalent...I have felt alone...I have felt His presence...I have been fearful...I have been fearless...I have been everything and nothing ALL at once!

I am humble.

I know not what tomorrow holds...I only know that today He is worthy to be praised!

I only know that today we have been given a reprieve...

I only know that this morning, I was able to lay and watch my son sleep...peaceful...painless...beautiful.

I am his mother...I am human...I will never be able to do this on my own.

Praise God...I do not have to!

When I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" I said, "Here am I. Send me!" The Lord said, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and I will rescue you declares the Lord.

Be grateful for today...have faith...have hope...give up the fear...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will update later today upon our return from clinic to let everyone know if we have any results from the pathology reports...and any other news....

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Tuesday, March 25, 2003 6:58 AM CST

Tuesday, March 25, 2003 9:07 PM EST

Okay so clinic went well...we did not rush to get there this morning...I just did not have it in me to wait ALLLLLLLL day again...

We arrived promptly at 9:30 a.m. We waited to be weighed in for about a half an hour and after that we waited some more for our meds...

We finally had our meds going at about 11:45 a.m. which finished up at 1:35 p.m.

Once our meds were finished they quickly booted us out of our room and sent us back to the fish bowl so we could...(you guessed it) wait!!!

I was ready for the long haul but we were actually done fairly quick...Caryn got us into a procedure room (they were out of Exam rooms) did all of our preliminary stuff and then in came Dr. K.

I was hopeful that today would hold many more answers for us but alas we are again tasked with waiting...

The pathology reports from Cody's disected testicle are not in yet so we have no word as to what has been found there...

Cody has been experiencing regular headaches and he is sleeping nearly 18 hours per day...I was hopeful that Dr. K. would have some expert insight but she has none...she too is concerned about these "issues" so we are scheduling a spinal tap for later this week...

It is our goal to first eliminate the possibilities one by one starting with the biggest and worse case scenario first...

We are hopeful and we are in no way detered from our faith...although our path has been paved with potholes lately...we hol don to the absolute truth...

There is absolutely NO better way we could be walking into this relapse...we are 100% donor cells and we are producing our own cells...while Cody is awake he is feeling great and in excellent spirits...

Please keep us in prayer...

Below is my journal entry from earlier this morning...

_______________________________________

Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him if Baal is god, follow him." But the people said nothing. 1 Kings 18:21

Right now Cody and I are preparing to go for a long day at clinic...I wanted to take a few minutes to post something I sent to ABC World News...I will update later when we return home...

My husband is a proud member of the United States Navy...he has served for the past 10 years and plans to retire in 10 more...
As I sit here, I consider his deployment to the Persian Gulf and I am fearful, we have an infant son and another son battling Leukemia...do I want to lose my husband? NO!
But do I think that my husband should go to Iraq? You bet your butt I do!
Our family supports President Bush, our country and the action against Iraq...
Are we to sit back and watch as Saddam continues to defy every single sanction placed against his country by the UN...are we supposed to wait until Israel and the entire Arab world are under the control of a tyrant...are we supposed to wait and watch as weapons of mass destruction become a reality...NO!
We are blessed to live in the United States...we live in a country where citizens can protest and march in the streets, complaining about the fact that the US and coalition forces are at war with Iraq...
Maybe for a moment they should consider the alternative, they could be a citizen of Iraq, where instead of marching in protest...they would be in the war, marching in front of cowardly Iraqi forces being used as human shields...
Our troops risk their lives so that tens of thousands can say what they want about the occupation of Iraq! They risk their lives abroad so that our homeland will never again face the loss and devastation of September 11th.
It is NOT our goal to make Iraq a United States territory...but instead to allow Iraq to decide what kind of state the citizens there would like their state to be, without fear of death for opinions that differ from the leadership...
I am on the frontline...I am fighting the battle here as I watch and wait for word of where my husband may go next...I am the one that the protestor says should not have to deal with the loss of life...but I am willing! President Bush has spent much time waiting...hoping...praying...asking...even pleading for peace...for Iraqi's compliance with the UN...all to no avail...
Now is the time for our country to come together...it is not the time to divide and protest! By: Eleasha L. Hilliard

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Sunday, March 23, 2003 5:43 PM CST

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

When I read this passage, I could not help but ask myself...Are you really convinced? I have so many questions...so many doubts and fears...so many thoughts...

What is life? What is death? What is normal? What is this love that God has for us? Why are we here? Why do we suffer? Why do watch those around us grow sicker? Grow weary? And then die? When will it end? When will it be over? When will we finally be able to go home? Who is responsible for this pain? Who would cause such heartache? Who can endure these trials? This grief? Who should have? How come these things happen? How do we deal with daily loss? How do we make through tomorrow when today is so full of despair? How are we supposed to stay faithful?

I wonder if I am able to stand up under the trials of daily life...of living here in Durham...some days are just so difficult...I get angry...I get mad...I have doubt...I do not know if I am convinced of all that I should be...I do not know if my faith is as strong as it could be...I am not sure witness is as perfect as it would be...

I do know that I believe in Christ Jesus...I do know that as many times in a day that I may try to make sense of God's plan...or as often as I may think I have things ALL figured out...it continues to be beyond me...for His ways are not my ways...His plans are not my plans...

I have the overwhelming feeling that I am covered by His grace...His mercy abounds me...My life is in His hands...My family is His to maintain...I am what He has made me...

I do not know what the future holds...I cannot predict what tomorrow will look like...

Each day I awake with my life, I give thanks! Each day I awake to face another day in this battle called cancer and transplant, I give thanks! Each day I have my child to hold near me, I give thanks! Each day I can reach out to another and offer support, I give thanks! Each day I can break bread with my friends, I give thanks! Each day I can make a phone call to say I love you, I give thanks!

The first thing I do when I awake each day is look out the window...I give thanks for this day...I give thanks for the sun...I give thanks for the rain...I give thanks for love, for life and for happiness...but most of all I give thanks for you!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

P.S. Please don't forget to sign the guestbook...the entries really do mean so much!

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Saturday, March 22, 2003 2:24 PM CST

T + 81

Clinic went well today...Cody's counts are looking good...but it is just not the same around there without McKenzie...

It has been a rough couple of months here...there is so much hope and so much despair all at the same time...

My heart just aches and aches over all of the loss we have been subjected to...for each of the families that we have grown close to and then had to witness them go through more pain than any parent ever should...

I know in heaven with Jesus there is no pain...no suffering...no chemo...no machines...no more nothing...

However, I do not pretend to understand why things happen the way that they do...I do not even pretend to be able to explain what the greater plan might be...

I only know that there is nothing else I can do except reach out to the heart that aches...offer my shoulder...my support...and my prayers...

I am at a loss...once again my prayer was for healing here on earth...once again I wished for McKenzie to prove the statistics wrong...I prayed for complete healing but I was saddened by the answer to that prayer...I have faith...I have trust...I just wish I had the knowledge that only the Lord has...

Please see the photo tribute to McKenzie on the photo page...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call on My name, I said, 'Here I am, here am I.'
Isaiah 65:1

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Friday, March 21, 2003 3:52 PM CST

I updated earlier today...to read that entry to to the History section...

IT WAS A FEW MINUTES AGO THAT I READ THE NEWS...I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT...I DID NOT EVEN WANT TO BELIEVE IT...

I AM WRITING WITH SUCH A HEAVY HEART...THE TEARS ARE FLOWING DOWN MY FACE AND I CANNOT STOP THEM...

MIRACLE MCKENZIE HAS FINALLY EXPERIENCED THE MIRACLE THAT IS COMPLETE HEALING...

LATE THIS AFTERNOON...LITTLE MS. MCKENZIE FAY SCHOELNOB PASSED AWAY...

IT HAS BEEN A LONG AND HARD BATTLE.

SHE HAS BEEN A TROOPER, EVEN TO THE VERY END, SHE FOUGHT TO STAY HERE WITH US.

RICK AND CHRISTINA ARE A MESS...

I JUST LOVE THAT FAMILY SO MUCH...

THERE IS JUST SO MUCH HOPE AND SO MUCH LOSS ALL AT THE SAME TIME...

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FEEL...I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO HAVE ALL OF THESE EMOTIONS AT ONCE...I SO WISH FOR A TIME WHEN I CAN LOOK BACK AND SMILE AT THE GOOD MEMORIES BUT NO LONGER BE HAUNTED BY THE FEAR...MY HEART JUST ACHES AND ACHES...

I LOVE THAT LITTLE GIRL...

I AM SO SAD.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 1 Corinthians 14:15

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Friday, March 21, 2003 12:53 PM EST

T + 80
B - 24

Clinic went well yesterday...we weren't there for too long and we were able to get out and go pick up Paula from the airport...

Cody went to bed on Wednesday when we got home from surgery and stayed there all night and most of yesterday...he was pretty sore from the surgery but considering all they have done to him...

He is doing great!

Greg and I are going to go out tonight...I read on Tommy's site that the Goo Goo Dolls are here for a concert tonight...so I checked on ticket prices to see if we could afford to go (they are one of my favorite bands) Well it turns out that since it is war time we get a lot more military discounts than normal...We were able to buy one get one free ticket so they worked out to be very reasonable and we are going! I am so excited...we haven't been anywhere together in a very long time...

Paula is going to keep the boys while we go...Greg and I will get all of Cody's med administered before we leave and Riley will only need his regular stuff...

Yesterday during our time at clinic, I grabbed Carrie (Jordan's mom, www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan) and we walked over to the unit so that we could visit Travis, Jillian F. and McKenzie...

McKenzie looks good but her respirations are up to about 140 per minute...this makes it very difficult for her to breathe...she is really having a hard time of it and the doctors are out of options with her...I just love that little girl so much...I pray that the Lord will heal her soon...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

Jillian looked really good...she had surgery on Wednesday too to have a shunt placed in her head...she looked really good and was way more alert than we have seen her in a long time HOORAY!
www.caringbridge.org/oh/jill

Travis is having a rough time of it...he is such and awesome young man...so strong...a true fighter...he was very tired when we got there and I was sad to see him still so sick...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Please keep us and every one else here and across the country dealing with disease and sickness in your prayers...

I will update more tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard planted by water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water.
Ezekiel 19:10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 3:22 PM CST

We just got home from the hospital...and like everything else...Cody did great!

20 minutes after they moved him to the recovery area he was up, getting dressed and ready to go...Can you believe this kid...he walked out of the hospital...

He said that he is having some pain and he is tired but other than that...he is feeling good and he did great...

I just praise God for the strength that He has blessed our child with...Cody is such an amazing boy...he touches everyone who comes in contact with him...

While we were in the waiting room...we had the chance to hang out with a few other families...it was nice to be able to socialize...

If you have a moment to check in on them and leave a note that would great...today was difficult for us all but we got through it...

Noah www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah

Jillian F. mom www.caringbridge.org/oh/jill

Cameron L. family www.caringbridge.org/nc/cameronlaugh

Ellen brought Simon and Andrew to see us...they wanted to make sure that we were doing okay...it is a blessing to have people who care and take the time to make sure you know they care...Ellen is an amazing woman...Andrew has been through so much...he is the 2nd Sanfillipo child to undergo a transplant and he is the oldest...he is doing really well post transplant but he has been in so much pain that they were forced to come back here in an effort to have every day clinic visits to try and determine what the source of his pain is...Ellen has had to stay up with him crying in pain for more than 40 hours at a time...I am amazed at the tremendous amount of love and patience she is still able to muster up after having almost no sleep...taking care of your child, who is not able to tell you what hurts, watching helplessly as he suffers...the Lord has really surrounded her with a neat gift...I hope by spending some time with them...maybe some of it will rub off on me :)

Please add them to your prayer list...they are also in need of some specific donations...check out their website and see if you are willing or able to help...

www.caringbridge.org/page/andrewshope

Now...I know many of you have read mention in my journal entries of McKenzie...well I read in her journal last night that she has taken a turn for the worse...she has been re-admitted to 5200 and they were evaluating her last night to decide if they were moving her to PICU again...the doctors told her mother there is nothing else they can do for McKenzie, as she has already been through 3 transplants and has now been infected with every single post transplant virus there is...God has preformed many miracles for McKenzie...we have all loving started calling her Miracle McKenzie...well little Ms. Miracle can use your prayers now more than ever...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

Jacob got to go home last night...they were able to hydrate him and get his pain under control...his appetite has returned with a vengeance and his mom says he is doing good...they will be back in clinic with us next week YEAH!

www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

Our friend Travis remains on the unit and has recently developed some serious complications related to being on so many different meds for so long...he was on the unit when we got there and has still not bee released...please send him some much needed prayers also...

www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Finally are little buddy Trey is in the work up phase pre-transplant...he has been having a rough go of it the past few days with low counts and fevers...please say some extra prayers for him as he continues to work up for transplant

www.caringbridge.org/va/trey

Last but certainly not least...please pray for the rest of our friends here and through out the country and world who are dealing with disease and every day face the battle of their lives...there are so many more that could use your prayers and your support...so many are doing well...so many are waiting for news...so many...too many...

Paula will be here tomorrow evening...Cody is very excited...

We have clinic in the morning...I will update as soon as I can...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

But as for me, I watch and hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, March 18, 2003 7:01 PM CST

Well the word is Surgery...

Cody will go in to have his right testicle biopsy and removal tomorrow morning...we are scheduled to be at the hospital at 10:30 a.m. and his surgery will take place sometime around 12 p.m.

They have decided that we are not taking anymore chances...the testicle will be completely removed and the biopsy will be sent to pathology...the pathology reports will come back at the end of the week and if they are in fact positive for Leukemia, we will be on our way to radiation again...

Cody is excited about receiving sleepy medicine tomorrow...I, however, am not excited but instead I am relieved that we have some solid answers by the end of the week...the worst part about this whole thing is that suddenly we have all new later on variables that we were hopeful we would never have to consider again...

But, that's okay...

God knows exactly what He is doing (I wish He would fill us in a little faster...but...He has His own schedule)

Paula will be coming in on Thursday...Cody is so very excited...and I am too...he has been really wanting to see the rest of his family...everyday, he has asked for his grandmas, his brother, his sister, his dad...his friends...this is so hard sometimes.

I cannot reiterate how awesome you all have been supporting us and keeping us in your prayers...we truly appreciate the outpouring of love on our family...it means more than we can ever begin to explain...

Cody's clinic visit went really well...he has a new GVH rash...which is good because we want his cells to fight off the Leukemia...

They discontinued his Amlodipnie (Blood Pressure Meds)...they reduced his steroids and his Cyclosporin...in two weeks he will be off of TPN so long as his urine is cleared up sufficiently (he is still urinating blood)...

THIS AWESOME NEWS...THE FASTER WE GET OFF OF OUR IV MEDS THE SOONER WE GO HOME (they will not let us leave Durham on any IV meds)

Things are really going well aside from the relapse...

Our buddy Jacob was admitted back on 5200 last week...Jacob has been having a pretty tough time of it...check in on him and let him know he is in your prayers
www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

Also, please see our remembrance to Reese on the photo page if you have not already...you can also stop by and send your love and prayers to his family
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

I will update tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust--there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Lamentations 3:28-33

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, March 17, 2003 7:05 PM CST

Okay sorry I haven't updated but things have been kind of quiet...

We are in a waiting patern until tomorrow...we have a meeting scheduled with Dr. Wiener where we fully expect to be evaluated and scheduled for our biopsy later on this week...

Cody has been running a low grade fever which has peaked out at 101.3...we were supposed to be off from clinic Sunday and Monday but with this fever we have had to go in and get broad spectrum antibiotics both days...thank God our visits have been short...

Besides the fever the only other thing we have going on is a nice little rash...they have decided that it is a Graft Vs. Host rash...but it is a very strange looking rash...it looks like the measels...Dr. K. will evaluate it tomorrow...

Tomorrow will be extra long considering we have to see Dr. K. and Dr. Wiener...

I will update tomorrow as soon as we get home...

Cody feels great! Things are going well and we are still very optimistic about the outcome of this relpase...

Thanks for checking in on us and please keep us in your prayers along with the rest of our friends that are dealing with transplant and disease...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Our pain is relative to the love of our child and is not a denial of God's grace. God does not promise that His grace will remove pain but rather that we can go on no matter how bad the pain is.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to this pain away from me. But He said no to me, my grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in your weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, March 14, 2003 5:01 PM CST

T + 73

Well the Unofficial, Official word is RELAPSE!

Dr. K. checked him again today and confirmed that Cody's testicle is definitely enlarged and that he will require some other form of treatment in an effort to prevent him from having any "other" issues...

The reason I say it is the unofficial, official word is because until Cody is able to go through the actual testicular biopsy next week...we are going on an assumption...

NOW FOR THE NUTS AND BOLTS:

Cody will undergo a biopsy of his right testicle next week...the Doctor who will be performing the procedure has been out of town...he will return on Monday and Dr. K. has told us it is her desire to have Cody treated sooner than later so she will be pushing for his procedure to be done next week...we will have a definite date on Monday.

(a little funny: Cody is seeing an Urologist, a wiener doctor, his name is Dr. Wiener hehehehehehehehehehehehe)

During the actual biopsy procedure they will do a sample test to determine if there are Leukemia cells present...if the test results are positive, they will remove the testicle immediately...

After that, Cody will be evaluated and they will decide what room he has for additional radiation on and around his private area...he will undergo more radiation.

Dr. K. has already started decreasing his suppression drugs (i.e. Cyclosporin) so hopefully the continued reduction will help flare up a little bit of graft vs. host which will work as graft vs. leukemia.

PLEASE KNOW AND UNDERSTAND...

CODY IS DOING AWESOME!

We all are actually...We have extreme faith that this is just another hurdle that we will clear with little or no difficulties...Our faith is not swayed...this is actually more of an annoyance than anything else...

YES IT IS RELAPSE...BUT IT IS NOT A "HUGE" RELAPSE AND THE TREATMENT IS PROMISING!

Of course this news has difficult to hear but we are confident in the talents that the Lord has bestowed upon the doctors here and the Lord will heal Cody...

Cody goes into this relapse with 100% donor cells producing in his bone marrow...he is strong and feeling good...his testicle can most likely be isolated and the disease can be stopped there...we choose to believe that that is exactly what will happen...we will pray for this outcome...GOD IS AWESOME! HE IS FAITHFUL AND WILL ALWAYS GIVE US THE DESIRES OF OUR HEARTS ACCORDING TO HIS PERFECT PLAN...

We have faith and resolve in the fact that we WILL be leaving Durham with Cody alive, on his way to being healthy and ready to ride his dirt bike...

Please keep us in your prayers...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.
Habakkuk 2:1

___________________________________________________________
Mom's NIV Devotional Bible Excerpt

Praying and Waiting

There are so many ways in which God's actions or inactions make little sense to us. We ask Him for help, and He is silent. We trust in Him to provide and He withholds. But is God inconsistent, or is He simply running according to another time schedule, another set of priorities?

Habakkuk questions God's plan to use the pagan nation of Babylon to discipline the wayward Israel. He then settles in to wait for God's answer: "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will wait to see what He shall say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint" (Habakkuk 2:1). Like a guard who waits through his watch with his eyes peeled for a sign of movement, Habakkuk waited for God.

So MUST we. We must pray with a willingness to wait and wait with a willingness to pray. Waiting and praying go together. Like two shoes of a pair or two halves of a whole, they work as a team.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, March 13, 2003 11:52 AM CST

T + 72
B - 38

It is with a very sad heart that I am writing to inform everyone that our beautiful and precious little Cody baby is in relapse...

We had some suspicions that have been basically confirmed today...Dr. K. will have the final say during our time with her tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

The deal is this...

When Cody originally relapsed last August, he presented in his right testicle...a normal 6 year old testicle is approximately 1x1x1 in diameter...Cody's "infected" testicle was 5x3x2...HUGE! He loving called it his BIG BALL :)

After we started over with chemotherapy and then radiation...his testicle was reduced to its normal size...showing no further signs of leukemia...

Anyway...since the original relapse (I guess out of instinct now) I frequently check his testicles to make sure everything looks normal...I have had the opportunity to look at them even more lately because of all of the blood in his urine and him needing help going to the restroom...

I noticed while I was bathing him on Monday that the right testicle looked a little bigger...I am not a doctor but I checked it out the best that I could and I was concerned...

On Tuesday, I asked Jenn (Our Nurse Practioner) to take a look at him and then Dr. K. did too...Dr. K. also expressed that she thought it seemed to be bigger than she previously remembered...

We were scheduled to be checked again today by Jenn and then tomorrow by Dr. K.

Jenn and I both agree that the testicle today is larger than it was on Tuesday...it firm and warm, almost hot, to the touch...this is how it was previously...there is no tenderness (ultimately ruling out infection) Dr. K. will have the final say tomorrow...

We do have options...our outlook is not grim or even bleak it is actually very promising...

Cody will undergo surgery to remove the testicle where the leukemia is presenting...

His counts have been awesome...we already know that his bone marrow is producing and what he is producing are in fact donor cells...so after they remove the testicle they will reduce a lot of his suppression drugs in an effort to induce a good form of graft vs. host disease...which, if it works as planned, it will act as graft vs. leukemia...

Obviously we have many questions of our own right now...I do not have or know anything else right now...

I only know that the Lord is with...He is protecting us and giving us whatever strength we seem to have right now...

I don't know what else to say...

I will update tomorrow after our meeting with Dr. K.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name!
1 Chornicles 29:12b-13

Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my supplication in Your faithfulness answer me. Do not bring judgment upon your servant, for no one living is righteous. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those who have long been dead. So my spirit within me grows faint; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I mediate on Your works and consider what Your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. SELAH!
Answer me speedily, O Lord, My spirit fails! Do not hide your face from me lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for I lift up my soul to You. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may your good spirit lead me to level ground. For Your name's sake, O Lord, preserve my life; in righteousness bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy those who would oppress me, for I am Your servant. (Psalm 143)

In Jesus Name, Amen

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, March 11, 2003 6:54 PM CST

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE OUTPOURING OF LOVE I HAVE RECEIVED SINCE REESE'S PASSING...I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE SOME OF THE CREDITS THAT HAVE BEEN PLACED ON ME...UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO "BE THERE" FOR HIS FAMILY...ASIDE FROM A PHONE CALL AND MANY PRAYERS I HAVE NOT SEEN THEM SINCE SATURDAY BEFORE REESE PASSED...I WENT TO THE PICU AND SAW REESE BRIEFLY AND THEN SPENT SOME TIME TALKING TO HIS FAMILY BEFORE I RETURNED TO CODY IN THE CLINIC...I DO SO ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND FEEL THE PAIN OF THEIR LOSS...LAST NIGHT, SHAWN (REESE'S MOM) WAS SURROUNDED BY HER ENTIRE FAMILY, THEY WERE PACKING AND PREPARING TO RETURN HOME TO MT. AIRY, NC...I WISH I COULD HAVE DONE MORE...BEEN MORE...SAID MORE...PRAYED MORE...I WISH I COULD HAVE CHANGED THE PLAN...BUT I KNOW AND FIND COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT REESE IS AT PEACE...SHAWN WAS ABLE TO EXPRESS SO BEAUTIFULLY IN HER JOURNAL ENTRY LAST NIGHT...SHE SAID, "At 2:45 today, my sweet baby Reese was placed in my arms � finally free of tubes, wires, and machines � and he took his last sweet breath. He was surrounded by family and friends that loved him so much. He fought the best fight he could."

'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17a

REESE HAS BEEN RESTORED TO HEALTH...HIS WOUNDS HAVE BEEN HEALED...ALL OF THIS WHILE HANGING OUT IN THE ARMS OF JESUS...AMEN!
___________________________________________________________
T + 70 (days since transplant)
B - 34 (days until Cody's birthday)

WOW! What a day! We got to clinic at 8:15 a.m. and never left until 4:15 p.m.

Here is what we found out...

Today's Counts:

WBC = 18.3
RBC = 3.62
Hemoglobin = 11.4
Platelet = 148

ANC = 16104

Cody's counts are awesome!

Let's talk turkey...for all of you all out there who do not understand what these numbers mean...please...let me explain :)

WBC = white blood cells = little dudes that fight infection
RBC = red blood cells = little dudes that carry hemoglobin
Hemoglobin = little dudes that distribute oxygen
Platelets = little dudes that keep us from bleeding to death

ANC = the overall ability for his little white dudes to fight infections (common or otherwise)

To determine an ANC you take the number of bands (baby white blood cells) add it to the number of segs (teenager white blood cells) and multiple that percentage times the number of white blood cells:

For example:
Cody has 77 Segs + 11 Bands = 88

88% of 18.3 = 16.104 (everything is in 1000 so ANC = 16104)

Now some of you are already familiar with that lesson in science...others have just learned something new :)

Today we learned something new...

Bands and Segs tell us how well are white blood cells are producing...giving us our ANC and Absolute Neutrophil Count; i.e. the ability to fight infection!

Reticulocytes and Immature Reticulocyte Fractions determine the Reticulocyte Count (don't know how to figure it out, that will have to be next week's lesson)

Anyhow...Cody's Reticulocyte Count is 137.2 high normal is 80 so what this means is Cody has definitely started producing his very own red blood cells :)

HOORAY! Cody!

He has been producing his own platelets for several weeks now and his white blood cells are producing quite nicely with some help from lots of nifty little drugs...
This is VERY GOOD NEWS!

More GOOD NEWS:

Cody has officially been taken off of isolation...his CMV results are negative in the urine and from his other test, they have determined that he is good to be around others...

What that means is we can now officially be invited over! Who will have us first? :):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Some OK NEWS:

The reason that Cody has been having so much trouble with his legs...walking...and balance...was confirmed today...He has what is called Muscle Atrophy...

Muscle Atrophy means lack of muscle...

This is a side effect of long term steroid usage...this will get better once he is off of the steroids...which they reduced his dosage again today so soon he will be down to nothing :)

Now, Muscle Atrophy explains the leg pain and the walking...however, the balance issue is something different...

Cody has received truckloads of different medications throughout the past 3 and half years...one of his regular drugs has always been Vincristine (a simple leg poke) well a long term side effect of that drug is the loss of an ankle reflex which helps to control balance...the issues he has now with tripping and randomly falling down will get better but will never be 100%

The bright side: they did a complete neurological exam and were able to determine that his brain is functioning perfectly...so all of our issues are minor :)

Some SO-SO NEWS:

Cody's urine cultures for the BKV (polyoma virus) still have not grown anything...So you are thinking that's good, Right? Well no...the doctor is 98.9% sure that the blood in Cody's urine can be explained by BKV...however, with the urine cultures coming back nothing...that means we have to wait longer to see for 100% sure if BKV does in fact explain this "NEW" and Improved? urine color...It is very scary...at first we were describing it as urine with a slight tinge of blood...then by accident I said his blood had some urine in it, and it stuck (that's what it looks like) I guess it always good to find humor...even in the most inopportune places :)
He is having some more frequent pain with urination but nothing that requires additional medication at this point...
The bright side is: this virus is not contagious...so it does not keep us on isolation...and he is being treated for it with fluids...
Our prayer is that blood in the urine and some infrequent pain will be the only effects of the virus that we are forced to deal with.

Now there may be some bad news but I am not in the space right now to share it...as I have decided that if I don't think it then there is NO WAY it will be...we are scheduled for an extra visit to see Dr. K. on Friday...I will know more then...at that time I will update and offer you all more information...for now just know that we need your extra prayers for Cody during these next few days...

Overall...I would rate today a B-

Thanks for checking in on us...

Also, if you have minute...our little buddy Carl whom we adopted through the Adopt a Kid site received his transplant today...stop by and let his family know you are thinking of him:
www.caringbridge.org/mn/carcar

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done and light will shine on all of your ways.
Job 22:26-28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, March 11, 2003 6:54 PM CST

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE OUTPOURING OF LOVE I HAVE RECEIVED SINCE REESE'S PASSING...I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE SOME OF THE CREDITS THAT HAVE BEEN PLACED ON ME...UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO "BE THERE" FOR HIS FAMILY...ASIDE FROM A PHONE CALL AND MANY PRAYERS I HAVE NOT SEEN THEM SINCE SATURDAY BEFORE REESE PASSED...I WENT TO THE PICU AND SAW REESE BRIEFLY AND THEN SPENT SOME TIME TALKING TO HIS FAMILY BEFORE I RETURNED TO CODY IN THE CLINIC...I DO SO ABSOLUTELY LOVE AND FEEL THE PAIN OF THEIR LOSS...LAST NIGHT, SHAWN (REESE'S MOM) WAS SURROUNDED BY HER ENTIRE FAMILY, THEY WERE PACKING AND PREPARING TO RETURN HOME TO MT. AIRY, NC...I WISH I COULD HAVE DONE MORE...BEEN MORE...SAID MORE...PRAYED MORE...I WISH I COULD HAVE CHANGED THE PLAN...BUT I KNOW AND FIND COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT REESE IS AT PEACE...SHAWN WAS ABLE TO EXPRESS SO BEAUTIFULLY IN HER JOURNAL ENTRY LAST NIGHT...SHE SAID, "At 2:45 today, my sweet baby Reese was placed in my arms � finally free of tubes, wires, and machines � and he took his last sweet breath. He was surrounded by family and friends that loved him so much. He fought the best fight he could."

'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17a

REESE HAS BEEN RESTORED TO HEALTH...HIS WOUNDS HAVE BEEN HEALED...ALL OF THIS WHILE HANGING OUT IN THE ARMS OF JESUS...AMEN!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
T + 70 (days since transplant)
B - 34 (days until Cody's birthday)

WOW! What a day! We got to clinic at 8:15 a.m. and never left until 4:15 p.m.

Here is what we found out...

Today's Counts:

WBC = 18.3
RBC = 3.62
Hemoglobin = 11.4
Platelet = 148

ANC = 16104

Cody's counts are awesome!

Let's talk turkey...for all of you all out there who do not understand what these numbers mean...please...let me explain :)

WBC = white blood cells = little dudes that fight infection
RBC = red blood cells = little dudes that carry hemoglobin
Hemoglobin = little dudes that distribute oxygen
Platelets = little dudes that keep us from bleeding to death

ANC = the overall ability for his little white dudes to fight infections (common or otherwise)

To determine an ANC you take the number of bands (baby white blood cells) add it to the number of segs (teenager white blood cells) and multiple that percentage times the number of white blood cells:

For example:
Cody has 77 Segs + 11 Bands = 88

88% of 18.3 = 16.104 (everything is in 1000 so ANC = 16104)

Now some of you are already familiar with that lesson in science...others have just learned something new :)

Today we learned something new...

Bands and Segs tell us how well are white blood cells are producing...giving us our ANC and Absolute Neutrophil Count; i.e. the ability to fight infection!

Reticulocytes and Immature Reticulocyte Fractions determine the Reticulocyte Count (don't know how to figure it out, that will have to be next week's lesson)

Anyhow...Cody's Reticulocyte Count is 137.2 high normal is 80 so what this means is Cody has definitely started producing his very own red blood cells :)

HOORAY! Cody!

He has been producing his own platelets for several weeks now and his white blood cells are producing quite nicely with some help from lots of nifty little drugs...
This is VERY GOOD NEWS!

More GOOD NEWS:

Cody has officially been taken off of isolation...his CMV results are negative in the urine and from his other test, they have determined that he is good to be around others...

What that means is we can now officially be invited over! Who will have us first? :):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Some OK NEWS:

The reason that Cody has been having so much trouble with his legs...walking...and balance...was confirmed today...He has what is called Muscle Atrophy...

Muscle Atrophy means lack of muscle...

This is a side effect of long term steroid usage...this will get better once he is off of the steroids...which they reduced his dosage again today so soon he will be down to nothing :)

Now, Muscle Atrophy explains the leg pain and the walking...however, the balance issue is something different...

Cody has received truckloads of different medications throughout the past 3 and half years...one of his regular drugs has always been Vincristine (a simple leg poke) well a long term side effect of that drug is the loss of an ankle reflex which helps to control balance...the issues he has now with tripping and randomly falling down will get better but will never be 100%

The bright side: they did a complete neurological exam and were able to determine that his brain is functioning perfectly...so all of our issues are minor :)

Some SO-SO NEWS:

Cody's urine cultures for the BKV (polyoma virus) still have not grown anything...So you are thinking that's good, Right? Well no...the doctor is 98.9% sure that the blood in Cody's urine can be explained by BKV...however, with the urine cultures coming back nothing...that means we have to wait longer to see for 100% sure if BKV does in fact explain this "NEW" and Improved? urine color...It is very scary...at first we were describing it as urine with a slight tinge of blood...then by accident I said his blood had some urine in it, and it stuck (that's what it looks like) I guess it always good to find humor...even in the most inopportune places :)
He is having some more frequent pain with urination but nothing that requires additional medication at this point...
The bright side is: this virus is not contagious...so it does not keep us on isolation...and he is being treated for it with fluids...
Our prayer is that blood in the urine and some infrequent pain will be the only effects of the virus that we are forced to deal with.

Now there may be some bad news but I am not in the space right now to share it...as I have decided that if I don't think it then there is NO WAY it will be...we are scheduled for an extra visit to see Dr. K. on Friday...I will know more then...at that time I will update and offer you all more information...for now just know that we need your extra prayers for Cody during these next few days...

Overall...I would rate today a B-

Thanks for checking in on us...

Also, if you have minute...our little buddy Carl whom we adopted through the Adopt a Kid site received his transplant today...stop by and let his family know you are thinking of him:
www.caringbridge.org/mn/carcar

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done and light will shine on all of your ways.
Job 22:26-28

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Monday, March 10, 2003 6:06 PM CST

Throughout the past 4 months we have been so very blessed...

Blessed because we were given the chance at a new life...one that would include NO CHEMO...NO REGULAR MEDICATION...NO DAILY DOCTOR VISITS...NO MORE WORRYING ABOUT COUNTS...NO MORE CANCER!

A more "normal" life...a life that a 6 year old boy should be allowed to live...

HAPPY! FREE! WILD!

The road here has been anything but easy...but I have been reminded that the Lord is infinite in His wisdom and His mercy and love endure forever...He knows us inside and out...right down to every last hair on our head...He made us...formed us before we were ever placed into the wombs of our mothers...He knows...He sees...His plan is perfect...beyond the realm of our ability to understand...The Lord is faithful and just...He will never allow us to be burdened with more than what we can handle...

We have made many new friends a long the road to transplant...

In Durham...we have made some very special friends...our family, if you will...those kindred spirits who have been tasked with defeating the same obstacles as we are...

We have become so close to them all...
There is Jillian with her rocking smile and spunky personality...
There is Sarah with her beautiful voice and sparkling eyes...
There is McKenzie, the miracle girl who had truly defeated the odds while melting everyone's heart in the process...
There is Jacob who has more love and compassion than any other child I have ever known...
There is Baby Jordan...pure and sweet full of awesome smiles and fabulous grins...
There is Robert...and JD...
There is Big T and Brent...
There is Tommy who melts the whole world with one simple hi there...a hug and a kiss...
There is Travis the warrior with a heart made of gold...
There is Douglas and Cameron who light up the room with their laughter
There's Tucker and Carson and Trey and there's more...
Our lives have been touched by them all in some way...

We have been through our share of losses here too...
We have cried and prayed and cried and prayed and cried and prayed...We have found that sometimes the ONLY place to find comfort is in the arms of the Lord Himself...

We were heartbroken by the loss of Kyle...of Brittney...of Ryan...of Keshon...of Mitchell...

These were our children...our family...our friends...

Before we came here we were so naive to all of the loss and the pain...all of the disease...the hardship...

It was tears streaming down my face and the greatest sadness I have felt since I have come here that I am writing to tell you that the journey of our little friend and buddy Reese has today come to an end...

I cannot tell you how much Reese and his family meant to us...they were the first people we befriended here in DURHAM...they were our neighbors in the apartment complex and then on 5200...

This is by far the worst thing that could have happened for those of us who are left behind...stuck here to grieve the loss of such an awesome little solider of God...

I find peace and comfort in the knowledge that baby Reese is no longer in pain...he is perfect and healed in the arms of Jesus...

It was my constant prayer for the past several days that his healing would have been one that was witnessed here in the flesh on earth...

I do not pretend to understand the plan of God...I do not even want to pretend that I think it is perfect or that I want to do the right thing and just accept it...

I AM ANGRY! I AM SAD! I AM MAD! I FEEL SHAFTED! LIKE HOPE HAS SNATCHED AWAY! I FEEL LIKE THE ENEMY HAS SCORED A VICTORY HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO HAVE! I FEEL LIKE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! THIS ISN'T FAIR! WHY?

I feel all of these things right now...all at once...

I know that the Lord has a plan...I know that it is greater than my understanding...I know, I know, I know...I just wish this was a loss that wasn't lost...

I want to go home...I don't want to be here anymore...I do not want to see one more child suffer...one more child find healing through death...I have seen enough to last my whole entire life this past 4 months and I am all done.

I love you all...thanks for checking in on us...

I will have more information on Cody tomorrow...

Please take the time to stop by Reese's site and offer your prayers and condolences to his family...this would mean the world to me...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

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Sunday, March 9, 2003 11:16 AM CST

T + 68

The past few days have been extremely difficult for Cody seems fine...he is active for shorter periods of time but the blood output in his urine seems to have increased...they have added extra fluids to his TPN to keep him urinating constantly...he is filling nearly two urinals per night...

Although, we have been dealing with a lot here...I feel truly blessed...there are so many other things we could be facing right now...there are so many things that would be so much worse...

Our little buddy Reese continues to be sick...he has been through so much and now his family is dealing with the prospect of having to make some very difficult decisions...one that no parent should ever be forced to make...

In her journal entry today, Shawn posted the following:

______________________________________________________________________________
I don't know how to put this lightly - there isn't a way, really. Reese is taking steps into the wrong direction. Last night they started him on dialysis in hopes to get the fluid off. But, it's not working. The oscillator has been working overtime, too. They keep having to turn the settings up to keep his blood oxygen saturations up. Right now he's on 100% O2. They've tried epinephrine, dopamine, and so much more with no positive results. Our last ditch effort to save Reese is high dose steroids. Maybe this will decrease the inflammation. If we see no improvement within 24 hours we'll just have to make Reese comfortable, unplug the machines, and just hold him in our arms until God takes him to heaven.
______________________________________________________________________________

It is my request that anyone who stops here today would leave immediately and go offer your prayers and support to their family...the link to their site is listed at the bottom of the page or you can cut and paste this in your browser window

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Pray for the miracle of healing to come upon Reese and his entire family...that God's perfect plan would be revealed to them and that they would be forever blessed by what the Lord has in store for them...

My heart aches for their pain and I am praying for them around the clock...please join me...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

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Friday, March 7, 2003 4:01 PM CST

T + 66

WBC = 23.2

Yesterday must have been a fluke as far as his white blood cell count goes...

However, we got hit pretty hard on the other things...

After we got home last night...Cody started having to use the bathroom rather frequently...about every 15 minutes...besides the frequent urination he was also having frequent bowels about 7-10 in the course of last night through about noon time...

Now as we are dealing with this, there is no fever...no pain...nothing...so we are left to wonder...

I thought for sure that the labs we dropped off this morning were going to be awful...but we never received a call...no bad news...no news...I guess that is good news, right?

Well...

Cody went with me to drop off his labs...we made a few stops on our way back from clinic...three times Cody had to go to the bathroom...once I drove him up the hospital so he could go in there to pee...he is not allowed to go inside anywhere...so bathroom stops did prove to be difficult...

I decided that when we got home we would place a call in to Dr. K. for hopes that she would see fit to order a urinalysis for our visit tomorrow...now, here I am all the while thinking he probably has a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection...at least these were what I thought his symptoms were pointing to...frequent urination, etc...

I told Cody I needed to see everything he was putting out...urine, bowels, everything...well that didn't take long...as soon as we walked in the door he went directly to the restroom...there I was to discover that he had a very significant amount of blood in his urine...in addition, he is passing clots through his urethra...

OKAY...I AM OFFICIALLY FREAKED OUT!

I called Dr. K. immediately...of course we were told to go to clinic...which I had already started packing for before the call came back...we got there and they took two urine samples...

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst...Cody rated his bathroom going experiences as a 4...this means he is having some decent pain during urination...aside from the constant urge to have to go...

At the clinic they did not have real solid explanations for what is happening...it is there belief that Cody has something called the Polyomavirus...or BKV...this is a regular nuisance for transplant patients...

It is treatable...but like everything else can be very dangerous to for someone like Cody with little or no immune system...

We will not have any test results back for a couple of days...as we are tasked with waiting until something grows in his urine sample to know for sure what we are dealing with...

Cody is sleeping a lot...which is good I guess...maybe his body is trying to heal...

They have increased his fluids in his TPN to keep him going to the bathroom as often as possible...this will help keep the blood flushed through his system...

They have told us to expect some serious fluctuations in his counts over the next 3 weeks or so...including the necessity for more frequent transfusions...we will going to clinic every day for a while so they can closely monitor Cody and they have given the go ahead for the administration of pain meds if they are needed...

I am worried but I lean not on my own understanding...I am praying that Lord will wrap His ever so loving arms around my baby and the rest of our family as we face yet another small trial...I am confident that we have already found victory as we have our faith and trust in the Lord Himself...

My friend Chris is always really good at looking out for us...she loves to do research...I had her search for as much information on the BKV as she could find...below I have posted what she found...

This is scary...but with your prayers and His love...we will make it through...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him."
Lamentations 3:22-24

Description
The human polyomaviruses were first isolated in 1971. They are named BK and JC after the initials of the patients in which they were first discovered. The BK virus was isolated from the urine of a renal transplant patient who developed urethral stenosis postoperatively. The JC virus was isolated from the brain tissue of a patient with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). BKV and JCV share 70% homology at the level of nucleotide sequence. The two are not cross-reactive serologically and serologic tests for antibodies are able to distinguish between BKV and JCV.

Clinical Manifestations
BK viremia can be seen in patients with a wide variety of immunodeficiencies, but appears most frequently in renal and bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients. Immunosuppression leads to BKV reactivation and replication. When BKV replication is low the patient remains a symptomatic; however, higher levels of replication can cause significant uroepithelial cell lysis that results in hematuria. BK virus was observed to be associated with the development of hemorrhagic cystitis during BMT in early studies. Today, hemorrhagic cystitis is an important cause of morbidity and occasionally mortality in patients undergoing BMT. The clinical manifestations vary from microscopic hematuria to severe hemorrhage of the bladder leading to renal failure. The incidence varies from 7% to 68% of bone marrow transplants.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the BK virus has relied heavily on histological techniques. Recently, ViraCor has introduced a sensitive and quantitative PCR assay that can aid in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of BKV infection. The new assay: BKV ViActiveSM qPCR will open the door to a better understanding of BK virus.

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Thursday, March 6, 2003 5:32 PM EST

T + 65
B - 39

WBC = 8.4

Today was a really rough day for us...we arrived at the clinic at 8:30 a.m. and just got home at 5:15 p.m.

Cody's counts have dropped dramatically today...it has made for a very uneasy day...I guess the Nurse Practitioner could see on my face that I felt sick because after he told me Cody's counts he said he would go and "trend" them out...when he came back he brought the doctor...

Here is the deal...I will first explain the differences in his counts and then I will go back and fill you in on what the doctor had to say...

Cody's White Blood Cell count on Tuesday was 25.4 and today it was 8.4...he dropped 17 points in a day and a half...

His hemoglobin on Tuesday was 8.9 and today it was 7.2...he dropped 1.7 points...this a direct reflection on the red blood cells...

His platelet count on Tuesday was 139 and today was 90...he dropped 49 points...

Now let me start from the top...

Cody's White Blood Cells are where his disease began...in his bone marrow he was producing massive quantities of immature white blood cells...cells that were not good for anything at all...they took up all of the space in his bone marrow making it impossible for him to produce any other cells...no good white blood cells...no red blood cells...and no platelets...This in itself is Leukemia...

When Cody relapsed and the decision was made for him to have a transplant...they started him on some very aggressive chemotherapy along with high doses of total body radiation...all in an effort to kill off any existing cells that were made by Cody...this prepared him for transplant...

In order to receive the transplant Cody had to have his bone marrow wiped out...that way the new, transplanted cells would have some place to take up residency...

After he received his transplant they started him on a drug called GCSF (cell growth factor) this helps his body to produce the new engrafted cells faster than if he were left to do it on his own...

When the CMV virus came back positive they started him on two different drugs...Gancyclovir and Foscarnet...both of these drugs can affect the White Blood Cell count...

Cody has been on the Gancyclovir for 4 weeks and the Foscarnet for 2 and half...he has already experienced a dip in his white blood cell count from the administration of these drugs and was back on the rise...last Thursday his white blood cell count was 35.6...

The doctors made the decision then to cut his growth factor in half...this may not have been a good decision...but they do not know...

No one knows why Cody dropped the way he did in a little less than two days...

There are several factors...

One could be the Gancyclovir

Two could be the reduction in the GCSF

Three could be some type of virus or infection

Four could be that the CMV is taking its toll on his little body

Dr. K. was notified and responded immediately with some new instructions for us...

They decreased his Gancyclovir dosage by 40 percent...we are now required to drop blood work off every day so that they can watch and him and keep a close eye on the trend...

All of these things are being done to help his white blood cell count...

As for his hemoglobin or red blood cell count...he received a transfusion today over 3 hours...they always transfuse if the kids are below 8...this was a major punch in the gut for me as Cody had been doing so well...he has not required any type of transfusion for nearly a month...

They have no explanation for the drop in his red cells or platelets...they can only tell me that some ups and downs are normal...

Like I said they must have been able to see it all over my face that this was not "okay" with me because they kept re-explaining and then they would say things like some changes are okay...it is just a matter of adjusting things until they suite Cody's needs...BLAH...BLAH...BLAH...

My head was spinning...

My eyes will stay focused on the Lord...and my heart will stay pure in my faith that all things will work according to God's awesome plan...

Please keep us in prayer...as it is days like today that make us realize we are here for a reason...

Cody will get better in His time...and we are willing to wait for as long as it takes...

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I serve the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested...
Acts 20:19a

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Wednesday, March 5, 2003 12:51 AM CST

OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE CONTINUES TO STAY THE SAME WITH LITTLE IMPROVEMENT...HIS MOM HAS MADE THE FOLLOWING REQUEST:

At 7:00 tonight, say this prayer for Reese. If we all say the same prayer at the same time our voices will be louder in Heaven. Please pass this prayer to everyone you know. Even if they don�t normally pray � send it to them anyway. Reese needs this and so do I, so does everyone else. It would mean so much to me and it won�t take very long.

Father, You formed us in our mother's womb and established the number of our days before there was even one of them. You are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, and nothing escapes Your notice.

Jesus, You are the Great Physician, and there is nothing too difficult for you. So we bring Reese before you now, and ask that you would touch him with Your almighty power. Your word says that "You hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." Hear us now, as we cry out to you and answer us in this time of need.

Touch his body Lord, with the strength he needs to fight this pneumonia and heal his lungs so that he may recover quickly. Your Word declares that it's by your stripes that we are healed, so I take hold of that promise for Reese right now, and I proclaim your provision for his healing. Let Your peace overshadow him, and Your presence be his comfort at this time.

I pray in Jesus mighty name, Amen!

THIS FAMILY MEANS THE WORLD TO US AND I AM REQUESTING NOW THAT EVERYONE EVERYWHERE JOIN IN THIS PRAYER TONIGHT...

"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will bedone for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 18:19-20

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Tuesday, March 4, 2003 3:18 PM CST

T + 63
B - 41

WBC = 25.4

ANC = 22352

Well Cody just continues to rock and roll!

Our clinic visit went great! We were in there by 8:05 a.m. and on the road on our way home by 12:25 p.m.

The doctor says that Cody looks awesome and is doing GREAT!

Cody's CMV test from last week came back positive but the RLU's are significantly lower this time...the two drugs (Gancyclovir & Foscarnet) combined seem to be doing the trick...this is a relief...maybe soon we will be off of isolation and able to spend time with others :)

The clinic on Tuesdays is insane...since Dr. K. is our primary doctor we cannot leave on Tuesday until we have actually been seem by her personally...this would be fine if we were her only patients...in a perfect world that would be the case but not in our world...in our world...when you walk into clinic on Tuesday...you walk in expecting to be there from morning until night...it is insane...people are everywhere...IVs are beeping...kids are crying...adults are waiting...no one is "happy" to be there...this is made worse when you finish up all of your meds and what not and then wait for another 2 hours to see Dr. K. (remember I said you can't leave until she sees you personally)

Anyway...I realized today that I kind of like Tuesdays in clinic...I mean everyone we know and love here is there...on Tuesdays we see them all...

Today...

I spent half an hour talking to Sharon and Scott (Jacob's parents; www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob) We didn't talk about anything but we talked about everything...it was really great to have the interaction...

I saw Carrie and Patrick (Jordan's parents; www.caringbrdige.org/il/jordan) from across the room and I was able to smile and wave...

Cody and I stopped and spoke briefly with Laura (Jillian's mom; www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian)

We passed by and said hi to Alicia (Tommy's mom; www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennetboys)

We checked in on McKenzie, who looks great (www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay) and saw Rick (her dad) in the hall for about a second on his way back from the gift shop...

While Cody did school I ran over to the unit and stopped in to see Steve and Maria (Robert's parents; www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert) and Robert looks great...they are talking release soon :)

I headed over to the PICU and peeked in on Reese and then I spent sometime talking to Shawn and Doug (Reese's parents; www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup) plus Reese's grandparents...it was really nice to see them...Reese is getting some much needed rest on the Oscillator but is nowhere near "out of the woods" he still needs as many prayers as you can possible find in your heart to give him...

Clinic life on Tuesdays is filled with lots of visiting and we are so grateful for the chance to socialize...even if it is in clinic during the longest clinic visit day of the week :)

Being on isolation does really funny things to your perspective...

Things are going really well around here...

Thanks for checking in...

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," He said. "Don't be a afraid." When they looked up all they saw no one except Jesus.
Matthew 17:7-8

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Monday, March 3, 2003 9:16 PM CST

T + 62
B - 42

Today was a really nice family day...

We got up this morning and spent some time together...

It was a really beautiful day here in Durham...we have been doing our researching trying to figure out where we could go that would not be dangerous for Cody...

We had thought of going to the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway...but it was further away then we thought...

We ended up finding a state park only about 15 minutes form our apartment...it is on a river and it was really nice...

On the way to the park, we stopped and bought a baby backpack...which proved to be a very good investment...

We went hiking through the trails along the river and it was beautiful...I posted pictures on the photo page...we had a really good time but Cody quickly tired so we headed home...he went to bed at 7:30 p.m.

We have our clinic visit tomorrow...

PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE IN YOUR PRAYERS...THEY HAVE MOVED HIM TO THE PICU AND HE WAS ON THE VENT BUT HAS NOW BEEN MOVED TO THE OSCILLATOR...

REESE AND HIS FAMILY ARE SUCH AN AWESOME FAMILY...I AM REQUESTING THAT YOU ALL TAKE A MOMENT TO STOP BY THEIR SITE AND OFFER YOUR PRAYERS AND ENCOURAGEMENT...

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to check in on us everyday and thanks to all of you who have already dropped by to send love to Reese and his family...

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines."
1Samuel 7:8

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Sunday, March 2, 2003 8:20 AM CST

It is with such a heavy and sad heart that I am writing this entry, begging for your prayers for our little buddy Reese...

Reese is a very very very sick little boy...he was admitted back on 5200 a few weeks ago for pneumonia and other complications associated with transplant...being on medications...chemo and dealing with all of the other stuff that goes along with getting sick before you can get better...

Throughout the past week...Reese has progressively gotten worse...first requiring blow by oxygen...and then a BiPap machine (a full face mask blowing oxygen all of the time) It was hoped that the BiPap would give him the ability to keep his SATS up and rest so that his little body could recover from this awful pneumonia...

Unfortunately while he has not gotten any worse...he has also not gotten any better...he is in pain and he is very, very tired...

The doctors informed his mom this morning that the best thing to do was to put Reese in the PICU on a ventilator...the vent will breathe for Reese giving him some much needed rest...it is our prayer that this rest will offer him the opportunity to heal...

His mom has put calls in to their pastor requesting prayers...she has called for her husband to come and join her here...her sister and brother in-law are at the hospital with her and JESUS is cradling her and baby Reese as we speak...

I cannot tell you how difficult it is to see your child so sick and in pain...we have experienced some of our most difficult trials through this transplant with Cody...still I have no experience dealing with the pain or the fear that Reese and his family is experiencing at this moment...

I can only BEG that YOU will find it in your hearts to stop right now and pray...

Pray for baby Reese...pray for his healing and rest...pray that the Lord will place a hedge of protection around him, keeping the enemy at bay...

Pray for his mom and dad...pray that they will find comfort and strength in and through the Lord...pray that throughout this entire ordeal that the Lord will reveal His plan and that all things will be to the desires of heart...

Pray for his aunt and uncle...pray that they would know exactly how to be a pillar of strength for their family right now...pray that they to would find their strength in the Lord....

Pray for Reese's brother and grandma and all of the rest of his family as they walk through the darkness...pray that they will always see the light of the Lord...

This is not the life we prayed for here in Durham...it is not the life we ever dreamed of as a young families starting out...although we have embraced our trials so that triumph over them would be victory in Christ...we are still human...we are still scared...we rely on our own understanding and have much difficulty in believing in the Lord's plan...while we are faithful and in constant prayer during and through each step...we are still human...plagued with doubt and fear...

It would mean everything to me and the rest of our family if YOU would stop by and leave your words of hope and encouragement for Reese and his family...reading our guestbooks can really help us to realize that the Lord continues to be here...He continues to carry us...He continues to love us...never leaving us nor forsaking us...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Please distribute prayer requests to everyone you know...even those who would not normally pray...we ask that you would stop today and pray...

It is my heart to fast and pray continually over the next 2-3 days...I will make myself an instrument and pray that the Lord will hear my cry and that Reese and his family will find peace.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You.
Psalms 143:8-9

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Saturday, March 1, 2003 5:39 PM CST

T + 60
B - 44

WBC = 35.3

Our clinic visit today was painless...we were in and out in about 4 hours...

Cody's counts, levels and all other blood work look awesome...

His WBC is kind of high so they have finally decided to cut the Growth Factor (drugs that force the marrow to produce white blood cells) in half...

His Cyclosporine levels from Tuesday came back a little high so they reduced the rate of that drug also...

We seem to have a pretty good routine going on around here and we are all pretty content...

NOW IF WE COULD JUST FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK THE LAUNDRY INTO THAT ROUTINE LIFE WOULD BE A LOT EASIER!

From what we have heard the dinner at Cody's school went really well last night...again I can't even begin to express how grateful we are for the people at Shelton Park...

My mom and Glen are in Sarasota this weekend picking up donations for the ForCody Yard Sale coming up on March 15th and 16th...Our Aunt Jody donated several really neat things and really close family friend Drena reached out to her church, Calvary Chapel Sarasota, and they have been bringing donations to her all week...there is so much good stuff...my mom and Glen have to rent a U-Haul to bring it all back!

Now...about Riley...he has really started getting around...he is crawling...he is able to pull himself up on things and free stand for about a minute before he crashes over...this has proven to be a bit of a dilemma though...so far he has a bruise on his cheek...one in between his eyes...and two slightly black eyes (the left one is in the brow and the right one is underneath)...HE IS JUST SO FAST...AND SO TOTALLY FEARLESS! :) He finally cut that third tooth...hopefully now he will be a little less fussy for a day or two before the next one starts to come...WE CAN WISH...CAN'T WE?

Greg has started looking for orders to a Cruiser...soon he will have to go back to a ship...although we are not looking forward to the separation...we are looking forward to our departure from Durham.

Life is good...GOD IS AWESOME...We are happy!

OF COURSE WE WOULD BE EVEN HAPPIER IF YOU ALL WOULD TAKE A MINUTE TO SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK...WE REALLY LOVE READING THE ENTRIES...

Thanks for checking in...

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.
Isaiah 55:6

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Friday, February 28, 2003 9:08 AM CST

Just a quick update to let everyone know how awesome our newfound friends are in Virginia Beach...

Tonight Cody's school (that he had very little opportunity to attend) is hosting a spaghetti dinner in his honor. The proceeds from this event will benefit our family directly during our stay here in Durham...

In addition to this main event, the staff has been collecting Coins for Cody since October when our relapsed made it next to impossible for him to attend school on a regular bass and then ultimately led to the news that he would require a transplant...

We are truly blessed by the way that the Shelton Park community has absolutely wrapped their arms around us and embraced our family as though we have been part of the community for years...I can never express the gratitude I have for each and every person in our housing development...at the school...and in the PTA...

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Jessica Farrell...we are told that she has coordinated this entire event on our behalf and has really reached out to make sure that everything would come together and work...

Last night several volunteers came in and prepared the sauce...a special thank you to Francine, Mary, Tammy, Penny and Donna...I certainly wish we could be there to enjoy the pasta and participate in the festivities...we certainly miss you all so much...

I have been told that several things have been donated, although I do not know from exactly where...I very large thank you to those who have felt so compelled to participate in supporting our family...

Another thank you goes to Ms. Rheins and Ms. Hasher the Principal and Assistant Principal at Shelton Park who have made for all of these projects to be possible and come together...

I feel like I am receiving an OSCAR :)

Cody would like to say a special thank you to his teacher...whom he expressedly loves...and his classmates who have gone out of their way to stay in touch with him and make him feel missed and loved...

We have found our home in Virginia Beach...and we are so grateful...Praise God for the work that He does in and through others...

Thanks to everyone who has reached out to help us...who has said a prayer...sent a well wish...worked a fundraiser...donated finances and everything else...

Each and everyone of you have made it possible for us to be here...you have made it possible for us to go through this endeavor as a family and we are so grateful...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha & Greg

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down his friend can help him up...
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

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Thursday, February 27, 2003 2:59 PM CST

T + 58
B - 46

WBC = 31.5

Clinic went well today...we are only doing one med there now so we are actually in and out...

Cody's blood work looks awesome! He has definitely started producing his own platelets and he is maintaining his red blood cells and hemoglobin...we have not had to receive any red blood since 10Feb and no platelets since 7Feb...his platelets are just out of normal range (normal for all of us) and at this rate it will be just a matter of time before he is able to get on the dirt bike and ride :)

He has a pretty decent appetite...which is really good...he is not doing well enough to be off of TPN...but he is doing well...

Things are going really well...we praise God for our miracle...and we continue to walk the path...

HERE ARE SOME FRIENDS YOU CAN CHECK IN ON:

AIDAN http://caringbridge.org/wa/aidangoodwin/
CARL http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/carcar/
COLE http://www.caringbridge.org/co/cole/
COLBY http://www.caringbridge.org/pa/colby/
ELIJAH http://www.caringbridge.org/ia/elijahpoolman/
ERIC http://www.caringbridge.org/ia/ericfischer/
HUNTER http://caringbridge.org/va/hunter/
JACOB http://caringbridge.org/va/jacob/
JILLIAN http://caringbridge.org/fl/jillian/
JORDAN http://www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan/
LUCAS http://www.caringbridge.org/il/lucas/
MCKENZIE http://caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay/
MITCHELL http://caringbridge.org/nc/mitchellmartin
MJ http://caringbridge.org/ny/mjpurk/
MORGAN http://www.caringbridge.org/nc/morganbarnes
NOAH http://www.caringbridge.org/hi/noah/
REESE http://www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup/
ROBERT http://caringbridge.org/nc/robert/
RYAN http://www.caringbridge.org/ky/ryans.hope/
SARAH http://caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith/
SEAN http://www.caringbridge.org/europe/sean/
TARA http://www.caringbridge.org/mn/tara.bullerman/
TOMMY http://caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys/
TRAVIS http://caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams/
TREVOR http://caringbridge.org/va/trevorco/
TREY http://www.caringbridge.org/va/trey/

Believe it or not...this is only about half of my list of kids I check on just about every single day...I don't expect everyone to go to every single site...but maybe pick a couple of kids...stop by and say hi...it really does mean so much to know there are people out there who care...

Don't forget to stop by our guestbook while you are here...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all of their heart.
Jeremiah 24:7

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Tuesday, February 25, 2003 7:15 PM CST

T + 56 (Days Since Cody's Transplant)
B - 48 (Days Until Cody's Birthday)

WBC = 27.5
ANC = 24475

Today went great...

We started at 6:30 a.m. changing out lines and caps...drawing blood and administering meds...we were out of the house on the way to clinic by 8:00 a.m.

We arrived at 8:15 a.m.

Clinic went great!

Cody's CMV test results came back from last week with less RLU's...this hopefully means that soon he will be rid of that silly virus...

Next...we found out that the cultures that they drew last Thursday are still negative...and the cultures that they drew on the unit Saturday night are still negative too...they discontinued the Vancomycin...

He looks great and if everything stays the way it is...and he continues to progress this well we will be able to go home in by May :) The doctor gave us a definite yes for May 32nd! :) :) :) :) :)

We had school...saw Dr. K. and were on our way home by 1:30 p.m.

While we were at clinic we received a call from my mom...
GLEN PROPOSED! AND SHE SAID YES!
THAT IS SO COOL...WE ARE ALL SO HAPPY FOR THEM!

This evening...our close enough to be family friends Jason and Justin stopped by on their way from Florida to Virginia...Cody was very happy to see them especially Justin, as he just absolutely adores him...we were glad to see them too...we wish they could have stayed longer but Jason has to be back at work tomorrow...

PLEASE KEEP ON PRAYING FOR REESE...HE IS STILL IN THE SAME CONDITION...SUFFERING FROM SOME UPS AND DOWNS...HIS FAMILY COULD REALLY USE THE PRAYERS AND THE WELL WISHES!
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

ALSO, KEEP PRAYING FOR OUR BUDDY TREVOR...STOP BY AND LET HIM KNOW THAT HE IS COOL!
www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

I JUST GOT DONE DOING MY NIGHTLY CHECK UPS ON ALL OF OUR KIDS AND FOUND OUT THAT OUR FRIEND JACOB IS BACK ON 5200...HE IS VERY SICK AND NEEDS A LOT OF PRAYERS...PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM AND HIS ENTIRE FAMILY.
www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

FOR SOME GOOD NEWS...OUR LITTLE BUDDY HUNTER IS DOING GREAT! HE FINALLY HAS SOME DECENT COUNTS AND IS BACK TO BEING A REGULAR CASANOVA...HE GETS ALL OF THE WOMEN...GREG IS JEALOUS :) ANYWAY, HIS MOM SAID HE WAS ABLE TO MAKE HIS INTRODUCTION BACK INTO SOCIETY THIS PAST WEEKEND...HOORAY!
www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter

*******************LAST BUT NOT LEAST*********************

THERE IS A MAJOR BLOOD CRISIS...I CANNOT EXPRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR US ALL TO GIVE BLOOD...IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA THERE IS NO O POSITIVE BLOOD ANYWHERE...AROUND THE COUNTRY I KEEP READING STORY AFTER STORY ABOUT KIDS HAVING TO WAIT FOR DELIVERIES OR HAVING TO USE FROZEN BLOOD PRODUCTS...PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! CONSIDER DONATING BLOOD TODAY! IF YOU WORK IN A LARGE OFFICE...CONSIDER HOLDING A BLOOD DRIVE...IT TAKES LITTLE OR NO EFFORT...THIS IS SO IMPORTANT AND IT COULD SAVE A LIFE...IT COULD SAVE CODY'S LIFE.

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7

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Monday, February 24, 2003 10:04 AM CST

T + 55
B - 49

Well to be honest...I just did not feel like updating the web page yesterday :)

We spent the early part of our day in clinic yesterday...Cody got looked at...and then looked at again...and then he got some medicine and we were allowed to leave...about that time...tornado warnings were in affect...so we got to stay and wait...after about a half an hour the threat was gone and we were on our way back to the apartment...

Once we were home we took a nap :)

When we woke up we realized what a beautiful day it had turned out to be so we headed over to Duke Gardens were we played for about half an hour...it was windy so even though the temperature wasn't bad...Cody cannot be out with wind for too long...

When we got home from the park...Greg and I went to work on the house...we rearranged it so that it would be more conducive to my nursing needs...I am really happy with the way we have things set up now...

We sat down and ate dinner at the table last night...that was really great...

Today we are off...no clinic and no blood draws...we still have plenty of meds though...it feels as though half of our life is revolving around the administration of one drug or another...I am grateful though...so very grateful...I love doing it all and being out of the hospital...

We are looking forward to when we can go home to our own home and develop our life routine there...I have been very homesick lately...but as with everything else...I am sure this too shall pass...

I would like to ask everyone to take a minute to sign the guestbook and say hello to my husband...as he never ever complains about anything...seriously...he is so awesome he just does and does...I love him so much...anyway...he is feeling a little left out as most everyone who signs the guestbook directs their comments towards me or Cody...so don't forget Greg today when you sign :)

FINALLY...

YOUR PRAYERS ARE STILL NEEDED FOR OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE...STOP BY HIS SITE AND LET HIS FAMILY KNOW THAT THEY ARE IN YOUR PRAYERS...IT REALLY MEANS A LOT TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE PRAYING FOR YOUR CHILD
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

PRAY FOR TREVOR TO GET BETTER AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL SOON...STOP BY AND LET HIM KNOW THAT YOU ARE PRAYING FOR HIM TOO...
www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

For nothing is impossible with God.
Luke 1:37

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Saturday, February 22, 2003 10:52 PM CST

T + 53
B - 51

WBC = 25.2

Clinic went really good today...we left with the thoughts that we would be free from DUKE for all of Sunday and Monday...

MY HOW QUICKLY THINGS CAN CHANGE!

I am writing this entry from 5200...we are here because Cody's CVL had some white gunk all around it when I went to do his dressing change after his bath...

Dr. Loncart had us come in so he could draw cultures and take swabs of the site...they are administering a dose of Vancomycin and then we will be allowed to go home...

Tomorrow...our wonderfully planned lazy day...will be spent in clinic...but that's okay...it gives us more time to watch Cartoon Network...

As always the Lord carries us through the rough spots...we are in good spirits and glad that we can go home later on tonight...

Thanks to everyone who has been and continues to pray for Cody and the rest of us...I don't know what we would do without you.

ALSO...PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE IN YOUR PRAYERS, HE IS REALLY HAVING A ROUGH GO OF IT...PRAY THAT THE DOCTORS ARE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE BEST TREATMENT FOR HIM...PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL HEAL HIM AND HIS FAMILY...PRAY THAT HIS MOMMY SHAWN CAN HAVE GOD'S PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

CODY'S BEST FRIEND TREVOR GOT ADMITTED TO THE NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER LAST NIGHT TOO...HE IS NETRUPENIC AND HAS SPIKED A FEVER OF 103+ HE IS ON MAINTENANCE SO HAS NOT HAD TO STAY INPATIENT FOR QUITE A WHILE...PLEASE KEEP HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS TOO...
www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

Until Tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Friday, February 21, 2003 5:43 PM CST

T + 52
B - 52

WBC = 16.9

Clinic went better today...as always...we assess, adjust and move on :)

Cody was feeling a lot better today and did not suffer the same horrible affects that he had yesterday...so we are left to wonder...WHAT THE HECK MADE HIM SICK?

Anyway...we were in clinic today from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. another long day but not so bad as yesterday...

We are in good spirits...and all is calm on the home front

It is almost time to get all of our night meds ready so I am going to wrap up early...

I WOULD LIKE TO PUT OUT A VERY URGENT URGENT URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR OUR LITTLE BUDDY REESE...

REESE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A VIRAL PNEMONINA AND HAS BEEN BACK ON THE UNIT FOR LIKE A WEEK NOW...HE WILL BE THERE LONGER AND THE PICU TEAM HAS CONSULTED THEM IN CASE THE NEED TO MOVE HIM THERE ARISES...

HIS FAMILY COULD REALLY USE YOUR EXTRA PRAYERS AND WELL WISHES...PLEASE LOG ONTO THEIR SITE AND LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE PRAYING FOR THEM...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Until Tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7

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Thursday, February 20, 2003 8:26 PM EST

T + 51
B - 53

WBC = 13.4

See what I get for talking about how great things have been going...today was very difficult...

Cody and I got up at 7 a.m. to take care of 12 hour meds that were ending and beeping...we drew our labs...got ready and were out the door on our way to clinic by 7:50 a.m.

We arrived at the North Pavilion...dropped off labs...drove over to DUKE (where the media has the place surrounded, thanks to the organ transplant botch up) and found a place to park...

We checked into clinic at 8:30 a.m. and proceeded to wait until 9:20 a.m. before our meds came up from pharmacy and our day at the clinic officially began...

On a normal Thursday we should have been done and out of there by 2 p.m. at the latest...the very latest...well today that would not be the case...

We ran into one problem after another...

First...Cody's CMV test came back positive again this week with a higher ratio of RLU (relative light units = virus DNA)

This is bad because we have been treating him for two full weeks now with no results...so...they have added an additional med to treat it called Foscarnet...

The Foscarnet was to be administered over an hour and they started the med at 1:15 p.m.

Well just before 2:10 p.m. just after he finished his lunch (60cc of Pediasure down his tube) he pukes up all of that plus some Gatorade...at least he made it into the bucket...

Occasionally he gets sick from his tube feedings so we decided that this must be the case...even though he has been taking up to 75cc and not having any issues...

BUT...from there it got worse...he started with chills and then a fever that peaked at 101.8

Our idea of it being the tube feeding was officially ruled out...that would not make a fever or any of the new symptoms...

Now there is concern...the Nurse Practioner comes in...then the doctor...then one nurse...then two...now I am worried...

They decide to draw cultures off of all of his lines...to rule out a "bug"

And they gave him an antibiotic called Ciftriasone...this did not accomplish what they were looking for so they gave him an another antibiotic called Tobiamycin...

He was still holding on to a decent little fever...

AND now his blood pressure was sky high...175 over 97...so they went to work to fix that too with some blood pressure meds...

His temp finally started to come down at about 5:00 p.m.

They decided he needed an IV protein supplement...

Somewhere in the middle of this his tongue cultures came in positive for a yeast infection so that requires a whole new medicine called Voricanzole...they will start that in place of the Amphotericin

They explained all of that...and then said we could go home...

They decided that we would need to come into clinic tomorrow for our whole new mired of meds...

And there is some uncertainty as to what caused the reaction earlier...if it was caused by the Foscarnet...it is important that we are in clinic so that they can monitor him while he receives it and then make a decision where to go next...

We left clinic at 6:30 p.m. on stand by to go to the floor tonight if his temp goes back up at all...

We got home just in time to get all of his night meds ready and started...we sat down for dinner, as a family, at 7:55 p.m.

Once I have completed this update...I am off to bed...Greg will finish up the night meds and put Cody to bed with his continuous pumps...

Please pray for Cody...CMV is a very dangerous virus to have full blown...so far we are truly blessed that we are only hosting its DNA but at anytime it can present itself as a major problem...and a HUGE setback...the doctor said that I am rightfully concerned...in addition, all of the new meds that they are adding all hold new side effects of their own...all threaten to put stress on his vital organs and cause him other difficulties...

My faith remains in the fact that the Lord will heal my child and we will move past this trial and onto a brighter tomorrow...

We truly appreciate all who have stopped by and signed the guestbook...it really brigthens our day to have contact with the outside world...Cody and I sit together to read the entries at least twice a day :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested...
Acts 20:19a

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Wednesday, February 19, 2003 1:36 PM CST

THIS PRAYER REQUEST IS OF EXTEREME URGANCE!!!!!

We just found out that our buddy Jacob has relapsed...

Jacob had his transplant on the same day as Cody...

His family was told yesterday that Jacob had suffered a relapse in his Central Nervous System...his cells were 100% donor, however; the CNS works differently than the Bone Marrow...

Jacob and his family...Sharon (mom)...Scott (dad)...Jonathon (brother) all need your prayers...

HEAVENLY FATHER, PLEASE HEAL JACOB ONCE AND FOR ALL...ALLOW THIS FAMILY THE ABILITY TO WALK THROUGH THIS TRIAL AND LET THIS BE JUST ONE MORE VICTORY FOR CHRIST, THROUGH CHRIST, IN CHRIST! YOU ARE AWESOME! WE HAVE SEEN THE MIRACLES THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO WORK AND WE KNOW THAT THIS REQUEST IS NOT TO GREAT TO ASK. YOU ARE ABLE AND YOUR PLAN IS PERFECT. HEAL JACOB FATHER, SO THAT HE MAY NOT HAVE ANYMORE PAIN. HEAL JACOB SO THAT THE ENEMY WILL SEE THAT HE CANNOT MESS WITH WHAT BELONGS TO YOU. TAKE THIS FAMILY IN YOUR ARMS; WRAP A HEDGE OF PROTECTION AROUND JACOB. JONATHON, SHARON AND SCOTT...THAT THEY MAY FIND PEACE IN YOU AND THAT THEY WOULD FIND COMFORT IN YOUR WORD.
AMEN

Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
___________________________________________________________
T + 50
B - 54

So far Cody has done nothing but sleep away our day off from clinic :)

We got up early this morning to administer meds and change out lines...but after that we were back to sleep...he continues to sleep...

He has Sommolin Syndrome a.k.a. the Sleepy Syndrome...it is a normal side effect of radiation...which occurs like most of the other side effects from radiation about 6-8 weeks post procedure...so we are right on track...

We are truly blessed with the progress that Cody continues to make and I am so grateful to God for sparing us some of the trials that I see others are facing...

If you did not already do so...I would like to suggest again that you take a few minutes to stop by Alexandria's website to read the letter that her dad wrote to God about his beautiful little girl
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

Please continue to keep us all in your prayers...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to those who seek Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25-26

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Tuesday, February 18, 2003 6:18 PM CST

TAKE A MINUTE TODAY AND STOP BY ALEXANDRIA'S SITE...HER DAD WROTE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LETTER TO GOD THAT I HAVE EVER READ...
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

T + 49
B - 55

WBC = 11.1

Things went GREAT! at clinic today...Cody has officially moved on to the next phase...we now are only required to go to clinic on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday...

Dr. K also said that it looks as though he is creating his own platelets and he is holding on to his Red Blood Cells...this is great news...Cody has not had a platelet transfusion since 7Feb03 and he has not a blood transfusion since 10Feb03...keep up the prayers...because those cells are really starting to grow :)

Dr. K also said that we should not be surprised if we have to face a few medicine changes this week...it looks as though Cody is the host of a nice little yeast infection on his tongue...they swabbed that and sent it off to the lab to see if anything grows...if it does then he will switch from AMPHO to something else...

Besides that he is still throwing positives on the CMV tests...so if the test form yesterday comes back positive again tomorrow...then they will change his gangcyclovere to something else also...

His spirits are great and he has finally started to get an appetite back...praise God...

But he seems to be suffering from a side effect of the radiation called Somnia Syndrome (I'm not sure if that is the correct name but it is the opposite on Insomnia)...this just means he is very sleepy...this is normal...

He has also started loosing his finger nails...from the cuticles up...it would probably not be so bad if I could get him to stop picking...but that has proved to be impossible...

Our worries are so few though...I mean if this is the worst of it these days then PRAISE GOD FOR OUR MIRACLE!

I am still feeling yucky in my tummy...I have been hearing and reading of a nasty little virus going around here so I just pray that if I have it...then it can wait to really affect me until after Greg gets home tomorrow night...Pray for me that God would relieve this sickness and spare from its wrath, but if not that He would hold it off until after Greg comes home...AMEN!

Tomorrow will be our first day clinic free...we don't even have to run labs in since Cody is doing so well...We will be doing all of our medicine here at home...the travel nurse is going to come by in the morning to help with the new things that are usually done at clinic but other than that we do not HAVE to do anything until we drive to the airport at 9 p.m.

Things are going very well...please continue to pray for our miracle...and for Cody's progress...the Lord still has a lot of work to do with him...and with our entire family...

GREAT NEWS ON THE FUNDRAISING FRONT!

The P. Buckley Moss Raffle is coming along great...tickets are still available llbrantley1955@msn.com

The Great Spaghetti Dinner at Shelton Park is scheduled for 28Feb03...tickets are available by contacting the school 757-460-7577

The Yard Sale is now scheduled for 15Mar-16Mar in Fort Lauderdale to make donations or get involved sherrill_kinser@hotmail.com

The C.O.D.Y. cookbooks are still for sale phoffman@srob.com

And finally...Cody's book This Is Me Cody is available for $15.00 (printing costs $9.00 per copy) I have made up an order form for those interested in obtaining a copy for anyone who has already requested a copy...check your e-mail the form is there...for anyone else interested let me know...we are still working on trying to find a printer as this will hopefully reduce the cost of printing significantly...it is our desire to be able to sell the books for less...

Until Tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 11:19

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Monday, February 17, 2003 7:57 PM CST

T + 48
B - 56

WBC = 14.2

Things went well at the clinic today...driving to the Duke proved to be more difficult than being at clinic...

Cody's counts have improved all on their own...without any transfussions...his red blood cell count and hemoglobin were up (very small fractions but still up) his platelets went from 36 to 46 and his WBC went from 13.2 to 14.2 (he is still receiving growth factor for this)...I haven't seen a differential in a few days...they have them...I ask for them and that's as far as it goes...the differential gives us the ability to figure out his ANC, an ANC is the absolute neutrophil count (HIS ABILITY TO FIGHT INFECTION) I am not concerned with it though because with his WBC as high as it is...it signifies that his ANC is good...plus if he was in danger of being too low they would tell me that...

I mentioned earlier today that the news had been confirmed...our beautiful little friend in Missouri Alexandria did in fact pass away at 10:20 p.m. CST 16Feb03...PLEASE KEEP GRANT AND ALISON (HER PARENTS) AND THE REST OF HER FAMILY IN YOUR MOST PROMINENT PRAYERS THROUGH THEIR SEARCH FOR PEACE THAT CAN ONL YBE FOUND IN GOD...

Things are coming together well for the yard sale and many have started requesting copies of Cody's book...

Cody's book is really awesome...due to our personal finances, we are unable to produce large quanties of the book until we have received payment...the printing cost associated with the book are very high for single copies nearly $18.00 each...in quantity we can bring the cost down to $9.00...once we have received an ample amount of orders, we will place the order...the order will be ready in 2 days...we are requesting that anyone interested in ordering a copy of Cody's book...please send a note along with payment to our address listed below...the books will be ready in a few weeks and we will ship them out to anyone who has sent in payment...

On the other hand...if there is anyone out there who maybe able to help us with printing...we would love to hear from you...any print donation may be consider as a donation to the foundation there for making it a tax deductible donation...I am confident that an actual printer would be able to produce the book for a lot less...

The book is 15 pages long and it is really good...I was so impressed with Cody...he told me what to type and we drew together on the computer...after that he colored all of the pictures by himself...

Anyway...that is our news for today...

Please say an extra prayer for me tonight as I am feeling really bad...very sick to my stomach...Laura leaves in the morning and Greg does not return until Wednesday night...if I am sick...we are in a world of trouble...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man."
Matthew 16:23b

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Monday, February 17, 2003 7:27 AM CST

IT IS WITH A GREAT SADNESS THAT I AM ADDING THIS UPDATE TO A RATHER LIGHT HEARTED ENTRY...AT 10:20 P.M. 16FEB2003
ALEXANDRIA NICOLE HADDOCK 9 1/2 YEARS OLD EARNED HER BEAUTIFUL PINK TIPPED ANGEL WINGS...PLEASE PRAY FOR ALISON AND GRANT HER PARENTS AND THE REST OF HER FAMILY AS THEY SEEK OUT THE PEACE THAT ONLY GOD CAN OFFER!

Anyway...here is your laugh for the week...here I am, you Florida girl from way back...and ooooohhhhh...there is all kinds of snow...on the deck...on the steps...in the driveway...now, without Greg here...what the heck am I supposed to do with snow?

So I decide I am woman...hear me roar...I can do the manly jobs, RIGHT?...NO, WRONG!

I start off by bundling myself up in clothes that are loose enough to work in, yet warm enough to stay warm (good plan)

Anyway...I get out the front door and slowly and carefully) because yesterday Cody and I both almost ended up in the bushes) I hold on to the bottom side of the railing, which is not iced so that I can walk down the stairs to the sidewalk that is covered in snow...from there I make way over to the truck where first I cannot get the key in the hole...finally I get that accomplished...now I can't get the door open...I am pulling and pulling but it is frozen shut...finally one big pull and boom, I almost land on my butt :)

Now, I start the truck so that it can run for the next hour (hate to be cold while I am trying to drive, race car drivers need to be comfortable to offer optimal performance) Now I am onto my next task...

I decide that I am going to shovel the snow and throw down the ice salt...sounds easy enough...least that is what I think as I am pulling the shovel out of the shed...well, I don't guess I have ever shoveled snow...I AM FROM FLORIDA, YOU KNOW! So there I was...shoveling away when I realized...where the heck do I put it after I am done shoveling it???? I mean, if I throw it in the bushes they will die...I can put it in the driveway but the kind of defeats the purpose...so I decided to stop shoveling...I got the deck cleared and the sidewalk that leads to the driveway...the snow from the sidewalk is under the stairs and the other stuff is in the driveway out of our walking area????

Now I am ready to throw down the salt...well, I pick the bag up and it is open at the wrong end...so most of the salt is in one place, on top of my foot :P I attempt to kick it off but manage to fill it into my shoe :) after I get that problem corrected...I decide that I "good has been done here" and the rest can wait for Greg!

I updated last night...so make sure you read the past journal entries to know what is happening at the clinic...

PLEASE KEEP ALEXANDRIA IN YOUR PRAYERS...
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

I will update again tonight with today's adventure in the clinic...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

If we cannot laugh at ourselves...then tell me whom can we laugh at?

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Sunday, February 16, 2003 3:58 PM CST

*********************URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!!!!**************
PLEASE SAY ALL OF THE EXTRA PRAYERS THAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR HEART FOR ALEXANDRIA AND HER FAMILY...
In her journal from approximately 11 a.m. CST today...Alison her mom said that Alexandria's time here was coming to an end but that she continues to fight...Alison has been whispering to Alexandria all day that Mommy and Daddy love her but the Jesus and God love her too and that it is okay for her to let go...she has told her that there are no more hospitals...no more chemo...no more cancer and no more pain in heaven...my heart is heavy for them as they walk through the most difficult trial of their lives...PLEASE STOP BY THIER SITE AND OFFER YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

T + 47 (it has been 47 days since Cody received his transplant)
B - 57 (it is now 57 days until Cody's Birthday, he has requested that we start the count down)

WBC = 13.2

So our little trooper continues to get stronger...I cannot remember when he had to have blood or platelets...I mean I know it was sometime last week but I don't remember when...he had been receiving blood every 2-3 days and platelets every other day...this is a great milestone as it would appear that he has started holding on to his red blood cells and his platelets...HOORAY, CODY!

THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE OFF THE HOOK...WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WHO NEED BLOOD AND PLATELETS...LOOK IN THE PHONE BOOK AND FIND YOUR LOCAL RED CROSS AND GO GIVE BLOOD TODAY!!!!!!!!!

So anyway...our time at the clinic today was pretty short...only had to have our meds administered and Cody had to get looked at and then we were on our way...

The beginning of an ice storm rolled in last night so after clinic we stopped by the grocery store so I could run inside and pick up pre-fab fire logs (Cody cannot have real ones) and ice salt...the last time a big storm came here the electric went out for 8 days...so we figure better to be prepared then not to be...

Miss Ann and Rusty signed our guestbook and stated they did not think we had time for useless chit-chat...YOU ARE KIDDING ME RIGHT...WHEN WE ARE NOT IN CLINIC...ALL WE HAVE IS TIME FOR THINGS LIKE USELESS CHIT-CHAT...THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE THIS OKAY...this is why we have requested more more more guestbook enteries and e-mails (no forwards though unless they are really good) We feel special and loved when our friends drop by and say hi...it is a highlight...a sun spot in our snowy-rainy days here in NC...

Anyway, today...like every day...is a blessing and we are grateful to have it to celebrate the Lord!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 30:11-12

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Saturday, February 15, 2003 8:55 PM CST

*********URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR ALEXANDRIA*******
She was admitted to Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital yesterday with a terrible case of pneumonia

http://www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

T + 46

WBC= 13.7

Okay so I am wondering do you people have no love?

Is there no one out there that can stop by and sign the guestbook...Cody and I were very disappointed to come home from 6 hours of clinic and then get up from a nice long nap and find that not even one person has signed out guestbook today :(

ANYWAY...

Life is good...

We miss Greg and Riley...We are enjoying Laura

Everything is good...we are still going to clinic everyday...but it has been such a significant change to only have to go once a day...We are much happier and a lot of neglected things are actually being taken care of...we have been eating dinner at a decent time and we have been able to keep up the house and, and, and...

Please continue to pray for us...as we need your prayers as we continue along our journey...we have a long way to go...but the Lord continues to bless us each and every day along the way...

We received a package from Ann T. in Florida with a bunch of things that we get to go and distribute at the hospital...of course, with Cody on contact isolation for CMV we aren't able to go for a while yet...I know it will be in God's perfect timing though...Thanks to Ann for being so generous to us and to all of the other families here...also for continuing to hold such a great place in her heart for our family...Cody has a whole lot of fun with the things that Ann and Paul have sent...I know we have been slow to respond...please forgive us, it has been an adjustment switching from the hospital to the clinic...

Please keep in prayer the upcoming fundraising events and if you choose to participate and need more support you can contact the following:

P. Buckley Moss Signed Print Raffle llbrantley1955@msn.com
The Great Spaghetti Dinner at Shelton Park 757-460-7577
The ForCody Yard Sale sherrill_kinser@hotmail.com
The C.O.D.Y. cook books phoffman@srob.com
This Is Me Cody (a book by Cody) codman@cox.net

We are prayerful that these projects will yield the results that God has planned...we are confident in His ability to continue to provide for our needs...

Until Next Time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

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Friday, February 14, 2003 6:25 PM CST

T + 45

WBC = 17.9

Well today was really great...we were in and out of clinic in under 4 hours...we have a routine developing and we LIKE IT!

We have more time at home, which is great!

I posted information on the photo page regarding our upcoming fundraisers...we have another yard sale and Cody wrote a book...check them out!

GREAT GREAT GREAT NEWS! MCKENZIE WAS IN CLINIC TODAY...I was so excited to see her...I went in to talk to her for a few minutes...I just love that little girl...Anyway...I was in there talking to her and looking at her outfit and talking about Clifford when our nurse came in and yelled at me...Apparently I wasn't supposed to be in there because she is on contact isolation too...I thought it was for CMV...I asked Rick (her dad) if that's what it was...he thought so too...so with that I went in to talk to her...it was funny...when the nurse was giving me heck...I was like oh sorry...sooooorrrrrryyyyyyy...and then I looked at Rick and said...hey, you got me in trouble :) It was really kind of funny...

Keep her family in prayer though...as the enemy continues to attack them...after all of the work they have done to get McKenzie well enough to get out...they still can't be together...poor Christina (her mom) is stuck separated from her husband and her daughter because there is fear that the other children may be exposed to illness in school...

I told Rick to talk to Sharon (Jacob's mom) and find out what they worked out for Jonathon their other son...I just feel so bad...I know Christina has got to be going crazy...first she was really sick and now this...

Chris...we are praying for you...hang in their...you will be back with your baby soon :)

Anyway...for today, life is good :)

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Thursday, February 13, 2003 8:21 PM CST

T + 44
WBC = 18.9 (yes, it is down)
ANC =

Today was great!

We went to clinic this morning...Thursday is one of our long days so we were there until close to 3 p.m. Once we finished, we went home and got the house in order...

Instead of going back to clinic this evening...the travel nurse came over and thought me how to administer the night meds...HOORAY!

Cody is currently hooked up to 4 pumps...3 with meds 1 with TPN...we did great!

Now you say...why did Cody's WBC drop...well for the CMV he is receiving a drug called Gangcyclovere...this drug effects the WBC...he is still receiving growth factor (GCSF) in an effort to keep the WBC producing at higher quantities...eventually we will work him back to a normal range of 3.5-5.5...For transplant patients, normal is 10-15 at least for 6 months...maybe longer? They drew another CMV culture on Monday which came back positive again...this means we will probably have to stay in isolation even longer...we have to have 3 negatives before we can come out of isolation...as I have stated before though...there are some benefits to being on isolation...when you get to clinic there is no waiting in the Fish Bowl room...you go straight into a room and usually they get all of your stuff started right away :)

Cody wrote a book for his classmates...we are going to drop it in the mail tomorrow...and then I will probably have copies made that we will sell, with the proceeds benefiting the ForCody Foundation...it is an awesome book!

Reese was at clinic last night and they sent him to the floor...the last time I checked his site he was still there and had just finished a chest x-ray...You can follow his progress by logging onto
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

And apparently I am a big dork...I messed up when I posted Alexandria's web page address...I corrected it but for those who are interested in tracking her progress:
www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

Things are good...I will keep you updated as we progress...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple.
Isaiah 6:1b

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Tueday, February 11, 2003 12:08 AM EST

T + 42
WBC = 26.4
ANC = A Whole Lot :)

Well this day turned out to be our longest yet...

Clinic started at 8:30 a.m. but that's okay because I wasn't there...I was fast asleep in my little dreamland, thanks to my awesome husband...of course that all ended when Riley thought I should get up at 9:40 a.m.

So up I got...as if he was going to take no for an answer...anyway, I got him out of his bed and WOW! what a mess...I took him straight to the bath tub...he enjoyed his long bath, filled with lavender scented baby shampoo...we talked and played...soaking (he was literally) in our quality time together...

Mind you...quality time with that kid has to be fast and low these days...he just figured out how to crawl yesterday...so unless you have something he wants...he is gone...

Now back to Cody and Greg...Tuesday is our long day...but of course greg go off easy...you know if I went we would have been there all day and all night...but instead Greg was out there by 3 p.m. We reported back promptly at 5:15 p.m. where we proceeded to hurry up and wait :)

And wait...and wait...and wait...Our meds finished up at 8:10 p.m.

BUT...we had yet to see Dr. K

We finally left clinic at 9:35

That's okay though...because I had the chance to sit with Dr. K and go over his progress...he is doing very well by medical standards...but, as always...they are cautious...if things continue to go as well as they are right now...by next Tuesday we will only have to go to clinic Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings...They are finally going to give me more to do...HOORAY, ME!

Don't get me wrong...I do understand and actually agree with the reasons for all that we are having to do right now...I just wish they would allow us to be more involved...Honestly, I could care less if we spent every day at clinic so long as I had an active roll...this is my baby and I love him more than life...I feel so useless just administering TPN, g-tube meds and tube feeds...

God has so blessed me with this child and He continues to keep and make Him whole...I was created by Him to care for this child...I am lost without that responsibility...

Since my husbadn almost never reads this...

I figured I would take some time and tell you all what an awesome man he is (of course, if you tell him I said that I will deny it)...it just never ceases to amaze me how awesome the Lord is...He gave this man to me when I needed him most...Greg has just done so much for Cody and me...for our family...I don't know how we manged before he was here...he is genuine and true...he absolutely loves us...he does so much more than he has to...he helps around the house...he cares for Riley...he gives with no expectations of a thank you or anything else in return...and I want everyone, every where to know that I love him with everything I am...I appreciate him and I thank him for being all that he is...all that God created him to be...

Greg is taking Riley and going to visit MaMa and PaPa in New Mexico tomorrow for a week...that was the present I bought him for our anniversary...Praise God for airfare wars :)

Laura will be coming in from Florida to help me and to hang out with the CodMan...Laura was his very first babysitter and has stayed part of our lives every since then :)

Now for a special note for our family in Missouri...Cody and I have been making friends all over the country and we have been so blessed to come in contact with a family who lives just outside of St. Louis...their daughter was being treated at St. Louis Children's until yesterday when she was transferred to Cardinal Glennon...this family has had a really rough time of it and could use some extra support...we know you guys know and understand first hand how much it takes to go through all of this...we have all been through so much together with Cody...her webpage is as follows:

www.caringbridge.org/page/alexandriasangels

And for everyone else...please check in on Alexandria and keep her in your prayers...she is really fighting the good fight and the Lord is craddling her in His arms tonight and every night...

As for our other friends here at Duke...Jacob, JD, Sean, Tommy, Sarah, Jillian, Jordan, Cameron and Douglas ( I hope I didn't forget anyone) are all doing the clinic thing with us...

McKenzie is scheduled to get out on Thursday (yes, this Thursday) HOORAY! HOORAY! GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!

Tyler, Carson, Jaxon, Brent, Brittany, Jose, Juan, Travis, Robert, Lexia and the rest of the crew including our bud Trey from Florida are all working on transplanting, engrafting, getting better and getting out...

We can't wait for the day when the halls of 5200 are baron...of course, we will have to find work for our most awesome nurses...actually, I think I read somewhere that there was a nursing shortage so they can easily be placed elsewhere :) I bet they wouldn't mind if it meant we were all, all better :)

In Virginia...Trevor is doing great, as always...

Hunter is working on an expereiment to determine if there is such a thing as a negative number for blood counts...keep him prayer...he has had a rough go of it the past few weeks:
www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter

Oh and just to make sure you know...Mom, I love you...

Okay so aside from the reminder that EVERYONE REALLY, REALLY, REALLY NEEDS TO GIVE BLOOD (this is not a joke...there is a major crisis going on and most of us don't even know about it...I guess it is not news worthy enough)

Anyhow...I think that is it.

Until tomorrow (or later today...I guess)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say He is.
Amos 5:14

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Monday, February 10, 2003 11:33 PM CST

T + 41

WBC = 20.7
ANC = A Lot :)

Today was really a great day...Cody and I spent to two separate rounds at clinic together today for a total of just under 10 hours...but we had fun and we slept so all is well...He received his 20 million meds twice�plus we were the lucky recipients of blood and platelets today�

(start the music�you know the up on the soap box kind�and then read on)

SPEAKING OF BLOOD AND PLATELETS�THERE IS A MASSIVE BLOOD SHORTAGE THROUGH OUT THE UNITED STATES RIGHT NOW TODAY AS WE SPEAK! IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF TAKE THE 15 MINUTES AND GIVE BLOOD�YOUR BLOOD COULD BE THE PINT THAT SAVES CODY�S LIFE�OR MCKENZIE�S LIFE�OR JACOB�OR JORDAN�OR REESE�OR EVEN ME�WHAT IF YOU GAVE IT AND IT WAS USED TO SAVE YOU�WOULD YOU BETTER UNDERSTAND THEN? OUR KIDS GO THROUGH SOME WHERE BETWEEN 80-100 TRANSFUSSIONS OF BLOOD AND PLATELETS POST TRANSPLANT�AND ON MORE THAN ONE WEBSITE TODAY I READ THAT THEY WERE PULLING UP FROZEN BLOOD PRODUCT BECAUSE THEY WERE OUT OR THEY WERE WAITING FOR DELIVERIES FROM THE RED CROSS�THIS IS VERY SCARY�OUR KIDS CAN DIE BECAUSE THEIR BLOOD TYPE IS NOT AVAILABLE�WHAT IF THAT TYPE WAS YOURS? WHAT IF?

Okay�now that I am done with the give blood today speech�here is what�s going on�

Cody has been longing to see his friends from the floor and is having difficulty with the whole isolation thing as he wants so badly to be able to go around and say his hellos and pass out his smiles from behind his mask...I feel so sad for him sometimes when I can see him longing for something more...something "normal"...

As always when I feel this burden for my son I find a spot and I go to the Lord in prayer...I seek His face...His answers...His plan...and as always He is faithful...Cody shines his light that the Lord has so thoroughly drenched him around and onto all that he comes in contact with...He has begun decorating his masks...his favorite one seems to be the one that states loud and clear...JESUS RULES! Then the verse reference of Philippians 1:6...his life verse through these times that are so very trying for us all...

I am grateful that the Lord shows me that my refuge is in Him and that my strength is His alone...that victory over every trial means glory to Christ...He has fought and won the battle so that I may be lifted up from the pit...so that I may never have to carry more than I can bear...I confident in Christ...therefore, the enemy may never win here...

I cannot express enough gratitude and joy over how much Cody enjoyed being at the park with Jillian yesterday...he just ran and played and got to be 6...aside from the mask and the bald head...he was a normal kid out at the park on a day that the only thing God could have done different was turn the temperature setting up just a little :)

My husband and I celebrated a beautiful anniversary...one that really was not about the gifts but about the time we have together as a family...

While we were at clinic my husband cleaned up the kitchen and made me dinner...I walked in to a homemade candle lit dinner with some of our favorite songs playing and a full screen display of pictures of us set up on the computer facing our dinner...

Cody and Riley opted to watch Stuart Little 2, as our dinner plans were not of any interest to them...

Tomorrow is our long day at clinic...thank God for me Greg has the morning shift...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

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Sunday, February 9, 2003 4:26 PM EST

T + 40

WBC = 24.3
ANC = ?????

Today has been a good day...

We praise God for days like this one...the sun is shining and we are all happy...

I took a break from clinic this morning and Greg took my shift...the visit was uneventful...Cody received his meds and they came home....they were there for about 3 hours...

I think they must like me better than Greg...otherwise they wouldn't keep me there so long :) and let him go so fast...

This afternoon was great! We got permission from Dr. K and were able to join Jillian and her mom Laura at the park...it is a really nice park around the corner from the hospital...I posted pictures on the photo page...

Anyway...I am working on receipts and then it will be time to go back to the clinic so I will update again tomorrow...

Oh and by the way...tomorrow is Reese's mommy's birthday...make sure you log on and wish her a happy birthday...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

And someone needs to call my husband and help him figure out what to get for our anniversary tomorrow...if he doesn't come up with something...I am going to have to kick him to the curb :) :) :) :) :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Psalm 34:8

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Saturday, February 8, 2003 8:23 PM CST

T + 39

WBC = 18.0
ANC = ????

Things went really good today...we were at the clinic forever though...our long days are always going to be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday because Cody has to get 2 different medicines that cannot run at the same time and they both take 2 hours so it is a minimum of 4 hours right there...that's okay though...we get to catch up on some sleep while we are waiting for stuff to finish...

Once we were done...I went to Wal-Mart and picked up some new drawer storage containers so that we could get our medical supplies organized...Greg messed around with that while I went to the grocery store...

I concur with my good friend Amy...if I never eat fast food again it will be too soon...so we are all sitting down as a family for dinner tonight...

Here's a funny...we are eating at home together for the first time in like forever and guess we decided to have dinner...hamburgers! :)

Can you believe us?

I went ahead and started a beef stew for tomorrow night, I slow cook it over 15 hours...I think that is Greg's favorite thing I make...and it's the easiest, you just slop a bunch of stuff in a pot and forget about it until tomorrow :)

We have plans to try and go to the park tomorrow with Jillian and her mom...I still want to ask again and make sure if it is okay for them to be contacted isolated together outside with masks...but it is our plan for the moment...maybe we will go and stand across the lake from them or something if the doctor says no...then we could just wave and say we were all at the park together :)

Anyway, things are good...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13

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Friday, February 7, 2003 8:57 PM EST

T + 38

WBC= 11.7
ANC= ????

Today was a good day...

We are actually starting to get into a groove and develop a routine...I have morning visits and Greg has evenings...I know I have already explained that but it is really working well...

Clinic was actually kind of fun this morning...I sat in with Cody during his visit from the teacher and we were all playing around and having a lot of fun...he is doing so well with his reading and writing skills...he seems to be getting a really good handle on math too...we were learning sums today and we read a couple stories...the first one was about a dog that made stuff and the cat that ate it...and the second was about Alex and Maria on the seesaw :)

Cody is and will continue to be on contact isolation for CMV for about 2 more weeks...I think Jillian's mom explained it best, so I have decide to paraphrase from what she said...we have just very small trace amounts in our DNA...he does not have the "active virus" but they are treating him as a precaution as if he had the full blown virus...he will go through this treatment for 3 weeks and then should go back to his regular schedule (whatever regular is now)

I got to spend some time with Jacob's family while we were there this morning and it was really nice to see them...we all sat around talking for like 15-20 minutes (which is along time around here with everything going on) I really like his mom and dad and his older brother Jonathon...Jonathon is the greatest kid...Jacob is blessed to have a brother that genuinely knows, understands and cares for him...theirs is a really cool relationship...

We were at clinic from 8:43 a.m. (seems to be my magic time to get there) until 1:18 p.m.

They changed his TPN to include less magnesium as his levels were a little high today...they also reduced his cycosprolin a little bit because his levels came back high...

Greg and Cody got back to clinic at 5:05 p.m. and were out of there by 7:45 (I'm wondering if I picked the wrong shift)

Life on the outside as a family is worth all the work though...we are all thriving together and I am just grateful to sleep whenever I can in my own bed :)

Our prayers continue to be with so many others...please take the time to check out their websites and track their progress...Our new website will include a friends page and I have sent out e-mail requests to several families so far to request permission to post updates from their journal on our new website...so far we have all yeses...HOORAY! I am very excited about the new site and I am so looking forward to it launch here in the very near future...if you are willing to be added to our friends page...Please, Please, Please let me know...you can respond in the guestbook or via e-mail...

I am excited about the prospect of joining Jillian and her mom at the park on Sunday...of course, we have sort of invited ourselves and don't know if they be contact isolated together :) so we shall see...if not we are thinking of going to the park across th elake from where are staying...I will take pictures and post them no matter where we go...

Oh yeah...and a special note to Willie...as soon as we get home Cody says youcan have a go on that new dirt bike...if you know Cody, then you know that means he really, really likes you :)

Until tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

And everyone who call son the name of the Lord will be saved;
Joel 2:32a

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Thursday, February 6, 2003 8:13 PM EST

T + 37
WBC = 11.4
ANC = 9006

Well today was a lot better...

Once we got home and settled in last night, the antibiotics began doing their job and Cody's fever broke...

Greg and I had a long talk last night trying to figure out what our new routine would be...and as it stands, it looks as though I have morning duty at the clinic and Greg has evening duty...

I think this will work out really well as it gives us a chance to both be there with him and to also both have time to with Riley and at home...

Anyway...

At clinic this morning...I sat down for a good while talking to our primary Nurse Practitioner, Caryn...I calmly explained to her my frustrations and my concerns...it was good for me to have had the night to pray and get settled...

Caryn and I went over the projected road map and tentative schedule...which made me feel better, and then I had her explain CMV to me...

CMV is a virus that can cause pneumonia...most people have in their system all of the time but have the kind of immune system which is able to combat the virus leaving it basically "dormant" Transplant patients are susceptible to this virus in a heightened way because of their suppressed immune systems...the test that revealed the CMV is a super sensitive test that perform every Monday and then treat for if any levels of the virus show up at all...even the smallest trace amount...since the virus is contagious to other immune suppressed kids (mainly) so we are on contact isolation...

We were at clinic from 8:43 a.m. until 2:06 p.m. and then Greg took him back for second shift at 5:05 p.m. and they are still there...

I have to say that I am really grateful for all of you who took the time to sign the guestbook last night and send me e-mail...while my faith is now and forever in God, whom I know and trust will heal Cody and me both...I sometimes lose sight of the greater purpose and get caught up in the here and now...

The Lord is good though...as always, He provided me with the exactly what I need to read in scripture and then He had others give me exactly what I needed through guestbook entries and e-mail...thanks Jill for the pictures fo Trevor...I laughed for like 20 minutes :)

Cody is handling everything like the champ that he is...his light just always seem to shine and shine...we could all learn a few things from him...I am blessed to be here and experience him firsthand...I wish so much that we lived closer to the other half of his family and my family...I wish there some magical place that we could all station ourselves that he could be part of the every day life of us all...for now though...I just praise God that everyone gets to come often and that we are all together in spirit...

MORE PRAYERS PLEASE...

I had the chance to speak with Douglas' mom at clinic yesterday and she said that Dr. K. said that so long there is even trace amount of donor cells they will try everything possible to prevent Douglas from going through a second transplant...PLEASE PRAY THAT THE LORD GIVES DOUGLAS ALL THAT HE NEEDS AND THAT ULTIMATE HEALING OF TOUCH OF JESUS SHIENS UPON HIM!

Also...please take a few minutes to check in on our friends...as it has been a little to hectic for me to post all of my normal updates...I will get it together soon :)

www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco
www.carinbridge.org/va/hunter
www.caringbrdige.org/nc/mckenziefay
www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob
www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert
www.caringbrdige.org/il/jordan
www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers
www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup
www.caringbridge.org/nc/jdsadventures
www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams
www.caringbridge.org/nc/bigthorton
www.mitchellkyle.com
www.carinbridge.org/page/gooch
www.caringbridge.org/ny/mjpurk
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

I will update again tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you...
Ephesians 1:17-18a

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Wednesday, February 5, 2003 8:13 PM CST

T + 36
WBC=8.5
ANC=????

Today was a rough day...we started at 5:15 a.m. when the machine started beeping and wouldn't stop...

At 7:00 a.m. we were up and at 'em...IV's blaring and all...Cody started off the day right with a temperature of 102.7...and so off to the clinic we went...

We arrived at the clinic at 8:45 a.m. after dropping off our lab work and ended up staying there until 15 minutes ago...

We found out that Cody has CMV; a virus that attacks the blood and the lungs...so we were placed on contact isolation...the upside of isolation is, we never have to wait in the waiting room...the downside is that the virus, coupled with the fever has added about 4 more new drugs to our daily treatment routine...

They have determined that the only work I am "capable" of doing at home is TPN...this makes me very angry...they do not want me to do anything else...I am not supposed to draw labs...administer antibiotics or anything else...I feel as though they do not believe I am capable of caring for my own child...caring for him in a way, mind you, that I have been for nearly 4 years now...

Of course they tell me that these are normal precautions that they are taking because they do not know what is causing his fevers and all that...I just feel so helpless...

Anyway...

Overall, I was thoroughly disappointed with the way this day came to a close...I take issue with some of the things that are changing and re-arranging...but mostly I take issue with the lack of communication I have experienced here...I feel completely left out of the loop, useless and incompetent...

The enemy continues to attack me and with the lack of sleep and 12.5 hour day in clinic...I finally had enough and let Dr. K. know of my "displeasure"

By the time we checked out of clinic I was in tears...which does not happen very often...I guess that the bottom line is I just wish we could go home...I really want to be back where I am comfortable...my hopes and prayers are obviously not what God has planned for us right now...I am trying to accept this but as always...I am failing miserably trying to do this on my own...

I realize I am in desperate need of some time with God so I am going to wrap up here so I can go spend some time in His word...seeking out His answers through prayer and supplication, before I lose my witness any worse...

We are home but we only get to stay here if the fevers stay at bay...so we keep track...and we pray...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant to judgment, for no one living is righteous before You. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within is dismayed.
Psalm 143:1-4

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Tueday, February 4, 2003 7:33 PM EST

T + 35
WBC = 11.3 (yesterday must have been a fluke)
ANC = ????

Today has in fact been our day...after 39 days in the hospital we have been released...it is with great pleasure that I write this entry from home...HOORAY!

Cody just loved the whole confetti thing...I think almost everyone came out to bid us farewell...and even though we will miss the people, our awesome extended family...we were glad to get out of there...

So now, on to the next phase...this is the phase I am very comfortable with...lots of home meds and twice daily visits to the clinic...waiting at the clinic is one of my least favorite things to do but so long as we go in believing we will be there ALL day...if we get out earlier, then hey BONUS!

Packing our room proved to be a much bigger task than we had anticipate...poor Greg had to make four trips down to the truck...

When we got home...we were greeted by the home health RN who proceed in teaching us how to utilize the new pumps and BLAH...BLAH...BLAH...but we listened and practiced playing with all of the neat new toys Cody has attached to him...

The Lord is so good...He continues to bless everyday...as the next chapter of our life begins...we walk into with arms wide open...

Talk to you again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me...
Habakkuk 2:1a

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Monday, February 3, 2003 9:42 PM CST

WBC = 6.7 down 2.0 (but that is okay)
ANC = 6013

Another awesome day with gift from God...

Cody is so cool...his heart is just one that has been sent here to give all of the glory to Jesus...I cannot begin to describe the feeling I have as I watch this child give of and from himself to help the other children here on the floor...he is so genuine...and true...he is beautiful...the Lord has really begun a good work in him...I am confident of this...

We went out for a 4 hour pass today but did not get released (obviously) they say maybe tomorrow...but, we have decided until we actually have discharge papers in hand...we aren't going to believe them :) :) :)

I am inspired but some of the feed back that you all sent regarding my entry from yesterday...Cody and I have started talking about what we are going to do...I think we may have little business sized cards made up with the journal entry from yesterday printed on them...we already draw smiley faces on his masks but I like the idea of writing praises to God...so I think we will switch...

So even though we haven't been released our hearts are happy and we are fairing well...maybe tomorrow will be our day?

WE HAVE AN URGENT PRAYER REQUEST...

The results of Douglas' test today revealed that he has re-grown his own cells...meaning his family will undergo a 2nd transplant with him...this is so heart wrenching...as a family they have already been through so much...both of their children are diagnosed with Sanfillipo (MPS) and both have just recently been released from 5200...please lift their family up in prayer as much as possible over the next couple of weeks...we know for a fact that prayer works much better than statistics or medicine...so please PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! You may leave your thoughts for them directly by signing their guestbook at:

www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

Finally, the donation link for the ForCody Foundation has been on the fritz...they have changed servers and are having some problems getting everything switched over and working right...this problem should be resolved in the very near future...you can keep trying the link in an effort to make donations or you can always send them via snail mail...no matter what you may choose to do...know and understand that all your donations are greatly needed and extremely appreciated...as with ALL things before making a donation to the ForCody Foundation...seek first the kingdom of God...the Lord will lead you toward His plan...I continue to reiterate that monetary donations are needed and necessary...BUT this is not the only need...first and foremost we need and want your prayers...we need mail (both kinds) contact with the outside world is an awesome commodity around here...we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE guestbook entries (even short ones)...occasional phone calls...bible study material...lesson tapes from church services...music...

Our new and improved website should be completed, up and running soon...I am so very excited about the work that Amie has done for us...I cannot wait for the new site to come online as it will meet the current and future plans of the foundation in such an awesome way...the Lord is so awesome...everyday He continues to bless us...we are grateful...

Thanks for checking in on us...don't forget to sign the guestbook...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12

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Sunday, February 2, 2003 5:11 PM CST

WBC 8.7
ANC ????

My beautiful son...so absolutely brave and strong...

I noticed today as we left the ward on our 3 hour pass that so many people...by-standers...passer bys...stop and take notice of the poor little boy with the mask covering his face...They turn their eyes upon my beautiful child with a look of sadness...in their worldly ways...they feel sorry for us...I know this even though it is unsaid because...they will always first glance down at my baby and then at me with a look of extreme pity...

Would they have noticed him if he were "normal"? Would they have given us a second look? I tell you...NO!

I wish there was a way to say (in a nice way) please do not pity us, for we are blessed beyond this world...we have had our shares of trials...of heartache...we have been through the ringer and back again...we have looked into the face of death...we have seen the enemy...and through prayer and supplication...we have been delivered...the Lord has wrapped his love around us and carried us through every hardship...for our sufferings have not been in vain but in and through Christ...that victory over those ties that have been sent to bind us would be glory to Him...

We do not need pity...for we are surrounded by His grace...His mercy has saved us...by His stripes my beautiful child has been healed...this child that those around us would feel sorry for has been given life...twice...in Christ...

I am grateful we are alive in Christ...our bounty come from Him.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles. An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed
how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the
strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the
judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over
your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine
through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

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Saturday, February 1, 2003 7:51 AM CST

Well...can you believe it is the first of February already...

T + 32

WBC = 7.8
ANC = ?

Things are going pretty good...we had a good night...and he is tolerating his new feeds okay...which is a good sign...

We are still working towards being released on Monday.

Cody is a featured child on Make A child Smile.Org this month...check out the site...www.makeachildsmile.org...I have also placed the link at the bottom of the page...

Now for the other kids on the ward...Cody handmade a card for each and every kid here yesterday and then hand delivered them...it was so cute :)

Anyway...

Carson is doing really well...he is up and walking around
Brittany B. back in for complications of some sort she was released just before we were admitted...
McKenzie is doing better but has been placed in contact isolation due to the EBV (virus) she has...www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay
Jose is doing well
Jacob is doing great! He is scheduled to go out on his first pass on Monday. www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob
Robert is doing a lot better...he turned 10 on Thursday. www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert
Sean is doing well with transplant number 2
Tyler is doing okay...just had his transplant last week. www.caringbridge.org/nc/bigthorton
Jaxon had his transplant yesterday...he is so cute
Tommy is doing well...he has been up and playing everyday in the playroom www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys
Lexia looks awesome...she came out of her room yesterday for the first time and spent some time decorating and playing cards
Brent was just admitted yesterday...he is a funny guy
JD is coming along great...he went on his first pass yesterday. www.caringbridge.org/nc/jdsadventures
Juan is doing good...growing cells
Travis is doing awesome as always...he is such a cool kid. www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Now for those who have been released...
Jillian is doing great! She just amazes me. www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
Sarah and her mom are adjusting to their new outpatient lifestyle. www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith
Cameron went home the other day to join Douglas, his brother, and the rest of his family in the world off 5200. www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers
Jordan continues to amaze us all. www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
Reese is doing well, having some issues with hsi little lungs though so keep him in prayer. www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup
Cameron L. hasn't been back so a I assume he is doing well and the same goes for Rashaun...
Kyle F. is doing great. www.mitchellkyle.com

Please say an extra prayer for those families who are still dealing with the devastation of loss...
Mitchell F. 1-18-03 www.mitchellkyle.com
Kyle C. 12-23-02 www.caringbridge.org/wa/kyle
Ryan K. 1-3-03 www.caringbridge.org/nc/ryan
Keshon 1-5-03 www.caringbridge.org/sc/keshon
Brittney 12-30-02 www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send Me!"
Isaiah 6:8

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Friday, January 31, 2003 at 10:35 AM (CST)

Well today has been a good day so far...of course, every day with Cody is a good day...he takes everything in stride with a great big smile on...

T + 31

WBC 6.5
ANC 3315

FISH Test = 100% Donor Cells!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so excited...another hurdle, jumped over with room to spare!

They have re-started his tube feedings...very slow...only 2 teaspoons per hour...he should have no problems tolerating the feeds but we will monitor him and see how he does...

All of his previous issues seem to have been related to the feeds be too much, too fast, too soon...his little mucositis infested tummy couldn't take it...never mind the fact that he had nothing by mouth for nearly a month...so slowly we will go :)

Our new discharge goal is Monday...we are hopeful that this will come to fruition...but we know how quickly things change around here...

Starting tonight Cody will be a featured child on www.MakeAChildSmile.org
Be sure to log on and check it out...

Greg went to Virginia to take care of some Navy stuff and spend some time with Marina...I am happy that he and Riley will get some time with her...we all miss her so much...and Jeremy too...I so wish for a time when our family will be more "normal"

The new website is almost complete so keep your eyes out for the new and improved www.forcody.org...I am so excited...Amie from ChubbyChica.com and I have been working together to get the vision up and going...and soon it will be a reality...HOORAY!

The raffle is completely underway and we are excited about the prospect of raising funds for the foundation...we are in need and request that everyone pray and consider making a donation...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Romans 8:24-25

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Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 06:47 AM (CST)

T + 30

WBC 6.2

His WBC is up 2 points, which is a good sign...Other than that...

We have no news...none good...none bad...

We are just waiting...waiting for tests...waiting for cultures...waiting for antibiotics...

Cody is feeling better...his bowels have settled and he has not thrown up since yesterday morning...his fevers are under control...

No one knows what the exact problem is...maybe a virus...maybe his tube feedings were resumed too early...maybe he has been having a reaction to one of his drugs...maybe...maybe...maybe...so we eliminate and wait...

We continue to keep our eyes on the Lord and place our hope in Him...our faith is in the Lord and we know He will have His victory regardless of what the enemy might think or say...

On a different note...

We continue to work on fundraising projects...the raffle is underway for the P. Buckley Moss print...we are planning a second raffle in Florida for the Gregory prints...and as soon as we can we will make plans for some other projects...

In the meantime...donations are still very much needed...we continue to have issues with expenses being processed through our insurance company and our available funds are quickly depleting...I really hate advertising and asking...but we truly do need your help...every little bit helps...so please prayerfully consider making a donation today...if you are so led, you may click on the link at the bottom of the page and make a donation online or you may make checks payable to the ForCody Foundation and forward them to our place here in NC...

4407 Beechnut Lane
Durham, NC 27707

Well, here is for a little bit of added hope...the nurse just said they are thinking about sending us home today :)

Nix that...Dr. Mustafa came in and said maybe Monday...I guess I will redecorate :)

Oh and here is a really neat way to make a difference...there are many families who have been touched with devastating illness and many that need support...by logging onto

www.ChuubbyChica.com

You can adopt a caringbridge family...just click on the link called caringbridge and there are over 300 families that have requested to be adopted...adopting a family is easy...the only requirement is that you follow there progress and sign their guestbook on a regular basis...we all need that contact with the outside world...so think about it and then go for it...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:24-25

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Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 03:47 AM (CST)

Well so much for going home...They haven't said no to me directly yet...

BUT...

We had some major set backs over the last 24 hours...he has not been able to tolerate any of his g-tube feedings so they have discontinued them altogether...he continues to have a serious case of loose bowels (more like pee) and he tested positive for blood in his bowels last night...he has been throwing up rather frequently and we woke up about 15 minutes ago with a fever of 102.5

The nurse told us that we should pray this is a virus because the other exploitation is much worse...GVHD (graft vs. host disease)

GVHD is when the transplanted cells begin to attack his body...recognizing it as foreign...some GVHD is good it means that the transplant is working...too much is not good as it could mean that the transplant has failed...

Our white blood cell count has dropped today from 5.0 to 4.2 and it is too early to have differential back so I am sorry but there is no ANC again...

It looks as though he will need a red blood cell transfusion later on today or tomorrow...they always do it when the hemoglobin gets to 8 and right now he is at 8.5 (this is normal post transplant stuff)

I should have known that the enemy wasn't going to let go of us that easy...

Of course, I have already undecorated the room and given away a lot of my busy work projects...I am confident that the Lord will provide me new and more exciting assignments...plus I can always redecorate :)

I am staying in prayer...trying not to lose hope or get distraught...for those are the reactions that the enemy is striving for...My belief is that we need stay because there must be work to do...

Today I pray...

May the light of Jesus continue to shine through me and my attitude be full of gratitude...though my worldly thoughts may want to consume me and the negative emotions may want to encompass me...let me stay ever so close to Him...allow me to know and feel His strength...let me find comfort in His arms...allow me the total realization that He is with me...He will never leave me nor forsake me...these trials, as difficult as they may seem, are to His glory...and that triumph over them and the enemy is victory in Christ.

In Jesus' name...AMEN!

Please keep up the prayers as we need them now more than ever...pray that we will complete our work here soon and that we never lose sight of the greater purpose...pray that Cody is healed...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
1Peter 4: 12-13

(I decided to keep the same verse of the day from yesterday, as I need this reminder, now more than ever)

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Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 09:08 AM (CST)

Well, things change fast around here...I guess tomorrow is our day...

Cody's sodium levels came back too low for us to be discharged...they are going to draw levels again later and administer something to raise the levels through out the day...

________________________________________
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 07:57 AM (CST)

T + 28 (28 days post transplant)

TODAY IS OUR DAY...WE ARE OUTTA HERE!

With a white blood cell count of 5.0 we are rocking and rolling and on our way home...

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS VICTORY!

We are so grateful that the Lord has blessed us with this trial for we have been blessed beyond what words can describe...

The people we have come to encounter...by the situations we have been forced to deal with... have forever changed our lives

Each day something new has touched us...a small victory...a new friendship...a miracle in the flesh...

The enemy can never win here...for the lord has shone His face upon us and we will always find our strength in Him...

We are ready for the next phase of our journey...

We are blessed...

Pray! Today and Always...Continue to Pray!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha, Cody and Family

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
1Peter 4: 12-13

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Monday, January 27, 2003 at 08:11 AM (CST)

Cody continues to progress...His white blood cell count today is at 3.8...the differential hasn't come back yet so I do not know his ANC but I would imagine it is better than yesterday...

I am concerned though...we are scheduled to get out tomorrow...but, we spent our 4 hour pass at home yesterday taking a nap...he has had watery bowel movements and he threw up at about 5 a.m. He is also having some issues with his blood pressure again...and he has been sporting a low-grade fever...

I guess the enemy is mad that we are doing so well...

Keep us in prayer...I am confident that the Lord will prevail and His plan will not be altered...praise God for the peace He has given me...
I am okay, really okay with either staying in or going home...whichever way they decide...

Please also keep up the prayers for the rest of the families on this ride right beside us...

*****McKenzie continues to improve, defying the odds and proving just how big and great our God is*****

I will update again tomorrow...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...But David found strength in the Lord his God.
1Samuel 30:6b

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Saturday, January 25, 2003 at 3:28PM (CST)

Cody continues to improve...His white blood cell count today is 3.2 with an ANC of 1693...

WE HAVE OFFICIALLY ENGRAFTED!

The next step to ensure totally success is something called a Fish Test...it is a test that checks the chromosomes to make sure that his cells are donor cells and not Cody cells...

They have started weaning him off of TPN (nutritional maintenance) because he is tolerating his feeds by g-tube...that is awesome...one less thing for me to do at home...

Speaking of home...we are scheduled to be discharged on Tuesday 28Jan03 so long as things continue the way that they are right now...

Now for the kids on the ward (with our daily passes and everything else, I have not had the chance to see the other families like I usually do)...

Carson is one week post transplant and still seems to be doing well, he was walking the halls this morning...

Sarah is doing great as far as recovery goes but having a rough day: www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

PRAISE GOD FOR THE WORK HE DOES...
McKenzie is doing a whole lot better...the prayer work that we have all been doing has not gone unheard...a beautiful miracle...check out the latest update at:
www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

Jose is doing well with several family members visiting his weekend

Robert had his transplant provided by his brother and will hopefully begin to improve soon: www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert

Sean is doing really well with transplant number 2...

Jaxon is still doing the pre-transplant work ups and having a rough go of it...he is very young...like only a month or two OLD...so this is hardest on his mom...

Cameron is slowly starting to improve: www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

Lexia had her transplant

Tommy Bennett had transplant number yesterday with the whole crew from 60 Minutes II in tow...for more information on their story: www.caringbridge.org/ca/bennettboys

JD is doing better every day and has started updating his own web page: www.caringbridge.org/nc/jdsadventures

Juan (no info)

Travis is starting to improve...they keep doing all kinds of procedures but his mom says his spirits are good and he is finally progressing...on his way to being engrafted: www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Jillian is doing really good at home: www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian
Jordan is doing great: www.caringbridge.org/il/jordan
Cameron L. (no info)
Rashaun (no info)
Reese is doing really well too: www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup
Douglas is doing well, he and his family are adjusting to the new routine: www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

Keep everyone in prayer...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1

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Friday, January 24, 2003 at 08:30 AM (CST)

Okay well, things are going great...God is so Awesome...as He always is...I am in awe at the work that He continues to do for us and through us....

Cody is doing great! His white blood cell count is 2.8 today...we have had an ANC of more than 500 for 4 days now...actually for more than a 1000 the past 3...the doctors have not officially said he has engrafted but I think the usual protocol has been met...

We are now allowed to have a daily pass...the one form yesterday was sooooooo cool...we didn't do much, Cody is not allowed out in public...but being home with him away from the hospital was great...there are pictures on the photo page...

I have been skeptical about reporting this before now...as I know that the enemy is close at hand and things can change rather rapidly...BUT...they are talking about sending us home next week...home here in NC...but out of the hospital home...we still have to stay here for a pretty long time...we will have daily clinic visits and I will be back to earning my at home nursing degree...I think I should have already earned my BSN but they want me to actually go to school before they will give it to me...I guess on the job training only counts for trades...LOL!

I came home last night for the first time in nearly a week...I stayed her with Riley...I am trying to get the laundry caught up...with my mom here the second bedroom has turned into one giant laundry basket :) Greg has done okay keeping up with the rest of the house though...so I can only complain a little bit :)

When I left the hospital last night at 9 p.m. McKenzie was stable...Christina (her mom) said that they were doing everything that they can to help her get better...

I will continue to beg for your prayers and support for their family as they have been through so much...the testimony that they will have to offer on the other side of this will be so awesome...

Now for the rest of the ward...

Carson received his transplant on Tuesday...Sarah is doing well with a white blood cell count of 1.0...Jose looks great...Robert received his brother's marrow yesterday and is on his way to becoming a black belt...Sean has been walking the halls, looking pretty good...Douglas went home yesterday, HOORAY!...Cameron is doing a little bit better everyday, HOORAY!...JD is doing really good, his new cells are starting to grow grow grow...Travis is so awesome, he continues to fight and he is finally growing some cells...Tommy is doing great with new work ups for transplant number two...Lexia, I still have not met her...Juan is working on getting better...Jaxon is a new addition...and there are a couple of other new additions but I do not yet have their names...Jillian is doing great at home and her mom is adjusting well to nursing...Reese is doing great too...and baby Jordan is just rocking the house with his normal baby routine...

Mitch's parents left to go back to New Hampshire were they will hold services for Mitch this weekend...they are remarkable people and I am blessed that the Lord gave us a minute to get to know them...

Keshon's mom sent me an e-mail last week and said she was adjusting...I am touched by the strength that the Lord has given to her...

Britnney's mom continues to struggle with the loss of her beautiful little girl...I pray for her regularly...I saw that she signed the guest book on McKenzie's site offering encouragement to Christina...I thought that was awesome.

Ryan's family continues to adjust with rallying support from their community, church and friends...

Kyle Cottey's family continues to offer support to so many other families that are still on this roller coaster...their unwavering support to others even through their grief is awesome...

Please continue to offer up your prayers for all of the families who have been through this...for those here still on 5200 and for those who have gone home...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither heights nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

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Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 11:54 PM (CST)

Well as always things on the ward are bitter sweet...

Cody continues to improve...they were actually incorrect in the ANC calculations from yesterday morning...we were at 1125 as of 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday 23Jan03...

Cody will have a two hour pass off of the hospital floor tomorrow where we will get to go home and do whatever we want...when we told him, youwould have thought we told him we were going to Disney World...he is very excited...

So our news is great...

McKenzie on the otherhand is in desperate need of your prayers...

She has developed some major complications...nothing that God cannot pull her through but the doctors have told her parents that the long term outlook is grim...she now has tested positive for two different viruses, treatment for these viruses can potentially knock her new donor cells out (this is her 3rd transplant)...to make matters worse, she is having some serious problems with her lungs, respirations and breathing, they told Chrisitina that they are not sure exactly what is acting her lungs...she has been on oxygen for a few days now...last time I checked she was receiving 80% oxygen from the machine...

Her whole family is really feeling the pain and they can use as many prayers as you can possible give them...Christina and Rick have really been through the ringer up here...

McKenzie continues to be a real fighter and the Lord will heal her, His way and in His time...I pray for them that these latest obstacles do not become a stumbling block and that they never give up the fight and never ever lose hope...for more information check out her website at

www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

I am confident that Cody will show even more improvement tomorrow so in an effort to muster up as much prayer support as I can for McKenzie and her family I will not update again until Friday...

Please pray for McKenzie and her family today and every day...for the next couple of days, we would like for you to send up the normal prayers you may offer on our behalf for her...Cody has been praying for her too...so I know that he won't mind if a few of his prayers are handed off to McKenzie...

Also, like me...her mom checks the website frequently reading the words of encouragementsent in by folks from everywhere...as difficult as it is for me to say this...please direct any and well wishes that you would offer us in our guestbook to them as well...I know that many of you are strapped for time...so signing guestbooks is probably last on your list...but the encouragement really helps up here...and I can't explain to you enough how much they can use right now...

I wish we could offer more...

I will give updates on the rest of the kids on the ward on Friday and I will also let you know the names of the new additions...we are full up here with at least one patient in overflow on a different unit...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down his friend can help him up...
Ecclesuastes 4:9-10a

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Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 04:31 AM (CST)

Still having lots of fun trying to work with the computer, so if it starts acting up, this update will be brief...

GREAT NEWS!

Our white blood cell count is 1.5 this morning...that's right 1.5...

AND...

We are sporting a big ole ANC of 825...WHEW HOO!

I am excited but cautiously so as things do change around here rather quick...

According to the doctors, if Cody keeps it up we will be able to get out of this place pretty soon...again excited but cautious...

Cody continues to have issues with high blood pressure and has been receiving daily platelet transfusions along with not as frequent red blood cell transfusions...

Today is a Good Day!

As always, we continue to request your prayer support...

As far as the kids on the ward go...

Carson transplanted yesterday.
Sarah is doing ok, still feeling pretty yucky.
McKenzie came home from the PICU but continues to have many complications...they need your prayers...lots and lots and lots of prayers...
Jose is doing pretty well.
Jacob is doing better, not as much nausea.
Robert is going through the ATG yuck.
Sean has been up walking the halls.
Douglas is doing great.
Cameron is still having issues with gvhd...so keep him prayer too...
Alexia...no information
Tommy is doing okay...working up for his 2nd transplant as it was determined that all the cells he was producing this time were his.
JD is doing pretty good.
Juan...no information
Travis continues to amaze us all with his attitude and outlook...he has had a rough time of lately but is working toward getting better.

So that's the scoop...

The raffle tickets for the P. Buckley Moss print are just about ready and I am in need of some ticket ambassadors...AMY C. (yes you Hunter's mommy, I have never seen anyone move tickets like you), JILL (even cheerleaders work fundraisers), SHAWNA G. (you rock and roll with this kind of stuff so I know with help from Walter Lee...hey) Of course, there are so many more of you that are good with this type of fundraiser...Chris, Mom, Aunt Crystal, Grandma Paula, Liz...and I do not want to forget those who are already committed to the project...Laurie, Leigh Anne, P. Buckley Moss for taking an interest in our efforts and donating, signing and numbering the print, Sugar and Spice in Williamsburg for hosting the print, the printing company which donated the printing of the custom tickets and the shop that matted and framed the print...this project has really been a God thing and I know it is going to kick butt...so let me know if you are interested in helping us with ticket distribution and donation collection :)

We also started the votive rose and tealite angel campaign full swing...we sent out nearly 100 e-mails to consultants and are hopeful this will be an exciting way to raise funds for the foundation. If you are interested in adding these neat little treasures to your collection, please let me know.

Thanks again to everyone, everywhere who has continued to pour out their love and support to our family

So much for a brief update...guess I must have this thing figured out...at least for now :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the slender, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
1Chornicles 29:11

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Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 4:37 AM (EST)

Okay, we are having a lot of trouble with computer here on the floor so I have not been able to update...sorry...

Cody is doing pretty good...they have started changing some of medications from IV to g-tube...this is an awesome step...one closer to going home...

Our white blood cell count is now at .7 (normal white blood cell counts 3.5-5.5)

We received a call from Pastor John yesterday (from Calvary Virginia Beach) that was so cool...we just talked for a few minutes and were able to catch him and the church up on all that has been happening...they are going to start sending me the service tapes...

Chris has been sending the cds from Grace Road and Leigh Anne was sending the ones from Kings Way...it is awesome to have the chance to be fed while I am here...I am still praying, hopeful that I will be able to find a few women interested in doing a regular bible study with me (maybe I can get it scheduled for the floor?) Good God idea...I will have to check into that...

I have been praying a whole and talking to God...He has been giving me awesome insight on what He wants in the book we are working on together...I am so excited that He has decided to utilize me in this way...He keeps placing the right people in my path and in His time this project continues to come together, actually kind of effortlessly...that's when you know you are doing the right thing by Him...the enemy has tried to interfere though...with no laptop (it died), I have been forced to actually write everything...that makes me procrastinate...so I just keep praying and whenever the Lord places stuff on my heart (even at 3 a.m.) I am obedient and I get up and work...this is His project and I am confident that He will be glorified...

Now for the kids on the ward...

We met Carson yesterday...he is doing well, scheduled for transplant later today...he has a dirt bike too :)

Sarah has been feeling a little bit better her mom had me laughing really hard when I read their guest book entry yesterday (Sarah asked the nurse for something to "perk" herself up)

McKenzie remains in PICU and Rick and Christina (mom & dad) have not had a chance to update their website...last I heard McKenzie was doing okay...just keep on praying for her...a whole lot

Jose is doing pretty good...he has been up and moving around...he seems pretty happy

Jacob has had a slow go of it but his family reports what we are all hoping to be signs of engraftment...HOORAY!

Robert is still doing work ups on his way to transplant...he has been really sick and throwing up...so keep him up in prayer also...

Douglas Nicoll is doing great...progressing just like they say he should...text book style...that's Awesome!

Cameron Nicoll...has been having a real rough time of it...he has begun to show signs of chronic graft vs. host disease...please pray for him too...

Alexia is the new girl...we still haven't met them...maybe today

Tommy was admitted again, he will be going through transplant number two...his cells were growing great but they are not donor cells :(

JD was out in the halls walking around...he has been going through all of the yuck lately so it was really great to see him out...

Juan is doing I guess...they don't come out of the room too much...at least not when I am out...but he has a really neat sign that he drew on his door that says "ALMOST CURED"

Travis is doing really well considering everything he has had to go through the past couple of weeks...he has stayed happy and bright through procedure after procedure...and with prayers...lots of and lots of prayers...I am prayerful that he will get better soon...

That's all for now...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"being confident of this, that He who began a good works in you shall complete it until the day of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:6

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Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 04:50 AM (EST)

Cody has a white blood cell count of .4 this morning...way to go CodMan...Grow Cells Grow!

He continues to have trouble with his blood pressure but we are all hopeful that with the new meds it will level off...

I had them increase his stomach medication yesterday because that blasted button keeps leaking...it is quite a bother for him...

Now for the rest of the family...

Baby Mitch went home to be with Jesus sometime right around 9:00 p.m. last night...Please continue to pray for their family...send your wishes to them at:
www.mitchellkyle.com

5201: Carson is new...I have not met them yet, but was told by one of the nurses that he is very interested in meeting Cody as he is a big dirt bike fan himself

Previous 5201: Jillian has been doing well...her and her mom seem to be adjusting to the new schedule and getting down the routine...
www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian

5202: Sarah is doing okay...they are in the midst of all of the yucky, yucky engraftment stuff...but prayerfully the sickness is a sign of wellness to come...they have a really nest story, check out her website when you get a chance:
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

5203: McKenzie is having a rough go of it the past couple of days...they got her DNA results which said she is on her way to engrafting on Friday but then Saturday found out she is dealing with fluid around her heart...keep her and her entire family in prayer as they deal with some really hard stuff this week...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

5204: Jose is doing well...he is still in contact isolation but has been able to get out and walk the halls, in full gear of course...

5205: Jacob has been really sick...they are saying that it is all signs of engraftment so we pray the yuck will subside soon...
www.caringbridge.org/va/jacob

5206: Robert is doing okay...they just started his chemo drugs and are working up for transplant at the beginning of this coming week...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/robert

5207: Sean is still sick...but will hopefully start to feel better soon.

5208: Cameron L. got to go home HOORAY!
www.caringbridge.org/nc/cameronlaugh

5209/5210: The Nicoll Brothers seem to be doing pretty good...Douglas is up and almost back to normal...Cam has had more trouble with the yucky side effects but is on his way to feeling better...
www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

5211: New Girl...haven't met yet

5212: Reese got to go home again...Hooray!
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

5213: Jadarian has also been going through engraftment yuck...high fevers and all that...his mom Lucy is really great, she is here by herself and doing an awesome job...she stays funny

5214: That's our room

5215: Juan...I think he is doing okay but do not know

5216: Travis has had a really rough week with seizures and fevers and lots of procedures...he is a really strong young man...a great fighter...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91:11-12

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Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 11:45 AM (CST)

Cody's white blood cell count is .2

He is doing well...a little cranky and a little tired...mad that Grandma Paula had to leave today...

Today Dave and Fran have to do the unthinkable...after a long family meeting yesterday, the doctors explained that Mitch was not going to get any better...at approximately 8:30 p.m. tonight, they will shut down his life support...

Please keep their family in prayer, especially Dave as he has not had the understanding of God's perfect healing...in a quote from his journal he wrote:

"For all of the faithful folks out there, I believe I have lost my faith due to the never-ending nightmare that is going on here. I have a very difficult time being faithful to a god who would allow this to go on. No child or family should ever have to endure the pain and sickness that we have seen here everyday. If you do believe, an extra prayer can't hurt. Fran spends most of her evenings with Mitch saying her prayers for him and praying to her favorite saints."

I fear for him that Mitch's passing is going to only affirm this for him...I pray that somewhere in this, the Lord will shine His awesome face upon Dave and he will be able to find the peace of God...and strength in Christ.

Dave dropped by this morning and gave Cody a couple of Mitch's toys...I know that had to have been difficult, I have reached out to him and Fran every chance I have had...I went to the PICU to see them this morning and offered prayer and whatever support I can give...I will head back over there this evening...

Please leave your prayers for them...

www.mitchellkyle.com

My heart continues to ache for the losses we have experienced here...I pray that the enemy will not prevail on this ward anymore and that his reign of "terror" will come to an abrupt stop when my Lord yells...ENOUGH!

I will update again later...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

God knows the stubborn human heart. He knows that if He is to accomplish His deepest work, He must take us into the desert in order to give us the privilege to be used in His Kingdom. In the desert God changes us and removes things that hinder us. He forces us to draw deep upon His grace. The desert is only a season in our life. When He has accomplished what He wants in our lives in the desert, He will bring us out. He has given us a mission to fulfill that can only be fulfilled after we have spent adequate time in preparation in the desert. Fear not the desert; for it is there you will hear God's voice like never before. It is here you become His bride. It is here you will have the idols of your life removed. It is here you begin to experience the reality of a living God like never before. Someone once said, "God uses enlarged trials to produce enlarged saints so He can put them in enlarged places!" (Author Unknown)

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Friday, January 17, 2003 at 03:22 PM (CST)

Cody's white blood cell count is still at .3 with no real ANC to speak of...

His spirits are good and I am grateful for that...

We got snow last night...the nice fluffy kind like Jillian prayed for :)
www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian

Of course, the snow put a little damper on our date night...it was really coming down so we ended up just having dinner and then going home...that's okay though...we got home and started a fire and watched a little TV and played Tetris...

Travis is still having a rough time of it...I hope everyone will say some extra prayers for him...
www.caringbridge.org/hi/twilliams

Reese got to go home again...Hooray!
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Sarah is doing a whole lot better since they adjusted her medication...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

Jacob seems to be doing well as I saw him out and walking the halls for the first time in nearly two weeks
www.caringbridge.org/nc/jacob

Mitch was doing better but had a major setback last night...he is a BMT kid that was readmitted into the PICU...
www.mitchellkyle.com

There are some new cellmates getting admitted...not sure what their names are but add a couple of extras to your prayer list...

Pastor Bob e-mailed me...that always brightens my day so much...it was great to get an e-mail from him...

The art raffle is underway and the print is posted on the photo page...

I also posted some pictures of the snow in our backyard from this morning...

Trevor and family should be coming to visit soon...we are excited...I think me more than Cody...well, maybe not?

Laura will be here soon too...

Oh and by the way, you all are slacking again on the guestbook entries and e-mail...Cody has been stopping in to check his mail every day and gets very upset when there is none...so tighten up out there! ;)

Talk to you soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
Psalm 130:7b

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Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 11:55 AM (CST)

Our white blood cell count is down to .3

He has been having trouble with his blood pressure...and his output...they have added a few new medications to help with those things...and so far tehy are helping...

They have decreased his pain medication as he does not seem to need it...

He had to have platelets again last night...that makes 3 reems in less than a week...

Our spirits are still excellent! our eyes are focused on the Lord and our hope is in Him...

My husband and I have a date tonight...I am excited...I think we are going to go to dinner and a movie.

Paula is here until Saturday afternoon...

We expect snow tomorrow...I just pray the electricity won't go out this time...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

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Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 12:52 PM (CST)

I delayed updating yesterday because the news was not as great as it has been...Cody's white blood cell count fell to .4 and his ANC fell also...they say this is normal...but I do not like it...his counts were the same today :(

On the other hand, Cody is doing great...he has been up, playing and having fun...he has enjoyed spending all of the time he can with Grandma Paula...she is still working my shift so I have been staying home at night...I still wake up several times and call in for counts at 0430 hrs.

I have been making him walk the halls in an effort to help clear his lungs and everything...

He has been doing his school work every day with the teacher...he would never admit it but I am pretty sure he likes it...

They switched his medications around after the big scare the other night...no more Benadryl for a while...instead he is now taking Attarax...they have decreased his Morphine dose, since he does not seem to be in much pain...and he keeps gaining and losing weight through out the day depending on his output or lack there of...

Cody got his very first dirt bike! A Suzuki Pee Wee 50...

Triangle Cycles, the cycle shop by our house has really been doing great by Cody...they have given him an autographed Jeremy McGrath jersey...plenty of dirt bike posters to decorate his hospital room...for Christmas we bought him some gear and they gave us 40% off...we stopped by last night to look for DVDs and the guy gave us a deal on the dirt bike that we could not refuse...less then 1/3 the normal price...they really have a heart for Cody there...they have his dreams poster hanging by the parts department...

We have been frugal and cautious about spending money on his "quality of life wants" Mostly, we have stayed with video games and that kind of stuff but this was perfect...and the right price...I'm not sure but I think Greg is just as excited...Cody said he can't wait to get the heck out of here so he can ride it...we ordered training wheels...

Quick update regarding the kids on the ward...

Jillian is going home today: www.caringbridge.org/fl/jillian

Reese is back in with a respiratory infection :(
www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

Mitch is off the respirator and onto a ventilator...Hooray!
www.mitchellkyle.com

Mckenzie seems to be engrafting
www.caringbridge.org/nc/mckenziefay

The Nicoll Brothers are engrafting...
www.caringbridge.org/co/nicollbrothers

Sarah has been real sick since transplant...
www.caringbridge.org/nc/sarahsmith

Travis is still sick but doing better...

The raffle tickets are ready for the P. Buckley Moss print...we have decided to give the tickets away...we are accepting donations...the suggested donation amount is 1 for $2.00 or 3 for $5.00...please contact Laurie if you are interested...
llbrantley1955@msn.com

Thanks to everyone for everything...Please keep praying...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God..." 1Peter 3:18

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Monday, January 13, 2003 at 02:31 PM (CST)

Our white blood cell count is still at .7 but our ANC has gone up to 378...once his ANC reaches 500 he can roam the halls of the ward without a mask...that is a major goal...

I added new pictures of all of the kids that were on the ward as of yesterday...of course we have a couple of new kids today so I will have to fix that again soon...In case you would like to add them to your prayer list...the new tenants are Robert and Juan...

We got to see Reese today for a few minutes...he looks great...I am so proud of him...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/reesecup

We had another little bitty scare yesterday...seems to be our normal routine to have a scare right around shift change...anyway, his heart rate fell to 54 and he was awake...his blood pressure was up 130/90...they gave him some medicine which brought everything under control and we did an EKG just to be cautious...everything came up normal so we were relieved...

Paula has been staying with him overnight...per his request (I mean demand) LOL! Steroids, gotta love them...

We received a really great package from Trevor and his family today...it had a t-shirt which said "I'm too sexy for my hair, that's why it isn't there" he also received a digipet, a hand made by Trevor and Emm (certain to be worth millions someday) picture...and a sun catcher that he gets to paint...

On another note...the raffle tickets for the P.Buckley Moss print raffle are for sale...please contact Laurie Brantley for more information and to participate in this project...

llbrantley1955@msn.com

Keep up the prayers...you guys are awesome...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" John 6:37

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Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 03:35 PM (EST)

Things are going pretty good...Cody's white blood cell count is .7 today with an ANC of 238 (ANC = good white blood cells which are able to work and fight infection) This means all of those cheerleading prayers fro GROW CELLS GROW must be working :) HOORAY!

We had a bit of a scare last night...Cody had an allergic reaction to the vitamins in his TPN...his face blew up like one of those blow fish who have just been caught by the fisherman...his lips were so big I thought they might burst...his eyes were really bothering him too...he had to hold a wet washcloth on them until the benadryl kicked in...I felt so bad for him...it happened really fast...

The EXTRA STRONG DOSE of steroids has really helped get the acute graft vs. host under control...he still has the engraftment rash but nothing like before and his fevers are all but maintained...

He continues to have issues with his the fluid on his lungs and when he sleeps his heart rate and his respiration have been falling to levels that I am less than comfortable with...to say the least...

He has started regular lasix to try and help him pee but it has not been working as well as we would like...he is retaining a whole lot of water...even gaining weight from it...his glucose level in his latest urine indicates that we need to watch for steroid induced diabetes (a short term issue)

Overall though everything is really good...his spirits are high and he has been getting good rest...Grandma Paula has taken over my normal shift so Greg and I have had the chance to spend some much needed married time together and with Riley...

I will keep you all updated...keep up the prayers for us and all of the others here on the ward...especially say your prayers for Travis this week as he suffered from two grand mal seizures night before last...he is doing okay now but this is a major set back for them...

Oh and Trevor, you can come visit any time you want so long as you have your latest lab reports...Emmy can come to...bring shot records...tell your mommy I said the last weekend of this month or the first weekend of next month would be great...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" Galatians 2:20b

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Saturday, January 11, 2003 at 11:27 AM (EST)

Cody had a bit of a rough day yesterday but by the evening he was doing a lot better...

His rash has been really bad, so bad it is even in the whites of his eyes...he has continued to have very high fevers...the doctors told me his morning that he is experiencing some graft vs. host...this scared the heck out of me...but, I made them explain to me better what they were saying and it turns out that a little bit of graft vs. host is good...it means the cells are starting to grow...he is just having a little bit of an "allergic reaction"...PRAISE GOD!

He now has a low dose of pain medication being administered through out the 24 hours in each day...he also has a button he can push for more if he needs it...I am glad that he has that, he was in so much pain...unnecessary pain...

We got up at 5 a.m. to change our bed linens and found out that our white blood cell count is .5 (normal is 3.5-5.5)...HOORAY! GROW CELLS GROW! GROW CELLS GROW!

Around 7 a.m. we had a little bit of a scare...his pulse oxygen level dropped dramatically and his lungs have some fluid in them...the way I understand it this is because his kidneys are not functioning at 100%...he is not peeing enough and his body is filling up with "extra" fluids...they started him on his lasix which should help that...and they set up the machines for blow by oxygen in case it becomes necessary...apparently this is pretty normal around here...

I don't like it at all but I am trying to just turn it over and let God handle it all...there is nothing I can do to help so I might as well stay out of the way :)

Finally...Grandma Paula will be here today and Cody is very very very excited about this...I am so happy for him...

I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5b

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Friday, January 10, 2003 at 03:40 AM (CST)

PRAISE GOD!

Cody has a white blood cell count of .2...the only way for him to have white blood cells at all is if the transplanted cells are ENGRAFTING starting to GROW...

HOORAY! ONE FOR THE GOOD SIDE...

God is so Awesome and prayers are always answered...we are grateful that this one has been answered so quickly...

Please continue to pray...GROW CELLS GROW!

A brief explanation of what all of this means...this means we are on the right path...we are not so nieve to think that we will not have any other problems, however; we are proving to the medical community that our God is bigger then there statistics :)
(a funny side note...the Dr. told me day before yesterday...blah blah blah...Cody will not have any white blood cells for another 3 weeks or so...I said to him you don't know that...my God is bigger than any statistic...how awesome is your God? Mine is the bomb diggity, baby!)

Now on the other side of everything...

We continue to have fevers...they have been fairly high but nothing like they were...I think we topped out tonight at just under 103...he has a lot of swelling which is related to the engraftment rash...the skin irritation we see on the outside from the new cells starting to grow are true for the inside of his body...he continued to refuse pain medication but I could tell he was in a lot of pain...I made an executive decision that e would begin receiving regular doses every 6 hours ( I just could not stand to see him suffering like he was) this has helped him tremendously, he is up and a little bit more active...we walked around the halls last night...aside from the baths to bring down his temperature, he has not been out of bed in nearly 3 days...he is not peeing enough, but this is not yet a major concern...his input and output ratio is at positive 600 (he has taken in more then he has put out) they don't get really concerned until positive 800+ the nurse said we should not be surprised if he has to start lasix tomorrow (that is some stuff to make him pee a lot)

We would like to thank everyone for supporting us so much...the mail has started coming and Cody just gets so very excited when he receives stuff...we have a pretty decent card tree going...

Everyone has been asking for more clarification on the pictures from around the country...this is a snail project, as we would like actual pictures...one from each state...something of significance in that state...for example, Arizona: the Grand Canyon...Nevada: The Las Vegas Skyline...New Mexico: The Sunset Mountains...Florida: The Ocean...Missouri: Merrimac Caverns, The Arch...Virginia: Old Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown...D.C.: The White House...Washington State: The Seattle Needle thingy, Mount Rainer...Kansas: Dorothy�s House:)...Oregon: The Coast...Ohio: Cuyahoga Falls...California: The Streets of San Francisco...Colorado: The Olympic Torch Lighting place at Pikes Peak...Idaho: Potatoes? South Dakota...The Presidential Faces...and so on...I am sure you can catch the idea now...any typical vacation spot...these are the pictures we are after...heck, you know what...we would even be grateful for pictures of your house (the caption should read this is my house in Indiana) LOL...

Anyway...I have been away too long so I need to get back in my cell before the guards catch me out here on the computer again :)

If you are one of the poor souls I called at 0430 hrs this morning...sorry, but I had to share our good news with as many of you in person as I could...

I love you all and we can't thank you enough for all of the prayers...keep praying for the rest of our kids up here as not everyone has been blessed to have things work as quickly as Cody has...

Jillian, Sarah, McKenzie, Jose, Jacob, Sean, Cameron, Douglas, Cameron 2, Rashoun, JD, Travis, Mitch (PICU)

Also pray for those who got to go home from this place...

Baby Jordan and Reese

And then for the families of those who have been called to home to God...

Kyle, Brittney, Ryan and Keshon

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Psalm 37:4
"Delight yourself in the Lord
and He will give you the desires
of your heart."

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Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 07:46 AM (CST)

My heart just continues to break for my little boy...I would gladly trade places with him if God would make it so (of course, I probably would not handle it half as well as he does)

He is really doing awesome considering...

His temperature sky rocketed to 106 last night...I had him take a bath to try and bring it down...he has a cooling blanket...they have added 2 more antibiotics to our already overdosed IV pump...he has constant chills...his rash is now head to toe...he is swollen...he is not peeing enough...he has open, agitated sores through out his mouth...he is delirious...but he continues to smile...and he keeps on telling us he feels good...

Now that you know all of the horrible, yucky stuff...

The bright side is that they have told us that these are all signs of engraftment...engraftment means that the transplant is working and he is starting to grow cells...of course, there is no guarantee...but this crude is a good sign...HOORAY?

Keep praying...Keep mailing...Keep smiling...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples."
John 15:7-8

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Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 08:40 AM (CST)

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride seems to be stuck in the on position and we can't get off...my very good friend Jill (Trevor's mommy) said we should try moving on to something a little more sedate like Small World...I told her we are gladly waiting in line for that one :)

This kid never stops amazing me...he has had a steady temperature since night before last and he still manages to smile and keep his spirits up...

His white blood cell count is still less than 0...and he continues to need transfusions in an effort to maintain him until his transplant engrafts...if you are able and willing...please donate blood...these kids really need it...all of the time...

Anyway...back to the temperature...he has been everywhere between 99 and 104...for the most part though he has stayed around 104...he is sleeping a lot which is good...at least that way he is not awake an miserable...he has been dreaming a lot and talking nonsense (I think the fever is making him delirious)

His heart rate and respirations have stayed elevated while his body continues to try and fight the fever...he has been breathing heavy and shallow (this all worries me...but the doctors keep saying its normal)

Up until now...Cody has not done anything with this disease by the book...but apparently now we are following the exact protocol...even having the projected side effects on the documented day (makes things a little easier for me to know what to expect and when, thanks God!)

They have discontinued his g-tube feeds on the pretense that they are only aggravating the mucusitis...he has lost 3 pounds all together...

He is still refusing pain medication stating that he is not in that kind of pain...he is such a trooper...I am amazed by his strength...the Lord has truly blessed him...I am grateful...

Looks like God made the perfect kid to be a dirt bike rider...strong and brave...a winner all the way...

Well, I can see that BEGGING really works with all of you...so I continue to BEG for e-mail and regular mail...I am wondering do I need to BEG for the pictures from around the country...we are working on a poster board and it is empty (how sad is that???)

Until next time...keep us in prayer...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God." -- Luke 1:76-78

1133 hrs Cody has a really neat rash again...this is a sign of engraftment...HORAY! GROW CELLS GROW!!!!!!!

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Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 06:52 AM (CST)

Well like as if we were at Disney World...we have been waiting in line and have finally stepped onto to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride...

Cody has been very sick...his fever started yesterday around 1830 hrs. We started off at 101.2 and within a half an hour we spiked up to 103.1...this morning we woke up at 104.9...they are giving him Tylenol...his respirations are at 44 and his heart rate is up around 178...these elevations are associated with the fever...he is also having some very extreme chills...

His spirits are still good and he is resting now.

He started also having trouble with the mucusitis last night...he has open sores in his mouth...the doctors have told us that he most likely has sores all the way down his esophagus, through his intestines and even around his anus...this is very uncomfortable...he had his first dose of Morphine last night to manage the pain...but has refused any more at this point...

As far as I am concerned...the Lord has really placed a great peace on my heart...I am taking comfort in Him and finding all that I need in His word...

I AM BEGGING...PLEASE SEND MORE E-MAIL...PLEASE SIGN THE GUEST BOOK...AND PLEASE SEND SNAIL MAIL...Cody has not received any e-mail or mail for days...he is very sad about this...PLEASE SEND IT...WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are doing well...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance."

Romans 5:3

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Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 02:14 PM (CST)

Psalm 25:1-3a

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame...
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My heart cries out...I do not understand...so many things are happening so quickly...every day holds a new hope and every day has held a new sorrow...

My hope is in the Lord my God...my enemies shall not triumph over me...my heart aches for those who have been lost though and I am human and I do not understand...

My spirit within in me is lost...I cannot comprehend why...I am strong in the arms of my Lord...but my thoughts seem to elude me...I have fear...I have anxiety...My trust is not as it should be...

Healing is perfect...the Lord knows His plan...
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Isaiah 53:4a
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,...
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On the ward this week...I have watched as the Lord has worked His plan...though I do not understand...I pray that He will keep me close an teach me...
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Job 11:16
You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.
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On December 30, 2002, we lost Brittney due to transplant complications and organ failure...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

On January 3, 2003, we lost Ryan due to transplant complications and organ failure...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/ryan

Today January 5, 2003, we lost Keshon due to transplant complications and organ failure...

www.caringbridge/org/sc/keshon

On the ward we are tight knit family...we live in very close quarters and any loss is difficult for each and every one of us...

I am staying in prayer and in the word of God...
___________________________________________________________
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.
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My thoughts deceive me...the enemy continues to try and attack me...my eyes will stay focused on Him...although, I am afraid and have no way of understanding...I take comfort in the fact that the Lord has healed each of these children...he has called them home to Him...they will no longer suffer...they will now know and have His perfect peace...
___________________________________________________________
Matthew 16:23b

..."Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
___________________________________________________________
Please keep us in prayer along with all of the other here on the floor...Jillian, Sarah, McKenzie, Jose, Jacob, Jordan, Sean, Cameron, Douglas, Rashaun, JD, Cody, Travis

Pray for the families of those we have lost...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Friday, January 03, 2003 at 07:36 PM (CST)

First of all let's talk about Cody...Cody has been doing really great so far...his only issues have been the start of mucositis and he has lost close to 3 pounds in the past couple of days...I say that these are his "only issues" so far very humbly as we have been preparing for worse and are so grateful to our father in heaven that as of today we are still seemingly healthy...

Now...Let's talk turkey...the nuts and bolts...

Why do we need donations...

We are dealing with some very big expenses...My husband, Greg is in the Navy so in theory...most of our expenses are covered...however, here is the real deal...

We are responsible for maintaining two households...the military does not provide a living expense allowance for two seperate living spaces...we are in base housing in Virginia Beach so we live on my husband's bi-monthly paychecks which total $1,100. From that we are responsible for all of our normal bills, groceries, communications and cell phones...

Here in North carolina, the Navy has committed to paying what is called actaul costs for me and Cody only...this will cover my eating expenses, hotel or housing, and local transportation...the problem is that we are requirred to pay everything up front and then submit for reimbursement...I am not the active duty service member so we are not premitted to utilize the government credit card nor are we eligible for a per diem rate...Expense reports are sucrutinized to the utmost extent and then everything is questioned and more forms are always needed...I submitted our November expense report on December 2 and still have not receivd reimbursement for more then $4000. worth of expenses...now it is January and we are trying to submit for an additional $4000. worth of expenses from December...so as it stands we are floating over $8000. worth of expenses that we hope will be reimbursed...Now aside from this, the Navy does not cover our prescription copays which range anywhere from $50-$100 per month give or take a few dollars...we have dental insurance but are only covered up to 50% for major dental work...so for the previous dental work we had nearly $1450. in out of pocket expenses (of course, he doesn't have any teeth left so that should not be an issue anymore)...now that Cody is in the hospital we are not entitled to any reimbursement for food purchased for him...he still eats his regular diet to some extent and we are always buying things to try and keep him eating...he will not touch the trays brought in by the hospital...

Recently, in an effort to curve some of the out of pocket expenses, we moved into a different place which will cost us nearly $800. per month less than what we were paying out of pocket...of course, up front this cost a great deal of money...we had to pay $2000. to move in and then an additional $500. to rent furniture and then we had to buy living essentials (i.e. pots & pans, dishes, silverware) and have utilities turned on...

Some funds are used to help support the costs of those who would travel here to help take care of our household...our baby...and Cody...we rotate at the hospital...

Finally, donations are used to purchase quality of life things for Cody's enjoyment...we buy him school supplies...arts & Crafts...video games...dvd's...and building toys...things to make his stay a little more tolerable (oh, I get me some fuzzy posters to color too...I hope that is okay)

To date we have received nearly $10,000. in donations and I thank you all for donating...please understand and know that we are committed to managing God's money the way He would have us...it is our greatest desire to be good stewards of His money...we have prayed and tithed 10% to various places that the Lord has placed on our heart and He continues to provide...I know not what to expect next and I ask only that if you are touched and considering what to do for our family...

FIRST AND FOREMOST...we need and want your prayers...what you do besides that is between you and God...pray about it...if you are called to donate you may do so for a tax deduction...maybe you are not called to donate funds...we could use regular mail...we could use e-mail...we are working on a project of pictures from every state...we are building a card tree...

Basically what we need is your love...your prayers...we need your thoughts...we need your well wishes...anything above that is a great blessing...

I hope this answers some of the questions you may have had regarding donations...and as always...we suggest a reference from God's word which reminds us that the Lord is not the author of confusion...if this project is causing you dilema then maybe you are not called to support it...

If you need specifics regarding this project, please let me know our financial statements are open for anyone interested...when you do things in prayer and supplication, there is nothing to hide...

In Love & Prayer...
Greg, Eleasha & Family

For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever beleives in Him shall not perrish but have everlasting life
John 3:16

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Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 10:57 AM (CST)

The worst is yet to come...

So many of you have been asking just exactly what does that mean as many thought that it would be uphill from here...

Well, according to physicians...in the coming weeks we should be prepared for many obstacles...for now it is normal for him to feel good and to be acting fine...

Anytime now, though, we should expect the start of mucositis (this is severe mouth sores and swelling through out his esphogas and stomach lining, etc.) Cody has a white blood cell count of 0 right now and this will hold true for a few more weeks, provided we engraft(a white blood cell count of 0 makes Cody extremely susceptible to infection) Starting next week, Cody will begin to experience high fevers of 102 plus...We have stay alert and concerned for the possibility his primary organs malfunctioning (this is what happened to Brittney)...we won't know whether or not he has engrafted for at least 3 weeks...on day 42 they will do a bone marrow biopsy to see if he has began producing cells...we should expect 80-100 blood transfussions over the weeks several weeks...there will be days that he will not even get out of bed...he will continue to lose more weight and they will have to start him on maintence therapy to maintain him...and and and...

But we will not fall victim to the worries that the world would have us fear...i am confident and I hold on to the fact the Lord is here beside us every step of the way...I know that He will never leave us or foresake...He will not allow us to go through anything more than what He knows we can handle...

I have been really lonely here though...and I need everyone to know that we really really like e-mail and we really really like regular mail...it is not a bother...it is a welcome distraction...a welcome contact with the outside world as we are for the most part in isolation...please feel free to send send send...as for e-mail, personal stuff is appreciated more so than forwards :)

My heart continues to ache for Christy and her loss of Brittney...the funeral service is today and I wish I could have gone...I encourage you all to log on to her site and leave messages as I know that the more love she receives the better...

www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

I will update again soon...I am sorry for the lag but my laptop is still not fixed...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Phil 1:20-21
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

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Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 6:56PM (EST)

Please stop today and say a pray for Christy and Brittney...the Lord saw fit to call Brittney home after a long and hard struggle with disease, transplant, organ failure and the like...the enemy really had his way with them...my heart aches for their family and for Christy, Brittney's mom...

Please, please, please send your prayers to their family by logging onto

www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

The whole unit is greiving for their family...they need much love...and as many prayers as possible...

As for us, the transplant was complete at about 1:15 p.m. EST...

So far all is well, however, the physicians have warned us not toget too comfortable as the worst is yet to come...I say they don't know how big our God is...we are preparing for the worst but praying and hoping for the best...

Cody was really sick last night but has had no problems today...as a matter of a fact, he and Jeremy are playing the PS2 as we speak...he is up, he is happy, and he is just as anwry as ever...

Ben and Tina drove straight through from St. Louis and were able to be here in time for the transplant...Cody was really happy...we have some really great pictures but I still cannot use my laptop...as soon as I can, I will post the new stuff...

I will keep the site updated...as we progress....

Keep up lots and lots and lots of prayers...

GROW CELLS GROW!!!!!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens...
Exodus 6:6

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Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 6:56PM (EST)

Please stop today and say a pray for Christy and Brittney...the Lord saw fit to call Brittney home after a long and hard struggle with disease, transplant, organ failure and the like...the enemy really had his way with them...my heart aches for their family and for Christy, Brittney's mom...

Please, please, please send your prayers to their family by logging onto

www.caringbridge.org/nc/brittney

The whole unit is greiving for their family...they need much love...and as many prayers as possible...

As for us, the transplant was complete at about 1:15 p.m. EST...

So far all is well, however, the physicians have warned us not toget too comfortable as the worst is yet to come...I say they don't know how big our God is...we are preparing for the worst but praying and hoping for the best...

Cody was really sick last night but has had no problems today...as a matter of a fact, he and Jeremy are playing the PS2 as we speak...he is up, he is happy, and he is just as anwry as ever...

Ben and Tina drove straight through from St. Louis and were able to be here in time for the transplant...Cody was really happy...we have some really great pictures but I still cannot use my laptop...as soon as I can, I will post the new stuff...

I will keep the site updated...as we progress....

Keep up lots and lots and lots of prayers...

GROW CELLS GROW!!!!!

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens...
Exodus 6:6

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Monday, December 30, 2002 at 04:38 AM (EST)

Well this night has been a whole lot less eventful than the previous...our only side effect from the immune suppression therapy this time was hives...of course, the enemy has to hit him hardest with the one thing I prayed he wouldn't get...stupid Satan...

We have had several accidents...so I have a load of laundry in the washer...you have to stay up pretty late or get up pretty early to be able to use the washer around here :)

The chemo and IST is doing its job...his counts have dropped dramatically over the past few days...they are giving him some red blood cells as we speak, in an effort to raise his hemoglobin and the like...hopefully, that will help with the fatigue...

ANYWAY! Aside from fundraising...we have decided to work on a really neat project...and art project that covers teh United States...here's what we need help with...we are looking for pictures from around the US...we would like at least one from every state...and as unique to that state as possible (i.e. Arizona/Grand Canyon) If you are able and willing to help with this please forward your pictures to 4407 Beechnut Lane Durham, NC 27707 (our new place) Also, don't forget Cody is still working on his card decorations for his room...mail really, really, really lifts his spirits...also, in case you forgot guestbook enteries and e-mail lift mine...so keep those kinds of things coming our way...even just a quick hey means the world...that includes you Trevor...Cody misses you very much :)

Conitnue as always to pray...pray...pray...Tuesday is our big day and the more people that give intersession on our behalf...the better...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV

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Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 04:19 PM (CST)

Lat night was our worst night yet...Cody started the Immune Suppression Therapy called ASG...it was horrible..he started off okay but it goes in over 9 hours...he had fevers topping out at 104 plus...he had hives...he was vomittingand expereincing uncontrollable bowel movements...

I felt so bad for him...we were basically up every hour between getting sick...the fevers...the chills...the pain...and the accidents...he is doing better today so far but has started receiving the next dose of the big nasty yuck!

I continue to pray that the Lord will continue to hold our hand and walk us through each and ever step...we are well...

The road ahead promises to be worse...but I am confident that my God is big enough and storng enough to make anything possible...the doctors here are great...but they are not as great as my God is...

Please continue to pray...as we are in need of all of the prayers we can get...there are many others here...16 families to be exact...all need prayer...we will pray for brighter days...we will pray for gratitude NOT attitude...as the enemy is ever present waiting int he darkness, like a lion waits for his prey...we shall overcome...we shall be free...the battle has belonged to the Lord...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at that the painful trial that you are
suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you are participating in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-13

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Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 02:30 PM (EST)

Well we have just spent our first full day in the hospital...

So far things are going okay...it is sort of a relief to be in and to be onto the next phase...

We have been told that the next couple of weeks will begin to be and continue to be the hardest...

They started hitting him with chemo again today and it made him sick...he had a little accident in his pants so we had to take another bath and change our clothes...

Later on today they are going to give the immune suppression drugs...the doctor told us to expect extremely high fevers and possibly a rash...I have already started praying asking God to spare him from the rash...he does not do well with skin dysfunction...

Riley has been having a real hard time of it...he is teething pretty good...I was worried that he was sick but today he is all better...still chewing on everything he gets his hands on...

Check this out...the Car Wash in Hollywood is going on today...so far they have been raking in the donations...Chris has been taking pictures for me so when she sends them to me I will upload them...the neatest part of the whole car wash fundraiser is that almost every helper is under the age of 11...I want to send a very, very special thank you out to Walter Lee and all of his friends for all of the hard work, time and energy they have put into this project...we are truly grateful to have such awesome people in our lives...our thanks go to you and up to our Lord in heaven that he would bless you all greatly...10,000 times what you have done to bless us...

Well...anyway, thank you again to everyone for all of their prayers and support...we need them so keep them up...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him,
to all who call on Him in truth."
Psalms 145:18

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Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 1:34 PM (EST)

Well today has been back to our normal routine...just me and the little masked man :)

Cody is doing remarkable, just as he always does...his counts are still doing pretty good considering all of the radiation they are hitting him with...

He has had to start wearing his mask though because the more he gets, the more susceptible he is to whatever is floating around...

So far the only side effects he is having is fatigue and weight loss...he lost almost a pound...which I thought was strange because he is still eating pretty good and getting tube fed...plus, he hasn't been sick except for after the first treatment...the nurse practitioner was not concerned...she so far he is doing excellent...

I am just really grateful that he has not had any of the hardcore vomiting or the mouth sores...those two side effects were of my biggest fears for him as far as the outside stuff is concerned...

Well, I cannot believe Christmas has already came and went...the days seem to fly by anymore...hopefully, it will be similar when we spend most of the new year in the hospital...it is my hope that we will blink and be done...

It is absolutely INSANE...Our house is a complete disaster area...I cannot believe how much stuff there is...we can hardly walk through the living room...the boys really made out...I think they have everything from action figures to video games on the floor...oh yeah and don't forget, it is everything from A to V...times 2 and a half...I will be happy when we move over to our new place...at least then we will have more room to explode :)

Greg is in Virginia to handle some things with insurance and pick up Marina...once they return this evening, we will take some more stuff over to the new place and then go to Wal-Mart to have the family portraits taken of all of the kids...I will send out the pictures later...if you want one, let me know...I will also try to post them up on the website too...

We are due back to the hospital in less than an hour and I need to give Cody his tube feeding and his anti-nausea medicine so I will update again soon...I will post some pictures later of the masked little man :)

Thanks again for all of the prayer support...it is so awesome to see God's hand at work...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

You will pray to Him and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways.

Job 22:27-28

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Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at 03:10 AM (CST)

Jews demand miraculuos signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ curcified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

1 Corinthians 1:22-25
___________________________________________________________
Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...

Today we celebrate new life...

Just as we have been born again through the blood of Jesus, forgiven of all sin...in just 5 short days our little CodMan will be born again with the blood of a life saving donor match, something made possible only by the grace of our God...what an awesome God, who would show mercy to our family and save this young life...what an awesome Christmas gift...what happy way to start off the new year...

The only thing more miraculuos than what the Lord has done for our family, is the fact that He did it for our family...not because He had too...not because we were upright and pure, but because we believe...because we have asked and received...our miracle is proof positive that our God is real...He is alive...He is with us...and He is BIG!

The Lord gave wisdom and talent to each and physician that we have come in contact with...His wisdom...His knowledge has been given to our family...His great plan reveals itself to us each and everyday...and we are drawn closer to the One who has given us life...what could be wiser than a man who has talents and uses them...what could be wiser than the sinner who hears teh call of Christ and listens...what could be wiser than seeking forgiveness at the cross...true wisdom, only He can give...

Happy Birthday Jesus...Happy Birthday Cody!

Our gratitude is to the One who knows us, loves us and saves us...our thanks are to all of you who continue to pray for us day in and day out...to you all, our best wishes...and all of our love!

In Love & Prayer...
Greg, Eleasha, Jeremy, Marina, Cody & Riley

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Monday, December 23, 2002 at 08:43 PM (CST)

It's funny how plans change...

My mom came in with Riley on Saturday and then Jeremy came in on a different flight which was delayed...all together Cody and I spent 5 crazy hours at the airport...

Marina was supposed to come on Friday but she was sick on Thursday night so now she is coming the day after Christmas...we had to make sure that she would be all better before she comes to visit...

We went to Chuck E. Cheese last night with Liz, Raj and Simi...it was a lot of fun...Greg and Raj talked about designing a new website for www.forcody.org...that is really cool...Liz and I talked about their new house and I am really excited for them that everything is coming together...

Cody started radiation today and he did well...Radiation is very similar to having x-rays taken...Cody described it best to Jeremy saying that he had to lay on a bed with his arms up and then they pointed a big laser beam at him that made a cross like the one Jesus died on...he went on to say the machine makes lots of noise and then it is done...

He was very sick after the first treatment...it started off as a stomach ache and went into full fledge vomiting...they gave us some anti-nausea medicine and that seemed to help...the afternoon appointment went a little better...after the total body irradication (TBI), they did the isolated testicular radiation...that was uncomfortable for Cody because they had to tape up his penis to his stomach that way they could direct the radiation on his testicles...overall everything went well and we go back again every day this week except for Christmas day...I posted some pictures on the photo page...

We will be admitted into the hospital starting this Friday and then we are there for the duration...

Ben and his mom are coming in sometime this weekend also...Cody is very excited about that...and I am happy for him...

We found a new place to stay for a lot less money...the Lord has been so awesome...He continues to provide for us...every day...in every way...we are so thankful that He has this battle fought and won...

The car wash fundraiser for this weekend is coming together in Hollywood nicely...please pray about getting involved and if interested, contact chrisg@cinmail.net...

Anyway, all is well...as always, please continue to pray for us...we need all that we can get...

Until next time...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."
Matthew 8:7

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Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 06:22 PM (EST)

Okay so long as nothing comes up, we are on for transplant on New Year's Eve...

We sat through the consent session today and went over all of the if this happens then this...if that happens then that...

I am relieved that we are finally going to get through this phase of our treatment but I am also anxious about the what ifs and the what tos and of course the what nots...

Cody is doing awesome! You cannot even tell that he has had so many things happen in his little life...I love him so much...it is amazing how many people he has touched and inspired...

I am excited about this weekend...Marina will be here tomorrow...My mom will be here with Jeremy and Riley on Saturday...we were going to try and make it to the Christmas party at the Naval Medical Center but Jill just told me it is at 1:30 p.m. :( We have to go to the doctor here in NC in the morning so unfortunately, we won't be able to make it to VA in time for that party...it's all good though because Trevor is going to ask Santa if he can hold on to Cody's present...

We have a lot going on over the next several weeks...keep up all of the prayers...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Return faithless people, I will cure of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to for you are the Lord our God.
Jeremiah 3:22

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Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at 02:08 AM (EST)

Today at the hospital...

Cody had surgery to have his new CVL placed, a spinal tap, bone marrow biopsy and aspirate...everything went fine...

As usual, Cody handled everything like he always does...just like nothing ever happened...he won't even accept pain medication most of the time...he really amazes me...he resilience is astounding...

Tomorrow we go in for the Echocardiogram I have been talking about for like 2 weeks and then we have to have a dressing change and some blood work...

I sent Jill an e-card saying that I was glad that God made us friends and Rob (her husband, the spade loser) was making total fun of us...Jill had me laughing so hard when I was reading the e-mail she sent telling me about it...Rob was telling her he could never imagine sending one of his friends a card like that...and then he was like oh, I am so glad you are my friend, you inspire me...let's go get our hair and nails done...blah blah blah...LOL! I replied back and told her that I would make sure Greg sent him a card so he wouldn't feel left out...Greg said no way...but I'll probably do it for him behind his back :) just kidding!

Anyway, things are moving forward and it looks like our transplant date is going to stick this time...if that is the case then we will ring in the new year with a new life...what better way to start off 2003???

Now, about Christmas...don't forget in the hustle and bustle of your so called crazy life...the season is not about giving or getting...it is not about shopping and wrapping or even decorating...this season is about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...today is the day to celebrate Him...the One who gave His life up for our sins...while it is true that Christmas is an actual celebration of the giving of the gifts...let us not forget that the wise men were actually sent by King Herod to kill baby Jesus...King Herod was afraid that baby Jesus had been born to take away his throne...according to many scholars, Jesus was actually born sometime in July or August... due to limited transportation (as you can imagine), it took the wise men until December to get to Him...once they arrived and looked upon the King...the baby Jesus, their hearts were changed, they fell to their knees and begged for forgiveness and they then gave gift offerings...

The wise men are much like we are...when we come to Christ...we have fallen...we beg for forgiveness...and then we offer our hearts to Him...Tis the season to be jolly...Tis the season to dedicate your heart to Him and be saved...be cleansed...be forgiven...what better way to celebrate Christmas or New Year's then, like us, with the gift of new life...

Please keep up the prayer support and love...also, please sign the guest book and send more e-mail...I really love that kind of stuff...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

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Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 04:11 AM (EST)

Okay so maybe your asking yourself...what in the world is she doing updating this website at 4 in the morning...well if you aren't wondering it, I am...

Today...well I guess it was yesterday now...went pretty smooth...we spent most of the early part of the day at the hospital...they started off with the ultrasound of his neck, which looked good...then we moved on to our pre-op appointment and from there we had labs drawn and finally a pysch evaluation and IQ test...

We are scheduled for surgery this afternoon at 1:15 p.m. for the new CVL placement...hopefully he will do better with this one...maybe you all could send up some extra prayers...

The week at home was really nice...Jill, Rob, Trevor and Emily came over to our house on Saturday afternoon...that was really great...Trevor is Cody's "best friend"...he is a Hem/Onc kid too, we met them at the Naval Hospital...it is amazing how many really neat people you meet along the journey when you aren't so wrapped in yourself...I believe that is part of the lesson we are learning this time around...and maybe I am getting the hang of it...Jill is really special to me...she has reached out a lot and I feel valued by her...I think I am blessed that she calls me her friend...Trevor is really awesome too...he handles the whole chemo and cancer thing like a champ...he was diagnosed 8 months ago and like Cody he is amazing...

I also made friends with Hunter's mom Amy...I don't have the chance to talk to her as much as I would like though...she is still working fulltime aside from going through the motions of chemotherapy, and, and, and...We tried to see them on Friday but there clinic visit was too early for us...Amy's entire family has wrapped their arms around us...Cody has received mail from all over the country...it is really neat and he just loves getting it...Hunter is really close to my heart I guess because he reminds me of Cody when he was first diagnosed...Hunter is 3 years old just like Cod was when he was diagnosed...Hunter is really amazing too...

I was reading the update on his website earlier and it made me think of what an absolute awesome experience it is to have a chance to be surrounded by these kids...they way they look at life...the way they see their disease...they are at peace...they go through the poking, the prodding, the testing and the drugs and still...somehow they are able to continue to be children...to be happy...to grow and thrive...it makes you wonder what is the true plan...who is learning the lesson...I do not believe that it is God's will to make our children suffer but instead I believe He carries them through the treatments and therapy...all the while teaching us how to depend on him and have faith...

You can keep up with Trevor and Hunter's progress by logging on to their web pages:

Trevor:
www.caringbridge.org/va/trevorco

Hunter:
www.caringbridge.org/va/hunter

On a different note, our trip back to NC on Sunday night was uneventful until I ran over a deer...I don't know why she was running across I-85 but she was and I hit her going 70 mph...I freaked out...I got out of the truck and walked all the way back to where she lay in the middle of the highway...she was dead and all I could do was cry...Greg came and I made him pull her out of the street so she wouldn't keep getting ran over...I truly believe my heart broke over that one...Greg said that I reacted as if she were a person...I guess that's true...but in my mind, I reacted like I just killed something that was living...the crazy thing about it is...every time I tell someone what happened, the first thing they ask is how is your truck...and I can't believe that...my truck is fine...the deer is dead.

Anyway, all is well back here in NC...

Oh and I just wanted to send an extra special thank you to Pastor Steve and the folks at King's Way Church in Williamsburg, VA...they did an awesome presentation the Christmas Shoes over the weekend where they did program inserts requesting support for the ForCody Foundation...how cool is that???

Please keep up the prayer support...

In love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him
Nahum 1:7

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Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 12:06 AM (CST)

Just a quick update to let everyone know that we will be returning to North Carolina on Sunday.

Starting Monday we are back to work...we will be at the hospital every single day...we are scheduled for several appointments on Monday...pre-op...labs...ultrasound...psych evaluation...and a regular check up...on Tuesday Cody will have a new CVL put in and Bone Marrow Biopsy...Wednesday we have an Echocardiogram and lab work...line care will be preformed at the hospital everyday until his body has accepted the line...we will start radiation on December 23rd and have our transplant on December 31st...

It has been really nice to be home...we have done a lot of work getting the house unpacked and cleaned up...this will make the transition back home a lot easier....we have to have the house sanitized before we can come home...

So many neat things have been going...we are still working hard on our fundraising projects...I am grateful to all who have continued to offer their support to each and every effort...the holidays have made it difficult for many to be as involved as they would like but everyone has been really awesome...

The art raffle is coming together...we have a company who is framing it for free...and we also have a printing company which has offered to print the raffle tickets for free...now we only need to find a place to host the auction...I am confident that the Lord will provide this, just as He has everything else...

The car wash scheduled for December 28th in Hollywood, FL has been booked at an ideal location just off of Hollywood Blvd. and N 46 Avenue...it looks like the project will be a great success too...

The Cody Cookbooks are at the printers and should be ready to sell soon...

The eBay sales have been coming along slow but now that we have a digital camera we will be able to put pictures up too...that should make the items sell faster...

Several places have been so kind as to set up donation sites for the foundation...The Family Dollar Little Creek and Shelton Park Elementary to name a few...these sites seem to be doing well even through the holidays...

I cannot say thanks enough to everyone, everywhere, for everything...

Please keep up the prayer support...and again I remind each of you...place your prayer requests up on the guest book...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple with glory...

Isaiah 6:1b

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Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 10:01 AM (CST)

Well today is Wednesday and this has been one of our best weeks since before we relapsed...we have been home all week and it has done us all some good...

Cody told us yesterday when he was eating and swallowing some eggs that he is almost like a normal kid now because he can eat and doesn't have any "extra" stuff (with no ports or lines or anything the only "extra" we have is the g-tube)...we told him is always a normal kid, his "extra stuff just makes him special :)

We have been visiting Trevor in the hospital every day...Cody just loves going up to see him...I think he likes everyone else too :)

He was able to play Cody Clause yesterday...we brought the gifts that he picked out for the Hem/Onc club...it was fun but only Trevor was actually there...we had to leave Hunter & Willie's stuff for Hunter's appointment on Friday and we left Katie's stuff for the next time she comes to visit too...Trevor loved his Spiderman game, as soon as he opened Cody, Trevor and Greg (the bigger kid) played it...Jill said Emmy loved her care bear :)

Cody worked on some Christmas presents he wanted to make last night...when we went to eh Family Dollar store yesterday they had some donations they had collected and they gave them to Cody...we let him use the money to buy his gifts for the family...he was so cute walking around the store picking out stuff for people in his price range...I was so proud of him...he stayed within his budget and even paid the cashier all by himself...the best part was after his expenses we had some other things to pay for...Cody took Greg's credit card and put it through the machine...then he signed the slip himself too :) it was so cute...he even asked if he should tip the cashier :)

Anyway, I am happy and still glad to be home...

I will update again soon...

Until next time...keep up the prayer support AND I have not noticed too much in the way of prayer request...we really want them posted...everyone is looking for something to pray for this week since we are doing so great :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

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Monday, December 09, 2002 at 09:25 AM (EST)

Not much going on around here...we are still in Virginia and will be for a good part of the week as there is still no electricity in Durham.

We had a few tests scheduled for the early part of the week but I had to have them rescheduled...with no power and no available rooms in nearby hotels, I spoke to my coordinator yesterday and she said we should stay here...

We will be going to the Naval Medical Center for labs, cultures and regular check ups almost every day until we leave...

We went yesterday to visit Trevor at the hospital...when we were on our way, someone said, oh yeah that is just where you need to be :) and my response was, well that's where our friends are :)

I am really happy to be home...I love my bed, I love my shower...I love my neighbors...I love my hospital...I love my town...don't get me wrong NC is nice but we are guest there...this is home and I miss all of the support when we are gone...

I don't think I realized how much I truly appreciate the staff at Naval Medical...I mean I knew that I liked it there more than the other two hospitals...and there is nothing wrong with Duke...but there is just something about the Naval Medical Center that you don't get anywhere else...I think the people there care more...the core men and the nurses actually take time to play with Cody...they talk to me...they don't just come in for a set of vitals...throw out some orders, ask some questions and then they are gone...

Anyway, like I said, I am glad to be home even if it is only for a few days...we just found out a few minutes ago that our transplant has schedule has been pushed out another week...we are now scheduled for radiation to start the week of the 23rd...

Until next time...keep up the prayer support...

Also, a quick challenge to all who check this site regularly...please take a minute to sign our guest book...we are interested in your prayer requests...I figure with so many prayer warriors at hand...I should share the good fortune of having so many prayers...plus it does my heart good to be able to pray for you all as much as you pray for us.

Lastly, the Cody Cookbook is almost ready, if you are interested in purchasing one, please let me know ASAP...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21

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Monday, December 09, 2002 at 09:25 AM (EST)

Not much going on around here...we are still in Virginia and will be for a good part of the week as there is still no electricity in Durham.

We had a few tests scheduled for the early part of the week but I had to have them rescheduled...with no power and no available rooms in nearby hotels, I spoke to my coordinator yesterday and she said we should stay here...

We will be going to the Naval Medical Center for labs, cultures and regular check ups almost every day until we leave...

We went yesterday to visit Trevor at the hospital...when we were on our way, someone said, oh yeah that is just where you need to be :) and my response was, well that's where our friends are :)

I am really happy to be home...I love my bed, I love my shower...I love my neighbors...I love my hospital...I love my town...don't get me wrong NC is nice but we are guest there...this is home and I miss all of the support when we are gone...

I don't think I realized how much I truly appreciate the staff at Naval Medical...I mean I knew that I liked it there more than the other two hospitals...and there is nothing wrong with Duke...but there is just something about the Naval Medical Center that you don't get anywhere else...I think the people there care more...the core men and the nurses actually take time to play with Cody...they talk to me...they don't just come in for a set of vitals...throw out some orders, ask some questions and then they are gone...

Anyway, like I said, I am glad to be home even if it is only for a few days...we should have an update on our transplant schedule later on this afternoon...when I find out...I will update the site...

Until then, take care...and keep up the prayer support...

Also, a quick challenge to all who check this site regularly...please take a minute to sign our guest book...we are interested in your prayer requests...I figure with so many prayer warriors at hand...I should share the good fortune of having so many prayers...plus it does my heart good to be able to pray for you all as much as you pray for us.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21

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Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 12:54 AM (EST)

Well, the past few days have been kind of crazy...we went into the hospital on Wednesday for the dilatation procedure...while Cody was in surgery, the snow storm started...it lasted all through that night and most of the next morning...North Carolina was hit really hard...apparently this is the worse damage caused by a storm there since Hurricane Hugo in 1989...Over 1 million people were with out power...some even now...we were blessed enough to be part of the some that even now do not have electricity...

They kept us in the hospital last night and Cody had surgery this morning to pull his CVL...we were never able to get the infection under control...surgery went well...Cody is always a real trooper...I am grateful for that...my coordinator told me today that Cody was amazing to her...she said she has never met a child like him, that can go through so many major, traumatic, difficult, painful surgeries and things and still be a normal 6 year old (crazy) kid just an hour or two afterwards...

They released us from the hospital at 7:30 p.m. and Greg came from Virginia and picked us up...we went to our apartment where we could see absolutely nothing...picked up a few things and headed home for the weekend...we will be here until Monday evening...I am really hopeful that the electric will be back on by then...

I am always excited to be home and this time is no different...I am really hopeful that we will get to see some friends and maybe accomplish a few life things while we are here...

They haven't said for sure yet...but...I am under the assumption that they will most likely postpone us another week as far as the transplant goes...especially since his line had to be removed today...I will update the website on Monday when they let me know a definitive answer...

Thanks again to everyone, everywhere, every day, for all of the prayers...keep them coming...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Ecclesiastes 4:10

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Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 01:55 PM (CST)

Yesterday went well. Cody had his dilitation and cauterization procedures. They were very aggressive on the dilitation and we are hopeful that he will be able to start eating real food soon!!!

They kept us overnite in the hospital as a precaution and wasn't allowed to eat anything except for ice for two days.

We had a really bad snow and ice storm last nite. So there is no power in Durham at all. Cody had positive cultures come back again in his lines so surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning to remove the lines. Considering there is no power and we have surgery we will be staying in the hospital.

Greg is still stuck in Virginia but hopefully he will be back soon.

My mom is doing well with Riley. I will try to update soon.

Keep the prayers coming ... check the photo pages for scheduling and fundraising updates.

In Love and Prayer

Eleasha

Phillipians 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"

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Tuesday, December 03, 2002 at 10:54 AM (EST)

For the most part, yesterday was just plain disappointing...

We started off the day with news that the airport was so crazy, Ben could not make his flight :(

Next we had to take Chris and Riley to the airport...it was hard seeing Chris leave and even harder to let Riley go :(

After that we went to meet Dr. Kurtzberg for our consent session...we never signed the consent forms...the reason is there are too many things outstanding still...

First of all, Cody came up with new positive cultures...this time all 3 lines are infected...if they cannot get this under control then they will have to pull his new CVL out and put it back in later...they are attempting to schedule a special Echocardiogram or MRI to try and determine if Cody is really hosting an infection around the vavles of his heart...I am scared for him...it is my hope that he does not have to go throught wo extra surgeries...

Second of all, the dilatation procedure and the nose cauterization procedure scheduled for Wednesday is going to be a little more in depth then I originally anticipated...the doctors will decide what is best for him on those on Wednesday when they can actually get into his throat and evaluate his situation...the reason this stuff is such a big deal is because radiation causes really bad mouth sores and low counts will cause really bad nose bleeds...

Finally, because of all of this, our transplant scheduled has again been postponed...as of today, we are looking at receiving the transplant on Christmas Eve...

On the bright side of things...Riley made it to Florida without giving Chris too many problems and my mom has been having a really good time with him so far this morning...Greg had to go to Virginia to handle some stuff with work and his ship...he will be back tonight...

I can only assume that the reason our day was so crazy yesterday is because we received so many extra prayers...the enemy just hates it when that happens...I, however, am of the strongest belief that more prayers will cure the extra trials...I am reflecting today on Job and the trials that he had to face...all the whil he continued to praise God...I am sadden by the events of yesterday but I have love and trust still today in my God...I am confident that He will carry us through this and on the other side we will realsze victory and we will glorify Him...

Keep up the double prayers...add triples if you want...the more we receive, the better...the enemy will not win...he may be able to defeat my body and soemtimes change my mood...but he cannot defeat spirit and he will not beat my God...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them"

Matthew 18:19-20

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Monday, December 02, 2002 at 05:20 AM (CST)

The weekend was really great...We were back and forth to the hospital for our normal routine, bloodwork, cultures, levels...and all of that kind of stuff...

On Saturday we went to Chuck E. Cheese...it was fun...we met up with this really nice couple that we made friends at the hospital...Her name is Liz, his name is Raj and their little boy is Simmi...Liz is really great, she has really reached out to us and I am grateful to have some friends to interact with...Raj is nice too...Simmi is 13 months old and he is really, really cute...he goes to the hospital for some stomach problems...they haven't figured out what is wrong yet, but hopefully soon they will...

Today is kind of crazy...Cody is scheduled for his psych evaluation...Ben is flying in for the consent session...Chris is leaving to go back to Florida and Riley will be going with her to stay with my mom...

The closer we get to Transplant Day...the more I feel helpless, anxious and stressed out...I am scared for my son...but, I am confident that the Lord will reveal His plan to me and all things work out to His glory...of course, that sounds really good in theory...if I could only relay that information from my brain to the rest my body...I know I would be doing a whole lot better...right now, I wish my walk...was as good as my thoughts...sometimes I hate being human :(

I am sad that Riley is leaving but I know my mom will take really good care of him...she has a whole lot of really great support...Joanie, Rusty, Anne, Liz, Glen, Robin and a few others...

Riley will be back here, with my mom, for Christmas on December 21...so he will only be gone for 19 days...it gives Greg and I the opportunity to focus on Cody completely through all of the upcoming difficult and unknown stuff...

Paula is also going to be here with us...she plans on coming this weekend so she will be here for the whole week of radiation through the transplant...Ben and Tina will be traveling back and forth in an effort to offer as much support as possible for Cody and the rest of us...I am hopeful that they will also be here for Christmas...if they are...we will definitely have a very full house...and a very full hospital :)

Jeremy will be coming on the December 21 along with my mom and Riley...Marina will be here from December 20 to December 24...the weekend after Christmas Glen will be here too...so I am looking forward to the chaos :)

Tomorrow is fairly uneventful...Greg has to go to Virginia for the day...Ben will be going back to St. Louis...Cody has clinic...

Wednesday, Cody has a dilatation procedure scheduled, along with a button change and a nose cauterization...if all goes well, when everything is finished we will be on our way to St. Louis for the rest of the week and the weekend :) Cody is very excited about getting to go...I pray that it all works out...

As the days draw closer to the actual transplant...I would like to request even more prayers than normal...prayers for a hedge of protection around Cody...for the will of God in all things...and also prayers that I may find some peace and comfort in the arms of the Lord...

If you already pray for us once a day...please pray twice...if you don't usually pray...you can pray now...God is faithful...He will hear you...if you know anyone, anywhere...ask them to pray...the more prayers we can get the better we will all be doing...pray in groups, offer intersession...for it is written 1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask for anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us -whatever we ask- we know that we have what we have asked of Him

Thanks again to everyone...everywhere...for everything...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

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Friday, November 29, 2002 at 09:45 PM (EST)

Thanksgiving was pretty cool...Chris arrived safely from Florida...we have enjoyed having her here with us...

I roasted my very first turkey and it came out pretty good...I also made a green bean caserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh vegetable salad, rolls and pumpkin pie...

Today was event filled...we went out for the first time ever for the day after Thanksgiving sales...That was absolutely insane and something I will probably never ever want to do again...BUT...We are almost all done with our Christmas shopping...Yeah :)

We decided to take it easy this year...Christmas is about so much more than gift giving...today we are able to reflect on the ideas of what it truly means to be thankful...to appreciate others...to love and accept...to realize that the trials we are facing can be used to glorify He who has sacrificed everything for our salvation...to understand the Christmas is a celebration of Christ...

We have been busy dealing with hospital stuff too...Cody had a new positive culture...this time in the blue line instead of the red line...so now they have increased his antibiotic dosage and changed the way he is to receive the doses...

The beginning of next week is pretty crazy also...we have several appointments on Monday and Tuesday and then we have a couple of procedures scheduled on Wednesday...if everything goes well it is our plan to go to St. Louis for the latter half of the week and the weekend before we start radiation and pre-transplant procedures...

We received the P. Buckley Moss print that was donated on Wednesday...Raffle tickets will be going on sale this coming week for the art raffle fundraiser...for more information on P. Buckley Moss the artist who donated the print...you may log on to http://www.mosssociety.org
The art raffle will also include some really neat prints donated by an awesome new artist in the Fort Lauderdale area, her name is Gregory Z.

Another really great fundraising effort has taken off too...our family in New Mexico is well affliated with the Elks Lodge and a request for donations has gone out to over 20 lodges in their area...we received our first donation from that today :) How cool is that???

All is well and again we ask for your prayer support and your love most of all...

Thanks for everything...every single day...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.
Matthew 16:24b

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Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 08:57 PM (EST)

I can stand today at my watch station and give thanks to the Lord...I can accept whatever may come my way and I can do it with grace and understanding because I know the Lord has given me more than I could have ever hoped for...there are people in my life that love me...that love my family...that have offered support...thier gifts...and thier prayers...there have been tremendous trials but the fear does not overcome me for my faith is in Him...

I have not the words to articulate the way I feel about each person that has offered their prayers, their love, their support, thier guidance, thier hardwork and thier finances...

Each and every person deserves a separate thank you...a separate well wish...a separate prayer...a separate I love you...a separate gift of gratitude...

To my God...without your grace and mercy and without my love and trust in you...I would never be able to endure what is thrown at us each and every day...I would not find hope...I would not see the light or the good...I would not understand that there is a greater purpose...

To my beautiful child, Cody...you have taught me more than I can ever hope, as a mother, to teach you...you are brave, thoughtful, and loving...your relationship with Jesus amazes me every single day...you saved my life and your dad's...you will make it through this trial and your life will reflect your strength for you will have looked in the face of the enemy and been able to SCREAM...with Him, I WIN!!!

To my husband...without your love and support I would have fallen apart a long time ago...I cannot express in words how much I appreciate you...I respect you...and I love you with all of my heart...

To Ben...without your undying love for your son...I know in my heart that he would be void something that no other could, can or would ever replace...your love and support have been invaluable to Cody and to us as a family...

To my mom...I don't think I could have gotten through these trials without the love you have given me or the strength that you have taught me...I love you more than words can express...you have been there next to me through everything...your support and everything else mean more to me than I could ever, ever express...

To Paula...I am forever grateful that I am able to talk to you and depend on you for support and love not just for Cody but for me too...you always take the time to listen...and I appreciate you...

To Tina...I am so happy that you are now part of our family...your insight and support have proven to be an awesome asset to Ben...

To Jeremy, Marina, Riley, Austin and Michelle...you are all so beautiful...so loving...so wonderful...Cody could never have been blessed with better sibilings...for the love you offer...the prayers...the time...for the brothers that gave blood and got shots and palyed games and other things...for the sister that spent countless hours raising money and playing boy stuff...for the new brother and sister-to-be that beg to come visit...thank you...

To MawMaw and PawPaw...for taking care of the girls and being there for us through all of this...your love and support have meant a lot...

To Aunt Shawnna, Uncle Bryon, Auntie Cheryl, Uncle Jacques, Uncle Johnny...for being part of our lives and offering so much love and support...

To Chris, Glen, Leigh, Laurie, Joanie, Anne, Rusty, Jason, Liza, Jill Coe and Amy Cleghon for being awesome friends and an excellent extended family...for offering more support than anyone could ask for...for reaching out and for working so hard for the cause...for giving us love...for being there for us at the drop of a dime and for everything else...

To the staff at Siegel-Robert St. Louis, the staff at Siemens Newport News, the Denbiegh/Menchville Class of '72, King's Way Church in Williamsburg, Ogden Publications, Calvary Chapel Hampton Roads, Grace Road Coral Springs, the docotrs, nurses and staff at the Naval Medical Center and Duke Medical Center, the United States Navy, and the USS Briscoe for offering prayer support, help support, financial support and a whole lot of love...

To everyone, everywhere who has been touched by Cody and the story of our family...for the prayers...the love...and the support...

Thanksgiving is a special time to give thanks...I do not know if this could possibly be thanks enough but...

Thank You...

I love you...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give...
Habakkuk 2:1a

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Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 07:53 PM (CST)

Today was an okay day...

We went in for lab work and then an appointment with the Pulmonary Specialist...Cody had to redo some of the Pulmonary Function tests that he had already done...but overall, everything went well and no new things were added as far his lung functions and testings go :)

It looks like we are set for our transplant on Tuesday December 17...I have updated the schedule on the photo page...

The rest of this week is pretty slow because of Thanksgiving...we have an appointment tomorrow with the ENT Specialist and some regular lab work with cultures...just keeping track of the staff aurius that grew last week...Cody is still receiving home antibioitcs for that and will until December 3.

As it stands, Chris will be here to visit us on Thursday...she wants a Turkey dinner...but I say if she wants a Thanksgiving...she has to cook it...we can be thankful at Bob Evans :)

It looks like we may have Chris take Riley back to Florida with her so my mom can keep him until her and Jeremy come on December 21st...this way Cody can be the primary focus of the entire family throughout his radiation and transplant...

The week of the 2nd is our last "free week" and we are trying really hard to go to St. Louis so that Cody has the chance to see his family and friends there...there are a couple of small obstacles...we have to go through the consent session and a few other evaluations and appointments through Wednesday...we are hopeful that we will be able to go on Wednesday night if everything works out according to "our plan"

Cody was so excited...he found out yesterday that his Aunt Shawnna and Uncle Bryon are going to have a baby...he can hardly wait for his new cousin to arrive in July of 2003 :)

Auntie Cheryl is having a girl...Marina was very excited about that...Cody wished for a boy :)

Greg and I spent a lot of time working on our expense reports and the like this evening...I just wanted to thank each and every one of you once again for your continued prayers, love, and support...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

That night the Lord appeared to him and said, " I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you..."
Genesis 26:24a

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Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 09:55 PM (CST)

Well the weekend went really great...we got to go home to our house in Virginia...

We had a little bit of a scare though...on Friday my coordinator called to tell us that Cody had another positive culture (Staff Orius)...we almost got to stay in the hospital for the weekend at home...

Cody was actually excited about the prospect though because his buddy Trevor was in for chemo...I wasn't too thrilled about the idea but it was nice to be home at our hospital with our doctors, nurses, and friends...

They did some blood cultures and started him some antibiotics...again...

His counts were actually really good though...his ANC was 4400...and with no real signs of being sick, they let us handle his meds at home :)

We are back at our "other house" here in North Carolina...

Tomorrow we have the day off...we only have to do line care and cap changes...we get real busy again starting Tuesday...

I just wanted to say how much we are truly blessed by the love and prayer support we have been receiving...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Then I said to you, "Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you...
Deuteronomy 1:29-30a

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Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 02:28 PM (CST)

Oh Yeah! We definitely have some peach fuzz growing around here...Cody is so excited that he has a little bit of hair again...he liked having the bald head for tattoos but apparently the bald head led to a little more attention then he really wanted...especially at school :(

We are all adjusting to the new look that Cody is displaying...one that includes a lot less teeth...as you know they pulled 8 of his teeth yesterday...they took the 4 front ones on top...2 on the bottom, 1 on either side of the 2 middle front bottom ones...because of it, he has a lisp but it is really cute...he is very aware of when he pronounces something wrong so he practices trying to say it right without the assistance of teeth :)

Today was a good day...we went in for line care...and then we had a GI appointment...this new GI doctor is right on...he seems to really know his stuff and I am excited about the care that he can give Cody when it comes to handling the stricture...I just wish we could do more for him in reagrds to that now...even though we can't it is okay because we know now that we have a really good doctor to work on us when we are done with all the other poop poop...

One of my mom's friends from high school sent Cody the Hot Wheels Jeremy McGrath electric dirt bike track with racing guys...I cannot explain to you how excited he was...of course, I don't know who was more excited...my son...or my husband :) They have been working on building it since it got here...

Earlier today Cody received a bunch of mail from Hunter's family (Hunter is one of the little boys that we go to clinic with at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth)...that was really cool...he was very excited about getting mail and then when he found out it was from his little buddy Hunter's family he thought that was the neatest thing...

Overall, today has been awesome...we received clearance to go home for the weekend so we are going to leave tonight to go...I am excited about that...

Thanks Again for the continued love...prayers...and support...We feel the love :) Keep it coming :)

In love & Prayer...
Eleasha

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

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Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 07:09 PM (EST)

First of all Guess What!!!

We have hair...not much and it is still kind of like peach fuzz...but hey its hair and its new and we have some...

Today was a pretty hard day for the little man...

He had major dental surgery...they pulled out 8 of his 20 teeth and drilled and capped most of the rest of them...

Of course, you know him...he woke up ready to go...as usual you would never be able to tell he had major surgery because as always...he felt and still feels good :)

Yesterday was kind of crazy...I was lost in Durham, again...I lost my ID...and we had two extra doctor's appointments...that we did not know about...but never-the-less...we made it through the day :)

We are still working hard on our fundraising projects...as the need is still great and with the latest dental bill...well you know how that goes...

hi ho hi ho it's off to work we go :)

Fundraising Updates are posted on the Photos Page...

I will be making a new picture arrangement as soon as we get some pictures of the other half of the family...Hopefully, soon...

Please continue to pray for us...before anything else...we need and want all the prayer support that we can get...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
Daniel 10:12

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Monday, November 18, 2002 at 09:27 PM (CST)

The weekend was pretty cool but today we were back to business...

We started off with line care and tons of lab work...they drew cultures and blood from each of his 3 lines...we changed out the caps and then we were done...his dressing was fine...so no changing it...YEAH!

Next we went on to the barium swallow...Cody is an old pro at this procedure...none-the-less he still hates it and fights it all the way...the object is to swallow this really nasty tasting stuff (I tasted it once and it is nasty) while they take x-rays...the reason for doing this, is so they have pictures of his stricture...

After that...we were done for the day :)

Tomorrow we have line care in the morning and then pre-op in the afternoon for the dental surgery scheduled on Wednesday...the dental work is going to cost us a lot of unplanned out of pocket money...

That's okay though because the Lord always seems to provide...

Anyway...I made updates to the schedule on the photo page...I expect more additions and maybe some changes but I listed what we know for now...

Thanks again for the continued prayer support and love...we need all that we can get...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

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Monday, November 18, 2002 at 09:27 PM (CST)

The weekend was pretty cool but today we were back to business...

We started off with line care and tons of lab work...they drew cultures and blood from each of his 3 lines...we changed out the caps and then we were done...his dressing was fine...so no changing it...YEAH!

Next we went on to the barium swallow...Cody is an old pro at this procedure...none-the-less he still hates it and fights it all the way...the object is to swallow this really nasty tasting stuff (I tasted it once and it is nasty) while they take x-rays...the reason for doing this, is so they have pictures of his stricture...

After that...we were done for the day :)

Tomorrow we have line care in the morning and then pre-op in the afternoon for the dental surgery scheduled on Wednesday...the dental work is going to cost us a lot of unplanned out of pocket money...

That's okay though because the Lord always seems to provide...

Anyway...

Thanks again for the continued prayer support and love...we need all that we can get...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

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Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 06:11 PM (EST)

The Schedule is Updated...

Well the weekend is coming to a close :(

We had a lot of fun with Ben and Tina here...

We attempted to go to Chuck E. Cheese but I was driving so we drove around in circles a few times and about 10 miles in the wrong direction before finally we called and got new bad directions...finally we gave up and went to Fuddruckers and then Toys R Us...

The weather was basically yucky all weekend so we just spent a whole lot of time doing indoor things...it was a lot of fun...

Ben and Tina are engaged so Cody thinks it is neat that soon he will have another brother and another sister...plus an extra mom :)

We still had to go the clinic for CVL care and dressing changes...on yesterday and today...Tina went with us...it was hard on Cody but we still had fun...

Greg and Riley got here on Friday...I was really happy to see them and the girls...so was Cody

The best part of the whole weekend is...we all got along great together...

Looks like families really do come together through the hard times...

We have another busy week...I will work on updating the schedule as soon as my husband hooks up the p.c.

The girls left this afternoon to go stay in New Mexico with MawMaw and PawPaw for a while...we were sad to have to send them...but we know they will come back soon and hopefully PawPaw will have them housebroke :o

Anyway...all is well here...

Thanks again for all of the love..the prayers...and the support.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that He may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines."

1 Samuel 7:8

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Friday, November 15, 2002 at 04:51 PM (CST)

YEAH!

Our first seriously easy day!!!!!

We started off with line care and a dressing change...that was pretty hard and painful on Cody but it was over quick...

Next we went on to the CT Scan of his entire upper body...that went really good because they let him drink the contrast through his g-tube...we waited forever for the actual test but once that was finished we got to come home :)

Ben and Tina got here this morning right before 8 a.m. They were exhausted from drivig all night so they laid down for a nap while we went and did our thing...

We got home at 2 p.m. and then we went took a nap too...we just got up a little while ago...

Greg, Riley and the girls are on their way now...they should be here sometime in the next couple of hours...

Tomorrow and Sunday we are only scheduled to go into the clinic for line care...a dressing change only if necessary...

We have plans to do some fun stuff this weekend...don't know what yet and the weather is supposed to be stinky :(

I will probably not update again until Sunday night...

Thanks again for all of the prayer support and love...

In love & Prayer...
Eleasha

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25-26

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Thursday, November 14, 2002 at 08:27 PM (EST)

Today was actually pretty good...Maybe we are starting to get the hang of this?

First thing this morning was Cody's eye doctor appointment...you would have thought that they were sticking needles in his eyes when they put in the cateract drops...

Next he had surgery...they removed the port that he has had since December of 1999...all went well with that and he made it through with flying colors...again...

While we waited we got the chance to meet with the social worker, the family support group coordinator and the child life coordinator...

The newspaper article ran today in the Flagship...you can check it out at www.flagshipnews.com...it was actually a really good article...

Ben and Tina are on their way and should arrive sometime tomorrow morning...Cody is very excited about them coming :)

Greg and Riley will be here tomorrow also...Cody is very excited about them coming too...

Oh and don't forget the girls (our dogs) are coming with them so that they can leave to go live with MawMaw and PawPaw for a while...they have to fly out of Raliegh/Durham because Norfolk does not allow live animals to fly...

Tomorrow we go for a CT Scan...that ought to be lots of fun...

Well we are off to bed, another early night :)

Please continue to pray, send love and mail :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

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Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 07:12 PM (EST)

Well overall I would rate today okay...Of course I did think I was losing my mind...but...I guess that is the least of my worries...

Cody made it through the surgery for his new triple CVL (central venous line) with flying colors...as a matter of a fact he walked out of the recovery room...I ended up making him sit in a wheelchair but he did great...he always does...

The day started off a little crazy as several things that were supposed to happen, have been postponed...several other things that were supposed to happen, didn't...then of course there were the things that weren't supposed to happen, but did...I guess with everything moving so fast and changing so much I am either not catching everything or not understanding some of the schedule changes, additions and what not? I don't know...I write most of the stuff down so I guess I must be really distracted or there is a missing link in the communication line somewhere???

I talked to Paula when all of this miscommunication stuff came to light and she helped me remember that it is okay to be overwhelmed...and that really I can't lose my mind because it was already lost long ago :) at least I think I remember that was what happened??? :)

Cody has to go back into surgery tomorrow to have his port removed...they didn't take it out today because of one of those things that should have happened but didn't miscommunications...it's all okay though...at least I keep telling myself that...

I met with my coordinator in between appointments (which is another funny story) and just let her know that I was missing information and that I was needing things to be explained to me...ensuring that my actual attention is on the conversation instead of whatever may be happening with Cody at that moment...my coordinator is awesome and it was good to actually communicate my needs instead of just getting upset...

We are working the new schedule and I should have it by the end of the week...I will update that part of the website over the weekend...

Now about the appointments, I keep getting lost :) This place is huge...the Medical Center campus is like 4 miles around and of course we do stuff in every building...from one end to the other and then back again through out the day, depending on the department and the appointment...

God has provided us with some good contacts...a lady named Becky called me this afternoon and told me she was our official support person...she is from a local church (the lady I met a few weeks ago on the airplane hooked me up with them)

It's early but we are headed to bed as tomorrow is another day that promises to bring more of the same...

I love all of you very much...Thank you again for the continued prayer support for us. Besides us, please start praying for the rapture, because I don't know about you, but I can't wait to go home :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring you health and nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8

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Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at 07:12 PM (EST)

Well overall I would rate today okay...Of course I did think I was losing my mind...but...I guess that is the least of my worries...

Cody made it through the surgery for his new triple CVL (central venous line) with flying colors...as a matter of a fact he walked out of the recovery room...I ended up making him sit in a wheelchair but he did great...he always does...

The day started off a little crazy as several things that were supposed to happen, have been postponed...several other things that were supposed to happen, didn't...then of course there were the things that weren't supposed to happen, but did...I guess with everything moving so fast and changing so much I am either not catching everything or not understanding some of the schedule changes, additions and what not? I don't know...I write most of the stuff down so I guess I must be really distracted or there is a missing link in the communication line somewhere???

I talked to Paula when all of this miscommunication stuff came to light and she helped me remember that it is okay to be overwhelmed...and that really I can't lose my mind because it was already lost long ago :) at least I think I remember that was what happened??? :)

Cody has to go back into surgery tomorrow to have his port removed...they didn't take it out today because of one of those things that should have happened but didn't miscommunications...it's all okay though...at least I keep telling myself that...

I met with my coordinator in between appointments (which is another funny story) and just let her know that I was missing information and that I was needing things to be explained to me...ensuring that my actual attention is on the conversation instead of whatever may be happening with Cody at that moment...my coordinator is awesome and it was good to actually communicate my needs instead of just getting upset...

We are working the new schedule and I should have it by the end of the week...I will update that part of the website over the weekend...

Now about the appointments, I keep getting lost :) This place is huge...the Medical Center campus is like 4 miles around and of course we do stuff in every building...from one end to the other and then back again through out the day, depending on the department and the appointment...

God has provided us with some good contacts...a lady named Becky called me this afternoon and told me she was our official support person...she is from a local church (the lady I met a few weeks ago on the airplane hooked me up with them)

It's early but we are headed to bed as tomorrow is another day that promises to bring more of the same...

I love all of you very much...Thank you again for the continued prayer support for us. Besides us, please start praying for the rapture, because I don't know about you, but I can't wait to go home :)

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring you health and nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8

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Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 10:35 PM (EST)

Today was another rough day...we have been so busy we can't hardly stand ourselves, well at least I can't stand ourselves :)

I guess that is good though, if we had too much time to rest we might actually get bored :)

Let me start off by explaining what we woke up to...the rain was coming down in sheets and it looked worse today than yesterday...but yesterday there were tornado warnings...as the day progessed it dropped about 15-20 degrees...now that I have set the scene...let me continue :)

We started our morning with a lung study which remind me of lamaze class

Then we moved on to an echocardiogram (the receptionist sent us to the wrong bldg. so you know I was stressed out...poor Greg called at the wrong time).

Next we went in for our Pre-Op appointment as Cody is having his new central venous line(CVL) put in tomorrow morning...he is scared of this procedure which has made the day a little more difficult...

From there we actually got to come home for about an hour and a half before we went back out to the dentist...

More bad news there...

Cody has about 12 cavaties in his 20 teeth...the dentist explained that this is from all of the chemo and the way his teeth have developed so close together...aside from that, he has a couple of loose teeth that need to be pulled (he can't have loose teeth in case he has to get a breathing tube later) to make a long story sort of short...he gets to have major dental surgery on Wednesday...

Our schedule has officially been pushed back at least one week probably two...

We will be unable to start with radiation next week for a few reasons...
One, the dental work (Cody cannot have any places that can harbor an infection i.e. bad teeth)
Two, the transplant physician did not realize all that we were dealing with in regards to Cody's stricture so we must now go see a G.I. (tummy) doctor plus an ENT (ears, nose, throat)
Finally, they want to make sure that he does not grow any positive cultures over the next few days...

I should have a new copy of the schedule by Thursday, I will update the schedule on the photo page as soon as Greg gets here with my pc...

Which reminds me...The Navy is awesome! Greg got all of his paperwork turned in today and did a bunch of stuff with the command...he and Riley will be joining us here this Friday :) Yeah!

I talked to Ben today...and I talked to Paula...I really am excited about Ben and Tina coming on Thursday...Paula had planned on coming the weekend before the transplant so she would have also been here for Thanksgiving...I asked her to come then anyway even though our schedule has changed...

Chris will be here for Thanksgiving and the weekend after...Cody is siked...but I'm not sure who is more excited Chris or Cody :)

My mom and Jeremy are coming for a couple of weeks at Christmas...I don't think Cody knows this yet as I have not directly told him, but he tends to hear a lot more than I give him credit for sometimes...I am very excited about the visit...I cannot wait to see my mom and my Jeremy

Cody has been dealing pretty well but I think all of the visitors will be good for him...it is kind of lonely here for us...and Cody has been just kind of afraid of everything...every night he has me hold him and rock him to sleep...I think I might get more out of that than he does :)

I love you all so much and I wish that I had you here in person instead of in spirit...I continue to "beg" for the prayer support as I do not believe there could possibly be anything we need more right now...except for maybe the rapture :)

I will update again soon...maybe tomorrow.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

..."Don't be afraid, just believe." Mark 5:36b

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Monday, November 11, 2002 at 08:17 PM (EST)

We got checked into our new "home" late yesterday afternoon...the Angel Flight went pretty cool, Cody had a blast being the co-pilot...a limo picked us up, Spencer for Hire, and Mr. Spencer himself brought us here to the apt. and brought all of our luggage in.

God has blessed us once again...the Angel Flight was free and Mr. Spencer would not even take a tip from us...everyone has insisted that Cody getting better would be payment enough...everyone except the apt. complex, of course :)

Today was a very crazy day...We went through a battery of different tests...they drew labs and cultures, did chest x-rays and an EKG...oh and they did this really neat nose sucker thing...Cody just loved that :) NOT!

Once all of that was finished...we met with June the Nurse Coordinator who told us all about the upcoming weeks, which turn into months...we talked about the transplant procedure and all that comes before and goes after

We met with Dr. Kurtzberg the transplant physician, Caryn the Nurse Practioner, and June some more...we had to go over all of Cody's history and what we have been through to date...we also talked about the low grade fever that Cody has been having and found out that we may be changing our schedule in an effort to figure out what the actual issue is...he hasn't had much of a fever for a couple of days but the doctor said it doesn't make sense not to be cautious...

I have not been sleeping very much at all...so I was really tired today...I was glad when we got home and I was able to take a little nap...

I have been a little sad and over anxious...I will be relieved when Ben and Tina get here on Thursday, they are staying for the weekend and joining us for the consent session on Thursday afternoon...

I am hopeful that Greg will be here before they leave as I miss him and Riley something terrible and am not doing so great keeping my own spirits up...I figured out, right now, I am bad company :(

Tomorrow will prove to be even busier than today...as they have changed a few things around and added his dental appointment...

Please continue to pray for us...we need all of the prayers, love and support we can get...

Send more e-mail and snail mail as it is good for us both...the address here is:

1704 White Pine Dr
Durham, NC 27705

I still have my cell phone and if you want the phone number to the apartment, please let me know.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

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Sunday, November 10, 2002 at 10:40 AM (EST)

Well, Today is the day...

We will be leaving real soon to go to Duke University in Durham, NC...

I am not sure when I will be able to update again as our next couple of weeks are completely insane and then we are in for the Bone Marrow Transplant...you can see our schedule on the photo page...

I want to thank everyone again for all of their hardwork and efforts on our behalf...

I especially want to send out a special thanks and lots of love to

My mom, Joanie, Glen and their garage sale "crew"...

Ben, Paula and the entire St. Louis family including Foremost Printing and Seigel-Robert...

Greg for being here to support us...

Marina, Jeremy, and Riley for being the best most understanding big sister, big brother, and little brother Cody ever could have been blessed with...

The U.S. Navy, the USS Briscoe, and the doctors, nurses, staff, and social workers at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for all of the help, support, research, fast work, and compassion...

Chris, Barbi, Lori and the entire ParyLite family in the Synergy and Unforgettable Region...

Liza and Jason for being here with us almost everyday...

Pastor John and the entire Calvary Chapel Hampton Roads family...

Laurie, Pastor Steve and Leigh Ann from King's Way Church in Williamsburg...

Plus everyone who has prayed for us and been so compelled to donate to the cause...

I promise I will update again soon...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Friday, November 08, 2002 at 06:48 AM (EST)

Well D-Day is almost here and still so many things to do...to be honest with everything else needing to be done...we haven't even started packing yet :)

Yesterday was pretty busy...Cody had a spinal tap with a bone marrow aspirate and bone marrow biopsy...after that was complete he received his chemotherapy...he did well but has been going through some regular spells of vomiting...he continues to run a low grade fever which spikes every now and again...I really wish I knew what that was all about as he has been on antibiotics for nearly 2 weeks now...

We go back today in order to pick up some slides to take to Duke...some chemotherapy for home administration...and he has to have his port needle changed...

We are going by his school today to pick up all of his schoolwork to take to Duke as the teachers there follow his teacher's teaching plan...when we come back from NC Cody will have a teacher all summer and then until he can return to school...probably around December 2003...we are hopeful that with all of the help he will be receiving he won't have to be left behind on top of everything else...but I guess that is actually the least of our worries :)

We were on the news last night...

News Channel 3
http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=1003476&nav=0oa7CFlQ

Channel 13 News
http://www.wvec.com/news/health/wvec_health_110702_cord_blood_transplant.27fd74b5.html

Plus we were interviewed by a reporter from the Flagship Navy Newspaper...that story should run next week...
http://www.flagshipnews.com/

We have received confirmation that the NAVY will be reimbursing almost every expense that we will incur...WAY TO GO NAVY!

Not only that...We have confirmation that Greg and the baby will be able to join us soon...another WAY TO GO NAVY! It is so awesome to be part of an institution which cares so deeply for its service members.

Fundraising projects are going well but since the NAVY is so awesome our fundraising goals can be a little more modest...Again, thanks again to everyone who has felt so compelled to donate...

The Lord continues to bless us daily...

For today all is busy but well...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

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Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 05:43 PM (EST)

Well it seems as though everything is coming together...We will be in Durham, NC on Sunday and ready for a pretty fast and extensive work up and pre-transplant schedule...Our full schedule is posted in the photos section of this website...

As you will see, Cody's transplant is now scheduled for Tuesday 26Nov2002.

We have been working with the social workers and the case workers in preparation for our departure...Things are progressing well but I am still feeling quite a bit overwhelmed...

Cody coninues to run a fever, usually low grade, even on antibiotics...he has a bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap scheduled for tomorrow...they are going to take some extra precautionary measures in an effort to figure out what is going on with him and why he is still experiencing these fevers...

We are going to be interviewed by a couple of TV stations tomorrow at the hospital in the morning...I think that will be pretty neat...They are doing a "human interest" story on Cody...

I really am very excited about all that is happening. I'm just not too sure I am doing so well with the speed...

We continue to ask for prayer from everyone, everywhere...we are truly blessed by the love and generosity of each and every one of you...

The body has truly been our blessing from the Lord...

I will update again soon when I am feeling a little less overwhelmed...Maybe I will be able to explain more then...

As Always...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

...I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: "O Lord, Save Me!"
Psalm 116:3b-4

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Monday, November 04, 2002 at 08:00 PM (CST)

This morning at 10:00 a.m. we were informed that Cody and I are to be leaving for Duke University Medical Center in Durhanm, NC this Sunday...originally we were not planning to go for another 4-6 weeks...

So as you can imagine...

The day has been exteremely hectic and we are working really hard to try and get everything in order...I spent the better part of the day on the phone speaking to social workers, case workers, doctors, nurses, making flight and housing arrangements, informing family and friends, etc, etc, etc...

I know that the Lord will provide all that we need in the time that we need it in, now and for all things to come...for everything works together in His perfect time for His perfect plan...

Of course, even though I know all of that, I am still whirling with all that needs to be done...I pray that I will have the ability to follow everything through to completion...I have a whole lot of foot work to do and a very short time to do it all in...

Greg will not be able to go with us right away since things are happening so fast...we will go and eventually he and Riley will meet us there...the familyhas started making thier plans for who is going to come when and how...

We have been blessed with an Angel Flight...Angel Flights are flights where the pilots volunteer thier time and aircraft to help patients get where they need to go...in addition, we have Mercy Med Airlift Flight options for other families so that they may travel to support us at a more feasible expense...

The place we will be staying is a corporate apartment which has 2 bedrooms, a washer adn dryer, is fully furnished and all utilities are included...also included is a shuttle service for us to go back and forth to the hospital...

We are still in need of much fundraising and are open to any and all suggestions and/or help with ideas to obtain our necessary goal...

Calvary Chapel Hampton Roads has been reaaly good to us...the Pastor stopped by our house last night with two of his sons...the youth pastors stopped by the hospital on Saturday evening...Many other have reached out and are offering to provide us with much needed help and support...

Everyday, the Lord continues to show us just how great He truly is...how big and awesome He really is...

Please keep up the prayer support...we need all we can get...every single day...

Cody is doing well receiving antibiotics at home...he continues to run a low grade fever and we are hopeful that in the next day or two the antibiotics will knock that out...

Thanks again to everyone...everywhere...for everything.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Jeremiah 30:17
'But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord.

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Sunday, November 03, 2002 at 09:54 PM (EST)

HOME AGAIN!

Yeah! The doctor's let us come again this afternoon...we are still administering IV antibiotics...but that's not so bad...we are really happy that we got to come home...

The last day has been really great...the Navy returned Greg home to me via helicopter almost one week early...that is so cool...

Cody had quite a few visitors at the hospital yesterday Andrew and Shawn came from the church...Leigh Anne came up from Williamsburg...Marina came to visit and then she took Riley so she could babysit for the night...that was really exciting...Pastor John and two of his sons came over to the house this evening and we had the chance to hang out with them...it has been really great to have so much support and as always we still need prayer...lots and lots of prayer...

Being in the hospital this time while all of the other Hem/Onc kids were in was really good for us both...I was able to spend some time talking to other moms and Cody had a "club" they partied until the late hours and started over again the next morning...I think it was great for all of the kids to have the interaction...and I know it did wonders for me.

The homebound teacher will be coming out tomorrow so that we can put together our schedule for his home schooling. I am relieved about that because I am worried about him falling behind...hopefully he will be able to keep up with his class and not be left behind on top of everything else...

He has been asking to go to George Washington D.C. so that he can see the White House...from here D.C. is only about a 3 hour drive so we are considering trying to go one day this week just for the day...

The fundraising efforts have been yielding excellent results...the garage sale alone raised $4200. we are up to almost $5000. a little less than 3/4 of the way to our goal...Check out the updates on the Photo page...

We cannot begin to thank everyone enough...we really love and appreciate everyone...especially those who are jumping in and offering up the support so desperately needed...

Again today, God is Awesome

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

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Saturday, November 02, 2002 at 1:21 PM (EST)

Well we only ended up being out of the hospital for about 10 hours on Thursday...I woke up to administer his antibiotics at 3:30 a.m. and realized he was burning up.

103.8

That was really scary...I called and talked to my mom after I said a prayer and told God this time it was ALL Him as I was and am spent...

Being here without Greg has been a lot harder than I thought it was going to be...I am blessed to have such a supportive man in my life and I cannot wait until the Navy returns him to me at the end of this coming week.

I talked to Paula most of the way back to the hospital early Friday morning, I have been blessed to have so much love and support..

Everyone has been working really hard for us and I cannot even begin to explain how grateful we are for everything. I am just absolutely amazed by it all...

Well, you would all be so proud of me...I actually put a call into the church early afternoon yesterday and yes...I did it...I...yes, Me...I asked for HELP! Can you believe it??? As you can probably guess, everyone is more than willing to be here for us and help...I think we are expecting more visitors over the next few days than we had ever in the hospital while we lived in Florida :)

Being in this time, at least right now, has not been so bad...All of the other Hem/Onc kids that are around Cody's age are in for their chemo treatments this weekend so, it has been really great for him...he actually has some playmates and they had a big ole' party last night that lasted until nearly 11 p.m. (He's a PARTY ANIMAL)

It has been nice for me too because I have been able to interact with the other moms that are dealing with the same stuff...

God is always so good...giving us exactly what we need when we need it...

I was up at 2:00 a.m. so I went ahead and started working on a bible study in 1 Peter 3...I stayed up with that for an hour until I was tired enough to go back to bed...I woke up this morning and did some more work on the study...it has been a really cool study...I am not sure what the Lord has planned but He is having me write down some really neat stuff...this has been an opportunity for me to learn more and more through the spirit.

I look forward to our visitors...

Thanks Again to Everyone...All of our love.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything offer up prayer and supplication.

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Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 06:20 PM (EST)

Happy Hallejauh!

The day of Harvest has been good to us...we got to come home from the hospital this evening. Cody's counts are still fairly low, his ANC is only 408...normal is somewhere between 3000-5000...one of his cultures came back positive which means he has some type of staff infection so...we will be receiving IV antibiotics here at the house and are scheduled to return to the hospital tomorrow for blood work and counts.

Cody has dressed up like Scooby Doo and we will be going to church for the HALLEJUAH FESTIVAL...if the nurse from home health ever gets here :(

Anyway, Jeremy McGrath (dirt bike rider extraordniare) did indeed call Cody in the hospital yesterday...it was so cool...Cody talked to him on the phone for nearly an hour...I was truly excited for him...he sang about it for the rest of the day...they talked about everythign from video games to his hair falling out...

I received a call from one of the promoters from Clear Channel Entertainmant, they host the World SXGP series, he said that he will take Cody around to meet a bunch of the riders at any event that we are able to attend...we are hoping to attend St. Louis on March 22, so that we can be there with Ben and Paula and the rest of Cody's family there...but since I have no idea what to expect from Duke, I am optimistic, but figure we won't be able to make that event...the last event of the season is May 3 in Las Vegas...maybe we will make it there? Who knows what God has planned?

The support we have been receiving as far as fundraising efforts go has been awesome...I can't believe how much effort you all have been putting into ensuring that we are able to meet our goal and obtain all that we need for this Transplant and temporary move...I wish I were able to be there with each individual group and help out personally...but I am so blessed that the Lord has offered these gifts and talents to to you who are reaching out, doanting, helping and working...

My mom's garage sale idea has been an absolute hit in the Fort Lauderdale area...everything starts tomorrow and her and Joanie along with countless others have been working from morning to night to make sure that everything is set up and ready to go for tomorrow...they are still in need of much support manning the actual sale...so, if you getthis and you are in the area...please, please, please let us know...all of the proceeds from the garage sale will benefit the Cody fund...

Ben's mom, Paula has been working on putting together a receipe book that they will selling with all of the proceeds going directly to Cody's fund...anyone interested in obtaining a copy can get in touch with us...

The PartyLite family has really wrapped its arms around us...Chris has been doing a fundraiser selling the Angel of Hope, 20 % of the proceeds will go directly to Cody's fund...two seperate regions have done fundraising projects at the Regionals and have raised a pretty good amount of money that will be contributed directly to the Cody fund...anyone interested in participating in this project should contact Chris directly at freecandlesrus@yahoo.com...

Mr. Ed is working on putting together the Christian concert benefit, several bands have already committed to preforming and the proceed will go directly to the Cody fund...More information will posted once we have it...

The auction will take place at King's Way Church in Williamsburg...Laurie is working really hard to pull everything together there but a lot of work must still be done...we are accepting donations of items that can be auctioned...we are looking for event workers and everything else that is necessary to pull the whole project together...Laurie and Pastor Steve have had the opportunity to discuss the plans...as soon as we know more we will post the information...

Marina has been working really hard raising funds through her Big Sister Fund for Cody and we are so proud of the job she has been doing...Cody is blessed to have such an awesome big sister...

We officially have our Non-Profit status and donations can be made out to the ForCody Foundation...Official Receipts will be sent out to individuals or organizations that donate more than $250...in accordance with the rules of the IRS, any donations under that amount the donor may use the cancelled check as receipt...I have attached a link at the bottom of the page for easy access or you may contact me for mailing information...

You all are so very, very awesome...We appreciate each and every one of you...we love you...but most of all we thank you for your hard work and everything you are doing to support our cause...

Thank You...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

"All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

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Tuesday, October 30, 2002 at 04:58 AM (EST)

Today is the anniversary of the day we were diagnosed, it has been 3 full years since Cody was diagnosed, 1096 days...it is hard to look back and realize that we are now at the beginning again. I wish I knew what the Lord's perfect number was for this...I pray for the day when it all ends. I am not discouraged though...The Lord stays so good.
It is amazing to me how everything is coming together for our temporary move to NC, it looks as though we will be leaving to go there in about 6-8 weeks and every day we are finding out more and more information about different ways to make ends meet while we are there, not just financially...but more importantly spiritually, we are getting connected to a couple of different community churcehs and the support from those we have reached out to so far has been surreal...I am anxious to get onto to the next chapter of our life and treatment...I am giving thanks all of the trials that we are facing as victory over them is glory in Christ.
We are back in the hospital, Cody's counts were really low. We were placed in an isolation room and he is on antibiotics and has received a blood transfusion...we can be reached in the hospital for the rest of the week, at least 757-953-4504.
Riley and I are fairing well but we wish we had Greg here with us...Jason and Liza continue to offer more support than anyone should...the neighbors are taking care of the dogs and the house will just have to be okay all alone...
Finally I have an awesome story about temptation...it was put before me that I could have been dishonest in order to obtain a "wish" for Cody...after much thought and prayer...the Lord placed on my heart that the witness I would offer my son should I chose to obtain this "wish" via dishonesty would be so worng...so, as my husband always says, I am resourceful and I was able to contact Jeremy McGrath(dirt bike rider extraordinare) and his wife Kim in California yesterday. As many of you know, Cody's dream is to be a "dirt bike rider when he grows up" so Jeremy McGrath is his hero...well, Jeremy will be calling Cody here in the hospital today...Is God awesome, or what?
Thanks again for all of your love and prayer support. I will keep the site updated as much as possible while we are here in the hospital...
In the meantime, pray.
In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Saturday, October 26, 2002 at 11:39 PM (EST)

I was waiting to update the entry because I wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to read what the Bone Marrow Transplant will entail, you can look at the past journal enteries for the one dated October 22, 2002 in order to find out more about the transplant and what we will be expecting as a family.
This has been an awesome week...Our fundraising projects are coming together well and I am amazed and honored by the amount of people that have been willing and able to reach out and help make this thing start to work. The Lord is awesome...
I have posted updates to the fundraisers on the photos site and as you will see...we have already started earning some money :-)
I did a lot of foot work and research this week finding out and attempting top understand all that I can in regards to the transplant and then offering whatever help I can to the fundraising coordinators.
I am signing papers with the Childhood Organ Transplant Association (COTA) this week coming up. We will obtain our non-pofit status from them, as well as, a whole lot of help with the fundraising campaigne. Things are moving fast but they need to so that is great!
I have been a little overwhelmed with everything but the Lord just keeps scooping me out of bed and getting me through the day. PLUS...He keeps on placing the next "right" person in our path...I am in awe at how many new, sudden contacts we have in Durham, NC...only the Lord could have pulled this together...First two donors...now a whole new extended family...My Cup Runs Over!
I miss my husband tremendously...as most of you know he is in the Navy and out to sea...I did not realize how much I depend on him until after he left Thursday :-(
We are talking every day via e-mail but that offers little comfort...I love and miss him very much.
We will know more this week about our scheduled departure date for Durham and I am confident that the Lord will provide us with everything we need...He has so far.
Mostly what I need is all of your continued prayers...and I could use a few more friends...it never hurts to have people near you who love you.
Oh yeah...you are probably wondering how Cody is (considering this is his site and all) well he is great! Tired alot and trying to recover from a small allergy induced cold...he is going to school on Monday for the first time in two weeks...he is excited and I am for him. His classmates have been diligent in keeping in touch with him...they sent him a card yesterday he was so excited...he loves snail mail, e-mail and guestbook enteries...I do too :-)
So keep them coming...We appreciate and love everyone...you are all in our prayers and our thank yous are forever yours.

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 08:57 (EST)

Today has been a very busy day. I have been working hard doing whatever foot work possible to prepare for our temporary move to North Carolina.
We have a lot of great fundraiser ideas that are coming together and there are so many people we would like extend our gratitude, love and thanks to for their efforts and support. Nothing has gone unnoticed. Everything is appreciated and more than words could ever express. Thank You all.
We received a bunch of information from Duke today. We now have a better idea of what to expect as far as the transplant process is concerned. Cody will be receiving what is called an ALLOGENEIC bone marrow transplant. This type of BMT occurs when another person supplies the new marrow. This can be an unrelated donor found usually n the National Bone Marrow Program (this is why it is so important for people to register). In our case the two matches are cord blood. This is a promising new development in bone marrow transplant therapy. By using umbilical cord blood, rather than bone marrow, the patient is able to receive the benefits of the bone marrow transplant in a way which may minimize the immune response that leads to the complication called graft vs. host disease. Graft vs. host disease (GVHD) is when the transplanted bone marrow or cord blood recoginizes the child's body as "foreign" and tries to react to it. It can cause mild or severe complications and will be treated for immediately following the transplant. This is precautionary drug treatment that will be given even before any signs of GVHD may present themselves. Cody will have to have an additional port line called a central venous catheter placed in his chest which will remain there through out the transplant and all subsequent procedures.
The transplant itself is fairly simple, from what I have read, it seems like he will undergo what looks like a blood transfussion that takes a really long time. We will have to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 6 weeks following the procedure and we will be in protective isolation.He will be IV fed and and set up on a daily schedule which includes mouth care 4 - 5 times per day, as extreme mouth sores usually develop after the transplant. He will have catheter care, bath time and dressing changes daily, he will have physical therapy and child life activities everyday also. Visitors may only visit if they are in no way sick...they must wear gowns, and sometimes masks...they must scrub for a minuimum of 15 minutes before entering the unit.
While they would be beautiful and appreciated, we cannot receive flowers, plants or fruits of any kind as they harbor germs and bacteria.
The major side effects that we can expect to experience are viral, bacterial and fungal infections as these things typically cause major problems for transplant patients.
For the first 100 days after we are discharged and going to clinic on an outpatient basis Cody will be requirred to wear a germ mask. This is to help make him less vulnerable to complications. Because we are receiving an ALLOGENEIC bone marrow transplant Cody will have to wait one full year before he may return to his normal activities and life. While this means that Cody will not be able to attend school, it does not mean that he has to avoid all public places completely. According to the information, we can go to the mall on weekday instead of a Saturday. He can play with his friends but will need to take precautions. No sick friends, etc...and he will have to wear a mask when in enclosed areas with a number of people.
Anyway, I know this is a lot to digest but I think I understand most of it...so if you have any questions...let me know.
I am still grateful because even though the road ahead looks long and grim...I am confident that He will prevail...that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Thanks again to everyone...

In Love & Prayer...
Eleasha

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Monday, October 21, 2002 at 7:05PM (EST)

On Friday Ocotber 18, 2002 we were informed that Cody has two bone marrow matches! :) The matches are cord blood donors so that is the best we could have ever prayed for.
Fund Raising projects are being put togther and donations are being accepted as the transplant process is long, difficult and expensive. We have a fundraising goal of $16,500. This money will cover our living expenses (i.e. hotels, Ronald McDonald house, food, gas, support, misc., etc.)
We will be going to Duke University for our procedure. Cody will undergo full body radiation and then his transplant. We can expect to "live" in North Carolina for at least 4 months. After that Cody will not be able to go to any public places for 6-12 months. For more information on his procedure you can go check out http://cancer.duke.edu/pbmt/
The Leukemia Society and Duke University will be sending us information on Bone Marrow Transplants and Radiaition. I am hopeful that we will be able to obtain a better understanding of what to expect.
Riley will be going with me and Cody when we go to North Carolina (sometime in the next 6-9 weeks). Greg will there with us for the first couple of months and then will be leaving to meet up with his ship wherever they are. Ben will be coming to visit as often as he can get off of work and afford to come. Marina will be staying home in Virginia with her mom. Jeremy will be staying in Ohio with his dad. Grandma Sherrill and Grandma Paula will be visiting as often as they can, depending on finances and vacation time.
Everything has been happening so fast but we continue to pray and thank God. I am certain that everything we are going through will work out to be some kind of blessing. Each of the lessons we have learned through out this ordeal have valuable.
Please continue to pray for us and if you have any ideas as far as fund raising goes...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let us know.

In Love & Prayer,
Eleasha

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Monday, October 13, 2002 at 07:05 PM (EST)

You see there is a neat story that goes along with Cody getting sick...When Cody was just barely 3 he would tell me things that Jesus told him...I didn't believe him at first until one night he was telling me adamantly that Jesus told him not to bump his head...suddenly it occurred to me that he was serious...that someone...something...could it be??? Naturally, I wanted to know what else Jesus told him (thinking maybe he had the secrets to the universe or something:) yeah, I know) Anyway...he kept on telling me that Jesus didn't tell him anything else except not to bump his head...of course, I wasn't giving up...come on you can tell me, what else did he tell you...then all of a sudden, in a real deep almost evil voice...he says, "Jesus said you should stop at the store and buy me some candy." I just busted up laughing...and I was like you almost had me dude...

So to make a long story longer...it was not rare for Cody to have conversations with God...to which I am fully convinced that God used to talk to Cody...

Anyway, there we were...in the hospital for 40 days and 40 nights (no there was no floods) and Cody was extremely ill...For 12 days (no not apostles or disciples, just days) Cody was so sick that the doctors actually thought he may not survive...At that point he was in a lot of pain...he was very sick.... very skinny...and just plain sad? I don't really know how to explain it all...but I am positive you can relate...On the 12th day I looked at my son, who seemed more miserable to me than he had ever before in his short 3 & 1/2 years...and it dawned on me...I had been praying...I had been doing bible study over the phone...I had been singing praise and worship...but I had not (and I don't know why) really asked my son how he was or if he had been talking to Jesus...so I looked at my son that night and realized that I needed to ask him how he was...I did...and I asked him if he had been talking to Jesus...he said yes...and so I asked, as I always did, what did Jesus tell you...and he told me that Jesus told him to come home...I began to cry...and then I began to accept (as best as anyone can) that God's perfect plan might be to heal him through death...I looked at my child and I told him that if all of this was too much for him...if he was in too much pain...if he just couldn't do this anymore that he did not have to stay here for me...that if he needed to go home that I would be okay...that I would tell the whole world his story...that I would be okay...

The next day...he didn't look any different...he didn't even seem to feel any different...BUT...for the first time in 12 days he had no fever (which was 103.6 or higher for those 12 days)...for the first time in 12 days he was able to hold down his food...and the list of changes could go forever...what I believe with everything that I am is that night...my son made a choice...God gave him the chance to choose whether or not he wanted to live or die...he chose to live...he chose life...everything up until that moment was his lesson...everything since then has been mine...

I just wish for his sake I would learn faster...you see, before the relapse this story was way more important to me...while it is still important, I can't help but wonder what I missed the first time around...and I feel like if I would have gotten better the first time around maybe we would be going through this again...maybe he wouldn't be going through this again.

I continue to pray for the Lord's will and I constant in my quest for what His will...what He will use this for...what He is going to teach us...I am confident that He who began a good work in me will finish...

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Monday, October 14, 2002 at 01:33 PM (CDT)

When I was 3 years old I got sick with Leukemia.
I have been sick since then. I have to go to the doctor a lot where they poke me with needles in my leg and in my port. The doctors are trying to make me better and sometimes (most of the time) it hurts. At the doctor, they check my counts and give me spinal taps and bone marrows. I like when I get the sleepy medicine.
I have to go to the hospital a lot. It is fun because I get to play my play station all of the time. My teacher came to visit me and my family is there all of the time so I won�t be alone or scared as much. The hospital is also boring though, especially when you stay for a long time.
Mommy says that Leukemia is cancer of the blood. The bone marrow, is the factory where blood is made and mine does not work too well. In order to make my blood right, the doctors give me chemo and pretty soon I have to have radiation.

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