I walked into Eden’s room this morning and her first words were “Can we read the Bear Book?” Of course! Looking at the clock I knew we would be a few minutes late for our appointment but she had not asked for Dad (whom had to be at the office at 6am) or for breakfast (also not an option due to the procedures she was to endure) so I was all for letting her choose how to start the day . We finished reading Snow Friends, a great read, and she said to me, “I asked Jesus.” I wasn’t quite sure what she was referring to so she expanded “I asked Jesus to hold me in his arms.” In a conversation I had with Eden last week when we were discussing sleeping in her own bed, she expressed her concerns of being all by herself, I told her she was never alone and that she could just ask Jesus to hold her. Amazing that she did sleep in her bed all night and the echoing of my comment was a week later and on treatment day. It truly was a God thing!
As anticipated, we arrived to the clinic a couple minutes late. We were greeted by our favorite receptionist and one of the most amazing people I have met through this journey, Miss Donna. I knew as I walked through the door, it was going to be an okay day. We filled our time playing with My Little Ponies and reading books. Eden’s labs indicate her tolerance to her current level of chemo and as we expected the chemo was increased by 25%. Although we have been aware that the current dose of chemo is not achieving the desired blood counts to fight the cancer cells we are aprehensive of the new dosage. Eden received her monthly chemo and then her LP. The lumbar puncture went as well as could be expected. The sedation left Eden with no recollection of the procedure and I spent much of the afternoon laughing. The drugs left her unbalanced, slurred speech and confused. She was hysarical claiming "I don't want to go home, I want to stay at the hospital." She was unconsolable one moment and laughing the next. Unlike her last LP she has avioded all vomiting (a much better drive home).
Thanks for all the prayers . . . we were held in his arms.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Returning to Normalacy
Once again we have neglected updating our CarePage and blog. Our apologies for those of you that have checked in on us.
Eden continues to amaze us with her health. She has remained healthy through the winter months and has exceeded our expectations in tolerating her chemo. Her monthly steroids have continued to be a challenge. It seems like it takes a couple days to affect her and fortunately leaves a day or so after her last dose. On the contrary we are usually able to incorporate at least one new food into her limited diet during steroid week and we have been able to utilize some additional days of steroids to boost her immune system. Regarding Eden’s diet – she has become one of the most particular eaters. I am sure part is her age but I still wonder what it would be like without chemo and steroids.
Last week was a big week at our house; we made a return to normalacy. We had chosen to keep Eden isolated or at least by our side through her intense treatment and through the current cold and flu season. The beginning of March was the start of many programs so we decided it was time . . . story hour, swimming lessons, & Sunday School filled our calendar. Although our hearts were broken throughout the week, it brought us so much joy to see Eden involved in normal childhood activities. I love seeing her smile!
Tomorrow/ today is clinic day! Eden and I will make our monthly trip to the clinic. It is so much harder every month. I think we spend every day attempting to reverse the effects that cancer has plagued upon our lives and then we are reminded that it is still and forever a part of our family. We are always honest with Eden so Kurt told her that she needed to go to the clinic tomorrow for chemo, “Is my cancer back” was her initial response. After a lengthy discussion of why she still needs chemo and I believe some promises of some treats Eden corrected her dad on the correct location of her port and I think she is ready for the day. I am still preparing! Tomorrow, Eden will be partially sedated and then restrained to have chemo injected into her spinal fluid. It is one of the most heartbreaking procedures to witness and the possible side effects leave us on her knees in prayer. God has protected Eden and I know he is in her hands.
Eden continues to amaze us with her health. She has remained healthy through the winter months and has exceeded our expectations in tolerating her chemo. Her monthly steroids have continued to be a challenge. It seems like it takes a couple days to affect her and fortunately leaves a day or so after her last dose. On the contrary we are usually able to incorporate at least one new food into her limited diet during steroid week and we have been able to utilize some additional days of steroids to boost her immune system. Regarding Eden’s diet – she has become one of the most particular eaters. I am sure part is her age but I still wonder what it would be like without chemo and steroids.
Last week was a big week at our house; we made a return to normalacy. We had chosen to keep Eden isolated or at least by our side through her intense treatment and through the current cold and flu season. The beginning of March was the start of many programs so we decided it was time . . . story hour, swimming lessons, & Sunday School filled our calendar. Although our hearts were broken throughout the week, it brought us so much joy to see Eden involved in normal childhood activities. I love seeing her smile!
Tomorrow/ today is clinic day! Eden and I will make our monthly trip to the clinic. It is so much harder every month. I think we spend every day attempting to reverse the effects that cancer has plagued upon our lives and then we are reminded that it is still and forever a part of our family. We are always honest with Eden so Kurt told her that she needed to go to the clinic tomorrow for chemo, “Is my cancer back” was her initial response. After a lengthy discussion of why she still needs chemo and I believe some promises of some treats Eden corrected her dad on the correct location of her port and I think she is ready for the day. I am still preparing! Tomorrow, Eden will be partially sedated and then restrained to have chemo injected into her spinal fluid. It is one of the most heartbreaking procedures to witness and the possible side effects leave us on her knees in prayer. God has protected Eden and I know he is in her hands.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
2010
January 14, 2010, marked one year of treatment, that has reshaped our lives. Selena and I agree that certain things in our lives that we used to think were important, really don't hold much weight anymore. However, I sure wish these "life lessons" didn't have to come at Eden's expense.
Eden continues to respond well to her treatment protocol. She visits the clinic every 28 days and receives chemo daily at home. We thank you for your prayers as Eden has remained amazingly healthy and at home. Her little head is now covered with red hair and everyday it gets curlier.
Thanks for checking in on us! Sorry it has been so long!
Eden continues to respond well to her treatment protocol. She visits the clinic every 28 days and receives chemo daily at home. We thank you for your prayers as Eden has remained amazingly healthy and at home. Her little head is now covered with red hair and everyday it gets curlier.
Thanks for checking in on us! Sorry it has been so long!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Concluding 2009
We are about to conclude an amazing year. A year that we shared fears that we were unable to vocalize, relationships were defined, gained medical terminology we would have preferred to never know, financial strains, limited sleep, our faith was tested and yet God clearly showed his provisions. Our lives have been adjusted more so than any other time (marriage was such an easy transition and Eden was the most perfect baby). Today we are together and so extremely thankful for all of our blessings. We have been given our daughter, in Remission! A true answer to prayer.
We have/will celebrate Christmas with each of our families and yet we were able to be home on Christmas Day. I think the year has taught us the importance of home. We both clearly remember the day they told us Eden would be a frequent inpatient at the hospital. I immediately wanted the security of home as much as possible. We love being home. We were able to be in Our Church Christmas Eve and share our Christmas Gift with our church family, those that have spent much time on their knees praying for Little Eden. Christmas morning Eden has us in the kitchen a little after 6 to make our Baby Jesus birthday cake. She had even discovered, on her own, that the candles from the candle light service at church would be ideal for the cake. It just brought extreme Joy to us for her to even have the slightest understanding of the meaning of the day. Her own nativity set that she received this year has assisted with reiterating the Christmas Story (thank you Jensens it is her favorite gift.) Eden was heartbroken when we took the Christmas Tree down and Kurt explained to her that just because Christmas day is over we can still celebrated baby Jesus everyday. The lessons we learn from our children . . . I hope to put a little Christmas throughout all of 2010.
On the medical side of life Eden continues to tolerate her treatment extremely well. She started maintenance in September and to date she has yet to have the desired blood counts. Her ANC is normal, which defies what the chemo is to be accomplishing. We are anticipating the counts to drop in the next couple of weeks or the 100% dose of chemo that she is on will be increased. As much as we have enjoyed her feeling great we want to keep cancer out of her little body. The effects of 11 months of chemo has became evident as her lab work has showed numbers out of the desired range. The Drs will try to push the limits and will closely monitor her organ functions before decreasing chemo. We ask for your prayers!
Thanks for following us throughout the year you have carried us in so many ways! Happy New Year!
We have/will celebrate Christmas with each of our families and yet we were able to be home on Christmas Day. I think the year has taught us the importance of home. We both clearly remember the day they told us Eden would be a frequent inpatient at the hospital. I immediately wanted the security of home as much as possible. We love being home. We were able to be in Our Church Christmas Eve and share our Christmas Gift with our church family, those that have spent much time on their knees praying for Little Eden. Christmas morning Eden has us in the kitchen a little after 6 to make our Baby Jesus birthday cake. She had even discovered, on her own, that the candles from the candle light service at church would be ideal for the cake. It just brought extreme Joy to us for her to even have the slightest understanding of the meaning of the day. Her own nativity set that she received this year has assisted with reiterating the Christmas Story (thank you Jensens it is her favorite gift.) Eden was heartbroken when we took the Christmas Tree down and Kurt explained to her that just because Christmas day is over we can still celebrated baby Jesus everyday. The lessons we learn from our children . . . I hope to put a little Christmas throughout all of 2010.
On the medical side of life Eden continues to tolerate her treatment extremely well. She started maintenance in September and to date she has yet to have the desired blood counts. Her ANC is normal, which defies what the chemo is to be accomplishing. We are anticipating the counts to drop in the next couple of weeks or the 100% dose of chemo that she is on will be increased. As much as we have enjoyed her feeling great we want to keep cancer out of her little body. The effects of 11 months of chemo has became evident as her lab work has showed numbers out of the desired range. The Drs will try to push the limits and will closely monitor her organ functions before decreasing chemo. We ask for your prayers!
Thanks for following us throughout the year you have carried us in so many ways! Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
December 17th
Yesterday, Selena took Eden up to Iowa City for her monthly clinic visit. It's just not as easy as it once was! Everything from getting her dressed in the morning, to the trip up, and once inside, according to Selena, the experience wasn't great. When Selena and Eden would go up for the weekly visits (last winter/spring), Eden actually looked forward to seeing her Dr's, nurses, and the ever friendly Child Life Services folks. Apparently Eden only said about 20 words the entire time they were there. Normally, Eden says 20 words just to tell us what she wants for breakfast! This particular trip to the clinic included an LP (lumbar puncture). Either the medications prior to the shot or the shot itself made her sick, so bless Selena's heart, she dealt with it as best she could. God was with them as some good friends of ours were across the street from where they stopped and lended a much needed hand. After the girls got home, and after a good long nap, Eden seemed much better. When she woke up, we asked her what she wanted to eat (remember the long nap)...........she said "lets go eat breakfast, and I want french toast". The kid thought it was breakfast time!! So, we made french toast, and she ate very well. We were pleased that it all stayed down too!
Eden's ear infection from a few weeks ago is gone, however, a nasty cough hasn't left yet. Thankfully, it only affects her at night, after she's been sleeping for several hours. It lasts about an hour, and then goes away. We're all looking forward to that cough taking a hike!
Earlier this week while i was at work, i was summoned up to the front desk. I figured it was someone from the general public coming in with a question on some environmental regulation. Nope, it was our friend and neighbor from just down the street, who brought in two wrapped Christmas presents for Eden! That night, I brought the gifts home and placed them beneath our tree. When Eden first seen them, of course, she wanted to open them. We told her, sorry, you have to wait til Christmas. Her response, "dad, we have our Christmas tree up, so it's Christmas". I told her "you're correct, it is the Christmas season, but Baby Jesus's birthday isn't until the 25th, so you have to wait". She was fine with the answer, so she just rearranged the packages back under the tree, and went on her way.
Selena and I are so very thankful for where we are right now. Looking back on this past year reminds us of how much our lives have changed. Obviously, no one wants to have cancer affect their life, however, it's certainly made us appreciate certain things more, and certain other things much less. Thank you for your prayers for our family!
Eden's ear infection from a few weeks ago is gone, however, a nasty cough hasn't left yet. Thankfully, it only affects her at night, after she's been sleeping for several hours. It lasts about an hour, and then goes away. We're all looking forward to that cough taking a hike!
Earlier this week while i was at work, i was summoned up to the front desk. I figured it was someone from the general public coming in with a question on some environmental regulation. Nope, it was our friend and neighbor from just down the street, who brought in two wrapped Christmas presents for Eden! That night, I brought the gifts home and placed them beneath our tree. When Eden first seen them, of course, she wanted to open them. We told her, sorry, you have to wait til Christmas. Her response, "dad, we have our Christmas tree up, so it's Christmas". I told her "you're correct, it is the Christmas season, but Baby Jesus's birthday isn't until the 25th, so you have to wait". She was fine with the answer, so she just rearranged the packages back under the tree, and went on her way.
Selena and I are so very thankful for where we are right now. Looking back on this past year reminds us of how much our lives have changed. Obviously, no one wants to have cancer affect their life, however, it's certainly made us appreciate certain things more, and certain other things much less. Thank you for your prayers for our family!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
December 6th
We celebrated one of the most meaningful Thanksgiving Day’s with family. This year has certainly reminded us what is really important and that regardless of the trials life brings, we have so much to be thankful for. We enjoyed the long holiday weekend together, which was perfect . . . almost. Sleeplessness occurred at our home Saturday night into Sunday as Eden was battling an uncontrollable cough, which turned into some minor vomiting. Morning brought us comfort as were able to get medical consultation to keep Eden comfortable and we all enjoyed our last day home together. Sunday evening we were again faced with vomiting and tears that were consoled with Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving (this has replaced Cinderella as her comfort movie). Monday we visited Dr Dave at our clinic and her right ear confirmed the ear infection we were speculating. We were thankful for the diagnosis . . . something easily taken care of with antibiotics. Through this we are thankful for the fact that Eden did not fever (automatic trip to the hospital) and for the Drs at Family Practice. The town of Washington is amazingly blessed with the most compassionate and gifted Drs that we trust.
Although, our nights are still accompanied by a coughing, little girl Eden has returned to her usual disposition during the day and we are enjoying all of her antics. Although we have not been able to spend our weekends in Ames this year cheering on the Cyclones, we have been able to watch a little football. Eden received a special football this weekend and was gearing up for a game of football with her helmet on. Eden had a stocking hat on (as her helmet), Dad was wearing something resembling a tiara, meanwhile, I was chasing her trying to get a med in her. She says to me “Mommy, football players don’t take meddy.” Well Eden, this one does!!
Please pray that we are able to keep Eden healthy and fever free, and that Eden remains in remission.
Although, our nights are still accompanied by a coughing, little girl Eden has returned to her usual disposition during the day and we are enjoying all of her antics. Although we have not been able to spend our weekends in Ames this year cheering on the Cyclones, we have been able to watch a little football. Eden received a special football this weekend and was gearing up for a game of football with her helmet on. Eden had a stocking hat on (as her helmet), Dad was wearing something resembling a tiara, meanwhile, I was chasing her trying to get a med in her. She says to me “Mommy, football players don’t take meddy.” Well Eden, this one does!!
Please pray that we are able to keep Eden healthy and fever free, and that Eden remains in remission.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Selena and I have many things to be thankful for (it wouldn't do justice by trying to name them all, nor do i want to bore you with a list). We greatly appreciate all the prayers and support we have received from our family and friends. Thank you!!
Selena and I are thankful that we're able to be taking Eden to a 'Disney on Ice' show over the Thanksgiving break. A few nights ago we told her about our plans - I don't think she could be any more excited!! (Selena and I CAN NOT wait to see her reaction to the show once we get there).
Eden's body has continued to react well to the chemo and steroids. Her hair has a red tint to it again, and it's almost long enough to clip bows in again.
Sorry this is so short and that our blogs are less frequent, but honestly, we just don't have a lot to report. Honestly, I am fine with 'boring' right now. Excitement in our lives is not necessary! We've had plenty 'excitement' since January 14th.
Again, I want to say that we are SO thankful for all the blessings in our lives. As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the continued health of our little girl!
In closing I want to say: Be nice to others. Give thanks. Be safe. Go Coach Rhoads - we're proud of you for taking the Cyclones to a bowl game in your FIRST year as head coach!!
Selena and I are thankful that we're able to be taking Eden to a 'Disney on Ice' show over the Thanksgiving break. A few nights ago we told her about our plans - I don't think she could be any more excited!! (Selena and I CAN NOT wait to see her reaction to the show once we get there).
Eden's body has continued to react well to the chemo and steroids. Her hair has a red tint to it again, and it's almost long enough to clip bows in again.
Sorry this is so short and that our blogs are less frequent, but honestly, we just don't have a lot to report. Honestly, I am fine with 'boring' right now. Excitement in our lives is not necessary! We've had plenty 'excitement' since January 14th.
Again, I want to say that we are SO thankful for all the blessings in our lives. As always, we really appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the continued health of our little girl!
In closing I want to say: Be nice to others. Give thanks. Be safe. Go Coach Rhoads - we're proud of you for taking the Cyclones to a bowl game in your FIRST year as head coach!!
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