What does Joshua have in common with the San Francisco slugger?
The answer is that both their lives would be alot better without steroids. At least we think so. Joshua was diagnosed with leukemia about 5 weeks ago now, and almost immediately he had to start taking steroids to try and help lessen the effect the chemotherapy would have on his immune system. The side effects of those steroids were tough - weight gain, extreme hunger and mood swings. But on Thursday of last week, Joshua took his last steroid, at least for a while. On Saturday Joshua played with the first toy he has picked up since October 25. And he got progressively better. He laughed again. He walked again. He became (minus some of the physical effects of the therapy) the same Joshua we knew. Forgive the over-spiritualization of this moment for us, but it was a small reminder of the fact that staggers the imagination - that all of our bodies are deteriorating rapidly. But at the same time, the real us, the children of God, are still there on the inside, unbound by physical limitations.
So today Joshua had his biggest procedure yet - the removal of his pickline and the insertion of his permanent IV. Or to him, the "magic button." All went well, and as I write this, we are back at home (thankfully, since we thought we might have to stay in the hospital). That means that Joshua has no more tubes in his arm and that he can do all kinds of fun stuff like splash in the bath. All signs point to the Kelley family being at home on Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for this year, the least of which is certainly not you. Tomorrow I hope you feel appreciated because we thank God every time we remember you.
21 comments:
I'm so glad he's playing around again! I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend, and we'll look forward to seeing you soon.
Love you guys,
Brian and Brooke
Awesome. Taylor and Tiff.
So glad to know everything went well today. I tried to sneak downstairs to check on you all, but the clinic was busy! Look forward to seeing you next week at you appt. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Rebecca
I am glad you were able to go home today. I hope this new port will make things easier for him! I am glad he is feeling better and playing. Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!
Great to hear... Still praying. Tory, Kedra and Abigail
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
So glad to hear that your little guy is feeling like his old self again. I hope that you are doing well, Jana. I think of you all constantly know that we have little Cy around. You are all in our prayers. love the Lankfords
YAY! Happy Thanksgiving! Your entries have reminded us all that we are THANKFUL FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY! neil has many hugs to deliver from the moon/hicks family when he sees you. don't let him forget!
ben & erin
Glad you will be able to be home on the holidays. Joshua's been on my heart all week. We will continue praying for your entire family.
Hang in there, prayers are going up all around the country.
Been awhile since we have seen you guys. Our hearts were hurting when we heard through Jeffrey and Noelle what your family is going through. All I can tell you is that we are praying for all of the Kelleys and are thankful for what incredible parents little Joshua has. We look forward to celebrating the victories with you and our family is praying for your family on a regular basis. Jesus smiles when he sees you. I am reminded of a great author that we both love, Brennan Manning, when he has to remind himself on a regular basis, "Abba.....I belong to you." Thank goodness that is the case. We love you guys.
Jeremy, Courtney, and Olivia Claire
Praise Him for play and port! We love you Joshua.
The time of thanks giving goes on and on for God is good-all of the time. We praise his name for who He is-Creator, Lord and Redeemer. I know He revealed the truth that we are His children, even though our physical bodies may be weak and challenged by illness. He is our strength, our refuge,our Rock. God bless you on this journey of love and struggle.
Love and Prayers, Always, Joan
We hope your Thanksgiving at home was a wonderful one. Yes, we all have a lot to be thankful for. We are so glad to hear that little Joshua is home and doing well. Many childhood memories come to mind when I think of Joshua and his battle. My little brother was diagnosed at age 6 with acute lymphatic lukemia...and is doing awesome now 20+ years later. We love you all and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Love you all!!!!!
Allen, Sharis, and Trace Kirkland
We got this link through an update from Noelle. We spent the morning reading all of it. Thanks for sharing your victories and your faith. Joshua will continue to be in our prayers. Ted and Terri G.
Hey Kelleys! That is so good to hear. I'm glad Joshua is feeling more like himself these days. And I'm thankful that he did well with his recent procedure. We're still checking your blog regularly to know how to pray for you!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Kelley's! We are so glad to hear this great news and hope that your Thanksgiving weekend was full of family and blessings! We continue to pray!
Love,
Kyle and Tamra Goldsmith
So happy to hear Joshua is doing so much better! Hope he continues to heal and laugh and enjoy life. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
So happy to hear that Joshua is feeling better! Hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
-- Jeff and Amy
It was nice meeting all of you today at Brentwood Park, Gracie enjoyed running around with Joshua. You are in our prayers and will be from now on, see you soon. Katy and Gracie Clark
Everyone at West Texas A&M is praying fo you and your family. The strength, faith, and positivity you've all show is the many trails the Kelley family has faced provides foder for our own faith.
It's Monday the 4th, and we're all still here. Praying. Remembering. Trusting. Hoping. Believing.
We are so glad you were home for thanksgiving. Also happy that Joshua is feeling more like his old self again. Please know that we think and pray for you and your family each and everyday! God Bless you and hang in there!
Mark, Joi (Pearce), and Gage Lunsford
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