Just wanted to report on Joshua's progress thus far. We (as in all of us) have been praying earnestly about the side effects during these 8 weeks of Joshua's treatment. The doctors told us that most kids experience lots of nausea, the loss of any hair they might have left, and just generally feeling bad. 9 days into the treatment with no throwing up. No hair falling out. That's great.
But you can definitely tell that Joshua's medicine has increased. He gets tired very quick and very easily; he has pain in his belly even without the nausea; and is more emotional than usual. To be around him is to know that lots of days he just doesn't feel like himself. Another one of the strange side effects can only be described as obsession. When Joshua is on steroids (which he is for different week-long stretches during this 8 weeks) it seems like he gets an idea in his head and can't let it go. On Wednesday, it was "chips and cheese" from the Taco Bell at the hospital. He must have said the phrase "chips and cheese" 476 times between 5:30 am (he also can't sleep well during steroids times) and 11 when his treatment was done.
Would you please continue to pray about this stuff with us? Just so you know, at the end of these 8 weeks there will be another bone marrow scan to test Joshua's progress and see if he can indeed move into the next phase of treatment. Up until that time, we'll have good days and bad days I'm sure. Thanks for being with us during both.
10 comments:
As someone who has been on steroids for six months due to illness, I can tell you that his cravings are very real and intense. I have never known hunger like I did while I was on this medication.
We continue praying for your precious son and for you and your wife.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthened you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand", Psalm 41:10
We are so happy that Joshua is being spared some of the worse side effects of the medications and treatments and we are continuing to pray for all of you in the everyday things that you are experiencing that we are not aware of and cannot imagine. We know that the Lord is giving you the strength and grace that you need to meet each challenge. He has promised us that but we also know it isn't easy!!! We are asking the Lord for His peace and presense.
Bob and Peggy
JOSHUA,
I am currently choking down massive amounts of protien powder to try and reduce muscle atrophy - the side effects of aging, eating poorly, and traveling consistently. Last Saturday was my free day to eat anything I wanted and I muttered "chips and cheese" over 900 times in single day. I smell what you are steppin' in, big man - you just keep it real and tell all the playa haters they better recognize. I have no idea what that meant - it was the protien powder talking. Simon says wuz-up Captian Blood Count.
Chris and Simon
Chips and cheese! Lord I pray that you would bless Joshua and grant him all the "chips and cheese" he needs to get through these weeks.
Glad to hear the encouraging news. Praying for Jana too and baby girl. Joshua is going to LOVE being a big brother!
Chips and cheese sounds really good to me, too! I'm with Joshua. Sorry, Michael, but that sounds like normal two and three behavior to me. What a blessing that those other horrible side effects have elluded him. Hang in there, all our prayers are with you.
Janna and Mike
PRAISE GOD that He has spared Joshua all the horrible side effects! I'm praying that Joshua will mount up on wings like eagles and keep on going!! Gotta run....chips & cheese sound pretty good! We're still praying. God bless you parents with the energy and peace you need!
Andy & Becky Dietz
My prayers are with you. I know this isn't easy on any front, and that even the blessings, such as side effects being staved off, carry a sense of tension with them. I am praying for God to draw all of you close to Him as you walk through this. I am also praying for Him to give you peace when you are frustrated, and questioning, and worrying. To let you know that His chest is big enough for us to pound our fists on.
Davy
Praying hard every day ...
Dear Friends,
I continue to pray for you as Joshua struggles with the side effects of the medication. I am grateful for the healing power of modern medicine and for the love and mercy of our heavenly father.
My love and prayers,
Always, Joan
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