Life continues in the hospital. Day 14, and no real end in sight. Though blood counts continue to improve, Joshua has develooped a pesky fever that comes around most afternoons. With each fever, the nurses take a new blood sample to test and see if it is related to an infection that would be more serious than a run of the mill fever. We cannot go home until his counts are at a safe level and he has been fever-free for 48 hours.
Some more bad news - Joshua is in alot of pain right now. His joints ache, he has developed significant sores in his mouth and throat as a side effect, and has the usual pains of his treatment. So the days are not great. In addition, we are emotionally gearing up for the fact that our time left in the hospital seems to likely be measured in weeks rather than days. On Wednesday Joshua starts the "hardest of the hard", medicine that would knock a kid out even with a healthy immune system.
On the positive end of life going on however, a game of pickup baseball broke out on the 6th floor yesterday. Joshua, Charlie and Killian took on the nurses with plastic bats and balls. Needless to say the 2-year-olds won out in the end. That was a bright spot for the little boy, as is music time in the playroom. He really enjoys himself there and it takes his mind off of what is happening to his body.
Just wanted to report to you guys what life was like with all the good's and bad's right now. Every day is difficult, but every day is one day closer to the end of these eight weeks. We are praying for God's continuing strength for the moments, especially at night, and are also praying for the effectiveness of treatments. If you run a search online for leukemia and start reading people's blogs about it, you don't have to look long to find stories of people who have had to repeat these 8 weeks numerous times because the first round of treatment wasn't as successful as it needed to be. Really don't want that to be us.
We continue to hope and check off the days until better ones are here.
12 comments:
I'm about to start my Monday...and actually, I'm about to start my week, and the rest of my semester after spring break came to an end this past weekend. I was writing in my journal last night, and Joshua was on my mind. I'm a true believer that God has the people in my life cross paths with me for a reason, and I haven't figured out exactly what the purpose is with Josh, but I know that I have learned a lot from him. I'm working towards a medical degree in my studies, and often the schooling gets difficult, but because I decided to volunteer last semester, being with Josh and the other kids have definitely put my life in perspective. The little things that I thought were difficult obstacles aren't at all...and there are more important things out there. It just kind of sets you straight, and I've learned that one way or another, I'll reach my goals. I was talking to a friend about the kids at the clinic, and it's definitely gotten to the point where I look forward to every Wednesday. Josh, and many of the other kids, are the inspiration that continues to keep me driven and focused on getting through the week. The schooling is tough and the classes are tough, but honestly...these strong and fun kids have been my motivation this semester. So, basically, all I'm saying is that Josh is a great kid. He's strong, and he's fun...and you two as parents have been doing a phenomenal job...and it has been inspiring to see you two focused on making the health of your two children the most important and number one priority. It gives me hope and I look forward to the day I have my own children. It's good to see Josh playing! I think about him often and I pray his health improves. Hope to see ya'll Wednesday if Calculus allow...let me know if I can do anything for ya'll.
Justin Phalichanh
I've been following your family and their journey through an email from a friend. I also work at the American Cancer Society and have met many resilient children like Josh. Our family will continue to pray for you all, and know that you all have a great future. Your faith is truly an inspiration!
My husband (Jason Smith) works with you at LifeWay. He has kept me informed about Joshua. I just had a moment to read the entire blog and I just wanted to let you know that I have committed to daily pray for you guys- for your strength, encouragement and rest- and for Joshua's timely healing!
Ashley Smith
I am listening to a song called the Faithful One. I find this appropriate as I read this blog post. I am hopefully praying that the God who is Faithful to the End will continue to uphold Joshua and your family through this journey. Praying!
-callie
Hello Joshua and Mom and Dad,
We hope you have a better day today and even a better one tomorrow. We are praying for you!!!
Love,
Bob and Peggy
...right now begging God for Joshua's healing and COMPLETE recovery. We love you guys!
The Sides Family
Continuing to pray for each of you, esp little Joshua and think of you so often. Thanks for keeping us updated.
You are in our prayers and on our hearts and minds constantly. We continue to pray that God will give you the strength you need to face every test and obstacle that comes your way. When the long days turn into discouraging weeks we ask Him to give you Hope in yours and Joshua's future. And when you feel alone and wonder if you can do this yet another day, we are praying that He will surround you with his presence and love.
You are all three such strong examples of faith and strength for us and we are so proud to call you family.
We Love all 4 of you!
Cory, Kim, Abby, Luke and Caleb
Praying for you all. Made a stop for you all tonight and will plan on stopping by while we are there on Wednesday morning. Praying for strength and peace for all. The Tims
Hey bro,
We are still praying. Thanks for the updates. Hoping you find Jesus in the little things. Love you guys.
Roger, Becca and kids.
words seem inadequate, trite, and straw-like to bear the weight of a young boys epic journey and courageous struggle to heal. Your family continues to inspire ours. We pray not only for Joshua, but also for his parents imune system, as they daily absorb the pain and frustration of their son's treatment. May redemptive moments of baseball and cheese and chips and music continue to crack through to the surface long enough to hear the hidden rythmns of redemption.
The Brooks Family
I'll be praying specifically for you all tomorrow as the hardest of the hard stuff starts. I hear great things about you at LifeWay, Michael (LOVE threadsmedia.com by the way). Janna, I hope you're doing well with all the pregnancy stuff, praying for you and Girl Kelley too!
Sarah Doc :)
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