Friday, September 14, 2012

Chemo is on

Isaiah was able to start chemo on Thursday.  We were there all day (left at 6:30am, got home at 5:30pm).

 


Isaiah did very well and met a new friend.  I was happy to see him socializing.  He has been very shy around other children lately.  Annabelle is 6 months older than Isaiah and also has A.L.L.  She is 9 days ahead of Isaiah in her treatment schedule.  She was there to get a blood transfusion.  Isaiah is expected to feel very sick by the end of next week.  He may need a couple of blood transfusions as well.  Cytarabine is supposed to really tank the counts.  



He had Cyclophosphamide yesterday and will take an oral tablet called Thioguanine until September 26th.



It will be busy until the end of the month.  We were at the hospital again today and will be there tomorrow and Sunday as well.  The same thing will repeat next week (Thursday to Sunday).




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4 comments:

  1. LindaSeptember 14, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    And even now, he continues to smile. Our little Isaiah has taught us all so many lessons. I believe God uses little children to teach us grown ups how to handle suffering. God has a special love for little ones, and it is not difficult to see why. They have trust, innocence, optimism, and are genuinely joyful and thankful with the gift of life He has given them. In Mark 10:14-16 Jesus expressed His thoughts regarding children. "Let
    the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." I don't believe Isaiah getting sick surprised God. I don't believe for one minute that God lost control. God did allow it and it will be used for good. I personally have marveled at the strength of this tiny little boy. I have rarely heard a grumble and often pondered the grumbling that surely would have come from me if the shoes were on my feet. Oh dear, Isaiah, you have raised the bar in this family. Although a child, you have the strength and courage of a man. God uses little children to show us how it is done. He has said the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them. If that's the case, thank you Isaiah for showing us how to handle suffering God's way. I love you little man.

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  2. SayuriSeptember 15, 2012 at 2:51 AM

    I'm happy to hear Isaiah started chemotherapy and made a friend!!
    Like Linda said,Isaiah has taught so many lessons to us.
    I still have many questions for God about Isaiah's sickness but I think what Linda said is the one of the answer of my questions.
    And Renee is showing us how to handle suffering God's way as well.
    Mother handles a lot of things for children which is tough.
    Because I think it is the most hard thing for mother watching own child is suffering.It's harder than suffering yourself.
    But Renee is doing amazing and showing us her strength.

    Take care.
    PS Isaiah's beautiful smile is precious.Thank you for sharing photos.

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  3. UnknownSeptember 18, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    Hello Renee,

    You do not know me, but I came across your blog from your hubby's facebook page, as I knew David back in Douglas College years ago. I spent my evening reading from the first post 'til the very updated one. From how you guys found out Isaiah diagnosed with Leukemia to going through all those different phases of medication, from hours and days of hospital visits to satisfying his weird cravings, it definitely brought me tears and laughter while reading Isaiah's roller coaster journey.

    I have two beautiful babies as well, both are now angels in heaven (Theo in 7 weeks and Acacius in 20 weeks). Although circumstances are not the same and we're experiencing different trials, it is a test of faith and journey of suffering nonetheless.

    Renee, you are such an amazing mom and a faithful daughter of God. After months and months, I'm still mad at God and questioning Him. I can't seem to find any strength to even breath and live, let alone pray or attend Sunday mass. How can you find the strength & faith to go on every day and praise God? You are such a role model & inspiration to me.

    And your beautiful boy Isaiah, he's only 2.5? 3? Such tiny little body carrying sooooo much pain, yet having perseverance and courage like a man. This lil' guy completely amazes me! May God bless and keep your family!

    A beautiful song that has given me a lot of healing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ, hope it can soothe you, Dave & your boys during difficult times too. My recovery process is slow, but surely and steadily, I'll try to believe in God again that He will carry me through the storm.

    Peace,

    Monica

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    Replies
    1. The Burke FamilySeptember 18, 2012 at 8:38 PM

      Dear Monica,

      I’m so sorry about your two precious babies. I don’t think any explanation could ever take away the pain that you are feeling. The song you sent me is beautiful and I think it is very true that trials in this life are a gift from God; a reminder from Him that this is not our home. Our one life here is so brief. God is good and He will make all things new. Listen to the song “I will carry you” by Selah.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLuaGiu73jc&feature=related

      Also watch this video. It is very encouraging. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmJXw5wjTow&feature=related

      You will see Theo and Acacius again. They are safe in the arms of Jesus.

      Delete

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