Thursday, June 5, 2008

Cancer Prayer Day

It appears we will be going home later this evening. Ethan's chemo will end at 1:00 this afternoon, they will give him his new antibiotic, red blood cell transfusion, and a platelet transfusion... and then if all goes well, we will be going home after that. I had mentioned yesterday that I'd rather wait until tomorrow just to "wait and see" what (if any) side effects surface, but the doctor just came in and didn't seem to think that Ethan was in danger of any more problems surfacing (aside from what we've already seen). So, with that in mind, they are writing prescriptions for me to have on hand in case we experience any difficulty (vomiting, swollen eyes, mouth sores, etc) over the weekend.

Thank you so much for your daily prayers for Ethan and our family. Your prayers got us through this round of chemo and help to sustain our sanity each day. My brother-in-law actually sent me an email this morning to tell me that today, June 5th, is recognized worldwide as Cancer Prayer Day. So today, think of those in your life that have been impacted by cancer and pray for their healing and strength. Pray also for the families of those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Pray for peace and comfort as they reflect on the memories.

As I was thinking about today being the day of prayer for cancer (although, in our life right now, EVERY day is a day of prayer for cancer!), I reflected on the day that we found out about Ethan having leukemia. What a nightmare and an utter shock it was... and still is at times. Adam and I were talking the other day about some of the best times in our lives growing up and even in our adult life, then we started talking about the worst times in our life and immediately we recalled April 8th of this year - the day before our 3 year wedding anniversary - when we first heard the word 'leukemia' in reference to our then 11 week old son. I can't believe it will be 2 months ago this Saturday. It feels like it's been a lifetime, but then again it also feels like time has gone by pretty fast. Today, I was specifically reminded of how vulnerable we are and how dependent we HAVE to be on the Lord for every thing, every day.

I never know what the next round of Ethan's treatment is going to look like or how he will respond, but we've been in the hospital this time for 7 long days (and 6 long nights!), and I was thinking this morning that with each passing day, we are one more day closer...


One more day closer to Ethan being able to get his transplant.
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One more day closer to Ethan being cured of this awful cancer.
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One more day closer to Adam, Ethan and I being able to be a family
that engages in "normal" family activities together.
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One more day closer to this stormy season in our lives being over.
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Oh how we look forward to that day...

7 comments:

The Drama Mama said...

I am in prayer today for Ethan and all those we know (and don't know) who have been impacted by cancer.

I am so excited that ya'll get to go home tonight!! Yay for your own bed!! :) Can't stop thinking about you guys! I hope your stay at home is so enjoyable! Sending love your way!

Moz + Pam said...

Your positive attitude is a shining testimony to God's grace & peace in your lives! We're praying, but then, you already knew that!

Anonymous said...

I'm in prayer for you all especially today. I praise the Lord for His mercies and blessings in each day that help you get through the rough stuff. Lots of love from SC,
Mrs. Rogers

Carrie Comstock said...

Hope you have a good weekend at home together. :)

Anonymous said...

We look forward to that happy day, too! As we were talking about babies on our way home from church, yesterday, I said,"Maybe Baylynn will be Baylynn Amber Strouse" and Beka said, "Maybe she'll be Baylynn Amber Krawiec". We like to think ahead!! Have a great time at home. We will pray that you all rest well. Lovingly, Amy Hunt

Lindsay said...

I am praying today for good news from Boston on the hunt for donors and praying for no side effects of chemo. God bless you guys!

Kim Culpen said...

We have been praying for your precious little boy. I don't know you personally only through Jenifer at our church. My family is currently going through a fight for my sister's life. Her name is Vickie and she has Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma. It is very advanced. We are also praying for a miracle!! We serve and worship an amazing God!! You truly have inspired me by your shining faith!! Thank you for that!!