I am a mom of a cutie pie (very biased). And I wanted to share my experiences with others (including my cuties grandparents, great-grandparents, numerous uncles and other relatives). I love being a mom and can't imagine doing anything else.Monday #2
This is our second Monday in the hospital but this Monday is a lot easier to face since we are out of the PICU and she isn't intubated. It seems like so long ago that she was in there and yet sometimes it seems like just yesterday. God is gracious to make time go faster sometimes. I don't know how we would all hold up if the time was dragging by. Waiting for a diagnosis is really hard but we have had so many distractions sometimes I can almost forget why we are here. If you saw Alivia you wouldn't even know she was sick unless you saw the IV. Without all the doctors visit 2 fridays ago we would still be going along as if nothing were wrong. I know God was watching out for our girlie by letting us have that appointment. Otherwise she would have gotten really sick before we came in and they wouldn't have the luxury of taking the time to diagnos but would have to start throwing chemo at it just to save her life. This way they can find the exact chemo to give and then go from there.
Today they are scheduling the new bone marrow biopsy, lymph node biopsy and putting in the port. Alhtough the doctor we talked to this morning wasn't sure we should put in a port since we don't know what we're treating. I think they are all going to have to conference and figure out the next step. As long as she is doing okay they can take all the time they need. I'm here for the long hall. I want them to do the best thing they can so that she can get better.
Last night I forgot a thank you to the Newman's for the Panera gift card (so nice to eat outside the hospital) and for recording 24 for my dad...didn't realize thats why you were recording it did you?! Last week we had planned all day to watch it and then the doctor came in to talk to us right as it started and left 5 mins before it ended. It was the only time we had a discussion with the doctor all day and we had a good laugh about the timing. Here was our only planned distraction for that day and we missed it. But thats okay. Now we'll get to watch 2 episodes back to back. SO by we I mean...Dad, Mom and James. I will be sitting out. But I am so glad for a break for anyone in the family.
I thought of two more nurses names...Winnie and Colette. The Millens already brought in brownies and the nurses have commented on how nice it is that they are getting presents from our room. Thanks. I want them to feel as blessed as we do.
I also want to extend a thanks to Aaron's professors (Dr. Helterbran, Dr. Silvis, Dr. Nicholson, Dr. Kupetz and Dr. Wang) and Andrew's professors for understanding and supporting their time away. It has made it a little easier for our family knowing that they have your support. It has been so nice having them here to help entertain and distract Alivia. They will be back this week and working hard to catch up.
posted by Alivia's Momma @ 12:25 PM
9 Comments:
Emily-
i am so thankful that the doctors are able to take their time and to evaluate her needs. i am praying that they will have a clear understanding with what is going on inside her little body and to have a clear plan. May you be filled with his peace as you wait!
jamie
Hi everyone, we miss you and we are so glad we made the trip to see all of you. We really appreciate the updates on the blog, otherwise we'd be bugging you all the time! You know Alivia is constantly in our thoughts & prayers. We miss you all , please know anything you need don't heaitate to ask. I'll be leaving early tomrrow morning 4:30 AM but know if there is a computer accessible to me in Puerto Rico, if there is I'll be there as often as I can checking on things! I love you all! Maria
You know, I have never really thought about your situation as "fortunate", but I guess it is nice that the docs can really take their time to find out what exactly is wrong. And, even though your are in the hospital, it is great that you didn't have to jump right into chemo. It is like God is giving her a chance to get adjusted to her surroundings instead of just immediately starting treatments and getting adjusted, etc. all at once. Does this make any sense??? I was talking with Jeff's sister yesterday and she said that they just got blindsided by Tyler's leukemia..and BAM! there they were in the midst of chemo and treatments with no warning. It was tough on them.
But, another hopeful spot is that maybe this isn't even leukemia. ONly God knows, but I appreciate you finding His graciousness in all things...even Livi's sickness. I am so proud of you!!!
Well, we are always praying and always hopeful for her healing!!!
Love, Les and the fam
Dear Emily,
So wonderful to hear that your Easter was a good one and that you got the pass you were praying for! You and your family are continually in my prayers.
I was praying for all of you today while I was ironing my curtains…I think I ironed one of the panels three times! (Concentrating more on praying than ironing!)
You had written that Alivia may be getting a port. Nine years ago, I had a port implanted (the under the skin kind) for my chemo. Here is my experience if you care to read it:
First off, the surgery to implant the port is really routine. As you know, any surgery has its risks, but when I had mine done, my surgeon shrugged and said that he does four or five a WEEK…and that’s just one surgeon at little Latrobe Hospital! So, while I can’t say “it’s no big deal” to get the port implanted…I guess it IS fairly routine.
My port worked out for me very well for the eight or nine months that I had it in. The ladies at LOLC even would pray for my port to work well and not have any complications (infections, etc.) It is SO much better than having a nurse try to dig for a vein…ouch!…or have a vein collapse before the procedure is over – ick! Now, I say this with fear and trepidation: Everyone is different, but it still “hurt” (a little) when they did my needle stick in the port…it’s still a needle stick! For some people it does and for some it does not. I was told that it would not hurt, but it did…a little. But, like I said, it was WAY better than trying to find a vein every time. I’m sure the nurses are just angels and know how to handle the little ones, by distracting them or whatever to make the procedures as smooth as possible. And, that was nine years ago, which is ancient history in the medical field. Just thought you might like to here from someone who has "been there" in a sense.
Well, dear, just wanted to let you know that you are doing a great job and God is working so mightily through you. As you said, you look back on the week and marvel at everything that has surpassed. His mercies are new every morning and He has brought you this far and will see you through it all!
Love and prayers,
Mary Ann K.
Emily and James,
Since Lane and I don't have the Internet at home, I had a bit of catching up to do with your blog (btw, I think I am becoming a blog addict myself...or at least at reading your blog!)!!! (Also, I have been trying to keep Lane updated with your blogs. Although, at times he knows more than me since he works with James ;-)
Emily -- while reading your posts, I can "see" your faith in God's goodness and faithfulness. I can't tell you how many times I have been encouraged by your faith through this trial!
Lane and I were so happy for you, James and Alivia that you were able to leave the hospital on Easter. Also, I love the photos of Alivi; she is soooo precious :-)
We are continuing to pray for you guys, and our thoughts go to you guys often.
Love,
Lori (and Lane) Randolph
P.S. Sorry I spelled Alivia's name wrong in my last post! I wrote "Alivi". I meant to write "Alivia".
Dear Haugherys and Allens,
Emily and James, we have not met you (actually, I think we did - in passing, at the marriage conference), but we adore your family very much and our prayers and love go out to you all. We will be praying for Alivia. Thank you for posting this blog and allowing us all to see how God is working in your lives. If I may, I wanted to share something from a recent trial my husband and I walked through (though I don't assume to know all that you are experiencing at present). Like you, we have experienced miscarriage, but only just last month, and God taught me many things in that - one of them being (as I think your mom blogged the other night) to take one day at a time and not look ahead to the days you are not living in yet. God has placed you in THIS day...these are your boundaries and this place is where He has called you. I found it comforting to know I had only to live in today. (Our finite selves seem to fare better in a finite space of time, I think :)) God is the Great I AM...He is here with us right now, in whatever news or emotions we are facing in the present moment. ...In respect of space I'll only share 2 more quick things: Psalm 62 was incredibly encouraging to me throughout the miscarriage...and I'll end with a Jerry Bridges quote I read in "Trusting God." He encourages readers to "submit" to the adversity God brings: "Do not try to frustrate the gracious purpose of God by resisting His providence in your life. Rather...make His purpose your purpose."
Sara Brode
Lord of Life Church
Every time I sit down to read the blog, I think surely I won't cry at this one. Yeah, no! I should just stop making such a silly resolve. :)
Truly, Emily wish I could be there to see you in action. I sit amazed by God's grace on your life, dear sister. In a week, I believe God has brought a greater measure of maturity, faith, and perseverance than most gain in a lifetime.
And, I praise God for the merciful way in which He is caring for Alivia, too..sparing her of horrific symptoms or side effects. Thank you for your kindness, Lord.
I'm dedicating portions of Judah's update blog to Alivia, you, James and your families by writing out some of the scriptures and excerpts of articles or devotionals that were/are especially helpful to me as we walk through Judah's SWS. Whatever I write there, I will be sure to send your way personally, too.
Love you much!!
Emily,
When you called me last Saturday, I felt like my world stopped. It almost didn't feel real. I can't even begin to know how you and James felt. I called Sean as soon as I got off the phone with you and I could barely get the words out. My heart just seemed to grow more heavy with each phone call. I know that we haven't talked since then, but I have not stopped thinking about you, James, and Livi. It is encouraging to me that you and James are walking through this with such faith. When Sean saw James last Monday, he said that he was amazed at James' faith and trustin God's sovreignty(spelling). You know, I often know the "right christian words" to say when someone asks me how I am doing with...(sin, difficult circumstances, etc.), but through reading your blog, I am challenged by how real you are as you struggle with emotions, fear, and trust & faith. It is evident to me that your life gives glory to God.
I have to tell you that Alivia is now one of "my favorites" and I am amazed at the blessing of the internet. I hope to see you soon (REALLY wishing I could drive right now), but Kendra and I are planning to come and visit on Thursday. I miss talking to you and seeing you at church... sharing all of our baby stories.
James - we wanted to tell you that we are praying for an extra measure of daily strength for you as you work, drive, spend time with your girls, and sleep.
We do pray daily and often for all of you. Spence, Cole, and I usually pray during their highchair feedings and after we read your blog. Sometimes we say that all we can do is pray, but...
James 5:13-15
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has commited sins, he will be forgiven."
Romans 12:12
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
So please know that we love you and are praying for God's power, grace, and peace.
Love,
D
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