Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Isaac's Make A Wish Trip
Isaac recently got back from his Make A Wish Trip. It was simply amazing! Isaac had such a good time. He got to meet Captain America at Universal Studios, also got to go to Disney World and he got to go to SeaWorld. He had the most amazing time we feel so blessed that we were able to experience this with Isaac. Make-a-Wish is an amazing organization and we feel very grateful for this positive experience.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Reveal Party: Make A Wish Trip
August 23rd Update:
Only 5 more days!!!! Isaac is then going on his Make A Wish trip to Disney World!!!
Make A Wish, Iowa had a Reveal Party for him last week where we met up for some "Superman" ice cream and they presented him with "his wish" which was to meet Captain America (@Universal) and go to Disney World. They had big balloons and gave him a number of different superhero capes and masks that he can bring with him. He is a huge superhero fan so this was so fitting for him and his wish. He was so happy!!
Nick and I are so thankful for this amazing organization! How awesome is it that Isaac is being blessed with this amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity for absolutely FREE! Just unbelievable. We are so grateful to be able to share in this with Isaac. We've always thought of this trip and have tried to explain it to Isaac as a reward for all his hard work and bravery that he showed those 2 years of Chemo. I thank God that we are able to go on this trip while he is feeling well and healthy. He is going to have the time of his life!! And mom and dad are in for some long days in Orlando because it's going to be hard to slow this boy down once he gets there! :-) Wish us luck!
Only 5 more days!!!! Isaac is then going on his Make A Wish trip to Disney World!!!
Make A Wish, Iowa had a Reveal Party for him last week where we met up for some "Superman" ice cream and they presented him with "his wish" which was to meet Captain America (@Universal) and go to Disney World. They had big balloons and gave him a number of different superhero capes and masks that he can bring with him. He is a huge superhero fan so this was so fitting for him and his wish. He was so happy!!
Nick and I are so thankful for this amazing organization! How awesome is it that Isaac is being blessed with this amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity for absolutely FREE! Just unbelievable. We are so grateful to be able to share in this with Isaac. We've always thought of this trip and have tried to explain it to Isaac as a reward for all his hard work and bravery that he showed those 2 years of Chemo. I thank God that we are able to go on this trip while he is feeling well and healthy. He is going to have the time of his life!! And mom and dad are in for some long days in Orlando because it's going to be hard to slow this boy down once he gets there! :-) Wish us luck!
These 2 lovely ladies presented Isaac with his Wish.
Superman ice cream for a super hero little boy!
Balloons!!
All decked out and ready to rumble!
Thursday, August 3, 2017
MRI - Aug 4th
Aug 4th Update:
MRI initial report is positive... Isaac's tumor and cyst remain stable! Praise the Lord!
The morning started on a good note, Isaac slept until 5 minutes till 8 (which is when we had to leave) so the whole not eating breakfast thing wasn't a huge deal. He did ask for food a few times later on but we managed to distract him easily enough.
Isaac's Mima and Papa met us at the hospital which was a huge help. Isaac was instantly happy when we arrived as he hasn't seen them in a few weeks. Then we got great nurses today as well which ALWAYS makes such a difference! Isaac wasn't a huge fan of the IV but with the help of child life and one of Isaacs favorite nurses from his Chemo days he got through it with only a few tears.
He woke up from sedation happy. Then we headed up to his appointment with his oncologist. Unfortunately they were running way behind and we ended up having to wait an extra hour and a half to be seen. But well worth the wait when his oncologist came in saying everything was stable! Next MRI will be in 3 months unless he shows any negative symptoms.
So with a good scan this means that Isaac gets to go on his special Make A Wish trip to Disney in 3 weeks to meet Captain America!! And then in 4 weeks he gets to start Pre School for the first time. I can't begin to tell you how blessed this makes us feel!
Just got home from Iowa City around 6pm and had some celebratory pizza delivered! Yum yum! Nothing beats pizza after a long day at the hospital! And bonus mom doesn't have to cook. :-)
Aug 3rd Update:
We are traveling back to Iowa City for another MRI at the University of Iowa just 6 short weeks after Isaac's last one. His MRI is on Friday the 4th and doesn't start till 11 (with a check in at 10 am). So we plan on leaving from DM in the morning and traveling the 2 hours in the morning. Normally we get the 7am slot and stay overnight in Iowa city the night before but not so lucky this go round. I kind of always dread these mornings because Isaac isn't allowed to eat and with this MRI being so much later we'll most likely be dealing with a fussy and very hungry little boy tomorrow. It's so hard to tell your child he can't eat when he says "Mommy, I'm hungry, can i have some food please?" But we'll make me most of it. Nick and I usually keep Isaac up a little later than normal the night before and give him some good old fashion midnight snacks. Let's hope that does the trick this time. Haha
We are praying for good scans tomorrow. As most of you know last scan was not very favorable thus forcing us to do this scan so much sooner than normal. Last time there was a large cyst that grew on top of his tumor. I'm praying that miraculously it just disappears and that the tumor remains stable.
Last scan they talked about another possible brain surgery. Obviously we are hoping that is not what we'll be discussing again tomorrow. Please pray for peace tomorrow and for Nick and I to cast ALL our cares on Him. Help us to have strength to deal with whatever results may come. We know God is so good and we are trusting in His perfect plan for Isaac's life.
Will you also join us in praying for Isaac as he goes through another MRI. Last one was his first without his port so getting his IV started was pretty traumatic for him. Parents that have had their kids in there hospital know what I'm taking about. Gosh you'd do anything to have them be sticking needless in you instead of your helpless and scared child. It's so hard to keep your child calm when they are kicking and screaming and have a number of nurses holding them down. So here's to hoping this one goes better.
In other news Isaac has been doing really well. He's had no negative symptoms. PTL
MRI initial report is positive... Isaac's tumor and cyst remain stable! Praise the Lord!
The morning started on a good note, Isaac slept until 5 minutes till 8 (which is when we had to leave) so the whole not eating breakfast thing wasn't a huge deal. He did ask for food a few times later on but we managed to distract him easily enough.
Isaac's Mima and Papa met us at the hospital which was a huge help. Isaac was instantly happy when we arrived as he hasn't seen them in a few weeks. Then we got great nurses today as well which ALWAYS makes such a difference! Isaac wasn't a huge fan of the IV but with the help of child life and one of Isaacs favorite nurses from his Chemo days he got through it with only a few tears.
He woke up from sedation happy. Then we headed up to his appointment with his oncologist. Unfortunately they were running way behind and we ended up having to wait an extra hour and a half to be seen. But well worth the wait when his oncologist came in saying everything was stable! Next MRI will be in 3 months unless he shows any negative symptoms.
So with a good scan this means that Isaac gets to go on his special Make A Wish trip to Disney in 3 weeks to meet Captain America!! And then in 4 weeks he gets to start Pre School for the first time. I can't begin to tell you how blessed this makes us feel!
Just got home from Iowa City around 6pm and had some celebratory pizza delivered! Yum yum! Nothing beats pizza after a long day at the hospital! And bonus mom doesn't have to cook. :-)
Aug 3rd Update:
We are traveling back to Iowa City for another MRI at the University of Iowa just 6 short weeks after Isaac's last one. His MRI is on Friday the 4th and doesn't start till 11 (with a check in at 10 am). So we plan on leaving from DM in the morning and traveling the 2 hours in the morning. Normally we get the 7am slot and stay overnight in Iowa city the night before but not so lucky this go round. I kind of always dread these mornings because Isaac isn't allowed to eat and with this MRI being so much later we'll most likely be dealing with a fussy and very hungry little boy tomorrow. It's so hard to tell your child he can't eat when he says "Mommy, I'm hungry, can i have some food please?" But we'll make me most of it. Nick and I usually keep Isaac up a little later than normal the night before and give him some good old fashion midnight snacks. Let's hope that does the trick this time. Haha
We are praying for good scans tomorrow. As most of you know last scan was not very favorable thus forcing us to do this scan so much sooner than normal. Last time there was a large cyst that grew on top of his tumor. I'm praying that miraculously it just disappears and that the tumor remains stable.
Last scan they talked about another possible brain surgery. Obviously we are hoping that is not what we'll be discussing again tomorrow. Please pray for peace tomorrow and for Nick and I to cast ALL our cares on Him. Help us to have strength to deal with whatever results may come. We know God is so good and we are trusting in His perfect plan for Isaac's life.
Will you also join us in praying for Isaac as he goes through another MRI. Last one was his first without his port so getting his IV started was pretty traumatic for him. Parents that have had their kids in there hospital know what I'm taking about. Gosh you'd do anything to have them be sticking needless in you instead of your helpless and scared child. It's so hard to keep your child calm when they are kicking and screaming and have a number of nurses holding them down. So here's to hoping this one goes better.
In other news Isaac has been doing really well. He's had no negative symptoms. PTL
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Caught a bug
July 25th Update:
Isaac has his first fever since we removed his port back in March. Although I hate to see him sick it was oddly refreshing knowing that we didn't have to rush to the emergency room. This was the first time in 2 years that I got to deal with my child's sickness "normally". We assume that he got a little bug from his week at Vacation Bible School. He absolutely loved his time there and I'm so glad he got to go learn about God and interact with kids his own age. But since I stay home with him daily his little immune system just wasn't ready for all those germs. Lol
So he had it's fever Friday evening until Sunday morning. So we watched a whole lot of Netflix this weekend. Then Monday and Tuesday he has no fever but has been pretty boogery/snotty. But I'll take it. I'm so thankful that we've been given these "restful" few months and I'm praying that continue.
Next MRI is next week. We continue to pray for stable results and that the pesky little cyst disappers completely. How amazing would that be if we didn't have to worry about another possible surgery or further treatment. Praying Praying.
Isaac has his first fever since we removed his port back in March. Although I hate to see him sick it was oddly refreshing knowing that we didn't have to rush to the emergency room. This was the first time in 2 years that I got to deal with my child's sickness "normally". We assume that he got a little bug from his week at Vacation Bible School. He absolutely loved his time there and I'm so glad he got to go learn about God and interact with kids his own age. But since I stay home with him daily his little immune system just wasn't ready for all those germs. Lol
So he had it's fever Friday evening until Sunday morning. So we watched a whole lot of Netflix this weekend. Then Monday and Tuesday he has no fever but has been pretty boogery/snotty. But I'll take it. I'm so thankful that we've been given these "restful" few months and I'm praying that continue.
Next MRI is next week. We continue to pray for stable results and that the pesky little cyst disappers completely. How amazing would that be if we didn't have to worry about another possible surgery or further treatment. Praying Praying.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Next MRI Scheduled
July 9th Update:
Isaac has his next MRI scheduled for Friday, Aug 4th in Iowa City. This comes just 6 short weeks after his last one. He is doing well currently and is not showing any negative symptoms. However we do have a couple appointments this week for him. They wanted him to go see an eye doctor because of the positioning and placement of the cyst could cause double vision or similar problems. We don't think he has any problems currently but it's kind if hard to know what a 3 year old is seeing. Next, we are going back to Blanks Hospital in Des Moines to have a neurological exam done. This is half way between his last MRI and next one.
We are still praying like crazy that his tumor remains stable and that the cyst shrinks. We serve a great and mighty God who can do miracles. #HeIsHealer #ToughAsNails
Isaac has his next MRI scheduled for Friday, Aug 4th in Iowa City. This comes just 6 short weeks after his last one. He is doing well currently and is not showing any negative symptoms. However we do have a couple appointments this week for him. They wanted him to go see an eye doctor because of the positioning and placement of the cyst could cause double vision or similar problems. We don't think he has any problems currently but it's kind if hard to know what a 3 year old is seeing. Next, we are going back to Blanks Hospital in Des Moines to have a neurological exam done. This is half way between his last MRI and next one.
We are still praying like crazy that his tumor remains stable and that the cyst shrinks. We serve a great and mighty God who can do miracles. #HeIsHealer #ToughAsNails
Thursday, June 22, 2017
MRI Results
June 26th Update:
Well it's been kind of a roller coaster of a week. Not going to lie my patience has been tested but my faith in God strengthened.
After 1 whole week of waiting on results which would determine whether Isaac would be needing a second brain surgery we finally heard back from Boston around 5pm. The Boston neurosurgeon doesn't think he needs surgery right away! (Phew) She instead agreed with the wait and see approach. With that said she doesn't want to wait the normal 3 months to get another MRI due to the rapid growth Isaac's cyst has had. So we'll rescan him at the beginning of August and hope for no additional growth. This is the plan as long as he remains 100%symptom free... hurray!!! God is good.
So looks like we'll get a "normal" Summer after all. Yay! We've been so enjoying our new freedom with having no port and not having to worry about germs, sickness, chemo, etc so the thought of that being taken away was so frightening! So for the time being we'll sit back and try to enjoy as much summer as possible.
We are now aware of the possible symptoms that he might start showing if the cyst is growing. We will be watching him like a hawk to make sure he doesn't become symptomatic. We are under strict orders to call the hospital or go to the emergency room right away if we notice any symptoms. Eek! So that part is a bit unnerving but that's just going to have to be a part of our life now.
So if you could pray over the next few weeks that the cyst decreases in size we'd so appreciate it!
This picture is from this past weekend. We went to a local town festival. Isaac got to ride a pony and he absolutely LOVED it!
June 20th Update:
Wanted to write a quick update on Isaac's MRI as a number of people have been asking. Unfortunately the initial results from the University of Iowa were a little bit disappointing. We found out that he has a cyst on his brain tumor that has grown over the past 6 months somewhat significantly. It's in a dangerous spot and is pushing on some vital areas in the brain. Our University of Iowa oncologist said that we might be facing another brain surgery to either remove or drain the cyst, not sure which one it would be because of the dangerous location. Our other option is to wait 4-6 weeks and then get another MRI to make sure nothing is growing (instead of his normal 3 month check up). There was also discussion about starting on another Chemo again. 😢
We obviously want a second opinion so the MRI images were overnighted to Boston Children's Hospital on Monday and we've been waiting to hear back from Boston ever since. (Boston is where Isaac had his first brain surgery.) It's very daunting to sit here and wait not knowing what will come. We keep praying to God and asking him for Peace during this. We are very hopeful that we will hear something on Friday. Luckily he is showing no negative symptoms and continues to be his vibrant, upbeat self.
Will keep you posted once we hear more.
Well it's been kind of a roller coaster of a week. Not going to lie my patience has been tested but my faith in God strengthened.
After 1 whole week of waiting on results which would determine whether Isaac would be needing a second brain surgery we finally heard back from Boston around 5pm. The Boston neurosurgeon doesn't think he needs surgery right away! (Phew) She instead agreed with the wait and see approach. With that said she doesn't want to wait the normal 3 months to get another MRI due to the rapid growth Isaac's cyst has had. So we'll rescan him at the beginning of August and hope for no additional growth. This is the plan as long as he remains 100%symptom free... hurray!!! God is good.
So looks like we'll get a "normal" Summer after all. Yay! We've been so enjoying our new freedom with having no port and not having to worry about germs, sickness, chemo, etc so the thought of that being taken away was so frightening! So for the time being we'll sit back and try to enjoy as much summer as possible.
We are now aware of the possible symptoms that he might start showing if the cyst is growing. We will be watching him like a hawk to make sure he doesn't become symptomatic. We are under strict orders to call the hospital or go to the emergency room right away if we notice any symptoms. Eek! So that part is a bit unnerving but that's just going to have to be a part of our life now.
So if you could pray over the next few weeks that the cyst decreases in size we'd so appreciate it!
June 20th Update:
Wanted to write a quick update on Isaac's MRI as a number of people have been asking. Unfortunately the initial results from the University of Iowa were a little bit disappointing. We found out that he has a cyst on his brain tumor that has grown over the past 6 months somewhat significantly. It's in a dangerous spot and is pushing on some vital areas in the brain. Our University of Iowa oncologist said that we might be facing another brain surgery to either remove or drain the cyst, not sure which one it would be because of the dangerous location. Our other option is to wait 4-6 weeks and then get another MRI to make sure nothing is growing (instead of his normal 3 month check up). There was also discussion about starting on another Chemo again. 😢
We obviously want a second opinion so the MRI images were overnighted to Boston Children's Hospital on Monday and we've been waiting to hear back from Boston ever since. (Boston is where Isaac had his first brain surgery.) It's very daunting to sit here and wait not knowing what will come. We keep praying to God and asking him for Peace during this. We are very hopeful that we will hear something on Friday. Luckily he is showing no negative symptoms and continues to be his vibrant, upbeat self.
Will keep you posted once we hear more.
Monday, June 19, 2017
MRI Day
June 19th Update:
Isaac has his 3 month check up this morning. On the agenda is another MRI and a meeting with his U of I oncologist. Praying for favorable results.
This is his first MRI since getting his port removed so sedating him will be a bit different. Instead of accessing his port we put numbing cream of 4 separate areas of his arms and will hopefully get an IV in successfully on the first time. He has been so use to them messing with his port that the will be a very different experience but hoping for the best.
Isaac has his 3 month check up this morning. On the agenda is another MRI and a meeting with his U of I oncologist. Praying for favorable results.
This is his first MRI since getting his port removed so sedating him will be a bit different. Instead of accessing his port we put numbing cream of 4 separate areas of his arms and will hopefully get an IV in successfully on the first time. He has been so use to them messing with his port that the will be a very different experience but hoping for the best.
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