Archive for the ‘Leukemia’ Category
Joshua's Surgery This Morning
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia
We’ve been chemo-free since late December. This morning is sort of the final stage in Joshua’s completion of his treatment as he’s having a surgical procedure to remove the port from his chest.
When Joshua was first diagnosed with leukemia, one of the first things that happened was the insertion of the port. At least 3 [...]
End of Chemotherapy Party
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia
Sunday we celbrated the end of Joshua’s chemotherapy. For 3 1/2 years we have eaten at Chick-fil-a at least once a week. But every time we were there, we had to tell Joshua, “I’m sorry. You can’t play in the playground. The doctors know you could get sick too easily because of the medicine you [...]
Leukemia Reflections – Year 3
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia
Yesterday, October 18, marked the 3 year anniversary of our 5-year-old’s diagnosis with leukemia. On the anniversary the previous 2 years, I’ve written a series of reflections from the previous year. In case you want to read them, you can do so here:
Diagnosis Post
Year 1 Reflections
Year 2 Reflections
This year is a little different, because we [...]
A Trip to the ER
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia
We had a deja vu moment last night, and not the kind that involves Denzel Washington.
About midnight, Joshua woke up wheezing, coughing, and burning up. In leukemia world, the threshhold of fever is 100.5. If the fever goes beyond that, you have to head to the emergency room. Joshua’s was up around 102 so off [...]
Dear Dr. Zieber:
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia
t’s Wednesday again, Doc. At least every 4 weeks, on Wednesday, we’ve been coming to see you. And every 4th Wednesday you’ve been there, ready to see us. All I can say is “thanks.”
We met you almost 3 years ago under the worst of circumstances. Jana and I were sitting in a room at Vanderbilt [...]
The Wisdom of God and Sea World (Part 2)
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia, Parenting, Theology
After a night in the ER and half a day in the hospital, I had a chance to cool off. And I knew that I had some things to be sorry for. Most specifically, I felt as though my attitude had called the wisdom of God into question.
Isn’t that what we do when we complain? [...]
The Wisdom of God and Sea World (Part I)
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia, Parenting, Theology
In the world of leukemia, when a kid gets a fever, it disrupts life. And the fever threshold is 100.5. Beyond that, we have to go to the emergency room because something’s going on. And even a normal infection might potentially be concerning because of a depressed immune system due to chemotherapy.
Before our Make A [...]
Back to Vacation
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia
Great news – we’re back at the Give Kids the World village. And Joshua has been sleeping off his hospital stay for the past 2 hours. but we’re clear, ready to start the vacation again.
And we’re going to stay an extra day just to stick it to leukemia.
Tomorrow, we go to Sea World. And we’re [...]
Sad Vacation News
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia
First the good news. Disneyworld is amazing, and Joshua doesn’t know what to do with himself. He’s met all the characters, ate gallons of ice cream, and had an absolutely wonderful time.
Now we’re sitting in the Orlando Children’s Hospital. Joshua got a fever last night, and we are being admitted.
He doesn’t seem to feel bad [...]
Leaving for Disneyworld
Posted by Michael K. | Filed under Leukemia
Early tomorrow morning, we are headed to Orlando for Joshua’s Make-a-Wish Trip. We’ve looked forward to it for some time now, both as a vacation and a celebration of sorts. It’s not that Joshua’s treatment is by any means over or less significant when we come back; it’s more of us celebrating the faithfulness of [...]