Another weekend wrapped up.
Another Monday here.
Another round of chemo for Ian.
Another round of stomach bug at home.
Another chance to give thanks, in every situation…
801. grass greening up early in Minnesota
802. a flurry of bird activity at the feeders
803. children smiling wide on swings
804. spring breezes tossling little girls’ hair
805. hot dogs & chips on the back porch
806. glasses of lemonade
807. iced coffee 
808. an incredible team of doctors and therapists for Ian
809. *an ok start to a round of a new chemo med for Ian
810. **reports of my nephew’s cancer responding better than expected
* Ian is getting his first round of Cisplatin as I type. It’s hard on the kidneys, can be hard on the heart, has been known to cause neuropathy/nerve damage, and can cause a fair amount of hearing damage/loss. Cisplatin is the drug he was supposed to get in his first round of maintenance chemo, but nobody felt good about giving it to Ian after the painful neuropathy issue from the Vincristine. I still don’t feel good about it, but I feel a bit better knowing that we are being proactive about getting Ian on some natural supplements that have not only been shown to protect against some of the damage caused by Cisplatin, but have also shown to actually increase it’s effectiveness against cancer!
** My young nephew, Tenney, is still in for a long & tough haul with his cancer battle, but the news that his tumor had shrank more than they had expected, and when they took it out they discovered that 50% of it was dead tissue, well, that news was great! Unfortunately, they also discovered diffuse anaplasia, which instantly made the battle more fierce. That news was hard.
Ultimately, we all know that both of our boys’ lives are in the Lord’s very capable hands, but we also know that the Lord listens and hears when His people pray, and we covet your prayers on behalf of our boys, and we thank you so much!!
Continuing to pray for Ian and your family. We serve an awesome God who is Healer and Miracle-Maker.
I just wanted to send you love, and all the positive energy, and prayers for your beautiful son Ian. I was so touched by reading your posts. I wanted to send you hope, healing, prayers, and all the love to Ian and your beautiful family. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle
hugs
xxx
I saw your post on blogfrog, and I just wanted to stop by and send some prayers to your son and you and also your little nephew.
May you find peace and healing in the coming days.
Ali,
Praying for Cisplatin to have minimal side affects and yet do the job is was designed to do. So glad to hear the natural supplements may protect against some of the damage that may occur, & possibly increase effectiveness against cancer. We have a marvelous God, providing a glimmer of hope through the treatment just when we are overwhelmed with the downside of it all. Much love to you and all you family.
Hi Ali,
This is such a long haul and you are so very busy with all of your children. I believe you are doing a great job is looking for the best treatment for Ian.
Praying for Ian often and for this new medicine to work and NOT have any side effects. Praying also for your nephew. Continue to trust in God and know that He is directing your decisions.
Blessings,
Dear Ali,
I found your blog thru a friend on Twitter. As I read about you, I was struck by the connections we have in common. And then I began reading a bit about you I realized that I could not just follow, but had to comment.
I will be praying for you and your family. Times of devastation, stress, and uncertainty seem to plague so many families and we are no exception. I wanted to let you know that a mommy in CT is thinking of your sweet Ian and your family right at this moment. And knowing me, I will continue to think of you and pray that you feel God’s (you all feel) love wrap around you and give you peace. That the stress of each decision that must be made: from “what is for dinner?” to “how will I juggle things and keep being mom?” all are smooth and seamless.
There is nothing more difficult than the helpless feeling of watching a child suffer. Knowing that no amount of kisses and hugs will fix things. As a mother who has stood by feeling helpless as her child was given a death sentence, I am intimately familiar with grief and emotional helplessness. {I am only speaking of me and won’t presume to know how you are feeling}. Turning to God was all I had and finding the grace and beauty in the devastation that we lived was what pulled me through.
I hope this for you, and so much more.
you have been on my mind and my heart for the past few days. been praying for you, your son, and your whole family!!
We pray for you and your sweet family every morning. Your battles, struggles, and heartbreak are not forgotten. Your strength and faith is inspiring.
Still praying for you and your family. Trusting for the best.
Amy
prayers for you!