Our life is nothing short of an adventure...

Wind in our hair and screams of delight but also unpredictable turns and unknown outcomes. We are a family of six; Dave, Susie, Nate, Jake, Sam, and Bella.

God has been faithful in our marriage and through the birth and blessings of our boys.

God has been faithful during our adoption journey and united Bella with us in May of 2008. We were privileged to visit with Bella's birth mother; therefore, Bella's family in Guatemala will always be dear to our hearts.

On October 16, 2008, Bella was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. We are now battling the disease with 2 years and 3 months of treatment. We believe God will continue to be faithful!

Our family is committed to living life to the fullest...even on the hard days. Thank you for checking in and journeying with us!


Thursday, October 30, 2008

Day 2 of Clinic


Bella on her way to clinic today. Looking at her, you would never know she was in this battle of Leukemia...yet when I see her expression, I am reminded of what we are dealing with. And then I hear a gentle whisper...."This is not your battle to win, it's mine". And I turn everything over to God and praise Him that He is in this and all is well.

2 weeks ago today, we received a call at 6:30 pm in the evening that Bella had Leukemia. Bella and I spent 8 nights and 9 days in the hospital, this week marked her first week of "clinic appointments", today being her second. We left the house at 10 am for a 10:30 am apt. The apt. was a "check up and blood count"....we did not arrive home until 5:30 pm. Bella's blood counts were again very low as well as her platelets, so she ended up having 2 transfusions this afternoon. This is considered normal for her circumstance, and is expected for awhile. Makes for a long day at the hospital, but praise God...my Mom came down for 2 hours so that I could go and have my hair done. Bella will understand this sacrifice of her Mom not being at her side for all her apts once she gets older. :) I knew something was off with Bella's counts as her lips were dry again this morning with a yellow over lay, she looked paler and she was more lethargic. I am amazed at what a difference a little blood makes. Several of you have asked what you can do to help, and we have posted these items on our blog site, but one of the biggest is GIVE BLOOD! I realize that your donation of your life line will not go directly to Bella, however, a blood donor saved Bella's life and the life of millions of others before. I knew giving blood was important, but until it happens to you or a loved one, you never truly understand just how valuable it is. Make the difference in the life of a child and a family, when given the opportunity, please give blood.

I have so many thoughts I want to share, so many examples of God's fatherly hand in our lives, thank you's that I want to extend...but its been quit a day and I am "feeling" exhausted. Bella wakes almost every 2-3 hours to eat. The steroid she is on not only makes her very fussy and uncomfortable, but also STARVING! i hope to post sometime tomorrow afternoon.

Tomorrow is Halloween, and my Husband's BIRTHDAY! Every year I tell him he's "my treat not my trick". Let me tell you, he is one amazing man. We plan to head to my brothers house for the boys to "trick or treat" with their cousins, if no one is remotely sick, we will be able to take Bella in her "lady bug costume" with her mask on. I really do not want to stay home alone, we love Halloween.

As always, I so appreciating you checking in. I have so much to share in the days to come and we enjoy sharing the journey with all of you.

God Bless!

14 comments:

Joe and Erin said...

So brave and so faithful! I am glad things are going well considering and it looks like you had an awesome time at that party of yours! We love you, Sus! (Erin)

The gFamily said...

Those big brown eyes looking up are just the most precious thing! Bella is so beautiful! We are praying for and thinking of you so often throughout our day! You are all so strong and faithful!

Cheri said...

First...Thank God for Your Mama in coming to watch Bella Boo. One must keep the hair doodied up! Second...Giving blood is close to my heart as well, as when Brock's dad was sick, he was given so much blood. Anytime one receives a heart transplant, they must receive a lot of blood! Tonight was senior night at the football game recognizing the parents and it was so sad not having Steve there. I love you, my friend and hope to chat tomorrow. Cheri

Michelle Riggs said...

Beautiful picture. Bella is absolutely beautiful.

Praying for you all.

Candy said...

Hey girl My Dad and Step Brother are HAllOWEEN BABIES TOO... We are spending the day with my Dad. Just want to say LOVE YOU GIRLY and I am amazed by your strength in every post. UGS

Vanessa said...

Bella is truly allowing many of us to witness God's hands at work!! And you're right this battle is thr Lord's battle and He WILL prevail!

Mama Bear said...

What a truly beautiful picture of God's special child. Keeping the faith is so important and knowing that every one of us are sending you many prayers, thoughts and hugs. Have an enjoyable day as you can tomorrow.

Alex and Sam said...

we are praying for bella!!!! you are in our thoughts & prayers every day..

I wolud love to send her a hat if thats ok.. can you pm me your address lexa94@aol.com

alex

Mary Ann said...

Bella you are still as beautiful as ever! I am praying for you sweet baby girl!

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

You so need to take a little time for yourself during this and take care of yourself. You have to be healthy and feel good about yourself to help Bella. She is so precious. I love the picture of Bella. Thanks so much for keeping us updated. I know it is tiring for you.

nikki said...

It's amazing how important blood transfusions are in the cancer fight. Hope you guys get to enjoy Halloween, and please post pics of sweet Bella in her costume.

Praying for you and Bella daily!!

McMurrays said...

Your faith and strength is inspiring to me and our family. Bella is so precious. Know that we are praying for her everyday.
God Bless,
The McMurrays

weightlosers said...

What a precious picture and what a great picture of the trust she has in you - and that you have in God. Our prayers that you are able to enjoy Dave's birthday and that Bella continues to handle the treatments well.

Connie, Mike and the midgets.

Gayle said...

God bless you, Bella and your family. I pray for your strength and for Bella's. Trust in the Lord and he will provide the way. Your faith is so strong. I look forward to reading better news for Bella and hope for a quick recovery.