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!


Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Healing Manifesting!


Bella was a little done with me trying on all her new hats at this point. This one is from
her Aunt Tiff.


New Wand from friend Gracie



Thank you Stella and Courtney for my new Notre Dame Cheer leading outfit!
I think Mom may be more excited than me. And my hat, oh that is from Amy N and Gracie. Again, Mom is more excited than me, but it will grow on me. Especially when my head is cold.

AMEN! We received news this morning that the chemo is killing off the active Leukemia cells! The treatment plan does not change at this time, we are still facing a 2 year and 3 month treatment, but the leukemia cells are responding to chemo as desired and expected by the doctors. Of course we did not expect anything different, for we serve a mighty God and we believe as always that His victory will prevail.

Bella and I spent 4.5 hours at the hospital yesterday for her bone marrow draw, spinal tap and chemo drip. It does make a for a long day, but the joy comes in the one of one time with my girlie and all the wonderful people we get to meet and pray with. We have a special family the night Bella was diagnosed and admitted in the hospital, her name is Hannah and she is 13 yrs old. She is fighting a particularly rare childhood cancer. When you pray for Bella, please pray for Hannah's healing as well. We are on this journey with them and we stand in faith and belief that Hannah is healed.

The steroid is really taking effect this little princess now. Although she still eats in small bites and one piece at a time, she is eating in large quantities and often. It's so funny to see her eat so much. She is still battling diarrhea and a nasty diaper rash, but it all appears to be improving. I spend a great deal of time giving meds, changing diapers, laundry and bed changing.

In conclusion, thank you my heavenly Father for your promises, we have never doubted your abilities or your promises. Thank you friends and family who have supported us during this time, thank you blogging buddies for all your encouragement and for constantly checking in on us, thank you to my husband and my boys who tolerate so much change and willingly sacrificing so much normality at this time. It's hard for 3 little boys to be stuck at home all day due to being home bound for the time. I am definitely grateful that they get to attend school every day.

Blessings, Susie

15 comments:

Courtney said...

YIPPIE........Bella you look adorable in your new ND cheerleading outfit. It is perfect on you. Keep hanging in there sweetie. You are such a strong little girl. You will always be in our prayers. (((HUGS)))
Stella and Courtney

The gFamily said...

Great news! I can't wait to see the miracles unfold! Believing God!

Bella looks TOO CUTE in her new hats!

Praying, praying, praying!!!!

lisa kindred said...

Believing that God will continue to move mountains on little Bella's behalf. He is mighty and will get the glory for this precious life. You are such an example to so many for the way you are choosing to work thru this battle. We don't know you but feel like we do because we all pray for you continually. She is a beauty and looks like a fighter. Keep seeking His face as you live. What a blessed lil girl to have you as her mommy.

Love, Lisa and family

jeck said...

Praise the lord!! Her hats are adorable!!

Big Hugs and lots of prayers!

nikki said...

Wonderful news that the treatment is killing off the Cancer cells!
Bella is just so precious in her hats!!!

Cheri said...

So thankful to hear of Bella's healing. I thought and prayed for you all day yesterday. I'll be in the car tomorrow afternoon around 2pm so call me if you can chat. love, CHeri

Candy said...

WOOO HOOOO...this is AWESOME NEWS...LOVE LOVE LOVE ALL THE HATS

The Jeltema's said...

oh to God be the Glory! and I love the hat!!!! she's gorgeous : )

Barb said...

A new month is beginning and new journeys for you family. We are so glad to hear the good news regarding Bella's treatment so far. Praying for you and checking your blog daily. Yes, the hats are adorable.....but Bella your are more adorable!! Hugs from this grandpa and grandma again.
Cecil and Barb Harkema

Carla said...

Praise God!!! I am praying so hard for your precious little girl.

Vanessa said...

Thank you God for having your hands of healing on Bella! Please continue to heal her and provide her family with the strength they need to care for her during this battle!
Continuing to pray for Bella and your family!!

The M. Herndon Family said...

Susie---Not sure if you read my last comment, but I got two of the Broviac holders from our Hem/Onc clinic at the hospital where I work. I'd love to send them to you to see if they help with the awkwardness of Bella's central line. If you're interested, my e-mail address is micheleherndon@charter.net
:)Michele

Alex and Sam said...

so glad to hear the the treatment is working...bella looks too through with the hats... they are so adorable though..

you are in my prayers

alex

Amanda said...

Praise God!!! We love you, Bella. God is doing amazing things for you. You can see Him in your mommy, daddy and brothers' faces. His love and healing is all around you. We're fighting with you, Bella!!

Love,
Amanda and Gabi

Mama Bear said...

truly awesome news, celebrating with you from Virginia :-)