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!


Monday, November 17, 2008

Strength and Joy


Bella in the ER Sunday afternoon, check out these steroid cheeks!

God promised us that He would provide us with enough strength and joy for the day, so all we have to do is receive it. That couldn't have been more true this past weekend. Physically, were tired, but our hope and trust is in Jesus. Bella has not been feeling well since last Friday. She has had terrible diarrhea and an awful sounding respiratory cough. We have had more dirty cloths from this little peanut than the 3 boys combined. Yet somehow we have room in our emotional lives to laugh and enjoy life...and that can only come from the Father.

Bella began the weekend throwing up, she has had diarrhea this entire month, more on than off. She has lost her voice and has a terrible sounding cough...but no fever. The doctors are not sure if these are viral or a reaction from the chemo. On Sunday morning, I noticed her lips were chapped (a clear sign that her hemoglobin is down) and she was rather lethargic. I called the on call Pediatric Oncologist and asked if we could take her to ER for a blood draw and IV fluid, they didn't even question me. So Bella and I got to spend 6 hours of quality time in the ER, having a blood transfusion and fluids pumped in to her system. She improved and slept through the night. She ate and drank very little over the weekend, and has been the same today. This morning she had her bone marrow drawn, a breathing treatment and a spinal tap. We ended up spending another 5 hours at clinic today as again, more fluids were needed. We left with an additional medication on top of the 8 she already takes. She has completed her first month of treatment and is now being weened off the steroid. This month provides a break from the interveinous chemo, only spinal tap chemo's will be done weekly. Next month, we repeat this past month with a more aggressive treatment.

Thank you so much for checking in, we truly enjoy and rely on your comments. I recognize how God uses all of you to bring us strength...especially on the hard days.

Please pray for our friend Abby, her blog button is at the top of our blog page.

Blessings to All, Susie

9 comments:

Vanessa said...

I'm praying for sweet Bella!! My heart hurts for you and Bella when I read about her having such a hard time. I also grieve when I visit the blog of abby's journey as well!! God id a healer I know but still I wish NO child would ever have to face cancer!!
I will be faithful to lifting Bella in my prayers and I stand firm and have faith God will bring this sweet girl a complete healing!!

Chris and Lindsey Wheeler said...

Precious Bella, she is just so beautiful....I hate that she is having to go through all of this!! I look at Eliana and can't imagine how you are making it. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! I will probably say it a thousand times. PRAYING NON-STOP!!!

Anonymous said...

Your precious Bella is in my thoughts and prayers daily as well as little Abby too!!!

Hugs and much love,Leslie

Candy said...

OH BELLA...My heart is breaking just seeing that picture...why??? Because I can't stand these affects the CHEMO is having on these sweet Guatlings...Be looking for a LOVE AND CARE package for Miss Bella

Love ya girl

Svetlana said...

We are praying for Bella. I know how it feels to have child with medical conditions. We will pray, that you whole family will be in His hands and He can bring joy to you all.
Sveta

nikki said...

Oh sweet Bella, she is just so precious! Sorry to hear about your rough weekend. You are such a wonderful Momma to know that she needed fluids and a transfusion. Prayers to you from NJ

Laura P said...

I just found your blog and I will be praying for your sweet Bella. I can't imagine watching your child go through so much, it is a true testament that God is holding you and your family up during this time. Thank you for sharing and we will keep on praying!

Cheri said...

Praying continuously for Bella Boo, Dave, the boys and of course, you, Sus!!! I so wish we were closer so Malaena and I could help out! I know Malae and I couldn't be around Bella but we could wave through the window and smile! We are believing in God's healing Bella, so let us know when you get the results! Hugs to all!

Mary Ann said...

Bless your sweet hearts! Sending my prayers to you all!