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, July 7, 2009

Neupogen and Home

Quick update. Bella's ANC counts have been low for the past 3 weeks now, what should be monthly visits at this point has been weekly and clinic days have been lengthy. We were told last week that Bella was "Neotrpenic" meaning she has no immune system. Technically, her white blood counts are low thus eliminating her body to fight off infection. Whatever, this girl is so rock solid healthy and covered in God I dont even think about it. However, we are required to do our part and therefore, I spent last Thursday learning how to give "shots" in my daughters leg so that we can build up her immune system. Have I mentioned lately that I am pretty sure I will have earned my nursing degree by the time we are done with this? :) So thankful she will not remember Mommy giving her "pokey's" but believing she will remember I showere her with M&M's or a sip of diet coke for being so brave. She has not been able to have her chemo now for 2 weeks, this prolongs treatment, but I must admit, the break was nice. This Thursday we go back again for what I believe will be a normal ANC count.

My sister was home 3 weeks and left today. My heart is sad, I love the time I get to spend with her at the cottage. We are planning to head out East to spend a week with her and Dejan this summer. We are all heading home tomorrow to resume life outside of the cottage and plan a few camping trips, along with our trip out East, Chicago and Detroit. I will then finally be able to post some pictures as I will have my high speed interent again rather than dial up.

Blessings,

10 comments:

Vanessa said...

Praying for great news at the next visit!! Still believing for Bella!!

Mama Bear said...

Thanks so much for the update. I had been wondering how she was doing and sending many prayers,

The Adoption Journey of Baby King said...

So glad to see an update. I can't wait for the pics.

Praying that Bella's immune system gets up there.

I can totally relate to all the 'nursing' things you learn along the journey. Brian's illness taught us a lot!

Unknown said...

Does this mean, you can pencil me in a visit!?! I'll come!!!!

I'm so thankful Bella feels well! Believing she is covered and is healed! Love you so much and this (almost) sister misses you beyond words! Cheri

Sandy @ The Scoop on Balance said...

I've never posted a comment here before, but I do want you to know that I've had Bella's button on my blog for months. I look at her little face every day and pray for her often.

Thanks for posting your "needs" in the sidebar. A great idea...and the very thing that prompted my comment.

Wish I could help with meals or carpool...Encouragement and prayers, I can help with! :)

Blessings,
Sandy

p.s.
I have 4 kids: 2 adopted (one from Guatemala) and one in Heaven. Just wanted to let you know, my heart resonates with yours.

Anonymous said...

what a brave sweet girl!

Robyn said...

I am continuing the prayers for sweet Bella!!

Chris and Lindsey Wheeler said...

I AM PRAYING SO MUCH!!!! Love y'all.

-Lindsey

The gFamily said...

We are praying for you all! You get an award, Susie, for being so brave! Bella gets one too of course!!

Can't wait for picture updates! I love seeing beautiful Bella!!

Hannah said...

We continue to pray for Bella. I love how deep your faith runs, nothing tests it as much a sick child. When Dmitry was sick it totally changed me forever. I thank God that he loves me and stands by me every day.

I loved your post on the Love Shack...although it does make me think maybe I should have been a little less dorky in mine. :)