Month Six - Celebration Time!

July 10th.  Today marks six months since Paige's leukemia diagnosis.  Six months since our lives were forever changed.  Six months since our family learned what it means to fully stand on faith and put our complete trust in God.  This is a day of celebrating!

Yes, Paige is still receiving chemotherapy treatments--and will be for a while--but the healing we have seen since that day in January is worthy of praise.  
* A mass 16 centimeters in size--GONE.
* Cancer cells in her bone marrow--GONE.
* Spinal fluid free and clear of cancer cells.
* Count recovery via transfusions as needed.
* Rebound and recovery from a serious reaction.
* Time to rest and recover in between treatments.

As if that's not enough, there is still healing to come as God delivers her safely through to the maintenance phase in a few short months.  Once that milestone is achieved, Paige will have about a year-and-a-half left in her treatment.  This will consist mostly of oral meds that won't be so rough on her immune system, thus allowing a return to school--and a new beginning for our family.  

You see, Paige isn't the only one being given an amazing testimony.  Our whole family is, and it's pretty incredible to have the opportunity to share our stories whenever we can.  I have said it over and over--this girl is the epitome of strength and courage, and I admire her in ways I can never fully put into words.  I asked a few family members to share some thoughts about this whole journey.  It turns out we all feel the same way:

"It has been said that character isn't built in adversity, it's revealed, and I have seen this lived out in these last 6 months.  I always knew Paige was an exceptional girl, but I wasn't aware of just how exceptional until she was diagnosed with leukemia.  Her strength and her faith in the face of what she deals with on a daily basis is amazing and inspiring.  She is my hero." - Craig, Paige's Great Uncle

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"Paige is my hero!  I said it from the first day that I saw her hooked up to all of the machines in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in TX Children's Hospital--just after her initial diagnosis--and I'll continue to say it for the rest of my life.  There is no way that a grandmother ever prepares for the news that her granddaughter has cancer, and living with that day-by-day remains a challenge, but nothing like what Paige, Amy, Boyce, and Jeremy live with every day.  To say that I am so proud of all of them barely scratches the surface.  Their unwavering faith and trust in God inspire me to my core. That's the ONLY WAY that we will all survive this--and we will!" - Elaine, Paige's 'Gramoo'

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"Six months already.  In my 41 years on earth I can truly say that this has been the weirdest, longest, sleep-deprived, soul-searching, patience-testing six months ever.  Our family has forever been changed, but in a positive way.  We have learned so much about each other and know that in the toughest of times, we are there through thick and thin together--the four of us as one.  Paige, we love you so much and thank you for being the strong young lady that you are." - Boyce, Paige's Dad

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God is not finished with this story--not by a long shot.  It just seemed like a great day to celebrate the amazing things He is doing in our lives!

...See this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes.  1 Samuel 12:16

Faithful Friends

"A friend loves at all times..."  Over the last several months, our family has seen this verse lived out in numerous ways.  Phone calls and texts to check on us.  Cards with words of encouragement.  Dinner delivered after long days at clinic.  The list goes on.  These acts of kindness lifted our spirits on some pretty rough days, and we are so thankful for this outpouring of love and support from our friends.  Today I want to focus on one friendship in particular--that of Paige and her best friend, Kassie.

During a recent visit, I asked each girl to tell me a little about their friendship.  I didn't give them specific parameters because I wanted genuine, unprompted responses.  The only stipulation was that they could not discuss their replies.  Asking these girls not to talk to each other for a few minutes was apparently akin to some kind of torture--at least, that's the vibe I got.  They eventually forgave me for the forced silence and offered some unique thoughts on their friendship.

"Kassie and I have been friends for almost 4 years, and she understands me in ways that other people can't." - Paige

Paige's words could not be more true.  These girls have a communication style all their own--and it only makes their friendship stronger.  According to Paige, they "fight, laugh, and cry for a bunch of random reasons."  Their time together usually consists of laughter and just plain silliness.  "Crazy inside jokes" and a shared passion for all things food-related combine to form a friendship as unique as the girls themselves. 

"Our friendship means the world to me, and I don't know where I would be if we weren't friends." - Kassie

Paige's leukemia diagnosis did not weaken this bond.  In fact, it only served to strengthen this friendship.  The first few months were particularly tough on Paige--physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Friends would check on her to see how things were going, but she wasn't always up to replying.  Kassie understood that when Paige didn't immediately respond, it meant she wasn't feeling well.  She knew Paige would eventually reply, and Paige knew she could always count on her friend. 

"She has been right next to me through all of this." - Paige

"I love Paige to pieces, and I'm pretty sure she loves me just as much!" - Kassie

As a mom, I love that Paige has a friend who helps her 'forget' the leukemia and chemotherapy stuff--even for just a little while.  These girls are pretty terrific, and I feel fortunate to have a front row seat to this great friendship!  I have a feeling this will be one of those bonds that lasts a very long time! 

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Therefore encourage one another and build one another up...   1 Thessalonians 5:11

Facing Her Fear

As I've mentioned in previous posts, Paige is now in her next phase of treatment.  Despite encouraging words about how each treatment gets us closer to the finish line, she wasn't exactly ready to move ahead--she was hoping for just one more week of feeling good.  She's had a month of increased energy and activity, so I really can't fault her for wanting to prolong the inevitable.  Over the past 11 days, she has received three chemotherapy administrations and one spinal tap with chemo.  Even though one of the chemo drugs had the potential of an allergic reaction and causes her extreme anxiety each time it makes its way onto the calendar, Paige made it through each one with the same courage and strength she has displayed throughout this journey.

The spinal tap, however, was going to be a true test.  As you may recall from previous posts, Paige had a very scary reaction the last time she underwent this procedure.  She experienced heaviness in her legs and right arm--to the point of being unable to use them--as well as very slurred speech.  These stroke-like symptoms resulted in a trip to the ER and a few days in the hospital.  It was determined that the meds in the spinal tap 'conspired' with another chemo treatment that day to hang around in her brain a little too long.  Thankfully, she rebounded and recovered quickly, and subsequent scans have shown no cause for concern.  Trust me when I say that news resulted in some serious praising going on around here!

Fast forward to the latest spinal tap.  Time to face a pretty big fear.  Praying over this procedure began days beforehand.  Different drug combination, more than one with anti-inflammatory properties that would serve as extra protection.  Rescue medications prescribed and in-hand.  Reassurance from her parents, doctors, and nurses that things should be just fine.  The procedure went smoothly, and Paige's body tolerated all medications administered that day.  Unfortunately, that didn't stop her anxiety, as there was still a window of 'opportunity' for another reaction to rear its ugly head.  Paige knows her body is healing.  She trusts that God is protecting her every step of the way.  She is also a 13-year-old girl who has dealt with more in the last six months than most people her age could ever imagine.

Recalling a discussion with her doctors that a reaction could occur anywhere from five to ten days after the procedure, Paige put herself on heightened alert on day five.  She began checking and double-checking her arms and legs to make sure they weren't getting that 'heavy' feeling again, and she was having trouble settling down at night to get some much-needed rest.  In fact, we reached a point where she needed a little extra help on those rough nights, and her doctor prescribed an additional medication that proved to be effective in helping her relax.  After one particularly tough night, Paige shared with me that she had been "trying and trying not to cry and get upset."  When I asked why--and reassured her it was perfectly okay to have those moments, she said she was afraid it would let people down "because everyone says I'm so strong."

Any guess as to what happened next?  Yep, this mom (through tears, of course) assured Paige that crying in no way makes her weak.  That being afraid was understandable--it was her body that experienced those effects, after all.  The important thing to keep in mind was that we couldn't let fear take over and undo all the good things we have seen so far.  Just as we have addressed every other obstacle, we would work through it together, praying for God to give us peace and the calm assurance He has provided since this journey began.

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Paige, you are the strongest, most amazing girl I have ever known.  I am beyond proud to call you my daughter, and I thank God every day for allowing me to be your mom.  Strong.  Brave.  Inspiring.  Keep facing those fears, my love.  God is doing such an awesome work in you!  

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Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.   1 Peter 5:7

Strong in Faith & Hope

We are now on Day 5 of the Delayed Intensification phase of treatment, referred to as DI from here on out.  Paige and I are hanging out at clinic today, waiting on chemo that will have us here for a few hours.  She is getting some much-needed rest, which gives me time to share a few thoughts.

Last week (Day 1), Paige received a spinal tap with chemo--her first since May's scary reaction--as well as two other chemo drugs.  Understandably, her nerves were quite rattled that morning, but she made it through her treatments like a trooper.  It didn't hurt that she slept through much of it. :)  She also began a 7-day round of steroid therapy that day.  According to Paige's doctors, the anti-inflammatory properties of the steroid combined with the rescue-type medications we administered on Saturday should ward off any possible issues with the spinal tap.  Of course, we continue to lift her in prayer, certain that God is protecting her as He restores her health.

The strength and courage God gives this girl never ceases to amaze me.  Over the last five days, her body has taken on more than it has had to in several weeks.  She's tired--tired of the meds, tired of feeling yucky--yet she knows it's all part of getting healthy.  Knowing the impending effects of the intense chemo she will receive over the next several weeks, Paige even puts up with me going back to 'heightened alert' status.

Checking her cheeks to make sure they're not warm.  Hovering a little more than I should.  As her mother, it's tough seeing her go through this.  Indescribably tough.  Please understand--my faith is not shaken.  Not one bit.  God has placed Paige in the care of the best doctors and nurses around.  He is guiding their hands and hearts, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt my daughter will be healed.  In His time, our family will be able to achieve a 'new normal'--one of recovery and thankfulness like we have never known.

Yes, we are so ready for the next 'new normal.'  Paige will be even stronger--which is hard to imagine.  Our family will emerge from this stronger and more united than ever before.  The testimonies developed along this journey will no doubt give God all the glory for the victory that is to come.

For the Lord your God is He who goes with you...to give you the victory.   Deuteronomy 20:4

Phase Four - Forging Ahead

It's been a really good month for Paige.  The necessary adjustment in her treatment plan turned out to be a good thing.  Her body tolerated the medications, and she had sufficient time to rest and recover in between treatments.  Paige had time to be a kid and even rediscovered her sassy side.  Had a friend over for a couple of days.  Took in a movie.  Fished with the family.  Even tested the waters in her grandma's pool for a light swim.  This time gave her (and the rest of our family) a glimpse at great times to come.  But first...

Tomorrow begins the next phase in Paige's treatment - Delayed Intensification.  As the name suggests, it's a time of intense chemo that is similar to her earlier treatments.  She will receive multiple chemo medications each week.  These are expected to hit her hemoglobin and platelet counts, thereby bringing transfusions back into the mix.  We are praying that Paige's body will continue to tolerate the medications with no major effects or reactions as we move ahead.

Paige will also receive her first spinal tap with chemo since the reaction in May.  As a precautionary measure, her doctors are having us administer a few doses of the rescue-type medication they used last month.  Understandably, this is causing the most fear and anxiety--for Paige and for us.  I have been in constant prayer asking God to replace these feelings with peace and the calm assurance that He is in control of every bit of this.  He has Paige in His hands, and He is restoring her health every single day.

Paige's creation from a
recent evening out with friends

I am thankful God continues to equip Paige with such incredible strength and courage.  She really does display it on a daily basis.  I thank God for putting her in the care of skilled doctors and nurses whose hands and hearts are guided by Him on this journey.  I am in awe at the testimony He is giving Paige--and our whole family, for that matter.  God is so very good.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.   Philippians 4:13

A Dad's Devotion

Father's Day.  A time to celebrate all the dedicated dads out there.  Today I focus on one in particular, my incredible husband, Boyce.  Over the years, he has accumulated several cleverly crafted creations declaring love and affection for him.  Handprints of various sizes.  Pinterest-inspired photos.  Handmade cards with words from the heart.  And now--a blog post just for him. :)

We were just a couple years into our marriage when God blessed us with Paige.  Three years later, Jeremy came along.  It's all been trial-by-fire, on-the job training--yet from the very beginning of this adventure known as parenthood, Boyce has been here.  Here for preschool programs, school functions, and church activities.  Here for birthday parties and broken legs.  Here for everything.

This year that dedication and devotion reached a new level with Paige's leukemia diagnosis.  Boyce does everything in his power to schedule days off so they coincide with her clinic and chemo appointments.  He worked the closing shift almost every Saturday so Jeremy could finish his youth bowling league.  He even seeks out activities Paige is comfortable doing, activities we can enjoy as a family of four.

DaD.  Dedication and Devotion.  Dedication to provide for our family in any way he can.  Devotion to the life we have made together.  Paige, Jeremy, and I love and appreciate him more than we could ever fully say.  It's not tough to figure out what he wants for Father's Day this year--and every year, for that matter.  It's time.  Time with Paige.  Time with Jeremy.  Time to spend together as a family.   I think I can safely speak for the kiddos when I say that we are beyond grateful for this father and husband who loves God and our family with all his heart.

The righteous who walks in his integrity--blessed are his children after him!   Proverbs 20:7

Kindness All Around

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
1 Timothy 6:18

We've all heard of random acts of kindness, those thoughtful gestures meant to brighten someone's day.  It is my belief that there is nothing random about these good deeds.  There is a reason people enter our lives, however briefly.  It may be to encourage or inspire us--or just to make us smile.  Kindness comes in many forms.  Read on for some of the ways Paige's spirits have been lifted as of late:

Greeting at the Grocery Store.  Paige, Jeremy, and I made a quick stop at our local HEB for a few items.  As we were leaving, we noticed an older gentleman smiling at Paige as she wheeled our cart back to its home.  He approached her and asked if she had cancer, specifically leukemia.  As we talked to him about her remission and chemo treatments, he shared that he was also diagnosed with leukemia--in 1985.  He wanted to share a message of hope and encourage her to keep fighting.  Nothing random there.

Best Regards at a Recognition Ceremony.  Boyce, Jeremy, and I escorted Paige to the Do the Write Thing recognition ceremony, celebrating her second writing award this year.  Not only was she approached and later publicly recognized by the county judge, several of the other finalists and their parents wished her well and offered prayers for her.  One of the attendees, a grandfather-type, told us the story of his friend's son, who is a long-term survivor of leukemia.  He spoke of the importance of faith and hope, and we shared the amazing work God is doing in our lives.  Random?  I don't think so!

Kindness at the Coffee Shop.  Paige has had the cost of her drink and/or snack covered on more than one occasion--at different locations.  One of the baristas told me she wanted to cover Paige's drink because she wanted to put a smile on her face.  It worked!

Good Deed at Dinnertime.  We decided to celebrate the academic achievements of both kiddos--and Paige's current 'feeling good' status--with a sit-down meal at a restaurant.  It was the first time we had been able to do this in months.  As we prepared to pay our bill, we were told our family's meal had been taken care of by another diner, someone who wished to remain anonymous.  Overwhelmed and very humbled, we said prayers of thanks as we headed home.

Letters from Little Ones.  Paige recently received a package chock full of cards made by students from her former elementary school.  She made sure to read every single one of them and was really touched at the messages written by kiddos who have never met her--but who have heard her story and have seen pictures of her (as evidenced by their precious writings)!

Kindness does come in many forms, but no matter the shape taken, these acts are in no way random.  It's simply people following God's Word and being 'kind to one another.'  These things always seem to come right when they are needed, which is no coincidence.  God's timing never ceases to amaze me!