Monday, August 13, 2007

Remission!

We heard that precious word today - Remission! Based on James' results from his bone marrow aspiration last Friday, pathology revealed zero blast cells in his marrow. Praise God! This is welcome news considering the continued sleepless nights that we (primarily Nana) are experiencing with James coming off the mega-doses of steroid. Despite inconsistent sleep patterns, James has been in great spirits the last few days. In fact, just yesterday, he was a giggle box. He was at the point that a funny look sent him into a giggle euphoria. We are also starting to see that his appetite is beginning to diminish (actually returning to normal). So, steroid-loaded James had the chance to win this year's hot dog eating contest. He won't have that kind of appetite again until his teen years, I am sure. We are elated with today's news and know that your intercession with the Father on James' behalf has played a huge role. We cannot fully communicate the enormity of our thanks for the many ways people have helped.

While today's news is excellent, it is truly one more battle won in a long, hard-fought war. The length of James' treatment will always be a minimum of three years no matter what gains he makes along the way. As Joy stated in the last post, we have but a short respite from chemo treatment until next Wednesday (assuming his blood counts are high enough to resume treatment). This next phase of treatment is called consolidation. It consists of weekly lumbar punctures (LPs) with a drug being injected into James' cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The goal will be to keep any potential leukemia cells that are tempted to return from migrated to the brain. The brain is commonly a "sanctuary site" for leukemia cells. Thus, this phase of treatment keeps the brain protected. We will also be administering an oral chemo every night at home. Each of these are essentially poisons in his body with side effects that we will do our best to help him manage. We remind ourselves frequently not to think too far ahead. We trust the Lord for the journey that is today! Our current prayer requests include:
  1. Praise! Thank God that James has reached remission. Pray that leukemia cells never rear their ugly head again!
  2. James' body will readily receive these next chemo drugs with minimal side effects.
  3. James will return to a normal sleep pattern prior to Adrianne being born.
  4. James' catheter has been having issues with flushing correctly. Pray that this line will correct itself and that no complications arise from this current difficulty.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amazing news...praise God! You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!
The Havens'

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! That is great news! We will continue to pray for complete healing, minimal side effects, and easy transition with little Adrianne.

The Herd said...

Thank you Jesus for your complete holding of little James! He has always been in your care and we thank you for the evidence of it with the "remission."

Anonymous said...

WOW! We worship an AWESOME GOD!!! What great news!! So glad to hear it and will continue to pray for continued remission and that James will handle the phase of treatment with all the gusto that he has so far. Keep up the great work, and thanks again for always sharing. WE love you guys!
Shari Rahm

Anonymous said...

Awesome news!! Can't wait to see you guys soon. All of you will continue to be in our prayers.

Michael & Suzanne

Anonymous said...

GREAT NEWS WE WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP JAMES IN OUR PRAYS.
ANGELA AND MACEY PICKLE
KATHY HUDSON

Anonymous said...

Awesome news!!! Praise God for the remission. I will continue to lift your family up in prayer.

Bambi Hobbs Muylle

Cheryl Rowell said...

Praise God for sweet James' remission! He truly is an awesome God! All glory and honor to you God!
Blessings and prayers,
The Rowells

Unknown said...

"Let's just praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Let's just lift our hands toward heaven and praise the Lord!" This song came to mind when I read the word - remission! Praise God!!! I will continue to pray for all of you.

Love in Him,
Tracey Hutcherson

Lacey said...

Hooray!! Prayers have been answered!! You will all continue to be in my prayers!
Lacey

Anonymous said...

Yeah! I'm so happy to hear the awesome news! I will continue to pray for little James and the family!
Misty Straley RES

Judy said...

I don't know you but am Sandy Smith's friend--have been praying for your precious baby. Praise God for your wonderful news!! I will continue to pray for all of you. Judy Brooks

Michelle said...

Fantastic!!! God is always so good. I have chill bumps and tears of joy. I will continue to pray. I know you have a long road ahead but, isn't it nice to know that we have the favor of our Father to carry us through.

sandy said...

I couldn't be more thankful to God for the word REMISSION for Baby James and for the whole Ryan family. Bless you and your family!
Can't wait to celebrate Friday!!!!!!
Sandy