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.