We were reminded of the reality of this disease this morning through a post that we read on caringbridge (a website for family members and friends of persons with serious illnesses). One of the children we have been following, and have asked for prayers about, Liam Fisher, has been given sad news that the leukemia has returned to his body after a bone marrow transplant. They are stopping treatment and are expecting that he'll live for about another month. This saddens me and my heart aches for his mother and family.
I have learned in the past 3 1/2 months that we can never be comfortable. There is always the uncertainty of what the next day, or even the next hour might bring. Though we are told by others that we must remain positive and have faith and hope, it's difficult because of the nature of our situation. This past week Maggie slept 6 hours straight and during those 6 hours I thought there was something wrong with her or that she had even died. Any other parent would see this as normal (because most parents with children at this age are sleeping through the night). We on the other hand have to think what might be the cause for this change--is it her infection, is her hemoglobin low? We live with worry that at the blink of an eye Maggie's situation can change, just like it has for so many other families. It's hard to explain the situation and our perspective. Of course there are lots of kids who get into remission and never have the leukemia return. Our perspective will probably change from week to week and hopefully our comfort level will creep up a little bit. But it's hard to ignore the negative side of the statistics, especially when we hear of little ones who don't make it.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Liam and his family in South Carolina.
2 comments:
My heart goes out to all of you Andy, Whitney and baby Maggie, including the Fishers as well. I feel all of your pain and pray everyday that things will take a turn for the better. They say that God doesn't give you more than you can handle, but I know at times we all wonder about that. Stay strong and keep your chins up no matter how hard it seems. Maggie will feel better if you, Andy and Whitney feel better. Even though she can't talk, she can sense things around her. Lots of Prayers, Tina Miller
Whitney and Andy,
We understand your concern first hand. A little girl, Taylor, who doctored with our daughter, Karrie, at Akron is now wasting away. She relapsed a year ago August and has done chemo and studies for the last year. Then she took a turn for the worst and they really don't know how long they have with her. And then there is Karrie feeling healthy and looking great. We thank God every day for her life and her miracle healing, but we also fight against Satan who reminds us often of how this disease (Neuroblastoma) works, the statistics (30% survival), and the doctor's words that she might make it to 5 or 6, but not 8 or 10 years old (back when she was only 3). She has been cancer free for 2 1/2 years and she is six and loving kindergarten and life. It's sometimes an hourly thing to turn it all over to God and trust Him and His will that it IS best for Karrie and us. We often are reminded that if Karrie's journey causes or encourages one person to come to Jesus, then it was all worth it. Believe me when I say that is a hard thing to believe when it's your own daughter's life. But with a kingdom focus, it is right.
We will continue to pray for Maggie's healing and for you two to seek God every moment you feel the doubt creeping in. We do live in this fallen world, so there are no guarantees to what we think is best. Only God knows best and He will carry us through each step!!!
Prayers for Liam and family and the other children you have mentioned. Please pray for Taylor and Karrie. Thanks!
In His Hands,
Amy!
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