Sunday, July 8, 2012

Noah's Diagnosis

On July 4, 2012 we brought Noah to Children's Hospital because he was pale and not recovering well from strep throat which he had the previous week. We assumed it was just the strep that wasn't going away, little did we know it was actually Leukemia.

Even though it was not totally confirmed that this is what Noah had, the ER doctor had a pretty good idea, and figured that the doctors in Steinbach suspected Leukemia as well. Which was why they sent us to Children's.

This brings us to the moment, where the doctor comes into the room and tells you that what our son most likely has is cancer. Wishing that we could just pretend that we didn't just hear that, instead we are plunged into this horrific reality.

We are brought up to our room which we will likely spend the next 10 days or so in. Noah is excited because it has a PS3 in it:)  That night Noah received a blood transfusion, and alot of fluids. He got an xray as well.

The following day Noah had a bone marrow extraction and a lumbar puncture to determine how much Leukemia he has. His bones and blood contain nearly 100% of leukemia. Which explains the paleness, lethargy and bone aches.

From there we start Chemotherapy. A shot of chemo was already injected during the LP because that is where leukemia likes to hide, in the spinal fluid. We later learned that Noah does not have any leukemia in his spinal fluid, but will continue to get shots there to be safe.

The bone marrow was full of leukemia. Leukemia is cancer of the bone and blood, therefore, Noah has it everywhere.

From there we go day by day regarding chemo. Each day is numbered, today is DAY 3. On day 29, Noah will have another bone marrow extraction and they expect to see less that 1% of leukemia in the bone. Yes, you read that right. The first month is intensive. After that first month, it will take 3-3.5 years to kill the last 1% of leukemia. This does not mean it will be easy, even though the amount is small.

The side effects of chemo seem outrageous. And it feels like we are pumping him full of chemicals that will change him into someone else. We should start to see them soon. The big one that everyone asks is will he lose his hair? Yes, in about 2 weeks. And it may stay like that for the remainder of the 3 years.

Noah is ok. He knows he has cancer, so please don't feel like you can't say the 'c' word. Holly also knows he has cancer. He is sad at times because we were suppose to go camping, not stay in the hospital. Otherwise, he feels optimistic. I asked him if he thought he was going to die, and he said "no".

Chris and I are hanging in there. Its hard. More that I can even describe. Your prayers and willingness to help us does not go unnoticed. We appreciate all that you are doing for us.

16 comments:

  1. We are praying. We can not even begin to imagine what you are all going through. Thank-you for starting a blog. If you are ok with it, I will share the blog link with my online community to get even more people praying and standing behind you.
    ~Jody

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  2. Hugs! I am so, so sorry for what you guys are going through this. Stay strong and my thoughts are with you and your family!

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  3. *hugs* Many prayers your way

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  4. prayers to your family during this journey. my friends son was diagnosed with leukemia a few yrs ago and heneed now one yr since his last chemo tx. he is doing great. I know they found so much strength thru a website Caring Bridge. check it out. great way to keep in touch with everyone thru your journey with updates as well as connect with those families that are going thru the same things as your family good luck and accept any help that is offered !

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  5. (((HUGS))) to you and your family, especially your little boy. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

    ~ Diana

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  6. Big hugs to you and your family. I know I don't know you, I shouldn't be crying, but I couldn't help it. I cannot imagine facing what you have and are as parents. It's our job to keep them safe and when it comes to something out of our control, the fears and pain and anger that come along, must be shocking. Kids are amazing though, funny how we learn so much from them. You are incredible parents and your son is blessed. Others will know his story so keep sharing with us and God Bless <3

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  7. I don't know you, or Noah. But I appreciate the opportunity to pray for all of you - especially Noah. Please keep us updated, whenever you get a chance.

    Monique

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  8. Thinking of young Noah and you all. *hugs*

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  9. There is so much I want to say. I want to try and make things better. Nothing I can say will. I know that all too well.

    Just one blog post leads me to believe that you are fighters. Kick butt!

    If you ever want someone to listen, I am here. Thinking of you and your family.

    Regards, Sarah
    journeysofthezoo at hotmail dot com
    http://bit.ly/LwAO0b

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  10. My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time in your lives and I'm sending many prayers your way and positive vibes! Keeping you in my thoughts and hopping the best for your little guy!

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  11. Sending prayers and hugs to your whole family during such a difficult time. Your son sounds like an amazing little guy.

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  12. Many many hugs to you! I want to share my friends sons story with you. Their little guy Justin was diagnosed at age four. Same symptoms and a limp too. He got treatment fast and give years of monitoring. He is now 14.wonderful and healthy. They had a long long haul and came through it. He is an amazing kid and a very good friend of my children. He volunteers for chdrens cancer society. He is also a great role model for the young ones who are newly diagnosed. I hope your sons journey, while incredibly difficult and painful, will end just as Justin's has with good health and a bright future ahead of home. Good luck. Keep us posted. Sending strength, faith, hope and hugs.

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  13. I am so very sorry. Sending prayers for your son and your family.

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  14. HUGE HUGS to your family an brave little one! My heart is aching for you all as you take on this painful long journey! Having not ran this road myself I am not in the position to say more then we are all hear to support & listen to your story! ((HUGS))

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  15. Noah you are a brave "hockey player" and we believe you will score the winning goal to win this game!! All of our best from Dutch Valley New Brunswick. Alex, Victoria, Carolyn, Brian & the Pups

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  16. Wow..reading your journey so far is exactly what I am experiencing RIGHT now with my own son. Almost week for week (we've been here since Aug. 10) I have gone through the exact same emotions and feelings and thoughts of the future. I look forward to the day we can go home with our boy and be reunited with our 3 other ones at home. I will be praying for all of you as you walk in your own journey...the exact same things I have been praying for my son, my husband and I, and my kids I will pray for you all. It's amazing how our kids teach us along this journey, how when at the moment you have no strength left God carries you, how prayers are so powerful and how miracles really do happen!!! Praying for you all...xoxo
    Clif & Jen Friesen & family

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