We have been hearing that a lot at our house.
The first day of summer vacation is next Thurday.
What should we be doing? Sleeping late, eating a great breakfast, playing outside.
What will we be doing? We will be headed to the clinic for Elena to have another bone marrow test and a lumbar puncture. After that, she will be admitted into the hospital for a 3-4 day stay to receive a high dose chemo treatment.
Kids are making summer fun to do lists. Elena is making a "What I want to do before my transplant" list.
Kids are anxiously awaiting the pool to open. Elena will not swim in a pool, ocean or lake all summer long.
People are planning their summer vacations, we are planning how to manage an upcoming 30-45 day inpatient hospital stay.
Summer brings with it warm, sunfilled days. Elena will not feel the sun on her face or a warm summer breeze for her entire hospital stay.
Summertime is family time. Our family will be separated. Children under 12 are not allowed in the transplant unit.
Liv is 10.
It's not fair.
It is going to be hard.
It makes us mad.
It is overwhelming.
It is also easy to get stuck here - in the mad, angry, overwhelming part of this.
With your prayers, we will not stay there - stuck.
We will look up.
We will seek him.
Thankfully, we also have reminders from precious friends and family members!
This week we were encouraged by these thoughts.
"Your low times of despair will be followed by times of comfort and hope."
"I know He's holding you and it's my prayer you feel it when you need it most."
"We need to think beyond this summer, think how wonderful next summer is going to be."
We need HIM. We thank Him for your prayers and your never ceasing support. You bring HIM back when we are stuck. Thank You!
In Him,
The Tates
"I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me it is you who knows my way." Psalm 142:1-2
Friday, May 18, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Awards Night
Elena goes to an amazing school with a wonderful staff. She has an incredible team of teachers who go beyond teaching. They care about her and encourage her. The school has high academic expectations for all students. They also believe students should pursue excellence in all areas including leadership, creativity, and citizenship. Last night, the administration and faculty at the school recognized these successes during their awards program.
We were so proud of Elena. She received two awards. One for maintaining an A average in all of her classes all year long and another for who she is. The second award was called the "Top Dog" award. Each seventh grade teacher chooses a boy and a girl who they believe exemplifies exceptional character and leadership. This award is a great honor. Only about 25-30 students out of approximately 600 received this award.
What made this evening even more special is that one of Elena's really good friends, Casey, was the other recipient of this award from their teacher, Mrs. Loke
This is what Mrs. Loke said about them:
Casey: He is one of the most compassionate people I know. His concern and care for others, constant positive attitude and persistent work effort make him an outstanding role model for others. He is a friend to everyone, and I wish I had 100 more like him!
Elena: This student has a spirit which is infectious. Her enthusiasm for learning and friendly disposition light up any classroom. This year, she has set a wonderful example to students and teachers about persevering through any obstacle. She is a true testament to overcoming adversity with a smile, and her positivity touches everyone she meets. We can all learn a lot from Elena Tate.
It was an amazing night. As parents we are so thankful that Elena goes to a school that not only values academics, but honors character as well. We teared up not only for Casey and Elena's honors, but for the special needs kids who were also recognized along side non-disabled students. It was wonderful!
We are so proud of Elena and Casey!! Casey has always been amazing to us.
Over the years, Elena has struggled on so many levels. One day last year, she was particularly upset about things and wanted to talk about it. After she was done filling us in on what was making her sad, she also told us about a bright spot in her day. She said that each day during one of the class changes she passes Casey and each day he puts his hand up for her to give him a high five. It makes her feel good. It makes her feel that someone cares about her.
Casey has made a difference in Elena's life. It is true that you never know what a smile or hello may mean to another person and that little things can really make a difference and have an impact. Elena said that she wished everyone treated her that way.
The pictures below show only part of the reason Casey is so deserving of the Top Dog award he received last night.
We definitely count Casey and Elena's teachers as blessings in our lives!
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:8
We were so proud of Elena. She received two awards. One for maintaining an A average in all of her classes all year long and another for who she is. The second award was called the "Top Dog" award. Each seventh grade teacher chooses a boy and a girl who they believe exemplifies exceptional character and leadership. This award is a great honor. Only about 25-30 students out of approximately 600 received this award.
What made this evening even more special is that one of Elena's really good friends, Casey, was the other recipient of this award from their teacher, Mrs. Loke
This is what Mrs. Loke said about them:
Casey: He is one of the most compassionate people I know. His concern and care for others, constant positive attitude and persistent work effort make him an outstanding role model for others. He is a friend to everyone, and I wish I had 100 more like him!
Elena: This student has a spirit which is infectious. Her enthusiasm for learning and friendly disposition light up any classroom. This year, she has set a wonderful example to students and teachers about persevering through any obstacle. She is a true testament to overcoming adversity with a smile, and her positivity touches everyone she meets. We can all learn a lot from Elena Tate.
Elena and Casey with Mrs. Loke
It was an amazing night. As parents we are so thankful that Elena goes to a school that not only values academics, but honors character as well. We teared up not only for Casey and Elena's honors, but for the special needs kids who were also recognized along side non-disabled students. It was wonderful!
We are so proud of Elena and Casey!! Casey has always been amazing to us.
Over the years, Elena has struggled on so many levels. One day last year, she was particularly upset about things and wanted to talk about it. After she was done filling us in on what was making her sad, she also told us about a bright spot in her day. She said that each day during one of the class changes she passes Casey and each day he puts his hand up for her to give him a high five. It makes her feel good. It makes her feel that someone cares about her.
Casey has made a difference in Elena's life. It is true that you never know what a smile or hello may mean to another person and that little things can really make a difference and have an impact. Elena said that she wished everyone treated her that way.
The pictures below show only part of the reason Casey is so deserving of the Top Dog award he received last night.
Casey and another great friend, Ethan, came to visit Elena when she was in the hospital.
They even did physical therapy with her!
Last Friday, Casey stopped by after school
to give Elena her birthday present.
to give Elena her birthday present.
He gave her a scrapbooking kit for her birthday. When he knew it was Elena's birthday, he asked his mom if he could get her a present. He knew she liked to scrapbook.
Before leaving, Casey agreed to test out the homemade
"photo booth" we had set up for
Elena's birthday party that night.
Elena's birthday party that night.
We definitely count Casey and Elena's teachers as blessings in our lives!
In Him,
The Tates
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Philippians 4:8
Friday, May 11, 2012
Elena
Elena is 13!
Thirteen years of joy, laughter, tears, trials, and triumph.
We thought we'd share thirteen things we love about Elena:
1- her big beautiful smile that lights up the room
2- her outgoing personality - she's never met a stranger
3- how her golden brown eyes sparkle in the sunlight
4- her need for independence - it has made her strong and confident
5- her singing
6- her perseverance - when others might give up, she continues to stand
7- her love for making crafts, both large and small
8- her friendliness - she cares for all people - young and old
9- she's smart - oh, so smart
10- her creativity
11- her strength in both mind and spirit
12- how she finds joy in the little things
13- she's courageous even when she doesn't want to be
She's amazing! She's strong! She's beautiful!
We are so thankful for her!
In Him,
The Tates
"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
Thirteen years of joy, laughter, tears, trials, and triumph.
We thought we'd share thirteen things we love about Elena:
1- her big beautiful smile that lights up the room
2- her outgoing personality - she's never met a stranger
3- how her golden brown eyes sparkle in the sunlight
4- her need for independence - it has made her strong and confident
5- her singing
6- her perseverance - when others might give up, she continues to stand
7- her love for making crafts, both large and small
8- her friendliness - she cares for all people - young and old
9- she's smart - oh, so smart
10- her creativity
11- her strength in both mind and spirit
12- how she finds joy in the little things
13- she's courageous even when she doesn't want to be
She's amazing! She's strong! She's beautiful!
We are so thankful for her!
In Him,
The Tates
"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Oh my!
This time of year is typically crazy for everyone - no matter what season you are in.
For us it means, field days, field trips, end of year parties, graduation parties, dance recitals, music performances, teacher appreciation, and Elena's upcoming 13th birthday.
So many fun things, so many plans - it is a little frenzied.
Add to the fun chaos - a sinus infection for Liv, dressing changes, medications three times a day, and infusions at home for Elena and at times you have an unraveling household!
That is when we have to stop, slow down, and breathe in.
Stop getting lost in the preparing and planning.
Slow down to enjoy this moment - this day.
Breathe in the beauty and love that God has given us in this life, this family, this world.
Please continue to pray for each of us.
Liv to feel better and be rid of her sinus infection.
Elena to have the energy and strength she needs at home and school.
Christy as she has many responsibilities and things to complete at work as the school year comes to a close.
Mark for peace and patience in the waiting.
Protection from physical harm for Liv and Elena during their extra activities at school.
Protection for Elena from infection - we changed her dressing at home alone for the first time last night. It was rather disastrous and quite a sight! We went through three dressing change kits!! Please let there be no complications or problems as a result of the process!
It turned out ok and we all went to bed happy!
Thank you for your prayers and for staying in this battle with us!! We are grateful!
In Him,
The Tates
"For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4
For us it means, field days, field trips, end of year parties, graduation parties, dance recitals, music performances, teacher appreciation, and Elena's upcoming 13th birthday.
So many fun things, so many plans - it is a little frenzied.
Add to the fun chaos - a sinus infection for Liv, dressing changes, medications three times a day, and infusions at home for Elena and at times you have an unraveling household!
That is when we have to stop, slow down, and breathe in.
Stop getting lost in the preparing and planning.
Slow down to enjoy this moment - this day.
Breathe in the beauty and love that God has given us in this life, this family, this world.
Please continue to pray for each of us.
Liv to feel better and be rid of her sinus infection.
Elena to have the energy and strength she needs at home and school.
Christy as she has many responsibilities and things to complete at work as the school year comes to a close.
Mark for peace and patience in the waiting.
Protection from physical harm for Liv and Elena during their extra activities at school.
Protection for Elena from infection - we changed her dressing at home alone for the first time last night. It was rather disastrous and quite a sight! We went through three dressing change kits!! Please let there be no complications or problems as a result of the process!
It turned out ok and we all went to bed happy!
Thank you for your prayers and for staying in this battle with us!! We are grateful!
In Him,
The Tates
"For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Day Three and Four Updates
It has been a really long and tiring week. We are all happy that tomorrow is Friday and Elena's last day of chemo for now. Today, Dr. Lew said that Elena looked great and seemed to be tolerating the chemo really well so far. We agree and are definitely counting that among our blessings!
Dr. Lew also talked about Elena's x-ray results. He said that osteopenia was extremely common following ALL due to all of the steroids and the disease itself. He said that no other tests were necessary and that once treatment is over, it almost always gets better over time. Another praise!
After tomorrow's clinic appointment, Elena will have weekly labs drawn from her line. She will also begin receiving Neupogen at home. It is a drug given after chemo to help the bone marrow recover its ability to produce white blood cells which in turn helps decrease the risk of infection and fever to the patient. Elena has never received the drug before. Both of these things will be arranged through home health care soon. In about three weeks, Elena will have another spinal tap and bone marrow test. She will then be admitted into the hospital to receive another chemo drug, methotrexate. That hospital stay will only be three or four days.
Please pray for Elena's day tomorrow.
Pray that it will go just as smoothly as the other four have.
Pray her body will continue to handle the chemo.
Pray that the chemo is killing the .1% of the remaining leukemia cells.
Pray that we will be able to coordinate Elena's home health needs with no complications.
Pray that Elena will not have any negative side effects from the Neupogen.
Pray that the Neupogen will do the job it was designed to do.
Pray that Elena will be protected from any infections and fevers.
Pray that God will continue to be in the details of our lives and in His plan for Elena.
In Him,
The Tates
"We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete."
Hebrews 12:2
Dr. Lew also talked about Elena's x-ray results. He said that osteopenia was extremely common following ALL due to all of the steroids and the disease itself. He said that no other tests were necessary and that once treatment is over, it almost always gets better over time. Another praise!
After tomorrow's clinic appointment, Elena will have weekly labs drawn from her line. She will also begin receiving Neupogen at home. It is a drug given after chemo to help the bone marrow recover its ability to produce white blood cells which in turn helps decrease the risk of infection and fever to the patient. Elena has never received the drug before. Both of these things will be arranged through home health care soon. In about three weeks, Elena will have another spinal tap and bone marrow test. She will then be admitted into the hospital to receive another chemo drug, methotrexate. That hospital stay will only be three or four days.
Please pray for Elena's day tomorrow.
Pray that it will go just as smoothly as the other four have.
Pray her body will continue to handle the chemo.
Pray that the chemo is killing the .1% of the remaining leukemia cells.
Pray that we will be able to coordinate Elena's home health needs with no complications.
Pray that Elena will not have any negative side effects from the Neupogen.
Pray that the Neupogen will do the job it was designed to do.
Pray that Elena will be protected from any infections and fevers.
Pray that God will continue to be in the details of our lives and in His plan for Elena.
In Him,
The Tates
"We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete."
Hebrews 12:2
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Day Two Update
Another day is ending and once again we are
happy to say that we were blessed with another good day.
Elena continues to handle the chemo well. She felt nauseous for most of the day and ate very little, but that didn't keep her from enjoying her visit.
She and our amazing Child Life Specialist, Karen, spent time planning and working on scrapbook pages. Elena also played games with another girl who was spending most of her day at the clinic.
We also received the results of Elena's x-rays. The report states osteopenia, a loss of bone mass and is not considered "serious". We did not have the opportunity to see anyone to find out any further details or to answer any of our questions.
We ask that you please continue to pray.
Pray for the doctors to know what the next step should be after seeing the x-rays.
Pray for continued rest, strength, energy, peace and patience for all. The week already feels long and we still have three more days left.
In Him,
The Tates
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Elena continues to handle the chemo well. She felt nauseous for most of the day and ate very little, but that didn't keep her from enjoying her visit.
She and our amazing Child Life Specialist, Karen, spent time planning and working on scrapbook pages. Elena also played games with another girl who was spending most of her day at the clinic.
We also received the results of Elena's x-rays. The report states osteopenia, a loss of bone mass and is not considered "serious". We did not have the opportunity to see anyone to find out any further details or to answer any of our questions.
We ask that you please continue to pray.
Pray for the doctors to know what the next step should be after seeing the x-rays.
Pray for continued rest, strength, energy, peace and patience for all. The week already feels long and we still have three more days left.
In Him,
The Tates
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
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