Evan's last appointment in Seattle was on December 2. Brently, Evan and I all went over the day before as his appointment day at Children's Hospital consisted of 6 different appointments. It was a very long day and I am thankful that Brently was there to help me and keep me company.
The day started with an appointment at the Opthalmology Clinic at 9 a.m. for an Electroretinogram. This was to get a more accurate measure of Evan's vision. His exam entailed the doctor putting several electrodes on his head to get a reading when he looked at a screen for contrasting and I think, perefial (sp?) vision. This doctor did not talk alot of details but did say that he even doubted that Evan even had counting fingers vision in his left eye, if any vision at all. His right eye, as we found out later from the test results, showed that there are also concerns with his "good" eye. Either the tumor or his surgery from 2 1/2 yrs. ago has probably done permanent damage to his good eye. His acuity vision is about 20/30 but the contrasting and perefial (sp?) vision is almost non-existant.
Evan's 2nd appointment was with the opthalmologist where they dialated his eyes for more vision tests. The diagnosis was pretty much the same as was in August. The doctor would like to follow up with another electroretinogram the next time we return.
Evan's 3rd and 4th appointments was Radiology Anesthesia and his MRI. He wasn't real co-operative as he was so hungry. His MRI was at 11:30 and he wasn't able to have any food since 6:30 a.m. I am going to insist on a morning MRI the next time we have to do this. It took him a long time to wake up from the anesthesia, making him a bit late for his last two appointments. So, the nurses called the Neurosurgery Clinic to send someone down to where he was waking up from his MRI so that they could program his shunt. They have to do this every time he has an MRI.
Evan's last appointment was with his oncologist. He stated that there were not any significant changes that showed up on the MRI, so his recommendation would be to do another MRI in 6 months. But, he said that he would have to put this before the TUMOR BOARD and see if everyone was in agreement with this.
We left with pretty high spirits and headed home from Seattle.
On December 11 I received a phone call from the oncologist telling me that the TUMOR BOARD along with himself had a change of plans and wanted to get Evan in soon to start chemotherapy. I was totally not expecting this, so needless to say, I was in tears. It was explained to me that because of the concern of the bad results from the eye tests that something needed to be done.
So, here we are, today, waiting on things to get set up for another out-patient surgery for a port to be put in Evan's chest where they will be able to administer the chemotherapy as needed. Our hearts are heavy and we feel like our faith is weak.
We will try to keep better postings concerning Evan's appointments and such. Until then, we would truly appreciate your prayers, support, encouragement and hugs. We know that God has a plan, but right now, we don't have a clue what it really is. We thank God for each moment of each day we have been given.
Blessings,
David and Trena
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
November 17, 2009 Update
Evan is scheduled for another MRI and several other appointments on the 2nd of December. I will plan to go over the day before as his first appointment of several will begin at 9 a.m.
Evan also has a natureopath appointment in Hemiston on November 30.
Evan continues to take 7 different special herbs, vitamins and such for his well-being, prescribed by his natureopath. Evan is such a trooper to take these capsules several times a day, mixed with applesauce. He sometimes like to alternate bites with a smoked oyster. He loves oysters, so we don't mind that he eats them as long as he also gets his meds. Some of these meds are taken 6x a day!
Prayer Requests would be for safe traveling to Hermiston, Seattle and back home; good reports with Evan's doctors (ophthomolgist, oncologist and natureopath); God's peace for the "what-if's" that seem to be bombarding my mind.
The on-going prayers, support, encouragement and donations have been so appreciated and felt by our family. THANK YOU so much! Evan's insurance continues to cover his medical appointments but nothing is covered for the natureopath and all that is being prescribed. We are so thankful for many people's donations to help pay for these "extra" expenses.
Until next time,
David, Trena and family
Evan also has a natureopath appointment in Hemiston on November 30.
Evan continues to take 7 different special herbs, vitamins and such for his well-being, prescribed by his natureopath. Evan is such a trooper to take these capsules several times a day, mixed with applesauce. He sometimes like to alternate bites with a smoked oyster. He loves oysters, so we don't mind that he eats them as long as he also gets his meds. Some of these meds are taken 6x a day!
Prayer Requests would be for safe traveling to Hermiston, Seattle and back home; good reports with Evan's doctors (ophthomolgist, oncologist and natureopath); God's peace for the "what-if's" that seem to be bombarding my mind.
The on-going prayers, support, encouragement and donations have been so appreciated and felt by our family. THANK YOU so much! Evan's insurance continues to cover his medical appointments but nothing is covered for the natureopath and all that is being prescribed. We are so thankful for many people's donations to help pay for these "extra" expenses.
Until next time,
David, Trena and family
Friday, October 16, 2009
Update from August - October 16, 2009
Evan's MRI on the 28th of August was done in Seattle at Children's Hospital. He also had an appointment with an opthomologist in Seattle at Children's. It was a very full day of appointments and then having to drive home in rush hour Seattle traffic!
His oncologist said that there was not significant growth from the MRI that was taken in August to the one taken in May. So, his recommendation was to do another MRI in 3-4 months and continue with this routine until we see significant growth (to which we would have to start chemotherapy) or decrease in size (which would hopefully over time, stretch out the time span that we do the MRI's).
His opthomologist appointment brought some surprises for us that we were not aware of. Evan has 20/40 vision in his right eye (not abnormal for his age) and "counting fingers" vision in his left eye. The dr. said that this was most likely caused from the tumor itself and/or from his surgery 2 years ago. She said the damage was permanent. The dr. checked his retina and eyeball and everything was normal.
Yesterday, the 13th of October, we had an appointment with Evan's natureopath. Since there were not any significant changes from the two MRI's, he changed some of his natural meds and is putting him on some stronger anti-oxidants and such.
We are so thankful for God's faithfulness in our home, family and Evan's life! He has proven His faithfulness again and again! We are also so thankful for everyone's prayers, support, encouragement and monetary gifts.
Evan's bank account funds that are set up in his name have been such a blessing. So many people have been generous and have donated on his behalf. What a blessing this has been!! We have used these donations to help pay for the nutritional supplements that his natureopath has him on and that his insurance will not cover.
Evan is on 6 different supplement/natural meds and one of them he has to take 2 capsules 6 times a day! When we went to his appointment yesterday, the bill was over $250. I have estimated that it costs approximately $300 per month just for these meds/supplements. Sometimes a little more and sometimes just under that amount.
Again, we are so thankful that we have the funds in these accounts to cover his expenses. Thank you so much for donating and remembering to pray for us and Evan. We feel our lives being bathed in them and the sustaining power of God's love overshadowing us each and every day!
Our prayer is that God would use our lives, home and family to glorify Him in all that we do and say and all that we go through in this life here on earth. May God ALWAYS be glorified!
Blessings,
David and Trena
His oncologist said that there was not significant growth from the MRI that was taken in August to the one taken in May. So, his recommendation was to do another MRI in 3-4 months and continue with this routine until we see significant growth (to which we would have to start chemotherapy) or decrease in size (which would hopefully over time, stretch out the time span that we do the MRI's).
His opthomologist appointment brought some surprises for us that we were not aware of. Evan has 20/40 vision in his right eye (not abnormal for his age) and "counting fingers" vision in his left eye. The dr. said that this was most likely caused from the tumor itself and/or from his surgery 2 years ago. She said the damage was permanent. The dr. checked his retina and eyeball and everything was normal.
Yesterday, the 13th of October, we had an appointment with Evan's natureopath. Since there were not any significant changes from the two MRI's, he changed some of his natural meds and is putting him on some stronger anti-oxidants and such.
We are so thankful for God's faithfulness in our home, family and Evan's life! He has proven His faithfulness again and again! We are also so thankful for everyone's prayers, support, encouragement and monetary gifts.
Evan's bank account funds that are set up in his name have been such a blessing. So many people have been generous and have donated on his behalf. What a blessing this has been!! We have used these donations to help pay for the nutritional supplements that his natureopath has him on and that his insurance will not cover.
Evan is on 6 different supplement/natural meds and one of them he has to take 2 capsules 6 times a day! When we went to his appointment yesterday, the bill was over $250. I have estimated that it costs approximately $300 per month just for these meds/supplements. Sometimes a little more and sometimes just under that amount.
Again, we are so thankful that we have the funds in these accounts to cover his expenses. Thank you so much for donating and remembering to pray for us and Evan. We feel our lives being bathed in them and the sustaining power of God's love overshadowing us each and every day!
Our prayer is that God would use our lives, home and family to glorify Him in all that we do and say and all that we go through in this life here on earth. May God ALWAYS be glorified!
Blessings,
David and Trena
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
August 25, 2009
A note from Trena:
A side-note from me:
Please keep Trena in your prayers during this time. When faced with unknowns - especially BIG unknowns - sometimes they can (and do) block out the fact that WE KNOW God is in control and His promise that He will never leave us or forsake. So, while praying for Evan, the doctors, technicians, etc...please don't forget (which I'm sure you won't!) to pray for his momma as well - that she will be strong and that she will be comforted (and reminded) that bigger arms are carrying her and Evan through this time.
Also pray for the family left at home! David will be a busy papa tending to his chicks!
I will be posting updates as I get them.
Many blessings -
Camille
I thought this would be the best way to let alot of people know what is going on with Evan. We are headed to Seattle on this Thursday afternoon for Evan's appointments on Friday morning. He is scheduled for his MRI, pediatric optomoligist and oncologist appointments. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated as we travel and for the MRI results. This is a HUGE thing as the results from this MRI will determine if we will start chemo on Evan.
A side-note from me:
Please keep Trena in your prayers during this time. When faced with unknowns - especially BIG unknowns - sometimes they can (and do) block out the fact that WE KNOW God is in control and His promise that He will never leave us or forsake. So, while praying for Evan, the doctors, technicians, etc...please don't forget (which I'm sure you won't!) to pray for his momma as well - that she will be strong and that she will be comforted (and reminded) that bigger arms are carrying her and Evan through this time.
Also pray for the family left at home! David will be a busy papa tending to his chicks!
I will be posting updates as I get them.
Many blessings -
Camille
Sunday, June 28, 2009
June 27, 2009
Thank you to all of you who have so generously helped us on this journey once again with Evan by continuing to pray for him and us and for all who have been so generous by donating to EVAN'S TUMOR TREATMENT FUND! We truly appreciate and thank God for you all!
Evan went to his first visit with the Natureopath doctor Thursday. He thought Evan looked good. He recommended starting him on three different herbs. These herbs are primarily for swelling in the tumor area of his brain and to discourage future tumor growth. The doctor said if Evan's oncologist chooses to start chemo, these herbs will not be an interference, but only enhance any chemo treatments, if they are needed. This will not be determined until after the next MRI, which is scheduled for August 28th. Also, on August 28th, Evan has an appointment with the pediatric optomologist (sp?). He will also see his new oncologist in Seattle on the same day. It will be a very full day!
So, for right now, our routine and treatment for Evan will be to give him these herbs 2x day until the MRI in August. This will be good, as it will give ample time for the herbs to be built up in Evan's little body and, hopefully, do what they are supposed to do.
Your continued prayers, support, concern and love are such an encouragement to us and we ask that you continue to lift Evan up, as our desire is to see God work a TOTAL miracle in his life and body.
When I can get with it enough to go online and check the balances on Evan's two FUND accounts, I will post the balances. I realize that some people don't really care about this detail, but I also realize that some people do. So, for those of you that do, I will try to get this done soon. Thank you again, for the many donations and support that so many of you have donated to. We truly appreciate it!!
Blessings,
David and Trena
Evan went to his first visit with the Natureopath doctor Thursday. He thought Evan looked good. He recommended starting him on three different herbs. These herbs are primarily for swelling in the tumor area of his brain and to discourage future tumor growth. The doctor said if Evan's oncologist chooses to start chemo, these herbs will not be an interference, but only enhance any chemo treatments, if they are needed. This will not be determined until after the next MRI, which is scheduled for August 28th. Also, on August 28th, Evan has an appointment with the pediatric optomologist (sp?). He will also see his new oncologist in Seattle on the same day. It will be a very full day!
So, for right now, our routine and treatment for Evan will be to give him these herbs 2x day until the MRI in August. This will be good, as it will give ample time for the herbs to be built up in Evan's little body and, hopefully, do what they are supposed to do.
Your continued prayers, support, concern and love are such an encouragement to us and we ask that you continue to lift Evan up, as our desire is to see God work a TOTAL miracle in his life and body.
When I can get with it enough to go online and check the balances on Evan's two FUND accounts, I will post the balances. I realize that some people don't really care about this detail, but I also realize that some people do. So, for those of you that do, I will try to get this done soon. Thank you again, for the many donations and support that so many of you have donated to. We truly appreciate it!!
Blessings,
David and Trena
Saturday, June 13, 2009
June 12, 2009
On Thursday, June 11, I went to the Tri-Cities with Evan and Brently to pick up much needed groceries since we didn't know just what would happen concerning our trip to Seattle and if Evan and I would be staying there for awhile.
Just before we leave from home, I get this call from a long time precious brother in the Lord, Leny Dragon. He and his wife, Roxanne, used to live in this area and now currently live in Missouri. He was in the Tri-Cities at a minister's conference and wanted to meet with me to pray for Evan.
He met us in the Wal-Mart parking lot where he and some others from the conference annointed Evan with oil, layed hands on him and prayed fervently for his healing. God's presence came down right there in that parking lot in such a might way!! I truly believe God is going to be mightily glorified through this whole ordeal......in His time and in His way.... NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS!!
Today, Friday, June 12, 2009 David and I took Evan to an oncologist appointment at Children's Hospital in Seattle. After talking with the oncologist for 1 hr. 45 min. the prognosis and direction for Evan, at this point, is.......
1. Get another MRI the middle of July.
2. Get an appointment with a pediatric eye doctor to check Evan's eyes.
3. Get an appointment with the natureopath that works with the oncologist at Children's hospital in Seattle.
The oncologist in Seattle didn't feel like it was a "rush" situation to begin treatment until the result of the MRI in July is done. His reasoning behind this decision is to compare growth of the tumor from the MRI that was done in May to the one in July. Depending on the results of the MRI in July will determine if and when we start treatment for Evan.
This 2nd opinion has brought great relief to our hearts and home. The battle isn't over, we realize, but it doesn't seem as urgent as we were told last week.
We continue to ask for you to pray on Evan's behalf, for David and I to have wisdom and direction and for God's Peace to flood our home.
God is so good and we give Him ALL the glory, honor and praise He is so worthy of!
We will continue with the donation bank account that is set up at Chase Bank and one is in the process of being set up at Bank of Whitman.
Evan's insurance is covering the medical expense of his doctoring, for which we are thankful. We continue to trust God for the other expenses that his insurance does not cover for me to be able to be with him throughout all of this. He has been so faithful and we are so thankful for His provision and the generousity of so many individuals!
Again, we stress to emphasize our most needed "donation" is your frequent prayers on our behalf, your love, your concern and your support!
May God be mightily glorified in and through our family and lives!
Blessings,
David and Trena
Just before we leave from home, I get this call from a long time precious brother in the Lord, Leny Dragon. He and his wife, Roxanne, used to live in this area and now currently live in Missouri. He was in the Tri-Cities at a minister's conference and wanted to meet with me to pray for Evan.
He met us in the Wal-Mart parking lot where he and some others from the conference annointed Evan with oil, layed hands on him and prayed fervently for his healing. God's presence came down right there in that parking lot in such a might way!! I truly believe God is going to be mightily glorified through this whole ordeal......in His time and in His way.... NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS!!
Today, Friday, June 12, 2009 David and I took Evan to an oncologist appointment at Children's Hospital in Seattle. After talking with the oncologist for 1 hr. 45 min. the prognosis and direction for Evan, at this point, is.......
1. Get another MRI the middle of July.
2. Get an appointment with a pediatric eye doctor to check Evan's eyes.
3. Get an appointment with the natureopath that works with the oncologist at Children's hospital in Seattle.
The oncologist in Seattle didn't feel like it was a "rush" situation to begin treatment until the result of the MRI in July is done. His reasoning behind this decision is to compare growth of the tumor from the MRI that was done in May to the one in July. Depending on the results of the MRI in July will determine if and when we start treatment for Evan.
This 2nd opinion has brought great relief to our hearts and home. The battle isn't over, we realize, but it doesn't seem as urgent as we were told last week.
We continue to ask for you to pray on Evan's behalf, for David and I to have wisdom and direction and for God's Peace to flood our home.
God is so good and we give Him ALL the glory, honor and praise He is so worthy of!
We will continue with the donation bank account that is set up at Chase Bank and one is in the process of being set up at Bank of Whitman.
Evan's insurance is covering the medical expense of his doctoring, for which we are thankful. We continue to trust God for the other expenses that his insurance does not cover for me to be able to be with him throughout all of this. He has been so faithful and we are so thankful for His provision and the generousity of so many individuals!
Again, we stress to emphasize our most needed "donation" is your frequent prayers on our behalf, your love, your concern and your support!
May God be mightily glorified in and through our family and lives!
Blessings,
David and Trena
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 10, 2009
It seems these days that I make a lot of phone calls and receive phone calls, all concerning Evan in some way or another.
Today and yesterday I took Evan to Othello for blood work. Evan has his first appointment in Seattle at Children's Hospital with Dr. Geyer. It is set for Friday, June 12.
Today I made the first deposit into EVAN'S TUMOR TREATMENT FUND at Chase Bank. We now have $2,000 in the account! Thank you all for your generous donations and MANY, MANY Prayers!
We would covet your prayers as we go to this appointment. I just don't know what to really expect and I am "re-living" 2 yrs. ago all over again. It brings such a wave of emotions at times. But I do know that God is faithful and we need to trust Him completely with Evan's life, no matter what the outcome may be.
Blessings,
David and Trena
Today and yesterday I took Evan to Othello for blood work. Evan has his first appointment in Seattle at Children's Hospital with Dr. Geyer. It is set for Friday, June 12.
Today I made the first deposit into EVAN'S TUMOR TREATMENT FUND at Chase Bank. We now have $2,000 in the account! Thank you all for your generous donations and MANY, MANY Prayers!
We would covet your prayers as we go to this appointment. I just don't know what to really expect and I am "re-living" 2 yrs. ago all over again. It brings such a wave of emotions at times. But I do know that God is faithful and we need to trust Him completely with Evan's life, no matter what the outcome may be.
Blessings,
David and Trena
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)