Friday, April 30, 2010

Third Round of Chemo Finished



Drew finished his third round of chemo late Wednesday night and was discharged. Drew did pretty well with this round. Praise the Lord for the love and support of our friends and church family. They are always ready to help with taking our place in the ministry, such as taking Kim's place in the youth class before church and bringing food to the house as well as your continuous prayers. You are an encouragement to us. Our God is an awesome God and we are thankful to be part of the family of Lock Haven. We have heard from folks literally all over the world, letting us know that they are praying and that Drew is on their church prayer list. We are very humbled and blessed by this out pouring of love from God's people. Thank you and we covet your continued prayers.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Jeter Hat















This is a picture of Drew, his mom and Clay. And this is a hat that Derek Jeter signed for him.

Monday, April 26, 2010

3rd Round of Chemo
















Today is April 26th, and the 3rd round of chemo should start here in a little while. The 6th floor had no beds available, so we've waited in outpatient chemo all day. Drew's counts were good this morning, and we are thankful for that. He wasn't able to get this round as scheduled (last Thursday) because his platelets were too low. But, on the positive side, it gave Drew the weekend to relax while we waited for his counts to rise. He has actually felt better this past week than he has in a couple of months.

This round is scheduled to be a 2-day treatment. His chemo rounds will be staggered with a program of 2 days, 5 days, 3 days, then starting over. The 5-day has been the worst by far. He had lost right at 25 lbs. This week he has been able to eat though and has put back on 5 of those pounds. After this round, they may do another PET scan to see just how much progress they have made with the tumor's size. Surgery is still tentatively scheduled right around the 12th week of treatment.

It seems like our family has settled into somewhat of a routine with treatments, trips to the doctor, homeschooling, baseball, and our church activities. God's grace indeed has become even more precious.

Our dear friend, Kim Monk, surprised us by flying to Orlando on Saturday to spend a week with us. What an encouragement she has been!!! Because she has access to DSL with her computer and can easily upload pictures, she is going to be handling most of the updates to this blog. I will still be posting, but probably only on the days when I am actually in the hospital with Drew because the hospital provides fast access, too.

Thanking God for every single day,
The Stockton's

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Tuesday, April 13th

This round of chemo is nearly over. We are expecting Dr. Hajjar to let Drew go home this evening sometime if all his numbers are good. I (Kim) have been able to stay with Drew for the past 2 nights, and it's been a sweet blessing to me. Drew has done so-so with this round. He was able to eat more this time than last round---but, the only thing that appeals to him is Ramen noodles and spicy chicken sandwiches. Although his nausea has been terrible, last night was the first time that Drew actually threw up. His blood sugar level is elevated, and while the doctor expects it to be up some, 212 is too high.

Drew is excited to be going home. Usually while we're in the hospital, he doesn't talk much and never complains. He is hoping his little puppy hasn't forgotten him.

I just wanted to thank some of the people that have made this round a whole lot easier: Sweetheart, you are my rock, and I am so thankful God is allowing us to battle this together. Hailey, darlin', you're precious. Thank you for always being willing to take your post--wherever it may be. Daniel, thank you for so willingly give up your off day to sleep in a chair. Kim, thank you for helping me maintain the blog. What a huge help! Lisa, thank you for coming when you didn't have to. Lock Haven Baptist Church, you are the most precious and most loving people that we could ever ask to labor with. Staci, thank you for coming and playing Phase 10 for hours to keep Drew and Hailey company. And, for all who are praying for us, sending cards, keeping my little girls, bringing food, and just being our friends, you are our life-line. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Second Round of Chemo


The second round of chemo was supposed to start on Thursday the 8th, but due to being dehydrated, the chemo did not start until 2 am Friday morning. Drew was given fluids to get him hydrated so that the chemo could start. His others counts were good. Praise the Lord! Bro. Lane stayed with Drew Thursday night and Hailey came Friday afternoon and will stay the night. Clay and Benji both pitched in today and cut the grass at the church and house, so that their dad would not have so much to do after he got back from the hospital.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Drew waits for Chemo

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Tuesday, April 6th

Drew's week home went very, very well. His energy level was low, but he has still been able to laugh and joke around. He's even gone outside some and shot some 3-pointers with his brothers. Last night Hailey took Clay and Drew to Old Towne and let them walk around to see all the shops. Drew really enjoyed the outing, and he wasn't too worse for the wear. He did get tired, but not overly so. The trip couldn't have come at a better time because he was sorely disappointed in his dad's decision not to let him go swimming at our neighbor's house.

At his office appointment on Thursday, his ANC level was 400. Below 500 is neutropenic, meaning that he was at high-risk for infection. However, Dr. Hajjar did not feel that it warranted any blood transfusion and advised us to just watch him over the next couple of days because his levels would bottom out within a day or two. Easter weekend was pretty tough for him. He didn't get to go to church Sunday morning; but we did let him go Sunday evening. Not shaking hands has been a huge adjustment for him---and for everyone at Lock Haven. When Drew goes to church, he lays on the back pew. He's embarrassed of it, but I'm thankful he's there and thankful we have a pew for him to lay on:-)

His hair has started falling out when he touches it. I guess that's what has bothered him the most about the cancer; he really didn't want to lose his hair. He's been such a precious boy. We've all been so excited because after only one round of chemo, his pain level is to the point that has hasn't had a pain pill in 10 days!! He has hated, HATED, having the neuopogen shot every night. Last night was his last shot for this round. The shots will resume after this round. He will be admitted Thursday to begin the next round---a 5 day continuous infusion. I know he will need a special grace because he generally cannot get up and around while on the chemo.

Received word tonight that they admitted my dad into the hospital last night. He was diagnosed with throat cancer 4 months ago. He has done chemo already and is only 2 weeks away from his last radiation treatment. But, the cancer is in the throat, and the radiation has targeted that area making it nearly impossible for him to eat or drink. He's lost 20 pounds this month and is dehydrated and severely malnourished. Please pray for my dad. He's fighting his own battle right now. I am thankful that my dad was saved 4 years ago, but it breaks my heart to see him suffering so much.

Even in the valley, God is good. It's never been more true.