tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76157282582411235672024-03-19T04:02:42.170-07:00Journey with Drew.....Our family's portrait of cancerMrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-50097454759305572432011-10-21T08:49:00.000-07:002011-10-21T08:50:26.924-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUBdjdZFG1KhuCBNULlrmKof7D2k4xKDc7kSbFYG7ki_AyGB0U_5TeSg44SQNA3Sp_BnSa893PNj5hgwl4QiP85gy4GMrCo-F0FKQUIm-TaRs8VQE0vADGjMFs8R6kRtwJMn-AcD17xI/s1600/Drew+Walking.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665973263148645970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUBdjdZFG1KhuCBNULlrmKof7D2k4xKDc7kSbFYG7ki_AyGB0U_5TeSg44SQNA3Sp_BnSa893PNj5hgwl4QiP85gy4GMrCo-F0FKQUIm-TaRs8VQE0vADGjMFs8R6kRtwJMn-AcD17xI/s320/Drew+Walking.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Drew walking the hall with physical therapist after scoliosis surgery.</div>Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-26341284189832826332011-10-21T08:28:00.000-07:002011-10-21T08:29:56.878-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1nNHMCGTTcf62saQxyitUqFDHvwMPgALWLowSfr44LcRX-NEf367BLzbwEWGWlxYLsu-HfywK814hrtmKAA3YUu2Bf-NaenNUu3O3QqWBcdqHOIODeR8iHedjkkyKzEHlHTDL0K5aps/s1600/Incision.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665967971761349954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1nNHMCGTTcf62saQxyitUqFDHvwMPgALWLowSfr44LcRX-NEf367BLzbwEWGWlxYLsu-HfywK814hrtmKAA3YUu2Bf-NaenNUu3O3QqWBcdqHOIODeR8iHedjkkyKzEHlHTDL0K5aps/s320/Incision.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>The incision to repair the scoliosis.</div>Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-11857261094252771482011-10-20T07:19:00.000-07:002011-10-20T07:46:49.345-07:00Spine SurgeryDrew had to be at the hospital at 5:30 the morning of surgery, Monday the 17th. The hardest thing I've ever done is not go to his surgery that morning. I came down with the flu on Saturday and had stayed home from church Sunday hoping that I'd be well enough. But, Monday morning came, and I knew that it wouldn't do Drew any good at all for me to go as sick as I was. And, I didn't want to risk giving the flu to someone else---maybe someone who was already very ill. What a lesson for me. I've always been able to be with him during his surgeries, so not being there was difficult for me. The Lord softly reminded me that He is in control---whether I am there "overseeing" or not. Drew came through surgery wonderfully. The surgeon was very, very pleased with how well things went; Drew didn't even need the blood transfusion that had been prepared. <br /><br />The days after surgery have been difficult. Because of my flu, Lane stayed with Drew from Monday until Wednesday afternoon. God knew and prepared for what I really hadn't anticipated. Daddy was able to lift Drew and turn him in a non-stop effort to find a comfortable spot. The incision is from his neck to his hip, so his pain level is great, and every movement is agonizing. But, I am not strong like Daddy, and my first night with Drew was tough. Getting him turned over and up and into the chair has been alot harder than I thought it would be, and I know I haven't made it as comfortable has Daddy did. But, Drew is slowly regaining some mobility and able to help a little with turning himself over. He has met every milestone they've set for him: the first day--sit up; the second day--walk; the third day--shower. The only thing he hasn't done yet is eat. He hasn't eaten since Sunday, and he will have to do that before he can go home. <br /><br />Thank you, dear Lord, for the wonderful grace you've given us, and for Your careful watchcare over us.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-8676293890511244222011-09-21T04:18:00.000-07:002011-09-28T15:09:20.918-07:00More SurgeryPraise the Lord, all the results from August's scans have been really good reports. No cancer cells are showing up anywhere in his body! Thank you, Jesus! We are really thankful for those good reports, but the other reports we've gotten this month haven't been as positive. When the doctors initially removed the pineapple-sized tumor, they also had to remove 4 of his back ribs because of residual cancer cells on those bones. Later on, they had to go in and remove another rib simply because it had become so fragile and brittle that Drew was breaking that rib every month. With a total of 5 ribs removed, there has been no stability for his frame. We began tracking the Scoliosis (curving) of his spine the first part of 2010. Since March of this year, his curvature has quickly climbed to 67%. The doctor was alarmed at the rate and explained that the spine surgery cannot wait. He ordered an MRI to be done as quickly as possible, and barring nothing showing up on the spinal MRI, Drew's spine will be operated within the next couple of weeks. They will place two titanium rods secured by 25-30 screws. The extensive surgery will require months of recovery, but it should correct the problem completely. We are also seeing a nephrologist (kidney specialist). For the past 6 months Drew's creatine has been consistently high indicating definite kidney damage. One of Drew's chemo drugs is known to cause damage, but the puzzling part of the equation is that Drew's high levels did not happen until months after chemo was finished. The damage could be a side-effect of one of the anesthesia medications from past surgeries or it could be simply a totally unrelated condition that is just now showing up. <br /><br />So, for now we await the scheduling of Drew's spine surgery in prayerful anticipation that the surgery will be a help to Drew and will allow him to live with a little less pain. Thank you for your continued prayers for him.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-24539309919595268682011-08-29T06:46:00.000-07:002011-08-29T07:05:00.661-07:00Summer, 2011It doesn't seem possible that 3 months have passed already. We had such a wonderful summer! Drew recuperated very well from his surgery in May, and in June went to youth camp in Georgia. What an awesome time our whole youth group had together---and brought back several trophies from sports competitions, too. We just had a great, great time with our Jr. campers and then the teens the very next week. July brought a special treat for Drew, Clay, and Benji. Some of our most precious friends, Brother Michael and Mrs. Nahid Scahill, invited the boys out to California to spend two weeks with their family. I can't even begin to describe how much fun they had. They went hiking, played basketball everyday, went camping, and swam in the Scahill's pool countless hours. It was a trip that Drew will never forget, and we just thank God and the Scahill's for offering such a priceless treasure to them. Then came August and our Vacation Bible School ministry that our teen group have a VERY active part in. Drew did a great job doing our puppet skits every night and working with the kids in the games department.
<br />We are just so full of gratitude for the things that Drew has enjoyed this summer and for each special milestone in his healing. He's feeling stronger, but he still has quite a bit of pain everyday and usually gets tired very easily. And, we just continue to look forward in the hope that the Lord holds our very lives in His hands and does all things well.
<br />Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-37497386680325428562011-05-21T15:07:00.000-07:002011-05-21T15:15:26.705-07:00Saturday, May 21, 2011Drew has been out of the hospital a week today. As I write this, I am overcome with praise as I watch my sweet young man outside with his brothers. He's not able to play, but he can watch:-) We are so thankful; so, so thankful. <br /><br />He is healing well. His stitches have not dissolved yet, and that is causing him some aggravation. We caught him trying to pull them out himself:-( I know it itches like crazy. He is doing great with his pain tolerance. He hasn't needed anything for pain in 4 days. We are in awe of how the Lord has touched his body. The biopsies thus far have been clean. Drew has a follow-up appointment Monday. <br /><br />We thank each of you for praying for Drew and will keep the blog updated on Drew's progress and potential chest wall reconstruction surgery in the early fall.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-73180740284324193602011-05-12T09:22:00.000-07:002011-10-21T09:01:31.632-07:00Surgery Day, May 11th<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2FLfFo90r2Il41hQY2Keq4vhKUlQ1oAp4ap2Zm-fU8XaMQLKRb3QAhkm4FlfDmEe4P7ExBOnnz28v7P8acxQSX3fQ80kvnrlYuDyhYt_GhkkPI01lD29cR36lTMpC99ujnW7-VebYfM/s1600/Drew+%2526+Bent+before+rib+removal.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665976113482308882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2FLfFo90r2Il41hQY2Keq4vhKUlQ1oAp4ap2Zm-fU8XaMQLKRb3QAhkm4FlfDmEe4P7ExBOnnz28v7P8acxQSX3fQ80kvnrlYuDyhYt_GhkkPI01lD29cR36lTMpC99ujnW7-VebYfM/s320/Drew+%2526+Bent+before+rib+removal.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmkPerzG2oR-RxGwQK2Sf5gEwHEvv4l75KEKb-fgSxyb8jmw02tGXZZzQNaqwPQkrLdkD__GdHHROpjBcWJ0junHtox9hFcE2c1D9rG_APW2I1Z3l3_SgPtuuS9_TyuYgAldieYo366A/s1600/Drew+after+rib+removal.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665975243184954370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmkPerzG2oR-RxGwQK2Sf5gEwHEvv4l75KEKb-fgSxyb8jmw02tGXZZzQNaqwPQkrLdkD__GdHHROpjBcWJ0junHtox9hFcE2c1D9rG_APW2I1Z3l3_SgPtuuS9_TyuYgAldieYo366A/s320/Drew+after+rib+removal.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Surgery was supposed to begin at 8 a.m. today. Because of an emergency surgery on a 3-week-old baby, Drew's surgery didn't start until 10. We were anticipating a 2-hour surgery, and it was right at 2 hours. The surgeon is very, very encouraged by what he found. The "mass" turned out to be mostly water!! The rib had been broken at least 4 times since last July, and was removed completely. It was, as they thought, totally useless in providing support any longer. Everything was sent to the lab for a complete biopsy, but the doctor is very hopeful that nothing is going to be found! He actually said it was the best he could have hoped for! We are rejoicing and literally ready to have a shouting fit!<br /><br />Drew will have to have the chest tube for likely 2 days. We are hoping to get labs by Friday.<br /><br />Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord! Thank you to all of you sweet friends for praying!</div></div>Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-66872278342458190922011-05-12T08:02:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:40:29.172-07:00May 9thSurgery is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11th.<br /><br /><br />Dear Lord, my fears assail me. Within, I know You are my God. You hold everything in Your tender hand, and nothing takes You by surprise. And, even in my trembling, , I trust You, Lord. I think of the frantic father so burdened for his child in Mark 9:24:<br /><br />"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief." <br /><br />Thank you to all of you following this blog for caring about Drew. Your prayers are worth more to us than all the gold in the world.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-12284649685004655552011-05-12T07:52:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:40:29.036-07:00May 4thThe results of the PET and CT scans are very concerning to us. The "mass" that they biopsied after February's scan is still there, and worse, it is even bigger than it was. Drew's oncologist still thinks that the mass is a result of the refractures of rib #6. And, there it is, as plain as day, a new fracture. But, the pediatric surgeon is not sure that the "hot spot" is just symptomatic of the rib problem. Although it was biopsied in February, the results could be flawed because they only did a needle-guided biopsy at that time. What that means is that the center of this "mass" is not showing any cancer cells; but, a needle biopsy doesn't test the whole mass--only the center. Though Dr. Hajjar (the oncologist) isn't overly-worried, Dr. Thompson (the surgeon) shows more concern. And, that concerns us. For this to be a cancerous tumor, it had to start growing during chemotherapy, and that doesn't make sense. But, the surgeon explained that it could be a different type of tumor or even the same Ewing's tumor but now resistent to that chemo regimen. <br /><br />They are going to schedule Drew for another surgery. This time to totally remove rib #6. Though we aren't sure how many times he's re-fractured the rib, it is for certain that the rib has been damaged to the point that it is no longer offering any support to his frame, and in fact, with the jagged edges, could possibly puncture a lung if Drew were to fall. While they are removing rib #6, they will take the whole "mass" section and do a regular biopsy to alleviate all our fears.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-2930056288868147042011-04-28T19:23:00.000-07:002011-04-28T19:31:39.921-07:00April 28thDrew's PET scan will be Monday, May 2nd. If the scan comes back clean, Drew will be scheduled within a week for surgery to remove rib #6. The surgeon feels like this is our best option considering the rib has been weakened by each re-break and is offering no support to Drew at all. Moreover, because the rib has healed with somewhat of a jagged edge, if Drew were to fall, he could puncture his lung. Provided the scan is clean, the rib and his port will be removed at the same time. <br /><br />He will be X-rayed again August 1st to see how much the spine has curved since February. If the current rate of curvature continues, we have no choice but to do a total chest wall reconstruction. He will have titanium rods put in to give his spine the support it needs. But, there's a small chance that Drew's muscles will strengthen enough to keep the spine from curving anymore. That's certainly what we are praying for. <br /><br />He's feeling great these days. He has alot of back pain---mostly from the scoliosis. He's done very well catching himself up in school and will finish the year at the same time as the other children. His hair has grown back---a very light blonde. He's gotten his color back, and since Drew is naturally dark-complexioned, his light hair and dark skin make him look like a surfer!<br /><br />Thank you all for praying, and we will update as soon as we know the results of Monday's scan.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-53347535540176826652011-04-08T07:02:00.001-07:002011-04-09T18:09:49.243-07:00New IssuesDrew's counts were good when we went to his March appointment. Thank the Lord for that. His weight dropped a few pounds, but that doesn't concern us because with increased strength, Drew is becoming more active. His color looks good; he feels good. But, we are struggling with a recurring issue: the breaking and re-breaking of rib #6. When we took him to the ER this time with a suspected re-break, he had done nothing more than run for about 200 feet in a relay race at a youth activity. He didn't fall; he didn't bump anything. Just ran. Our doctor decided it was time to consult a specialist, so he sent us to a rib reconstructionist--Dr. Woo. A very respected doctor in his field, we were anxious to see him to see what can be done to keep this re-break from continuing to happen. He looked at Drew's X-rays and immediately suggested that rib #6 just be removed altogether. I initially questioned that because he's already lost ribs #7, #8, #9, and #10. It didn't make sense to me to remove another one. I voiced my concerns that taking out rib #6 would only create a domino effect leading to the removal of #5, then later #4 and so on. But, he explained that rib #6 continues to re-break because it never should have been broken in the first place. The surgeon broke it and pulled it down to cover the vast space left by the removal of the other ribs. But, because the rib was not designed that way, it's placed undue pressure on that rib. His opinion is that the rib will continue to break unless it is removed. We have an appointment with the surgeon on the 19th to discuss removing it. However, we are in much prayer about that; we do not have peace with that surgery right now. The other news Dr. Woo gave us was a little more disheartening. Because of the removal of all the ribs, Drew now has scoliosis of the spine. Without the 4 ribs for support, his spine has curved since the surgery 9 months ago about 40%. If the next X-ray reveals continual curvature, he will have to have a total chest wall reconstruction surgery. This surgery would give him support and give him relief for the back pain he's had. But, because he's still growing, he could outgrow the titanium rods which will be implanted during surgery. That would lead to a new surgery later down the road. On the other hand, if we do not do the reconstruction surgery and his spine continues to curve, he will have a great deal more pain. We need the Lord's direction and wisdom. And, grace.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-42524544264775253142011-04-06T15:42:00.000-07:002011-04-07T15:05:59.178-07:00February's biopsyWe haven't updated the blog in sometime. The results of the scans in February sent us on an emotional roller coaster for a couple of weeks. The first reading from CT and PET was that there was a new tumor in the same ribcage of the initial tumor. Surely not. But, there it was on the results---this mass. We stared in disbelief and tried to wrap our minds around it all. Our doctor phoned to explain the readings, and to also try to calm our worst fears. He theorized that this was not a new tumor at all, but instead tissue and calcium surrounding the one rib that had been broken in September after the surgery. He felt like that area had some swelling and possibly some bleeding, but that in all likelihood, not a new tumor. Drew's case was brought before a board of physicians to get their concensus on the readings; they all agreed based on the location of this new mass and the fact that the mass was located in the exact spot that the rib had been broken and re-broken. It was decided that because the area was easily accessible and wouldn't require being cut into, they would do a subcutaneous biopsy. We planned the procedure and waited....and prayed. Originally, it was thought that Drew would only need a local anesthetic, but the anestesiologist decided to go ahead and do a general to save Drew from any discomfort. It took two days for the results to come back, but the sweetest words were, "Biopsy is clean. No cancer cells!" It was a hallelujah time, for sure.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-86444060851492092832011-02-07T18:43:00.000-08:002011-02-07T19:13:17.013-08:00Monday, February 7thSurely the wait is worse than the "know". Today Drew had his PET, CT scan, EKG, and Echo. We will know in a few days the results; whether the scans are still showing no active cancer cells. We wait literally on trembling knees. My mother's heart cries out, "Oh, God, please, please touch his body and heal him completely"; but, my spirit fights to yield my will to my Father's. Drew and I were talking some time back, and the subject came up of the cancer returning. He point-blank said to me, "Mama, if it comes back, I can't do this again." And, without a second's hesitation, I told him, "You can, Drew, and you will." My heart has smote me over and over again at the selfishness of my reply. The truth is, I don't know if I can ask him to endure any more pain; but I don't know if I can not ask him either. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and with all that is within me, I believe His great love for Drew, for us, will be the thread of hope to which we continue to cling.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-78857692989652257872011-01-05T17:14:00.000-08:002011-01-05T17:25:04.865-08:00Wednesday, January 5thWhat a beautiful Christmas we had; so many beautiful memories and precious times. Drew is actually in-patient this week for what the doctors are hoping is his last round of chemotherapy. He is scheduled for a series of scans in 2 weeks to see where we are in this battle for Drew's life. Since March '10, when Drew was diagnosed with the Ewing's Sarcoma, our lives have been been crazy busy with hospital stays (every other week), doctor appointments, surgeries, and in-between all that, trying to keep our lives as normal as possible for the other kids. Tonight as I look around at what has been our "home away from home" for the past 10 months, I am excited to hope that perhaps we're at the end of the line for the days and days of unrelenting sickness for my sweet boy. But, there's a part of me that is saddened to think that we won't be seeing as often all the precious nurses and doctors at Florida Hospital that have made such a huge impact in our lives. God has been so good to us over the past year, and we praise His name for the provision He's provided---financial, spiritual, emotional. We thank Him for the wonderful, life-long friends we've made. We are grateful for each one that we've been privileged to talk to about the Savior. And, we rejoice that as we look back, we can see the mighty unseen Hand guiding and directing our steps; strengthening our hearts when we've been weak; encouraging our souls to continue to trust Him. I heard a song entitled, "How Can I Keep From Singing His Praise", and what a message! I am thankful for be a child of the King and know that I know that whatever tomorrow holds, we won't face it alone.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-24719393693914699542010-12-01T17:19:00.001-08:002010-12-01T17:38:20.744-08:00Wednesday, December 1stWow, where did November go? Drew's month passed quickly, and we are thankful it was one of his best months. He had a rough time after his last round of chemo, and his counts did not bounce back as they had been doing. His next round was postponed because his body was simply not ready for it. His counts finally came came back up about a week before Thanksgiving. His doctor agreed to let Drew have the week off so that he could enjoy Thanksgiving. And, we surely did that! I started a tradition when the kids were little that everybody got their very own pie. They didn't get to eat the whole thing, but they got to choose it, help roll out the crust for it, and help me bake it. Through the years, that special time has been precious to me. This year, the day before Thanksgiving, I came down with the flu. My sweet girls, Hailey and Bentley, did all the pies for me, and my amazing husband cooked nearly everything else. I'm telling you, the food was so good that I think I'll have the flu every year;-) We enjoyed the day so very much, and truly understand how precious a gift the Lord has given us in just being together. <br /><br />Drew is scheduled to have 3 more rounds of chemo---2 (5) day rounds and 1 (1) day round. If things go as scheduled, his last day of chemo will be December 31st. He will have a PET and CT the first of the new year to see where we are with everything and go from there. It's no small comfort to know that the path we are walking is only dim to our eyes; the Guide walking before us knows the pathway well and will keep our steps from faltering.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-50613480651570478512010-11-06T15:38:00.000-07:002010-11-06T15:42:12.593-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgiQpWG_TDQJMmXrglYU-06cUJzABe5UciGwX8A3G7uL08BbtvlPHw-w26VDbwwFsGBW7kvKaC-v4rZTXIyuP3qyE8vGSFe0FPmye9cpswpFOpbbRMsZHcCYPaXVbC-tMNqB6HnyVpak/s1600/GEDC0349.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536570629256786082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgiQpWG_TDQJMmXrglYU-06cUJzABe5UciGwX8A3G7uL08BbtvlPHw-w26VDbwwFsGBW7kvKaC-v4rZTXIyuP3qyE8vGSFe0FPmye9cpswpFOpbbRMsZHcCYPaXVbC-tMNqB6HnyVpak/s320/GEDC0349.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-43827772335931524192010-11-06T15:22:00.000-07:002010-11-06T15:38:30.639-07:00Saturday, November 6thWe are in-patient today for Drew to receive the scheduled round of chemo. It's been almost 3 weeks since his last treatment. His body's blood counts are not recovering as quickly as they have in the past, so his treatments have not been every other week as his doctor has ordered. In fact, he had to have a red blood cell transfusion today before they could do the chemo. We've totally finished one of the chemo meds, and it was the one that we feel like has caused him the most sickness with the mucousitis. The end is in sight! They told us today that after today we have 3 more rounds!! That's around 6 weeks--barring his counts recover as they should. Drew should be done with all his treatments around the end of the year. In total, he's lost 50 lbs. It was 60 lbs, but he's been able to add back 10 lbs over the past 2 weeks. <br /><br />We just thank the Lord Jesus that He has never left our sides, and that He is continuing to strengthen and encourage Drew for this battle. And, we pray that God will use the cancer in Drew's life and in our lives to make us more like our Savior. I've had so many ask me, "How do you do it?" And, the answer to that is simply, I don't. Without the grace that has been poured out upon our family; without the mercy and forgiveness of a compassionate Savior Who knows I am but dust and fail miserably every single day; without the provision of a God Who never lets us walk in our valleys alone. Without Him, we are nothing and can accomplish nothing. Sometimes it frightens me to know that others...others who do not know the Lord Jesus as Savior are watching. And, seeing my life as an open book and a living testimony of whether my God is real. And, I am so glad that I can say as we look back over this year that God has been good. I am glad that even now I sing for the wonderful life we have. And, I thank you, Lord, for allowing us to rest in You.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-28388624636058268882010-11-06T15:17:00.000-07:002010-11-06T15:19:06.760-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpIx7f79Zd-SUl3FTZMgnz_JM55XH8BEffCP4S7EGaamd38lpIAqwfZHGe-JG3dgthHfu0vGh9fMM060FB5IjP1ZmYkaL2RzRbP-TfoHt-b6x0oHHMYI4vFj1jbO1km_J6P-UFJ536tQ/s1600/GEDC0278.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536564647058417298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpIx7f79Zd-SUl3FTZMgnz_JM55XH8BEffCP4S7EGaamd38lpIAqwfZHGe-JG3dgthHfu0vGh9fMM060FB5IjP1ZmYkaL2RzRbP-TfoHt-b6x0oHHMYI4vFj1jbO1km_J6P-UFJ536tQ/s320/GEDC0278.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-73431353002831912292010-11-06T15:16:00.000-07:002010-11-06T15:17:15.205-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQcOPzMSN1lchZVLccAF3gBA6Xva8KRmb8v_-_GHS84icNFWb2Q2Mhnxabg-uZLKq-j-ae9Y_bd-Ur8acx1oEP8vCSnywIH_nB8s-b7C46A90XdHvqQtbp0q_J1-b4P7CgDjmr1M4HWE/s1600/GEDC0283.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536564193703446178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQcOPzMSN1lchZVLccAF3gBA6Xva8KRmb8v_-_GHS84icNFWb2Q2Mhnxabg-uZLKq-j-ae9Y_bd-Ur8acx1oEP8vCSnywIH_nB8s-b7C46A90XdHvqQtbp0q_J1-b4P7CgDjmr1M4HWE/s320/GEDC0283.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-3037895831962206162010-11-06T15:13:00.000-07:002010-11-06T15:15:35.628-07:00Drew finds out that Josh has come home for his wish!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0TMx95txlSKO96UZBcN83AafxwKdEnoB4gTfUx0i56zlGI3UbnXyKzEQGh33r7-4J2bC3zrPDjOsYA_vUxsHcX9bogfLVnYLT6QRYiGHaY8aE_z4xzCdU7GemxUJH2Xyr2t-v0pUmj4/s1600/GEDC0055.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536563710568769106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0TMx95txlSKO96UZBcN83AafxwKdEnoB4gTfUx0i56zlGI3UbnXyKzEQGh33r7-4J2bC3zrPDjOsYA_vUxsHcX9bogfLVnYLT6QRYiGHaY8aE_z4xzCdU7GemxUJH2Xyr2t-v0pUmj4/s320/GEDC0055.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-38537752577564654982010-11-06T14:54:00.001-07:002010-11-06T15:09:51.930-07:00Sunday, October 3rd---Whew! What a Week!Wow, the week went by so quickly, and we had a WONDERFUL time. The trip wasn't without adventure though. We were only on the boat a couple of hours when Clay fell playing basketball with Josh, Drew, and Benji. It had started to drizzle a little and Clay had on Crocs; he came down on the ankle and rolled it. Josh came carrying him back to the room, and his ankle was literally 3 x its normal size. Poor guy was in so much pain, too. The ship's infirmary asked us to come back the next morning for the x-ray. The next morning we were supposed to debark for our first port adventure in Nassau. The x-ray was at 10, so we didn't leave the ship until close to noon. We were really, really rushed trying to get everything done that Drew wanted to do. Some delays in paperwork also slowed things down some, but at the end of the day, Drew had gotten to "swim with the dolphins", as well as have fun at Atlantis park. Clay even got to participate since they decided to wait and cast him when we docked in Florida. They had given us a wheelchair, but there were many places that literally carried him on his back up and down stairs. I know Josh was in pain with his knee, but he either had to be carried or watch from the sideline. What a wonderful day that was! We were supposed to dock the next day at Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island. But, alas! the hurricane hoovering nearby prohibited the boat from docking. Plans were made to try again the next morning (Wednesday), but that effort failed as well. No matter though because there was so much to do on the ship itself that we didn't want for entertainment. Hailey got sick and spent one whole day in bed. And, I lived on the Dramamine the whole time. But, oh, if only we could have room service in bed every day!! Drew had a wonderful, wonderful time and made memories with all of us---Josh especially---that couldn't be bought with a bazillion dollars. We are thankful that the Lord blessed us with such an overwhelming wish granted for Drew. And, not only for Drew, but for all of us. The trip gave us a second-wind. An encouragement to keep going and stay the course. I hated, HATED to see Joshua leave, but we will always, always be grateful for this week.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-37846894069615765502010-10-20T14:41:00.000-07:002010-10-20T14:48:50.898-07:00Sunday, September 26th..."The Secret Revealed"!Today was the culmination of months of planning for Drew's wish of a lifetime. His wish coordinators got together with Drew and planned this Disney cruise to the Bahamas for all of his family. Drew's one request was that the trip be something we could all do. He wanted so much for Josh to be able to come. Normally, Make a Wish only pays for the family members living in the home with Drew. But, his coordinators went to bat for him and got Josh approved to go on the trip with us. Except for Drew didn't know about it! He was told that Josh wouldn't be able to go. But, behind the scenes, the stage was set. Josh flew to Orlando yesterday and Make a Wish put him in a luxurious villa to keep the kids at home from finding out. It was their surprise, too. Drew knew that a limousine would be picking up the Stockton family to drive us to the port. He thought that was the big secret that he was keeping from his brothers and sisters. What he didn't know though was that when that limo pulled into the drive, it carried his hero--Josh. Channel 2 news was on hand to interview Drew and to film his reaction. They opened the door and out steps Josh in full uniform. It was absolutely precious. It was truly a memory I will treasure forever.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-33415663144803738352010-10-20T14:38:00.000-07:002010-10-20T14:41:26.942-07:00Saturday, September 25thWe are so excited!! The long-awaited cruise to the Bahamas is tomorrow! Make a Wish Foundation has far exceeded all that we could have ever even dreamed about. They've covered every single detail and thought of things I'd have never considered. This trip holds many surprises for Drew, for all the children. I can't write about everything until after tomorrow. I don't want to take any chances that Drew finds out what all has been planned for him!Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-65705660757631037372010-10-20T14:30:00.000-07:002010-10-20T14:38:27.839-07:00Saturday, September 18thDrew was able to go home this morning. His pneumonia is better, and the rib pain is getting better. The good news is that there is no more chemo until after the Make-a-Wish cruise on the 26th of this month. We are all so excited about this trip. Prayerfully it will be a little break from things for Drew---for all of us, and give everybody the strength to continue on. We are so thankful that God has given us prayer warriors to intervene in Drew's behalf. We are also very grateful for the doctors the Lord has put in our lives and for Florida Hospital. We have never been in a hospital that exalts Christ more than this one does. We would definitely have some areas where we would disagree doctrinally, but for the way my Lord is lifted up here, I give God the praise.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7615728258241123567.post-23068362137325991742010-10-17T16:10:00.000-07:002010-10-17T16:18:56.521-07:00Wednesday, September 15thWow, what a day yesterday was. We made it to the hospital in record time, and God mercifully allowed Drew to be taken straight back. Since he was laying down, his breathing had stabilized, and though he was still in terrible pain, he was at least quiet. Part of the diagnosis I suspected--pneumonia. I did not expect the partially-collapsed lung or the broken (NOT dislocated) rib. I sat there in disbelief as the doctor explained what had happened. During surgery, the team removed ribs #'s 7, 8, 9, and 10. Rib #6 was stretched across the space left by the absent ribs and sutured into place. The problem was that the rib was not big enough to cover the space it was expected to cover. I understand the surgeon's reasoning; he was doing his best to "brace" up the muscles and give that area of his back time to heal. But, because the rib wasn't big enough, there was no "give" room, and when he rolled over, the weight of his body just snapped it in two like a twig. The broken rib will heal, but the concern is right now the pneumonia and partially-collapsed lung. He cannot cough, so that's aided the buildup of fluid in his lungs. He was admitted to keep his pain level under control while we try to get a handle of the pneumonia.Mrs. Kim Stocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18110939103875197858noreply@blogger.com0