Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Beautifully complete

As I sit in a hospital room, with worship music playing, and our precious Alayna sleeping beside me, I realize my life has changed in just 24 hours....As we start this journey together, I realize this might be a long blog, but hopefully it will encourage you and you will see how the Lord is the perfect conductor to this amazing symphony He's creating...

A couple of weeks ago we noticed Alayna started having some pretty bad bruises on her legs.  Honestly I didn't think much about it because I am a pediatric ER nurse and it takes a whole lot to get me worked up....she had had some on and off fevers but once again, and been more fussy than normal but I chalked it up to knowing a new baby was coming and nothing I was super concerned about.....

Over the last 2 months we have been in the middle of a storm, with our house contract falling through, being challenged with expensive repairs and additional trips to Alabama, and lots of, "Ok God, we need a miracle..." moments.  Our minds have been all over the place, but through it all, in the middle of the crazy, we have seen God move like never before.....He has provided extra work for me and continued to provide work for Ron.  This weekend we were planning a trip to Alabama and were excited to be welcoming Avery Grace in just 8 weeks.....

Last Tuesday we went to Disney with our sweet friend, Christine Romm and her girls, and had a great time.  That day I was wearing Alayna on my back in my ergo and she accidentally bumped into a wall.  She barely touched it, but within 5 mins her entire head was bruised.  With the medical background I have, I started to wonder what was going on.  I kept rationalizing in my head that it must be her iron or chalking it up to the fact that she is kinda clumsy like her Mama....after church on Sunday we noticed even more bruises on her feet and in random places and so we knew it was time to get her checked out..
Disney with the Besties


Tuesday we got into see her pediatrician, who also happens to be a hematologist and used to be an oncologist, and that's when the spinning began.  After two sticks, they finally got blood work and as soon as the needle went in, her arm bruised.  I kinda knew then things weren't looking great.  Within 10-15mins the nurses were asking Addy and Alayna to come play with them, and there I sat, knowing what was coming and feeling like and Alabama spring tornado just hit.  My doctor is not much for sugar coating, which I am so thankful for, and basically told me her labs were unreadable and that he thought my sweet Laney Bug had leukemia.  All the labs pointed to it and I needed to be prepared.  I immediately called Ron who rushed there and since then it's kind of been like we were in a dream state....

We had faith and were believing for the best, but also preparing for what might be ahead of us.  Ironically, Christine and I had already planned to go to the park and Chickfila after the appointment (A Mama's perfect day out, if you haven't seen this youtube video, you have to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qISA2TD8xhk), and she immediately stepped in to take Addyson with her for a sleepover.  The crazy thing about it all was how perfectly God has orchestrated the people in our lives right now.  Christine was also with me when we got the news about the house and has become such a strong rock for me.  It is amazing how literally every time I have needed someone when I got bad new, over the last month, she has been there....God ordained moments for sure....and The Lord knew she was just what Addyson would need to....


Right before we walked in and life became even more crazy

So with Addyson taken care of, we packed our bags and headed to the hospital.  We were sent to the oncology clinic where we met our amazing team that God truly had hand picked to take care of us.  The tears have been constant, on and off, but through it all, each breakdown makes us a little stronger....Once again, two pokes later, we had an IV and all the bloodwork we needed.  We met with our doctor and he basically explained how lab work wise, he was leaning towards leukemia.  We settled into our room and treatment began. Through it all, Alayna has definitely not lost any energy.  Everyone keep saying how she doesn't act like a kid with leukemia and she has so much energy....which is such a good thing but also such a challenge in a tiny room with IV fluids and IV's, vitals every hour, etc.  Her initial blood work showed she was critically low on her hematocrit and hemoglobin, her platelets were also criticallow, which would explain the bruising, and her WBC was very high.  She also had blast cells present, which is a typical sign of leukemia.  After some wagon rides and playing with child life (who clearly became Alayna's best friends about 3 lollipops and bags of dummies in), we started a blood transfusion and our long night began

Great First Night
Alayna did great and slept through pretty much everything, right beside her Daddy, her Mama....not so much ha, but I know it is all part of the process.  Today we had a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, which was probably the hardest challenge of it all.  Seeing my baby in pain and sedated, which is something I see all the time at work, was a whole different level of mommy hood.  It seems so easy in the ER, but when it's your baby, it's completely different....I didn't make it through the procedure and found myself in a random room, listening to the song, "Just be held..." and crying out to God, praying for different results, praying all of this was a dream, and praying for a miracle...



After her biopsy

The Lord has also sent us friends that have gone through very similar situations, and some who are just praying for us, just a text away, and I am so blessed to have so many friends pouring their love out for us...as well as friends that were keen to hearing the Holy Spirit, and had been texting us both without even knowing things were going on....those same friends have organized meal trains for us, and our Action family has already poured out amazing love on us ...We have never felt so loved and taken care of and we cannot express how truly thankful we are...Last night sweet friends brought us dinner , and that will continue, and today Aunt Cherie and Uncle Bryan paid us a visit to help us receive the news
Fishy faces with Aunt Cherie
Dumbo fun


We love Payton!


At one point in my day I had 7 missed calls and 45 unread texts....so if you have texted and I haven't responded, please know I am so thankful for the prayers and for the scripture...keep them coming

About an hour after the tests we received work from the pathologist that based on the preliminary bloodwork, we were looking at leukemia for sure, and today's bone marrow results also confirmed that......

So here is what we know so far.....God is God, and He is good, and He's already working miracles....If it had to be leukemia, we were praying for a specific type.  Alayna has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) type preB cell cancer....This is the most common of all childhood cancers, and also the most treatable and completely curable.  Our doctor told us he knows 80 year olds that are still living who went through this type of cancer.....so that is definitely a miracle in itself.   We also know, according to our doc, that we caught it at the absolutely perfect time.....Tomorrow morning we go for a port placement and Lumbar puncture where they will inject chemotherapy into her spinal fluid.  Friday we will start IV chemo therapy.....

We are standing strong on the scripture, 

Psalm 66:8-20New Living Translation (NLT)

Let the whole world bless our God
    and loudly sing his praises.
Our lives are in his hands,
    and he keeps our feet from stumbling.
10 You have tested us, O God;
    you have purified us like silver.
11 You captured us in your net
    and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.
12 Then you put a leader over us.[a]
    We went through fire and flood,
    but you brought us to a place of great abundance
We have felt like for a long time that something was coming.  We thought with the house situation, it couldn't be much worse and at least we still had health....But we know the Lord has a plan for us in all of this....that we will go through the fire, and come to a place of great abundance.  We are so excited to see what the Lord will done, has already done, and feel so blessed that we were chosen for this journey....He knew we could handle it and He knew we would give him all the glory and praise.....

As far as specific needs and prayer requests....Here's where we are at....

1. Alayna will have no leukemia in her spinal fluid and that she has no complications with her port placement

2. Our house has to sell....like really....two mortgage payments plus all the medical bills that are coming quickly would cause many to doubt, but we know financially the Lord will provide for our needs and make a way in the desert.  

Exodus 14:13-14New Living Translation (NLT)

13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
3. Pray that Alayna will have no serious side effects from chemotherapy and her staging will shift from standard risk, to low risk
4. Pray for sweet Addyson's heart.  She has recently had some trouble with discipline and just adjusting in general and that she will understand all of this and not feel left out


Psalm 8:2New Living Translation (NLT)


You have taught children and infants
    to tell of your strength,[a]
silencing your enemies
    and all who oppose you.
5. Pray for our sweet Avery Grace, and that she and Mama can stay healthy in the middle of all of this
6. Once again, just pray for the finances, as we have numerous things about to come up and not exactly sure how it will all work out

Psalms 138:3,
As soon as I pray, you answer me;
    you encourage me by giving me strength.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
    you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
    and the power of your right hand saves me.
 The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.


Please join us on this journey. We really cannot wait to see how the Lord shows up and shows off.  We are believing she will be blessed, and beautifully complete.  Keep the prayers coming and the scriptures as well....We love you all


Join our beautiful complete journey







59 comments:

  1. I know that we do not know each other, but a mutual friend shared your story. I just want you to know that I am and will be praying for you, your family, and your sweet baby as you face this. The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will strengthen you and help you. He will uphold you with his righteous right hand. Praying for healing in Jesus' name.

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    1. "For I hold you by your right hand--I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, 'Don't be afraid. I am here to help you." Isaiah 41:13
      I love how this other comment referred also to this verse, which was immediately the scripture and prayer that came to mind as I read your blog. You're held by the God of Comfort and the Prince of Peace. Praying for you and your beautiful family.

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    2. Try is so touching! Prayers are being flown your way!!

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  2. Isaiah 40:31New Living Translation (NLT)

    31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
    They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint

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    1. You are a mighty woman of God. He will reward your faithfulness. Praying for sweet Alayna and the family needs. I love your girls so very much!

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  3. #healedandwhole!!! ����❤️

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  4. Jenny... I don't even know what to say...... I am totally humbled by your faithfulness and willingness to see the positive and what God has already done. God will bless your obedience and trust in Him. We will definitely keep your family lifted up in prayer!

    In Christ, Liza Williams
    #pdfamilystickstogether

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  5. Praying for that sweet girl and your precious family!

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  7. We are praying for you. God is Good. All the time.
    Have you set up any kind of program where people can help financially?

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  8. Praying for you and your sweet family Jenny. I know you will walk in and experience God's incredible grace and peace with each step of this process. Believing for provision and God will meet everyone of your needs. Miss you and Ron
    Vivi Tucker

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  9. Saw this from a mutual friend. I will be praying for you all. Hopefully, I will meet you one day and give that brave little girl and you a big hug. Love from West Palm Beach

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  11. We are praying specifically alkali the requests you posted and believing complete healing for your sweet girl!!

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  13. Praying for all your babies and for your families financial burdens. God is good, God is great and he is always in control. Good or bad, which can sometimes feel too hard to swallow. I trust in the lord as I know you do too. Sending positive energy your way for positive results. Xoxo -a mom who feels your pain

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  14. Prayers for you, your family and your sweet little Princess!!

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  15. Hey Jenny. We are definitely praying for you guys... Anderson prayed for his sweet friend today when we found out the news... Can't wait to see how God shows His greatness through this. Love you guys.

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  16. Hi Jenny. I knew you at Metro years ago. My family will be praying for yours.

    Psalm 5:1
    But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

    Sing for joy, rejoice in Him. He will protect you. He is good all the time.

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  17. Praying that God's blessings pour down upon your sweet girl and your family. He is God almighty and all powerful.

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  18. We are praying, knowing that God who is merciful and just - will heal your precious Alayna! God bless you and give you his peace and his patience. xo

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  19. I am soooo sorry to hear this news. Larry and I will be praying for all of you. I know you and Ron are very strong, as is your faith... And I have no doubt that our God will fully restore and heal your precious little Alayna. We thank him for what he has already done and for what he is about to do... stay strong and focused Jen and Ron. We love you and will be continually praying for you.

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  20. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 Praying and believing God will meet every need and every prayer will be answered - above and beyond your wildest dreams.

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  22. Praying for you and your family. The greatest thing about children, that I always see when I have worked in the hospital, is that their resilience and strength can be seen in their eyes. The wisdom of babes is always amazing. With that said, your daughter is strong, and most of all, young enough to forget, even this. When I was first diagnosed with a Chronic disorder, Epilepsy, at eight years old, I don't truly remember the needles or the physical pain, I only remember how my parents reacted. It was the first time I ever saw my mother cry. I leave you with this. I know God will heal her, in his infinite wisdom. I pray for you and your husband most of all. Even this difficulty will pass for you. Let go of it as soon as you can, when the storm is over.

    Think, o God, of our friend who is ill, whom we now commend to Your compassionate regard.

    Comfort her upon her sickbed, and ease her suffering. We beg for deliverance, and submit that no healing is too hard for the Lord, if it be His will.

    We therefore pray that You bless our friend with Your loving care, renew her strength, and heal what ails her in Your loving name.

    Thank You, Lord.

    Amen

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  23. Praying and believing, For healing, strength and peace, for your family and precious little one. In Jesus name!

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  24. My heart aches for you. Know your family is being lifted up in prayer from Orlando

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  25. God bless you and your family completely. I would like to ask if there is a donation website anywhere for your family, so that my family may help yours in prayers and any way God may lead us to? Thank you, your strength gives us more strength for things in our lives. Jesus always at her side. Angel and Brandon

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    1. there is a go fund me! I will post the link in the new blog

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  26. Unfortunately, I know exactly what you are feeling and facing. My son, Jay Harrington, also has ALL. The difference is, he was 27 when he was diagnosed. I know this is hard, I've been there. The thought of my "baby" having cancer still shakes me to the core. I am here. Brandi Davis King is a wonderful friend of our family. She has my number. Call me, scream at me, cry with me. Whatever you need, I am here. Your precious child and the rest of your family will be in my prayers.

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  27. A mutual friend shared your story with me. God is Good ALL THE TIME! I have absolutely no doubt that He will carry you all through and everyone will be happy, healthy, and completely whole on the other side of all the trials and tribulations you are facing right this moment. Your beautiful family is in our thoughts and prayers and in our hearts and minds, always. Prayer is such a powerful thing and God is the ultimate healer and He always shows yp just in time! Thoughts and prayers for comfort strength understanding and healing for you all! Love in Christ!

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  28. Oh Jenny, I am so sorry you guys are having to face this! My heart is truly breaking for you all!
    I am continuing to pray for your house tip sell, and I am praying for complete healing and provision!

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  29. I'm praying for your specific requests and claiming the scriptures right along with you and your family. May you feel the presence of the Lord each moment! Much love, Ms. Michele (CAP)

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  30. Ron and Jenny,

    We are standing with you and believing for complete healing over your little love! My heart breaks for what you must be contending with right now...can't wait to hear the great testimony to come! Love, The Smith Family

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  31. RON AND JENNY,
    YOU HAVE SHOWN STRENGTH AND FAITH. WE ARE PRAYING WITH YOU AND FOR YOUR LITTLE GIRLS. STAY TOGETHER AS ONE. LOVE, FELIPE, RENEE, BELLA

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  32. Wow! How amazing, continue your faith in God as he is our comforter and will provide. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through but I can definitely tell God will get the glory through it all. We are praying!

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  33. May God continue to be with you all. My son was dx with Acute Myeloid Leukemia 3 years ago so I feel your pain. Today Alexander is free of leukemia after a Halo transplant from his father, my husband. In Jesus Name your daughter will be touched by The Blood of The Lamb because by his wounds we are healed. In Jesus Name Amen

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  34. May God continue to be with you all. My son was dx with Acute Myeloid Leukemia 3 years ago so I feel your pain. Today Alexander is free of leukemia after a Halo transplant from his father, my husband. In Jesus Name your daughter will be touched by The Blood of The Lamb because by his wounds we are healed. In Jesus Name Amen

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  35. I came here from Cullen & Katie's vlog. I am praying for your family.

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  36. Hi...I am qhaireen from Malaysia.. Stay strong... Everything will be okay... We are here for you and your family..You can do it... Take care....She is so cute...

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  37. Cullen and Katie sent me here :) I hope your beautiful little girl reacts really good to her treatment, and I will certainly keep her in my prayers. Hugs all the way from Denmark <3

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  38. I have seen you and your family on C&K Vlogs. It broke my heart to hear this news and came over to tell you that I will pray for your sweet family. I am amazed on how strong you are in God. Your faith will overcome anything life throws at you. Sending much love and prayers.❤️

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  39. Just prayed for you. My favorite verse is Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever".

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  40. Praying for your family and your specific needs. I have always loved seeing y'all on Cullen and Katie's vlogs and my heart is just broken to hear this news.

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  41. Cullen and Katie sent me here, and I have prayed for you and your beautiful daughter, and your family. You will make it through this because God wouldn't give anything to you that you can't handle! You are strong and she is strong! Hoping that everything go well :) -Johanna at www.johannalydia.blogspot.com

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  42. Prayers going up for you and your family. I just know God's got this!!! :) -Michelle at www.promisesinmyinbox.blogspot.com

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  43. Ron, Jenny, and family,
    You are being lifted up in prayer to a mighty God who cares deeply for you all. His Word will not return to him empty..."With God, all things are possible...I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength".
    Father God, send your Holy Spirit and a host of Heavenly Angels to surround, to strengthen, and to heal Alayna. Guide the Doctors... Make your presence known to this family like never before...bring a calming peace...deliver a buyer for their house, increase their finances, and most of all, secure their hearts and minds to yours. We pray that you would get the glory for it all, that others would seek you as they witness the assurances that we speak of and the confidence that we walk in. We pray all this in the strong name of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

    Ron & Jenny, we are friends of Jacob Miller(he works with our son). Please reach out to us for ANYTHING at all. Alan & Jacque Brotz

    Ron

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  45. Sending my love hope god is watching over you xxx

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  46. Cullen & Katie sent me sending love & prayers to your sweet family & brave little girl!!!

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  47. Cullen & Katie sent me sending love & lots of prayers to your sweet family & brave little girl!!!

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  48. Cullen & Katie sent me sending love & lots of prayers to your sweet family & brave little girl!!!

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  49. I follow Cullen an Katie, they shared your burdens with us. I'm lifting your family up in prayer. Our God is an awesome God and He will work all things for our good, even if we can't understand what's happening. God bless you.

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  50. This news breaks my heart. I was diagnosed with the exact same type of leukaemia at the age of 4. The road was long, and hard, but I am here; a healthy and happy 18 (almost 19) year old. Family, faith, and friendship are what gets people through times like this. Know that love can heal any wound, and I will be praying for you!

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  51. Sent here by Cullen and Katie...prayers for your little angel that she has a fast and complete recovery! God Bless!

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  52. I heard about Alayna from Cullen and Katie's vlogs..I just read her story and you all will be in my prayers! I'm praying for comfort, strength and healing for your family and that sweet baby girl!

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