Trad Gang

Main Boards => Prayers/Concerns/Honors/Ailments => Topic started by: BenBow on August 25, 2010, 09:16:00 AM

Title: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on August 25, 2010, 09:16:00 AM
I got this from Adler's care page. This is written by his dad so prayers for Adler and the whole family would be appreciated.

"Adler had his weekly dose of chemo today, and a quick blood test. The good news is Adler was finished in time to make it to band. From there it went south. Anna said they got home from band and they all crashed. Adler started feeling poorly and Ethan is having allergy issues. We have had some car issues so Anna took me to school and picked me up today. Adler puked a couple of times this afternoon. Poor guy, he feels hungry, but doesn't want to eat because he's afraid he will puke. Oh but the fun doesn't stop.

We finally received blood counts this afternoon. Red blood cell dropping slowly down to 8.7, Platelets at 38000. It should be well over 150,000. When he received platelets last week, he was at 5,000. The big thing was his ANC. Last week it was 1200, today 140. The nurse just said. Good thing your home schooling him. Its funny that you get a message like that, and you immediately start getting nervous. I started thinking, "what if I bring something home?" Most of the time you almost try to put all this in the back of your mind. This brings it back to the forefront.

People have asked how are you and Anna doing? I have often said that it becomes routine. You get up you go to clinic, infusion, etc. You just know that when you get up, you go in to check on your boys and one of them has cancer. I was thinking tonight, what a load of crap I have been telling people. I sit here hurting I will admit it. The fact that my son can't leave the house because of fear of getting an illness that could be dangerous, hurts me. Kissing my son goodnight on his nearly bald head hurts. This stuff doesn't happen to me. I have always looked at others with major problems thinking wow, God knew they could handle that. He doesn't give me tough things because He knows I'm too weak, and couldn't handle it. Jokes on me. Just know if you ask how I am, one of these days I may just really tell you. This situation sucks, I hate seeing my son hurting and I am getting tired. I know I will get the Adler I love back, my active healthy Adler. I'm tired of this I want him back NOW!

I was asked if this had strengthened my faith, or weakened it. If God had not shown his role in the quick diagnosis, the hundreds of prayer warriors and the very generous helpers of time, talent, and money, I don't know what I would have felt. Jesus says "Never will I leave you nor forsake you". I can testify that statement is true. I've seen His hand throughout this. Yes I hurt, and I know he hurts for Adler, Me, Anna and Ethan. I know that he will not give me more that I can take. I just need to trust Him.

So Lord, I hurt for my son. Help! Amen!! I will end this with a prayer request that Adler's counts improve so he doesn't need blood this week. I am going to be selfish and ask for personal strength to finish my two classes these next two weeks. Thank you for your support and your continued prayers for my special boy. Much love to all of you. God bless you with the assurance that Jesus is with you today. I don't know about you, but my shoulders feel a little lighter."
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Hooked on August 25, 2010, 10:24:00 AM
Adler's Dad brings tears to my eyes.  I know exactly how he feels because of all we have been through with Garrett.

prayers up from Kansas!
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Rookie@51 on August 25, 2010, 04:57:00 PM
Wearyness comes at us from all over. But to have a child who has been given these kinds of challenges would be almost more than anyone could stand. Both of you make tears come to my eyes but for a different reason. I weep because of the strength you both have to keep the game face on when you would rather scream for God to give you a reason for all of this. I am driven to tears by the way you both have faced this in your families and have shared it with us here so freely. I am strengthen to know that when it is my turn to need prayer in my life that you two will be reading and praying for me to have the strength to be an over comer just as ya'll are. That you will take time out of your lives and situation to lift me up to the same God whom you know is in control of this thing in your lives as well as others. I am humbled to be allowed to share in this with both of your families and for this peek into your lives........P.U.S.H. Pray Untill Something Happens..........Dusty
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: bornagainbowhunter on August 25, 2010, 04:58:00 PM
i have not been where you are, I know I can't fully understand.  I will pray for you and your family, especially Adler.  I know, as a Dad, if his hurting stops, yours will too.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: RayA on August 25, 2010, 05:16:00 PM
We'll be praying here in Texas. God bless you all.

Ray
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on August 26, 2010, 09:13:00 AM
Oh, Benson...

I thought perhaps the last reports being more upbeat, things were going better for Adler.

I share Rookie's reaction and others. Tears flowing down my face here at work. Shame that I lament my meager challenges compared to what some face. Fear that I do not have the Faith that brings strength, but I know God has been faithful in the BIG times of need... and it is I who lacks the perseverance and trust and resign myself, rather than live in hopeful anticipation of His renewal.

Lord in your Mercy, you know I believe, help me with my unbelief. amen.

Lord, my problems are nothing like Adler's. Be with him and help him to recover strongly and bolster his varied blood counts to renew him and sustain him and be with his family and those who love and care for him that they might be renewed and mindful of your presence and give them peace and strength. amen
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Smallwood on August 26, 2010, 10:08:00 AM
prayers sent for Adler and his family
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: bucksdown on August 26, 2010, 10:36:00 AM
benson it really breaks my heart to hear of a sick child. so many of us need to count or blessings. i'm with doc, how meager is our problems when compaired to others. we will be praying for adler, and your family. i'm sure your faith is strong, keep pressing on our brother. we as GODS children will join together in prayers for him.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on November 07, 2010, 09:36:00 AM
Got this off Adler's care page this am. The prayers sent from here have been a great help so please remember Adler during the next 2 months.
   
Quote
It was a good week for Adler. Any week you don't get poison put in your veins its a good week. Adler was more active and in a good mood. I broke up numerous wrestling matches this week. Usually Adler wound up on bottom, but it usually ended up in giggles.

Adler has had his appetite back this week. He has been my little hobbit having 2nd and 3rd breakfasts. He polished off a 10oz steak tonight for dinner. It makes a dad proud to see their boy put away a nice steak. Adler informed me that he is now up to 66lb. All I can say is praise the
Lord.

As you know, Adler begins his chemo again on Tuesday. This is the phase the doctors have told us will kick his bum. Tonight I think it hit Anna and I that our precious boy is going to go through some really hard times over the next 8 weeks. Though this week was awesome, we can not help but think about the difficulty Adler will face, and the pain he will endure.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, It has been nice to see prayers answered. Weight gain, productive week, and lots of giggles were the answer to your prayers. For this, we praise God and thank Him for your faithfulness as prayer warriors. I am pleading with you to lift my precious son up in prayer. Please pray that Adler will remain courageous, and strong. That he will remain faithful to the Lord and continue to put his trust in Jesus. We know these next 8 weeks will be difficult, and we will be relying on God's love, grace and faithfulness. However we want you to know that you intercession on Adler's behalf is and will continue to be very important, and it means so much to us.

Enjoy your day of worship, and enjoy your week. Much love to each of you!!! We will keep you posted on how things go this week.
 
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Shakes.602 on November 07, 2010, 02:00:00 PM
May the Power of God see Him, and His Family, Through this Very Rough Time. Please Jesus, Ease the Pain and Suffering for ALL Involved, I ask this In Your Name Jesus Christ, Amen.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on November 07, 2010, 02:46:00 PM
Can't see to type... can't see screen... makes me want to bawl out loud! Deep breath:

Thank you, Jesus, for the small gifts of Grace bestowed on so many in the midst of crisis and for the gains Adler has made specifically. Never let us stray so far that we are mired in the hurt without the memory of the empty Cross and that this world, this world..is not our final home.

If it be THY will, bring Adler through this last round of chemo well and with strength and reserves that baffle the docs that empowers this courageous family might be strengthened to witness loudly in your name the praises to you for Adler's healing. Amen.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on November 09, 2010, 07:45:00 AM
Here's a note from Adler's dad that he put on last night. Today is the start of the worst of the chemo.
"We took Adler out tonight for dinner. I thought it would be nice for him to have what he wanted before tomorrow. He went with a combo plate of ribs, shrip, and chicken add in a large helping of rice, beans and cole slaw and you have one heck of a meal. Top it off with a brownie and ice cream. The boy ate all but the slaw. His goal tonight was to go to the hospital tomorrow at 67lb.

I was amazed at his attitude tonight. We didn't mention treatment or cancer once tonight. His ANC number today was 1000 and that was discussed but no further. He was just a hungry growing boy tonight. It was nice evening. His courage is beyond my comprehension. His endurance is unbelievable. His joy is amazing. He even asked Anna tonight if they could bring homework to work on after his spinal tap and while he is getting the other 3 drugs of chemo. I think we all know where he gets it from. It sure isn't his daddy. It can be no other than our faithful father in heaven. Yep He is listening and he is answering with a definite YES.

I know you will be praying for my brave son. I want to ask you to take a moment tomorrow to just praise God for his love for you and Adler. Praise Him for his faithfulness and mercy. After all, He is an awesome God. Thank you...I have to tell you that as I sat here tonight it was almost like you could just feel the presences of the Lord surrounding this family. Its really a different feeling a peace that has come upon me tonight. Wow!!!

Much love to you my dear friends. God bless your day, and your ministry tomorrow."
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on November 09, 2010, 10:24:00 AM
No words can add to that testement!
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Rookie@51 on November 09, 2010, 09:17:00 PM
Been out of pocket for a couple of weeks but I'm back. I will praise the Lord for the good news and ask Him to give Adler good days thru the rest of his treatments. I pray that he will glide thru with little or no trouble. The Lord knows the way this will play out. Thanks for the update and for allowing us to peek into your lives. God Bless you and yours.............Dusty
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on November 12, 2010, 09:03:00 AM
Today's carepage update be a good day to pray for Adler.
Thanks.
   
Quote
As we expected,Adler has slept and slept over the past two days. His back still hurts from the spinal tap, his muscles still ache, and his tummy is off and on upset. When I got home at 5 yesterday he was asleep. He got up and had dinner and took a warm bath, watched a little tv and went to bed.

Today Adler gets his P.E.G. shots. He told Anna yesterday, that he didn't mind the cancer stuff. He said I would rather not have it, but mom, I hate those PEG shots. I think the boy would take an extra month of chemo not to take those shots. He is so brave, such a strong boy.

Father in heaven, Thank you for Adler. You created such a special young man. I am blessed by him and his brother. Give him an extra measure of courage today to take these shots. I ask that you use these drugs to put an end to Adler's cancer so that he may live cancer free for the remainder of his days here on Earth. Amen
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: kill shot on November 12, 2010, 12:19:00 PM
Prayers sent. The strength your showing to each other is admirable. I know thats easy for me to say, as this has never happened to our family. Thank you for bringing this to this forum. There's power in prayer. Once again, your a testimony.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on November 12, 2010, 09:57:00 PM
Adler needs to gain weight and fast or could be in serious trouble. Got this from his dad this evening.
   
Quote
Dr. Winter checked Adler out today in clinic, and was amazed at how much weight he had lost. If you were to feel Adler's back all you feel are spine, ribs and scapula. Dr. Winter said with so little body mass, the chemo can become really toxic to the body if the kids don't have enough mass. He said we are finished messing around with the weight. He either gains 2.2 lb by tue. or he will be required to get a feeding tube. This isn't the first time this has been mentioned, but Dr Winter said this was no joke this time. The boy must start adding weight or he will be really hurting by the end of the treatments come December.

I'm sure you know what I am going to ask, but here goes anyway. I am begging you to lift this boy and his weight gain up to the only one who can make this happen. I know he will hear our prayers and answer them according to what is best for Adler. I am just sick thinking about Adler having to go through another thing.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Stone Knife on November 13, 2010, 05:26:00 AM
Lord please help this child, his fate is in your hands alone, I'm praying for a positive outcome here. Lord have mercy on this child.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Nosight on November 13, 2010, 12:58:00 PM
Prayers from here..
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: nutmeg on November 13, 2010, 04:58:00 PM
Prayers sent from Texas. (nut)
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Al Dente on November 14, 2010, 07:50:00 PM
Faith, Prayer, Strength, Tenacity.  May His words help and heal.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on November 15, 2010, 11:13:00 AM
Lord, giver of life, only YOU can help Adler at this point...we pray in Jesus name that you will lift this lad up, help him gain weight and be your warrior for many years to come having beaten this Cancer through YOUR Mercy and loving Grace. Amen.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on November 18, 2010, 11:03:00 PM
Nothing I can add to this from Adler's dad.
   
Quote
Alder has had off and on bouts of fatigue, so he sleeps when he needs too. I was blessed to day to have Anna and the boys show up at school for the thanksgiving dinner. It was a treat to see them and have dinner with them. Thinking about this week, I think as we near the thanksgiving celebration, we can start to think about just that. What are we thankful for? Tonight, I am thankful for a nice week for Adler. Anna and I sit and wait for the bottom to drop on the blood counts, but we will just thank God for each day that he feels well, and blood counts are good. Speaking of thankfulness, last night we began our blessings journal. Each person in our family writes down 5 things they are thankful for or that is a blessing in their life. One of Adlers was "the assurance that God is with me" Talk about bringing tears to my eyes, it was hard not to lose it when he read his. I praise God for the faith that he continues to build in this boy. To God be the glory!!!!
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on November 19, 2010, 10:04:00 AM
Indeed---to God be the Glory! Amen
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on November 22, 2010, 10:27:00 AM
Prayers are working thank you and keep it up please.
   
Quote
Will you please just give Jesus praise and glory right now. He blessed Adler so much last week it was a true miracle. Adler finished the week off with an abundance of energy. He played basketball with Ethan, he played the Wii (some very intense games by the way) with Ethan. He was able to help Anna clean (...dust) the house  :)  It really was amazing. Top it all off with a big appetite and you have one amazing week. I haven't seen the kid eat like this in a long time. They said this would be the worst yet....Docs don't know our God and His power.

For this week....Adler has chemo on Tuesday and I believe a spinal tap. I'll have to check on that one. My parents are coming in for the holiday, so we are just really praying for a continuation of strength and energy for Adler this week so he can enjoy thanksgiving with everyone. Please pray for safe travel for all who will be traveling this week.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on November 22, 2010, 01:45:00 PM
Prayers up for Adler and travelers everywhere...
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: stringstretcher on November 22, 2010, 04:17:00 PM
Prayers for Adler, may the lord give him strength and health.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Rookie@51 on November 22, 2010, 07:40:00 PM
What a blessing for Adler and family and at the same time a blessing for you to share this with us. I thank you for keeping us in the loop. Yes Lord please keep those who will be traveling safe and continue to show forth you power in this family's life. Thank you for hearing our prayers and thank you for those who have lifted this request up daily. Bless all who would take the time to stand in the gap on behalf of this family. Lord in your time and in your power all things are finished. In your Name ....... Amen.......Dusty
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on December 01, 2010, 07:36:00 PM
Another update and another thank you for your prayers. As you will see in this update that Adler has a long way to go but the future looks better. Still a fight but better. God is so gracious.
   
Quote
Can I just tell you how powerful you are and what an awesome God we have. It is unbelievable what God has done in Adler. He continues to gain weight, he continues to have an appetite, he continues to have energy. He is doing better beyond what I could have ever imagined. It may be my negative side coming out, but I expected or planned for only the worst. God has had other plans. Not to say Adler will not have a moment over the next few weeks when things get tough, but for now, God is blessing him with everything we have asked, and then some. You want proof that we have a God of love. Look at Adler.

It is amazing that the creator of the universe would take the time to lay his hand on this one little boy. I am in awe of his power, his love, his grace, his mercy. To God be the glory, to God be all praise.

This week Adler had a break. Yesterday his ANC was 4000. We know those numbers can drop fast within a few days, but the fact that they are that high completely amazes me. Next week we begin the final push. His last chemo dose of this phase will be on Dec. 28th. That will be a huge milestone for him. After that, its just once a month until Sept. of 2012. Needless to say, we may have a small celebration on the 28th.  :)  
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: 4dogs on December 01, 2010, 08:27:00 PM
AMEN, Hallalooooya and praise god!!! Thats great news, I have seen these blessings before and have been blessed to see them in my family and they are inspirational every time...We got to keep praying its working!  :pray:    :pray:
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on December 02, 2010, 12:40:00 PM
Lord sure finds ways to remind us (me) of our smallness and need for total humility in His presence.

This is wonderful news for Adler and the family!

Thank you, Jesus!!
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on December 14, 2010, 09:09:00 AM
Adler's ANC is finally up enough to continue here's last nights carepage update and a picture of Adler and his dad with matching dues
   
Quote
Just a quick note to let you know we have a God who hears and answers prayers. In His perfect timing, He has given Adler the counts needed to begin his chemo again. Adler's ANC was 1584. Please join me in praise of our great God for his faithfulness and grace. Adler will go in tomorrow at 8 for a spinal tap, infusion (2 drugs) and pills. One of our at home nurses (Tom) is here to get Adler started on his hydration. He gets to carry "little buddy" his hydration pack and pump around with him for the next 24 hours. Sad to see it started, but glad that the end is nearing.
Please pray for super human strength, and endurance to get Adler through these next few weeks.
Take some time tonight and give your loved ones a hug, and let them know how much they are loved. We will be loving on the boys extra tonight.
Good night God bless!!! Much love to all of you.
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o241/galnmax/Adleranddad.jpg)
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on December 15, 2010, 12:14:00 PM
Hard time for Adler and dad with this last batch of chemo.
 
Quote
Adler's stuff went well yesterday....and quickly. The spinal tap doc was waiting for any patient to walk in so Adler was the first. He grabbed him and did the tap right away. I believe Adler was in recovery by 9AM and they were out by 10. Infusion was to be at 1 so they went up and got in. Finished up by noon when we expected it to be 3. So I would say it went well.

You would think by now that I would begin to get immune to seeing your child hurt. After a very long day, I come home to my precious boy hurting. His head hurt, his tummy hurt, and he did not want to take his chemo pills last night. I took every bit of strength I had not to weep for/with him has he laid in bed. You know it is coming, and yet you hope that it will not be as bad as you expect.

I know that those who have had children have seen them hurt before. I was stopped last night with the thought of the cross. I know Adler's condition and pain do not come close in comparison to what Jesus went through for you and I. However, in some ways I feel that I continue to get a better understanding and feel of the true and deep love God has for me knowing the pain He went through watching His Son suffer. My heart aches for Adler, I can't imagine how much God's heart ached for Jesus.

Even now through 8 months of this, and seeing God's might hand and His works, I still find moments where I question His wisdom and plan. Why must he hurt so much Lord? Why my 9 year old son? I guess you all get to see my "little faith" . I only wonder if these questions will ever be answered. I'm thankful we have a God who can handle a little questioning.

I am asking that you pray for my Adler. Ask our mighty God to give him a double portion of strength and courage. Ask Him to continue to strengthen Adler's faith through this. Though I question His works, I know that God's works are wonderful, I know that full well.

I thank you for your love and prayers for Adler and our family. We continue to praise God for you and the faith He continues to build in each of you. Please know how much we love you and appreciate you. I think Adler would take a hug from each of you today. We know that will not happen, so in his place, hug someone who needs a hug today in place of Adler. Much love!!!
 
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on December 15, 2010, 12:20:00 PM
Wow... hard to be at work w/ tears in my eyes, but to see such a witness of faith...such growth in Grace as Adler and his family...especially these incredible testments from his parents, brings me to my knees.

Indeed, we cry at the least pain and what Christ endured is beyond human comprehension.

Thank you Jesus.

Prayers for strength and God's special protection for Adler.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: F Thomas on December 16, 2010, 03:08:00 AM
Prayers for Alder and his healing.  Prayers for his family for strength and peace.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: BenBow on December 17, 2010, 08:43:00 AM
Praise God and thank you for your prayers!
   
Quote
I couldn't remember if I had told you that we have an awesome God. Now I will admit to you this chemo stuff has me stumped. I don't know what to expect anymore. Adler was hurting on Tuesday night. Today he has been doing well. He has received the ARAC each day this week Tues-Fri. He has been at basketball practice with me helping me set up stuff for drills. He looks good, he seems to be feeling good. I can only direct you to the power of God, and the power of prayer. It really is remarkable how well he is doing. We were told that he would need blood products by now. Again...My God is bigger than Cancer, bigger than low blood counts, bigger than low weight. Not only does he provide for Adler, but he saved Adler, and all of us from our sins. Have I mentioned we have an awesome God?

When I sit here and look back on this journey, I can't help but see the hand of God in all of this. I'm not sure if I told you that I prayed and prayed before Adler went in for his biopsy that the tumor would be gone, just to show the world that we have a God that still does miracles. I was disappointed when it didn't happen that way. Is his tumor gone...Yes. In God's time. I look back and think I would not have been blessed over these past months by the people of God's holy church had it worked out the way I had planned. We would not have met so many amazing people. God truly is amazing. Yes, I am blessed by a God who does what is best for me, best for Adler and best for his church. To God be the glory.

Adler continues to do well. Please continue to pray for strength. We thank you for your continued love and support. God bless you with a restful weekend...Enjoy the snow in the morning before it melts.  :)  Much love!!!
 
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Stone Knife on December 17, 2010, 12:17:00 PM
Praise Jesus and continuing to pray for a miracle. Lord hear our prayers for Adler that this child is completely healed and free from pain, Amen.
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: Doc Nock on December 17, 2010, 01:26:00 PM
Amazing God, indeed.  Amazing faith in Adler's family, too...

Total surrender reaps His total rewards. A lesson I've yet to learn but appears these good people have!

Thank you, Jesus. Prayers continue for Adler's progress!
Title: Re: Update on Adler 12/17/10
Post by: zarch on February 15, 2011, 12:35:00 AM
Prayers sent Hang in there Dad God bless