I get the question a lot of how Ike is doing.  I truly never mind answering this question.  And I don't mind if you ask. But I thought I should post an update pertaining to what life has been like in Leukemia land.

We had clinic today.

His body is still showing no signs of Leukemia.  When he gets a "count check" they are checking to see how his body is responding to all the different drugs the docs have him taking. They want his good white blood cell count to be in a certain range.  Not too high, because that means he is not getting enough meds to kill any remaining leukemia cells.  If the cell count is too low, then it usually means they need to back off on some meds.  So when I say his counts are good, it means his body is responding to treatment as it should be.

So, his counts were good today.

But the day, well that kind of sucked.

Five pokes, and his veins blew every time.

They even tried his foot.

This meant lots of tears, sweat, and another return appointment to try again on Thursday.

This is the life of cancer.  Mostly good days, and some really tough ones.

Tonight, while putting Ike to bed he asked me if he had to go back to the hospital and get more shots.

I told him he did.

He cried.  A lot. And asked why he has "lookenia".  And why he still has to get shots.  And why it won't go away.  I wish I had all the answers, but no one does.

But the Lord, faithful as always, helped me once again.  God dropped in my heart a great illustration. About how these bad cells hide in his body, and the shots inject him with SUPER ninjas.  And they hunt out the leukemia and wham, slam, bam the bad guys.  The story was much more detailed.  This calmed Ike down, and we began to talk about people that don't have super ninja medicine like him.  Another tough conversation.  I hate that part.  But I feel his heart and mine were in a better place after that.

You see, certain parts of this journey have gotten easier and others much harder.  Jacob and I try to laugh about most things.  (Like how at Unity fest the person on main stage was asking if anyone was going through anything, like cancer.  And Laney shouts out, "Hey, Isaac has cancer!" Oh the stares I get when she does this!). But having to talk about death, and explaining why I keep taking him to a place that hurts him.  This is not fun people!

And we will be done with all chemotherapy in January.  Which is super exciting.  But am I ever really done with cancer?  They monitor Ike for the rest of his life.  There is always that chance. Plus, you know too much!  I don't say that out of fear.  Or trying to be pessimistic.  You choose to walk and trust God, but I feel it is a choice I will have to make.  And although time does make things easier, you don't ever forget.  And in some ways, that is not a bad things.  I will forever have a heart for parents whose child is or has suffered.  Or even something as simple as taking your child in for blood work!  I know how awful that can be!  And Mama, my heart hurts with you!

I am thankful in so many ways.  For his icky medicine.  The wonderful nurses.  Seeing my Aunt Kris at every visit.  That my son will live and not die, and declare God's goodness.  I am thankful.  Truly..

The best part is that in meeting Ike.  You would never know he is in treatment for cancer.  Jacob and I do our best never to mention it.  We don't want anyone to feel awkward and really what do you say to somebody when they drop that kind of bomb on you?  Although Laney always has a way of bringing it up.  To everyone.  Even strangers.  Oh, my life with Laney....

So, Ike is doing great.  The Quists' hate cancer.  We hate shots. This will never change.

So, onto the good stuff!  The happenings around here....

The EVIL caterpillar..

Do not let your children play with these guys!  Gabby broke out in a rash all over and was SCREAMING that her hands hurt!  I had another friend that the same thing happened to their child.  STAY AWAY.  We now hate most caterpillars.

Baby Owen came to visit again!  We just love him!  

It is VERY exhausting being at Aunt Linda's house.

And Laney.  I could just shake her sometimes!  She is CONSTANTLY picking Jordyn up and swinging her all over the place.  I told her that she had to keep Jordyn on her butt, or I would spank her.  What does Laney do?  The second I walk away, she picks Jordyn up and places her on her chest.  I come flying back in yelling, "Laney!  I told YOU!  KEEP. JORDYN. ON. HER. BUTT!"

What does Laney say?

"She is Mom!"

I did not specify butt on the FLOOR!  Sigh.  Oh, Laney.

 They really do love each other though

This is the new thing in my house.  Gabby LOVES the way Laney's blankie smells?  I will never understand this.

At the Grandville Library a few weeks ago, they had the critter barn come.  Gabby almost killed the chicks.  I had a lot of mom's giving me the evil eye.  I tried to stop her!  But Gabby is so determined!  And I had ALL FOUR of my kids there!  None died, thank goodness!

Some random day, we used beads and pipe cleaners to make necklaces and things.  This is the princess and her king.

 

And Jordyn.  Sweet, wonderful, snuggly, fat, now sitting Jordyn.  Her hair is SO LONG!  I am constantly un-sticking it from her neck.  This also means LOTS of pigtails.  Hence the wild hair!

My sister Jamie bought tickets for the kids and I to go to Unity fest for my birthday.

People.  Let me tell you.  Talk about a CHEAP fun thing to do with your kids!

If you get the tickets early, they are $10.  Worth every penny!  Everything is free once you get in!  They had a little carnival. Face painting.  Rock climbing.  Barrel rides.  The food was CHEAP and GOOD!  Great music.  And even a park and swings behind the stage.  So you can still hear the music while your kids played!  Jamie and I had a good time! My sister in law Jess watched Jordyn.  But by 8 p.m. my kids were toast.  So, we couldn't stay for Hillsong.  But the kids LOVED their first music festival!

Whew. Finally the end.

You are now up to date on life with the Quists!  Until next time!