Tuesday was a rough day. It was Anna's first day on the Cyclophosophamide and she reacted to it in a bad way. Anna's face had extreme raised, red splotches all over and her lips were swollen. She got really sick and this caused her Daddy and Mommy to be quite concerned. She was already on Benadryl for nausea and we thought it should also take care of any allergic reactions. The splotches gradually decreased and the Dr. was able to put us at ease. She assured us that if her reactions got worse than we would have alarms going off all over the place, and people running in to help her.
Yesterday was a better day. Though Anna remains feeling pretty awful, she did not react to the drug the same as Tuesday! She actually was able to get up and walk two laps around the 8th floor wing!!! She also asked for some saltine crackers and Sprite, then asked for string cheese...and she ate it all! That's the most she has eaten in days! As you all know, today is Anna's day off. Not that she will get to be left alone from meds and vitals, but that she will not have any chemo drugs put in her.
Anna's neighbor is a young lady named Lyndsey. She must be about Anna's age and is on her third relapse of cancer. Please pray that she can conquer cancer once and for all! Lyndsey sent over this huge balloon for Anna! It was so sweet! She wanted to deliver it herself, but wasn't allowed at this point. So it was delivered by a nurse. She also gave Anna a black wristband that says, "stupid cancer!" What a sweet gesture, one young lady with cancer to another. I hope we can in turn, minister to her and her family.
Tomorrow is the big day! Daniel goes in at 12:45 p.m. for surgery to harvest his bone marrow. The surgery will last about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Then he will have a 45 minute recovery time before being released. The hospital staff has said that if everyone is healthy, they encourage the family to all be there with Anna as she gets the bone marrow. They celebrate transplant day as a big 2nd birthday, as she receives new life into her body. Craig has already gotten to explain to some that this won't be her second birthday but her THIRD!!! She was born physically (17 years ago next week!), then born again through the blood of Jesus, and tomorrow, given another life from her brother's bone marrow. We are so blessed to be given the gift of life, both physical and spiritual! And to be given the opportunity to share it with everyone we come in contact with! We are thankful for all of the prayers being offered up on Anna's and our behalf! We feel the presence of God in every circumstance!!!!
Wow, I can't imagine what the chemo was like to go through... Prayers for comfort during the treatment were plentiful! It's good to hear she is eating some more! Praying today for a GREAT day of rest, relaxation and time with family! Will be praying a TON tomorrow! Is there a scheduled time for the transplant, or will that be decided depending on how the extraction from Daniel goes?
ReplyDeleteAs soon as its out if Daniel, it will be brought up to Anna's room and given. So, yes it will depend on how quickly Daniel's surgery goes. :-)
DeleteOk, I figured as much. How is it administered? is it surgical, or do they use the port somehow?
DeleteThe bone marrow will be administered through her Hickman line- relatively easy for Anna. :-)
DeleteSo happy the meds didn't affect her as bad the next day! It is good to hear that Anna is meeting people who can realte to what she is going through and encourage her. What a blessing! And how wonderful to be able to share Christ while celebrating her 3rd birthday!!! We will continue to be in prayer for you!
ReplyDeleteThe Hilsons
Will be praying for Anna and Daniel and the whole family tomorrow! God bless you all!
ReplyDeleteWow, it is very hard to read this, and I can't imagine what she's going through, but this I know, our solid Rock will never fail to be our shelter in the time of storm. He is truly our hiding place. He has promised to be our strong tower, no matter what! "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35,37. I love you guys!
ReplyDeletePraying for all of you. So awesome to see the Lord's mighty hand on Anna and all around her.
ReplyDeletePraying for sweet Anna and Danial that things will go good tomorrow--she is trying tobe so strong and I hope her strength will start to come back. Praying for your whole family that God will give you a special kind of Grace. Cheryl Morris
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Anna is feeling a bit better. I was thinking about her and her "day of rest" today. I'm praying for both Anna and Daniel for tomorrow's procedures and for Daniel to have a speedy and complete recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about Lyndsey... praying for her and her family too. Not that I'm glad either of you are there, but I'm glad you are there for each other. Hope you understand what I mean, Anna. I'm glad you're eating a bit more. I was thinking about you yesterday when I made chicken and dumplings.. I know you're not ready for them now, but when you are, just let me know... anytime! I miss you much and wanted to let you know that my therapist said I did really well today... he was surprised. You have been a tremendous inspiration for me. Thank you!!! Love you much! Hugs, Mrs. Potvin
"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.' ~ Psalm 31:24
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." ~ Philippians 4:13
Lifting each of you up before the Throne of Grace.
ReplyDeleteMay He supply Anna and Daniel with His strength that is made perfect in weakness and give abundantly the rest of the Houstons much grace. We love you,
The Bowers Family
Continuing to pray for you, Anna, and will be praying fervently for you and Daniel tomorrow - that the procedure will run as smoothly and painlessly as possible. I thank the Lord for giving you such a sweet neighbor! Thank you so much for your sweet testimony, encouragement, and friendship. Love you so much! <3
ReplyDeleteWe love you guys!!! Anna's strength is amazing and Daniel's bravery is inspiring. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteThank you once again for keeping us updated on how things are progressing. Continuing to steadfastly pray for Anna, Daniel and the entire Houston family. I miss Anna as well and am thankful for her wonderful testimony. As you stated will be praying for opportunties for you to minister and witness to Lyndsey.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you.
Love and many prayers,
Rick Potvin
Pr. 3:5-6
Anna, seeing you still smile, makes me cry, but somewhat happy tears! you are so strong! still smiling though you feel cruddy... im praying this will be the last time you ever have to feel this bad! and that your neighbor will be healed completely also!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Houston, Daniel, and Anna -- your positive, thankful, faith-filled attitudes are such a testimony and example. I will continue to support you in prayer, especially tomorrow. May the Lord give you all the grace and peace you need for tomorrow. <3 AmyT
ReplyDeleteOur family appreciates your updates and has been praying for you all daily! You are such an inspiration and we look forward to hearing of Anna feeling much improved soon!
ReplyDeleteUnceasing prayer in Spokane,
The Poole Family
Joshua 1:9 (NLT) This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
ReplyDeleteEVERYWHERE. He will be with you. Praying for you all!!!
Dear sweet Anna, I love you so much. I know I don't comment often, but I think of you every day. You are such a beautiful example to me. I admire you for your bravery and amazing spirit. I'm so glad that there is this blog that Emily can update so that we can all follow along on this journey and pray. Many hugs to you, beautiful girl!
ReplyDeleteJenny Savage
Psalms 66 & 67
ReplyDeleteYou know we are all praying for you, esp. today. Asking God to guide the Drs. hands & minds, and to provide healing for Anna, with comfort & grace to Daniel...the bone marrow provider. May this soon just be a memory!
ReplyDeletePS: Got our churches prayer band update & praying for you too!
ReplyDeleteWishing we could send some sunshine & warm FL breezes your way!
Sending more prayers and love from Ohio on this very important day. We love you. Thank you Daniel for this great gift to Anna, you are a hero to us.
ReplyDeleteI know you are surrounded by love but I still wish I could be with you and Anna. Praying for your comfort and strength!.
God Will Provide, Love, the Fehlens
I would like to share something inspirational, but only tearful groans are coming out. We are thankful for the example you have been to our family. First and foremost, for your dedication and love of Christ Jesus, for each other and all those around you. We lift you all up in prayer for God's strength through His grace and mercy. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10!!!
ReplyDeleteWe love you,
The Reydell Family
Love you all, Houston Family! Praying for you all on this day.
ReplyDeleteAmber Bernard
To God be the glory great things hath done. God never moves without purpose or plan. Rejoice in the Lord alway and again I say rejoice. I thank the Lord for being amazing and astonishing and for allowing us to experience His mercy and geace. We know He will continue His plan today when brother and sister are united in a miraculous event, a transplant. Oh how wonderful it is to realize how we are fearfully and wonderfully made. I am praying and thanking the Lord for this day. You are all loved.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Anna, Daniel, Emily, Craig and all the Houston family! So sorry to hear of such extreme pain and sickness. Just breaks my heart. We are so excited for today, your THIRD birthday, Anna!! Praying for God's healing and His strength and peace and comfort to be yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy to meet you - a brother in Christ - this morning Craig! I am seriously SO excited that today is Anna's transplant. What an incredible gift - how wondrous that such a thing is possible! I am praying that God would simply delight to make your new cells/immune system to feel right at home! My little lady, Allistaire, is just below in 7303. Much love to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteDear Houston Family,
ReplyDeleteWe are continuing in prayer without ceasing for you all. We love you.
In Him,
The Olsen Family
LOVE TO MY LITTLE HEROS! Missing you, Houstons!
ReplyDelete