Hello friends.
The tradition on the 1oth floor (Pediatric Oncology) at DeVos Children's Hospital is that whenever a child completes their chemotherapy treatments, the entire staff holds a big "no mo chemo" celebration in their honor. The Doctors and nurses and other professionals line up by the exit doors of the clinic with huge signs and banners and applaud the courage and perseverance they've observed over the previous weeks, months, or years. Luke has enjoyed watching a bunch of these ceremonies happen for other kids, and always dreamed of the day when he would finally be finished with his own chemo treatments so he could celebrate with his caregivers. Once Luke found out he would no longer be receiving chemo (his current treatment is a different kind of therapy), he immediately requested a "no mo chemo" ceremony of his own. It was bittersweet, because in Luke's case the chemo treatments have not eradicated the cancer from his body, but it was a really meaningful (see photos!) milestone for Luke. Luke was treated with chemotherapy for 20 consecutive months, which is about 10% of his entire life. Crazy. Overall, he feels much better without it. He no longer feels dizzy and foggy all the time, and his nausea and the other stomach discomfort is mostly gone. His hair is growing back. His blood counts are strong. We are thankful for these blessings. At the same time, we know it is likely that, without the chemo, the cancer in Luke's body will progress. He has already begun to experience a nagging cough and some difficulty catching his breath because of the tumor in his lung. His Doctors are hopeful that his new treatment will stabilize the disease, but we have no way of knowing. The expectation is that eventually the cancer will grow, but so far that hasn't happened, and we continued to pray that God will reach down and scrub Luke's body completely clean of this awful disease. Zero cancer. That's the goal. Thank you all for your continued prayers. We are so thankful. A few updates: 1) We are 20 days away from Luke's Work Crew assignment at at TimberWolf Lake. Please pray for Luke's overall health to remain strong enough for him to participate. He really wants to fulfill his dream of serving on Work Crew at a Young Life camp. He's been assigned to the laundry and housekeeping crew :) 2) Over the past few weeks Luke has had a steady stream of visitors to our home. That makes a huge difference. It's amazing how much brighter things are for Luke when he gets to hang out with others...he's always been energized by people. 3) We continue to receive a steady stream of encouraging cards, emails, and texts. Because we continue to make trips to Grand Rapids once or twice each week, the Speedway, Amazon, Chick Fil A, and Jersey Giant gift cards continue to be a huge blessing. While our circumstances continue to be heartbreaking and exhausting, we are so grateful for every single day we get to spend with Luke. He's the best. Our prayer remains the same. We can't stop, WON'T stop praying for God to heal our boy. (James 5:14-16) God bless, James & Lu (for Sam, Jay, & Luke)
13 Comments
Gene Orlando
7/3/2017 11:14:41 am
Luke you're an inspiration to me! You're living out God's mission and no matter the crosses your Faith an Courage is JESUS Strong! You're making a difference!!
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Chris and Taylor Oakland
7/3/2017 11:17:39 am
NO MORE CHEMO! We are SO proud of you, Luke.
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Woj
7/3/2017 12:37:00 pm
ADIOS, CHEMO! Love ya so stinkin' much Luke!
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Allan and Annie
7/3/2017 01:04:23 pm
So proud of you Luke. Praying with you guys! Yes for No more chemo; praying for no more cancer!
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Jen
7/3/2017 02:24:41 pm
Luke-you have been such a champ. An example of bravery and strength without complaining. Way to go, man. You absolutely amaze us. Praying for you each day.
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Lynda
7/3/2017 04:14:46 pm
Phew! Way to persevere, Luke! Praying for an awesome, amazing, incredible work crew experience!!!!
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Renee Mosley
7/3/2017 04:17:47 pm
Luke, you have the best smile! I'm so glad you got to say goodby to chemo. You are an inspiration to so many. We continue to pray for you. Have a great week!
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Sue Provencal
7/4/2017 05:29:12 am
So thankful you were able to experience no mo chemo. (A well earned privilege!). Praying for your young life camp service that God will strengthen you both physically and spiritually. Also praying that one day you will be able to celebrate no mo cancer!
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7/4/2017 08:10:04 am
Way to go Luke! I'm praying for you man, eager to see you enjoy your time at the young life camp! Hopefully, we can visit in the coming weeks and catch up. Happy Fourth of July!!
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Greg Van Nada
7/4/2017 08:40:35 am
We are so thankful that you do not have to endure any more Chemo and trust the new treatment is easier on your body and much more effective. We continue to pray for no more cancer. We are are praying for your camp experience and can't wait to hear all your stories about your time there. We love you. Greg and Christine
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Evy Sommerlot
7/4/2017 03:43:02 pm
Yay Luke! We are praying for an awesome time at camp. Can't stop, won't stop praying for you and your family. Steve and Evy
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Chad
7/7/2017 01:39:34 pm
Luke, you are a hero to us all! You inspire us to keep moving one day at a time and maintain a strong spirit whether the day is fun or discouraging. We are excited to hear about your adventures at Timberwolf... have a blast!!!
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Katie
7/8/2017 07:25:30 pm
Praying for zero cancer.
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