Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Rea is Beating Cancer!!

I am so sorry for not visiting nor blogging for a few months now. After coming back from a cruise, I went back to my daughter's house, to catch a flight to go back home to Natchez the next day. But a family crisis stopped me from going home. One of my twin granddaughters, Rea, was diagnosed with childhood cancer. She just turned 2 last January. I canceled my trip, to help take care of the other girls especially when Rea is in the hospital and to give moral support, and I have been in FL ever since.

Rea has always been healthy so she was asymptomatic and none of us ever suspected it. She started limping on her left foot that is why Rochelle took her to the pediatrician to be checked. They both thought it was nothing but the doctor ordered an X-ray anyway, just to be sure. And then the nightmare began, she was found to have a pathologic fracture in her knee. She was immediately referred to a children's hospital and then a series of diagnostic tests followed: MRI, CT scans, biopsies of the knee and main source and they biopsied the bone marrow as well, which fortunately was negative. The tests showed no tumor anywhere else. We were thankful that it went in the knee or we would not have had any sign to get it checked otherwise.

It was very hard for me to take at first. I could not eat nor sleep and I had this constant tight knot in my stomach, but this amazing girl showed me how to be strong by showing her strength and bravery. Now, we are in a fighting mode at full charge and we are going to beat this. Rea's treatment is very aggressive and she is under the care of a very knowledgeable group of physicians and nurses. She is undergoing chemo now and she has handled the treatments and controlled the side effects very well. In fact, she has defied all norms and beat all odds. This week, the nurses and oncologists have prepared us to expect her not to eat until maybe 48 hrs after she gets home after chemo and not to force her to if she refuses, and that she would probably throw up a lot because the chemo given to her this week is very harsh unlike the first 2 cycles. Oh well, she has continued to eat very well and has not vomited at all. In fact, she has gained 0.6 kilos since she was admitted and I am so happy for that. She is so brave, extends her arm for blood pressure and whatever tests she anticipates, including blood drawing, and just watches without moving or crying that sometimes, I forget she is only 2.

Please help us pray for her for a complete recovery and for her to continue tolerating the treatments and procedures as she has been, if not better.

Thank you so much for all the prayers.

Thanks again! I have missed you all so much. I plan to be home in July so I can blog more then, and then back here again in August.

34 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh Christine, she is constantly in all of my prayers.

Helen said...

The news is devastating, yes.... the way everyone ~ most of all your precious granddaughter ~ is rising to the challenge is overwhelmingly positive. I am praying for her recovery.

Vel Criste said...

I am fortunate enough to follow thru Rea's ordeal ( and your family's as well), so rest assured she is in my prayers always. Don't worry about the blog, family comes first no matter what. HUGS TO YOU!!!!

Donna said...

Christine, so sorry you are having to deal with this horrible disease especially with one so young. I just lost my closet friend because of it.
Praying for you and little Rea.
D

Creations By Cindy said...

Oh my sweet friend Christine. I am sitting here in tears as I read your post. I just assumed that you was still vacationing. I am praying now for your precious Rea. I hope you do not mind but I would like to pray now. Dear Father God, I ask in Your precious Name that You will bring a total healing to little Rea. Father keep her safe and cover her under the wings of Your protection. Give her strength. Extend your mercy and grace as only You can do. Give the Doctors, nurses, specialist and all involved perfect knowledge in the ways they should go with her treatment. Give her family a peace that will surpass any understanding they could have. Be there Father to comfort and guide each step of the way. You and You alone are the GREAT Physician. I thank You now for what you are going to do in the life of Rea. Asking all these things in the precious Name of Jesus. Amen
Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Olga Ю said...
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Olga Ю said...

Christinе, a speedy recovery to the girl. I pray for her.

Unknown said...

Praying for you, your family and your precious granddaughter.

Hugs!
Little Bitty Damn Houze

Deanna said...

Dear One,
My heart goes out to you and my prayers go up for you in Jesus name I pray.
d

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Christine I am so sorry to read this, and definitely will pray for her full and fast recovery.

Terra said...

Oh you poor darling, I did not know you and adorable Rea and your whole family are going through such times. You share good news that the treatment, and her reactions to it, are going well.
Prayers for full recovery, and I will friend you on FB.
"For I will restore your health to you, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord." Jeremiah 30:17

Marigene said...

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry little Rea has to go through this horrible disease. My thoughts and prayers to her and your whole family.
Hugs,
M

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

sending love and hugs Christine. Don't forget to take care of you too

Kathleen said...

I will pray for Rea everyday. My sister lost her gson last year, no one should suffer that. May God bring her good health again! Keep us updated.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I haven't stopped praying for Rea specially and for her parents and you, my friend. Being a grandma my heart brakes to hear this. I think maybe you are so brave that the Little one feels this and in her naivity, she just knows that this is what she has to go through to get better.
Big hugs to all of you my friend.
FABBY

Blondie's Journal said...

Christine...I have followed your relentlessly, trying experience on FB, and please know I am saying prayers for little Rea and your whole family. It's such a godsend that you bought the home in Florida. as if God knew you would be needed, and that you have fulfilled, my friend. She is indeed a trooper and I have a good feeling that she will beat this. Much love to you...we miss you but understand that life has a way of making us slow down and know what is the most important.

Sending a cyber hug, sweetie!

XO,
Janie

Barbara F. said...

Christine, I am so sad to read this. I will be praying for this precious little child, Rea. Sending love and positivity to you and your family. xo

Entertaining Women said...

My heart is breaking for Rea, your family, and you. I'll ask the Garden Friends to lift all of you in prayer. I know that you are being covered by many many prayer warriors. Thanks for trusting us with the news. Cherry Kay

Sarah said...

Christine you and your sweet family have been in my thoughts and prayers. I'm happy to hear that Rea is responding positively to all that she has to endure. It is such a stressful time for all of you. Know that your friends are sending positive thoughts your way.

Jojo said...

Christine, You, area and all the family will be in our prayers as you fight this battle. Sending you positive thoughts as you keep the faith through the days ahead.

Sending big hugs, Jojo

Debbie said...

Oh Christine!! I didn't know! I was absent before you were absent so I am out of the loop.

I will pray for your precious little one and for her entire family. I will most definitely pray for your grandmother's heart, which must be so fragile right now.

Praise God for her good fight, and thank God for the wonderful doctors and nurses and scientists who are part of His healing hands.

I can't wait until you post the words, "Rea is completely cancer free!"

Traci said...

I was just thinking yesterday how you hadn't blogged in awhile & I thought you were probably on a fabulous trip. I so wish that was the case. I hate hearing this so much. I just hate cancer so much. Please know that little Rea & your entire family is in my prayers. Please update us when you can.

Unknown said...
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Rosie M. said...

Dear Christine,
Please know many thoughts and prayers are with you. As a Grandma, my heart hurts with you right now. Take care of yourself and know that you are not alone in this challenge. We are all embracing you with strength and hope. Hugs and kisses to your precious granddaughter, Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

Ivy and Elephants said...

Our prayers are with you. Leave it all in His hands, His power is so mighty I just know all will be find for your precious little Rea.
Blessings,
Patti

Crystal Grandeur said...

My Dear Christine...Little Rea is in my prayers.God is great.She is going to get cur eared completely very soon.You have been always a warm person.Your love and warmth will make her alright.God Bless her.Love and hugs...sujatha.

Deborah Montgomery said...

I will continue to pray Christine. so thankful that she is tolerating her treatments. The Lord bless you too as you minister to your family.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Oh dear this hits home to me. Our daughter went through childhood cancer at age 4 (Ewings Sarcoma). She's 27 now and fine. Anytime you feel down or want to share thoughts I'm available.
I pray for Rea and all of you as I know what a crisis this is and how hard it is on the family. God bless all of you. XO Liz

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Christine I am so happy to hear Rea is handling her treatments well...she has the angles watching over her!! Praying for you and your family.

ali said...
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Unknown said...
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Debby@Just Breathe said...

I will be praying for Rea. My heart goes out to you and your family. I am pleased to hear that she has been tolerating the drugs and pray that continues during her treatment.
((HUGS))

ElleX said...

Christine, I will be praying for a full recovery for Rea. Hugs to you and your family.

Unknown said...
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