Wednesday Update

Here is a picture of Kit as "chemo man" fighting the leukemia :-)

My dad is 2/3 done with the chemotherapy treatment (tonight will be his last dose) and, so far, the only side effects are night sweats.

My dad keeps reiterating that we need to pray that the LORD continue to guard him and that as the chemo kills off all of cells (good cells included) he will be protected against infections.

Also, we pray that the bone marrow test (scheduled for may 12) will show that the cancer cells have been killed off by the chemo. We pray that this 2nd round will work!

My dad wants you to know that he continues to fight the good fight...and he will continue to do so.

I leave you with a scripture that my friend Lisa gave me:


"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" Hebrews 4:16

Love, Maisha and the Lauers

Maisha here writing from the hospital room. This is my dad's second day of chemotherapy. Tomorrow will be his last. He is doing well right now but the chemo takes a while to hit his body full on and it will stay in his body for a while.
My dad says he loves you all!

Monday Update-Chemotherapy Day

My dad start his chemotherapy treatment tonight at around 6 pm.
It will be a 3 day treatment and will be around 10 times stronger than the first round.
If at any time, we need your prayers now.
We need the Lord to give Kit strength to get through and survive the chemo treatment intself and all of the complications that it causes by killing off all his blood cells. Following that, we pray that the chemo will work in the bone marrow this time.
Thank you!!
With much love,
Maisha

I'm so glad that my dad was able to write to you himself yesterday. I am writing for him again today though. I am currently in Maui, but have been talking to my mom so I know what is going on. I go back to Oahu on tues.
The good white blood cells are not going up in number (they are somewhere around 300-400). It is possible that the bad white blood, or cancer, cells are crowding them out.
The doctors want to start chemotherapy tomorrow since it seems that this is as good as we'll get.
His liver did not show any of the fungus infection and there are still the same spots in the lungs, but they have not gotten worse.
We would love for everyone to pray that my dad will, first of all, make it through the next round of chemo. It will be more taxing on his body and he is not going into it as strong as the last time. But, like my dad said, we have chosen an agressive stance on beating the cancer. Second, we still have hopes that the cancer will be killed this time and that he will be able to have a transplant.

The Lauer family is still declaring that God is good..."as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD!"

Thank you all for everything! love, Maisha and the rest of the Lauers

The Lord has graciously given me enough strength to speak to you directly today. My first thoughts are all about your love and concern for me and my family. Your generosity has enabled my wife, Shelly, to be by my side here at Kaiser Moanaloa on Oahu. This has been a precious gift to me from you and for that I am forever thankful. "...two are better then one, for when one falls the other can help them up..." Ecc. As you know, we have taken an aggressive stance with the acute case of leukemia that I have. I could have decided to go home, receive some blood transfusions for a few months, but eventually, barring a miracle from God, go quietly into the night. But, collectively, we have all felt that the Lord can still use me...that 60 is to young to just lay it down...so we have taken the aggressive stance of a cure. Statistically, the only cure for what I have is Chemo/bone marrow transplant. As we all know by now, our first round of prayers that the initial chemo treatment would kill the cancer cells was answered with a disheartening "no." But, we have since rallied to attempt a second chemo treatment. The only problem has been a delay because of infection common to the reduced state of the bone marrow immunity production due to the chemo...it has been a battle of a lifetime, the depths of suffering to which I could not do justice with words. At each level of suffering, I found the Lord as my ultimate comfort, "...for when I am weak then HE is strong..." 2 Cor. I have come to the end of myself, yet as promised, the Lord has continually renewed my spirit. When we come to the end of ourselves, then we discover the faith hidden deep within our soul, a faith that has had years of a deep trusting relationship of the love that God has for us in Christ. My advice to all, is to continue laying your foundation deep into the ROCK, who is the lover of your soul, Jesus Christ, the living God, who gave his life for ours. My hope is in Him. Whether I remain for Him here on planet earth, or He takes me home, my life is in His hands. Today I will take some more tests to see if I am strong enough for the second chemo treatment.

My prayer needs are:
1. I would increase in neutraphyls
2. I would be healthy enough for the chemo induction
3. The 2nd chemo treatment would send the cancer into remission
4. I would be able to move toward the bone marrow transplant and being cured.

Regardless of the direction all this goes, I want you to know it has been my great pleasure and joy to serve the Body of Christ at Hope Chapel all these years! I pray for your continued growth in Christ, as you seek the knowledge of the Lord and as you serve Him with your lives.

To all my family, loved ones and friends, ...the sharing of your lives with me has been my life...I appreciate and love you for the unique creation God has made you to be, your laughter, concern, prayers, thoughts, your unique expression has enriched, fulfilled and really made my life experience absolutely wonderful! I am forever indebted to you for the life you have helped give to me. With absolutely sincerity of love and respect for you I run the course that God has set for my life with hope that I bring Him glory. For in Him is the gift of eternal life.

With great love and appreciation for all you continue to do for me and my family, I humbly thank you with all my heart!

kit

Friday update

I want to let everyone know that they do seem to have a good handle on the infection (the infection has delayed the 2nd chemo treatment as you know). We need prayer that there is an increase in neutrophils (as of now there is a stand still). Tomorrow they are going to scan some of the organs to see how things are looking.
Again, thank you for your prayers and support...we can't thank you enough! :)
My dad is still witnessing to the doctors in the hospital...he is trying to get CDs of his apologetics class sent to some of them.
One of the doctors is a Christian and prayed over my dad today.
"While there is still day, he is about my Father's business"
Maisha

Thursday Update

The Lauer family's hearts, and especially my dad's, continue to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of your love.

To bring you up to speed, the "good white blood cells" (aka neutrophils) continue to multiply...they are now at 500, but the doctors would like to see the number at 1000 before he can start the 2nd chemotherapy treatment. He has not had a fever for four days now! Praise God!! :) this indicates that we are winning the infection battle.

Please pray again for an increase in neutrophils and the other components of the blood (platelets and red blood cells-he had to have a RBC transfusion yesterday) as well as a stand still or a decrease in the production of the abnormal white blood cells "blast cells". And, of course, we are praying the when my dad is healthy enough for the chemo...this next treatment will knock out those bad cancer "blast" cells.

We can't thank you enough for the love, care and support that you have shown to us. We just know that we wouldn't be able to make it through this without you guys. Statistically, my dad's chances of making it through the next chemo and having the cancer cells knocked down is around 30%. It is a small target...but as my dad keeps saying that even though it may be a small target...if it is the hand of God then the target will be hit.

"fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. and when you pass through the waters, I will be with you. and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you for I am the LORD your God the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour..." Isaiah 43:1-3

We love you all! Maisha on behalf of the Lauer Family

First, we want to say...thank you, thank you, thank you for the prayers for neutrophils. They doubled in one day. It is still low...but such an improvement. He is on the road to being able to start the 2nd chemotherapy treatment. We just continue to pray for more neutrophils and no fever!

My mom wanted me to say to all of you who are out there reading this blog...from Maui to Cali...to Colorado...to Texas...to the East coast...and as far away as South America and Greece (we have also heard people are praying in Israel and Puerto Rico).
She wants to thank you for the incredible love and support that she has felt. Your cards, emails, presents, phone calls, blog comments, checks/cash, and your physical assistance too.
The help has been more than she could ever imagine. The Hope Chapel family and her clients have blessed her so much financially so that she is able to be here on Oahu with Kit not having to worry about financial responsibilities back home.
Another huge blessing has been Yuko taking over my mom's work responsibilities. She has her crew: Mele, Jen, Jamie, Dio, Marla, Janet, and Chris all working (some even donating their labor for her) to keep the business going. that is such a blessing to my mom.
My mom also wanted to say that when she and my dad used to teach school in Los Gatos, they became close with the Petulla family whose kids they coached. They are letting us stay in their beautiful condo right on the beach (near Diamond head). They are also letting us use their car. What a blessing!
My mom sleeps during the day while others (Buddy, Billy, Maisha, Dawn, Marla, Dickie have taken turns in the day-Joe, Karen and Craig came this past weekend)
Mikey and Shae arrive today for a short visit. My mom wants to thank Ed Sowers and Curt Franks (along with Lita) for setting up the Hawaiian Air miles that you have donated.
Last of all, my mom wanted to thank you for your prayers for Kit, and our family. People and churches are praying all over the world for Kit. The Body of Christ is precious to our family.
(sorry so long...it's from my mom :-)
Love, the Lauers

We are heading in the right direction towards getting a hold of the infection. The fever has subsided...please continue praying for no fevers and increased neutrophil white blood cells.

My dad says, "All of your generosity and love has enabled Shelly to be here by my bedside at Moanalua...and when you have been with someone for 38 yrs that is a great comfort and a wonderful gift shown through the body of Christ, which is a display of God's love and glory."

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

My dad is determined to fight this thing all the way for his family, friends and church :-)

Love Always,

Maisha and the Lauers

Hello all...this is Maisha again writing for my dad. he calls me his scribe :)

My dad wants you all to know that he is making progress on the infection and THANK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS!!!! He (we all) feel(s) them.

Please keep praying for the white blood cells (neutrophils to be specific) to increase so he can keep up the good fight. There has been been 36 hours of no fever so that is a very good thing.

He should be starting the 2nd chemotherapy soon.

What Cancer Cannot Do (it's on a bracelet given to my dad by my aunt):

1. Steal eternal life

2. Conquer the spirit

3. cripple love

4. kill friendship

5. suppress memories

6. corrode faith

7. shatter hope

8. destroy peace

9. silence courage

10. invade the soul

My dad says that he truly loves his family, friends and church body. He focuses on wonderful memories and joyous occasions...times when our hearts came close...and especially close to Him. My dad said that he's actually thankful for the battle he is going through with leukemia because in that battle, he has become closer to the Lord than he has even been and closer to his loved ones than he has ever been. An experience like this totally and completely changes you.

Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

and that's exactly what my dad wants to do.

much love!

Maisha

Those Fighter Cells

As you all know we've been praying for Kit's white blood count (his fighter cells) to increase. His count has been around 0 for the past 3 weeks. Today he had 200, which is a huge praise. Please continue to pray that Kit's white cells will increase. He needs to get up to 1000.

(posted for kit by lisa b)

Day 26

Kit is continuing to press on and is keeping his focus on fighting the good fight so he can make it to the next round of chemo. He has slowly been able to get up and walk each day and he's eating better. Now Kit will give you the verily, verily...Pray that he makes more neutrophils (our fighter white blood cells) so he can get over this lung infection.

Please pray for his immediate family members because this takes such a toll on them. Pray for his two children, Michael and Maisha, that the Lord will help them process this and will comfort them. Pray for his wife Shelly. Being the spouse, she carries the heavier burden.

Kit also reiterates the unbelievable outpouring of love, concern and compassion for him and for his family at this time. He says this is why it's so important to have a church family to belong to, where everybody joins forces to help at times like these. Your financial donations, your cards, your emails, your comments posted on the blog...all of them demonstrate the love of God. And after all, God is love. 1 John.

Our sincere gratitude for all that you guys have done and are doing on our behalf, it's just another demonstration that the love of God is alive and well and active in the body of Christ.

For Kit, by Dawn Lauer (Kit's sister)

Day 24

Dear All,

Kit didn't have a fever today, praise God! He was up this morning walking in the hallway, feeling better. The doctor says they will perform a CT scan at the beginning of the week and if it shows his lungs are clear, he will be able to start Round 2 of chemo around mid-week. He really appreciates all the encouragement he is receiving from you and he feels the strength of your prayers. Please pray that his temperature remains normal, that the extra fluid he has in his legs and arms will go down, and the scan will show clear lungs so he can go forward with his chemotherapy.

Psalm 103 1:5

Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me. Bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives all our inequities; who heals all our diseases. Who redeems our life from destruction; who crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies. Who satisfies our mouth with good things; so that our youth is renewed like the eagles."

Love,

Aunt Dawn

Day 23

Hello Everyone,

Kit is so thankful for all your love and prayers. He feels your strength and encouragement and wants you to know that he loves you all very much. Please pray that his lung infection clears up so he can start his 2nd round of chemo. He is receiving a blood transfusion today. It takes about three hours, so we would appreciate your prayers for that too. All his vitals are good and he is focused on the task at hand...healing for his lungs.

Kit says to tell you not to worry.

Matthew 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tommorow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."

Love,

Aunt Dawn

day 22-hello everyone. as I said yesterday our prayers need to be focused on beating the 2 infections that my currently has (one is pretty much under control and one is not). the results that they have gotten back from the bronchoscopy are negative so far (for some organisms) but they need to wait for further results (to see if other organisms grow on the culture).
In the meantime the doctor (who we all really like) has given him a pre-emptive medication because he is suspecting a very serious mold in his lungs. But, nothing is sure right now.
thank you very much!
Maisha

day 21-my dad says, "the drs are continuing to work on the infection to try to get it under control so they can start the 2nd round of chemotherapy. today, I had a bronchoscopy (I have literally had every once of my body inspected with different procedures, and my organs are healthy...it's just the bone cancer) to try to flush out what is in my lungs and to analyze it. The procedure went well. They seem to have the first infection (yeast in blood) under control but they haven't dialed in on what is going on in my lungs. They have to wait for the cultures to come back and that could take a while. of course doing all this is necessary before starting the next chemo. so, obviously, the big prayer is that this infection in the lungs will be identified and cleared so that I will be strong enough to do chemo."

my dad wants to do his own blogs and respond to comments but he is too weak and can't do it.
we ask again that for the next few weeks he not have any calls or visitors.
Thank you for understanding and thank you so much for the love and prayers.
My dad loves you guys so much and appreciates you all!!
He want everyone to know that he listens to praise songs and is still declaring that our God is a mighty and awesome God and can deliver us from the mouths of lions. He also wants you all to know that he is praying for you.
love, Maisha

day 20-Well, unfortunately, I've got some more bad news. The did find some spots (infiltrates) in his lungs. They are not sure what they are, but they are suspecting pneumonia. tomorrow morning he has to do a procedure to wash whatever it is out of his lungs.My dad has virtually not been getting any sleep...so I need to ask that there be no calls and no visitors for the next few weeks. He needs to get rid of this thing. I hope you all understand.Thank you! and thank you once again for you prayers. We will keep you updated.Maisha

day 19-my dad had a better night last night. He is doing a cat-scan today...they want to take a look at his lungs regarding the infection. Please pray that it is clear. We would also like prayer that he would get better rest; he is exhausted at this point. Is is so difficult for him to rest.
Lastly, as I said yesterday, please pray that he would be rid of this infection so that he can start the 2nd round of chemotherapy.
Thank you all so much!!! :)
Maisha

day 18-my dad had a pretty rough night last night. He called my mom and I at 5 am and told us he needed us to come be with him. He is doing better now. The infection (most likely caused by the port they had put into his chest) is still here...please pray that it leaves soon because it causes my dad much discomfort. and, he won't be able to start chemotherapy unless he is rid of the infection. We are all so thankful (especially my dad) that there is so much prayer going on out there. We have also heard that some of you are fasting and we are just so very grateful.
My dad wants you all to know that he loves you.
I have to say that reading many of your cards and letters have made all of us weep. they are so beautiful and heart-felt. and my dad says he, "cries for happy"
love,
Maisha

Day 17: This is Maisha writing for Kit:
He says, "at first it was hard to wrap my head and heart around the terrible news we just got. I realize that in my own power, my heart would faint, but God strengthens me when I am weak because He holds my heart in His hands. I really believe that. I know that in the trial I am facing, should it end in death (which I don't really believe it is God's will at this point) but even then like Jesus says, "Even if a man dies, yet shall he live because he believes in me" (John 11) and I believe this.
As you know I'm doing a second round of chemotherapy probably starting on tues. Right now they are treating me for an infection. They can't start the chemo until they get the infection under control. Please pray for that.
I'm still getting all kinds of wonderful blog comments, emails, letters and cards...you guys are just pouring out your hearts to me and I feel it. I feel like Moses when he sent Joshua into battle and stood on the mountainside holding up his staff...his arms would weaken and the Israelites would start to lose the battle...so Aaron and Hur would hold up his arms when they got tired and they would begin to win again. So, please don't give up on praying for me because your prayers are what is holding me up just like Aaron and Hur held Moses up.
I love you guys!!!
Kit

Day16: We didn't get the news that we were all praying for. In fact the results weren't even close. We were hoping for less the 5% blast cells (cancer cells) remaining but the cancer cells were still hiding out in the bone marrow and in some places they were as high as 80%. Of course we ask why? Job asked God the same question and God said to Job, "... did you create the universe?" Often He does not answer the way we want Him to. We have several options now. I can take another round of chemo and if that doesn't work there may be a new research therapy at the city of Hope. With the next round of chemo the percentage of success drops rapidly to just around 35% . In the spiritual world, however, we know God can rescue us in the 11th hour just so we know it is him. I have made the decision to start another round of chemo as soon as possible. I am doing this for my family friends and church body. I am just submitting to the will of God. I know He can heal me if that is His will. Thank you for you all your prayers and beautiful cards and letter...your love is holding me up right now "...we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 2 Cor. 4:8-9

Test Results...

This is very difficult to write...but it looks like it hasn't been done yet...so I will do it.  Many of you may already know by now, but the first round of chemotherapy did not really do anything in the bone marrow.   the blast cells in the blood were being killed off...but not in the bone marrow which is the source.  my dad's chances are now more like 30%.  I believe he has decided to do another round of stronger chemotherapy starting in a couple of days.  The doctor told him that if you have greater than 20% chance, you should go for the chemo.

thank you so much for all of your prayers.

With a broken (but still prayerful) heart,

Maisha and the Lauers

 

Update from Shelly

Kit is having a rough day today. He's not feeling well, as it's hard to get a good night's sleep and he has a fever. The doctors are running x-rays to try and isolate the infection.

Kit has not received the results of his bone marrow test yet. He might not get the results until tomorrow.

Please pray for Kit's temperature to go down along with the results of the test as well.

Love,
Shelly

a defining moment

May He grant your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers.
Psalm 20:4-5

Day 14: I took the bone marrow test at 9:00am and as usual, the LORD strengthened me and kept it from being too painful. The Doctor, whom I was able to pray with during the procedure...wow, said my bones are very dense and I said especially my head bone:) but that the LORD was rapidly clearing the fog in my head through this journey. We will get the results of the bone marrow test tomorrow. If the test shows less then 5%...cancer cells...of course we are all praying for zero -0-, then I don't have to go another round of chemo and can move toward the bone marrow transplant. My prayer is that the Lord will answer our prayers with a victory shout for joy! I want you to know that even though I can't respond to all the comments, I love them and appreciate all of them as well as all the cards, letters, e-mails, pictures, financial support, love & concern you have poured out upon me and my family. By the way, Shelly is healthy enough now and is here with me at Kaiser Moanalua. That is an answer to our prayers and a wonderful gift to me. And so, with great expectation, we place all our hope and trust in Jesus Christ our Lord as we await the results of the test tomorrow. As soon as I get the word, I will immediately post it. Keep up your beautiful prayers, for the Lord lends His ear to His children and has all the power to act on their behalf, for He loves His children and desires to give them good gifts. I love you all more than words can express! humbled servant of Jesus Christ -kit

on waiting

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14

Day 13 finds me re-learning this lesson in very dramatic fashion! I am not in pain, nor nauseous, albeit, what little hair I had left seems to be rapidly fleeting:) but the battle when you are facing a mortal enemy is really holding the reigns in on yourself, your mind and thoughts and waiting upon the Lord. We must wait upon the Lord when we are facing circumstances which are beyond our control. For to act before the Lord moves would be foolish and counter productive. Our thoughts and actions should never get a head of the Lord, especially in those circumstances that come upon our lives and overwhelm us. Wait on the Lord...and as we do, our courage to face circumstances otherwise unbearable and frightening for us is bolstered a hundred times as He comes and strengthens our hearts. Tomorrow morning at 9:00am we take the bone marrow test which will tell us whether we head toward the bone marrow transplant and closer to healing or we go another round of chemo. Please continue to join me in praying for -0- cancer cells. Until then, let us wait upon the Lord. I love you guys! ---kit, humbled servant of Jesus Christ

Look around you!

Day 12: I am continuing to recover from the heavy chemo bombardment. Slowly, my body is bringing it's blood counts back up. I had another red blood cell transfusion last night, the Lord, as He has in each transfusion, kept me safe. My appetite is good, no nausea etc...your prayers are being answered and I believe more firmly each day that God is moving toward a complete healing. He has given me visions of specific plans and jobs He has for me in the future here on planet earth. I am not waiting around to be at work however, but as He is at work, so am I. I have had the opportunity to pray with and for most of my nurses, some of the aids and even my doctors. They are sort of stunned as they are transfusing me in the middle of the night, when I ask, "how can I pray for you?"...one of my nurses broke down in tears as she was suffering from the horrible image of discovering her sister- in -law in an attempted suicide, at the same time her son was in harms way in Afghanistan, another nurse was dealing with family problems, another her friend was fighting breast cancer and so the work continues. Just beneath the surface of every human, you will find a soul in need. We carry the gift of life in these earthen vessels (in my case a very broken earthen vessel) but regardless, we are to continue His work of love, care and compassion for others...especially the lost...as Jesus declared, "Look around you! ...Vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest."...and then I love this part; "The harvesters are paid good wages [Jesus says], and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life." John 4:35-36 I can not possibly express in words the power of your love, care and compassion and prayers for me...for your love has lifted me up on wings of eagles and my spirit is soaring high with the Lord. Blessed be the name of the LORD!
Always in love with you,
kit (in very small, humble and broken letters)

The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life.

how your love sustains me

Day 11 -feeling very good, no nausea etc...I am eating well, everyone is surprised at my "good" health...in fact I would be in "perfect health" if it wasn't for the cancer (minor detail..ha..ha) The main thing to pray for remains the same ...we want to see -0-zero-cancer cells in the bone marrow test on tuesday (pray your little hearts out for me!)

We know that God is love and we are sustained by the power of His love...but God does an unusual thing, He choses to express His sustaining love through the love of family, friends, and the Body of Christ. I expressed to my 83 year old mother just today, who by the way, is a cancer survivor herself, that her love for me expressed through prayer, encouragement, hope and just raw motherly concern for her child, was like driving a giant pillar up under a sagging foundation and lifting the whole house. All of you, praying for me, sending cards and letters and testimonies, your financial support, your care and concern for me and my family have litterally been like those giant pilliars rooted deeply into God's love lifting me spiritually and physically to a place of hope and new beginnings. This how your love sustains me:)

From the most greatful heart on earth! Love you all back----kit

"The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lam. 3:22-24

I awoke this morning early on day 10 and looked out my window as dark clouds parted and a beatiful silver white light burst forward to fill my hospital bedroom. The Lord reminded me of all of you guys and all of your prayers and love and concern for me. I was overwhelmed with the thought of so many people praying for me, and sending me cards, letters and posting comments on the blogs telling me how much the teachings, messages, etc meant to your life. it's amazing to know that God has used a person's life to sow into other people's lives at a depth that you're totally unaware of. Again, it just reminds me of how great our God is.
This morning the Lord showed me a picture of His heart for you...it was huge! and written on His heart was, "My heart beats for you". His desire for each of us is that our hearts would beat for Him as well, and so as long as our heart beats...let it beat for the Lord!

The Lord has held any infections from me...I have no nausea, aches or pains. My blood count is still dropping so I have to sustain transfusions pretty regularly but everything is going in the right direction.
The number one prayer is that when they take the bone marrow test (probably tues April 8) the bone marrow will be clear of any blast cells...that there will not be one! and I can go for the bone marrow transplant.
I love you all very much,
Kit

A Message from "Bubble Boy" :)

My dad feels like "bubble boy" right now because he is isolated in his room...his white blood cell (fighter cells) count is at 0.6 which is low but normal after chemotherapy...and the count is continuing to fall (which they actually like to see). so, we have to be really careful that he doesn't catch any bad infections.
This is day 9 and on day 14 or 15 the bone marrow test will be done. that test will be the "moment of truth" which will tell us if the cancer is in remission…if it is and let it be so LORD, to your glory, then Kit will begin to make arrangements to go to City of Hope.
This is what my Dad has told me, "I feel unworthy to benefit from the children who have suffered and their parents with them..friends and families, who have worked and given of their time and resources to develop the technology and knowledge to fight leukemia that we have today…I feel so broken and humbled and so unworthy."
We love all of you!
Maisha and Kit

My dad wanted to sign "I love you" but in case you didn't know sign language he also wanted to write it down :-)

new wednesday update

It's me again :-) I'm here with my dad right now taking over for Buddy and Billy.
My dad is actually having a fairly good day today. He has no fever at this point but sometimes the fevers spike at night. Please continue to pray that the fevers decrease and that he doesn't get any new infections. Thank you so much! I hope that you all are not getting tired of hearing from me.
My dad wanted to include a scripture:
Isaiah 41:18-20
I, the God of Israel, will never forsake them. 18I will open up rivers for them on high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. In the deserts they will find pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the dry, parched ground...20Everyone will see this miracle and understand that it is the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, who did it.
love,
My dad also wants to reiterate that the next 7 days are the most critical because, as I stated before, on day 14 or 15 of the bone marrow will be tested and the cancer needs to be in remission for him to go on to the next step (bone marrow transplant)
Maisha (and Kit :)

Important Stuff...

I want to let you all know a little about the process for a bone marrow transplant. What we know is, first of all, my dad will have his bone marrow tested in one week to see if there are any cancer cells (I mentioned this before). After that, he will possibly have to have another 7 day round of chemo (prayerfully not) and then he will have his bone marrow tested again a couple weeks after that. If there are still no cancer cells, Kaiser Hospital will then run a series of tests (heart test, etc) to see if he is eligible (healthy enough) to go through the bone marrow transplant procedure. If he is (and the doctor thinks he will be) he will receive a packet with info from the hospital on the mainland that he will go to (most likely City of Hope in CA which has a wonderful reputation-I personlly know someone who was there). Then, the screening process begins-and my dad's siblings will be tested first because that have the greatest chance of being a match (even greater than I or my brother do) We found out today that Kaiser only pays a portion of the fees...so we will have to come up with $50,000.
We could really use your prayers and support in the entire process!!! thank you :)
Both of my uncles, Buddy and Billy, are over there with Kit right now and I am soo thankful for that! Uncle Billy has been keeping my dad laughing and his spirits up through this tough time, and Buddy has been playing him worship music :-) I know he loves having them there.
luv, Maisha

I just spoke with my dad this morning and he and doing better.  He had a pretty rough night, but he is doing alright this morning.  He wanted me to ask for prayer that he would find a bone marrow match as that is most likely the next step.  I know my Uncle Buddy really wants to be the match :-)

My Dad wanted me to include a Bible verse, so here is what I chose:

             "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect  the Lord!"    -Psalm 31:24

I will keep on keeping you all updated.

much love,

Maisha