May 2007

Good Morning,

It’s been months since we’ve sent out an update. I became a little discouraged with writing his updates and emotionally, for a time, it became difficult for me to write them. Since Steven’s last email Gabriel has had no admissions to the hospital. His admission for fever, neutropenia and his third C-Diff, in February, concerned his doctors. With Gabriel being in Maintenance phase of chemotherapy he should not experience neutropenia as often as he did in prior phases of chemo. Therefore after he was neutropenic in February his doctors lowered his chemo dosage and gradually increased his dose back to his normal dosage of chemo in the months. They scheduled him for regular IVIG’s once per month because of the recurring C diff and to build his immunities from the chemo given to him. They also switched his antibiotic taken three days out of the week to a more tolerable antibiotic for small children taken everyday. Should he experience neutropenia again the doctors will do a bone marrow to insure his cancer is still in remission.



Gabriel has been doing great! Our latest concern was a cough with running nose he’s had on and off the last year. We’ve tried a few things, recently, the breathing treatments have helped him. His anesthesia nurse, yesterday, told me she’d remember Gabriel mostly for his cough and congestion during his procedures. In yesterday’s procedure she’d noticed a big difference in his lungs and she did not need to put the oxygen mask on him this time. Yay!!!

Gabriel’s G tube was taken out in April. He is maintaining his weight, his hair is beautiful. His doctors tell me often how great Gabriel looks, how beautiful his hair is and how much he has improved within the last six months. Gabriel can now run, climb, walk better and do things normal kids can do. Steven and I have moments, often, where we look at him or see him doing something he couldn’t do before and we just thank God. Gabriel has come a long way. His speech is advanced, one of his doctors told me.


Justin is a great leader. He wants to make sure his younger siblings have what they want. His social life is important. He makes friends wherever we go. And he says the cutest things like, “Daddy you my best friend.” Adrielle has been walking for the last month and she is the princess. The boys are at times a little rough but for the most part they give her what she wants. If she gets fussy Justin will find toys and books he thinks will calm her down. And if that doesn’t work he picks her up, brings her to me and says, “Mommy this is your baby.” Our children are a blessing to us.

Looking back over the last year I think, “Wow, how did we do this?” The only answer is with God. Your prayers have been important. God’s given us an extended family here of people we love and trust. Our move is quickly approaching. We are still unsure where we will be moving, but I trust God has gone before us and prepared the place He would have for us. We believe God for a new position for Steve in the navy. We will know something soon.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Angela