Visit Rebekah's Page to get updates, read messages and send messages to Rebekah and her family through comments. This is a public "diary" of a family whose little girl started a battle with inoperable cancer in April 2005. In December 2007 our house burned down. And in September 2009 Mommy was diagnosed with a terminal disease (a genetic form of ALS) that took her to Heaven in July, 2011, leaving Daddy and two young girls to make it on their own. Over several years of ups and downs, you will get into our hearts, minds and souls as we share joys and sorrows. It can sometimes be very difficult to read. We hope it is also uplifting. Please find joy in what you read here.
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Wednesday, April 12, 2006



One Year Ago Today...

  • We thought we had a child with internal bleeding from a bruise caused by a fall 5 weeks earlier.
  • We had a CAT Scan scheduled for the afternoon, to see what was wrong.
  • We fully expected that they would keep her overnight to "fix" the bleeding.
  • Our little girl wasn't able to eat anything, because she had to have anesthesia for her CAT Scan and they were fitting us in and the only time available was in the afternoon.
  • We fretted about the anesthesia, because of the "risk" involved.
  • We had a three year old with developmental issues that had her in Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Early Intervention (School) to try to help her "to be the best she could be".
  • Our three year old had beautiful long curls.
  • We had no idea what a blog was and how it worked.

By the end of the day:

  • We had a 3 year old who probably had cancer.
  • We had an appointment the next day with an Oncologist (now that is a scary word for a parent).
  • Her developmental delay issues didn't seem so bad.
  • We had many phone calls to make to grandparents, aunts and uncles.
  • Our life was upside down.

In the past year:

  • Rebekah has endured 14 rounds of chemo and 31 radiation treatments.
  • Rebekah spent 72 nights in the hospital.
  • Rebekah has had 3 rounds of scans.
  • Rebekah has had 50 days with at least one anesthetic, some days it was two or three.
  • Rebekah has had 3 Trips to the ER.
  • Rebekah has had 6 Blood Transfusions and 4 Platelet Transfusions (that was actually really good).
  • Rebekah has had 61 days of Antibiotics
  • Rebekah has had 114 GCSF Shots to help boost her immune system
  • Rebekah has had 35 weeks of supplemental nutrition (and counting).
  • Rebekah lost her hair.
  • We've watched as other families suffered the loss of their child to cancer and other families struggled just to keep their child alive.

Today:

  • Rebekah is cANCER FREE.
  • Rebekah is back in school and enjoying it.
  • Rebekah is back in Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and we've added Occupational Therapy.
  • Rebekah is getting her hair back.
  • Rebekah has a lot of energy and spunk and in so many ways seems unaffected by the things she has been through in the last year.
  • Rebekah is eating several times every day.
  • Rebekah has a constricted tear duct, but no vision issues that we are aware of.
  • Rebekah's hearing is in tact.
  • We understand terms like Ewing's Sarcoma, Malignancy, Neutropenia, ANC, RBC, WBC, Platelet Count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Transfusion, CAT Scan, PET Scan, MRI, Panorex, Civo, Propafal, Relapse, Recurrence, and Remission.
  • We have figured out how blogs work and have made many new friends because of it.
  • We have made many new friends because of this journey we have taken.
  • We have learned to love our kids and love on our kids everyday.
  • We have learned that we never know what tomorrow (or the next hour) will bring, so we have to live (really live) today.

Tomorrow (and the future):

  • We never know what it may hold, so while we know there are many possibilities we have to deal with the realities. There is no sense in fretting over the possibilities.
  • Rebekah will hopefully be able to eat enough on her own so that she can have her feeding tube removed.
  • Rebekah may have vision issues - anything from cataracts to blindness.
  • Rebekah may have hearing issues in one or both ears.
  • Rebekah will likely need reconstructive surgeries as her jaw grows so that the function of her jaw is corrected.
  • Rebekah will likely have dental issues - anything from really needing to be diligent in caring for her teeth to having her adult not come in on the left side.
  • Rebekah will likely have learning disabilities, so we need to be prepared to "work" through those.

It has definitely been a roller coaster ride. We have learned many things, many of which we would rather not have had to learn. We have made it through the last year by trusting in God to help us through it and thanks to the prayers, concern and assistance (financial and emotional) of so many of our friends (those we knew a year ago and those we've met throughout the year). Thanks for your part in that.

It is proving to be an emotional week for us, so please continue to pray. Praise God, Oliver is home after his second transplant.

18 Shared:

At Wednesday, April 12, 2006 9:36:00 AM, Blogger Heather/SHTEZQ Left a thought...

THat is an awsome post gave me the chills.

 
At Wednesday, April 12, 2006 11:06:00 AM, Blogger Katie Left a thought...

prayers of praise for a Lord that is sovereign, prayers of thanksgiving for a Lord that is loving and good and willed this year and this day, prayers that next year will be the same prayers

what a journey your family has taken, and what an honor to be able to have watched part of it because of this site

your family and dear Rebekah are a challenge to me, and encouragement to me, and a blessing to our Father

 
At Wednesday, April 12, 2006 11:19:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

Can you imagine how much you've impacted all of our lives because of this too?!! I've spent sometimes hours in a day praying for you guys where I could've been thinking about selfish things like boys or clothes. You have helped me grow in the Lord, give of myself and remember that my life is not just about me but more about those I can help and love. Thank you. Caron
PS. The boy is in alaska and if you guys would like fresh halibut....let me know = )

 
At Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:31:00 PM, Blogger jel Left a thought...

I'm sad the way we meant, but glad that we did,
I agree with anonymous in you have had a impacted all our lives!
glad to hear that Oliver is home! thank God! still praying
thank you!

(((((HUGGS))))

 
At Wednesday, April 12, 2006 7:45:00 PM, Blogger Valerie Left a thought...

What a beautiful, inspiring, and touching post. It brought tears to my eyes. Our two year anniversary is rapidly approaching. It's not as raw and overpowering anymore for us.

I am so blessed to have *met* you guys. You have touched my life in a profound and significant way.

Perhaps one day we can ALL meet at your cousin, Jodi's, in Akron. Of course, you'd have to clear it with her first!!!

 
At Wednesday, April 12, 2006 9:38:00 PM, Blogger JodiTucker Left a thought...

Wow! What a post! What a year! This past year for you all shows why God does not show us much of the future or it would totally blow our minds. And yes, any OR crew is welcome in Akron as is my kids mum!! However, I have my sights set for a trip west some summer when time and money allows.
.....Fly to Denver, then drive west. Still praying daily when my Becca and Sarah students remind me of you all!............love, Jodi

 
At Wednesday, April 12, 2006 9:42:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

Once again you have shown me how blessed I am to be a healthy grandmother and have five healthy grandchildren. When I am feeling down all I have to do is to remember what your dear Rebekah and other children have been through and are still going through and the stress that you as parents have had to endure and I feel Gods grace. I continue to pray for you all and read you blog to keep updated. God Bless you, Leanne from Pa.

 
At Thursday, April 13, 2006 9:08:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

While I, too, wish you all had not had to go through all that has happened this past year, I am so glad that we have gotten to know you better and that we can count you as friends.

 
At Thursday, April 13, 2006 3:08:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

Praise God! I look forward to more close-ups of Rebekah's hair growth.

 
At Thursday, April 13, 2006 4:59:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

WOW, what an informative and emotional diary for today! Brought to my mind a song most of us know.... Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him all ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost....
All these blessings and answers to prayer and so much more for so many more. Hallelujiah it is Easter! He is Risen, He is Risen indeed!

 
At Thursday, April 13, 2006 4:59:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

WOW, what an informative and emotional diary for today! Brought to my mind a song most of us know.... Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him all ye heavenly hosts, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost....
All these blessings and answers to prayer and so much more for so many more. Hallelujiah it is Easter! He is Risen, He is Risen indeed!

 
At Thursday, April 13, 2006 8:32:00 PM, Blogger Randi Left a thought...

What a blessing to read this! God is so good and faithful and I am glad your little girl is doing well!

 
At Friday, April 14, 2006 4:55:00 AM, Blogger Danny Sims Left a thought...

This post is all about perspective. Prasie God, even (especially) in the middle of the valley you have walked through... And praise Him for being CANCER FREE!

 
At Saturday, April 15, 2006 9:56:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

Uncle Paul & Aunt Nancy stand in awe of what the Lord has brought Rebekah and her whole family through this past year. What a joy this Easter will be for you as compared to the unknown you were about to face last Easter. As Jodi's comment read, thank God we can't see our future. Thankfully, just one day at a time is all that is expected of us and He gives us the grace to face each one. HIS GRACE HAS ABOUNDED IN YOUR LIVES!!!
Give Rebekah and Sarah hugs from us and love to you all. Have a glorious Easter! Fondly, PG & NA

 
At Saturday, April 15, 2006 9:46:00 PM, Blogger Jenn Left a thought...

That really was food for thought!
What a difference a year makes. I have followed the story of Rebekah for about 8 months or so, and have prayed for your family. I am thrilled to hear that she is currently cancer free - how awesome. The future is never certain, but I do know that you will continue to trust God, and He will guide you. I am mum to 3 boys with special needs (2 with autism, 1 with speech delay) and I thank God every day for them. Their disabilities have taught me more than I could ever have dreamed.
Happy Easter!

 
At Saturday, April 15, 2006 11:14:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous Left a thought...

Praise God! What a beautiful way to celebrate Easter with Rebekah. Cancer free! God bless you all and may He keep you strong and healthy and as compasionate as you are.

Your're truly inspirational people and parents.

Happy Easter.

Still reading and praying for all.

The Stricklen Family (friends of cousin Karen). David, Anny, Bradley, Mathew and Sarah.

Olmsted Falls, OH

Praying for all the other children too.

 
At Monday, April 17, 2006 12:21:00 AM, Blogger steve Left a thought...

God is good!

 
At Tuesday, April 18, 2006 11:36:00 AM, Blogger Mustang Left a thought...

Praise God for all the Good things that He has done.. Everything works for good for those who trust the Lord..

My prayers always

 

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