The Family Photo

An Overachiever!

Well sorry it took awhile to get this out, but we
didn't get any specific results until today. The
results are great! Dr. Hawkins, the main oncologist
said the tumor has shrunk dramatically. He said he
would be pleased with these results after 12 weeks and
it has been only 4. He called Jordan an overachiever!
Specifically it has shrunk about 1/3. We are very
happy and relieved to find out he is responding so
well to the treatment. He is still having some
trouble with cramping at night and sleeping, and
nobody is exactly sure why so their switching his
medication a little and hopefully he'll do better.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and encouragement.

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Christmas

Well, obviously I didn't get to the Christmas card. I
guess it is going to have to be a New Year's card.
A few days ago some friends asked me how things were
going around the Busby house. I told them the state
of our nativity set represented things well. The
sheep and the donkey were nibbling hay from the
manger, Joseph, a king and a wiseman were chatting in
the corner and Mary was headed off the other
direction, to Starbucks for a latte I think. Anyways,
Christmas went pretty well considering the state of
things. Jordan enjoyed his shaking giggling elmo ball
and getting himself tangled up in the Christmas
lights. He still seems to be feeling well, but
continues to have some restless nights. He goes in
tomorrow for some scans. We should get some more
specific results of how he is responding to the
treatment after that.
Some people have mentioned that they have wanted to
leave comments on the blog, but were having a hard
time with it. We appreciate getting people's
comments and are encouraged by how many are praying
for Jordan and reading the blog. If you want to email
us, we would love it. Our email is
brent_busby@yahoo.com.

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A little monkey!

Jordan did well with his chemotherapy at the hospital.
It was a long day 7:15am till 10:00pm. He wasn't too
pleased with all the poking and medicines, but he has
not been sick at all except the time we tried to give
him antinausea medicine. He was also sent home without
the catheter and most likely will not need one. They
will check him out Wednesday to make sure.

He seems to be feeling pretty good. He has actually
been tearing up the house since he came home. For
some reason today he has been obsessed with climbing.
Brent turned around to find him pulling out the
drawers of the dresser in a staggered fashion and
standing in the second, climbing to the third. He
climbed into the dishwasher and was hacked that he
couldn't get up to the top rack. We let him sit on
the coffee table since that's the only piece of
furniture that seems relatively safe for him to climb
onto.

We're back at Children's next Wednesday and Friday.
We had intended to do a Christmas card this year, but
did not get to it. We'll post a modified version
tomorrow. Our first blogger Christmas card. We
continue to thank God for all of you and are thankful
to Him this season for how He is sustaining us.

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Good News

We got good news today. The ultrasound showed that
the tumor was not blocking the kidney hardly at all
and it is smaller. The urologist said that the
ultrasound is not a very specific test so it is hard
to be sure just how much smaller the tumor has gotten,
but we are encouraged that it is responding to the
chemotherapy. He also got the catheter out at least
for a couple of days and he is happy to be free flying
again. They will do an ultrasound on Friday before
his chemotherapy to make sure everything is ok and
then decide what to do from there.

Any healthy friends that want to stop by the hospital
on Friday, we would love to see you. It is a long day
for Jordan to be hooked up, it's nice for all of us to
have some distractions.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!I
have overcome the world. John 16:33

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Some of my thoughts

Since being in India with Sitara 3 years ago, I have
struggled with the whole idea of suffering in God's
plan. God is sovereign and there are things in life
that we will never understand until we are with Him.
I am just the kind of person that doesn't like things
that are hard to understand. So anyways, in the midst
of our suffering with Jordan, again I have wrestled
with God. There are no satisfying answers to why and
so I have decided not to ask, but it is hard to make
sense of it all. However, what is amazingly clear is
God's love for us through the body of Christ.
You...our church, our friends and our family, even
people we don't know have showered us with blessings.
You have suffered with us, cried with us, rejoiced,
encouraged, served and loved us in ways that have
reminded us every day that God loves and cares for us
through our deepest suffering. Our heartfelt and
sincere gratitude goes out to you.

We are thankful that Jordan is having very little pain
and is sleeping better. We are hoping that the tumor
will have shrunk enough that they will be able to
remove the catheter tomorrow. He goes in for several
appointments tomorrow and then is at Children's all
day Friday for chemotherapy.

Brent and I were able to go out to dinner for our 13th
anniversary yesterday. It was refreshing to get out
for a little bit. We had a great dinner down at Shell
Creek in Edmonds. Today, my friends Kristi and
Michele came by with all the stuff to make Christmas
cookies. Jordan had a good time shaking sprinkles and
the kids made some real works of art. Lots and of
marshmallows, sprinkles and candy. It is hard to
actually find the cookie under some of the
decorations.

In the afternooon, the kids and I were at our
homeschool Christmas party and Brent was home with
Jordan , and got a big surprise when the mayor stopped
by! He brought a sweet letter and Christmas wishes
along with a generous check from the city of Edmonds.
We were again amazed.

We'll give you the updates after tomorrow. Thank you
for your prayers.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who
continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for for
sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him. Psalms 126:5-6

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No power

Friday went well at Children's. We had the fast lab
girl and the good Childlilfe specialist so they
whizzed him through his blood draw and quick chemo
drug and he was not too upset about it.

We went from Children's to our family Christmas party
(early because Julie is leaving for the United Arab
Emirates on Tuesday to see her fiance). It was
supposed to be at my parents but since they had no
power and we didn't either, we were at Julie's condo.
Jordan was very pleased to receive a real cell phone
for a gift! Julie had informed the T-mobile guy that
he knew the difference and needed a real one. So he
has been spending lots of time talking to his friends.

Since by the end of the evening there was still no
power except at Julie's, she graciously gave Brent,
Jordan and I her condo and the rest of the crew went
to my parent's cold house and bundled up. The power
is finally back on and we are home and again saying
many more thank yous to my family for all the help and
sacrifices.

We'll know more medical stuff after Wednesday. Please
pray that the tumor will have shrunk enough that he
will no longer need the catheter.

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First Steps

Sorry to get this out late. I sent a blog yesterday
that didn't post. I am certainly not techy. I am not
sure why they get lost sometimes.

Anyways, Jordan took his first steps yesterday. Just
1 and 1/2 but that is something. There was lots of
cheering from the kids. It was all very exciting.

Also, he does not have to have the stint (tube from
the kidney). We are very thankful for that. Thank
you for praying. There is a chance he will have to
have a different catheter put in surgically if he
still needs one after next Wednesday. We will be at
Children's Friday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
again for the long Chemo.

The kids are out of school now. They have been
working hard on their Christmas projects in their
pottery and metal working class. I am sad that we
will not be able to continue our crazy homeschool for
obvious reasons, but the kids are going to Fairview
Christian for the rest of the year. Several people
worked out a plan for them to go. There are many
there to welcome them and help with the transition.
It will give me a lot security knowing they will be
taken care of so well there.

In the midst of sadness, we are looking forward to
Christmas and Jesus our hope...We have this hope as an
anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19

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A not very fun test

I tried this yesterday and it somehow didn't post...

Another day at Children's. Jordan had the test today
to look for the kidney blockage. It consisted of
accessing his port, giving him something through the
IV that could be seen by a scan. The scan part
consisted of strapping him to a table for one hour.
He absolutely hated it! Could it get any worse for a
13 month old. It was a low point for me. I finished
up the test time by smacking my head on the machine.
Jordan and I were both crying. Some days it is just
hard to be positive and optimistic. The urologist is
going to get back to us about the results tomorrow.
Thank you friends for encouraging Brent and I. Some
days it is only your faith that holds me up.

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One more thing

A verse shared by a friend to hold onto...
Psalm 27:13-14 I am confident of this: I will see
the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait
for the Lord.

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A not so fun test

Another day at Children's. Jordan had the test today
to look for the kidney blockage. It consisted of
accessing his port, giving him something through the
IV that could be seen by a scan. The scan part
consisted of strapping him to a table for one hour.
He absolutely hated it! Could it get any worse for a
13 month old. It was a low point for me. I finished
up the test time by smacking my head on the machine.
Jordan and I were both crying. Some days it is just
hard to be positive and optimistic. The urologist is
going to get back to us about the results tomorrow.
Thank you friends for encouraging Brent and I. Some
days it is only your faith that holds me up.

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Another test

Well we didn't get the news we were hoping today.
Apparently one of Jordan's kidneys is blocked. We're
not exactly sure if it is the tumor swelling as it is
dying or the catheter balloon being pulled, or what,
but we have to go back for another 2 hour test
tomorrow. Please pray that it resolves. If it is
still a problem, they will have to put in a tube that
will drain the urine. It will be another minor
surgical procedure that we want to avoid. Anyways,
I'm kind of discouraged as we were hoping to be moving
forward not backwards as it seems. The good news is
he seems to be feeling better, less pain and more
normal pooping (lots of talk about these kind of body
functions lately). So, it's kind of hard to tell what
is actually going on.

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Jordan Thank You

We are again amazed by the outpouring of love from our
family and friends. The "Band of Brothers" showed up
today and finished all our house projects that have
been piling up for the last year and a half. We were
completely blessed and amazed by the wagon of people
that came to work. Recently, we have had our finances
taken care of, our house cleaned, projects done,
dinners made and the kids taken care of. Luke is
going to see Happy Feet for the 3rd time tomorrow with
friends. He can hardly believe his good fortune!
What a relief to be able to just focus on Jordan right
now.

Aside from struggling with sleep, most of the time,
Jordan seems to be feeling better and is usually
pretty cheerful. He had a good time today tearing up
his Grandma and Grandpa Thrall's house and also got a
visit from Great Grandma and Grandpa

Proverbs 17:22 A cheerful heart doeth good like a medicine

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High Counts

Well Jordan had another appointment today and his
white blood cell counts were high. Not normal, but
actually above normal. That is good news as they
expect that to be how he will respond for the next few
rounds of chemo. After his chemo treatments, we give
him a shot each day that boosts the white blood cell
count to help prevent them from decreasing too much.
His was really boosted. The other good news is we
don't have to give anymore shots till after the next
chemo. Everybody is happy about that. His cold seems
to be going away, and it may be too soon to say, but
his pain seems less. He slept pretty good last night
and doesn't seem to be having as many painful
episodes.

He had a great time watching his brother Luke's
musical theatre performance on video and doing some
crazy dancing. He also really loved the cozy blanket
he got from his cousin Katie today. He had lots to
say about it!

So, we are very thankful that he is doing well. And,
we are thankful for all of your prayers. God is
watching over Jordan.

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18 days to Christmas

jordan continues to heal! We know that God is doing a
powerful work in his little body. Presently he is
sound asleep. The tumor is still pressing on the
colon, and thus the bm's are still a significant pain
to him. Our concern and prayer is that the size would
rapidly diminish to take the pressure off that
discomforting area. We had a fun time today playing
chase, and of course his favorite "beekaboo". His most
enjoyed dinner item was his ever favorite- the
avacado. He has introduced me to a newly enjoyed
choice of food. I love'em now too. I used to just
take them has guacamole, but he has brought it to a
whole new taste bud. Well i guess i spoke too soon as
i hear his cries- Becky is off to hug and comfort him
this moment. Mostly, this troubling colon problem
wakes him (aside from the tumor itself). It has been
the drill and routine during night hours; usually one
to two hours and then he wakes. Prayer is the key.
We know we have many praying for us and it such an
assurance to know that we are not alone in this. Just
heard of another elderly couple that have put us on
their church prayer chain. I didn't even know these
people, another unknown family sent us their family
christmas picture/card and reminded us that they too
have us in their prayers. It has been a great
reminder to me to pray for those who are in need
regardless if they are a stranger or a most familar
person. That is what i have for an update today. bye
for now and Merry Christmas!

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18 days to Christmas

jordan continues to heal! We know that God is doing a
powerful work in his little body. Presently he is
sound asleep. The tumor is still pressing on the
colon, and thus the bm's are still a significant pain
to him. Our concern and prayer is that the size would
rapidly diminish to take the pressure off that
discomforting area. We had a fun time today playing
chase, and of course his favorite "beekaboo". His most
enjoyed dinner item was his ever favorite- the
avacado. He has introduced me to a newly enjoyed
choice of food. I love'em now too. I used to just
take them has guacamole, but he has brought it to a
whole new taste bud. Well i guess i spoke too soon as
i hear his cries- Becky is off to hug and comfort him
this moment. Mostly, this troubling colon problem
wakes him (aside from the tumor itself). It has been
the drill and routine during night hours; usually one
to two hours and then he wakes. Prayer is the key.
We know we have many praying for us and it such an
assurance to know that we are not alone in this. Just
heard of another elderly couple that have put us on
their church prayer chain. I didn't even know these
people, another unknown family sent us their family
christmas picture/card and reminded us that they too
have us in their prayers. It has been a great
reminder to me to pray for those who are in need
regardless if they are a stranger or a most familar
person. That is what i have for an update today. bye
for now and Merry Christmas!

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Not much new here. Jordan is doing well during the
day. He is enjoying pulling the ornaments off the
tree. Sleeping at night is variable. Some nights we
sleep and some we don't. We're hoping once the tumor
starts shrinking, he'll be more comfortable at night.
No more appointments till Friday as long as
\
jj-0l0jhj hh8mn;';pkiiklll'llk [lk=k,.k[.polk, k,
(Jordan's contribution to the blog)

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Another Trip to Children's

Well we spent the morning at the hospital for
appointments. We went to urology and they tried to
take out the catheter and see if he could go enough on
his own. It wasn't successful so they put it back in.
Darn! We are all a little sick of that bag. It
seemed a little early though. The oncologists say
that as the tumor cells are dying they actually swell
first, so you wouldn't expect a lot of pressure off
the bladder yet. Maybe next week. They also drew
blood from his port, which was surprisingly not a big
deal to Jordan. The Childlife specialist came with a
bear that had a port and all the medical stuff the
nurse had for Jordan to administer to the bear. In my
mind I'm thinking...he's only 13 months, he's just
going to throw it or stick it in his mouth, but he
actually pulled off the tape and swabbed the bear
with the q-tip, and used the syringe. It was very
cute. And no crying, thank goodness!

The next appointment is Friday as long as he does ok
this week. Please pray for him as he has a cold (has
had it for last 3 weeks) and is going into this week
where his counts are supposed to drop.

We are doing ok. We are praying for courage to fight
this battle and believing in the Lord to give it to
us.

Becky and Brent

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Hanging our at Home

Well we've been home for a couple of days now. Jordan
is much happier, but is still having some difficulty
at night sleeping. He has been tearing up the house.
I think he is so happy that he's not hooked up
anymore. He's getting close to walking. I've been
working with him hoping it will happen soon, so he'll
be up off the floor. He's eating pretty good and
loved the cookies Beth brought by the other night for
dessert as you can see in the new picture!

We're hanging in there. Life doesn't stop and
Christmas is coming. Brent and the boys are putting
up our gigantic nativity scene in the front yard and
we're getting a tree tonight too.

Tomorrow Jordan has a urology appointment and they
draw blood to check his counts. It is difficult for
Jordan to wait around for a few hours at the
appointments. He's not a sit around kind of kid. I
am nervous as this week is when they expect his white
blood cell count to drop. Please continue to pray for
protection for him.

Love to you all. Jordan blows you a kiss and gives
you a hail wave (if you've never seen him do it, it's
very cute, I'll try to post another picture.

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Lots of love and prayers coming our way! Just a bit
ago, was answering calls from family, then friends
stopped by just to hang out and let us know they want
to help in any way; as soon as they left (2 minutes
later) other friends stopped by to bring a meal;
immediately after their drop-off, a church friend
called to say that i was on his mind and he wanted to
give me some encouragement. To me, that is a clear
picture of the body of Christ in action. Honestly,
these most recent examples of support have pretty much
been a common place over the last 2 weeks. I don't
ever want my words to be trivialized concerning how
much Becky and i have been blessed by our friends and
family. It is exactly what we need at this time,
people reassuring us that God is good even in the
midst of this huge change and ordeal in our life. i'm
being challenged to "raise the bar" in God's call to
be kind (Galatians 5:22). Irritability and impatience
have snuck in too often. Jordan had another restless
night's sleep and the guantlet of medical procedures
(temp. check, catheder emptied and cleaned, ointment
applied, daily shot, medicine rituals, etc.) have
caused me to put some of my thoughts in the complaint
bucket. I can't imagine what i'ld be like without the
prayers and support- a scary thought. Aside from his
usual feistiness, Jordan is obviously glad to be out
of the hospital; tearing around the house, happy to be
unhooked from all those medical machines and cords. He
loves playing peeka boo, listening to music and when
he finally decides to settle down he likes watching
elmo. A good thing that the catheter doesn't seem to
agravate him too much. Pray that it doesn't become
infected and cause more urinary track problems.
Additionally, he is still experiencing pain and
discomfort during a bm. Thanks to all for checking in
on us and for the "comments". All our love, brent & becky

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We're Home

Sorry it took us a day to get organized. Coming home,
to say the least, was very stressful. I started
crying yesterday as the nurse went over the 11
different medicines we were bringing home. Some of
them are just as needed, but it was unbelivably
overwhelming to try and sort out when he was to be
given what, how much, which drug was which as they all
have 2-3 different names. Anyways, we've got it
figured out now. He didn't have the greatest of
nights. A lot of tossing and turning until about 5 am
when he finally conked out.

We went into a clinic appt. today and have another
appointment on Monday with oncology and urology. I
always thought the urology guys at the hospital must
be strange. Who would choose that anyways? I have to
say they are my favorites now after Dr. Hawkins our
main oncologist, and Kristin my friend, the nurse
practitioner.

He's got a catheter to drain his urine since the tumor
is blocking up his urethra. We are hoping that it
shrinks enough in the next few weeks that he will no
longer need it. If he does, they will do another
surgical procedure for an indwelling catheter that
doesn't provide so much risk for infection. We are
hopin got avoid that.

Please pray for the tumor to shrink quickly, our
family's adjustment as I know it is hard on the other
kids as well, good sleep and no pain for Jordan, and
protection as his white blood cell counts may drop
next week. Thank you.

Many more thanks for all of the support. We came home
to a sparkling house thanks to my Mom and Dad, Liz,
Wendy, and Jay, and the kids have been well taken care
of by so many. God has used so many of you to sustain
and encourage us during this very difficult time.
Thank you for your faithfulness to Him and us.

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Homeward Bound

Although last nite and this morning have produced some
chemo side affects (mostly vomiting), we are just a
day from leaving Children's. I'm heading out at 3:oo
this afernoon to beat speculated weather conditions
and stay with our little ones. Becky will come home
tomorrow sometime. These are plans based on optimal
reports from Jordan's doctors and nurses. What an
adjustment and change of pace for us these upcoming
months will bring. We are so completely amazed how
so many people have contributed so much love and
consideration to/of our family. He has given us an
abundance of family and friends. In the midst of this
deep valley, God has abundantly provided us with
family and friendship (John 10:10). Rick, a gentleman
whose 12 year daughter has leukemia, said he would
like it that we put her on our prayer list, though
admittedly he was not a "spiritual" person. Please
pray for him as well. Becky and I shared a tear
together knowing that he is going through this cancer
situation alone; being divorced, from Alaska, no
visitors, and without Jesus. Love, brent and becky

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1st Day of Chemo

Jordan has gotten all his chemo treatment now and is
just getting certain medicines and fluid to prevent
adverse reactions. He should be hooked up till this
evening. He really hates being hooked up to the IV.
Now that he's been feeling better, he's all over the
place. So far, he hasn't been sick from the chemo,
so we are glad about that. He had a nice lunch of
quesdillas, blueberries and avacados (his favorite).

We're talking with our friend Kristin today about
caring for Jordan at home. She is a friend of mine
from college and the nurse practitioner that will be
coordinating our care. She has been like an angel to
us. We are so thankful to have someone so smart and
knowledgable about his kind of tumor helping with his
care.

Please pray that the chemo would be really effective,
that he wouldn't get sick, that he would be protected
from getting sick when his white blood cell counts go
down or even better that they wouldn't go down, and
for the transition to home (probably Thursday). Thank
you.l

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First Day of Chemo

Jordan has gotten all his chemo treatment now and is
just getting certain medicines and fluid to prevent
adverse reactions. He should be hooked up till this
evening. He really hates being hooked up to the IV.
Now that he's been feeling better, he's all over the
place. So far, he hasn't been sick from the chemo,
so we are glad about that. He had a nice lunch of
quesdillas, blueberries and avacados (his favorite).

We're talking with our friend Kristin today about
caring for Jordan at home. She is a friend of mine
from college and the nurse practitioner that will be
coordinating our care. She has been like an angel to
us. We are so thankful to have someone so smart and
knowledgable about his kind of tumor helping with his
care.

Please pray that the chemo would be really effective,
that he wouldn't get sick, that he would be protected
from getting sick when his white blood cell counts go
down or even better that they wouldn't go down, and
for the transition to home (probably Thursday). Thank you.l

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Ready for Treatment

Jordan made it through the surgery fine. He has
really bounced back well from all the different times
on anesthesia (this was his 4th in 6 days). So now
the port is in and he is ready to begin chemo
tomorrow. We are happy to be done with the diagnostic
stage and ready to start with the treatment. Likely,
he will get chemo all day tomorrow, they'll observe
him Wednesday and we'll go home on Thursday.

Thank you again for all of the support and
encouragement. We are thankful for your prayers and
know Jordan is in the Lord's hands.

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A New Day

It was a rough night for Jordan. Lots of poking and
prodding (tough love I guess). After a little go
round with the nurses we were able to convince them to
leave him be for some rest. They adhered and Jordan
was finally able to get a little rest before his
surgical procedure today. To be most blunt about how
Becky and I are coping, it was a rough night for us
too- probably our worst, relationally speaking. This
whole thing has caused us to be on the same page and
we had a moment that we were not even reading the same
book! Our only choice is to continually be taking
this "cancerous burden" to the
guess). Tomorrow Jordan will begin his chemo
"rounds" and that is a starting point for us because,
hopefullly in short time, we should begin to see
tangible results of the tumor shrinking. Our dear
friend Val shared with us a word from the LORD
(Isaiah 43:1-3). These verses have helped us to keep
us focused on Him. We have seen a miraculous
demonstration of God's love through family, friends
and the church body in action. We love you!

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Just Hanging Out Today

November 26th
Not much has gone on today. We're just hanging out
waiting for the procedure tomorrow. Chemo will start
on Tuesday and we think we will be home sometime
around Thursday. The bone marrow biopsy came back
negative, so we are grateful for that last piece of
news from the tests.

It is a little crazy to think about coming home. I
(Becky) feel some apprehension. It is nice to have
all the experts at our beck and call. We are going to
have to really work hard to keep our home and family
germ-free since chemotherapy really weakens the immune
system.

Thank you for all of your encouragment, prayers, and
visits. It has really helped to uplift our spirits.

Becky and Brent

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Saturday

November 25th
Jordan was not able to get his port (sort of a long
term IV site) put in today. It will probably be on
Monday with chemo starting that same Monday or
Tuesday. We will probably go home a couple days after
that and then will have chemo treatments every 3 weeks
with several appointments in between. Jordan is
having another good day. He is very fiesty which is
good for the most part, except he likes to pull out
catheters and IVs and throw his binky at the nurses or
anyone with blue gloves. He is preparing for a good
fight and we are believing in the Lord to bring us
through this storm. It has been a week of tears but
we are clinging to hope.

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Some good news after a hard week

November 24th, 2006

We finally got some good news today. Jordan had a
bone scan, chest CT, and a bone marrow biopsy today.
The first two tests came back negative for any other
cancer. The bone marrow was not back yet, but the
oncologist said it was very very very unlikely to be
positive if the bone scan was negative. The pathology
report also came back for the type of tumor and the
doctor said it was a very treatable type of tumor. So
given so much shocking, bad news this week, we are
grateful for this news. Jordan will likely have 9
months of chemo and also radiation . It is going to
be a long haul. Jordan is most likely going to have a
port put in tomorrow (like a long term IV line). Then
they will get the chemo going as soon as possible.

The Lord has sustained us through this. The body of
Christ has joined together to support us in ways that
have been completly overwhelming to us. We have had
so many visit with us, pray for us, take care of our
kids, plan for our homecoming. It has gotten us
through the beginning of a very very difficult trial.
We are grateful beyond words for all of you who have
been there for our family.

Love, Becky and Brent

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