On July 19th, after spending a week at camp and just seeming too tired, listless, and pale for reasonable explanation, we took Michael to see his pediatrician. It was only his second "sick" visit to his doctor in his life. It didn't take her long to send him right to Children's Hospital in St. Louis with suspicions ranging from a virus to cancer. Before the day was over, the diagnosis was made--Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and Michael was admitted into the hospital. He spent the next month undergoing chemotherapy while the rest of our family grew accustomed to a new "normal."
Michael suffered few side effects from his initial round of chemo. We were all thankful for this and the way that so many wonderful family and friends surrounded him and us with great care. On August 19, we learned that Michael's leukemia was in remission. What an answer to the prayers of so many!
Michael returned after a few weeks for another round of chemo. It was more difficult for him, but it was only days instead of weeks.
His first real setback came quickly after that second round. On the evening of our celebration for Kristen's fourth birthday, Michael developed a fever and had to return to Children's for several days. These fevers are said to be typical, but they are frustrating. While we can plan for scheduled visits to the hospital, these surprises leave all of us a little unsettled.
The past weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, information, and emotion, but we have seen God bring us through each step. Though it's hard to say, we are looking forward to what He has planned for Michael and our family in the coming months and years.
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