Today was Gage’s clinic visit that comes around every four weeks. And, until you’ve lived a week on steroids, a week on detox and then two weeks of (hopefully) minimal side effects, you never realize how fast every four weeks comes around!
Usually these visits are somewhat smooth at clinic, but Gage then feels pretty crummy for the rest of the week. Unfortunately today, the clinic visit was long and stressful…and we still have a week of steroids to look forward to. When the nurse tried to access Gage’s port to draw blood (to check his counts) and to administer his chemotherapy, his port was blocked and not working. So, after multiple tries (including re-accessing his port), the nurse pushed a “clot busting” medicine through his port…and we waited.
In the meantime, the doctors discussed x-rays, dye studies, delaying chemotherapy until tomorrow…and the possibility of needing a new port. As you can imagine, the day got pretty rocky for everyone as this point, especially Gage. And, the clinic was running very slowly to begin with, so the stress, hunger and boredom had plenty of time to simmer. Thankfully, the anti-clot medicine finally worked, and the nurse was able to both draw blood and give chemo. Relief. And, another reminder that we live closer to the edge than we’d like to with Gage…it doesn’t take much to put us in a vulnerable spot with him.
So, almost six hours after arriving at clinic, we finally left. (And, then Blake took Gage to the new Lego store at the mall to end the day on a better note.) And, during the long visit today, we also got to see the new plaque near the prize closet at the clinic that Team Holmes named in honor of Laurren Smith.
Please keep praying for sweet Laurren and her family, as they are in California seeking further options to treat her cancer.
And, thanks for your prayers for us this week, as Gage and our family walk through the challenges of another week on steroids.
Thanks for checking in…
RH
I have heard all about the amazing new Lego store, and that sounds like a very special way to end a hard, long day! I am so thankful that the anti-clot medicine worked, and he was able to get his chemo and didn’t need a new port. I will continue to pray for sweet Gage and your family during this week of steroids. Praying for strength, endurance, patience and peace for you all.
We love you all very much…praying for you! Way to go Gage, YOU are so mighty and strong in Jesus! Much love to you all! Chris & Meg
Praying for all of you and praying especially for Gage as he walks through this week on steroids and all the side effects that go along with it.
Love you,
Lisa
So sorry you all had to endure another long day at Children’s. Just reading your blog made me tense up. I am so thankful that they were able to access Gage’s port and so proud of how yall each continue to handle all that is thrown your way. Love that Gage went to the Lego store. We had a long day last Tuesday at Children’s with a horrible poke and Grace chose the American Girl store so I giggled when I read that Gage went to the Lego store. I am so thankful that we are both blessed to be able to treat our kids after they experience pain…so many families aren’t so fortunate, as you know. Also wanted you to know that as Grace was in a lot of pain the following day from her injection and she was counting her blessings and all she was thankful for she said, “I am thankful that this injection is not chemo and that I don’t have cancer like my friend, Gage, Mommy I have so much to be thankful for.” I wanted you to know how much Gage’s life has touched hers.
We love yall and will continue to pray for this hard week that you have ahead of you.
Carrie
Thankful that his port worked. Hate that living on the edge but with our kids that seems to be normal. Praying for a restful week for you all.
Rebecca, I heard about Gage last year, and I have prayed for you and your family off and on this year. We are at Pine Cove family camp with Michael and Carolyn. I asked about Gage, and Carolyn told me about your blog. I am so glad to know how I can pray for you. I can relate to many things you have to go through at clinic and with medical prcedures since I have a special needs child, and along with having a syndrome come different medical conditions. I will definitely keep you all in my prayers and continue to watch your blog for updates. Suzanne Roberson McClendon
Still praying for you guys & your little Gage!
Wanted to check in and let you know how much I think about all of you and this journey. Much love and prayers.
So sorry that you had a long day at the clinic, but grateful that Gage was able to go to the Lego Store! Praying for strength and patience for the whole family as Gage is on steroids. Praying for minimal side effects. Praying for continued healing for Gage. Praying that the whole family is able to continue to enjoy the rest of the summer.
Amit
Hello, Holmes Family!
Wishing you all a restful weekend after such a long clinic day and a week of steriods. So thankful Gage didn’t have to endure another surgery with the port issue. Bless his little heart he goes through so much and continues to have such a precious SMILE! Thanks for all your posts and keeping us informed amidst all the challenges you all face daily…it’s always a JOY to visit your site!
We are still in AWE with the GENEROUS GIFT from “TEAM HOLMES”, Honoring “Laurren” in such a special way! Laurren feels so special and loved! Although we know Laurren won’t be looking forward to a clinic visit anytime soon- it sure will make it an AWESOME DAY once she sees the plaque in person for the first time! Without a doubt “Team Holmes” is “Making A Difference” one day at a time in many families! We are so INSPIRED by all that you do!
Lifting you all in prayer for continued COMFORT and HEALING!
Rhonda (Laurren’s Aunt)
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? Isaiah 43:19, NLT
Sweet friends–Thank you for the update. I am so sorry for all you had to endure Monday. UGH! It makes me ache for you and with you. Please know you ALL remain in our daily thoughts and prayers. May you feel His loving arms wrapped around you always! In HIM-Angie
Hi Blake and Rebecca,
Just wanted you to know that we’re still praying for you guys and especially for Gage from Waco and that we look forward to seeing you next time we’re up at Watermark!
Rebecca-
I just wanted to check in on how your summer has been going and how Gage is doing specifically. I am so glad he gotten to participate in so many activities and camps this summer despite his treatment. I know you those times of normaalcy are such a blessing in the midst of all of the daily trials.
On another note, I am crossing my fingers that THIS will be the year that Avery and Patrick are in class together. I would love a chance to see you more!
Talk to you soon-
Jackie
That sounds like a long day, and I am praying for all of you. Hard to imagine what living on the edge with your sweet Gage feels like. Thank you for sharing so that we can intercede on your and his behalf…so that we can be refined in our ability to have compassion and empathy for others–and to pray without ceasing.
Gosh. I love my family so much. You are all always in my prayers.