About Us

Our family of 6 (dad Adam, mom Sherry, big sister Abby and little brothers Isaac and Brady -- who was born on December 14, 2010) joined the ranks of pediatric cancer fighters when our 4-year old son Logan was diagnosed with a dangerous and highly malignant form of brain cancer in mid-August 2010. Logan's cancer journey began abruptly on Sunday, August 15, when his right eye suddenly turned inward during dinner. Twenty-four hours later, we were checking into Children's Hospital Oakland and finding out that life sometimes takes you places you'd never, ever imagine yourself going.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Grand List

Ah, the advantages of sick children. Both Abby and Isaac went to sleep quickly. I fully expect at least Isaac to wake up more than once overnight, but I'm grateful for what I get, when I get it. Here's a listing of all of the issues Logan has as a result of his cancer treatment.

  • Spinal cord necrosis (damage from radiation)

  • Difficulty walking and weakness, particularly in the left leg (from spinal cord damage)
  • Facial palsy, left side, affecting speech, ability to smile, blink, and move most of the muscles (cause unknown, likely viral issue affecting the 7th and 8th nerves, which control the facial muscles and hearing, respectively)
  • Moderate hearing loss in the right ear (radiation-induced)
  • Hearing loss in the left ear (related to the facial palsy, so origin unknown)
  • Thyroid dysfunction (radiation damage)
  • Misaligned right eye (from the original tumor pressing on the 6th nerve, which controls eye movement)
  • Neuropathy-related tremors in the hands (from long-term steroid use)
  • Occasional incontinence issues (from spinal cord damage)
  • Residual unusual-looking areas in the brain, spine (likely dead tissue, scarring)
  • Minimal hair (from radiation; some grew in, but he has large bald spots)
  • Weight gain and excessive hunger (from long-term steroid use)
  • Moon face (from long-term steroid use)
  • Mood swings (from steroids)
  • Insomnia (steroids)
  • Stunted growth (spinal radiation)
  • Gallstone (from IV nutrition, which has been discontinued for a few months)
  • Tachycardia (elevated heartrate, began following first neurosurgery in August 2010)
  • Chronic cough and sinus congestion (radiation)

    Looking at this list is a devastating blow to my mommy-heart. I wonder how on earth could he ever have a normal life with these challenges in his way. But then I realize something: I'm viewing things from a human perspective. GOD can wipe away every single one of these issues in the blink of an eye and restore Logan to full health. So as the widow pestered the unjust official for justice, I'm planning to continue pestering God for justice --in the form of healing-- for Logan. It's as simple as that. And I hope you'll join me. The most critical pieces are, of course, remaining free of cancer and healing of his spinal cord. But please choose any or all of them and pray for resolution, for healing, for wholeness. For God to bring restoration as He promises to do. After all, God is the Creator of Good things. It's evil that did this to my dear sunshine. I'm asking God to show evil that He's the real boss.

  • 7 comments:

    1. Amen, Sherry. God delights in restoration, and we will continue to trust Him for Logan's restored health in each of the items you've listed. I'm copying the list so that I can keep it in front of me to pray specifically. Sending hugs to you!

      ReplyDelete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      ReplyDelete
    3. WOW!!!

      I think I'll follow in Kathie's steps and print the list so I can remember to pray for each symptom

      ReplyDelete
    4. Thank you so much, Sherry, for making this list ~ I know it could not have been an easy feat, though you SEE it daily, sitting down to face it and write it out seems even more difficult.
      This gives us a very direct list of requests to pray over and ask God to "wipe out" as you said!!
      Hugs,

      ReplyDelete
    5. Just saw the other comments, and we as well will have this list printed and posted on our bulletin board that's in our dining room.

      ReplyDelete
    6. Ditto to all above. Thank you for taking the time and finding he strength to type this all up!

      ReplyDelete