Some Chemo Company

Havyn and big sisHavyn had big sis Amelia there yesterday for some sisterly support. We want to expose Henry and Amelia, one at a time, to what Havyn has to go through on Tuesdays. Our hope is that they understand why she is getting more attention, why it is important to continue to pray for healing, and also why mom is constantly saying “Wash your hands” — “But I did, mommy!” — “Well wash them again.”

Yesterday was hard. While in the waiting room one little guy named Ethan captured our hearts. He clearly has some vision impairments and lack of personal space — but he is so sweet!  He just wanted to touch our hair and hold my hand.  He asked Steve if he was a photographer because he was taking a pic of Havyn, and then he wanted to use Steve’s phone to  take a pic of his dad.  He kept asking if I would sit next to him – of course I followed him around and sat right next to him.

Ethan’s dad was wearing fatigues and Steve struck up a conversation. “What brings Ethan in?” Dad, Ben, responded, “Well he has a genetic disorder called NF1.” What the what!? He has a large glioma that’s pressed into his brain. Through surgery he lost some vision and cognitive function. He also has a large tumor in his tummy.  Chemo has kept things in check and he is in maintenance right now so Ethan was doing well!

We found out that Ben trains chaplains for the Army. He graduated from Liberty University.  Go Flames!  I am a Liberty Grad! Crazy connection and still processing that.  As we said goodbye to them our hearts were broken to see such a sweet boy trapped inside this broken body.  Aren’t we all that, though?  (Maybe not all boys ). We are all broken and so thankful that God made a way for us to be made whole.

Another family we met was Charmane and Christian.  She spoke truth to me today. “This is temporary.  In Heaven we are made new!” That means no more broken bodies! No more screaming and crying!  No more poison being injected into little veins. No more tape! We hate the tape they use to secure the accessed port.  No more bald heads! No more blindness! No more crooked backs.  We will be WHOLE!  Praise the Lord for Jesus!  Praise the Lord for Heaven!  As I watched my sweet little girl scream and kick (it took 3 of us to hold her down) as they poked her port, anger raged inside me.  I ran to the bathroom and had a moment!!!  It wasn’t pretty! God, why? He gently reminded me that he once watched his child suffer too.  This is temporary!  Praise God that Jesus is alive and he defeated all of this!!!!  YES!

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Ok I am done preaching! 🙂

We won’t know if the chemo is doing its job until we have another MRI early August.  Havyn has  tolerated the drug with minimal side effects.  She has less of an appetite and seems a bit more tired and irritable, but that is to be expected.

Finally, we have an appointment with a slew of doctors in St. Louis. We’ll be heading there August 24/25 which isn’t early enough for us — we’d like to be there tomorrow — but at least we are on their calendar.

We are so grateful for your prayers and for reading our ridiculously long blog posts through this journey. We CAN’T walk this without the help of God and His faithful church!! We are simply humbled by the prayers, texts, meals, gifts, visits, and love everyone is pouring out on us. (Forgive me for not getting thank you cards out… know we are very thankful!!) We are so grateful for what God is doing and is going to do through Havyn’s journey.

20 Replies to “Some Chemo Company”

  1. Praying for your family as you have to go through this. Praying for the families that you will encounter as you seek treatment for your beautiful daughter.

  2. Thank you for your update. Was thinking about you all a lot yesterday. That tape is horrible!!! I have faith the chemo is working. Lots of prayers and hugs coming your way.

  3. Thank you for taking the time to write about Havyn’s journey. Of course God put Ethan and Ben right there and that time…..but still I am amazed every time He does things like that! He encourages me to pray and pray some more.
    Hugs and love.

  4. Praying!! I have a calendar alert to pray for her every Tuesday morning in addition to the times God brings her to mind randomly! Love you guys!!

  5. Thanks everyone!!! You’re prayers are HUGE!!!! Keep them coming. We love you and know our little Havyn is letting her light shine!!!

  6. Sweet Tammy, I have been and will be out of town most of the summer but read your blog. I love your heart. Just know I am praying for you, your family and precious Havyn! I believe Jesus paid it all so we can have heaven on earth which means completely whole bodies here on earth. I am believing this for Havyn ?. Hope to catch up at the end of summer. Would love to help you anyway I can when I get back.
    In Him,
    Kyla

  7. Oh this spoke to my heart today! These children are fighting and winning! Jesus is winning through these little hearts! I try to remember through trials that this is not our home! Still praying for you all!

  8. All I can say is I am praying and I love you all even though I have never met you Tammy or your Kids. I love Steve and have been amazed buy the love I see between you both for each other and for your kids. For the incredible witness your family is.

  9. Tell Havyn I pull her stick with her name on it everyday!!! I am praying for her everyday! You guys have taught me so much even before this time! Your words are true Tammy this body is temporary but in the end we WIN praise The Lord!! I understand as I was diagnosed with an incurable disease in March but have learned to lean on God DAILY!! This journey is not easy but HE is on our side! I continue to ask for healing and also ask for healing for Havyn as well as well as your whole family for strength! He will provide all you need!

  10. Praying, praying, praying!!
    Our Lord God, please continue putting your most powerful, healing hands on precious Havyn and her entire family.
    Our families prayers will always continue.

  11. Sweet Havyn,
    So glad I can see your picture on here, and read how well you are doing. We sure miss seeing your smiling face come into the classroom on Tues. and Thurs. mornings. I know God has made you a Very Special little girl, and he is using you to show us how awesome he is. Mrs. Kim loves you very much, and I will continue to pray for you and your family.

    Lots of hugs and kisses
    Kim Havens

  12. Tammy and Steve, You and your family have been in my prayers. I have prayed for darling Havynjoy to experience God’s healing. I am sure their are many hundreds of prayer’s going up to God daily for this precious child.

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