Good News for Friday!

After a grueling week of tests, medication side effects (not to mention the struggles taking them because they taste so awful), sedation hangovers, sleep deprivation and lots of tears...we finally got some GREAT NEWS today! Yesterday, Izzy had a bone scan and bone marrow test to look for signs of her cancer spreading to other parts of her body. Yesterday we also met with the clinic nurse at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital treatment center because Izzy had been throwing up every time she eats, and has been downright miserable from her medications. One of the RNs, Julie (an angel), gave us some great advice for altering the times of her medications, which we tried for the first time last night. She had a rough night of sleep, waking up a few times crying but thankfully no vomiting.

So for the good news! Julie just called and said that the bone scan results are in, and there is NO SIGN of cancer in her bones! Praise God! We are still waiting for the results of the bone marrow test, which we will receive on Tuesday or Wednesday, and we are hopeful for more good results.

More good news is that Izzy is feeling great today! The adjustments to her medication seems to be working, and her tummy feels much better! She is happy, playing patty cake and puzzles with Hailey and Kaye Kaye (Kaleigh) and laughing. The sound of her laughter brings tears to our eyes, it's been a long time since we've heard her sweet laugh.

And as if that was not enough good news for today...an aquaintance of mine, Laura, reached out to me a few days ago because she read about our story on Facebook. She works at VanAndel Research Center and was part of recruiting an amazing doctor to Grand Rapids. Dr. Sholler is a specialist on recurring Neuroblastoma and another similar type of cancer that affects children. Dr. Sholler is not even seeing patients yet, she is here doing research. Laura spoke with Dr. Sholler on our behalf yesterday and explained our situation to her (she was on vacation and still took the time to speak with Laura). Praise God, we just found out that  Dr. Sholler wants to work together with Isabella's doctor for her to participate in a special research study! She wants to meet with us the day she comes back from vacation, next Thursday. I don't know what this will lead to, but possibly it could lead to further advancements in treating her condition or other kids with the same thing.

We serve an almighty God, He is our Healer and Comforter. He is hearing our prayers and is at work in ways we cannot even fathom. We will continue to praise Him through our suffering and believe that He is working miracles all around us and in us.

Thank you all for being a part of this journey with us.