The Spine is Fine!!

February 8,2012

Dr. Picetti an orthopedic surgeon in Sacramento saw Luke to check out the radiologists findings of compression's in his spine. He examined all of his scans and he said "I look at spines all day, every day, and I see nothing wrong with Luke's spine". Great news and another blessing to add to the multitude of blessings Our Father has laid out for our son. Happy Day :)

Oncology Appointment 10/18/11

God blessed me with a very calm heart for our visit with Dr.Shu today. He said the compression that showed up in Luke's scans in April in his T12 vertebra was healed...regenerated...all better!! I'm Praising the Lord for his healing hand!

Strangely enough they are now seeing a compression in his L2 vertebra which is down his back a little lower. This is really confusing. Dr. Shu has no idea what is going on. As for Luke's labs, his blood looks all good and we don't have the results of the HVA-VMA(urine test that shows tumor markers). So...the Doctor is going to refer us to an orthopedist to have an x-ray taken of his spine to get a good baseline for the future. We will continue to pray this week that his last test will be clear and I'm thinking if God can heal T12 he can defiantly heal L2 !! Thanks again for praying with us. I will let you all know what happens next :) ~Erica

October 2011

Along with the rest of his siblings, Luke was enrolled in public school this August. We just had our first parent-teacher conference with his second grade teacher Mrs.Trasarre and I am glad to report that he is doing wonderfully! This is his first year ever in public school so I was a bit worried about how he would do. He is really enjoying all his new friends, playing basketball and tether-ball on the playground, running laps for P.E and math (believe it or not!). Lukas is also playing soccer like a champ(getting some goals even)! This year his U8 team is called "The Big Horns"under our favorite "Coach(uncle)Ken". We have had a little problem with our Friday schedule, which goes... 8am school, 2:30 Awana(kids club at church) then 5:30 soccer practice. That makes for a long day and a very exhausted little guy, but he's gaining endurance.

This Friday (October 14th) we skipped out on school, Awana and soccer practice and headed down for a day at the hospital. Luke had his labs and C.T scan done and then we did some shopping. Everything went very well and it was another 'first time ever' for Luke...he did NOT cry or scream for his IV!...not a peep...he is one amazing boy!! We will go back to the Oncologist for a check up and to receive the results of these tests on Tuesday the 18th. We are in prayer as always for Luke's complete healing and asking God for these tests results to be completely normal. Please join us in prayer. Our Lord Jesus Christ has been so merciful these last 2 years and 8 months of Luke's Journey and we are so thankful for your prayers.

Miracles happen all the time

Well, I closed with my last post hoping to report good news....and....guess what!! There was no cancer seen in Luke's Mibg scan and they also did not see any tumor markers in his UA. This news was such a blessing! I walked out of the Oncologist's office to the car forgetting my purse, I was so excited.

I held Luke as he fell asleep the other night and I said "you know, its a miracle?" he said "what is a miracle?" I answered, "that's when something great happens that only God can do" he replied thoughtfully "Well, I can think of a lot of miracles" he counted on his fingers "You getting married to Dad...getting all of us kids...and... I know the biggest miracle EVER!... it was Jesus dying for us so we can go to heaven". He smiled and fell asleep.

I'm thinking God must have mighty plans for this little man.

Thank you, my friends, for all your prayers and comforting words. ~Erica

We find out Monday what God has in store for us!

April Scans

Today we got the results of Luke's scans from last week. Dr.Hsu said they saw compression in his spine at his T12 vertebra. They would like to do an Mibg scan to see if their are any Neuroblastoma cells in the area causing this. There are other causes of spinal compression, but of course the reason for all of these scans it to catch ANY abnormalities. Luke is feeling great he's playing baseball like a champ, eating well, gaining weight, growing taller and smarter everyday. We already had an appointment scheduled with UCSF to meet with Dr.Horn, one of our bone marrow transplant specialists, so we will take copies of Luke's C.T. Scans and see what they think...It's hard not to start thinking the worst...I'm not sure why our mind's do that to us :/ I saw a poster of "Dory" from the Disney movie "Finding Nemo", it said "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming".LOL, It's true, we just have to keep moving along, and keep ourselves from wading in worry. I trust in the Lord... no matter what comes our way. He has shown me his power, love, mercy and his gentleness. In him I find my strength :) I hope to report good news soon...Keep praying for our Lukas !!

January 2011 Scans

Luke and I had a quick and easy check up at the Oncologist Wednesday. The nurse put us in the same room we were in when they told us he needed to have a bone marrow transplant (icky memory) but....this time was much better. Dr. Shu said his scans and blood and urine tests were all perfect!! April will officially mark one year "off therapy", because he was taking oral meds. until then, so Luke will have scans again then, along with a ECHO of his heart to check for any damage the chemo could have caused. If all is good, we will then be put on a schedule of scans twice a year! I am praising God for everyday I have with my boy. He's such a blessing. He lost another tooth this morning...I think that was number 7 so far. He was very proud he has passed up cousin Veda on the race to loose the most teeth. And speaking of number 7!! Luke's birthday is coming up on the 27th of this month. He picked out a toucan piñata at the grocery store on our way home from the Doctor's office. Not sure why a Toucan, but that's what he wanted, so of course Grandma Kay wanted to get it for him. He carried it out of the store with a big smile on his face. I thought it was pretty cute that he was re-thinking the idea of hitting it with a bat on his birthday...I think he wants to keep it :)

Scans for the New Year

Mike and I were both able to take Lukas for his tests and scans on Friday. It was an early morning appointment an very cold and misty in Sacramento. Everything worked out just as it should at the hospital. Luke got his blood work and urine test and drank his giant cup of "red juice", aka, contrast. He got his IV with, not too much screaming. Daddy taunted him saying maybe he would feel better if he sang the song from Beauty and the Beast...to which Luke snarled with a crinkled up nose "gerrr...stop it Dad...I don't like princess songs!" Then of course when it came time to remove the IV Daddy started in with a soft voice, singing "Tale as old a time...Beauty and The Beast" but this time Luke was laughing "St-ahpp-it-Dad". As we where leaving Lukas asked "why do I have to do these scans again?" I said "why?, because you had cancer...remember your tummy bump?" Luke replied shaking his head "all this, for a little bump?" My eyes widened as I recalled the pictures of that enormous tumor removed from his little precious body." Yep" I said.

Thanks to all my facebook friends for praying with us our memory verse for this week Psalm 103:1-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless His Holy name!
and forget not all of his benefits:
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from destruction,
who crowns you in lovingkindness and tender mercies.

Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family. Luke and the rest of the family continue to be blessed with good health as we near the most important Birthday party of the year! I just realized I have not posted the results of our last set of scans...I did on Facebook but not on the blog, So for any of you who have not heard, Luke's scans were all good! No signs of cancer and his lungs were even more improved :) He's just a regular little boy now! We have two computers set up right next to one another on Mike's disaster of a desk. Luke is beside me working on his math with his headphones on. He is, of course, reluctant to do his school work...like all my kids...but we have been chugging right along. We are all looking forward to our Christmas break.

All of us gathered around and watched "It's a Wonderful Life" this weekend. Luke was confused near the end when everyone was coming in, bringing money to help George. He asked "Why are they giving him all their money?" I explained that George needed help and people loved him...so they wanted to help him. I said "Did you know the same thing happened when you were sick in the hospital? Our family, friends and even strangers came and brought us money! Money also came in the mail and some people put right into our bank account!" He smiled a sort- of embarrassed smile. He feels so loved.

Our prayer is that each one of you feel that sort of love, undeserved love, that comes only by God's grace. All you have to do is open your heart and receive the gift that He has given us in His Son Jesus Christ. We love you all,

~The Finches

Praying For Wonderful, Upcoming Scans!

Hello everyone! Just wanted to send out a prayer request for Lukey's up coming scans. Friday morning @ 9am, Luke will have a C.T of his chest,abdomen and pelvis and he will also have his blood work and HVA-VMA test. We are daily in prayer for his healing and feel confident God has a plan for our boy. The kids and I just started studying Jeremiah this morning. A great reminder of how God is in control of our lives. Thank you for praying with us. ~Erica

Jeremiah 29:11 ~For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

1 YEAR post Transplant !!!

It's hard to believe it has been exactly one year since the bags of Luke's stem cells were defrosted and then infused into his body. He is one amazing boy with one amazing God of mercy. Lukas enjoyed cupcakes with his friends after soccer practice to celebrate...I think only a couple of them knew it wasn't really his birthday...after all, who would guess by looking at him he was so ill such a short time ago. Well...Mike and I talked last night about the mixed feelings that come to the surface as we remember back and we both agreed it's much more fun to live in the moment, enjoy watching our kids, swim, play soccer, learn and grow. Not to ponder on the past or try to think to far into the future but just love today for what it is...I pray all of you are doing well and I thank you again for your continued prayer for our Lukie boy!

P.S. The last test we were waiting on was all normal :)

August C.T. Scan

We received the results of Luke's Friday scans of his chest, abdomen and pelvis. The area in his lungs where he previously had that nasty fungal infection is all good... a little scar tissue but nothing else. Abdomen is just fine. Pelvis is all clear. His blood is looking great and we are still waiting on his UA(really important...can show the first signs of cancer). So the Lord continues to bless us with a healthy son and we are taking full advantage of that. We headed straight to the mall after his appointment and took Luke to the Lego store! I don't think he remembers the last time he had been to the mall. He was having so much fun, and saying "Thank you Mom...thank you Grandma Kay...for taking me to the mall...thank you". We headed straight to Soccer practice after that. Uncle Ken is his coach and cousin Veda is on his team, he loves it. Thank you all so much for your prayers...and thank you Jesus.( I sound just like Luke...I guess we both have a lot to be thankful for ;)

Crazy but Good

We had a crazy day yesterday. We were heading to the hospital for Lukie's scans and the car wouldn't start :( so we walked over to Grandmas and borrowed her car and made it to the hospital only a little late... where they told us the C.T. Scanner was broken. Sutter Memorial sent us to Sutter General. That hospital is really busy and under construction and I had no idea where I was going...but we made it. We had to go through the whole hospital registration process since we are new to that hospital and wait a long time in radiology... all the while poor Luke is fasting and worrying about having an IV put in. So, our 10 am scan finally happened at about 12:15 pm. He also needed his labs drawn so I asked if they could just take the blood from his IV so he wouldn't have to get poked again. This turned out to be another half an hour of walking around the hospital with a really kind radiology tech. who was trying to figure out how to get his labs drawn. The lab insisted they couldn't do it and wanted to send us to another lab. The whole thing was really weird. I had no idea it would be so difficult ! So a nurse walking down the hall heard the whole discussion with the lab and said..."oh, my goodness, just give me the tubes and I will do it". She met us in the waiting room and drew his blood from the IV and took it out...she didn't have cotton and tape or a band aid though and blood spilled all down Luke's shorts as he cried...Oh my... Well at least we were done.

Luke and I walked out of the hospital to the first restaurant we saw, Round Table, a very nice gentlemen working at round table that made a special pizza for Luke caused me to reflect on the kindness we had received that day. No where in that chaos of day did we come across a rude or mean person, actually it was quite the contrary, everyone was incredibly nice. Even both the ladies at the parking-toll booths were super sweet...one didn't charge me and the other told me how adorable my son was.....Strange.....now that I think about it...our day really wasn't that bad...the Lord blessed us the whole day...funny how he works sometimes ;) Thank you for your continued prayers. ~Erica

Upcoming Scan and Tests

Just wanted to put in a prayer request for Luke's upcoming scans and tests. He is scheduled for Friday morning at 9:30 for his C.T. scan and blood work/UA. Please say a prayer for our little guy. Right now he's being lathered up with sunscreen as heads back into the pool...what fun. He's becoming quite the good swimmer!! We send our love to all :)

Big Wishes Do Come True !!

Hi everybody ! Luke is doing great and we are all having a fun filled summer, I hope you are too!

*Update* Our last Bone Marrow Transplant check-up went good. Luke was, once again, a professional a getting his blood draw.. (a big sigh for Mommy)....His labs looked great. They said his iron levels might be really high due to the amount of blood transfusions he has had and they may need to "bleed him out" some to take care of that, but that wasn't the case...(another sigh for Mom!)...God is good! His vitamin D levels were another concern, but they were good too! He is now ready to have his immunizations done over again just like a newborn baby. I have been kind of procrastinating making that appointment...after all he's been through the last thing I want to do is give him more shots :(

It's really been amazing to watch him get stronger everyday. The human body is incredible...The Creator designed us with such an intricate design. It's hard to believe how close to death my Lukie was and how God has healed him so completely. I continue to pray...all the time...that his body will never make another neuroblastoma cell again! And I pray the lasting effects of chemotherapy will be non-existent.... I know God can do anything :)

Our little buddy Kenji is on his way to take part in a clinical trial in Tennessee at St.Jude's Hospital. Neuroblastoma cells are in his bone marrow once again. I'm praying this clinical trial might be a medical breakthrough. Kenji is a precious little boy with a head full of curly brown hair. His parents, Dave and Marlene, are amazing, caring people, I hope the very best for them.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot...how could I forget... the title of today's post "Big Wishes Do Come True"...Luke received his wish from the "Make-A-Wish Foundation"!! A giant ..16' x 32' ...above ground SWIMMING POOL !!! We went swimming in it for the first time today and Luke kept saying "Can you believe it..I can't believe it...we are in my very own pool...at my house..can you believe it...I can't believe it...my dream came true!!" his expressions were really cute. His brothers and sister are pretty happy as well, and I have to say I am enjoying it as much as the kids are... It has been pretty hot around here.

Well...Luke will have his next set of scans the beginning of August. We postponed them a couple weeks because we have some new medical insurance kicking in soon. YAY. Mike enlisted in the NAVY reserves ! A big decision for us to make...it still gives me a little tummy ache thinking about it...but I think it was what the Lord wanted for us. I have to say when Mike got down his uniforms and started trying them on it did make my heart go pitter-pat to see my sailor once again. He is really cute. Well, that's the Finch Family update, please keep us in your prayers, it means a lot to us. Sincerely, Erica

PRAISE GOD FOR CLEAR SCANS !!

The Lord is so Merciful!!! Mike and I took Luke to the Oncologist yesterday and received great news. "Everything looks great" the Dr. said. "There is a small spot still showing up in his lungs from the infection, but it looks exactly the same as his last C.T. scan. This is probably just scar tissue." YAY!

We headed over to the hospital lab for his UA and blood test and Luke wasn't even nervous. I could hardly believe as he sat on my lap for his blood draw, he didn't cry! We all gasped in amazement at this incredible child, holding so still and quiet, he even let out a little chuckle at us. What a great day. :)

Luke was so brave! He knew what he was in for, but he marched himself into that hospital, sat in the chair, held out his arm stiff and with his eyes closed tight he screamed and cried but did NOT move his arm. I figure, if he wants to cry that is okay with me...at least he let the guy put in the IV like he needed to. Peter was with us this time and just before Luke got poked, he whispered in my ear "I don't want to watch this". I didn't even think of Peter being worried, poor guy. Well... we all survived and the boys hopped over all the lines between the tiles on the floor all the way to the parking lot. The following day Luke once again slept through his MIBG scan. We saw Kenji and his Mom and Dad in the waiting room. They will find out next week if he is in fact having a relapse or not. Praying all is okay. We will have a visit to go over Lukas' scans with the Oncologist on May 11th. Luke's energy and stamina are increasing everyday. Today he is at Awanas til 4:30, has a 5:30 baseball game, followed by an awards ceremony at Cornerstone church where he will get up and recite his memory verse(James 2:10). Big day ! Thank you Lord for your healing:)

April Follow-up Scans

Luke had his C.T. and Bone scan Monday. Thank you for your prayers...God was merciful and gave Luke a fabulous I.V. therapist. He cried but didn't scream...He drank his contrast in a little shot glass this time then chased it with a hefty amount of apple juice. I think that was a great way to get it down, because when it is mixed together it's pretty nasty tasting stuff! Luke fell asleep during his bone scan again...what a trooper! We will go Tuesday to have a nuclear injection then a MIBG scan on Wednesday. Lord..please keep this boy healthy :)

Our Friends who encouraged and comforted us when we found out Luke was going to have a Stem-cell transplant are going through another scary time. Their son Kenji has past the one year mark since his transplant and has just had a scan showing a swollen lymph node and he has an elevated UA. Please remember them in your prayers too.

Lukas had his pic line removed from his arm today !! He was very nervous about removing it. It has become natural for him to have a line in his body and he also knows this means pokes when he goes to doctor appointments and scans. He knows way too much for a six year old. Anyway...he started screaming when the nurse asked him to lay down and didn't stop screaming until she was done. I kinda thought he would be tougher than that thinking of all the pain he has been through. Please pray God will comfort him and spare him from worry and pain as we near the time for the IV's he needs to get for his scans on April 19th, 27th and 28th.

On a brighter note... we went to the "MAKE-A-WISH" wishing place today!! They have a beautiful brand new place near arco arena. When we walked in past the fountain we saw one thousand hanging stars from the high ceiling. Luke will have his very own star up there, forever more. They gave him a special key to keep in his pocket and they spent some time getting to know him. He drew pictures of what his wishes might look like and then unlocked a big door with his key. He entered a glowing blue room (his favorite color). In the center was a wishing well. Luke thought carefully about his wish and dropped it into the well. Suddenly the lights started twinkling and flashing the music started playing and we all danced...