Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Now THIS was the news we were hoping for ....


No leukemia.As simple as that and as complicated as that.Nothing about cancer is simple actually.Diagnosis,treatment and life after.That is if you are so lucky to be on the other side of treatment.And mark my words,we know how very lucky we are to be on this side.Reminder came this morning as my very dear friend,against my instructions,showed up at Children's to lend her support.My friend Laura is mommy to Angel Luke.Laura and John know all too well the roller coaster ride of pediatric cancer.Their little guy battled so courageously for almost 6 months.Their other side of treatment is far different then ours and as long as I can carry on with gratitude for where Zoey is right now,in this moment, then I will have learned as I should have, from the gift of Luke's and others like him and their journey.My friend Michelle,who has been my rock since day one of Zoey's birth, also insisted on coming along and the company of the two of them made all the difference in my mindset and ability to focus on the task at hand.I love them both for getting up at ungodly hours to be there beside both Mark and I.The ultimate in selflessness.Up at 4am.Out the door at 5am.Check in 6am and procedure at 7:30am.It was one of our most easy flowing admissions to date.No fuss.No hold up.Just bing,bang,boom and before I knew it I was being ushered back into recovery to be with Zoey.I found her as I had left her.Smiley,waving and in great spirits.Then the wait began.Dr.Gaynon said results would be back soon after she was out of recovery and true to his word,they were.No leukemia.Wow.We were speechless and elated and so very grateful.Now the question remains,"What is causing her platelets to either not produce properly or what is causing those platelets to be consumed?"He suspects some organ damage due to the chemo.Specifically her liver and spleen.He was also slightly concerned Monday as her hemoglobin was 15.2.That is high and can be indicative of heart disease.So it looks like we will be checking out the little loves organs over the next few weeks or so.But the huge news of the day is Zoey remains,in this amazing moment,leukemia free.Can you hear me taking a deep cleansing breath all the way over here?These were a tough couple of days.Our minds went to all different kinds of places but we stuck together as a family.Remained strong and positive and prayed like crazy.And then there were all of you.Again a tremendous outpouring of love and support through comments and phone call and emails.Once again sustaining us and humbling us as we continue to journey forward with Miss Zoey.This child of ours keeps us on our toes.A sentiment reiterated by her oncologist today.I wish I thought that this would be the last number scare that we would be facing.I know in fact it will probably not be.The question remains:How will we deal with the curve balls that are sure to come with this territory?Gracefully and with dignity like Zoey I would hope but when I am in the the thick of the uncertainty that ability becomes far too difficult to wade through.Recently I followed a comment to this darling little guy.His mom had this quote at the top ... I just loved it.

"LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS.. IT'S ABOUT LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN."

It seems as though we have all passed through many storms over the last 2 1/2 years.Sometimes I have danced and other times I have barely kept my head above the raging waters. But all the while our guide through those storms has always remained constant and consistent.That guide has been a tiny child who's indomitable will to survive whispers and often shouts, DO NOT GIVE UP.The other beacon that has shone brightly has been or faith.Yes,there have been moments of doubt and brokenness but that faith is and continues to be the core of our existence.For each of these moments that we face, we pass through the human emotions of fear and anger and always circle back to the undeniable belief that the storm will pass.Maybe not always in the way we would want it to but it will pass and we will find our way to another day.My inadequate words of thanks comes to all of you.As I said in an email last night to a long time reader,I so wish Zoey could wrap her little arms around you all and give you one of her patent hugs.I thank you all for her and on behalf of our entire family.Our hearts overflow with humility and gratitude.I leave you with the picture of the little warrior,all tuckered out from her very long day.More tomorrow:Tomorrow just happens to be an anniversary of another incredible milestone of Miss Zoey Grace.

67 comments:

Kisses For Noah said...

PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! I have been refreshing your page all day waiting for this glorious news! Zoey is one tough cookie! Tons of hugs and love to you all!!!!

(can you hear me doing the happy dance? lol)

Kristy said...

YES!!! I have been checking the blog all day for an update. The girls in my office have been asking all day as well. As soon as I read the first sentence..I started crying with tears of joy..and the girls also joined in. Prayers have been answered and Zoey came through just like the warrior she is.

Praise God for answered prayers.

I am so happy for you, Mark and the children. I want to scream at the top of my lungs..I LOVE ZOEY!!

It's a happy day Heather!! A very happy day!!

Hugs and love..Kristy xoxo

Anonymous said...

We've waited all day to hear this great news. Give Zoey lots of hugs. We will keep praying for more good days to come.

Kele said...

BEEN DYING FOR YOU TO POST! I am sooooooooo happy, thank you for letting me know and I love you guys more than you could know!
PLEASE kiss Z for me, this makes me even more anxious to get up there to kiss her myself! Wish I were there to do some dancin' and celebratin' with ya!

Maureen said...

Thank GOD!

Mo

Rosemary said...

Praise God...nuff said!!!

Anonymous said...

YEA! That is wonderful news :)

grammygwen said...

Praise God, no leukemia!!!! I am so happy. Still keeping little Zoey in my prayers.
Gwen

Cheri said...

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Lacey said...

I knew it, I just knew it in my heart. I'm telling you going through this is making my visit with you all that more important. I need a Zoey hug, since i didn't get one last time. Oh I can't wait to see you in a few days. Yeah.

Cammie Heflin said...

Thank GOD! I have been praying and praying for her! I am so glad that there is no cancer! Hopefully she will kick up those platelets too.

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

*ahhhh* That's me taking a sigh of relief with you. I just got home and just sat down and this was the first place I came. Praise God, Heather! What more is there to say? (Cancer still sucks though!) Love you!

amyl4 said...

Praise God!!
Amy

Anonymous said...

Heather & Mark - Just arrived home from day at Alex Bay with friends - everyone praying the big L had not returned. The phone was ringing as I came in door, but missed call. Message was from your mom Mark, stating L ruled out. Rushed to blog to read your words, and I see photo of my sweet, warrior grand niece sleeping at home IN HER OWN BED.

And now I bow my head and say, thank you God for this blessing.

Love & HUGE HUGS to everyone

Aunt Bluebelle

just jean said...

Smiling broadly here....and sending more prayers....this time of thanks and for continued strength for Zoey and her faithful band of family and friends.

Bea Braun said...

Thank you, thank you for posting so quickly and letting us all know about the wonderful news and Zoey, the trooper that she is, seems to have come through it beautifully! Wow, what a huge relief. You will all continue to be in our daily prayers.

P.S. What an amazing quote!

Unknown said...

Heather I'm so glad to her the good news! Give miss zoey a hug for me. Madison is doing great a little scray tho?!

Angi said...

So very happy to read this post!! Just Zoey showing the world what she is made of!!!!

Unknown said...

Good to hear!

StefB said...

Yippee!

Anonymous said...

Praise God and The Blessed Mother for prayers answered.

Ami G

The VW's said...

Praise the Lord!!! I'm so happy for you! I've been praying for you and thinking of you lots! What a blessing and answer to prayer! Sleep well tonight friend! LOVE THAT PRECIOUS PICTURE OF SWEET ZOEY!!!

Scrappy quilter said...

Praise God is right!! Woohoo celebrating with you. Continued prayers for your sweet precious Zoey.

Proud Grandma said...

What wonderful news - lots of prayers have been answered today.

Unknown said...

Now I have a bit more time to comment. I'm very happy to have read this post from you. I was worried about Zoey all day. Mainly, because she was being put through this horrible test today. I would have been really surprised though, if I had read an update saying something bad. To me, after going through low platelets with Carly since May, I didn't think Zoeys platelets were all that low. I was a little surprised they even wanted to do the bone marrow so quickly on her. I mean. Carlys were as low as 56,000 in May/June. So I would welcome 99,000 any day of the week. At any rate, I'm very happy for you all. Thank God she is OK!

Anonymous said...

Thank God for the good news!!!!My whole family is happy for the great news. I' ve been praying in silence for quite a bit. I'm just another mom that happend to read Bridget's blog and started reading your story. You are a STRONG mom, I truly admire you!, and your daughter is lucky to have you. I will keep praying for more wonderful days to come. Lots of happy thoughts for an amazing little girl!!!
Monica and family

Shelly Turpin said...

Oh gosh! I am so grateful! So very, very gratefuL!

Dawson said...

You just cant imagine how happy we are to hear this wonderful news. Thank God!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news!!! We have been praying all day... prayer works!!! Please give Miss Zoey tons of germ free slobbers from all of us.. and a BIG huggle to you too mom!
Huggles and Love :)

Jamie said...

OH MY GOSH!! Prayers are on your side!! SEE!!! AMAZING! I am so happy! she is a true bedhog like my madie...hee hee! (((((HUGS))))

Junior said...

Praise the Lord, I am so happy to hear this wonderful news.

Shelli said...

PTL you have been in our prayers and we are so joyful for you all!

Christy said...

Thanks be to God! We are so happy to hear this wonderful news!!!

We will continue to pray for Zoey your sweet angel!

Anonymous said...

Praise God!!

Stephanie said...

Oh sweet Jesus it feels so good to finally be able to exhale.
I'm so beyond happy for you and Your little love.
Better days lie in wait, I can't wait to see Miss Zoey enjoying every last one.

Keep us posted on how the rest turns out. We're here for the long haul regardless of what it brings.

Keep the faith.

Tish said...

Blessed is he who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life that
God has promised to those who love Him.
~James 1:12

I'm hugging Zoey tightly right now. Sweet dreams tonight.

Unknown said...

I'm so happy, I'm just a silent reader that's been touched daily by Zoey and your family. She's beautiful. When I read your post the other day I was at work and starting tearing up... I've been waiting for today's post and boy am I happy. Today was tears of joy. Zoey is the true description of beauty.

Mareesa

Tina said...

I just read your blog heading and literally screamed....with relief. I have been checking your blog over the last day continouly especially since we have a big time difference and so I really didn't know when you would give us the good news!!! I knew and convinced myself that it could only be good news I didn't let myself for a minute think differently. Prayers continue for your little angel Zoey....

My name is Sarah said...

Tears of JOY here!!!! What a wave you have been on. I just want to reach out and hug all of you. I am so relieved for this news.

Peter Olson said...

Keep your eyes on Jesus and you will not sink below the waves and winds of this storm.
Was I right or what?
(Heavy sigh!) Thank God for answered prayers. :-)

Our Sweet Sophie said...

To say "what a relief" is an understatement. I can't imagine the amount of emotions you have been through these last couple of days. Big hugs for you and Zoey. I am so happy for you all!!!

Devon said...

Oh thank heaven. Praise God!!!

Unknown said...

THIS is the best thing I have read all day!

Di said...

That is FANTASTIC. I realize there are other concerns right now but that is great news. I am so happy for Zoey and your family. Thank God.

Dianna

Dana Janowicz said...

Awesome news this evening. So happy for the whole family.

Samantha said...

Oh... thank you God! I can just imagine the weight that was lifted off of you today... I am so happy to hear sweet little Zoey is Clean!!!

JUST A MOM said...

TEARS...lots of them...but this time the happy ones! God is Good!!!

Denise said...

I am so happy for you guys to hear that relieving news. I actually heard from Kele before I saw it on your blog and was so happy to start off our visit with her with such happy news!!! Sorry I didn't get a call in to you but we have been on a whirlwind since arriving in TX but please know you have been constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeanette said...

PRAISE GOD!!!! Tears of Joy for you! I am speechless!!! Thank you Lord!

sasha said...

Awesome news! Your post was so passionate...it took my breath away today. Wow. Way to go Zoey!!!!

Jeana said...

YEAH ZOEY! You are an amazing little girl you know, my heart is lifted today because of you.

The Sanchez Family said...

AMEN!!! Such wonderful sweet news! She is just amazing. I hope you continue to get good news! I love the quote, we all need to dance in the rain a little bit more!

Pallavi said...

It's a great news.
We are so glad. Thank you god.

Anonymous said...

Great and Wonderful God - thank you for listening to ALL our prayers and once again bringing the Needhams through yet another "road block" in their journey with little Miss Zoey Grace. Zoey is such an inspiration to us all, with her strenght to endure and the love she extends to all. We don't the exact path you have laid out for the Needhams to travel, but we pray that you allow Zoey and the Needham's to travel down this path with a few less "bumps in the road". We pray this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ our Lord - Amen

Such GREAT news for you guys - I was a little bit afraid of logging on this morning, but kept the faith and cried tears of joy and happiness when I did. Will continue the prayers (as always) from Otisco Lake - besides we are still waiting for that trip you're going to take to the east coast so we can get a big hug from that precious little one.

Robyn

Unknown said...

Absolutely Wonderful News!!! :0) xoxoxoxoxoxo

Melani said...

All of the above comments have said it all! I am so incredibly happy for your family and for Zoey! :) :) :) :)

datri said...

Big sigh of relief. It has certainly been a roller coaster ride.

Joella said...

How awesome is GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tears of joy rolling down my cheek,!!!!!!!!!

Thank YOU GOD for hearing the prayers for Sweet Zoey Grace and answering them with praise!!!!

Heather what awesome news and a load lifted off your shoulders, GOD is good and he will carry you through the storms...He has plans for your family and for your angel. I sit in awe at how many lives you and sweet Zoey is touching and how much your blog is helping others. You have an awesome family and some pretty brave kiddoooooo you have. Excited to see what GOD has in-store for y'all. Prayers and strenght for the test you all will have to go through to find out what is going on, remember GOd will carry you through... let him.... He is the best DR around......

GOD heal this precious angel inside out, in your amazing way you do, then let us sit back and watch you perform another miracle!!!!! AMEN!!!!

Renee said...

A loud, audible sigh of relief from SLO!! Hang in there, you guys!
Hugs to all <3

ardith said...

Wonderful news! So glad to hear....

Michelle said...

That is wonderful news - So glad to hear the great update !!

Danyele Easterhaus said...

she is so precious and i am filled with joy and awe of how god continues to show himself in new ways! praise god for no leukemia.

heidi marie said...

i can not tell you how relieved and happy for all of you when kele told me to WONDERFUL news yesterday!!! praise God for such wonderful news. may He keep her safe and healthy always!!!

Jennifer Ortiz said...

SO RELIEVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way I have that saying about the storm hanging in my house.

kerry Gordon said...

I have been away for a while, I just sat down to check your blog and I am breathing a sigh of relief.

Melissa said...

How great is our God & UGH, the tears that I cry at this moment are for ALL JOY for all of you!!!!!
Congrats to you sweet Zoey.

When I read this before, I read it too fast to not see all of the details~Just WONDERFUL!

Mary said...

What a miracle! Congratulations!