11.19.2008

taking a break

Kyle's MRI showed that his tumor has not grown. But after nearly 2 years of chemotherapy we have decided to take a vacation from chemo treatment and give Kyle's immune system a chance to rebuild. It is our hope that the chemo cocktail from the last several months has thwarted any further tumor growth.  That being the case we want to give Kyle's immune cells a chance to regain strength to fight his tumor and his nerves a chance to repair themselves from the damage caused by pressure from the tumor. 

Most of all we want to give Kyle a break from medicine for a bit. No more yucky tasting shot glasses full of chemo and cranberry juice. No more zolphran every 8 hours to keep his upset tummy at bay. We are going to let Kyle enjoy being Kyle and we are going to enjoy that too.

Thanks for your continued support and prayers....Please keep them coming.

38 comments:

Michelle E said...

Christin:

There was no place to leave a comment on YOUR blog so I am here. I just wanted to let you know I'm reading and listening. Sometimes it helps to know that you aren't just writing this stuff for yourself.

Keeping getting those thoughts and words out.

I'm praying for you guys.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

All the prayers I have are for you Christin and your
family, that God will continue to give you all the love and strength you need.

Yvonne de Maat said...

Kyle,
you're one brave dude. I hope today was a good day for you. It rained, no, POURED cats and dogs and turkeys in Portland today. We got drenched just walking from Sage's school to the car! The puddles were soooo big on the road that it was more like driving through a small river - it was crazy! Well, just wanted to share a bit of our day with you. We are super excited to see you next weekend!

love and hugs and more love,

Tracy, Brady, Sage & Skye

Anonymous said...

Kyle and Nicolas,

I was so happy that both you and Nicolas were back at school today. I miss you guys when you are gone. Carson really missed you too yesterday when you were down at your appointment. You are both so brave. I am so proud of you Kyle for being so full of courage. I am so proud of you Nicolas for being such a caring big brother. You are lucky to have each other. I love you both!

Mrs. Gutierrez

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers and all positive intentions your way. Though I don't know you all, I follow this blog and yours Christin and think of you all every day. You are one brave amazing boy Kyle.

Erica Horton said...

Thinking of you and your family, Kyle, and reading your blog and your mom's blog regularly. Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

From your mom's friend, Erica Horton Sloan.

Anne-Marie said...

Wow! No more upset tummy for Kyle? That should make you a happy boy! I'm glad you're back at school and getting to enjoy a little break from the icky cranberry juice medicine mix. =)

Hugs 'n' Kisses,

Anne-Marie & Chris

Anonymous said...

Hi Kyle, I'm Fiona and Micah's Grandma. Maybe you remember when we went to the circus in Lynden. You were pretty little then so you might not. I just wanted you to know that I wore my Kylie shirt Wednesday and again today. When people ask me what it says, I say it's a song about a great kid! And of course I sing it for them. I hope you and all your family have a good week-end. God Bless You, Judy

Unknown said...

Hey Kyle and Nicolas,

I was in your school parking lot this morning and I saw you two get off the bus. It was sure great to see you walking to the playground together. What a great pair you are!

Kyle, Shane is looking forward to playing Connect Four with you again. You sure smoked him, didn't you? I think he is anxious to try again and maybe not lose so bad next time!

We love you!

Julie (and Paul, Andrea and Shane too)

Anonymous said...

Hey Kyle,
You have a lot of good pokemon cards there so awsome. You are the most amazing kid I have ever met.
Yours truly,
SAM Barrett / Skater DUDE

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,
I'm a friend of Anne-Marie's from Book Club. I've been keeping up on your blog, and wanted to send you some good mojo from the East Coast, where it snowed last night and President Elect Obama says hello. Squeeze the most out of every moment...you're inspiring me to do the same! Allison

Anonymous said...

Hi Kyle and Nicolas,

It was so nice to see you both this morning. It was an added bonus getting to meet your grandparents. You can tell they love you both very much! Have a great rest of your weekend and I will see you at school tomorrow. Thanks for all the great hugs today, Kyle.

Lots of love,
Tiffany Gutierrez

Kayley Westra said...

Hi Kyle,
No growth is awesome news- you've got the power! We are so glad you get to take a break from all that icky medicine. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Have a fun turkey day...gobble, gobble!
OXXO
Kayley, Captain Fabulous, Ryan, Savannah & Anders

Kayley Westra said...

Hi Kyle,
No growth is awesome news- you've got the power! We are so glad you get to take a break from all that icky medicine. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Have a fun turkey day...gobble, gobble!
OXXO
Kayley, Captain Fabulous, Ryan, Savannah & Anders

Anonymous said...

Dear Roger Family-
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Just thought I'd let you know your still in my prayers.
God Bless,
Margaret

Unknown said...

Kyle, I heard you took out Hogger. Is Stitches next?

Worm

Yvonne de Maat said...

Hi Kylie,

Sage wanted you to know that she lit the candle last night that you gave her and she also said a special wish for you. We also lit candles tonight at dinner and said another special wish for you. I hope you know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We had such a nice time visiting with you, Cola and your Momma on Sunday. Your house is the best Christmas-y house EVER!

Much love and hugs,

Tracy, Brady, Sage & Skye

Anonymous said...

Hi Kyle,

I was just thinking about you and how much I love seeing you at school. You are so very special to me. I love your hugs, your great sense of humor, and how much of a fighter you are. You have such a kind heart. We are all so lucky to have you as our friend. Carson was all excited tonight at the chance of a play date next week. We love you so much! I can't wait to see you at school again tomorrow. I know that I learn so much from watching you get the most out of every opportunity. You are amazing. You and your entire family are constantly in my prayers. Stay strong!

Hugs and kisses to you!
Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Howdy! Before I came to Wade King I was at Lowell and moving from one school to another can be stressful. I totally know the feeling of what it's like to come to a new place where nobody knows your name. I know how it feels to want to feel comfortable in new surroundings and situations. Before I came here I didn't know you. But now I do, and I consider myself very lucky to have met you all. Without the ongoing presence of your shining faces, my days just wouldn't be the same. I look forward to seeing the boys at lunch everyday. They have touched my heart in ways I can't describe. Thank you for the life lessons you teach others on what is truly most important in our everyday lives.... eachother.
Love and Smiles
*Malory

Yvonne de Maat said...

Kyle,
I'm supposed to be cleaning the kitchen while Brady oversees bath time for Sage & Skye...but instead I'm checking out your blog! (don't tell Brady!) I just read the note from your lunch lady, Malory, and wanted to tell you and Cola how lucky you are to have such a special new friend in your lives. She sounds like an OOO UM GOW AH fan for sure! I'm so glad to know that you have such great new friends in your corner, rooting for you and getting to know how amazing you and your brother are.

Love & Hugs,
Tracy

Anonymous said...

Hi Kyle - It's Trina here, Megan H's mom. Megan had such a great day at school today hanging out with you. She told me of some of your adventures and she smiled the whole time. I am so glad that you and Megan are friends and that you are in Mrs. Fleenor's class together this year! We are so lucky to know you!!! And WOW .. your house looks AWESOME!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kyle,
So can I just say what an amazing friend you have in Andrea. I was honestly sad when her mom came to pick her up because that meant she needed to go back to her own school. What a gift for my 4th graders to see such a kind and caring middle school friend of yours. Wow, she is welcome in my classroom any day. I don't know what you think, but I am thinking we should make her an honorary buddy. I can tell she cares very much for you. You are one lucky boy!
I love you lots too!
Tiffany

Unknown said...

Dear Kyle,
I went to college with your grandma Linda many years ago. I've been reading all about you and I have to say, I don't think I've heard of anyone as brave and strong as you are. You sound like someone I'd really like to know because you have such an amazing spirit. I know you have the best grandparents ever and it sounds like you have lots and lots of friends who are pulling for you. We'll add our prayers to the many that are coming your way. Steve and Vicki Johnson

Anonymous said...

Kyle is an amazing young man and after reading this blog it seems his entire family is, as well. His perseverance reminds me of a wonderful quote.
"Fall down seven times, stand up eight".

I've learned so much from you and you are all in my thoughts daily.

Anonymous said...

To my Little Buddies...
*Kyle and Nick*
Hope your weekend was great- they always go by way too fast! Last night I was reading an old book to my son, Dylan and came across a prayer that I thought I would share with you guys. I have always loved it and I hope you will too...
"As I go through this day, Let me be strong. Let me belive, that I DO belong. Let me build courage, to face down my fears and replace them with faith, that I'm worth all my tears. For the self that I value is what keeps me great, and makes me the master- whatever my fate."
Your eyes have been opened to some pretty big concepts and even bigger dreams. I love that you are willing to share pieces of your lives with me- and to be your friend I am truly lucky. See you at lunch!!
Love and Smiles,
*Malory

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys-
It's me again! I thoght a lot last night about you and found another prayer that has always been a favorite of mine...
"May my angels protect me, May they hear what I pray, May they touch oh so gently, As I go through each day. Let them guide me with secrets, That only I hear, As they constantly whisper... 'You have nothing to fear!'
You are the coolest most loveable kids - I admire you more and more each day. I am lucky to be your friend.
Love and Smiles,
*Malory

Anonymous said...

Kyle and Nick~~

I think about you boys everyday on my way to Happy Valley on my way to work. I always hope that all is well when I don't see you waiting for the bus. Each time I go to Wade King to visit, many kids ask me how you boys are doing and the new Lowell kids wished that they knew you guys from all they have heard. The playground and lunchroom aren't the same this year without you. Kyle, you always cracked me up at lunchtime! So, from me to you, I wish you and your family the best holiday season and hope that all your wishes will come true! I hope to come and visit sometime next week at your school before vacations starts. I love you both!

Mrs. White

Anonymous said...

Hi Kyle and Nicolas,
Just want to say hi and thank you both for letting us come and enjoy some holiday cheer with you and your family. Neither Carson nor Hailey wanted to leave today. In fact, Hailey was fighting back the tears as we were headed to the car. We had such a good time visiting with you. Thank you for including us in your cirlce of friends. We value and cherish each of these moments that we get to spend with you both.

Jon and I just finished playing with the dogs out in the snow. I am now wondering if we are going to be having school on Monday. I bet your house really looks amazing with the white backdrop all around it.

Hugs and love being sent your way from the Gutierrez family. Many special prayers as well. We love you all!
Tiffany (Jon, Carson, and Hailey)

Anne-Marie said...

Hi Guys -

It was fun to see you at the holiday party but even better to come out and go sledding on Saturday. Kyle, you were quite the little daredevil (remember when you said that the sledding was "lame" 'cuz I wasn't going fast enough?) =) and Cola, I hope you like your Star Wars lego project.

XOXO to you all,

Anne-Marie and Chris

Anonymous said...

Hey Fellas-
I wanted to thank you for inviting me and Dylan to your party this weekend- it was tons of fun! I loved playing air hockey and getting beat by you both. Dylan was asking about you in his cute little baby voice. He says "KOWL & NACK?" He even called your mom "STIN". Its close enough but he adores you guys. I hope we can get together again soon.
Love and Smiles,
Malory
(P.S. Have fun playing hooky at Baker tomorrow. Wish I could go with you!!)

Heatherwilliamsonandlove said...

Hi my name is Heather Williamson from Sehome highschool.
I have contacted friends around the world, and the states. I have prayer groups and schools sending me letters to pass on to kyle. I will get them to his school, but some will be late. I was wondering as to wear to relay the cards too, because I'm sure I will be recieving them for awhile.
All my love Heather
Please Email me
Stubbles93@comcast.net
I really want to make sure kyle gets these

Anonymous said...

Hi my name is Heather Williamson from Sehome highschool.
I have contacted friends around the world, and the states. I have prayer groups and schools sending me letters to pass on to kyle. I will get them to his school, but some will be late. I was wondering as to wear to relay the cards too, because I'm sure I will be recieving them for awhile.
All my love Heather
Please Email me
Stubbles93@comcast.net
I really want to make sure kyle gets these

Anonymous said...

Hello Kyle,
Merry Christmas buddy. I'm not sure if you and your family will have the time to read this but I made you something on my Polyvore account. Please visit it when you can:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=5233472
Thank you so much. Hang in there, I know you will.
Lots of love,
Miji :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Kyle, hang in there! If you can't fly, jump. If you can't jump, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, drag yourself, BUT NEVER GIVE UP!!! Miracles do happen, everyday. You never know. God may be planning one for you right now. You will be in my prayers and belive, 'cause I do: next Christmas will be way much better than this one. Love, Nanda from Brazil.

Anonymous said...

Hi kyle

I hope you and Nicolas have an awesome Christmas this year. My mom liked our grinch pictures. I hope we don't have school tomorrow so I can play in the snow. Do you want school?

Your friend Carson

Unknown said...

Hi guys!
We hope that you are having fun in the snow today. There is SO MUCH snow to play in. Can you believe it??
When we are not out in the snow today, we are going to try to find our big wall map so that you can keep track of all of the places that you get Christmas cards from.
We love you guys!
Julie, Paul, Andrea and Shane

The EcoDiva said...

Thinking about this sweet family...my prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

i am baker wells mcquaide, and i am nine years old. you seem like you would be a really nice kid, and i would like to talk to you.

if you want to talk to me, my email is jenmcquaide@comcast.net, (thats my moms), and mikemcquaide@comcast.net, (thats my dads)

we also sent you a card, so maybe you will get it tomorrow or the next day.

hang in there!

baker