Reiki and Decisions

To Charley’s Family and Friends,

I had the privilege to spending a few hours with Deborah, Nehemiah, and Charley today. Charley was sleeping and without the Bi-pap for most of the time I was there. He woke up instantly when Pastor Don arrived! Charley was alert and enjoyed watching his new Ultraman VCDs from his family in China. Charley watched Ultraman when he was in the hospital in Beijing and even though the audio is in Japanese, he knows all of the characters’ names!

Doctor Rosenthal, a specialist in Integrated Therapy, met with Charley’s parents to discuss his nutrition needs. He feels that it is very important for Charley to be able to eat foods with antioxidants. Charley has been enjoying some cactus juice and occasionally asks for some fruit, but his nausea has kept him from having an adequate appetite for over three months. Dr. Rosenthal is suggesting some therapeutic means to help Charley to relax so that he can swallow more nutritious drinks. Charley will begin Reiki therapy. Reiki involves healing with energy through hands.

After the meeting with Dr. Rosenthal, Deborah and Nehemiah faced the major decision of whether to transfer Charley to the comfort room on the 6th floor, where he may feel more physically comfortable, or to have him stay in the ICU for a few more days, where he can remain under the care of the same doctors and nurses who have taken care of him for the past couple of weeks. (The latter plan would also allow them to continue the current plans of caring for Charley’s nutritional needs.)

Luckily, Pastor Don was there to provide a message from the scriptures. James 1:5 states, “If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask him, and he will gladly tell you.” Moments after Pastor Don’s message and prayer, Charley’s doctors told Deborah and Nehemiah that it may be best for Charley to stay a little while longer in the ICU. Praise the Lord for giving Charley’s family the answer and taking that burden off of their shoulders!

Doctor Sallan, Charley's attending doctor, stopped by later Monday afternoon. He examined Charley and noted that Charley's spleen remained the same size. His lungs were improving.

Prayer Request:
* Deborah and Nehemiah continue to ask God for help in making their decisions.
* That the condition of Charley's spleen and lungs can continue to improve.
* That Charley can continue to feel the support of his family and friends at his side.

-Erin

April 29, 2007 Update

Dear Family and Friends of Charley:

I’m Madeline, Charley’s teacher from Shrewsbury. I would like to update you as to what has been happening at the hospital the last couple of days.

I saw Charley on Friday afternoon. He was still in the ICU because the doctors had been concerned about his lungs; but Charley has been slowly improving. He had been using the BI-PAP full time (the big face mask) but Friday he used the small nose tubes for 5 hours. Saturday he had the nose tubes on for 7 and a half hours, on Sunday for 10 hours, and the amount/force of oxygen was lowered.

Charley has been fed by IVs since he was in ICU. His parents have asked the doctors about the possibility of having an additional dietary supplement given to Charley. This would consist of herbs and other natural nutritional and food enhancements. These could be supplied by a tiny tube (feeding tube) that would go to intestine. The team has arranged the appointment with the director of the integrated clinic on this Monday. Nothing has been decided about this.

The doctors are also concerned about Charley’s spleen being enlarged. Oftentimes an enlarged spleen can mean the presence of leukemia, but some infections may also cause the spleen to be enlarged.

White Blood Cells: a healthy person can have between 4,000-10,000 white blood cells. A couple of weeks ago Charley’s WBC was 60 and on Friday it was 110. This morning‘s lab results show the WBC to be at 210, so very, very slowly it's coming up. Importantly, his absolute neutrophil count is 130, 62% of white blood cells, which are true infection fighters. If the ANC continues going up, then Charley's body will be able to fight off various infections. His platelets are still low, though.

When I saw him on Friday, he was really, really tired and he slept most of the time. Erin, his other teacher, and his grandmother were there with him, too.

As many of you know, there was a medical team - parent conference on Friday, too. Dr. Peter Choo, a personal friend and physician, and I also attended. The team and parents discussed many different things: Charley’s overall health, his lungs, his spleen, the fever (why is there a fever? Is there an infection?), and the possibility of using an NJ tube.

Right now his sepsis is controlled, his blood pressure is controlled…but he is weaker now than a few weeks ago, his heart is working hard, and he is labored in his breathing. He still has bouts of fever.

A wonderful decision was made about moving Charley back to 6 North into the big comfortable room. In this room he will be able to move around, sit on a couch, watch TV, play video games. He also will be able to be beside his mom and dad in the big bed, a closeness that he has been missing since he went to the ICU. The respiratory team will have their equipment moved to that floor in order to service him there if he needs the BI-PAP oxygen.
MOVING DAY IS MONDAY!

Prayer Requests :
* Please pray for strength. ….overall strength for Charley; and mental, physical, and spiritual strength for Deborah and Nehemiah. Pray that God will hold them so tenderly and close to His heart.
* Please pray that the decision concerning the use of the NJ feeding tubes will be the best decision for Charley.
* Please pray that the medical team will continue to be blessed with God’s direction and guidance regarding further treatment infections for Charley.
* Please pray for Charley’s lungs and spleen to go back to normal functioning and size.
* Please pray for his good blood counts to continue to grow to fight with.
* Please pray especially hard for Charley’s complete remission and cure of leukemia.

2007年，星期天，四月29号

田田亲爱的家人及朋友，

我是曼德琳，来自马萨诸塞州什鲁斯伯里，田田的老师，我这里向你报告一下最近几天有关田田的情况。

星期五下午，我去看了田田, 医生担心他的肺部感染，所以他还一直在ICU 病房，但他的肺部感染似乎在逐步改善。这些天，他一直在使用BI-PAP 面罩 (一种大的面罩)。星期五，他使用小型的鼻导管５小时，星期六，用鼻导管７个半小时, 星期天用10个小时, 同時使用的氧气量亦逐步降低。

自从田田到ＩＣＵ病房后，一直使用近胃管进食。他的父母问医生能否给田田中药或其他的天然保健品, 这些保健品也能通过胃管饲入肠道。治疗小组已安排替代医学主任下周一进行一次会诊。医生也考虑田田的脾肿大, 脾肿大常预示有白血病细胞, 但一些感染也可以引起脾肿大。

正常健康人白细胞在4,000-10,000。几周以前，田田的白细胞是60，星期五是110, 早上的報告显示白细胞是210, 很慢很慢地在上升。很重要的是，他的绝对中性粒细胞130, 占白细胞总数的62%, 这些细胞適用於與感染奮戰。 如果绝对中性粒细胞持续升高，田田的身体是能够对抗各种感染的, 尽管他的血小板还是很低。

当我在星期五见到他时，他真是很疲劳，大部分时间他都在睡觉, 他的另一位老师Erin以及田田的姥姥也在那里。

你们可能知道，星期五，又有一次父母与治疗小组的会议。Peter Choo 医生，还有我参加了这个会议。治疗小组与田田的父母讨论了许多问题，包括田田的总体健康状况，肺部感染情况, 脾肿大以及发热等情况 (为什么会有发热，是否是感染引起的??), 以及使用鼻空肠饲管的可能性。

现在他的感染得到一些控制, 血压控制也不错，但他比几周前更虚弱了,心脏负荷很重，呼吸困难，还常有发热。值得高兴是，医生决定田田可以回到北６區大而舒适的房间了。在这个房间里，他可以自由走动，坐在椅子上，可以看电视，玩游戏等等。他也能亲密地和他父母睡在一张大床上，自从去ＩＣＵ后田田就一直很懷念往日的親近和安全感，呼吸治疗小组将把呼吸救助设备安置在田田原來的房间, 以备用。預估回普通病房的时间是下周星期一。

祷告要求：

* 请求神赐予田田力量; 也从心灵、精神、身体上赐予田田父母以力量, 请神热情的拥抱他们，更接近他们的心。
*祷告使用鼻空肠导管是对田田最好的选择。

* 祷告治疗小组将在神的正确指引下进一步治疗田田的感染。

* 祷告田田的肺、脾恢复正常的大小和功能恢复正常。

* 祷告田田的血象能持续对抗感染。
* 特别祷告田田的白血病完全缓解和恢复。

Update and Urgent Prayer Request 田田最近的情况及急切需要的祷告

To Charley's friends all over the world,

I have spent some time with Charley over the past 2 days and I am happy to report that he seemed to have a bit more energy today. He was allowed to unhook the Bi-PAP mask for 3 hours this morning. He spent much of his time looking through new magazines from China and watching TV. He also worked with his hands, creating cardboard action figures and playing with a Rubik's cube. His lung function improves day-by-day. The hospital clowns visited and made Charley laugh out loud several times!

Soon after my visit with Charley, he complained of intense stomach pain. Charley continues to have fever 3-4 episodes per day. So far, no new microorganism has been isolated in the past week. Doctors are still working hard for finding resolutions. Also, the abdominal ultra sound confirmed that his spleen has been enlarged. This may be an indicator that the latest chemo was not effective in treating his leukemia. Tomorrow, the doctors will meet with Deborah and Nehemiah to discuss the situation.

-Erin

Prayer request:
* The cause of Charley's fever can be found and to be treated effectively
* The doctors can have the wisdom to determine what is causing Charley's spleen to be enlarged so that they can help Charley to overcome this battle.
* The lung function restores so Charley can be back to oncology floor. * His pain will cease so that he can be more comfortable.
* For Deborah and Nehemiah to feel the comfort of God as they enter another meeting with Charley's medical team tomorrow.

2007年，星期四，四月26号

田田最近的情况及急切需要的祷告---

写给田田全世界的朋友:

过去两天，我和田田在一起，很高兴今天他的精力有所好转。早上，可以同意他去掉防护口罩三小时。 他几乎一直在看从中国来的杂志和看电视。他也玩方块及数字游戏。 肺部感染在一天天好转。医院的志愿者扮演小丑访问田田，使他很开心大笑。

我访问他不久他就开始喊肚子痛。他还是每天发热3-4 次，目前为止，医生还没有分离出新的细菌。医生也还一直在努力寻找发热原因, 而且， 腹部超声检查证实脾肿大， 这可能显示最近的化疗不是很有效。明天，医生将和田田的父母程建平及翁曉慧进一步讨论田田的情况。
-Erin

请为田田祷告:
* 尽快发现发热的原因，并且得到有效的治疗。

* 希望赋予医生智慧，发现脾肿大原因，以便能得到有效治疗。

* 肺部感热得到恢复，使田田尽快回到肿瘤病房

* 希望疼痛得到控制，使他能自由舒适的活动

* 明天Deborah and Nehemiah 和医生讨论时，希望他们能感到上帝的慈爱。

Charley's Update

Dear Family and Friends,

I spoke with Nehemiah by phone Tuesday night.

On Saturday, Charley was able to take a short walk, ate and drank and the medical team was preparing to have him transfer from the ICU back to the oncology floor. However, no room was available. Early on Sunday (midnight), Charley began to have labored breathing; he had a partial lung collapse. Charley had sputum that he needed to cough up but was unable to do so because he could not breathe deeply. He also could not have it suctioned out because of his low platelets. He was placed on Bi-PAP (oxygen support) again. On Monday morning, after 3 hours out of the Bi-PAP, although Charley tried to cough, X-rays showed his lung had collapsed again. He lacks the strength to cough. Thus, he has been on the Bi-PAP since Monday afternoon and can’t eat and drink. Today, X-rays revealed some slow improvement. Pray for strength to cough up the sputum.

Charley has been in bed for about 2 weeks now and is weak. The medical team moves him to a chair once a day but it causes him pain and even with the therapist, he is unable to walk.

Lastly, there has been some concern over possible inflammation or infection of his spleen and liver. For the moment it has been palpable since last Wednesday and hasn't worsened. The doctors will keep a close watch over this which could indicate leukemia attacking the organs.

Thursday, the medical team will meet with Deborah and Nehemiah.

Please Pray:
1. Ask the Lord for strength for Charley to cough and breathe deeply -- for full recovery of his collapsed lungs.
2. For God's healing to fully cleanse Charley of any infection. He's had fever of 38.2-38.8 but no bacteria have been cultivated.
3. God's hand on Charley's bone marrow for healing from the leukemia. Doctors will be looking for his blood count to go up by mid May at the latest to see if the chemo has worked.
4. Strength for Deborah and Nehemiah as they walk with Charley. Grant Deborah sleep, rest, peace especially since she hasn't been home for 2 weeks. She has been staying in the ICU, where there is no shower or even bathroom easily accessible.

Dear Charley, our hearts and thoughts are on you early in the morning and when we go to sleep. If we could bear any of this for you we would gladly do so. You are such an example to us all. Dear Deborah and Nehemiah, you've taught us so much. We pray for you that the Lord would uphold you and that you may trust in His love.

-Linda

Charley's Walk in the ICU

Charley's first walk in the hallway of the ICU

Update from Madeline

Dear Family and Friends of Charley:

I'm Madeline, Charley's teacher from Shrewsbury, and I would like to tell you a little bit about yesterday (Thursday, April 19, 2007) in the ICU at Children's Hospital. When I arrived, a little after noon, Charley was hooked up in both of his arms & hands (two maybe three places in each arm) and in the groin area ...he was hooked to so many different lines and tubes carrying antibiotics, various meds, and nutrients. The night before (Wed) he had had 2 episodes of fever and was also experiencing edema (a heavy concentration of fluids causing swelling). There was also concern about his lungs.

His breathing was controlled by a BI-PAP. His nose and mouth were covered by a triangular mask which was supported by a plastic brace that went between his eyes and was held up by a head band which encircled the top of his head. His speaking was so muffled that he could only communicate by nodding or shaking his head.

Let me tell you....it was just so wonderful to be there with him!! I read him the book "Brown Bear, What Do You See?" (but I didn't have the book, so I had to try to think of the words/or make them up) So when I would guess the next line and was correct, he would nod his head...or when I was wrong, he would shake his head. "I see an orange tiger??...no, not an orange tiger? what else is orange? an orange lion??" It was just so wonderful to see his smiling eyes as I fumbled through this book!!

At this time, Deborah was able to get a little, little sleep; for Grandma and I stayed with Charley, talking with him and also looking at a Nintendo book of games. (Do you have this? Do you know how to play this? etc.)

Later on a pair of music men came into the room with a guitar and a drum, tamborine, bells, and maracas (which were in the shape of an apple or eggs.) Charley liked those, and we shook them to, "I've been working on the railroad." Charley also reached out to strum the guitar, and also had a very good aim and tossed the pick into the guitar hole!!.

X-Ray technicians came in and talked with and handled Charley ever so gently and compassionately in order to x-ray his lungs. Later two doctors and Charley's special nurse came in to take out a great many of the lines and tubes. That was tremendous!! They were so wonderful and gentle with him, asking him, "Which one do you want off first?" and re-assuring him that they wouldn't hurt him. He chose the oxygen mask...when that came off he could finally talk and move his head. He only had to have the little clips that fit into his nose to continue with oxygen.

Next most of the IVs and lines came out of his arms, the one in his groin...OUT, the catheter...OUT! Now he could move a little bit.
After the doctors left he and I played a game of "Superfection", now he was sitting up in bed.

Then he began coloring in his spiderman book, at that time two young nurses from his bone marrow transplant unit came up to this floor to visit him. They were so cheerful and chatty with him. He put Sponge Bob stickers on their hospital passes/badges, they loved it!!

Yesterday the transformation in Charley was so tremendous. Doctors came in and said, "You're looking pretty good!" His hands are quite shaky, but that's from the heavy sedation of the other days. When I left he was still sitting up and coloring, his lips were pink...and he had had no fever at all yesterday!

Deborah and I had a little time to talk. She is quite tired, physically, but she told me that her heart is peaceful. Thank you, God for that! Nehemiah told me yesterday morning that the doctors have said that there is, "....slow, but significant improvement." Again, thank God!

The medical staff that I have seen at the hospital, besides being so efficient and knowledgeable in their profession, have also been so gentle, kind, caring and loving.

Prayers:
• Please ask God for continued improvement in Charley, for strength, stamina, optimism, and good health.
• Please ask God for strength and peace for this very special family.
• Please thank God for holding the Cherng family in His gentle hands through this very, very difficult time.

Picture of Charley Drawing

Charley's first time in drawing since being off the respirator.

Charley’s update from Linda

Hello Everyone,

I spoke with Nehemiah on the phone this evening and would like to share with you some wonderful news. We are so thankful to the Lord for answering our prayers.

Charley has been off the respirator since Monday afternoon. The feeding tube has also been removed. He was on the BIPAK most of the time until this morning. Today, except for a few hours on the BIPAK, he is able to breathe on his own with some oxygen assistance. "Every day his lungs are improving," says Nehemiah. His first words were, "I'm so happy. Everyone is taking care of me." (Doesn't that just bring great joy to your hearts???! I'm smiling as I write this : ))

When Charley awoke from the sedative, his voice couldn't make sounds, but that didn't stop him from talking and talking and asking for honeydew, pineapples, peaches, watermelon, grapes and soybean milk! While he isn't quite ready to eat yet, he is able to drink a little.

Tuesday morning Charley was able to draw and play video games though his hands were a bit shaky.

We trust that the Lord has truely laid His hand on Charley and brought about this "new life from above."

He has had a few episodes of fever of about 38.5 -38.9 degrees cel. so the doctors are still cautious. He was placed on an additional broad spectrum antibiotic. Charley’s WBC and platelet are still critical low. Doctors are concerned about getting new infections.

God has brought this family through so much. Deborah has been able to get some sleep in the room with Charley lately and even had a nap while Dad read Charley's requested Bible stories or grandma watched him on the bedside.

The family had a touching visit with Pastor Don and Pastor Andree. Pastor Don shared the Bible account of Jesus healing the blind man. Jesus asked the blind man, "what do you want me to do for you?" Pastor Don asked what would be Charley's response and he answered, "to get better and go home." Charley also said he was "very blessed to have SO MANY people coming to see me."

PRAY SPECIFICALLY
1. That the Lord would fully wipe out the sepsis and prevent any new infections.
2. That Charley could be well enough to transfer out of the ICU and back to the oncology unit.

3. That the healthy marrow may recover soon.
4. Give thanks : )

Love,
Linda

Charley’s update

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Dear friends and family of Charley,

Praise God and thank you for around the clock prayer support. Charley has been getting better since yesterday. Both his lung and circulation functions are improving. Charley’s care team is weaning down his respiratory support and they stopped the blood pressure support this morning. Today he is a little more awake. We are so happy that he opened his eyes and responded to us with knocking or shaking his head when we asked him questions. He also enjoyed Daddy’s story time tonight.

Two strains of E. coli bacteria were identified from the blood culture. All blood cultures since Friday have come back negative so far. He is on only one antibiotic and one antifungal agent.

The abdominal ultrasound taken two days ago told us two good news: 1) there is no abscess in his colon and 2) both spleen and liver are unremarkable. (Charley’s spleen and liver were quite enlarged at the beginning of current relapse.).

The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge will be held tomorrow as part of Boston Marathon. Yesterday, Mr. Greg Porter visited us and presented Charley’s Marathon medal at his bedside. Today, joining with others, he had a fundraising drive at Copley Plaza Hotel. Your generous donation to Greg’s account is greatly appreciated since he is running on behalf of Charley. You may make your contribution online by visiting https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=186498&lis=1&kntae186498=F3732C56C74D49ED95C663DFC933F8C2&supId=147669752

Thank you very much for support DFCI basic cancer research so that it may help patients like Charley.

Please continue pray for Charley

1. that Charley’s infection will come to an end soon
2. that Charley’s immune system will recover to fight with infection and leukemia
3. that Charley lung function will continue improving so that they may remove the respirator in a couple of days
4. that God will continue to grant us more faith in Him so we can stay strong.

-Deborah & Nehemiah

Mr. Porter visited Charley for presenting Dana-Farber Marathon medal (4/14/2007)

Letter from Linda

Hello Dear Friends,

Charley is battling sepsis - an infection of the blood. Today he had a central port (like a central line/ permanant IV in his chest) removed in an attempt to close off any possible sources of infection. Pray that the doctors will quickly determine which bacteria are causing it so they can treat with the appropriate antibiotic. (He is currently on 5 antibiotics).

A problem related to sepsis is ARDS (Aquired Respitory Distress Syndrome). We thank God that he currently has no lung infection, but there is inflammation and fluid in his lungs. In order to maintain needed oxygen levels in his blood, Charley was placed on a BI-PAP (?) to help him breathe. However, while on this, he vomitted and doctors feared he may have inhaled some vomit. We had quite a scare with a team of doctors and nurses surrounding him to suction it out.

During the surgery to remove the port, Charley was intubated (on a respirator) and they decided to keep that in place for now. They also placed an NG tube (feeding tube) in his nose.

Charley is on a medication to help him sleep and his pain seems better controlled with methadone. His blood pressure is more stable. He remains in the ICU.

Grandma, mom and dad are all at his side.

Ask the Lord to heal Charley's infection; to increase his white blood count, isolate the guilty bacteria to treat effectively. May the Lord protect his lungs -- no infection, inflammation and fluids to go down so he can breathe on his own.

For his family: pray for an overabundant source of grace and strength. Pray for clear communication between all involved, PEACE and wisdom to make right decisions. Also pray that our God show Himself to be the provider with Nehemiah's work/business.

In His Hands,
Linda

April 12, 2007; Thursday morning

Charley’s blood pressure is stable without any medication. In order to palliate his belly pain, a narcotic has been added yesterday besides methadone. However, Charley becomes disoriented.

His lungs have fluid accumulation after continuous IV fluid. His respiratory function and oxygen supply are not sufficient consequently. This morning, Charley does not cooperate to hold oxygen tube or mask. Doctors are considering the respiratory incubator if Charley’s oxygen supply becomes a problem. As of 10:30 am, Charley took sedative medicine and fell asleep. The oxygen mask is helpful at this moment.

Please continue to pray:

· that Charley's lungs will clear with treatment

· that Charley’s belly pain will be palliated by an effective and safe pain management

Update From Peter Choo

April 11, 2007

Dear Friends and Family of Charley,

I am writing on behalf of Charley and his parents to let you know that he developed fever, hypotension (low blood pressure), and increased anemia a couple days ago. It was discovered today that he has enterocolitis (inflammation of his colon) and sepsis (infection in his blood). He is being treated with several antibiotics and blood transfusions and seems to have stabilized in terms of his blood counts, blood pressure and fever. Charley is still in the ICU. The team is working on palliating his belly pain.

Please continue to pray:

· that Charley's enterocolitis and sepsis will clear with treatment

· that his parents will be strengthened and guided by God

· that Charley's healthcare providers be granted wisdom and be led by God as they care for him

-Peter

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: Charley is in the Intensive Care Unit

To Charley’s Friends,

Charley was sent to the ICU (7-South) at 7:45 AM this morning due to extremely low blood pressure.

Charley developed a fever on Sunday night. On Monday, he was taken to have a chest x-ray and did not find any abnormalities. Since then, he has had coughing and fever and sometimes low blood pressure. At 4 am this morning, his fever rose to 39.70C and the blood pressure dropped low. A blood transfusion was given because his hemocrite dropped from 27.4 to 18. Around 7 am, his blood pressure suddenly dropped to very low level and the ICU team came to rescue Charley. Later, he was sent to ICU for continuous treatment and close monitoring. His blood pressure was stable at 8:30 am. Charley was a little scared when the rescue team came. He is brave and calm in the ICU. Doctors are looking for the cause of low blood pressure and source of infections, including bacteria, virus or internal bleeding, etc.

Charley will go to get a CT scan soon. It is suspected that he has a condition called enterocolitis, an inflamation of his intestine, which is caused by bacteria.

Urgent Prayer Requests:
* Find the source of infection and give effective treatment
* Blood pressure stablizes
* Appetite and Nutrition
* Charley can return to his room soon

Marathon Fund for Charley

We want to call generous donation to Greg Porter’s Marathon fund as he will run for Charley. The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge will be held April 16 and Mr. Porter’s goal is only 1/3 achieved. It is urgent!

You can access the fundraising webpage through the link below or click:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=186498&lis=1&kntae186498=F3732C56C74D49ED95C663DFC933F8C2&supId=147669752

Completion of Chemotherapy

Charley ate chicken wings after the chemo

Charley completed the chemotherapy at 4 PM. Hallelujah! He is quite active after it: eating mango, chicken wing, pizza, cookie, etc. and watching the favorite cartoon “Big Head Baby, Small Head Daddy.” He also walked to the Resource Room and he picked up pizza and salad by himself. This is the first time Charley joined the Friday Pizza party since his BMT performed 6 month ago. Then, he visited 6-West and the play room (BMT ward). We are so grateful that he seems to be coping with the acute toxicities OK.

Easter is coming. Charley attended the “decorating the eggs” with other kids this morning. And then, he enjoyed eating an egg.

Tomorrow, a day before Easter, Charley will have baptism & dedication in his room at 11 AM. Pastor Taylor will lead the Sacrament. We feel Charley is ready. He said a repentant prayer sincerely. Before going to bed, he prayed to bless whomever is helping and loving him. Dear Charley named them one by one starting with his kid friends at the Beijing hospital. Oh! He misses them so much.

A hospital staff member visited us this afternoon. She prays for Charley everyday and her faith and assurance nourish our hearts. She was joyful in seeing Charley’s improvement. Her petition was that a power of resurrection protects Charley: “By His wounds you are healed” (1 Peter 2:24) and “He pardons all your iniquities; He heals all your diseases” (Psalm 103:3).

Day 4 of Chemotherapy 化疗第四天

Charley enjoyed playing instruments with volunteer musicians today


(From Charley’s hospital teacher)

To Charley’s Family and Friends,

Today was Charley’s fourth day of chemo (Clofarabine), and so far we are so grateful that he has not had acute side effects except for nausea and vomiting. He has not had bleeding since March 27 although his platelet is still low. Also, Charley has not had a fever since Saturday. This week, he has been eating a bit, even though he still struggles with frequent nausea.

Last week, Charley received a special package from his grandparents in China. In it he found a favorite snack – Won-Won rice cakes! This really helped his appetite come back! He also got two cartoon series called “Big Head Baby, Small Head Daddy” and “Big ears Tu-Tu”. Recently, he has been enjoying these cartoons, along with the Yo-Yo Children TV satellite channel.

Toward the end of last week and this weekend, Charley seemed to be a bit more energetic. He was telling jokes and laughing. Charley has a great sense of humor and I was happy to see it back Saturday night. He was listening to a recording of the sound of a river flowing and declared (in Chinese), “My head has water in it!” Then when he heard the sound of rain on the headphones, he pointed to the window and said (in English), “But it’s not raining!” Charley had us all laughing!

On Sunday, Charley got to go home for the day. When he and his family pulled into the driveway, members of their church group were waiting to greet them. Charley had a great time playing with children and other friends. His aunt's family and Dr. Guan also came. Charley was accompanied with cousin Maria. He stayed awake and well the entire day!

Over the last couple days, I have noticed that Charley has been quieter. While he did enjoy doing a puzzle with a volunteer and his nurse yesterday, he barely said a word. Today he was busy watching his cartoons. Hopefully Charley’s new karaoke machine will help his energy come back!

Charley’s family is so important to him and he is happiest when his parents and his grandma are all with him. Charley also has been blessed with many visitors. In the hospital, there are so many nurses, doctors, and volunteers who enjoy being around Charley. From what his parents tell me, his visits with other children help him to perk up the most!

Even though I am not sure he realizes just how big his fan club is, Charley knows that people all over the world are praying for him. Thank you for your constant prayers!

-Erin

This week’s Prayer Requests:

• No infection


• Nausea settles


• Appetite and Nutrition


• His chemotherapy works

2007年， 星期四，四月5号

化疗第四天

今天田田很高兴与音乐自愿者一起玩乐器
(发)

与田田的家人及所有朋友,

我是田田的医院教师，今天是田田化疗的第四天，到目前为止，我们很高兴他没有任何感染的迹象。不象上次化疗，他没有任何鼻出血的现象。而且，从上周星期六以来田田就没有发过烧。这周，虽然还常常恶心，但他吃了一些食物。

上周，田田收到从中国爺爺奶奶快遞邮寄来的包裹, 包括他特别喜欢吃的小吃， 旺旺雪米餅， 这使他食欲好转不少! 同时也收到一个卡通系列：“大头孩子与小头爸爸.”他最近就不斷在觀賞这些卡通和其他中文卡通.

从上周末到这周，田田精力似乎比以前好多了。喜欢讲话和欢笑。田田一直是很幽默，很高兴这种感觉在上周星期六晚上又回到他的身上。他听录下的水流奔腾和欢快的声音，用中文说“我的头里有水!” 听到雨滴的声音，他指窗户用英语说，没有下雨呀, 逗得在场的所有人都大笑起来.

星期天，田田回家过了一天。当他和他的家人到教堂的车场时，教堂的很多成员都已经在等待和欢迎他， 这天, 田田整天都很高兴，一直没有疲倦的样子!

过去的一些天，我发现田田很安静，即使和护士志愿者玩猜迷游戏，他也很少说话。 今天，他又忙于看卡通。希望田田的卡拉OK机会帮助他恢复精力!

田田的家人对他是如此重要，当他父母和奶奶都和他在一起时，是他最高兴的时候。田田也与许多访问者一起祈祷。在医院里，常常有护士、医生和志愿来看他。他父母告诉我，其他孩子来看他时，也是他最活跃的时候。尽管我不知道田田是否明白，他有多么大的一个支持团队, 但他知道世界各地的朋友都在为他祈祷。 感谢你继续为他祈祷

-Erin

这周请为田田祷告：

• 没有感染
• 消除恶心
• 化疗药物作用很好