Aug28

A House Divided

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Don’t worry, it’s not what you think. I’m not quite the writer Amey is, so I have to rely on flashy titles to get your attention.

Phoebe finished a round of chemo last weekend, and at the same time Deacon and Benjamin started getting sick. An old family friend gave us a few days at a time share in East Texas that we planned on using together as a family. But Phoebe’s counts were too low (basically no immune system and low hemoglobin) and her brothers are too sick. So we decided Amey would take the boys to the time share and I would stay home with Phoebe.

Phoebe is doing well and in high spirits even though she doesn’t really seem to feel good, probably because of the low hemoglobin. If she continues to be sluggish or get headaches, I will take her in for a blood transfusion.

This is the dangerous time when she is most susceptible to sickness and infection. Please be praying that Phoebe’s counts will come back up soon so Amey and the boys will be able to come back home.

Nathan

Phoebe adapting and using her feet as hands

Filed under Uncategorized | 15 Comments

About Amey Fair

I am Amey Fair, wife to Nathan, and home-educating Mom to Benjamin (9), Averic (7), Deacon (4) and Phoebe (2) . Phoebe was diagnosed with a rare childhood malignant brain cancer called Atypical Teratoid Rabdoid Tumor on January 1, 2012. She had complete resection surgery to remove the tumor on January 4th and began chemotherapy using the Dana Farber protocol on January 26th. A few weeks ago I was sleeping in the chair next to Phoebe's bed in the hospital when I heard her little voice drawing me out of sleep. It was 3 am and it took me a minute to shake off the slumber. "Mommy I'm a mean girl" I thought she said. "No Phoebe, you're a nice girl!" I replied. "No Mommy, I'm a MIRACLE!" Phoebe said. "I'm a MIRACLE, I'm a MIRACLE, I'm a MIRACLE!" she continued on. My tears welled up and spilled over as she made her declaration. Phoebe doesn't know the word "miracle" nor the concept, she's only 2. It was as if the Lord was speaking through her like a prophetic utterance. She fell right back to sleep and I sat there awake, lingering in the magical moment. Less than 40 children are diagnosed with Phoebe's type of cancer in the U.S. each year. This is why it's called "ATYPICAL Teratoid Rabdoid Tumor". So, I have titled this blog in honor of Phoebe, our "Atypical Miracle". We are YWAM'ers, serving in missions through Youth With A Mission since 1998. Before returning to the states 1 year ago, we lived near Guadalajara Mexico for 3 years. It was during our year of agricultural missions training in Waco, TX that Phoebe began exhibiting symptoms from the pressure of the tumor on her brain. Weight loss, lethargy, extreme thirst and vomiting were her symptoms. We have been granted sabbatical during this time to focus on Phoebe's intensive chemotherapy treatment and are renting a home in Dallas near the Children's hospital where Phoebe is being treated. Like the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' robe in Luke chapter 8, we cling to Him, knowing that He is Phoebe's healer. If we can just touch Him, be near Him, bring Phoebe to Him each day, we have hope. He is our hope. Thank you for coming along on this journey with our family. It's therapeutic for me to write it all out, and in so doing, I hope God will use it for His glory.

15 responses »

  3. Great job Nathan! Sometimes just a quick note saying that all is well works too:) I know I look hourly (sometimes more) for these updates to make sure Phoebe is ok so now we can sleep in peace knowing how she is! Sorry to hear about the boys and the separation but what a great plan and what a blessing that you have the ability to heal the boys and Phoebes immune system. Praying that you both stay healthy and that Phoebes counts are high in the sky very soon! Praying and fighting right along with you Phoebe – we love you:)!!

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  4. Good job holding the fort Daddy! Hope you both get some good sleep tonight and those numbers begin to steadily climb.

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  8. Way to Go, Nathan! You did a great update 🙂 Thanks for the picture of Phoebe. Praying that Phoebe’s counts will climb quickly and you can all be an UN-divided family very soon.
    Blessings,
    Peggy

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  10. Will definitely pray for the boys to get better and be able to come back home and for Phoebe to stay well. Thanks so much for the update!

    Reply ↓

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