Sep11

We Have Whooping Cough

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Phoebe’s youngest brother Deacon, was just diagnosed with Whooping Cough (pertussis). Most likely Amey and all three boys have it. We were assured that the sickness was a simple virus, but Amey wasn’t convinced and we requested a whooping cough test yesterday.

Our pediatrician is contacting the CDC and our oncologist to figure out what we should. Phoebe and I stayed away from Amey and the boys for two weeks but have spent the last 4 days together, but  neither one of us are showing symptoms yet.

So obviously the big thing here is Phoebe. Please, urgently pray that Phoebe doesn’t contract whooping cough. Also, Deacon has a confirmed case and Amey and the other two boys most likely have it as well.

As always, “we walk by faith, not by sight.”

-Nathan

Filed under Uncategorized | 26 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.

26 responses »

  1. Our prayers are with ALL OF YOU!!! May God send His Angels and wrap their protective arms around Phoebe so she stays healthy and well for tomorrow’s chemo! God bless you, Nathan and Amey as well as the boys!
    Love & HUGS,
    Peggy

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  2. We don’t reply much anymore, but just want you guys to know that we read every single post & we are continuing to pray for your family & your precious Phoebe.

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  4. Continuing to pray for ALL of you! May the Lord surround you with his loving arms of protection and restore you to perfect health. I think about you throughout each day and continue to be so impressed about how strong and gracious you all are in your loving family. Wow, you are really going through a lot.

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  6. Praying hard for all of you! This is yet another undeserving blow, and as we all are, I’m sure praying for understanding as well. I lean on Phil.4:13. He will see you through this…………………………………

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  8. I am so sorry to hear this ‘one more complication’ to your lives! Lord protect Phoebe from any germs, or viruses that may be hanging around, and we pray also that Amey and the other boys do not develop whooping cough. Bless this family with your grace and mercy, and heal this little girl. In your precious name we pray, amen.

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  9. So VERY sorry to hear that news. We will, as always, continue to pray for your family with added emphasis on this latest development.

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  12. Lord in Heaven please have mercy on this family. Heal them, protect them, continue to give them the courage and strength to endure but also how about a little less to deal with…. My heart goes out to you and your family and I will continue to pray for all of you! Keep the faith, God bless 🙂 Dana Nunn

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  13. Amey and Nathan, I’m sorry to hear this and we will be praying. So sad you had to cut your vacation time short and really sad to hear about this whooping cough. 😦 Praying that the separation is short lived and Phoebe doesn’t get sick!! We love you loads!

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  19. So very sorry to hear of this new problem, and am praying everyone heals quickly and that Pheobe and you, Nathan, do not get this illness. We love you all and pray God’s very best for you

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  23. Dear Father God,
    Thank You for hearing us when we pray. We ask for complete healing for Phoebe and that she is protected from any complications. Please help the rest of the family to heal quickly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

    Blessings,
    Joe and Tina Harris
    Athens, TX.

    You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. — Nehemiah 9:6

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  26. I am not sure if this is reassurance, but a little girl in my daughter’s classroom had this last year. She is best friends with her and with her during the school day. It was a full day preschool situation so they were with each other from 7 to 4, hugging, etc. The little girl was out of school for a bit around the diagnosis but no one else got it. They were huggy, touchy, grabby 3 and 4 year olds and no one got it. The little girl from what I understand did have some issues for the 3 months only when she also had a cold but not anywhere near the initial infection. Otherwise, no symptoms.
    I hope everyone with the whooping cough has a speedy recovery and the remaining escape it!

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