tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45486025487036881962024-03-13T12:27:19.959-07:00Pray for NateJoin us as we pray for Nate, a young child that has been recently diagnosed with cancer. This blog is updated often with information about Nate's journey through this illness.Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-60563343199501012252010-10-11T14:09:00.001-07:002010-10-11T14:09:51.903-07:00Update from Jackie"Nate has had a good week. His counts are continuing to trend upward, which is a good sign of recovery. The next big step is for him to start eating and drinking again. He is only taking sips at this point. His legs are very tight and weak because he has been in bed for several weeks and has gotten such intense treatment. Our prayer is for him to continue to get stronger everyday and make progress in these areas. Of course there is always the concern for infections and complications from the transplant, but he seems to be doing really well overall. We continue to be amazed and inspired by all the support for our family and Nate. Much Love, Jackie"<br><br> Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-21619696836986444402010-10-06T14:00:00.001-07:002010-10-06T14:00:40.388-07:00Nate UpdateThanks to everyone for the continued prayers for Nate. The doctors treating Nate have been very pleased with his progress following the stem cell treatment. Tomorrow Nate will undergo a test to make sure that the cells have grafted like they are supposed to. His counts continue to improve daily and symptoms continue to improve as well. Please continue your prayers for Nate that his improvement would continue and the tests would go well. Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-5128611704557102312010-09-28T08:18:00.001-07:002010-09-28T08:18:02.915-07:00"Please pray for Nate. After having an echocardiogram today, it has been determined that Nate has an infection at the end of the central line that goes into his heart and it is believed that he now has a heart infection. His heart rate and blood pressure are both high. This is very frustrating, please pray that the infection is cleared without any heart damage. We know God hears our prayers and we thank you for continuing to pray. We will know more in the morning after speaking to the oncologist, infectious disease, and cardiology. He also spiked a fever today and his mouth is very nasty with lesions in it all over.~ Wes" Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-69457284712846673042010-09-23T08:38:00.001-07:002010-09-23T08:38:59.198-07:00"Jake is out of hospital, a little sore, but doing great. Nate is suffering from lots of side effects from the chemo and the transplant (we knew it would be rough). His blood pressure is running high, he has off and on fevers, he has another infection in his line, he itches all over, his skin is bright red with dark red and white splotches all over, he twitches terribly and shakes in his sleep which is hard for him to do, his rear and mouth have sores all over them, and he has severe mucositis which is a crazy condition where from your throat to the inside of your intestines produce extra mucus because you have no immune system and it causes you to literally poop bright green liquid snot and blood frequently and makes it very difficult to talk, on top of all that he can't eat because he is nauseous. Even with all of that going on he has a good attitude and laughed at a clown who performed through the shield for the room and got down and did his physical therapy and played very good today. Nate wants to make it, I have never witnessed anyone with such a will to live. God is great and has done so much in our lives, we are so grateful. Thank you for all of your support and prayers. Please continue, we know that is what gets us through each day. Nate will understand all of this one day and will know that so many people took the time to love him, he already knows to some extent, but we will always make sure that he knows that many have loved him and much love should be shown by him to his LORD and to the world. Thanks-Wes." Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-73626677731273703952010-09-23T08:37:00.001-07:002010-09-23T08:37:36.050-07:00"Jake's surgery went as planned for the bone marrow harvest. Jake is an amazing little man. He was laughing with Wes and Luke while waiting this morning. He was so calm and visited with the doctors as they put him to sleep for the procedure. We and I are so proud of him and the strength God has given him. He has been throwing up from the meds. He will spend the night in the hospital just for routine observation and pain control. Nate is currently getting the transplant. It is about a four hour process to infuse the new marrow. He has been dealing with the effects of the chemo and in the coming days he will be dealing with the side effects of transplant as well. The doctors have let us know that the week or two after transplant are usually very difficult days. Today has been a very emotional day as we have traveled back and forth between Jake and Nate's hospital rooms, but to quote Nate's doctor,"today is a blessed day." So many days we weren't sure if we would make it to this point, and although it is not over we rejoice for the opportunity to continue this journey. Love to you all!!!!"~ From Jackie Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-30239212199823646442010-09-22T09:47:00.001-07:002010-09-22T09:47:59.140-07:00Nate update today was the big day for transplant. Thanks for all the prayers and to God for making this possible. Please pray for both Nate and Jake. Big brother helping little brother forever. Jake came out of two hour surgery nauseous and wore out and has been throwing up and asleep most of today. Nate has been getting the five hour transplant since 1pm Pacific time. He is steady and they have lots of people gathered around him. So far all is okay. The next 14 days are critical to make sure his body accepts Jake's cells and starts to produce his own. Until then we have been warned to see Nate go through lots of crazy side effects. Thanks for the continued prayers. I will keep all informed. ~ From Wes Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-67742515125390640182010-08-30T21:31:00.001-07:002010-08-30T21:31:16.983-07:00"Nate went in for labs today and his counts are trending upward. We are thankful for this and pray for full recovery quickly. He got out of the hospital on Friday and has enjoyed being with his brothers. We were so blessed tonight to watch Nate in his walker along with a group of kids here at the Ronald McDonald House, run and play hide and seek. Nate was yelling and laughing with excitement and we looked on in awe of our God who has given this child such strength and joy.<br>We have received so many cards, emails and packages since we have been in California. I read Nate every card and he knows so many people around the world are praying for him. Over the last month I have not sent out thank you cards, and I must confess I have gotten confused at this point. Those of you who know me will not find that surprising :) Wes and I are humbled and pray for all who are on this journey with us. Thank you for the encouragement and love you all have shown to us in so many different ways." Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-45770692007113279782010-08-30T21:30:00.001-07:002010-08-30T21:30:14.292-07:00Update from Wes "Please report that final report is clear, no cancer. Amen, praise God. Right now have everyone pray for #s to rise quickly so we can start. The day his #s rise high enough, he starts so it could be any day. Wes Oxford"<br clear="all"><br><br> Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-22820188843816875752010-08-27T20:49:00.001-07:002010-08-27T20:49:35.525-07:00Update from Wes<br clear="all">"Because many are wondering, here is the update so far. All tests have come back clear so far. The final cultures will be in by Monday. Please continue to pray, God bless. Many great things continue to happen, let's keep praying. Wes Oxford" <br> Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-25988948053048970062010-08-25T20:55:00.001-07:002010-08-25T20:55:25.490-07:00Prayer Request<br clear="all">"Please pray for Nate tomorrow morning he is having both a lumbar puncture and a bone biopsy to check for any cancer. If there is any, then treatment is over and we go home. This is the final step before transplant can be done, which should start on Monday. This has been a long road and we have to make this hurdle to get to transplant. Thank you for your prayers and we know that God is with us. Wes Oxford"<br> Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-17425091541981618072010-08-18T07:39:00.001-07:002010-08-18T07:39:25.800-07:00 <div class="GBThreadMessageRow_Body_Content"> "Praise God for HE is an awesome God. The final report on today's MRI is clear, no detectable cancer in the brain or spine. We rejoice in this and thank all of you for the prayers. There is a couple of twists the doctor told us today that we have to overcome before proceeding with the transplant. The first is Nate's numbers have to recovery and relatively soon. He has been at an overall number of 0, essentially a very low immune system, for over a week now. If it were not for the fact that he is on heavy antibiotics continuously here in the hospital to clear his infection, he would not be able to fight off other infections at this time. He received so much chemo a couple of weeks ago to get rid of the brain cancer that it wrecked his immune system and counts. We are getting into a very dangerous area if it does not come up by this weekend the doctor said. The other hurdle is the need for a clear lumbar puncture, which can't be performed until his numbers come up. The lumber puncture is what caught the cancer last time, without a clear one, treatment halts and we could go home. I know that was a lot to say, but for today the fight stays on track and we have much to rejoice in. I have to be honest, I was worried about today. Nate had been complaining about things he had complained about in the past that showed up on MRIs as tumor, but God had mercy on him and us. I have a strong belief in the abilities of God, many times I am confused on why and where all of this is going but I know that HE is the one in control. I know we have a long way to go and possibly might have to go through things that have never been attempted before, but I feel at peace today and I truly stand in a healthy fear of the LORD, for all of us are in HIS hands and HE can choose to do with us as HE pleases whether we realize or accept it , and as odd as it sounds, that is just fine with me because I believe HE has some awesome things in store ahead and this is all just part of the plan. May you find strength in knowing Jesus as your friend also and not just your savior, you will need HIM one day to help you in ways that no one else can, God bless you all. Wes" </div> Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-72247211385026326322010-08-16T16:49:00.001-07:002010-08-16T16:49:16.929-07:00"Tomorrow, the 17th, is the big MRI. If it is clear then treatment goes on, if it is not then we go home. Thank you for all the prayers and support you all have given us. Please gather with us and others and cry out to our loving father in heaven and ask for another miracle regarding Nate. Lately he has been showing some symptoms that indicate disease progression, but we know that this is all in our LORD'S hands and HE can do anything. Today please wherever you are say a prayer for Nate that he is clear of disease and will live a long life on this earth showing others what GOD can do. I pray also that no matter what your circumstance in life is right now, whether high or low, you find peace and understanding in the scriptures that our LORD has given us and ask guidance from the giver of all good things our savior Jesus Christ. May God be with you, Wes." <br> Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-73226050924653011132010-08-14T09:49:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:51:02.550-07:00"Nate was admitted to the hospital yesterday with a fever. He needed two transfusions along with antibiotics. His fever has not broken yet. His blood work does show he has an infection, if the fever continues they will add in another antibiotic. Please pray for his counts to recover quickly and that this will be a short stay. He has been feeling very good and was sad when he realized he had to stay at the hospital." from JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-25964585371188888072010-08-04T09:51:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:52:01.219-07:00Nate is currently getting one more round of chemo before the transplant. He has been in the hospital since Monday and will finish chemo on Friday. The doctors feel strongly that we need to make sure this newest development in his brain responds to chemo prior to transplant. He will have a break next week from chemo (as always still many doctors appts). The following week the brain scan along with the lumbar puncture will be repeated. If he shows a positive response then we will proceed with transplant. As I have said before this treatment is built around Nate, so things do change often. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!" From JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-43010231491011652152010-07-29T09:52:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:53:06.663-07:00"The final results from the MRI have been written and Nate has some new tumor in his brain, the lumbar puncture also showed cancer cells in his spinal fluid. Nate's team of doctors met today to discuss what would be best for Nate at this point. We have two options, proceed with the transplant and make some adjustments to the chemo or go home. We are planning on moving forward with the transplant. I wish you all could see him laughing and playing. Today we went to the park after his doctor appointment, he and Luke were looking for the ice cream man. Nate was saying, " Oh Mr. Ice Cream man come out,come out where ever you are." Then he got mad when I wouldn't let him play on the playground by himself. These things are not special in anyway, but served as a gentle reminder to me that he is still a regular 4 year old boy. Also, some of you may be aware but mailing address has changed to room #30 Oxford Family 4560 Fountain Ave Room #30 Los Angeles, CA 90029. Please pray for wisdom and strength as we move forward." from JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-47480425176114448352010-07-27T09:53:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:54:05.299-07:00"Nate's doctor just sent Wes an email and the preliminary results from the MRI are CLEAR!!!! We are very excited and thanking God for the good news. Nate still has two very important tests that are checking for tumor. He has a biopsy tomorrow and the date of the PET scan is unknown. We will not get the biopsy results for several days, but I just wanted to share this good news today.<br />We have been lowering the dose of his pain medicine gradually and he seems to be doing well. Yesterday Nate looked and felt so good, I asked him how he was feeling. He said, "mommy I don't hurt anywhere." It has been months since he has been totally free of pain.<br />We have many tough days ahead and this battle is far from over for Nate, but today we are rejoicing! Love to you all!" From JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-88165130796036393312010-07-19T09:54:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:54:57.538-07:00"Nate's doctor called us this afternoon and he is pleased with the results from Friday's scans. They weren't totally clear, but there seems to be logical reasons for the spots that showed on the scans. This was the first of three tests. He will have an MRI next Tuesday and then a marrow biopsy and lumbar puncture next Wednesday. These will complete the tests that are checking for remaining tumor. We are thankful that the scans seem to be good and the doctor feels we are still on track for transplant next month. In the mean time, Nate is having a series of tests checking his organ function as he approaches transplant. We are staying busy with doctor appointments and tests. He is finally gaining weight and healing well after last week's surgery. Thank you for your continued prayers!!!!!!" From JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-8963607415149100872010-07-16T09:55:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:55:45.032-07:00Nate has had a very intense week. Wes and I have had several conversations about how strong and determined our little guy is on a daily basis. Things have not gone exactly as planned, but we are still on track. The treatment is built around Nate's response so we change as his body does or does not cooperate. He has a pet-scan today. Please pray for great results. The doctors are looking for any tumor that may still be on the bones. God always takes care of our needs. We have a friend in town this week and she took care of Jake and Luke so they did not have to endure the long days at the hospital this week. We appreciate her so much! From JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-27567124513734570162010-07-11T09:56:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:56:32.798-07:00"Nate is going to have his line placed on Tuesday and should have his stem cells harvested after that. The doctors are taking Nate's cells just for back up. The plan is to transplant with Jake's marrow. Jake should be harvested soon after Nate. We are still continuing with tests in preparation for the transplant next month. Nate is feeling great and has a good energy level. He is struggling to keep his weight up right now. He has lost weight and it is somewhat of a concern since we know weight will be an issue during transplant. The last couple of days he has started to eat more and we are praying this trend continues. We are happy with the progress and are continuing to pray for God's hand to be on Nate and the doctors. We are thankful for the support and prayers that we feel during this time. We are continually amazed by the love that we are shown by family, friends, and strangers. We have had an opportunity to meet some wonderful people here at the Ronald McDonald House. We all have a different story but share the common bond of a sick child. I am constantly reminded that even in the middle of our storm we are not alone and there are many who face similar pain and uncertainly, but God is holding us all. I pray you all have a blessed week and see God's grace and mercy each day." From JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-83462185484119035212010-07-01T09:57:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:57:41.347-07:00"Nate went to the doctor today, he has officially finished this round of chemo. So now the wait begins for recovery and pre-transplant tests. The entire process from now through transplant is very intense and tedious. We are so encouraged by Nate's continued strength and determination each day. We are also amazed by Jake as he is so brave and willing to give his brother his stem cells. When we talk to him about the process, he always says he just wants Nate to get well and he is glad he gets to be the donor. Wes and I are so blessed with three amazing sons. Please pray for Nate and Jake in the coming weeks as we move closer to the transplant." From JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-43078388934708386082010-06-28T09:58:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:58:44.175-07:00"We had some minor bumps this week, but all was corrected quickly and Nate actually started round two of chemo. He got out of the hospital this morning and has 4 days left in this cycle. July should be a very busy month. He will first drop, then once his counts recover the plan is to move forward with his stem cell harvest. I will spare you all the details, but Nate will be involved in the harvest, another bone marrow biopsy and bone scans in the coming weeks. Using all of the information gathered we will be making final decisions as to what route to go with the transplant. Jake will also be harvested in the coming weeks. We are in long meetings with Nate's doctors and will continue to be in deep discussions with them as the transplant in now in sight. We are praying for wisdom and guidance from God. You all have been with us on this long journey and held us up with prayer. We are thankful and ask that you continue to pray for our little guy and so many others who are suffering. Thank you!" From JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-91374640823122001072010-06-17T09:58:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:59:43.979-07:00"We went to the doctor this morning and platlets are still down. So the wait continues and we are praying in a few more days Nate will be ready for his next round of chemo. We will be meeting very soon with the stem cell transplant team to discuss the next step for Nate. PLEASE pray for us to have wisdom as we move forward." From JackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-2668869290454780712010-06-11T22:00:00.000-07:002010-08-18T10:00:29.189-07:00Wes just called with good news about the pathology report. They just received the report back and the Dr's are saying that the Chemo treatment Nate has been receiving has been very effective and shows no Cancer. The last test that Nate had showed cancer in his legs and hips. That has now cleared up. Nate will continue this current Chemo treatment for another month and will then start the Stem Cell treatment. Let's all continue to pray for Nate, Wes, Jackie, Jake and Luke as they continue to walk through this valley asking God to give His sustaining help. "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." Psalm 54:4Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-83843515739490899742010-06-08T10:00:00.000-07:002010-08-18T10:01:08.725-07:00I wanted to update everyone on the latest update on Nate. Jackie said that Nate's counts have recovered. He will have his bone marrow biopsy tomorrow and should have results on Monday. Nate had a platelets transfusion last week. As long as his platelets’ look good he will be admitted to the hospital for chemo on Thursday or Friday. Please continue your prayers for Nate and the Oxfords and the biopsy tomorrow.Little Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548602548703688196.post-13801783482561693692010-06-02T10:01:00.000-07:002010-08-18T10:01:47.774-07:00"Yesterday, Nate's counts had dropped and he needed platlets again. His bone scans showed what we already knew, that Nate has a lot of tumor basically all over his little body. The doctor is thinking Nate's counts will recover within a week or so and we will continue chemo. He will have a bone marrow sample taken once his counts recover. This will give the doctors more information for current and future plans. He is feeling fine, playing Wii and making crafts. Please continue to pray for a response. Love you all!!!" FromJackieLittle Natehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621860555555586170noreply@blogger.com0