Radiation is Finally Over

And thus ends one of the longest, most difficult months of our lives. I haven't written much about Caelan lately, because it has honestly been too hard to think about. I guess I've been in a bit of denial, so I've thought and written about other things, as much for the diversionary benefit as anything else. But, I can gladly report that radiation is finally over! My wife, Erika, is home with us to stay! This has been a grueling ordeal for all of us, and it has affected my other three children quite a bit to not have their mother around. But, God has been faithful to get us through this month, with Erika and Caelan really spending all but the weekends in Birmingham.  I've played the role of Mr. Mom, and I assure you, everyone will be quite excited to get back to our normal routine, especially my other three children! I'm just not the care giver that Mommy is, I'm afraid.

Caelan is doing as well as can be expected. He has a burn over 2/3 of his front torso. In places, the skin is cracked and blistering. This is caused by the radiation, as it literally burns up any cancer cells that might have been left. The bad part is, it also burns both the inside and outside of the skin. He will heal, but he will never be able to expose his torso to the sun without a great deal of sun block, and/or a shirt. He has remained in a very happy mood, however, and he continues to laugh, clap, and play  every chance he gets! God has been faithful to see us through this, and we give Him praise. We have about 7 more months of chemotherapy for our 13 month old boy, and then hopefully, we will be finished. We leave it all in God's hands.

We are so glad to be done, but this month has taken a physical and emotional toll on us as a family. We are very tired, but I've learned to appreciate my wife in brand new ways. She is so strong, yet so tender. She sheds tears over the suffering of her son, and she continues to take care of him and take him to treatment each day. At the same time, she ministers to others consistently and continues to give God praise, love her other children, and be the best wife I could ever have. I have seen Jesus in her throughout this entire ordeal and I praise God for her. In a few days, she is going to be writing as a guest contributor here at Downshoredrift to share some lessons that God has taught her and to give an update on what happened. You won't want to miss that.

So, we continue to praise God for our precious children and the miracle of life. We are not promised tomorrow, so all we can do is praise God for today and trust Him. Today, was a day of reunion and celebration because we've reached a milestone. For the first time this school year, Erika will be with us in the morning and will be able to see the kids off. She'll be able to make their lunch and pick them up. We'll be a family again, and not just see each other on the way someplace else. Yes, it's a good day.

So many people have helped with meals, childcare, lawn care, money for doctor bills and gas - I don't even know where to start thanking you. You have been God's servants to us and we could not have made it without you as our friends. I praise God for each one of you and thank you for your diligent prayers. God has answered and has given us His strength to make it through this time. For the whole Cross family, we say THANK YOU!!!

Comments

[Wes Kenney]

Alan,

Please know that I rejoiced with you as I read of this milestone reached, and will continue to pray for your family in the months ahead.

Thank you for the witness you all have presented as you have faced unimaginable difficulty with such faith. God is glorified in the life of your family.

[Kevin Bussey]

Praise God!

I've prayed daily for Caelan and your family daily.

[Bryan Riley]

Yes, my children are quite happy when mommy gets home during out time of transition, too. It is amazing to think of God's sustaining power at work in your family during this challenging time. I know he has used you mightily through your words and insight, Alan. May God continue to give you wisdom and strength.

[Tim Rogers]

Brother Alan,

Praise God that Caelan came through this round. I have been praying for him. Everytime I saw you post a comment, I would offer up a prayer for whatever God laid on my heart at that time.

I pray that your other two children can now regain some normalcy with Mom home.

Blessings on your Family my Brother,
Tim

[Baptist Theologue]

I'll be praying for Caelan.

[Paul Burleson]

Alan,

I am, have been, will be...praying.

I am, have been, will be...rejoicing.

You guys are loved by One Supremely and many personally. I'm included in that many.

Paul Burleson

[Kevin]

Praise God that radiation is over with for you guys.

Much love,
Kevin

[Todd]

Alan,
I have been reading your Katrina posts and checked in to see what was new. I did not know about your son. We will be praying for your family.
Blessings.
Todd

[Donna Spivey]

Alan, It has been so hard to watch your family during this last month and feel so helpless. Your daily expression of God's faithfulness and the perseverance He has sustained you all with has been a true witness of God's power. I want to commend you for finding balance in your life during this unstable time. Caelan is such a beautiful blessing from the Lord!

[Kevin Stilley]

May God touch your lives with his Amazing Grace.

ks