Alexis Grace Douglas’ PrayerSite

These past few weeks have been glorious!

My mom: So far, no diagnosis of the “c” word.  She has another meeting with her doctor next week.  I still haven’t heard him rule out Leukemia.  But, surely they don’t think it’s that because nothing has been moved on very quickly.  Then she is going to meet with a new Hematologist to discuss her blood thinning issues.  She is on daily heparin shots now. 

Killer: (for the pet lovers who understand)  She’s doing GREAT!  She gets her stitches out on Wednesday.  The pathology reports came back and her cancer is benign.  The doctor says they call all tumors “cancer” for dogs, but her’s isn’t “cancerous”…whatever!? But they got most of it out, and she should be back on her 4 feet really soon!  It’s amazing what can be done to her little 3.5 lb. self!

Grandma: doing well, ok…still up and down.  Roller Coaster!  I haven’t seen her in a couple of weeks. I need to.

Right after all of Alexis’s tests, we got very sick in our house, the massive colds, sore throats, weepy eyes, etc….Alexis even had a dose of “pink eye” YUK!  She’s finally all better, as is Austin & mom & dad.

Funny story, we have been so busy living life! Yeah!  I had an accident yesterday, I busted my noggin on the “big toy- play yard” at burger king.  Yes, I ended up in the ER with a concussion, and a neck sprain from playing too hard with my kiddos.  Talk about embarrassing!!!  I didn’t see that big plastic bubble when I jumped up to get Alexis.  But man my head and neck saw it loud and clear!  EMBARRASSING!

SWIMMING!  That is what we have been so busy doing!  Swimming, eating, playing, laughing & loving!  Thank you Jesus for this wonderful time!

We took a girl’s trip to Leavenworth, Grammy, mommy & the girls!  HOW FUN!  It’s been so long since we’ve left home or the hospital, it was wonderful!  Children bring so much joy to every moment.  I love looking at the world thru their eyes.  We went to a “mini zoo” (little farm)/ produce stand,

the Ginger bread house (Hansel & Gretyl’s house) and ate cookies, pigged out, ate ice cream, took many baths in the big tub, and had a wonderful time!  I’m so glad we did it, I was nervous being that far from the hospital.  But guess what? Life is normal. 

So many times I think how different our lives would be had Alexis not been diagnosed with cancer,  I know that God has allowed this to happen to change all of us.  God has held my hand, has given Alexis strength, has taught me so much. 
I have also questioned God, I’ve had many talks with him sharing my confusion.  Confusion about “why pray”?  If I know that God is in complete control, and I believe that God knows exactly how much time each of us has, why pray?  Why pray that He changes his plan, if His plan isn’t mine.  Will he do that?  Will he change his plan according to “my will”? Of course not.  What about the parents who have had the greatest loss this world has to offer: The loss of a child…did they not pray enough? or have enough people praying? OF COURSE NOT! 

These are tough questions, but they are REAL questions.  God loves me, and he understands my confusion, he has guided me back to his word, the Bible, and has made me answer these questions with his help.  I’m reading an amazing book called “Prayer” right now, it’s hard to read, but so worth it.  The first answer to why we pray is : Because Jesus Did!
 The bible tells us over and over how Jesus prayed to God all throughout his time on earth, even on the cross; he cried out.  So, if you’ve read this book by Philip Yancey, you can tell that I haven’t made it very far in the book; but I will update some more answers to the question as I read them.
Prior to this experience, I would pray, never doubt, just pray because that’s what I’ve been taught to do.  Thru prayer, my relationship with Christ has grown so much, in teaching the girls to pray, we’ve learned more about prayer.  I’m so thankful that I’m getting to a place with God, where I trust him completely, have a deeper relationship and give him the glory.  And am really trying to see the “big picture”, not just “the moment”; but we are living in the moment & loving it!!!!

OK, so that’s my internal journey right now…not that you all needed to read about it, sorry; i just kind of went off.  God is good!

Also, I’m celebrating right now!  One of my dearest friends, who I’ve met in this experience, Vinny saw our mutual doctor yesterday, and the doctor said “this is your last visit!”  He has remained “NED” (no evidence of disease) for almost 6 years!  PRAISE GOD!   Vinny has/ had the same diagnosis as Alexis.  Stage IV, mycn gene amplified, poor histology,….. and he is doing GREAT!!!! I love talking to his mom, Traci.  She has been such an answer to prayer for me.  She inspires me, and gives me so much great advice on how to “cope” with this new way of life.  Thank you Traci!  & Congratulations!  Your life is truly an inspiration to me & I’m so HAPPY for you all!!!! 

Check him out!: http://www.caringbridge.org/wa/vinny/

Days are great, Alexis talks in full sentences now, and the things she says are AMAZING!  We are so blessed!