For those of you not familiar with what is going on with Alexis, please go read “Alexis update #1” and “Alexis update #2”
I still haven’t gotten any sleep since my last post. I haven’t seen Alexis and Ashley since 9 AM this morning but from what I have heard via text message updates, she is doing well. Today she underwent a bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap to confirm what the doctors believed to be Leukemia. There were two possibilities, A.L.M. (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) and A.L.L. (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). The latter is the better of the two. Alexis has been diagnosed with A.L.L.
Alexis will begin Chemotherapy tomorrow for one full week. After that week, they will pull more bone marrow and do other tests to determine where to go from there.
They have a long road ahead of them, but as her Aunt says, “Lexi is a fighter with her Daddy’s bullheadedness…” Continue to pray for strength, understanding, and rest for all those involved.
I also would like to ask for prayer for myself. Due to Alexis’ immune system being week, they have her on a germ watch, meaning that anyone with even a runny nose can’t go near her. I have a slight cough; therefore I can’t go visit her or Ashley. I feel completely and utterly helpless and I can’t seem to calm down about it. I want more than anything to be able to be there by Ashley and Alexis’ side for as long as I can be, but I can’t be until I beat this sickness. So please pray that I can recover with supernatural speeds so I can be back by their side. Thank you so much for your incredible outpouring of cries, thoughts, and prayers to God.
– paulg
paulg's reflections 
Hi Paul,
This has brought tears to my eyes…being a mother myself I can’t imagine what Ashely is going through. I will pray for all of you and I will pray some more. Keep strong for them Paul they need you right now. God is in control, he will get you through this..
Melissa,
Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate it and I’m sure they do as well!
– paulg
Im so very sorry to hear about Alexis, i know what your going through as my 10yr old neice was diagnosed with A.L.L on the 16th August this year. One question we all ask ourselves daily is WHY…but we will never get an answer…Alexis is such a sweet little girl and will surprise you with her bravery & courage..Im thinking of you, and will keep a daily check on how your sweet little girl is doing…Lots of Love to you All, especially Alexis
Love Suzy Bear from England UK xxxxxx
Suzy,
Thank you so much. It is very encouraging to know that people are praying. God is in control and He WILL heal her! Pray for her mom and the rest of their family as they are going through so much right now! Thank you again!
– paulg
Hi Paul,
I am so sorry for all that you, Alexis, Ashley, Bill and Diana and the family are going through. I talked to Bill yesterday morning but I wanted to share some encouragement with you. I feel that I know something of what you all are going through as 18 years ago we faced the same diagnosis with my nephew, Bryant, my sister’s little boy. He was 3 years old at the time. But this will be the year that he graduates from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He is now 21 years old and has been in perfect health. I know there will be many difficult times for all of you in the years to come. It was absolutely heartbreaking to watch him go through all the treatments, spinal taps, lose his beautiful head of hair, etc. but I am absolutely certain of our God that he WILL bring Alexis through this and that in 20 years from now you will all see her graduating from college.
I remember picking up the phone to tell Keith what the diagnosis was and being barely able to speak because 20 years ago the outlook was not as favorable. I will always remember hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit as clear as if he were standing beside me reminding me of his word – “Be still and know that I am God”. (Ps 46:10). I am sure of him in his word that he WILL act on Alexis’s and on the behalf of all of you as it says in Isaiah 64:4 – “Since acient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” We have a compassionate, loving God and he will hear the many prayers of his people.
Please be assured that we are praying and will not cease to pray. Alexis will be permanently on my prayer list so I know that I and so many others will always keep her name before God. I pray that Alexis’s fears will calm as she feels the immeasurable love of those around her who mirror the love of our God. For the immediate time I am praying that you all will be able to get some sleep so that you will not become greatly discouraged. We love you all.
PLEASE let us know if we can be of practical help. We are willing to do anything (take care of helping with the dog, help Bill with business stuff, etc).
Love, Lori Crownover
Lori,
Thank you soooo much for your support, prayers, and encouragement. It is encouraging to hear that story! I can’t wait for the day that she gets to be in my youth group! I look forward to that so much! Thank you so much…I appreciate it, and I’m sure Ashley and the rest of their family do as well!
– paulg
So worried, so, so worried about Alexis but I really believe she will get better, stronger, healthier soon. I have sent this to about a million people because, as you know I DO know everyone.
Love to Ashley and Alexis
G’ma
Grandma J,
Thank you for your worry and concern about Alexis. She IS going to get better, but it is going to be a long and tough process. Pray for Ashley and her family to have the strength and health they need in order to take care of and be there for Alexis. Ashley greatly appreciates your support and love, as do i! Thank you so much!
– paulg
hey paul,
I’m really sorry to hear this…my heart is breaking for all of you…Brad and I as well as my whole family are praying for you…
Romans 8:18-21 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.”
I would encourage you to have ashley read all of Romans 8…and in a way pray it over alexis…I find that it brings the most comfort in these times of trials…
Meghan,
Thank you for all of the prayers and encouragement. It means a lot!
– paulg
Hi Paul,
Not too important for you to know me but a thought came to mind while reading and praying…
Jesus says you’re going to the other side. He’s not worried and encourages you to lay by him in the bow of the boat while the waves may be crashing.Matt.8:24 Rest in Him. I had to leave my son in the hospital and rest. It is really difficult and we are so helpless. Let the doctors and nurses do their thing. Rest while you are kept away. There will be time for you to minister to her shortly. Meanwhile Rest! God gives his beloved rest. Ps 127:2
Herman,
Thank you for the encouraging words! This is such a tough thing for Alexis and her family. I can’t imagine what they’re going through. Please continue to pray for them! They’re going through a lot! Thank you so much!
– paulg
[…] For those of you not familiar with what is going on with Alexis, please go read “Alexis update #1” and “Alexis update #2“ […]
[…] Three weeks ago, on December 3, 2009, Alexis was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She went in the previous day for a normal check up and blood work. They found out her numbers were extremely low and ordered more tests the following day, and then were told to rush her to Childrens Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. You can read more about the initial testing and results at the following links: Urgent Prayer Request and Alexis Update: Day 2. […]