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Diagnosis and Grace

Friends-

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" Psalm46:1


Much has happened since I last wrote only 2 short days ago. We found out much later that night a new diagnosis, that our sweet boy has leukemia. We were not completely shocked but we were certainly shaken. After I posted about what was going on at Shady Grove, and we waited a bit more for some results, and we were informed that we needed to take Jack to Children's Hospital in DC for further testing with specialists. This raised our concern level quite high as you can imagine, that even with a snow storm coming, we were needing to make this trip.

I began to google the combination of things they had found in the tests done on our little boy (swollen spleen, low platelet count, swollen lymph nodes) and came up options that were NOT Lyme disease, although a few of these symptoms did also look like Lyme. As a result of the google quest, I came across some concerning outcomes, one of the most concerning of these was a type of cancer called Lymphoma.

With this knowledge in hand, we began the drive down to Bethesda, where my dad graciously offered for us to take his 4-wheel drive into the city. This served us so well! The roads were awful, and it might have taken quite a bit longer to make the drive without it. As we drove, I was able to speak with Betsy Ricucci and Jordan and I spoke about how we can fight fear that was looming about and cry out to the Lord during this time. We entered the ER of Children's at 11:20pm and sought to just wait for things to be revealed and not fear the unknown.

Our poor little guy was subject to another battery of blood tests and a urine test. The waiting for the results was long and Jack did not sleep at all, but asked to watch Cars over and over and over. They put another IV in his other hand (he had one in his left hand from Shady Grove) to have a new sterile line. Poor buddy, it just broke our hearts to see him in pain. Around 2:30 am, two doctors, one nurse, and a social worker came in to share with us the news, that they had found cancer blasts in his blood that looked like Leukemia. After asking a few questions, and letting the news sink in, the staff left us, and we wept. Our swwet friend Lisa had come and kept Dylan for us while we cried our hearts out to God and hugged our tired and sick boy.

Many tears have been shed since this initial news was shared, yet in the midst of this deep sadness, we are not without hope and we are not despairing. God has been near, and by His grace, we have not been tempted to be angry or doubt His good plan for all of us in this. My husband has lead me heroically. Through many tears and kind words, he has consistently pointed me back to our unchanging God to whom we can trust, rest in, and find peace in.

So Wednesday and today, little buddy has had two surgeries. One to take a sample from his bone marrow to determine the exact type of cancer he has, and the second to take a sample from his spinal fluid to see if it had progressed to his Central Nervous System and to put an internal IV in his chest called a Broviac (this will lessen the amount of needle pricks he will have to endure to a minimum). We found out the results of these tests today and as it turns out Jack has acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and it has NOT gotten into his CNS. He is a very low risk patient at this point.

This is good news after all. They have told us time and time again that if he was to have a cancer, this is the best option, as it is the easiest to treat with very high cure rates (up in the 90%). We spoke with the Oncologists today about his treatment, which will begin tomorrow. Most likely we will be here in the hospital for 2 weeks, maybe 3. The staff we have had have been amazing. The Lord has been so kind to us in allowing us to be so well cared for during this extreme trial. After this initial round of treatment, we will go home, and care for him as his body responds to the chemo and help him heal. We will likely be back at the hosptial 1-2 times a week for several months for additional treatments as well, but these will all be outpatient and we will be able to go home that same day.

There have been so many sweet instances where we have seen the intimate love of the Father, by placing people around us to care for us so well, during each step of this time. An example of this was the first day here, after no sleep at all, I turned the corner and saw a friend who not only works at the hospital, but in the wing we are in. When I saw here, I broke into tears, and felt the love of the Father on me by placing her here. She has been a great comfort to me and has helped us in so many ways. We have also had amazing nurses, who have been more than accommodating to us, given that we have a baby in the room and it really is not allowed. They have allowed Jack to sleep in a full sized bed, instead of the standard crib (that truly looks like a cage), and when we thought his blankie had been lost in the laundry in an accidental grab, they went down to the laundry shoots and found it for us. Amazing kindness from so many.

We are also just undone at the outpouring of care from so many. Never in my life have I experienced such love and care and support from so many. Each email we have gotten has not only lifted our eyes to the Father and encouraged our souls, but have filled us with gratefulness and awe at the all God has done and is going to do. Friends, we cannot say thank you enough for all you have said and are doing by praying for us.

Needless to say, this has been an emotional roller coaster for us. There have been times of much crying and times of quiet peace. We are experiencing the "peace that passes understanding" in a keen way. The outpouring of care has truly left us speechless and has really been such an example to us of what it is to "weep when others weep."

Thank you again and again for your care as we walk through this trial. Our sweet boy has already won the hearts of all his nurses, as even while he is in pain and after they stick him with needles, he says "thank you" in his soft sweet voice. He has been such a trooper and we are so aware of God sustaining his little body.

I am not sure how often I will be updating, but will try to keep you informed as things progress. Chemo starts tomorrow, so any prayers would be grateful for the little guy. We love you and cannot thank God enough for your care for us during this time.

Comments

We are praying here in Charlotte!!!
Hilary said…
Tali, SO thankful for the news today and what the doctors found out. We are continuing to pray for a swift healing for Jack and MUCH grace to you and Jordan as you begin this process. Can't wait to hug your neck, don't know if i'll be able to let go :). You my dear sister, are such a beautiful example to me and I am continually impacted by your transparent heart and your humble honesty and trust in the Lord. Love you more than you know. Please call me if you need anything, Tyler to hang with us, movies for Jack to borrow, anything! Hil
Laura said…
Praying so hard for you friend! So thankful that they were able to give you a diagnosis though and come up with a plan so quickly. Def carrying you all on our hearts.
Jeanie said…
Praying for each of you!! For Gods continued sustaining grace and peace and healing for little Jack!!
Debbie said…
Praying for you, Kauflin fam.
Amy said…
We are praying for you so much. Praying for healing for your precious boy, and for abundant grace for each step up ahead.
kendra said…
love you guys so much! praying for the lil' man!
Unknown said…
praying so much tali, and friends are as well.
-jen silard
Rebekah said…
Tali, the Kurth family is praying for Jack and for all of your family. My heart is with you.
Alison Smith said…
My prayers are with you and your family. I cannot possibly imagine what you are going through, but I can pray.
Unknown said…
Kauflin family, I came across your blog through a mutual friend's. I will be praying for you. Your strength and trust in God inspire me.
jaime Easson said…
Tali we are praying for you, your family and Jack! I started crying as I read your post. I have been checking back since your last post to see how things were b/c my mom had Lyme and it was so horrible for her. I was so worried for Jack and his recovery. I am so sorry that you have to go through this trial, but God is with you and he is watching over you and Jack. Put your strength and trust in Him and He will pull you through. I will continue to pray for you all!!
Sending you a mommy hug:)
Jaime
Unknown said…
Our hearts go out to you all. Though you don't know us, we are praying for Jack, and for you both knowing God is able to comfort & sustain you in this trial.
Lesley Mullery
megan said…
We are praying.

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:4
Danielle said…
You don't know me, found you through Megan's blog. My husband Josh knows your husband through worship conferences, etc. But just wanted to let you know we'll be praying for your sweet little boy and the rest of your family.
meghann said…
Found your blog through mutual friends here at Crossway in Charlotte. I have been reading for a long time. Praying for you and your boys.
Jonalee said…
Jordan and Tali and Jack,

Our family is keeping you in our prayers. It is wonderful to hear how you are being sustained by the Father in the midst of this trial. I just read this in Morning and Evening: "Come, troubled believer, fret not over your heavy troubles, for they are heralds of weighty mercies."

Jonalee
tweedfamilyof4 said…
We've never met, but we are CrossWay members in Charlotte. Praying for your little guy, but I thought this may encourage you. We have friends in our homeschool group whose son has leukemia. They are such an inspiration how they've walked through this trial. AND, their son is nearing the end of his treatment! This is a link to their caring bridge blog. Each of their posts are so encouraging and rich of God's love. I hope it will encourage you. We will pray for your boy! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/danielcleburnereeves
Anonymous said…
Praying along with so many others-thankful our LORD hears each word, spoken and unspoken, stores each tear that falls and loves abundantly- may he carry you through this trial!
Malcolm Six said…
Sweet, sweet Tali! I just found out about all this from Ashley. Please know that my prayers are with Jack and all of you. I've spent some time on your blog this morning and I am just blown away by what a beautiful family God has blessed you with! I am so grateful that Jack's situation is the best possible one. I will be praying for complete healing. Much love to you, Linda
E Plew said…
Hi Jordan and Tali,
This is Elizabeth Plewniak in Knoxville. Mike called me with the news this morning. My kids and I have been praying for you all morning. We are carrying the burden with you. And we are crying out to God for grace and comfort for you all and for little Jack. We love you.
Hi Tali,

Just read this morning and wanted you and Jordan to know that Will and I will be praying for you guys and for your little guy's healing. "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes for the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who keeps you will not slumber." (Ps. 121:1-3)
rob and mary said…
love u tali. i'm praying lots for jack and you guys. let me know if there is any way i can help.
Carolyn McCulley said…
Thank you for taking the time to update us all so we can pray for you. I am praying you will see God's smiling face behind this dark providence and in short order. May the Holy Spirit overwhelm you all with His sustaining grace.
Jordan Family said…
Praying for you and your sweet family. You don't now us but we were part of the PC class last year and an email went out to us with an update. We will let our church family here know what is going on so that they can be praying for you as well. With love and prayers - Amanda Jordan

Lifegate Church, Seguin,Texas
Liz Hill said…
Dear Tali and Jordan,
My heart goes out to you and your little boy! I will pray for you, as you care for him, and spend much time at the hospital. I know you will be surrounded with caring family and friends, but if there is anything we can do, let us know. You are very loved by many, but most importantly by your Heavenly Father who gave up his dearly loved son for us that we might have life!!!!
Anonymous said…
Jordan and Tali,

The news about little Jack is circulating at Metro and we are praying for him...and you! How good to know that the God whose very name is Comforter is with and near you. We will be praying for His healing touch in Jack and His ongoing peace for you.

We love you!
Benny and Sheree
shari said…
You do not know us but Darrel and I were at the PC last year with our 4 children. Our 3rd child, Hope, became very ill and we were at Johns Hopkins from Feb. 7-17th. She remains undiagnosed but God is sustaining her and growing us all. My heart is full of compassion for him and your entire family. God must surely love you greatly to allow you to walk through this journey which will bring you closer to our Father God. Our prayers are with you. Amazing isn't it? That we do not know one another but we are family through Jesus Christ.
Shari Schiel
Houston, Texas
Sovereign Grace Church Pearland
JJandFive said…
Crying out to God for you all today. I'm so sorry you are going through this. We know and love the Kauflin family from Charlotte. I know many people will be praying for you here. Much love,
Juli (and John) Morrison
jmosizzle said…
hi tali,

im so encouraged by this and will be praying for your family.

Zachariah 4:6
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

love,
jmo
Anonymous said…
Praying!
DC said…
Heard this morning and H and I read your blog post together. Our hearts are so burdened for you and we are praying continually.
Amy Beachy said…
I am praying for your precious son and for all of you. God will give you the strength to get you through this journey! A verse that has been meaningful to me through my journey with cancer is, Lamentations 3:22-24.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulnesss. The Lord is my portion says my soul. Therefore I will hope in Him.
YellerDaisies said…
Tali,

Praying for Jack (and you and Jordan)!!!

Jessica
Anonymous said…
Keeping Jack and all of you in my prayers.
Anonymous said…
Praying for you. Mireille White San Diego.
KB said…
Praying for you guys! Though this is SO extremely hard, it's cool to see God working in your hearts. How comforting to know that we serve a sovereign, yet compassionate God.
Cassie said…
You don't know me, I am Beth Wethje's sister. I just wanted to let you know you are in my prayers. As a momma of 4 I can't imagine what you are feeling, but will pray that you continue to allow God to comfort you. As I read, tears flowed, I am praying that our God, the Great Physician, heals him quickly and gives you and your husband grace and strength through this trial.
Cassie
Brandy said…
Praying for all of you. May you be overwhelmed by the Lord's love in the midst of this trial.
Anne said…
Hey Tali,
I also found your blog through friends and have been reading for a couple years from here in Charlotte, NC. I have been and will continue to pray for your whole sweet family along with many others here at Crossway!
serah r. said…
Adding my prayers to the countless others. Our God is so faithful to heal and restore. Healing is the children's bread and we proclaim that over Jack's life! Your children are so beautiful Tali. ~Serah (Diroll) Rudolph
Anonymous said…
Tali and Jordan,
We'll be praying.
With much love,
The Donovans
it is so hard to watch as our children suffer and yet we know how much more our heavenly father loves them and us... he has such great plans, such deep love- we are all praying for jack and the whole family
amy said…
tali, my heart sank when i found out about jack from a mutual friend. we don't know each other well, but i will be carrying jack (and your family) in my prayers. it is incredibly encouraging to see how you and jordan are trusting in the Lord's plans for jack. our Lord's ways are perfect and flawless, helping to specifically draw jack near to see his need for a Savior. will check back to your blog for updates on how to continue praying for you guys (have been following along for a while now anyway). =) praying for you all!
Anonymous said…
Praying for you all. Thanks for taking time to update all of us.

Nadia
Laurel Greer said…
Praying for you so so much Tali. Thank you for being such a LIGHT in a dark time...
mar said…
Oceans of love and prayers...so relieved that through His Grace the cancer hadn't spread to his CNS.

Warm thoughts, prayers and love from the West Coast.
Nathan Honea said…
We just prayed for your family Jordan, and will continue to pray for you guys.

Nathan and Kristie Honea
Missy said…
We don't even know each other...but a mutual friend shared your story with me. Something about this story cut straight to my heart. I'll be joining the prayer team and checking in. Blessing of Peace, Joy, and Patience to your family.
Paula said…
Our hearts go out to you guys. Thanks for posting updates. We'll be praying.
-Matt and Paula Mason
Kaytee said…
You don't know me either, just stumbled across your blog a few years back. I never thought tragic news of a family I've never met could affect me this much. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Unknown said…
jordan and tali..
...sooo much we are seeing that the grace and kind love of the Father is surrounding your little family. PRAYING...yes and AMEN.
LOVE YOU ALL. rog and marilyn
Cooper Family said…
Our family is praying for you here in Knoxville, TN.
Chip Ward said…
Dear Tali and Jordan, Just heard about Jack and read your blog....Our hearts break along with yours as your beautiful boy suffers. But we stand with you as you trust in Him who is Faithful and True. Our tears and prayers are with you...We love you guys. Chip & Diane
Donna Walton said…
You don't know me, I'm a member of SGC Apex, NC. My daughter attends Redeemer Arlington and asked me to pray for your son. Our Tuesday morning ladies prayer group is lifting you all up before the throne of grace and are trusting our Loving Father to comfort, sustain and carry you in His tender arms.
In Him,
Donna Walton
Unknown said…
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and GOD OF ALL COMFORT, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (II Cor 1:3,4)"

I weep with you as you bare the news of this profound diagnosis of childhood leukemia. I also rejoice with you now as you rest in God's sovereignty and rejoice with you as God, in grace, guides your entire family through this challenging season of life.

We've not met yet, but know that I'm praying for Jack. Our older son just celebrated one year cancer free from Leukemia (AML). I have experienced the Almighty God heal and sustain us all through leukemia. I must tell you what I know you already know, His word is true and God remains faithful in all things and will forever be the God of all comfort! As you navigate the medical system, face the very real temptations to be anxious, and make decisions regarding chemotherapy, my pray is that you would sense God's nearness even more today.
With Love from Sovereign Grace Church Apex (Joe).
Susan B. said…
We too are praying for Jack and your family. Much love from the Bakita family in Charlotte.
Susan & John

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