Friday, September 21, 2007

Everything is on track.

Sorry for not being able to update this prayer page as often as the main Cassidy's Journey page, if you find this page outdated sometimes, do feel free to wonder to CaCa's blog main page for updates.

Cassidy had her second surgery on Sept 14 to amputate the lower portion of her leg from the last Rotationplasty surgery. It was originally planned that there would be weeks of plastic surgeries to expand the skins and muscles around the wound to close up the incision after the second surgery, but our Father God has amazingly provided that the doctors were able to pull enough skins and muscles to close off the wound once and for all so that CaCa would not need to go through weeks of painful skin stretching surgeries. Praise God for His timely providence.

Chemotherapy will start this weekend and sometime next week, CaCa will be transferred to Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre for rehab therapy.

> Pls pray that God minimizes the side effects in this round(s) of chemo.

> Pray that Cassidy responds well to treatment so the chemo is effective in killing the tumor cells.

> Pray that rehab goes well and God to minimizes any pain.

> Pray for CaCa to adapt well to changes of both residence and treatments, as well as her education arrangements.

> Pray for Carmen and Andy's physical and spiritual strength and health as they also go through all these changes with Cassidy.

> Pray for Aaron as he works hard at school and busy with many extra curriculum activities. Pray for his health and spiritual growth as he goes through the whole family event.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Still holding on for now...

Cassidy's condition has been back and forth since the last posting. Chemo has finally started on August 23 and CaCa responded well with very minimal side effects. Praise God for that.

Cassidy's surgeon was predicting that the next surgery will be to amputate due to the massive non-recovering damaged tissue in her lower leg. Please continue to pray for her leg to heal and for God to perform a miracle on Cassidy if God is willing.

Cassidy's platelet counts are very low and she is receiving blood product from transfusion almost every evening. Please pray that her body stays strong to endure all the medication and to grow even stronger as she will soon face another big surgery.

Carmen is suffering from a very bad flu and needs to stay away from Cassidy. But CaCa is missing mommy very much and wants mommy to stay with her over night at the hospital. Please pray for quick recovery on Carmen so she can take up her shift to stay with CaCa again. Also pray for Andy to remain healthy to take care of work, home, and Cassidy at the hospital.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Chemo is on hold for a bit longer

Cassidy's oncologist has returned from vacation and checked on Cassidy last week. He decided to hold up the chemo for the time being so to allow more healing on CaCa's leg first. The new and stronger chemo drug that they intend to use may hinder the healing in the leg so they are holding that up for as long as possible until CaCa's leg gets healed more. That means her leg is making good progress that the doctor wish not to interfere. Your prayers are much needed at this crucial time of healing in CaCa's leg and body.

> Pls continue to pray for CaCa's recovery from surgery, for God to knit up the nerves and veins in Cassidy's leg.

> Pls continue to pray for wisdom to the medical team to make the best treatment plan for Cassidy.

> Pls pray for Cassidy's spirit as she expresses her struggles in being stuck where she is. She feels that things are too difficult for her. Pray that God comforts her soul and uplift her spirits.

> Pray for strength in Camen, Andy and Aaron to be able to support and encourage CaCa through this difficult time.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Chemo will start soon

Cassidy was looking good tonight when Dr. Jesse saw her. There was a nice pink glow on her face and that is the best color of her in the last 2+ weeks. Papa Andy also reported that CaCa ate quite a bit of the macaroni Uncle Chester made her and the itchiness she felt around the stitches in her leg. That sounds like the skin around her stitches is healing well. Praise the Lord!!

> Pls continue to pray for good healing in the rest of her leg, especially in the lower leg. Also pray for her to continue build up her appetite.

> Cassidy will be moved back to the 8th floor before her Chemo starts in the next couple of days, pray for a smooth transition from room to room.

> Pray that Cassidy's body remain strong and in good health as she takes another dose of Chemo. And also pray for minimal side effects.

> Pray for Carmen and Andy's health and strength to help Cassidy move and to care for her.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Doctor still having hope.

> Dr. Hopyan saw Cassidy's leg yesterday and says it's still stable and they can still wait. Let us continue to pray for God to grant him wisdom to make the right calls at the right times.

> Cassidy is having a Catherer on so she does not have to get up for washroom, but she is extra sensitive to the tube and feels that the tube might not work and she might wet her bed. Pray that she gets used to the sensation and be able to pee and not to hold it in. She's not too willing to drink or eat because she worries that it would make her wet the bed. Pray for her to get used to all the medical devices set up on her and pray for her tummy to work well with her.

> Carmen was having bad headaches yesterday, pray that it was nothing bad and that she remains healthy and strong to care for Cassidy. Also pray for her appetite so that she eats more of the good and healthy food to maintain her strength.

> Remember to pray for Papa Andy that he also stay healthy and strong to care for Cassidy, Carmen, Aaron and also his business and their house.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Cassidy is Out of ICU

Hallelujah Praise the Lord! Cassidy has been discharged from ICU around midnight last night. Although there are still many uncertainties and unknown factors and conditions of her leg, at least her body is much stronger than before that she does not need to stay in ICU any longer.
As she was discharged last night, she asked her daddy twice about her leg and daddy was honest with her about her situation, although we are not sure how much she understands, one thing we can be sure of is that she has very strong faith and trust in God. As soon as she hears from daddy about her condition, she asked daddy to pray for her right away. Our heavenly Father is surely please by little Cassidy's faith in Him and how much more shall we learn from our little sister to relinquish all to our Father God in prayers.

> Continue to pray for Cassidy's treatments and recovery ahead.

> Pray that she continue to have strong faith and trust in God that He will carry her through.

> Pray that the medical team sees the guidance from God and decide the best for Cassidy.

> Continue to pray for Carmen and Andy's health and strength to walk on this journey with Cassidy.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Doctor still hoping high

Cassidy's surgeon told Mama Carmen that he is striving to hold up surgery until next week to decide how to best treat Cassidy's leg. Cassidy's hemoglobin went further down to 31 late last night and the doctor had to give her more blood product. But praise God that her blood level was gradually climbing back up to the 70's by the time Dr. Jesse left this afternoon around 4pm. And the discharge from her leg wound seems to have reduced. However, Cassidy was having fever this afternoon and had to be given Tylenol, there was still a very slight fever when Dr. Jesse left this afternoon.

> Please continue your prayers for Cassidy's leg wounds to heal and for her lower leg to start working with the rest of her body.

> Pray fervently for God to grant wisdom and insights to doctors so that they can decide on the best treatment for Cassidy.

> Mama Carmen is very worried and was not having much appetite lately, pray that she remains strong and have courage from God to also take good care of herself so that she can provide care for Cassidy who needs mommy very much.

> Dr. Jesse would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been praying for Cassidy and her family these many months. God's love and blessings are so abundantly revealed through your continuous supports and prayers. May God bless all your hearts and your loved ones and may God reward everyone of you with His heavenly blessings and rewards.

On behalf of Cassidy and the rest of the Sheng's family, we thank you for your fervent prayers and all kinds of supports.

Pray for the blood level

SMS from Mama Carmen says Cassidy's hemoglobin level has once again dropped to a very low level at 34. That will make her heart beat extra fast trying to pump the blood that is not there.

> Pray especially for Cassidy's blood level to rise back to safe levels, and her overall recovery and health.

> Continue to pray for doctors to have wisdom to decide for her the best treatment plan.

> Pray on for Mama Carmen and Papa Andy's health and strength as they go through these medical roller coaster with Cassidy.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Still having up's and down's

The doctor is still striving to avoid further surgeries on Cassidy. Although some parts of her lower leg is showing function, there are still other areas with dead skins which need to be treated. Leech therapy and blood transfusion was being ordered again yesterday to help the drainage of standing blood and swelling in her lower leg. And we praise God for arranging the room on the 5th floor for Carmen and Andy to stay so that they can be close to Cassidy.

> Continue to pray for Cassidy's body strength to endure all sorts of treatment and a speedy recovery.

> Keep praying for God to knit up new blood vessels, veins and nerves in her lower leg and for the whole leg to function at full capacity.

> Pray fervently for God to grant wisdom to doctor to make best decisions on Cassidy's treatment.

> Pray for health and strength in Carmen and Andy as they go through this difficult time. And pray for God to continue to provide the room for them to stay at the hospital to be close to Cassidy.

> Pray also for Aaron as he will soon come home from camp at the end of week.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Good signs are coming.....

Cassidy is still in ICU but her condition is now stable, praise God for doctor and nurses who are like angels treating Cassidy in the ICU.

> The bleeding is controlled in CaCa's leg, her vital signs are good, condition is stabled. Praise God for that and please continue to pray for God will be done on Cassidy.

> The leg seems to be starting to work as "cap filling" is seen when the leg is pressed, that is the change of color when the flesh is pressed down. Continue to pray for a good network of veins and nerves to build up to make CaCa's leg to be fully functional.

> Continue to pray for strength and peace in Carmen and Andy. Gor Gor Aaron is at camp, please also pray for his mind and heart as he will be missing Cassidy away from home. Pray for him to have a safe and fun camp.

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Cassidy in ICU now.....

The last update says that Cassidy was not in stable condition, they have moved her into ICU.

> Please pray earnestly for God's healing on Cassidy.

> Pray also for God's to give strength to Carmen and Andy at this difficult time.

> Please pass on this urgent prayer request to as many as possible to power up the prayer support at this difficult time.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Pray for the leg to work

> Cassidy's lower leg is still not having good outflow, continue to pray for the new leg to start working, and therefore no need for amputation.

> Pray for God's strength onto Carmen & Andy as they are staying by Cassidy's side every moment.

> Pray for doctor's wisdom to do the best for Cassidy.

Friday, August 3, 2007

Thank God for the Wiggling Toes

Praise God for : a long 11+hours surgery and it went well.
Praise God for : Cassidy's wiggling toes.
Praise God for : bringing Cassidy through a great big day.
Praise God for : Cassidy's thirstiness after surgery, she's drinking well to help circulation.
Praise God for : a great 19 personel surgical team.
Praise God for : many many many things.....

> Continue to pray for Cassidy's recovery, the coming few days will be the most critical for her new leg to begin functioning.

> Continue to pray for Cassidy's faith in God as she begins to grasp the reality of the outcome of surgery.

> Continue to pray for Carmen, Andy and Aaron's physical and emotional strengths as they provide ever closer care for Cassidy in recovery.

> Continue to pray for the new growth of veins and nerves in the operated leg that sustain healthy functioning and circulation.

> Continue to pray for wisdom from God to medical staff to take best care of Cassidy, and Cassidy to communicate well with every one of her caretakers.

> Continue to pray.....

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Cassidy is in Good Hands - God's Hands

> Cassidy is now in the O.R.. Pray that God will conduct the surgery with His own hands through the hands of the doctors.

> Cassidy's surgery is estimated to be 13 hours long, pray for Carmen, Andy and Aaron's strength and faith during this waiting period.

> Cassidy was still having a little fever when she went in, pray that the fever will not affect her surgery. Also pray that God would restrict any complication and break down any tricks of the devil and that Cassidy will have a successful Rotationplasty procedure.

> Cassidy needs your prayer, the whole Sheng family needs your prayer. Pray also for the well being of the 10 brothers/sisters whom are here at SickKids to support the family, pray that God would speak through us the words of peace and comfort to each other as we all go through this big event with Cassidy.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Big Day Tomorrow!

> Cassidy has been admitted to SickKids, ready for surgery for tomorrow @ 8am. Pray for the fever to come down and surgery to go smooth.

> Extra swelling increased complexity to Rotationplasty procedure. Doctor warned about possible amputation of Cassidy's leg. Pray that God preserves her leg and a successful Rotationplasty procedure.

> Carmen worries that indecisiveness in that last few days may contribute to the complexity in surgery, pray that God calms her heart and help them look forward to what is ahead as they prep Cassidy for tomorrow's surgery. Pray that no one focuses on any faults by anyone but trust in God for His plans and timing.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Let us pray...

Father God,
Calm our hearts so we can hear You. Speak to us so we can know Your will. Open our eyes so we can see Your way, open our ears so we will listen.
Cassidy is in a lot of pain, her tumor is getting bigger and bigger, and her fever is still over 38c. We know the surgery will take away the tumor that is causing all the pain and we also know that the surgery should be done soon. But we also know that Cassidy needs to be at best condition possible to endure such a big surgery and for good recovery. Will she be well enough this Thursday to have the surgery? God, are You preventing the surgery this Thursday or do You have another plan for us? The doctor from Ottawa called us back and offered to talk to Cassidy's surgeon directly about her surgery, should we take that offer and think again about the surgery? Teach us how to think and what to decide.

God, help Carmen and Andy to have good communications and let them see clearly your guidance in all matters. Please help them in their mutual decisions on Cassidy's medication; on whether to bring Cassidy back to the hospital for the fever; on whether to continue to find new alternate treatments; and etc....... God there are so many voices but please help Carmen and Andy to hear only YOURS.

The hospital seems to be concerned if Cassidy will miss this week's surgery date again, but God if it is not Your will, please do not let Cassidy be rushed into surgery just to beat a booking. But if it is Your will, Lord, please help Cassidy to have the strongest body to beat all odds, and bring her through everything smoothly and painlessly.

Cassidy will see yet another new Chinese doctor this afternoon, it is the first time for her to see him, we don't know if that's any help. God if it is Your will, please give wisdom to this doctor to lower Cassidy's fever right away, but if it is not Your will, please make this doctor honest to tell Carmen and Andy the truth and make him give the best suggestion to them.

Cassidy's been having this fever on and off for over a week now, her body is weaken by it and her tumor is strengthen by lack of relevant treatments. God we ask, in the Name of Christ Jesus our Lord, that You shatter all evil power that is hindering Cassidy's treatment or interfering the communications of Carmen and Andy and the well-being of their family. May Your will be done in the Sheng's family and may all the glories be to You.

In the Name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Update as of July 26, 2007 @ 11:00pm

Chemotherapy was called off at the last minute, for the doctor thinks that there may not be enough time for Cassidy to recuperate after treatment and be ready for next week's surgery. She has been sent home this evening to rest. There will be NO VISITING of Cassidy until further notice, we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

> Cassidy is still having her fevers on and off, pray that she recovers from her fever, cold and coughs.

> Due to no treatment in last few weeks, Cassidy's tumor seems to have grown a bit and the swelling has increased. Pray for God's guidance and extra protection in this coming week as she gets ready for surgery.

> Cassidy is experiencing more intense pain in her leg with the enlarging tumor and associate swelling, she now uses ice-packs to numb out the pain. Pray for God to take away the pain if He wills and pray for Cassidy's strength and endurance in this coming week.

> Pray for Carmen & Andy to continue to heed to God's voice and walk on with Cassidy in complete trust in the Lord Jesus. Pray that the comforts and peace of God may strengthen them all the way through. Pray also for the health of the overall Sheng's family as they walk through this special journey with Cassidy.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Surgery Postponed!

> Cassidy is still having some cough and cold, and her fever seems to be back and forth in the last couple of days. And the doctor has decided to move her surgery to next Thursday August 2 at 6:00am. So pray that Cassidy gets well and stay healthy all the way through to surgery day.

> Pray that the surgery time be moved, if God is willing, to better hours so that we don't need to wait Cassidy up at 4am to go to the hospital.

> Doctor plans to administer another dose of Chemo before surgery due to increased swelling in her leg. Pray for God's timing and wisdom in this. (see details)

> Carmen might have caught Cassidy's cold or flu, pray that she gets enough rests and stay healthy to care for Cassidy and her family.

> If God is deterring surgery, pray that His will be revealed to us and the medical team to decide for the best for Cassidy.

> The prayer meeting is still on tomorrow night and it will commence at 6:30pm at BTBC.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Fever Subsided

Praise the Lord! With the blood transfusion and medication, Cassidy's fever has subsided. However she is still suffering from a little cold and coughs. Please pray for a speedy recovery.

A special prayer meeting is set for this Wednesday 6:30pm at Bridle Trail Baptist Church. We will specifically pray for Cassidy's Friday surgery. All are welcome to come pray with us, pass your encouragement to Andy and Carmen or just come to show your support to cheer them on as they prepare for this big event.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Transfusion started this afternoon.

> Cassidy is having a low red blood condition and a blood transfusion has been ordered this afternoon. Please pray that Cassidy react well to the transfusion blood and recover from the low hemoglobin condition.

> Pray for God to grant wisdom to the medical team to find out the source of the problem and provide best treatment to Cassidy.

> Pray for Carmen and Andy's strength and peace in their hearts.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Prayer to kick the fever.

> Cassidy is still having a fever at just over 39c. Little fevers for her neutropenia condition are quite a concern. Her parents are now bringing her back to SickKids to get checked out. Please pray for their smooth traveling back and forth.

> Let us drop whatever we're doing for a minute now and say a prayer for Cassidy to kick the fever off.

Surgery Confirmed!!

> Cassidy will have her Rotationplasty surgery on Friday July 27 @ 9:00am. Pls pray for smooth surgery, minimal pain and speedy recovery.

> Cassidy was having fever at 39c last night, pray that her fever subsides in the morning.

> Also pray for Cassidy to have good health condition all through the week and through surgery.

> Continue to pray for the Sheng family's strong faith in God's guidance and to find peace and comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ.

> Pray for a nice and peaceful weekend for the Sheng family to rest and bond in minds and spirit to be ready for Cassidy's big day next week.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Blood work came back ok.

The blood work shows improvement of Cassidy's Neutropenia condition. Just her platelet and red blood are a little low. Pray that she continues to build up her body and stay strong all throughout treatment.

Monday, July 16, 2007

A Busy Week Ahead!!!

Happy Monday everybody!

> Cassidy had a slight fever (38c) over the weekend, but praise God the fever has subsided.

> Cassidy is due back to SickKids tomorrow for MRI & BloodTests, then more tests on Wednesday and Thursday. Pray for their traveling back and forth the hospital.

> Continue to pray for Cassidy's neutropenia condition. Pray that her vital signs reach and remain at desirable levels.

> Many caring friends and brothers/sisters suggested us to seek Second Opinion regarding making the decision for Cassidy's surgery option, and we are starting to hear back from Oncologists from afar, we are now actively seeking Second Opinions from more specialists before a final decision is made. Pray that God guide us onto only the paths that He has planned for us and grant us wisdom to understand His guidance and willingness to submit to Him.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Additional Items: July 13, 2007 @ 2:30am

> Cassidy's blood counts are extremely low, her immune system is at a very low level. Pray that her counts continue to climb back to a normal level as she rests at home until further tests next week.

> Cassidy seems to have accepted the Rotationplasty option of surgery, Carmen will try to discuss with her again to confirm that she is clear about all the details with this option before replying to the doctor. Pray that Carmen and Cassidy have the opportunity to keenly and honestly discuss the issue in divine guidance.

> If surgery is really moved up from August to July, pray that Cassidy's body is strong enough to prep for surgery and that all arrangements go smoothly.

> Pray of unity amongst the Sheng family, especially strength and support in all aspects between Andy and Carmen.

> Pray that we can all submit to God's sovereignty in any paths that He leads us on to.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Prayer Items as of July 10, 2007

> Cassidy has met with a girl at the hospital who had Rotationplasty done. Pray that God will guide Cassidy to think through the information she heard from the surgeon and to have wisdom from God to understand and express her feelings and preference about her surgery.

> The "Growing Prosthesis" Repiphysis option was discussed with the surgeon who has done the procedure once a year ago. He prefers Rotationplasty over Repiphysis, however, seems to be a personal preference. Pray for God's guidance in our communications with a surgeon in Ottawa with more Repiphysis experience in search of a second opinion and possibly arrangement for Cassidy to have her surgery done either in Ottawa or by the Ottawa surgeon.

> Continue to pray for Carmen and Andy to recognize God's guidance in making this life-long decision for Cassidy.

> Pray for the overall physical; emotional as well as spiritual health and strength for the Sheng Family.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

CaCa's Happy Faces

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Just Pray!

By the request and suggestion of some concerned brothers and sisters, due to the reason that some of those who are diligently praying for Cassidy and her family are from all around the world and may not know our circle of friends personally, the regular Blogg posting may confused them because Dr. Jesse would sometimes refer to people by the names known to local circle only. Therefore, this new Prayer page is made for those who would like to just see the updated prayer needs of the Sheng Family so they can pray more specific prayers for them.

So feel free to pass this site onto more prayer buddies to effect a greater prayer power. Thus the name of this new site "PowerPray.blogspot.com"