The Macs

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

a rollercoaster

This rollercoaster we are on is SO hard. The past few days have been good and we felt like Cora was making some progress. Like we were on our way to getting our little girl back. We even felt comfortable enough to both leave the hospital to go out to eat. Joel's mom stayed with Cora while we were gone. When we were on our way home from dinner we got a call from Joel's mom saying not to panic but we needed to come back to the hospital. Both of our hearts sank. Cora had been fighting her C-PAP all day and pulling her feeding tube out. She was a tired little girl and just wasn't breathing like she needed to. The doctor decided to put her on a ventilator. He said Cora needed to rest and she was working too hard to breathe. It is so sad to see Cora hooked up to all those machines again. It feels like we are moving backwards instead of forwards. Cora will probably be on the ventilator for several days. The doctor is hoping that as Cora rests her body will be able to recover more quickly from the surguries and chemo. So, this is how we left our little girl tonight. Joel's mom is staying in her room tonight so that we can try to sleep.

We continue to be amazed by all the people that know about Cora and are lifting her up to our Heavenly Father. Please continue to pray for our sweet baby. It is so easy for us to get discouraged and feel consumed by this cancer. Especially after a day like today. We don't know how we would get through a single day without Jesus right beside us. As Joel and I talked about the ups and downs of today these are some truths that we are resting in tonight.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Isaiah 26:3

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23

Praises:
-The oncologist remains positive about how Cora is responding to chemo
-Cora's strong, fighting spirit
-An encouraging visit from the pastors at Grace
-The FANTASTIC PICU doctors and nurses who is taking such good care of Cora
-I am feeling better today and getting over a sinus infection

Prayer Requests:
-That Cora would be able to rest and her body would heal as she is on the ventilator
-Comfort for Cora (we feel like we can't do much to comfort her)
-The chemo would be getting rid of the cancer
-Patience as we continue to wait for the test results
-That we would rest in God's peace through this very unpeaceful time
-Perseverance as we have a long road ahead

55 Comments:

Blogger Alice said...

I'm sorry this is all happening to you and that sweet baby. You three are in my prayers. Don't give up, God is watching over you.

February 4, 2009 at 12:27 AM  
Blogger Janis said...

I followed Bobbitybo's link to you. I feel helpless to offer any words that would let you know how deeply we feel for you. I carry in my heart these words spoken recently by a friend's pastor in light of a tragedy of our own -- "Tragedy never leaves one where it finds you. You move one way or the other." I am so glad you have moved closer into the arms of our Heavenly Father to seek solace and comfort.

May the love and prayers offered for you expand with each moment of every day. God be with you.

February 4, 2009 at 12:39 AM  
Blogger Dune Buggy said...

Hi Jess & Joel--We love you guys. Precious Cora is getting lots of love and prayers sent her way from the California Fam. She is so lucky to have you leading her to health and keeping faith strong.
Sending you hugs and love. Lecia, Gregg and Rhiana.

February 4, 2009 at 12:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joel and Jess, this is my first time reading your blog... found you through We Are THAT Family. I am so deeply sorry that all this is happening to your dear sweet Cora. Please know that I am lifting you all up in prayer and will continue to daily. As a momma to four young munchkins, I have no idea what this must be like but my mind can imagine and it breaks my heart. Praying, praying, praying...

February 4, 2009 at 12:54 AM  
Blogger erin said...

Baby Cora and your family are in our prayers night, day and beyond. We send you our love and support.
The Gianni Family

February 4, 2009 at 1:33 AM  
Blogger Jodi said...

I'll keep Cora and your family in my prayers. She is a cutie!

February 4, 2009 at 2:29 AM  
Blogger Elizabeth said...

I am new to your blog but praying for and sending good thoughts to your little beautiful baby girl. And much strength and prayers to you, too, beautiful parents. I also send you some southern California sunshine -- may it light your day.

February 4, 2009 at 3:06 AM  
Blogger babies said...

i showed photos of Cora to my three-year-old son and he went straight to his toy kitchen to "make a medicine for baby". i hope his faith in goodness can help a bit.

Cora, we love you.

February 4, 2009 at 4:44 AM  
Blogger Karen said...

thank you for sharing all of this with us. Even though we have never met I think of you daily and have shared Cora's story with others. Everyone is praying for her and you.

February 4, 2009 at 6:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh, Joel and Jess, I am so sorry this day turned into another roller coaster. It was such a delight to see the three of you yesterday and to see Cora fighting. We just have to trust that God wants her body to be able to concentrate on healing and not having to struggle to breathe. I am thankful that you were able to get out of the hospital even for such a short time. You too need refreshment and rest. We will be praying that you can trust Cora's care to the wonderful medical staff and to the Lord, so that you may truly sleep. Thank you for sharing Cora with us yesterday. I was blessed beyond words.

February 4, 2009 at 6:33 AM  
Blogger Beth said...

Isaiah 40:11
The Lord tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Praying for you,
Beth in NC

February 4, 2009 at 6:38 AM  
Blogger Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Oh...sweet baby. Praying for Cora...praying for all of you...

February 4, 2009 at 6:45 AM  
Blogger C.C. and Double T said...

Continuing to pray and pass the word.

February 4, 2009 at 6:55 AM  
Blogger Chris Kauffman said...

You are all in my thoughts .
Chris

February 4, 2009 at 6:57 AM  
Blogger Scarlet O'Kara said...

Rest sweet little one...Mommy & Daddy are praying for you and so is the rest of your loved ones, as well as so very many people who have seen your precious face. Our prayers are for your recovery so that you can go back home and play with your friends and give hugs and kisses.

Rest and heal...and the Good Lord will take care of the rest.

February 4, 2009 at 6:57 AM  
Blogger Courtney and the Boys said...

Our prayers continue to be with you. I pray this is a day of good news, rest, and recuperation.

Courtney

February 4, 2009 at 7:00 AM  
Blogger Danyele Easterhaus said...

bless your hearts...i'm so sad that you have to see baby cora on the vent again. my prayers continue for you all.

February 4, 2009 at 7:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

praying every day....she is such a beautiful little girl! It is so clear how much her parents and whole family love her, and abundantly clear how much you love the Lord. He will continue to watch over you and your precious little Cora, and we will continue to pray for improvement and healing, even through the setbacks....may the setbacks be few and far between. God Bless you all, Erica in Illinois

February 4, 2009 at 7:17 AM  
Blogger kana said...

I continue to pray for ALL of you daily!

February 4, 2009 at 7:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't know you but read your story through a blog link. I'm praying for you through tears. Cora is so sweet - it breaks my heart - what she is going through. I can't imagine your exhaustion either and the pain you must feel. I am keeping you in prayers daily. Thanks for updating everyone and giving us specifics to pray for! I have a friend whose young daughter is a cancer survivor and resting in God and relying on Him is what got them through it - you are on the right track! Hang in there and know that we are praying.

February 4, 2009 at 7:32 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.

February 4, 2009 at 7:41 AM  
Blogger my3sons said...

Oh she is so precious! It is so hard to see a child hooked up like that in a photo. I can't imagine how hard it is for you! I have been thinking about your family and praying for sweet Cora. I pray that she feels better very soon and can be removed from some of those machines.

February 4, 2009 at 7:41 AM  
Blogger jen christians said...

I wanted to tell you that I recieved an e-mail from a friend that I had told about Cora. She said that she was telling someone else about Cora without using her name. She had said "a 10 1/2 month old little girl with cancer". The Girl then replied is her name Cora? They both knew of Cora and follow your blog. They live in eastern Iowa. This Amazed me. The works of God are WONDERFUL! Sorry Cora is having set-backs. But hopefully this will help Cora's body heal. I thought this would be an encouraging story.
Jen

February 4, 2009 at 7:52 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I know this all must be so scary for you. God will protect your girl. Vents are scary but it is really helping her so much. Praising God that He gave her such beauiful, wonderful parents and family that know and love HIM! Praying continually for you and your sweet one.

February 4, 2009 at 7:59 AM  
Blogger CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

God Bless you . I'm a new foller and reader of your blog, i was informed by my dear sweet friend countney and the boys about your family and what is going on these days.

I will lift you sall up in prayer,I will hope to ebcourage you to follower my blog and keep me posted and day by day what is going on.

I pray that God continues to give you strengthand lobve and support . I pray that you love one another and come together in this time of need, I pray that God Heals the wonds in youre hearts .

My family will be praying for cora and your family.

god bless and keet teh strngth .

February 4, 2009 at 8:10 AM  
Blogger CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

Isaiah 40:11
The Lord tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.


love and prayersa circle of life

February 4, 2009 at 8:11 AM  
Blogger laney said...

...dear Lord as we continue to pray for this precious child...we know that You begin to act...we praise you for all the many many good things you have done for this little one...things unseen by human eyes...we know that You are God and that You have power far beyond our imaginings...we praise you for things seen...for kind and gentle nurses...for wise doctors...for words spoken at just the right moment...for prayers lifted by human hearts full of love for this family...we praise You that we live when we do...that this child is able to receive the medical help that only last year may not have been known...we praise you that as cora was being formed inside her mother You were there...we praise you for angels that minister to her...for Jesus Himself spoke of the angels of children...we praise you that in some mysterious way cora knows of You and Your love...that she is aware of things heavenly ...for she is so fresh from you...we praise you for the constant love of her mommy and daddy...for grandparents who pray for this grandbaby as they pray for their own babies...we ask again for everything...we ask that You heal this little child...we ask that those who witness the love of those around her are blessed and that they come to know of Your goodness...give cora's mother and daddy energy that seems beyond the possible...for we knwo that all things are possible with You ...we pray with faith ...in the name of Jesus Christ...amen

February 4, 2009 at 8:17 AM  
Blogger Elizabeth Biggs said...

Joel and Jess, this is tough stuff, and hard to understand. I am praying today that God gives you peace and rest. I am praying for Cora's healing, resting in the fact that "God is able, more than able, to handle - REALLY handle - all that concerns you today." Since Cora has been in the hospital, all the pretend babies at our house have been "sick" too - :) The kids are thinking about you in their own way. Elizabeth and Eric Biggs

February 4, 2009 at 8:18 AM  
Blogger Amy said...

Ah, as a mom, seeing that pic is heartbreaking. I pray she is getting better. I am also adding your link to my blog. Stay strong... you are not alone.

February 4, 2009 at 8:21 AM  
Blogger Peyton's Pages said...

Praying for you all everyday! Your little girl is so precious!

If you haven't already, listen to this song, Overcome by Desperation Band. We sang it at our church last sunday, and I prayed for you and little Cora. God is faithful. Hugs to you all.

February 4, 2009 at 8:22 AM  
Blogger Megan Barber said...

I continue to pray for your little angel Cora...and your whole family. I have shared Cora's story with others and I know she is in the prayers of MANY people.

February 4, 2009 at 8:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We are faithfully praying for Cora and you.

February 4, 2009 at 8:27 AM  
Blogger Sheryl said...

just want you to know i'm praying for you right now. hard to believe all you have been through in such a short time. we don't know what tomorrow holds but i know you are pointing others to GOD.

February 4, 2009 at 8:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't know you all but I am praying for and trusting Jesus for Cora's complete healing and for unbelievable strength for you!

February 4, 2009 at 8:31 AM  
Blogger i love plum said...

Rest assured you will be receiving HUGE prayers from my neck of the woods. I've said it before and I'll say it again...your family especially little Cora are in my thoughts non-stop. xo

February 4, 2009 at 8:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Joel and Jess

We love you very much. We pray for you and your extended family often. As we have watched you grow up, you have become part of us and when you hurt, we hurt with you. We continue to pray for God's comfort to be with you during these times.

February 4, 2009 at 8:43 AM  
Blogger CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

please check out my blog I made a button praying for cora on my site please copy and paste it on your blog.

If you send me your e-mail I can send over the codes for you to have the whole ting up on your site

February 4, 2009 at 8:45 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"My soul clings to You,
Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:8
My prayer for you today---

February 4, 2009 at 8:48 AM  
Blogger Stephanie Lane said...

It's amazing how the family of God works! I'm friends with Ginger and Joe, but my mom got an email from a friend in Sterling, where she grew up, about Cora. Please know that word continues to spread, and I'm lifting you up every day!

February 4, 2009 at 8:56 AM  
Blogger Beki - TheRustedChain said...

God bless you Jess.

I just keep being reminded of how God works even when we don't know He's working. Thinking back to Him having you and Joel meet, fall in love and marry. He knew you two would be the perfect team to lean on each other when this day came.
He knew you would be the right parents for Cora.

She is so blessed to have you guys.

Prayers for you all today.

February 4, 2009 at 8:57 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My husband and I check the computer each day to look for updates. We are praying for you and wish we could offer more than that. The Lord is good and His faithfulness will sustain us.
Our love and prayers.

February 4, 2009 at 9:00 AM  
Blogger Michele said...

My prayers and thoughts are with you all! May God heal your poor baby!
All our love,
The Tomecko Family

February 4, 2009 at 9:02 AM  
Blogger Bobbi said...

Still praying for sweet Cora!

February 4, 2009 at 9:09 AM  
Blogger Millicent said...

I can't imagine seeing my baby like that...I am praying a lot for your sweet girl!

February 4, 2009 at 9:26 AM  
Blogger Kerri said...

Still praying...I know He hears our prayers. Thanks for the lovely scriptures of inspiration you share with us each day!

February 4, 2009 at 9:40 AM  
Blogger Nadia said...

We have never met but I have been following your story almost from the beginning. A friend asked for prayer for your Cora and I followed a link. I am a mom to four children... and all of us are praying for all of you every single day. I wish we could do more...

Praying that you sense God's compassion for you in a deep and real way... and praying for HEALING... amazing, miraculous, God-given healing for your precious little girl.

nadia

February 4, 2009 at 9:44 AM  
Blogger GinaMarie said...

I'm praying Cora gets the rest she needs quickly on the vent and turns around and gets better SOON. Praying the chemo is doing or HAS DONE its job so before you know it, you are all HOME. Praying for all of you.
Blessings,
Gina Marie and boys
www.caringbridge.org/visit/noahhaugh

February 4, 2009 at 10:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Some info that might help Jess & her sinus infection. A netipot (which you can get at Wholefoods) will work wonders in getting out the stuff in your nose & helping to relieve pressure. It's a salt water rinse. My kids & I use ours daily. Another thing is elderberry (which you can also get at Wholefoods). I just thought these might help. You all overwhelm me with how strong you are. God is an amazing God! We are praying for you all & your precious little Cora.

February 4, 2009 at 10:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Our family is praying for your baby. My husband Justin Bird went to Berean and knows Joel. GOD IS SO GOOD! we will cont to pray for strength for Cora and mom and dad. May God keep you strong. Justin, Sara, and Sophie Bird.

February 4, 2009 at 10:32 AM  
Blogger Linkis Family Love said...

Baby Cora: Know that we love you, and that we are praying for you constantly. Keep up your strong fight, baby. You can do it! The Lord is your strength, peace, and protector.
"The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer, petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philipians 4:5-7
Our love and blessing to you!
Kelli Linkis <><<

February 4, 2009 at 10:55 AM  
Blogger carissa... brown eyed fox said...

still holding yall in prayer!

praying His mighty hand be upon you... grace... peace... His healing!

February 4, 2009 at 11:37 AM  
Blogger Nichole said...

We are lifting, Cora, your family and the doctors up in prayer.

February 4, 2009 at 11:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jess and Joel so sorry to hear about the "steep plunge" Just had a prayer with our Pastor - we will remember her and you all in our prayers all day and as long as it takes for Cora to get well.
Hugs and love, Sharley and Bob

February 4, 2009 at 1:19 PM  
Blogger lauren said...

I am praying for your sweet baby Cora daily.

February 4, 2009 at 2:03 PM  
Blogger Eli's Lids said...

Just found your blog and my heart just aches. I have my own baby girl named Cora Jane. Prayers to you from our family.

February 5, 2009 at 5:48 PM  

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