We are working hard to get the house really clean for Natalie. Since Natalie is susceptible to mold and mildew we are repainting and re-carpeting the house. We are also installing two HEPA filters to recycle the air. Doctors say all of our work is a great precautionary measure to keep emergency hospital visits to a minimum, however the true risk is the bacteria already present in Natalie's body.

Doctors say we all have bacteria in our bodies but we don't get sick because of our strong immune systems. It is somewhat of a counter intuitive thought but to kill the Leukemia we have to kill all types of cells one of which protects against sickness. So to work to cure her we need to compromise here immune defense...

Since the test results returned that Natalie is now in the higher risk group we are still asking everyone to pray that she handles the drugs. We are entering a whole new round of intense Chemo. Many of these new drugs cause nausea, fevers (requiring hospitalization) and other things like extreme need for rest. Dana and I thank you for your continued uplifting prayer. And as we progress we will work to update the blog 1x-2x per week as things develop.

Don't forget this is cancer awareness month, we are not alone. There are thousands upon thousands of people suffering from this disease all over this country. Maybe this month we can turn our thoughts towards the sufferers and their families as the holidays approach. Just a thought.

We love you all,

The Orlando's

3 comments:

Dominic, Dana, and Natalie: this is Rene Hight. You know me best as Shelly Gibbons'(Garcia) mom. I also work with Kevin McGibben. As he and Sasha have been awaiting the birth of their baby, just this morning I was thinking about how I had asked yesterday if everything was ok - they were in expectation of an early delivery and it's been a couple weeks (tho just now a couple days beyond her due date). I'm not sure why, but just as I finished that thought, I thought of you guys and how the Lord's grace covered you when you learned of Natalie's down syndrome. Today, I came into Kevin's office to work and as I was going through his paperwork found his receipt for a donation he made to Natalie's fund and he shared with me what you are currently going through. I have to say that my mind went right to the Lord and how he had brought you to my mind even beforehand, just this morning. I don't know if you knew that Shelly had a little brother who had Cystic Fibrosis. But just to say, that I understand what you are going through. There is no love like a parent for a child (as close to God's love as it gets) and the trial you are now facing is certainly fearful, painful, and exhausting. I will be praying for you. His strength is made perfect in our weakness and His grace is sufficient. His promises are secure and His word will sustain you. I know that our God is capable and am confident that He has already been faithful to carry you through where you've already been and He will equip you to go where He takes you next. If there is ANYTHING that I can do (clean your house, cook, run errands, do laundry - whatever) PLEASE do not hesitate to call. Sometimes you just need to talk and cry - I have an ear. God gives comfort so that we may give comfort to others. Bless you and rest in Him. My cell - anytime - 831.331.9021

We love you.

Dear Dom and Dana,
You are in our thoughts and prayer. We unite with you in prayer for all of those who are fighting this terrible disease! God bless you we love you!

In His love,
The Kille's

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Natalie Orlando

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