Update - 12/17/08

Tate is home!! :)

He arrived back here around 1:30 yesterday afternoon. The nurse was here for 3 hours yesterday and got all his tubes and pumps hooked up. My parents were quite overwhelmed with all the boxes of materials they sent home from the hospital! He was so thankful to be able to sit by the fire and play cards and laugh! Just keep praying for his intestines to heal and for him to deal with seeing food and handling it in a way that honors God.

He will be on the TPN for as long as it takes for healing. It could be up to 6 months. If you'd like to come visit Tate, give us a call at 578-1193. Tate would love to play some games with friends!

Update -- 12/15/08

Hello Friends and Family -- From the S.F. Hospital this time!

On Saturday, Tate was transferred to a new room (with a room-mate this time) and now has internet access!

My Dad and I are here with Tate in his room right now! It's the first time I've seen Tate in a week! Oh how I've missed his smile! :)

We've only been here an hour and a half and have already talked to 6 nurses!

They are preparing everything for Tate's departure from the hospital tomorrow!

Lord willing, he will be released at 12pm. That way, he'll be between feedings and IV antibiotics. Once he's home, a home care nurse will be in to get Tate hooked up again with his antibiotics and home TNP system.

When we got here, Tate had his Bible open on his bed and was talking to his nurse about what he was reading. Pray that even in his last hours here that he would be a testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Tate says thank you for all your prayers and letters and cannot wait to see everyone once he's home! Another praise is that Tate has actually gained a little over 2 pounds in the last few days! Pray that this nutrition system would continue to strengthen and heal his body.

With love from the hospital,

Tate, Mae, and Paul

Update -- 12/12/08

Friends and Family,

Thank you all for the continued prayers! God is so good!

My parents and Drew have been at the hospital all day with Tate. They'll be home later tonight.

Today the nurses were supposed to teach my parents how to administer Tate's nutrition and antibiotics through his pic-line for when he comes home. My Mom said it turned into more of a decision making day.

Tate's release date is scheduled for Tuesday: Praise God!! :)

Unless there are any unexpected problems that arise before then, he will be released on Tuesday! Today was also the first time Tate was able to leave his hospital room because his scans which tested for infection came back negative! When I called, he and Drew had already ventured to the game room where they were playing together and interacting with other kids.

My parents decided today that in order to decrease the likelihood of bacteria getting into Tate's port once he's home, during the day, he will be given his 2 different antibiotics via the pic-line. He will wear a back-pack, which holds the bags of fluid. (Those will be delivered by Walgreen's home care, I believe.) Then at night, he will be hooked up to the TNP, (or TPN? I can't remember ;) in order to receive his full nutrition.

The nurse mentioned to Tate and my parents this afternoon that he will be living at home with the pic-line and total nutrition system for at least a few months. After hearing that, Tate emotionally broke down at the thought that he won't be eating anything for a while.

We've been encouraging him by dwelling on Matthew 4:4, which talks about man not living by bread alone but by every word which proceeds out of the mouth of God. Tate will need to rely on the "meat" of the Word for strength, during his break from physical food. Pray that emotionally, God would continue to strengthen him and prepare him for coming home and being around food all the time.

Thank you for your prayers!

In Him and Through Him,

Mae & Family

PRAISE -- Update -- 12/11/08

Tate called a little while ago with news that made his "heart cheer up!"
He is now allowed to drink a little water and may even be able to have little sips of diet soda!

Pending how he's doing, the doctors are working on the possibility of him coming home next week and we would be trained to administer his IV antibiotics and nutrition using his pic-line here at home. The doctor also indicated that TPN (Total Nutrition by IV) may be needed for up to 6 months.

Thanks for praying!

Update -- 12/11/08

Friends and Family,

My Mom is feeling much better this morning, and according to my Dad who is currently at the hospital, Tate is doing well. He didn't have a fever last night, so the 2 antibiotics seem to be addressing his infection.
He now can have visitors, but because all the test results have not come back yet, he cannot leave his room.
My Mom says if people want to visit, Tate would love it. She says his days are very long...not even broken up by meals. (He can't even have a sip of water or an ice chip.)
He loves all types of games, and I'm sure would enjoy seeing friendly faces and playing a game in his room. We are thinking of making a visiting schedule so people would know times that no one will be with him. His grandparents are going down today and Drew is going tomorrow.

During his stay at U.C., he will not have internet access, because the wing of the hospital he's staying in, doesn't provide it.
He does though, have his cell phone: (707) 494-5747, and loves to be texted or called.

All that we've heard from the doctors this morning is that they may want him to use the "pic-line" for 4-6 weeks with no food or drink.

I've printed out all the comments posted on his blog, to deliver to him today. I know he will enjoy reading them!

In Christ Alone,
Mae and Family

Update -- with pictures!

Here are a few pictures that I received from my Dad tonight. He says, "At least he gets to play madden football on Nintendo!"

I have no new "news" tonight, just continue to pray for Tate's spirits and he deals with the fact that he won't be coming home soon.

My Mom is home now, recovering from Panda Express food-poisoning last night. Pray that her body would recover as well.

Thank you again for all your prayers for Tate and our family.

Thank you for all those who have volunteered to bring meals, etc. I'm thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ who reach out to our family during these difficult times. We all sincerely do appreciate it.

Tomorrow, we will hopefully know if Tate will be allowed visitors during his stay at U.C. I'll keep you posted when I hear from the hospital tomorrow.

In Him,

Mae and Family

Update -- 12/10/08

Friends and Family~

I talked to my Mom a few hours ago and she said that Tate is very down this morning after the news that he'll be there for quite a while.
She said they have both had a few emotional breakdowns.
But they've been quoting scripture to each other. Especially Romans 12:1-2:

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

The doctors still hadn't installed the "pic-line" (that's how it sounds, but I have no idea if that's how it's spelled! ;) when I talked to her, but they were supposed to be coming to do that shortly. Once it is installed, it will be his only source of hydration and nutrition. Nothing will be going through his stomach; not even water.

A few specific things you can be praying for are:
1) Tate's spirits -- that God would emotionally strengthen him and encourage him.
2) My Mom's emotional strength as well. That they would both turn to God's word for peace.

Also, My Mom became very sick in the middle of the night last night, and is on her way home to rest. Pray for her recovery.

Romans 12:12 -- "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Love,
Mae & The Bartholow Family

Update 12/9/08 @ 5:15pm

Dear Friends and Family,

We just received news from the hospital again this evening.
The doctors just told my Mom, that they think Tate will need to stay in the hospital in San Francisco at least for a few weeks. His ilium is so inflamed, and he has some intestinal blockage, but they don't know exactly what it is. They've decided to put him on intravenous feeding in order to give his intestines a break from food for a while.

They are still not sure if he is contagious yet, so no visitors are allowed at this time.
However, if he does end up staying there for a few weeks, I know he would love people to come visit and spend time with him. In the mean time, be praying that he would be encouraged through God's word and that emotionally he would stay strong.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Thank you for your prayers,
Mae & The Bartholow Family

Update - 12/9/08

Thank you for all your prayers, phone calls, texts to Tate's cell phone...ect. in the past 24hours. They are much appreciated. We are thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage our family during times like these.

As for today's report from the hospital...
I talked to my Mom a few hours ago and she said that there have already been 11 doctors in to visit Tate today. From the scans they have taken thus far, they believe Tate has an intestinal blockage, or possibly an abscess. Either of those problems, would require surgery to fix.
Because surgery is a possibility in the near future, they won't let him eat anything.
When I talked to her, they were going to give Tate a more permanent IV, (I forget the name)which would not just give him fluids (like the one he currently has) but would also give him proper nutrients. Currently, progress is very slow at the hospital, as his doctors are still reviewing scans and tests to be sure of what's wrong...and figure out the best solution to Tate's problem.

Thank you again for all your prayers for Tate and our family.
I'll post again when I hear more news.

In and Through Him Alone,
Mae & The Bartholow Family

Tate Update - 12/8/08

Dear Friends and Family,

It's 9:20 on Monday night, and I just talked to my parents who are with Tate in San Francisco.
As some of you know, Tate was hospitalized this afternoon at U.C. because recently he has been very sick. In the past two weeks, Tate has lost 9 pounds, has had severe pain, and fevers as high as 104 degrees. Simply put, the doctors don't know what's wrong with him.
Three days before Thanksgiving, he had some scans done because they thought he might have intestinal blockage, but those came back negative. The down-side to that, was that they don't know what is causing him all this pain and sickness.

I talked with Tate tonight as well, and he said things were going "well." He said he felt alot better than he did this afternoon. My Mom said that they will run scans and tests on him tonight to see if they can figure out the cause for all this.

Thankfully, he is in a private room at U.C. and my Mom will be able to stay with him tonight.
As of now, there is no information on how long he will be hospitalized. We'll see how the tests go tonight and what the results of those are.

When he came home from his Santa Rosa doctor's appointment this afternoon, he came into the office where I was sitting at my desk. My Mom began to pack, because they needed to leave for San Francisco as soon as possible. Tate came and sat down on my lap and I was just able to hold him for a few minutes. Wow, what a precious few minutes those were. I am so encouraged by the fact that despite all of his trials, pain and uncomfortable circumstances, he still remains cheerful and fully dependant on God alone. He has felt so awful the past two weeks, but not once have I heard him complain or whine about anything. He is a living testimony to me, and I know to many others as well, of his trust in God's supreme and sovereign plan and will for his life.

He is the perfect example of one who obeys the command found in Colossians 3:2 - "Set your mind on things above, not on things on this earth."

Pray that God would continue to strengthen him in the days to come, as we do not know what they hold. Thankfully, we serve the one who does know what each and every day holds and we can rest in that peace.

Some of you also know that I am taking Speech1A at the Santa Rosa J.C. this semester, and interestingly enough, I'm giving a speech tomorrow in class. Many of you have heard it before. It's on "why bad things happen to good people." Its main example is centered on the trials we've faced with Tate's sickness and how God has used it all for good in our lives. I know God works all things together for good, and I would ask for prayer also that God would use Tate's life, even through what has happened today, to open opportunities for me to share with my unsaved classmates tomorrow.

I know Tate, and each of us in our family, are so thankful for each one of you who faithfully pray for Tate.
I'll try to keep this blog updated as I hear more news from the hospital.

In Christ Alone,
Mae & The Bartholow Family

From Tate 1/29/08

I am at home and I am enjoying it so much! This luxury hotel is far superior than the previous one! It is such fun being out again and this week, I am in all the skits for the kids at the bible conference at our church. I have finished the medication and the chicken pox seems over. Tomorrow I will have blood work and on Feb 7th I will have my next remicade infusion. I would really like to be able to eat more and grow, so you could still pray for me.Thank you for earnestly praying for me, it makes me feel safe knowing that so many people are praying for me. Oh, I thank you for cards also, they give me comfort. One of my memory verses this week is Colossians 1:9 For this reason,since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Love, Tate

Letter From Tate:

Dear Friends and Family in Christ,

Thank you for praying earnestly for me. I arrived happily at my home on Wednesday. I am thankful to God for sleeping in my own bed and seeing my family. It was even fun to set the table! Thank you again for all the calls, cards, and comments, they really encouraged me.

My scabs are going away and I am still on an anti-viral medicine until they are all gone. I will need more blood work next week to check some concerns the doctor had about my liver.

Some things God reminded me of this week, were to be more thankful:
To be able to go outside and breath the fresh air.
To walk around freely and see the simple sights once again.
To see my entire family that loves me.
To lay in my own, warm, delightful bed.
To read a book by the fire.
To know that people love me and pray for me.
To feel well.
To know God will always supply my every need, and supply the strength I need.

Thank you again for your prayers. I am excited to hopefully see you all soon!

Love,
Tate

Tate's Coming Home!!

Dear Friends and Family,

Tate has been discharged from the hospital, and is coming home this afternoon! Thank you for your continued prayers as he is picked up (by my Mom) and brought home to all of us.

Thank you again, for all your prayers. They were truly appreciated.

With Love,
Mae

Doctors Guarantee discharge by end of January!

thank you for praying for me. I so want to get out of here, but God has other plans. The doctors won't really tell me when I get out because I told them I would hold them to it. I am getting better, but not good enough.

It is very lonesome here, but my dad is here still so that helps. I think I would even rather do school than be here! Opps, Mom just told me I do have school here to do.

Also just so you know, my dad and I were the ones who did Mae's profile. We do think she is amazing though! She even set up this blog!!!

Thanks again for all your prayers and comments.

Love,

Tate

Sad News from Tate

Dear Friends and family,

I have been unfortunately indefinitely detained in this luxury hotel. The doctors came in today and found new pox so said I must stay until they have all crusted over. They said they did not know how many more days that might be. It is sad not being able to see everyone, but I know that God is in control.

Thanks for all your comments on the Blog, I check regularly for new ones and reread the old ones!

These are some verses and songs that have encouraged me:

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understandings.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed for I will be with you where ever you may go. (even the hospital)

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Ephesians 6:10-11 Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you may stand against the Devils schemes.

"On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

Hope to see you all soon,

Tate

1/19/08 -- 8pm Update

I just recieved these pictures via email from my Dad at the hospital. Tate never ceases to amaze me. The thing I love most about Tate is that no matter what the circumstance (good or bad), he is always smiling. I think those of you who know Tate will agree with me. ; ) I just got off the phone with him, and he wanted me to thank those of you who have called him over the past few days. He has truly enjoyed hearing all your voices! He is doing very well tonight, and once we hear from the doctor tomorrow I will let you all know. Thank you again for your prayers!

With Much Love,

Mae

Maybe Sunday

Well the doctor came in this morning and said he would like to keep me in for at least another day. I was pretty sad about that. Maybe I will get to come home tomorrow. I now have internet access in my room so I like all the comment everyone is leaving me.

I beat my dad at battleship two out of three times, I was the Allied forces. I have watched almost all of the Hogans Heros CDs, so I am getting lots of WW2 history while I am here.

I know that you are all praying for me. Thank you.
Hope to see you all soon,

Tate

News from Tate!

Dear Friends and Family in Christ:

This place is almost as fun as Disneyland! NOT!

Thank you for all your prayers and calls as I suffer in the cooler. I don't get to see many people except the new nurse every 12 hours, and my Dad has been here. It has been nice all the calls on my new cell phone, my only contact with the outside world.
I like this blog that Mae set up. Thanks Mae I am on the internet!
The doctor told me that I may go home tomorrow, but no one believes me. My Dad is staying tonight with me to talk to the doctor for himself in the morning. I would like to be back in my own room soon with no tubes in my arm. I can only take a few more hours of movies, not all day long!
You have all been such wonderful encouraging people in my life. Thank you.

Thanks for the poster Gracie and Sarah, it is on my wall across from my bed.

Good night,

Tate

Update 1/18/08

Dear Friends,

Tate is settled in at the hospital and doing well although he is very lonely. He would love phone calls on his new cell phone. His phone number is (707) 494-5747. Remember though, he is on alot of medication and isn't 100% coherent! I just talked with him, and he said his chicken pox were going away and they might let him out tomorrow! Although this isn't true...I can't help but laugh at his continually optimistic spirit! He is currently on an I.V. anti-viral, antibiotics and medication for pain and itching. He is in isolation and isn't allowed visitors other than family, so pray that he would be content and continually depending on God for his comfort.
Thank you for lifting Tate up in prayer.

Love, Mae & Family.

Tate's Update 1/17/08

Dear Sweet Friends,

I was planning on writing to you at the New Year with an update on Tate to let you know that although his blood work had shown no significant improvement since we started the infusions, he had not been having the nightly fevers and was enjoying a much improved quality of life. We have been rejoicing in his ability to feel well and enjoy the many things that most of us take forgranted. Unfortunately, Tate came down with Chicken Pox yesterday morning and to the healthy child this is inconvenient but not much cause for alarm. I have since been informed by his UC doctor and his local pediatrician that this is not only dangerous but potentially life threatening for a child on Remicaide. (This is why I spent so much effort trying to keep him off immunosuppressent drugs.) However, Our Great God knows all and I know He will be faithful and accomplish His perfect plan for each of us. UCSF just called and wants him admitted tonight at 7 in an isolation room so I need to make this fast.. Please pray for him as it sounds like the next week is crucial. Their concern is that the virus itself and potential bacteria that enter the sores can quickly take over a body that is currently incapable of defending itself. Totally trusting in Him, Ann