"Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

-Gordon B. Hinckley



Sunday, September 16, 2012

What We Know Now

We had our meeting with the doctors here in Denver a week and a half ago Wednesday. They confirmed that Kaitlyn is 100% neurologically sound - this was accomplished by putting her through the routine exams where they test her reflexes, her balance, etc. We still have no account for what is causing her chronic stomachache, headache, nausea and not sleeping through the night. Officially, Kaitlyn remains asymptomatic and as of her last scan, stable. Dr. Rush, her neuro-oncologist confirmed the diagnosis of brain tumor and told us the protocol is to watch, wait and re-scan in 3 months (in November), unless something happens in the interim.

What we learned from this meeting: 1. This could all go away and the tumor will stop growing in her early adulthood; 2. She has a 50-50 chance of needing chemotherapy, depending on whether the tumor will continue to grow or not; 3. They absolutely will NOT do a biopsy on an asymptomatic child (which is a good thing); and 4. This tumor is surgically unresectable (irremovable). Now, different doctors have different opinions, but basically they all agree that watch, wait and re-scan is the best option right now.

The question for us is, do we re-scan her here in Denver or go to a different hospital, such as Boston Children's, Mayo, or Johns Hopkins. This is something we both need to think and pray about over the next 3 months, as Steve and I are not yet on the same page when it comes to this. We are in agreement, however, that whatever we decide on, it will be a unanimous decision between me, Steve and the Lord. Until that confirmation comes, we pray, we ask, we fast and we seek. I have faith that the Lord will guide our next steps, even if He doesn't show us the entire road ahead.

This is what we know.

2 comments:

  1. You are amazing. You will continue to be in our prayers that the Lord will guide you in all things. Here's a big hug ((())).

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    Replies
    1. You are awesome, too, Sharyn!! Sorry I haven't been a better friend these last few months. I hope you and your family are doing well. Thank you for all your great words of support and wisdom!

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