We had our first appointment today, and it was a very important one. I'm so thankful that we have access to such excellent medical care. There is no other way to say it but the news so far is not good. The doctor looked at the MRI today and says that he is 98% sure that it is osteosarcoma. We have scheduled the biopsy for Wednesday morning, and if the tumor is malignant they will insert a port and do another test. We will stay the night Wednesday night and return home on Thursday, Lord willing. Our post-op appointment is January 11th.
It has been really amazing how God paved the way for us here. We really like the doctor, Dr. John Dormans, the Chief of the Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Department (he has been here doing this for 20 years) and his staff. Dr. Dormans has done research advancing the state of the art in care for this type of cancer. It seems like an excellent place to receive care. They really bent over backwards to help us get all the tests done today, of which there have been quite a few. The Nurse Practitioner told Patty that it really took him by surprise how the staff here rose to the occasion to get all the tests done today. Sounds like answered prayer to me!! Christen is tired of being poked and prodded. She is having a bone scan as I write this. She will be glad when today is done. We all will be.
Patty and Lisa drove up this morning even through some icy conditions. Patty's help has been so great! We can't thank her enough. She is a great patient advocate. Ruth and Lisa have been very patient and encouraging through the long waits and meetings, and tests. Thank you so much, Lisa and Ruth.
We are back to the Ronald McDonald House. We had a nice meal, and are planning to have a quiet evening and day tomorrow. Christen should be able to get some good rest in preparation for her surgery on Wednesday.
Please pray for the outcomes of the various tests that Christen was given today, as well as Wednesday's biopsy. It is important that the surgery be done well.
Keep us in your prayers! God is faithful.
Steve for Debbie and the family
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8 comments:
Thanks for letting us know how things are going. I woke up in the night last night with that cold fear for what I know Christen is feeling.
I talked with Dr.Wargo today who read her MRI. Her specialty is extremity and joint MRI. She said Christen will do fine after treatment. She has seen much worse cases with lesions all the way up the femur shaft.
Steve and Debbie, take care of yourselves, make sure you eat well and get some rest.
Christen, we can all be thankful for your father who is strong, solid, wise, and resourceful
and will help you get the best care and for your mother who will love you and be there to encourage and comfort you. God has blessed you with a wonderful family in the flesh and in the body of Christ.
We love you all and are praying for you.
Dear Steve, Debbie and Christen, Thanks for the update. It does sound like many prayers were answered today and much was accomplished. We will continue to pray for Christen, and for all of you. We love you.
Kurt and Jennifer
Thank you so much for keeping us up-to-date on this journey that God is taking you on. It is a privilege to pray to the One who is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine. Please give my love to Christen. grace and peace to you all - Lindsey Quann
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Dear Christen and family,
I was reminded today after reading your blog of this song that came to mind when Jonathan was born (made more meaningful subsequently when we discovered that Jonathan had cerebral palsy and started physical and occupational therapy for him) It seems so appropriate for you:
Behold, I am the Lord
The God of all things
Is there anything . . .
Is there anything too hard for me?
Nothing escapes the notice of the Lord Jesus Christ; nothing is beyond Him.
Give yourself a big hug and know that He loves you yesterday, today and always!
Anette
Thanks for posting
I'll be praying for you all!
CHRISTEN, I LOVE YOUUUUU!!!!
I just wanted to say how much I love you Christen! I've had the wonderful privilege of watching you grow into such a kind, compassionate, and joyful young woman! It has been wonderful to get to know you a little bit throughout these past few years.
I know that this next little while is going to be difficult for you and that you might feel like your entire life is under a microscope! I wish you could be here to hear all of the talk about you, all in a good way of course! You are on everyone's hearts and in everyone's thoughts and prayers to such a great extent that your friends and family here are practically overflowing! Their love for you is bubbling out in everything that they say and do! You are truly TRULY blessed! If this is how greatly you are loved by us flawed humans, how much more is your Savior rejoicing over you now and forever!
My prayers are with both you and your family during this exhausting and stressful time!
i love you Christen! can't wait until you get back so i can give you another hug =D still keeping you in my prayers!
*~*Melanie*~*
Well, even though you are technically "far away", you'd never know it by the atmosphere last night. It was just like you were here. Many of us were gathered at a family's home for a New Year's celebration. Within 10 minutes of heralding in the new year (complete with screaming, bubbly cider, and a wacky chorus of 'Auld Lang Syne'), one of our own announced, "Let's start off 2008 by praying for Christen." For the next 5 or 10 minutes old and young alike were offering up prayers to our heavenly Father on Christen's behalf.
What an amazing testimony to the selfless mindsets of many of our young people. As an adult in their midst, I was so proud to be a part of this new generation of believers. You all may have been in Philly, but you definitely were here in our midst in our hearts.
The Lord sure loves your family and is constantly showing us that through each testimony of His loving grace and provision. We will all be praying for you tomorrow as Christen has her surgery. You are not alone.
Blessings and hugs,
Kathy
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
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