We met with Dr. Dormans yesterday, after a 2 1/2 hour wait in the clinic. He said that Christen is healing nicely from the biopsy. She can take the knee immobilizer off now though she still has to protect her knee from injury. He introduced us to a 14 year old girl (and her father) who had the same cancer as Christen in her knee, and now has the same endoprosthesis. She finished her chemo 9 months ago. It was encouraging to meet someone who has completed the course that we a just now embarking on. The girl was in great spirits and looked very healthy.
We will return to CHOP for a pre-op appointment about two weeks prior to Christen's knee surgery. The knee surgery (scheduled for April 2) will take about 6 hours to complete and then she will stay in the hospital 5 or 6 days with a possible stay at the Ronald McDonald House for a few days after that.
Abigail was great to have along to keep Christen company. Thanks, Abigail, for going along!
Christen and Debbie went out to get haircuts this afternoon in preparation for the upcoming trials with the chemo. The chemo regime that Christen will receive is the most aggressive that they give short of a bone marrow transplant.
We celebrate Williams 6th birthday tomorrow.
We are all preparing ourselves for a major upheaval, so please pray for us that we will keep our eyes on Jesus. Pray that Christen's cancer will respond to the chemo. When they remove the tumor in early April they will do an analysis to see how much of it was killed by the first 2 cycles of chemotherapy. They are hoping for > 90% cell death in the tumor because this will indicate a better prognosis. Additionally this will potentially dictate what kind of chemo regime she will receive after the surgery. Also, pray that the tumor will shrink as quickly as this will reduce the pain in her knee.
Steve & Debbie for the family
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3 comments:
LORD Jesus, Strengthen and protect Christen, Steve, Debbie, Louie, Hannah, Rebekah, Isaac, Lori, Jordan, and William spiritually, emotionally, and physically as each one of them is affected in a personal way. Thank you
I am glad to hear that the trip went well yesterday. Thank you also for giving us specific things to pray for. We love each of you,
Jennifer (for all
Thank you for keeping us up-to-date with information and prayer specifics. And yes, the two young ladies look beautiful as usual!! How cool that you got to meet someone who has been through what Christen faces and you can see her results. God is so faithful. Love you all. Gayle
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