It's amazing how things can turn around in a heartbeat. Since my last posting when everything was looking perfect and the doctors were so happy with his progress, JR has had a setback. Sometime between Jan. 3rd and Feb. 20th, JR's tumor reappeared and has taken us all by surprise. Needless to say, we are all devastated and didn't know what to do with ourselves. JR had to return for many additional tests to confirm our worst fears.
Since learning about this, we have been waiting and worrying. It's time to start over and get back to our "positive thoughts only" mindset. Jim and I met with JR's team last week and were completely shocked when we walked into the meeting and saw his neurosurgeon from his operation last August, Dr. Souweidane. I'll never forget Jim saying to me just before we got there that "I hope they don't recommend surgery for him." But as soon as we saw the surgeon, we knew. The surgery is set for this Thursday, March 6th.
We know that this news is not exactly light. However, after we had time to digest all of this, we were actually relieved. We were expecting to hear that they would be going forward with a more potent chemo (which I imagine will come afterwards) and we were so upset knowing that it might or might not do what it's supposed to do. This way, the surgeon says he can get a little more aggressive with the operation as they have more information about the nature and "center" (as I'll call it) of the mass. Hopefully he'll get a little more of the sort of root system and he'll be at a much bigger advantage when starting the chemo with less tumor to deal with. So it's basically almost like starting over and we are grateful that we actually have the chance to start over.
So it's back to the drawing board with a little extra information and not in emergency mode like the first time around. The knowing and waiting is not pleasant but at least we'll feel a little more prepared.
Anyone with connections to the "big guy" has our permission to pull strings, beg, plead, twist arms, etc. to get past all this ugliness and find out what good is supposed to come of this. It better be huge. We look forward to finding out. Please pray for our son.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Schoen's
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything we can do, do not hesitate to call.
The Quinn's
Hi,
I spent the day with Jim/Sharon/JR in the hospital. The operation was a great success. The surgeon came into the post op consultation and couldn't have been happier with the outcome. We saw JR in the recovery room and he looked great. JR and Sharon are now resting in a private room and are getting great care. He is an amazing kid!
Uncle Chris
Jim and Sharon,
We are so glad that the operation was a success. JR is in our daily prayers.
Gimena (classmate) and Adriana(mom).
We are sooo happy to hear that the surgery went well. The strength of JR and your family is amazing!!
Sharon, I had no idea when I saw you and JR the day before in the store. Please let us know what we can do to make this a little easier for you.
Our happiest most positive thoughts are with you everyday.
The Fitzmaurice's
Sharon and Jim,
I am so glad to hear that JR's surgery went well! I will continue to say prayers for all of you. Please, please let me know if there is anything we can do, no matter how small, to help out.
Laura Galante
Jack and Sis from Florida wanted to let you know that you are in their prayers today, tomorrow and always. So glad to hear that JR is doing well following his surgery.
Jeanne, Jane, Jim and John (cousins) also send their well wishes to you all.
Love you.
Please know that you all are in our thoughts every day. If there is anything at all that would help you to get through this time, please let us know.
The Christiansens
Post a Comment