Jack's Diagnosis

Sorry I didn't update sooner. I have been at my sisters house. Bethany, thanks for feeding Jack while I was gone. The doctor's office called Friday around 5:00 and told Jack that the tumor was Stage 2 Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma. The stage 2 means that it is was larger than 3 cm and it had not spread to any organs or the blood stream. We were told that the tumor was 1.8 cm when it was removed so I am a little confused. According to my Internet Medical Degree, that would make it Stage 1 which is less than 3 cm. Jack is getting his staples out tomorrow so I will have more information then when I can ask questions. Jack feels a lot better, still sore though. We knew that that odds of it being cancer was 80-90% so it didn't come as a huge surprise. We were hopeful though as Alex only had a 20% chance of NOT having cerebal palsy. As I said before, there is no follow up treatment other than Jack will be followed for the next 5 years. With this type of cancer, the symptoms are usually not present until the cancer has completely taken over the body. Praise God for the mystery pain that sent Jack to the ER that lead to the CAT Scan. We are blessed beyond measure and so thankful that this was caught in an early stage.
AMANDA:)

Patience

Jack just talked to the nurse and they told him to call back on Thursday for his test results. So we will wait patiently.

I would have to say "Patience" is at the bottom of my Fruits of The Spirit. And let me clarify that children are not included in that. I am talking about life situations. I always want the answers and resolution to the issue right now. Maybe that is why God has given me some big trials. I realize that our trials are not near as big as others and for that I am very thankful. But nevertheless between Jack, Alex & Kylie we have been through a few things. Certainly life would be easier if everything was always fair and perfect but it wasn't fair for Jesus so why should it be for me. This is a "Deason Paraphrase" as Bro. Daryle would say but read James 1:2-4 and this is why we are greatful for this trial.

We should be happy when we go through trials because this is His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect will and timing.

Amanda

Update & Goodies

 

 

First of all, we have had lots of calls about the results and we will not know anything until this evening. They said after 4:00 so I will post again after that. Thanks for your concern.

Jack is getting better each day but he is still in pain with occassional nausea. He will get his staples out on Monday. His incisions look really good. I can't believe that I am saying that. He got a yummy basket from our favorite florist in town, Le Fleur Florist compliments of Southeastern Temperature Control. Carol & Kim at Le Fleur are so sweet, they brought Jack a beautiful plant from them. We also found some yummy chocolate oatmeal candy outside our front door today from Karen Holsomback. Thanks for everything, we really appreciate it all.


The kids are definetly grating on his nerves. I went to pick them up Saturday from my moms house. When I got there I smelled gas really bad. I got Charlie to look at my car. We took the backseat out and immediatelly saw where the gas was leaking. He touched the line and gas sprayed all over us and in Charlie and Kylie's eyes. Everyone was okay and a couple hours later we were back on our way home. Jack is probably wishing that Charlie wasn't so handy. And no Bethany, it wasn't the van.

Home Sweet Home

Have I ever told you how much I love my house? Well I do, and I am so glad to be home. After Jack's medicine got straightened out last night his pain began to improve today. He was able to walk and eat so they took the drain out and they let him go home around 2:00 today. The doctor felt like he would do better at home with less interuptions and I certainly agree. He hasn't said much today, just trying to stay comfortable. We are so thankful for our family and friends. We appreciate your prayers and concern. Please continue to lift Jack up in prayer this week as he continues to heal.

Jack's Surgery 2

Wow! It was a long night. Jack has been in a lot of pain since the surgery. After struggling for several hours last night, we resorted to morphine for an hour or two of sleep. Dr. El-Galley's team came in this morning and took the catheter out which was really bothering Jack. I am not sure what the day holds but I will update later. Please pray for his pain to subside. It's so hard to sit here and not be able to help him.

Jack's Surgery

First of all, let me say thank you for all of your prayers. We appreciate them more than you'll ever know. Jack went into surgery at 7:00 a.m. this morning and it took a little over 4 hours to complete the surgery. The doctor was able to remove the tumor and the surrounding area without taking the entire kidney. Jack is in recovery now with a lot of pain and will be there at least 2 hours before moving to a room. We will not know until Tuesday if the tumor was cancerous. Regardless, they feel that it has all been removed. If it turns out that it is cancer, kidney would be the best kind to have. He will not have chemo or radiation. Once the tumor is removed, there is a 90% chance that it will never return.

Although trials are never fun to go through, I am thankful for them because we grow closer to the Lord each time. Trials are also a reminder that we are NEVER in control but HE is. Thanks be to God for a successful surgery. Please continue to pray for Jack's recovery. I will continue to post updates.

Praising Him,
Amanda

Kylie at MDO

 

 

 

NXS EXTREME

 

 

 

 

Extreme Cheer on the Beach

 

 

 

 

Easter

 

 

 

 

Six Flags

Yes, we took the RV to Six Flags in Atlanta during Spring Break. I slept the whole way and Judy drove like she had a CDL. We had lots of fun.

 

 

 

Pics of the fam

We had the priveledge of having our family photographs taken by world renowed noted chidrens photographer Kristy Evans this morning. Less than 12 hours post session, our proofs have been edited, posted and uploaded to the lab. Service... ahh, the service. She carried our clothing, removed shoes and wiped bird poop from the kids hand. You should all check her out! She's fan-tab-u-lous! www.kristyevansphotography.com

(Yeah, um, so this is Kristy posting on her blog if you can't tell! LOL

What? Blog Award...

It appears that I have won a blog award compliments of my sister. I am not sure how that happened considering I only blog 3 times a year. Anyway, I would be glad to list the 7 things that I love, but all of my friends are on Facebook and do not blog. Sorry!

In this order....
1.Jesus Christ
2.Jack
3.Alex & Kylie
4.My Family
5.Friends (which are only a few)
6.Beach
7.Scrapbooking (which I never have time for)
and can I please add 8.A clean house which I only have on birthdays, holidays and during the summer when I am not working.

Nursery Rhyme Day at MDO

Thanks to my mom (all the sewing), Randi ( bonnet from her preschool pilgrim costume), Charlie (assembly), Jason (sewing & decorating) & Hank (Cane) for the costumes. If there would have been a prize, we would have won it. Kylie decided to be a Play Boy Bunny after her nap.

Alex Christmas 2008

Her face says it all!!!