Note: I realized that I am not capturing all of the details of this experience. I can't imagine how many calls, emails, facebook messages, texts, etc. that Mirjan has received. She has shared a few with me that have really touched our hearts. There have been calls to other family members, emails and calls among the church family, and much more that I only see a glimpse of. God's love is on display, and this is only a fraction.
Rhabdomyosarcoma
Type: Embryonal
Stage 1: Based on location
Group 1: Based on localization
Radiation not required.
Chemotherapy starts tomorrow.
Thank you, God, for the test results that we prayed to you about!
Today moved along painfully slow. The cat scan didn't take place until 11:00am. Ryan had to drink two glasses of "magic juice" 1.5 hours before the scan. He also had to have the IV started at 6:00am. Mirjan got here just in time to walk down for the scan.
Just like every other test, shot, surgery, and medicine, Ryan had no problem with the cat scan. The disney stickers one the machine were a nice touch, and it was the first thing that he noticed. He did ask if it could shoot him through to the other side, and was a little disappointed that he would only go through slowly. We were only down there for about 5 minutes, and then we went back to the room for lunch.
Mirjan went to the cafeteria and brought me some lunch, while I stayed with Ryan. She takes care of everyone and the way she shows her love everyday is wonderful. I am truly a blessed man to have Mirjan in my life.
Ryan took a nap after lunch, and I tried, but couldn't...I just wanted to know the test results. Social services came in and provided more resource information. Mirjan was playing a game on her phone...she thinks that she can beat me at any game, and she gets close, but she has to practice ALOT.
Around 3:30, the oncologist called the room and told me the test results. The only word that I heard in the first sentence was "good." I had to get a pen and paper and feverishly took notes as he was providing the updates. Everything had turned out as we had prayed! Thank you, God! He said the RN would come by and explain everything in detail and then he would be by after 6:00pm. The RN came by and provide details on the treatment plan (dates, drugs, doses, etc.) and details on all of the chemo drugs. She stayed about 30 minutes answering all of our questions and providing insight on the journey that we are starting.
We had several visitors today! First, Chema came by at his lunch break. He and Anna had sent Ryan a balloon and monkey earlier in the day. They are some of the sweetest people that I have ever met. They have never missed one of the kid's big events and are always so gracious. God bless them! Next, Ryan's pre-k teacher and school director came by with bags of stuff!
There was a bag full of valentine day cards, each hand-made by students at Ryan's school. Then there was a huge sign with notes from his classmates. Finally, there were toys and cards (gift cards, etc.). There were notes from teachers and parents offering their help with anything. God's love displayed!
Ryan really enjoyed seeing them, and you could tell he loves and respects his teacher. Before they left, we prayed over Ryan.
Next, Orlando came by and brought Ryan a special gift. When Orlando came by in his uniform last week before Ryan's surgery, Ryan said he wanted to be an army man. Orlando ordered a uniform for Ryan from the PX with Ryan's name and the rank of general. Ryan was excited!
The oncologist then came by and spent about an hour answering questioning, talking about expectations, risks, etc. We decided to start chemo tomorrow instead of leaving for the weekend and checking back in on Monday. He left to start the process, place the orders, etc. I have been impressed at how dedicated he is and free with his time. You can tell that it's important to him to clearly explain everything, spend as much time with us that we need, and develop a relationship with his patients' families. We then prayed over Ryan together.
After he left, we ordered dinner and Alfredo came by to check on Ryan. He came by late after work and still had more things to do before going home. He and his family have been very helpful everyday.
I stayed with Ryan again tonight at the hospital, and our conversations were special. They were funny (Mirjan might say gross, but he was laughing), serious, and sad. It broke my heart when his eyes teared up as he said he wanted to go home. I just got on the bed, held him, and prayed with him. Ten minutes later, he was being sarcastic and joking with the nurse.
I know that this is the beginning of a journey, but am thankful to God that we now understand the situation better and the test results were favorable.
Lord, I thank you with all of my heart for the test results, your protective watch over Ryan the last week, and your display of love and caring, and your healing hands. I ask that you be with our family over the next year, help us through the challenges that we will face, protect Ryan as he will be more susceptible to illness, and let us experience more of your miracles.
God, please bless and heal my little boy.
0 comments:
Post a Comment