Thursday, May 21, 2009

Get out tumor!

Quick update:

We heard from the doctors yesterday and they spoke with the surgeons. They told us that Bree's tumor is resectable which means they'll be able to operate. That's good news! Our hope is that they'll be able to get it all and that there won't be any need for radiation. Of course, I'm anxious about surgery because it's a big cut (2-3 inches) in her little tummy. And its surgery. General anesthesia, more IVs and pokes. I'm already nervous!
They'll most likely operate through the same incision as they did in her first surgery (October). So that's also good news, no new scars, hopefully. 

She'll go in for surgery on Friday morning. It's sooner than we expected but we are just ready to go at this point. The sooner they take the tumor out, the sooner they can begin the biopsy and we can get results. We are hopeful that her tumor does not have any active neuroblast cells. If her biopsy comes back as "non-active" the doctors aren't sure, but are hopeful that the cancer found in the bone marrow may also be "non-active" as well. They are researching it with nationwide experts specializing in neuroblastoma. We won't know this bit of info until her next scans and bone marrow biopsy 3 months from now. We know from this point on everything is in the Lord's hands and we trust in Him. 

Just had to throw in a picture of our sweet Breezy.
Thanks to all for the sweet comments, emails & phone calls. It surely does lift our spirits and helps us keep going.




32 comments:

Grandma and Grandpa cook said...

This is such great news. We are so grateful that the surgery can be done to spare her from having the radiation and so quickly too. Truly the Lord is merciful and your faith in Him and His will is a blessing for Bree. We appreciate your anxiety about the procedure, it's so hard to watch her go through all this. Our prayers are with you and Justin too. We love the new picture of our little darling Breezy, such a girly girl.

Michelle said...

She is such a beautiful angel!!!

I will be praying for your family.

Michelle

Wendy said...

I am praying for the surgeons to be specially guided, that their incisions may be inspired, careful and masterful. I will continue to pray for Bree to bounce back quickly from the surgery as painless as possible. She is so beautiful, how I wish she did not need to go through so much...God Bless and comfort you.

Brittany Williams said...

Kari,
Our prayers will be with you, Bree and the rest of your family! Bree looks so adorable in this picture! My little guy saw it and went crazy. Like they knew each other or something! Too cute!

Alisa Larson said...

I'm so glad she can have the surgery vs radiation. We are praying for the surgeons hands to be guided. We love you.

goofy feet said...

I'm praying for you, Justin and especially little Breezy. I get teary eyed everytime I read your blog. What a tough road you're on. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steph said...

We'll be praying that everything goes smoothly tomorrow! She is so cute in her picture--Brielle was excited to see her friend on the computer. :)

Hang in there. Love you guys.

Kelli said...

Good luck! I hope they will get it all and she won't need radiation. Bree is honestly the sweetest and most beautiful little princess! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to hear how it goes. Stay STRONG!

Cindy said...

Good luck you guys!! We hope and pray everything will go well and she will have a speedy recovery! Our prayers and our thoughts are with you!

Kathleen said...

We are also praying that the surgery will go perfectly well and that Heavenly Father will protect Bree and inspire the doctors and nurses every second of the entire process. Thank you for keeping everyone up to date. We love you!!!

Summertime Designs said...

Kari, good luck tomorrow. We will pray for a safe surgery, as well as that they will find out exactly what they need to know from the biopsy. You are so good at keeping us informed. Your faith and strength is amazing. Keep turning to the Lord for that. Love ya!

azandersens said...

Good luck with little Bree's surgery. She is in our prayers every day. Love, Holly & Jeff

Nash said...

good luck tomorrow with the surgery. i can only imagine the anxiety of having your child go through surgery. just know that there is support all around you. we are praying for you. you are all so inspiring to me.

Adam and Sariah said...

I was so sad to hear the news below about the test results. I can't imagine how tired all of you are from the battle you are all going through. Please know that your family and the doctors will be in our thoughts and more importantly in our prayers. Bree has been so strong up to this point, and we hope and pray that her strength continues. Faith is hard, but He is the only one who can provide the peace you need right now. All of our faith and prayers will continue going your way from us here in Korea. Hang in there, she is a beautiful little girl.

Lynn said...

Good Luck with the surgery, Bree will be in my prayers!

Jill said...

Love the picture! We are praying for Bree and your family too. good luck tomorrow!

Amanda Jane said...

Thinking of you all tonight. I pray that tomorrow goes well.

Anna said...

Let me know if I can do anything here from where I live...since I live in one of the best 'medical capitols' of the world with some of the best doctors at my finger tips.

RITA said...

Out of South Africa, we pray that everything goes well with your little one, may God bless and protect you and your family. Through our Lord EVERY THING IS POSSIBLE. So hold onto that.

The Johnson Family said...

Kari, I hope all goes well...hang in there! Your Faith is amazing and testimony building. Please know our prayers are with you.

Lee & Kindra said...

I am so sorry about your baby Bree. She is such a beautiful little girl.

My husband and I are not able to have children so we have dogs instead. We just lost one our precious dogs to pancreatic cancer a month ago and it was so hard! I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through with your child! I pray for you and your family. Your strength and faith are admired by so many people.

Beverly said...

I just found your blog through Summer Time Designs. Sending prayers for your sweet girl and family. We too our blessed with a wonderful boy with ds. I look forward to reading more about your family.

Michelle said...

Our family will continue praying for your sweet little Bree and your family. I have faith that all will go well and she'll be cancer-free very soon!

Jessica said...

Dear Kari, Justin, and Bree,

I've been thinking about all of you all week. I hope the surgery went well today. I am praying for Bree to reach the point where all her tests come back showing that she is CANCER FREE.

May God give you His strength when you feel your own giving out. God is able to do all things. Hang in there, and know you're sent lots of love from North Carolina.

Aunt Bow/Great Aunt Bow

moviedo said...

Me sumo a todos los mensajes anteriores, good bless bless bless you!!! love. Maria.

Aimee's Family Journal said...

Those doctors are just amazing! I am so glad to hear that she will be rid of that yucky thing! Fingers crossed!

Nuestra Familia said...

Love your little princess ballerina, she is so beautiful and happy like the rest of the family. Thanks for your update. Much Love and prayers your way.

Ashleigh and Zebb said...

I hope everything went well. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you! I know you have lots of support! To me you are the epidamey (sp?) of being strong!

On a side note: I was talkin to the manager at the salon im the asst. mananger at and I was tellin her about everything you guys have had goin on, and Gunner's little down syndrom friend Raymond (his dad's name is Stacy) come's in to get his haircut at the salon. Anyway she said for your fam to come in for FREE haircuts! let me know! (val vista& baseline at the sportclips on the NW corner)

Druava Family said...

You don't know who I am but I stumbled upon your blog from a friend who shared your story. I have a nephew who just turned 3 with ALL (leukemia) He was diagnosed at 15 months. We have till January of next year on chemo and then he will be retested..as of now bone marrow tests have come back negative. Your story sounds so familiar, with the chemo, blood counts, bone marrow etc... I can understand how hard it is, and have shed many tears for my nephew and your daughter. We never expect to see our dear children go through such hard things in life, things we just don't understand. The Lord will take care of you and your family, you are very strong. You inspire me with each post that you right. Hang in there!! We hope and pray the surgery goes well, and it shows no active cells. May the Lord keep and bless your family.

brownymama said...

Words can't express my thoughts. Mom tried to keep us updated while we were out of town, but she didn't give me all the information. I'm so sorry we weren't here. I'm happy that she came through the surgery well.
I know you are so drained and were so ready to celebrate. We're just going to have to celebrate in a few months, with an even bigger party! Because the prayers won't stop! I love you so much!! And sweet Breezy too! Now that it's summer, can the boys come stay for a few days?? Please???

ginalovesdave said...

I found your blog through Summer's, who I totally stumbled upon, but now I think maybe it was not random at all...please know that you have so many people praying for you and your family, I'm sure many that haven't posted even. I am so moved by your uplifting spirit, and I am sure that God has it all figured out for you!! Please let us all know when you have news. God be with you.

kathleen rucker said...

I am an old friend of Alic's (your sis in law) and ran into her at the gym, she told me about your sweet baby girl, just wanted to tell you we pray for you and wish you the best! kathleen