Oncology. Neurology. Urology. Neurosurgery. Physical therapy. Speech therapy. Occupational therapy. MRI. Ultrasound. Cancer. Headaches. Dizziness. Pain. Meds. Incisions.
All words that seem to have suddenly become a part of our day to day conversations over the past three weeks. We are still trying to wrap our minds around it all, and I haven't been up to writing or talking much. Not that there's much to update for now, anyway.
On Sierra's good days, we all seem to have better days and can focus elsewhere for a bit. On her bad days, we all seem to feel the sting, and our mood and emotions sit with her pain. Like a heavy wet blanket.
The last two days have been decent days for her. A mild headache here and there, but manageable. She tells us her pain level from 1-4, with 4 being the worst, and it's been around a 2. On Monday, it was a 4. She started physical therapy today. It was mostly just measurements, strength testing, balance, etc. She's still showing quite a bit of weakness in her right side...but something they think will get better as she goes through the therapy.
The urologists office and I have been playing phone tag for the last four days. This is to check on her kidney.
Tomorrow we will schedule an appointment with neuro-oncology. They no longer come to Reno, so these appointments will be in Oakland.
She was supposed to see the neurosurgeon on Monday, in Reno, but on the way up there, the office called and said the doctors flight had been cancelled. Haven't been able to get a hold of them to reschedule, but will try and schedule both neurosurgery and oncology together to cut down on a trip.
Homeschool is going well for her. She likes her teacher, and is able to work at a pace she can handle for now.
Other than that, we're all hanging in there. On an emotional rollercoaster ride of a lifetime.
Thanks for the continued prayers. Please continue to pray for her. And pray for our other kids who are trying to grasp all that is going on.
Love to everyone.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Thursday, March 19, 2015
We got the results of the biopsy this morning.
It is a grade 2 glioma.
Not exactly what we were hoping for, but not as bad as it could be.
It's not benign, but it doesn't appear to be too aggressive, either. For now, since it's at a 2, they are going to hold off on chemotherapy and/or radiation...hoping the surgery is all that will be needed as far as treatment goes. They will continue to monitor it very closely. The not so great part of this, is that surgery alone rarely gets all the tumor cells, and regrowth is common, which then becomes a higher grade, requiring further, more aggressive treatment.
So....the plan for now remains. MRI's frequently, monitoring of any symptoms, physical, occupational and speech therapy. Doctors also want her to see a neurologist. We see the surgeon on Monday, and will hopefully have some of this lined up.
With that being said....please continue to keep her in your prayers. Pray that the tumor cells do not regrow or mutate into a higher grade. Pray for her headaches and dizziness that she's still getting daily. And pray for the rest of us as we maneuver our way through hard and unfamiliar territory. Thanks.
Here is a link that describes the gliomas.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/primary-low-grade-glioma-in-adults-beyond-the-basics
It is a grade 2 glioma.
Not exactly what we were hoping for, but not as bad as it could be.
It's not benign, but it doesn't appear to be too aggressive, either. For now, since it's at a 2, they are going to hold off on chemotherapy and/or radiation...hoping the surgery is all that will be needed as far as treatment goes. They will continue to monitor it very closely. The not so great part of this, is that surgery alone rarely gets all the tumor cells, and regrowth is common, which then becomes a higher grade, requiring further, more aggressive treatment.
So....the plan for now remains. MRI's frequently, monitoring of any symptoms, physical, occupational and speech therapy. Doctors also want her to see a neurologist. We see the surgeon on Monday, and will hopefully have some of this lined up.
With that being said....please continue to keep her in your prayers. Pray that the tumor cells do not regrow or mutate into a higher grade. Pray for her headaches and dizziness that she's still getting daily. And pray for the rest of us as we maneuver our way through hard and unfamiliar territory. Thanks.
Here is a link that describes the gliomas.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/primary-low-grade-glioma-in-adults-beyond-the-basics
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Again, thank you all for the continued prayers and help, meals, and support. Sorry for the lack of updates. I was hoping to have more to update by now, but unfortunately, the pathology results aren't in yet. I called yesterday and was told it would be 7-10 business days. It was almost Tuesday by the time they got it, so we're officially at day 6 now. Ugh. So, we wait. And wait. And impatiently and anxiously wait. The fear of the unknown is painfully crushing at times.
What we do know, though, is that doctor thinks it is a low grade glioma. We're not sure what that means as far as treatment goes, and no one will talk to us about it till we get actual results in.
Sierra is doing pretty well, considering. Still a lot of headaches and dizziness...but nothing that isn't expected for this period of her recovery.
Tomorrow, she starts tutoring/home school. Tomorrow, Ken is also going back to work on very modified/light duty, after being off since December for his arm.
The rest of us are hanging in there as best we can. Sometimes we're okay, other times, we're feeling pretty weak and depleted.
Will update when we hear some results.
What we do know, though, is that doctor thinks it is a low grade glioma. We're not sure what that means as far as treatment goes, and no one will talk to us about it till we get actual results in.
Sierra is doing pretty well, considering. Still a lot of headaches and dizziness...but nothing that isn't expected for this period of her recovery.
Tomorrow, she starts tutoring/home school. Tomorrow, Ken is also going back to work on very modified/light duty, after being off since December for his arm.
The rest of us are hanging in there as best we can. Sometimes we're okay, other times, we're feeling pretty weak and depleted.
Will update when we hear some results.
The day she was discharged.
On the way home.
Our cat, Princess, doesn't like leaving her side, now.
Sierra's post op appointment and Makenley's 1 year appointment.
She was able to see some school friends.
With her 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Mello
2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Menicucci
With 3rd/5th grade teacher, Ms. Cummins
With principal and staff from her elementary school.
With Tori. :)
The first time they seen each other since before surgery. <3
Friday, March 13, 2015
March 12 update.
For those of you who have called, emailed or sent texts today, sorry I didn't have a chance to answer. Spent a good portion of the day on the road coming home to see my kids and to get some things ready for when Sierra comes home, and just didn't have a chance today.
Right before I left, she had occupational therapy and some testing. From the sounds of it, she would be in the hospital till at least next week. The plan was that I was going to come home, get some things done, spend a day with my other kids, and drive back up tomorrow. While I was still driving, I received a text from Ken saying she would be discharged tomorrow morning.
This is great news. Exciting news and scary news....makes me nervous having her home soooo quickly after having such a major, traumatic surgery just 3 days ago. But I can't wait to have her in my arms, under our roof again.
Here are some things that we learned today. There are a few red flags going up as far as physical, occupational and speech therapy goes. BUT, considering just three days ago, we didn't know if she was even going to make it out of surgery, these things are a walk in the park. Her balance is still off quite a bit. She gets wobbly if standing for more than a few minutes. So, we're supposed to make some modifications to our home to assist with that. (Handles for the shower, a shower chair, etc). Her strength on the right side is quite a bit lower than the left, which is what the doctor warned us about. She can eventually get close to the same strength, but her right side is lagging. Also, currently, she isn't able to straighten her right arm completely. Sierra is right handed, but right now there is some confusion in her brain to which side she should use, and she's using her left hand more, which concerns the therapists. I'm not exactly sure why it's such a concern yet, but it is. (Who cares if she needs to be left handed....that's the least of our worries! I know there's more to it, but for now, we're thankful with her progress) With her speech, there is some delay, or lagging. For the most part with the speech, she's okay....there are just some setbacks that need to be worked through and shouldn't be too much of an issue.
So, with all that being said. She will be doing lots of physical, occupational and possibly speech therapy when she gets home. She is not allowed to return to school for the rest of the year, so we will need to enroll her into the home school program. Recovery is expected to take AT LEAST a year.
And, we're still waiting on biopsy results, and praying, praying, praying that they are benign.
Right before I left, she had occupational therapy and some testing. From the sounds of it, she would be in the hospital till at least next week. The plan was that I was going to come home, get some things done, spend a day with my other kids, and drive back up tomorrow. While I was still driving, I received a text from Ken saying she would be discharged tomorrow morning.
This is great news. Exciting news and scary news....makes me nervous having her home soooo quickly after having such a major, traumatic surgery just 3 days ago. But I can't wait to have her in my arms, under our roof again.
Here are some things that we learned today. There are a few red flags going up as far as physical, occupational and speech therapy goes. BUT, considering just three days ago, we didn't know if she was even going to make it out of surgery, these things are a walk in the park. Her balance is still off quite a bit. She gets wobbly if standing for more than a few minutes. So, we're supposed to make some modifications to our home to assist with that. (Handles for the shower, a shower chair, etc). Her strength on the right side is quite a bit lower than the left, which is what the doctor warned us about. She can eventually get close to the same strength, but her right side is lagging. Also, currently, she isn't able to straighten her right arm completely. Sierra is right handed, but right now there is some confusion in her brain to which side she should use, and she's using her left hand more, which concerns the therapists. I'm not exactly sure why it's such a concern yet, but it is. (Who cares if she needs to be left handed....that's the least of our worries! I know there's more to it, but for now, we're thankful with her progress) With her speech, there is some delay, or lagging. For the most part with the speech, she's okay....there are just some setbacks that need to be worked through and shouldn't be too much of an issue.
So, with all that being said. She will be doing lots of physical, occupational and possibly speech therapy when she gets home. She is not allowed to return to school for the rest of the year, so we will need to enroll her into the home school program. Recovery is expected to take AT LEAST a year.
And, we're still waiting on biopsy results, and praying, praying, praying that they are benign.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
great update.
Sierra is doing as well as can be expected. Actually, considering what she went through just two days ago, she's doing amazingly well.
About a half an hour ago, she graduated from ICU to the surgical floor. She's started some physical and speech therapy today. She started drinking and eating. A full body scan was done late last night into early this morning. At first they said it was clear, then there was some concerns about something on her kidney, so further testing was done, which showed it to be a non-invasive cyst. She's talking, trying to smile. She's still pretty tired, and sleeping a lot, but that is totally expected.
This child of mine.....there are no words to describe how in awe of her I am. Her faith, her strength, her heart, her attitude, her beauty, her love for life is simply amazing.
Now we're just praying for the tumor to benign, which we should find out within the week. This is going to be one heck of a testimony for our family!
Our local newspaper printed an article about her.
http://www.recordcourier.com/news/15418404-113/ranchos-teen-recovering-from-brain-surgery
Thanks again for the continued prayers.
About a half an hour ago, she graduated from ICU to the surgical floor. She's started some physical and speech therapy today. She started drinking and eating. A full body scan was done late last night into early this morning. At first they said it was clear, then there was some concerns about something on her kidney, so further testing was done, which showed it to be a non-invasive cyst. She's talking, trying to smile. She's still pretty tired, and sleeping a lot, but that is totally expected.
This child of mine.....there are no words to describe how in awe of her I am. Her faith, her strength, her heart, her attitude, her beauty, her love for life is simply amazing.
Now we're just praying for the tumor to benign, which we should find out within the week. This is going to be one heck of a testimony for our family!
Our local newspaper printed an article about her.
http://www.recordcourier.com/news/15418404-113/ranchos-teen-recovering-from-brain-surgery
Thanks again for the continued prayers.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Out of surgery.
there are absolutely no words to describe what today has been. More emotions at any given moment than I knew were possible, followed by numbness. more fear than I ever want to feel again, sadness, tears, anxiety, panic, meltdowns, hope, hopelessness, strength, weakness, impatience, anger, thankfulness, just to name a few. We are incredibly exhausted, but the adrenaline and cortisol are still flooding our systems, and unable to sleep yet.
Over a thousand texts and messages through out the day, and so, so many prayers. We were overwhelmed, but incredibly thankful. We will be going through emails and messages as we can, and will respond where needed.
Surgery lasted over 10 hours. The doctor had a hard time getting the last part of the tumor out, and it added a few extra hours. Finally, he was able to get most of it out. While she's not completely out of the woods yet, we are praying that the worst is behind her. She will be in ICU for the next few days, and will possibly need some rehabilitation. They're expecting her to have some weakness on her right side, but not expecting it to affect speech or memory.
In about a week, will know if it's benign or not. That will obviously be the deciding factor on the next course of action.
Thank you again for all of your love, support and prayers.
Oh, and to add another element to this crazy day....today is Makenley's 1st Birthday!
Over a thousand texts and messages through out the day, and so, so many prayers. We were overwhelmed, but incredibly thankful. We will be going through emails and messages as we can, and will respond where needed.
Surgery lasted over 10 hours. The doctor had a hard time getting the last part of the tumor out, and it added a few extra hours. Finally, he was able to get most of it out. While she's not completely out of the woods yet, we are praying that the worst is behind her. She will be in ICU for the next few days, and will possibly need some rehabilitation. They're expecting her to have some weakness on her right side, but not expecting it to affect speech or memory.
In about a week, will know if it's benign or not. That will obviously be the deciding factor on the next course of action.
Thank you again for all of your love, support and prayers.
Oh, and to add another element to this crazy day....today is Makenley's 1st Birthday!
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Surgery tomorrow.
Makenley and I are back in Oakland.
First off, We are so incredibly humbled by the love, prayers, and emotional, physical, and financial support we have received by so many. It is overwhelming the amount of support we have received to help us get through this. Quite a few friends have driven over to see Sierra...thank you. All the support has definitely helped keep her spirits high.
Tomorrow morning, our sweet girl will start a battle we never imagined. At 10 am, they will wheel her into a very long and frightening surgery.
We've been trying to be strong, but tonight, there is no sugar coating this. This sucks. My heart feels like it's going to pound right out of my chest. We are terrified, and overwhelmed, and heartbroken, and angry and all of the above. And at the same time, we are feeling hopeful that she will come through okay, and are praying like never before that this is a step towards the end of this chapter of her life, and other than a monthly MRI for a while, that she can put this behind her.
So, tomorrow at 10, please pray for her. For the doctors. For wisdom, and steady hands. For the nurses and all medical staff treating her. For her body to remain strong while it's under strong sedation for so many hours. Pray for pain management after. For no lasting effects on her physical, mental, or emotional health. Pray that this damn tumor is benign, and that there will be no chemo, or radiation needed. And that no more will grow once this one is removed. And pray for her sisters and brothers, they are beyond worried for her.
Thank you. I'm not sure how often I will be able to update tomorrow....but I will when I can.
Love to all of you.
First off, We are so incredibly humbled by the love, prayers, and emotional, physical, and financial support we have received by so many. It is overwhelming the amount of support we have received to help us get through this. Quite a few friends have driven over to see Sierra...thank you. All the support has definitely helped keep her spirits high.
Tomorrow morning, our sweet girl will start a battle we never imagined. At 10 am, they will wheel her into a very long and frightening surgery.
We've been trying to be strong, but tonight, there is no sugar coating this. This sucks. My heart feels like it's going to pound right out of my chest. We are terrified, and overwhelmed, and heartbroken, and angry and all of the above. And at the same time, we are feeling hopeful that she will come through okay, and are praying like never before that this is a step towards the end of this chapter of her life, and other than a monthly MRI for a while, that she can put this behind her.
So, tomorrow at 10, please pray for her. For the doctors. For wisdom, and steady hands. For the nurses and all medical staff treating her. For her body to remain strong while it's under strong sedation for so many hours. Pray for pain management after. For no lasting effects on her physical, mental, or emotional health. Pray that this damn tumor is benign, and that there will be no chemo, or radiation needed. And that no more will grow once this one is removed. And pray for her sisters and brothers, they are beyond worried for her.
Thank you. I'm not sure how often I will be able to update tomorrow....but I will when I can.
Love to all of you.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Reflecting.
The doctors tried all morning yesterday to get Sierra into surgery, but just couldn't secure the amount of time needed, so surgery will most likely happen on Monday.
I am now home today to spend some time with my other babies, and to make childcare arrangements for next week. Being away from her right now is the hardest, but my other babies need us, too.
Spending some time reflecting on my sweet girl, and decided to focus on her and her amazing spirit right now, rather than the unknown.
Thought I'd share some things about her.
She has always had an amazing spirit. She started walking when she was six months. Was completely potty trained and out of diapers at 11 months. By the time she was one, she knew the ABC's, all body parts, colors, shapes, could count in both English and Spanish.
When she was four, she had her final stomach surgery in Salt Lake, UT. We were staying at the Ronald McDonald House. The Utah Hockey Team had come to the house one night to hang out with the guests, and Sierra had just gotten out of the hospital. We sat down with a full cafeteria, and Sierra offered to pray. She prayed for all families, their kids who were in the hospital, and the parents. She never mentioned herself. There was not a dry eye in the room, and in the end, people were coming to Sierra to thank her, and to give us their phone numbers to please keep in touch. The Hockey players fell in love with her, and carried her and played with her, and read to her, took pictures with her, etc.
When she was six, she started a neighborhood bible study for the kids who lived around us. She collected bibles, and gave each of the kids one. We'd often have 10-15 kids sitting in a circle in our yard, while she taught them lessons that she had learned at church. The kids loved it.
When the Angora Fire devastated Lake Tahoe, she gave almost all of her toys to kids who had lost all theirs in the fire.
In 3rd grade, she started the "Friendship Club" at school. It was a club of kids who took care of kids who were bullied, lonely, special needs, etc. Her goal was to make sure that they all felt safe, and loved. They would spend their lunch recess's playing with the special needs kids. She then carried that out of school, and hosted picnics and play dates for these sweet kids. Ken and I weren't sure how to help, and didn't realize how much of an impact she was having on these kids, till she hosted her first picnic out of school. The parents were in tears as they thanked her for making their babies feel loved and accepted. Sometimes, there was one little girl with autism who would struggle. The teachers would often call Sierra to the special needs room, because she was the one who could get them to calm down.
She has volunteered at the church for the past few years in childcare. Every Sunday.
Recently, she's started a grief support group for parents and siblings of those who have lost a child.
I am so proud of this sweet girl. She has a heart bigger than anyone I have ever known, and loves everyone she meets, fully and unconditionally.
I don't know why she's being put through this test, but I know if there is anyone on the planet who could pass it, and still come out smiling, it is her.
I am now home today to spend some time with my other babies, and to make childcare arrangements for next week. Being away from her right now is the hardest, but my other babies need us, too.
Spending some time reflecting on my sweet girl, and decided to focus on her and her amazing spirit right now, rather than the unknown.
Thought I'd share some things about her.
She has always had an amazing spirit. She started walking when she was six months. Was completely potty trained and out of diapers at 11 months. By the time she was one, she knew the ABC's, all body parts, colors, shapes, could count in both English and Spanish.
When she was four, she had her final stomach surgery in Salt Lake, UT. We were staying at the Ronald McDonald House. The Utah Hockey Team had come to the house one night to hang out with the guests, and Sierra had just gotten out of the hospital. We sat down with a full cafeteria, and Sierra offered to pray. She prayed for all families, their kids who were in the hospital, and the parents. She never mentioned herself. There was not a dry eye in the room, and in the end, people were coming to Sierra to thank her, and to give us their phone numbers to please keep in touch. The Hockey players fell in love with her, and carried her and played with her, and read to her, took pictures with her, etc.
When she was six, she started a neighborhood bible study for the kids who lived around us. She collected bibles, and gave each of the kids one. We'd often have 10-15 kids sitting in a circle in our yard, while she taught them lessons that she had learned at church. The kids loved it.
When the Angora Fire devastated Lake Tahoe, she gave almost all of her toys to kids who had lost all theirs in the fire.
In 3rd grade, she started the "Friendship Club" at school. It was a club of kids who took care of kids who were bullied, lonely, special needs, etc. Her goal was to make sure that they all felt safe, and loved. They would spend their lunch recess's playing with the special needs kids. She then carried that out of school, and hosted picnics and play dates for these sweet kids. Ken and I weren't sure how to help, and didn't realize how much of an impact she was having on these kids, till she hosted her first picnic out of school. The parents were in tears as they thanked her for making their babies feel loved and accepted. Sometimes, there was one little girl with autism who would struggle. The teachers would often call Sierra to the special needs room, because she was the one who could get them to calm down.
She has volunteered at the church for the past few years in childcare. Every Sunday.
Recently, she's started a grief support group for parents and siblings of those who have lost a child.
I am so proud of this sweet girl. She has a heart bigger than anyone I have ever known, and loves everyone she meets, fully and unconditionally.
I don't know why she's being put through this test, but I know if there is anyone on the planet who could pass it, and still come out smiling, it is her.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Sierra
What a day it has been.
We arrived at Oakland Children's Hospital this morning and were sent directly to Neurosurgery and Neuro oncology.
The mass in her frontal lobe is definitely a tumor. Currently, it's about the size of a shelled walnut. Thankfully, we seem to have caught it early, and it's still appears to be away from any areas that would challenge memory, speech, etc. Doctor says he's guessing it's still benign, but he's not comfortable with it being in there, especially with how quickly her symptoms have appeared. So she will be undergoing major brain surgery as early as tomorrow morning. It's a very long procedure....would be started in the AM, and wouldn't be done till late afternoon, so securing the OR so quickly is going to be a challenge. More than likely, it will be done on Monday, but she will need to remain in the hospital till then.
They will be removing a part of her skull. The location of the tumor, they shouldn't have to cut into her brain too much to get to it, but it's not going to be an easy procedure. They will remove the tumor, put the bone back in place, and will secure it with plates. She will be in ICU for a couple days, and in the hospital for 3-7 days if recovery goes well. If she needs any rehab, that will obviously prolong her stay.
We will find out about week after her surgery if it's benign or malignant. If it's benign, she will have to come back once a month for a while to get repeat MRIs. If it comes back malignant, then it's a whole other level of care, and will be followed by chemo and radiation. Worst case scenario.
For now, she's handling everything like a trooper. So proud of her, and how she is handling it. Wish I could say the same for myself.
Please keep her in your prayers. She needs them more now than ever.
For our Carson Valley friends: A friend of ours has our four bigger kids. Makenley is with us. If surgery is delayed till Monday, I will head back and make further arrangements for childcare, and spend a little bit of time with my babies before things get even crazier. But, we are going to need some help. Makenley isn't even supposed to be on the floor, or at her bedside, and she can't stay the night. So, the two of us are in a hotel tonight, while Ken stays with Sierra. When Sierra gets out of surgery, and is in the ICU, I'm not really sure how we're going to manage. So, if you're available to help watch our kids, or if anyone is free to come out to Oakland with us to help, let us know. And our friends in Sacramento/Oakland, if anyone is available, also please let us know.
Thank you so much for all the continued prayers and support. It means so much to us.
We arrived at Oakland Children's Hospital this morning and were sent directly to Neurosurgery and Neuro oncology.
The mass in her frontal lobe is definitely a tumor. Currently, it's about the size of a shelled walnut. Thankfully, we seem to have caught it early, and it's still appears to be away from any areas that would challenge memory, speech, etc. Doctor says he's guessing it's still benign, but he's not comfortable with it being in there, especially with how quickly her symptoms have appeared. So she will be undergoing major brain surgery as early as tomorrow morning. It's a very long procedure....would be started in the AM, and wouldn't be done till late afternoon, so securing the OR so quickly is going to be a challenge. More than likely, it will be done on Monday, but she will need to remain in the hospital till then.
They will be removing a part of her skull. The location of the tumor, they shouldn't have to cut into her brain too much to get to it, but it's not going to be an easy procedure. They will remove the tumor, put the bone back in place, and will secure it with plates. She will be in ICU for a couple days, and in the hospital for 3-7 days if recovery goes well. If she needs any rehab, that will obviously prolong her stay.
We will find out about week after her surgery if it's benign or malignant. If it's benign, she will have to come back once a month for a while to get repeat MRIs. If it comes back malignant, then it's a whole other level of care, and will be followed by chemo and radiation. Worst case scenario.
For now, she's handling everything like a trooper. So proud of her, and how she is handling it. Wish I could say the same for myself.
Please keep her in your prayers. She needs them more now than ever.
For our Carson Valley friends: A friend of ours has our four bigger kids. Makenley is with us. If surgery is delayed till Monday, I will head back and make further arrangements for childcare, and spend a little bit of time with my babies before things get even crazier. But, we are going to need some help. Makenley isn't even supposed to be on the floor, or at her bedside, and she can't stay the night. So, the two of us are in a hotel tonight, while Ken stays with Sierra. When Sierra gets out of surgery, and is in the ICU, I'm not really sure how we're going to manage. So, if you're available to help watch our kids, or if anyone is free to come out to Oakland with us to help, let us know. And our friends in Sacramento/Oakland, if anyone is available, also please let us know.
Thank you so much for all the continued prayers and support. It means so much to us.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
I am learning to be transparent, to not try and carry or handle burdens alone. It's a hard lesson for me, and one that does not come easy.
Tonight, we're faced with a burden that I'm not sure how to handle. It's heavy and terrifying, and we need a lot of prayers that it will become lighter, and quickly, and if it doesn't, then for us to have the supernatural strength to continue carrying it. We need prayers for doctors, and wisdom, and for peace. My own prayers are feeling muffled tonight, so there is no time better than now to share this burden.
Sierra, has been very healthy for the past 9 years, hardly ever sick at all. Then in November/December, she started getting migraine type headaches pretty frequently. Then there was an episode where the school called and said she couldn't move her legs, and was in a lot of pain. Recently, her vision has been getting blurry, she's been dizzy and faint. She's been to the ER quite a bit over the past couple months, but has always been sent home with a viral infection diagnoses, strep, etc. Antibiotics haven't helped.
Last night, we were at church, when I got called out of class. She wasn't doing well, so I rushed her to the ER. This time, to the bigger hospital with more testing abilities. An MRI was done this morning of her brain. (When she was four, a benign, pituitary tumor was discovered, so they wanted to make sure it was not growing). MRI showed the tumor is still there, but still small, and the same size, and they didn't think it was the source of her issues. But what else was found was a mass in her frontal lobe. They're not sure what it is, but it's there. Our pediatrician called a neurosurgeon in Oakland, went over the results, and he said she needed to be transported to Oakland now. Ken took her back to the ER so they could transport her out, but the hospital then decided that because she's stable, she can go in the morning.
So, bright and early, we will be heading back to Oakland Children's Hospital, to meet with a pediatric neurosurgeon. We have no idea what to expect, how long we'll be there, what tests are going to be done, or anything. We just know that we're going. Blindly. And terrified.
We know that this could very well be another benign mass. It could be that they see it and turn us around to come back home with no procedure or treatment needed. That would of course be the best case scenario. But until then....we need prayers.
Please, please keep her in your prayers. Pray for her strength and to not be afraid, as much as she can. Pray for the doctors, for wisdom. Pray for our other kids who are going to be separated from us while we go, at least till we can figure something out. They are already sad and scared. And pray for us. I don't know how much more we can bear to stand....but right now, our biggest battle is making sure Sierra is okay.
Thanks to everyone who has been calling and texting and emailing. I will update, probably here and on Facebook as we know more.
Tonight, we're faced with a burden that I'm not sure how to handle. It's heavy and terrifying, and we need a lot of prayers that it will become lighter, and quickly, and if it doesn't, then for us to have the supernatural strength to continue carrying it. We need prayers for doctors, and wisdom, and for peace. My own prayers are feeling muffled tonight, so there is no time better than now to share this burden.
Sierra, has been very healthy for the past 9 years, hardly ever sick at all. Then in November/December, she started getting migraine type headaches pretty frequently. Then there was an episode where the school called and said she couldn't move her legs, and was in a lot of pain. Recently, her vision has been getting blurry, she's been dizzy and faint. She's been to the ER quite a bit over the past couple months, but has always been sent home with a viral infection diagnoses, strep, etc. Antibiotics haven't helped.
Last night, we were at church, when I got called out of class. She wasn't doing well, so I rushed her to the ER. This time, to the bigger hospital with more testing abilities. An MRI was done this morning of her brain. (When she was four, a benign, pituitary tumor was discovered, so they wanted to make sure it was not growing). MRI showed the tumor is still there, but still small, and the same size, and they didn't think it was the source of her issues. But what else was found was a mass in her frontal lobe. They're not sure what it is, but it's there. Our pediatrician called a neurosurgeon in Oakland, went over the results, and he said she needed to be transported to Oakland now. Ken took her back to the ER so they could transport her out, but the hospital then decided that because she's stable, she can go in the morning.
So, bright and early, we will be heading back to Oakland Children's Hospital, to meet with a pediatric neurosurgeon. We have no idea what to expect, how long we'll be there, what tests are going to be done, or anything. We just know that we're going. Blindly. And terrified.
We know that this could very well be another benign mass. It could be that they see it and turn us around to come back home with no procedure or treatment needed. That would of course be the best case scenario. But until then....we need prayers.
Please, please keep her in your prayers. Pray for her strength and to not be afraid, as much as she can. Pray for the doctors, for wisdom. Pray for our other kids who are going to be separated from us while we go, at least till we can figure something out. They are already sad and scared. And pray for us. I don't know how much more we can bear to stand....but right now, our biggest battle is making sure Sierra is okay.
Thanks to everyone who has been calling and texting and emailing. I will update, probably here and on Facebook as we know more.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Thank you to everyone who has sent pictures for our memory book. There has been so much creativity in them, and its been such a blessing receiving them. We've received quite a few from people we've never even met...so thank you to everyone. We will be organizing them and printing the book mid March if anyone wants to add to it still. Here are some that I've saved to my Kindle...Will post the full collection when we are ready to print. Thanks again for helping us remember our sweet little one.
From Lake George, NY
From Far Rockaway, NY
From Gardnerville, NV
From Youngstown, OH
From Brunswick, GA
From South Glen Falls, NY
From Gardnerville, NV
From Toronto, Canada
From Lake Tahoe, NV
From Coos Bay, OR
From West Jordan, UT
From Silver Springs, NV
From Chapel Hill, NC
From Gardnerville, NV
From Carson City, NV
From Shasta, CA
From Montgomery, NY
From Minden, NV
From Minden, NV
From Disneyland
From Disneyland
Also, some recent family pics.
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