Still waiting

It's almos 2.30, and we continue to wait for some news. We reported to the hospital at 8am this morning, and Elliot was taken to the Operating Room at 11:15am. We received news that surgery began at 12:45pm. So...we continue to wait alongside our parents and our sweet girl, Julia.

I will update you all as soon as I have a chance after surgery...perhaps this evening.

Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, messages, and encouragement. They mean more than you will EVER know!

OUR SUPER HERO ALL READY FOR THE BIG DAY!

Chemo #10...last one before surgery

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Here we are...done with all rounds of pre-surgery chemo. Hallelujah! While it feels good to know that we have a couple weeks off from chemo, we obviously still have some anxiety about the upcoming CT scan and surgery. We are trying our best to enjoy each day of "health" and happiness, but the unknown still lingers in the back of our minds.

As of now, a CT scan is scheduled for December 29th, along with an appointment with the surgeon to discuss what she sees in the CT scan and plans for surgery. Assuming all findings from the CT scan are conducive for surgery, we will have the tumor removed the next day, December 30th, and likely the kidney as well. As I alluded to earlier, we are beyond excited to get the tumor out of his body, yet we are truly aware of the uncertainties involved. Best case scenario, the tumor is easily removed in an enclosed, safe mass, the doctors don't find any evidence of cancer cells in the blood stream or lymph-nodes, and the histology is favorable, rather than unfavorable. Each of these variables could likely change our course of action for either good or not-so-good. Nonetheless, we will not be left without hope, regardless of what happens. We continue to give thanks for our many blessings, as we know there are may, and it's likely that if you are reading this, one of those blessings is YOU! 

We will be taking the next couple weeks off from the blog beings there won't be much to share in regards to "updates". If there is a change of plans, we will certainly notify all of you, as we know you are sending prayers on our behalf.  For now, we say THANK YOU and may you all receive God's many blessing during this miraculous time of year. Merry Christmas!

All our love,
Dan, Simone, Julia and Elliot

Chemo #9 - Dan's Guest Blog

Hi everyone.  This is Dan.  Simone has temporarily relinquished the reigns of the blog this week and handed them over to me, which could prove to be an utter catastrophe.  I'll try to stick to her guidance and all should go well.  We've had a good week this week leading up to Elliot's 9th chemo treatment.  His moods and energy levels are up and down as usual, but all in all he is a really amazing and sweet little boy in wake of his cancer and treatments.  I'm continually amazed at his resiliency and adaptability.  Last weekend we went to a local Christmas tree farm to find a tree.  We had differing versions of 'the perfect' tree.  (Elliot's is in his hand if you look closely)

We didn't end up with either, but it all worked out and we had a nice time.  The kids took their turns discussing the upcoming Christmas with Santa and enjoyed some hot cider and cookies.

We also spent part of last weekend with Simone's side of the family to celebrate Thanksgiving and an early Christmas.  It was great to be with family.  The kids love their cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents dearly...and we do too!

As we met with the pediatric oncologist this week we got more clarity on the next steps to be taken.  Next week (Elliot's 10th chemo treatment) will be his final round before surgery.  This will give him a couple weeks to strengthen his immune system in preparation.  He will have the next CT scan shortly after Christmas day with the likelihood of surgery during the week after Christmas.  Once the tumor is removed and tested for the type of cancer, we will have a much better idea as to the schedule for radiation and further chemo treatments during the following months.  Both Simone and I are anticipating the removal of the tumor with both excitement and angst.  We want it out, but understand the invasiveness of the surgery and uncertainty of all that is to follow.  We do our best to maintain a positive outlook as the numbers are certainly in Elliot's favor. 

For those of you who have been diligently praying, thank you! Please pray for the upcoming CT scan and surgery. Poor Elliot has already been through so much and has handled it all with stride. Please pray that he continues to do so. Also, after the surgery, the doctors will finally be able to test the tumor and know the exact kind of Wilms tumor with which we are dealing. It can either be favorable, which is what we want, or unfavorable, which would likely require a more aggressive approach during the second half of chemo and during radiation. This weighs on our minds a great deal. Your prayers are so much appreciated.

I have much to be thankful for as I reflect on the past couple of months through a new lens.  I have an amazing spouse and life partner.  She's sincere, inspiring, and loving.  Those who know her know this.  I am lucky.  Julia and Elliot are my life.  Family, friends, coworkers, and anonymous folks have been supportive in ways unimaginable.  My thanks cannot express my deep sincerity!  As we travel to Mayo weekly, we meet parents and children that place our situation into perspective.  I am so thankful for where we are, what we know, and what we have.