Saturday, February 19, 2011

The story so far......

Back in December a small "bug bite" type bump appeared on Emma's neck and like any typical 10 year old, she mentioned it to us and we asked, "Does it hurt or itch?"  her answer was "no" so life went on with school, piano lessons, Girl Scouts, sleep overs and playing with her brothers.  Over the next few weeks, the bump did not improve, in fact it got worse.  On Christmas Day, her lymph nodes were affected and swollen and I had my first pit in my stomach.  We saw 7 doctors over the following 3 weeks, and had surgery done on the wound which was first diagnosed as a bacterial infection, spent 6 days in the hospital and we were sent home with a PICC line and IV antibiotics.  The next 4 weeks were spent dosing with antibiotics, chasing allergic reactions, enduring painful wound care both at home and at the clinic and fighting an extremely aggravating and dangerous yeast type infection around her PICC line.  The feeling in my gut never went away and when the wound and lymph nodes were still not improving, we got a second opinion at the hospital in Sacramento which specializes in pediatrics.  A second surgery was done, tissue samples taken, lymph node biopsy and culture sent to pathology.  A week later we got the news in the doctor's office that no parent wants to hear about their child.  "There is a reason why the wound was not healing.  She has Lymphoma.  Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.  We are admitting her tonight to start the many tests and procedures to find out the "stage" of the cancer."  We now sit in the hospital, three days after our life changed forever, waiting to find out the results which determine the next days, weeks, months ahead for our family and especially for our daughter. She is a Face of Faith.  Our sweet and precious child of God.  Our Emma Kait.   

11 comments:

  1. I really wish this was a different sort of blog to be following. Please know that you and your family will continue to be in my thoughts. I hope that this will not be a long struggle, but I have every confidence that the love you and your family share will bring you through, will strengthen you all and bring faith to others.
    Your daughter is beautiful and full of joy and love. She will be an inspiration to us all!

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  2. oh sweet emma kait... how we love you! love your new blog...i agree with Cyn, wishing it was a different sort of blog! but we are filled with peace from God, knowing you are in HIS hands! just re-read your post back when emma was baptized! truly a face of faith!
    love you
    cortez6

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  3. We love you so much! I know there has already been so many hard tests and yet you still demonstrate that sweetness that is so uniquely you. We are praying for strength for you. We know you belong to a God who will never leave you or forsake you, but is with you always!
    We will continue to pray and do anything we can to support you and your family during this season.
    Love,
    The Hennings

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  4. My name is Erica Finch, a friend of your cousin Kaitlin. My son Luke was diagnosed with neuroblastoma( a pediatric cancer ) 2 years ago, just a couple weeks after he turned five. He recieved almost all of his treatment at Sutter memorial, like Isaiah. Just know your in good hands with the oncologist's and nurses there. If you want to ask me any questions I would be glad to share my experience, I know that helped me a lot. Keep Romans 8:28 on your heart! The Finch family will be praying with you.

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  5. To sweet Emma Kait - please know that your friends Sean and Jack are thinking of you and praying for your quick recovery. As always, you are in God's hands and there's no better place to be. To Jon and Rebecca, what is there to say? We are holding you up in our thoughts and prayers and wish there was something we could do to make this easier on you and your boys. We will check with Amy when we're back in town to see what we can do to help with meals or anything else.

    The Gubbels family

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  6. I love you Emma Kait!!! We will send our love and prayers to you and your family as you fight this. You are one of my favorite little girls at our school and I know you are strong and we will cheer you on. We will all send so much love and positive thoughts to you that angels will surround you and will help you through this. You have the best Mommy and Daddy in the entire world! Stay strong sweet Emma....You'll have to fight this but you will be ok, because Miss Cathy says so! (Rebecca- I love you)

    Love you,
    Miss Cathy
    from school

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  7. Lauri and I are heartbroken over this news and we are praying for God's healing in Emma and an enveloping presence over your family.

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  8. Just wanted to let you know that we are praying faithfully for you Emma. We love you sweet girl, more importantly, God loves you more than you know. Keep smiling that beautiful smile we love to see.

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  9. Our family sends yours all of our love and support! I have always admired your family! In know you will be watched over through this trial and you are right...you are not alone. You have many around you who love you and will help you through this. Tell Emma Jordan loves her and hopes she feels better soon. Our prayers are with Emma and your family.
    Love,
    Sharee Sprouse :)

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  10. I am so sorry to read this about your daughter. I have a ten year old girl too . . . I could not imagine. My heart goes out to you and your family. And what a beautiful thing to do--a blog in her honor. Emma Kait is truly a precious daughter of God! My prayers are with you all.

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  11. Just found out about your family's situation from a flier posted at our church, Parkside Nazarene. I am soo sorry to hear your sweet Emma Kait is having to go through this. We kmow all too well how incredibly difficult this can be since our 14 yr old son, Josh went through treatment for Hodgkin's just 5 mo ago. I would love to be here for you in any capacity even if it is just to be an understanding sounding board. Please feel free to email me to let me know how I can help. Our heart felt prayers go out to your family. God Bless, Ann drais5@yahoo.com

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