July 5, 2016. Surgery update 1
I'll provide an update later with more details, but wanted to let everyone know that Cole made it through surgery and is in recovery. Praise Him who held Cole in his hand today. 馃檹馃徏
Cole is not on a ventilator and they anticipate he will be able to go to the surgery floor instead of the PICU. Praise Him who has watched over and cared for him.
The news today was both positive and not quite as positive. In brief, they were only able to remove at best 50% of the tumor. It just went too far up and taking any more would mean greater risks including the need to open his chest cavity, remove the entire lung, and have to call in cardiac surgeons to assist as well. The surgeon did not feel that was the best decision for today, as the plan/hope would be to be able to diagnose and treat what's left while waiting for surgery later. The tumor was just so large, solid, and consumed so much of his lung.
Pathology will need to stain the slides, etc., but preliminary looks indicate that they think it might still be the IMT, however, they did see some initial traces of cancerous cells. This is no surprise, we prepared ourselves for this. It is likely they will start chemo as soon as possible, but not sure which kind yet. Once they thoroughly review and diagnose, then they will know the treatment plan. They will likely still send out to St. Jude's or elsewhere for further review, but in the meantime the hope is to be able to diagnose enough to start treatment.
I already typed more than I planned and I'll provide another update later, but right now we are anxiously awaiting to see our baby and are praising Jesus for taking care of him today.
I cannot wait to see and kiss that sweet face. 馃挀
Comments (19)
Hang in there strong lady.
🙏🏼🙌🏼 Great news, yet prayers continued!
Shanda Thank you for the update. I will continue to pray God's hand for guidance, peace, and love.
So glad to hear he made it through this phase. Hopefully this will provide some much needed answers to questions and allow a treatment plan to begin.
Oh Shanda! Thank you for the update! We have been thinking and praying for Cole and your family all day! Positive thoughts for you cont bird road. Here's hoping that they got enough help with labs to find out with this nasty tumor is!
You guys are in our thoughts and prayers non-stop, Shanda.
Praying, praying, praying! Hope you get to kiss that sweet boy soon!
Prayers for Cole, you and Steve and the medical team! We have been thinking about you all and so glad there is some positive news. Take care, my friend.
Praise the Lord! So happy for the update Shanda. Picturing the moment where you hug and kiss him makes me cry. Xoxo
I've been thinking about you all day. I'm so glad there was some positive news for you. Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts your way!
Taking steps forward - great news!! Thanks for sharing. Girls and I said a Hail Mary this afternoon and will continue to do so. 👍🏻
Shanda and Steve, Thoughts and prayers to both of you and Cole. May God send you all peace and strength throughout the day! Holly - (Dillon Stores)
So glad to hear the good news. Getting a diagnosis is a must for getting treatment. Hang in there
So happy for the positive news!
Great news and thanks for the updates.
I have been praying for you all on and off all day. I have my best prayer warriors praying for your entire family. I hope you are already in there kissing his little face. Sending you all lots of love!
Prayer has worked thus far and we won't quit!!!
So thankful he is out of surgery. You have been in our hearts today and we will keep you there as you go through this journey. Love you all!
You got this Cole!! Sending love to you guys!!