The power of prayer and fasting...

Good news yesterday!!! The doctors and pathologists are fairly certain than Bree's cancer is in the intermediate stage. We are still waiting for final word on the pathology of her tissue sample, but as far as the bone marrow is concerned, intermediate is most likely the case. This is wonderful news considering the vast difference between the two classifications (intermediate risk vs. high risk). She begins chemotherapy this afternoon. Please pray for her swift response to the treatment!!! 

Yesterday Bree was happy, active and just being her adorable little self. She is reaching for toys and smiling a ton. I just love that Angel Baby Bree!!! We are hoping she and the family will be discharged on Sunday. There are plans for a more in-depth bone scan (called an MIBG) the following Tuesday, which we hope they can do as an out-patient procedure. 

Thank you all for your prayers and fasting. I have no doubt that God is aware of us and blesses our lives when we put our faith and trust in Him. Please continue to pray and fast for this beautiful little girl and her family. It may be a long road ahead, but we're all willing to press forward along with her!!! 

I'll try to keep everyone posted... Kari wants to either set up a separate blog for Bree or post to her original blog when she has the time. I'll let all of you know what the link is as soon as I know. Again, thank you for your concern, fasting, prayers and service and their behalf!!! More news to come...

Pray for me...Angel Baby Bree

Though many of you already know, here is an update on my angel baby niece, Bree Cook. She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer on Monday night. Kari called her pediatrician because Bree developed shiners that wouldn't go away. Upon examination, Dr. Carroll noted that her left kidney was slightly enlarged. Thank heaven that her doctor is both qualified and in tune with the spirit. He consulted with a specialist who then recommended they go directly to the ER. It was there that they did blood work, an ultrasound and a CT scan. The tests revealed a 5 cm X 6 cm malignant tumor (located between her left kidney and adrenal gland) called a neuroblastoma. For further info on this type of cancer, cut and paste the following link into your browser:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroblastoma

Though this is an aggressive type of cancer, it is treatable. Unfortunately, it has metastasized and she is in Stage IV. But doctors believe chemotherapy will fight it. They did a bone scan today and found cancer in a portion of her orbital (eye) bones--hence the black eyes. It is also in several of her lymph nodes, the pancreas, liver and bone marrow. But the fact that it is, so far, only in the calcified portion of the eye bones is a very good thing! It will then be easier to treat. She will have a more in-depth bone scan on Friday, and we should also get the results from her biopsy. It will then be determined whether she is considered to be at an Intermediate Risk or High Risk...yet another classification. 

PLEASE, PLEASE keep her and her sweet family in your prayers. I believe in miracles... especially when collectively we have FAITH. We hope to set up some sort of care page for updates in the future. Either that or blog posts. That way, it frees up Kari and Justin from having to repeatedly update everyone via phone. THANK YOU to all who have already lent a helping hand and for your faith, fasting and prayers.

9 Month Check-up!

My daughter is a bean pole. She has not gained ANY weight since her last doctors appointment! In fact, she lost an ounce! But the doctor told me I shouldn't be alarmed. She's progressing beautifully in all other areas... thank heaven! She really puts down the solid food, but she's not huge on finishing her bottles. Oh yeah, she self-weaned a few weeks ago... much to my dismay! So, it's all formula for the next few months. 

She's into EVERYTHING these days. Very busy... Perhaps that's why she doesn't gain any weight! She's SO close to crawling, but hasn't quite mastered that yet. She scoots, rolls and sort of army crawls to whatever she can get her hands on! We are loving every minute with her! Here's a cute pic of her in the tub... well, sink. I know, I know! It's easier for me to bathe her there though! And at the rate we're going, she'll fit in there 'til she's 7. Haa! ;-D

Here are her stats: 

Weight: 14 lbs. 11 oz. (3rd %...yes, you read that right)

Height: 28.5 inches (75th %)

Head Circumference: 17 inches (25th %)