Background Info

Just wanted to add a little background info for anyone who did not hear how we got to this point. This discovery of Janae's tumor has been very recent. It was just this past Monday night, the 20th of October, in the middle of the night that Janae had some abdominal pain that woke her several times. She had also started running a fever at this point. In the morning, she was no better and putting two and two together. I could not get it out of my mind that we may be dealing with appendicitis. Later in the day on Tuesday, knowing the danger of letting appendicitis go too long, I brought Janae into the Delnor ER. She did not show enough signs of appendicitis though and the doctor did not feel her few signs merited all the radiation a ct scan would give her. We were sent home that day. The next day, Wednesday, the mother's instinct in me took over and I couldn't let it go that maybe I should take her back into the ER. Two friends, one whose daughter had been through appendicitis and one who is a medical friend, strongly urged us to get her back in quickly. The first friend said God had not let her rest all day with thoughts of Janae. She felt Him urging her to pray often for her. The medical friend called ahead to the ER and strongly urged to have them admit us and do a ct this time. We went back to the ER, hoping they would take care of this appendix once and for all. We arrived, they did a white blood cell check, which was fine, and then the ct scan. It was wonderful news when the doc came to tell us that the appendix was not inflamed but in the next breath our whole world changed. He said the T word. He saw a 6 1/2 INCH tumor (13cm) that looked as though it was originating out of the kidney but could had the possibilities of neuroblastoma. We were in shock. We cried, prayed, cried some more, prayed some more, did them both at the same time and then waited. Frank had gone home before we had gotten the news because the girls were at home alone for the night. Although a neighbor was on call, we felt torn to be with them and we were under the assumption that the impending appendix surgery would be scheduled for several hours later. I received the news alone originally. I called Frank right away and he turned right back around to come back in. In the meantime I bawled as I scribbled the following prayer down...

"Father, I pray for healing on our sweet, tender, joy filled little darling. We trust You! Even now I know you go ahead of us. You knit her in my womb and had her days laid out. You know every square inch of this tumor. Give her peace and rest and comfort as she sleeps before me right now. Keep your safe, right hands all around her. Go before her to the next hospital to prepare the doctors, nurses, and technicians. Make their minds sharp, clear, and quick. Guide their hearts, minds, and words. Please help us. Help us trust. I am scared. The things coming to us may only get more difficult to handle. We don't know WHY but I know You do and you are perfect. She is Yours Lord, all Yours. Forgive me for holding her so tightly at times that I take my eyes off You. Keep me dependant, I guess You already are!! You are good at that! Please strengthen Frank. Strengthen the girls. Give Frank comfort, wisdom and rest in the coming days. Guide us with Your Word. It will be our sustenance. Lead us with Your beautiful, guiding, living, active Word! Hold us close. "


We already saw God's hand thus far and continued to see it more. We saw Him lead us to get to the ER quickly. We were told we would need a children's specialist hospital but Children's Memorial in Chicago, the best one in the area, is hard to find a bed at. God went ahead as we shot up prayers and they had room for us. Praise Him!! We took an ambulance to transport Janae because of her IV. We settled in over a few hours time and then we waited. Not knowing what was to come.