Tuesday, August 5, 2008

A Quick Update

Thank you to everyone for your kind comments, words of comfort, and prayers. We can truly feel your love and your faith is being felt through a calm peaceful feeling that has continued to be with our family.


We visited with the Oncologist in Rexburg Monday morning. He reveiwed her CT scan with us and basically told us, "we need you at Primary Children's Hospital to remove the tumor. Oh, and we need you to leave TODAY." So, I zipped home, packed my bags (and I use the term, pack, lightly. It was more like threw together my bags) and headed out the door for Utah. Kendon had to stay in town for a few more hours to tie up some loose ends with work and then he came Monday night. He borrowed his brother's motorcycle to come and that was a bright moment for him! As soon as my mom heard the news she left work, bought a plane ticket (packed for four trips that she will head out for from here) and met us in Utah. Sirri has LOVED having her grandma here and Kendon and I have been thankful to have here as well! Thx mom!


Sirri was admitted into Primary Children's Hospital Monday night. She has seen many many many doctors and nurses and techs and social workers and children's specialists, and they have all treated Sirri nothing less than a princess. For a mom, that makes all the difference in the world. For the first while she would not give anyone the time of day. She would sit there and stare at them with her silly nervous tongue sticking out of her mouth and her evil eye penetrating anyone who dared approach. Now, Sirri is starting to warm up to all the staff and she is turning out to be quite the star around here. Everyone who comes in says, "I've heard about how cute this little girl is...."


Her medical prognosis is looking very promising so far. We have been asked a million questions, a million times and everyone is amazed around here that we continue to answer, "nope, no bruising, no night sweats, no change in activity or appetite, no breathing problems, no headaches, etc. etc. etc." These personel are so used to seeing and treating kids that are sick, that Sirri has them baffled. I also think she is a bright ray of sunshine and change of pace from sick kiddos for them. So, because she really has no symptoms of being unhealthy in any way, they all feel that once we remove the tumor she will be in the clear.

Her surgery is today (Wednesday) at 12:30. Though it is almost 1:00 now and we have had no word yet. We're just waiting and Sirri is playing. She thinks she is on some vacation where her every beck and call is fulfilled! Lucky little girl. Unfortunately the fun will end soon.

The surgeon is optimistic that they will be able to remove the whole tumor during surgery. She is also optimistic that they will be able to do it using a scope and not have to make a large incision. This would be great. It would be less invasive and her recovery would be much quicker, meaning we go home sooner!!! Hurray! (I miss Connor and Meg so much!) There is the chance that they will not be able to remove the whole tumor and they will have to do chemotherapy to shrink it. They really don't feel that this will be the case though. During the surgery they will also do a bone marrow biopsy, just in case.

After the tumor is out they will do a biopsy to ensure that their suspicions are correct and that the tumor is benign.

While we are here, the doctors have checked out her crazy fingers and have come to the conclusion that they are just that...crazy! They are for sure a blessing though, since they have been the catalyst in finding this tumor! Between her crazy fingers and a very intuitive, Dr. Gary Sena, we have been blessed!

They are also working on her diarhea issues. They have run some tests that we are waiting for the results. I'm really hoping she doesn't have a tolerance to gluten. Could I figure a diet like that out?!?!?!?!

They have also ran a Cystic Fibrosis test and we are awaiting those results as well.

I want you all to know that we are still feeling a great amount of peace and comfort. I am so thankful for that. PCHMC is a very hard and sad place to be. There are so many very sick children here and we feel so thankful for our healthy little Miss Sirri who is buzzing up and down the halls on a trike making everyone laugh and smile! We are very blessed.

I am also so very thankful for all our family and friends at home that have taken care of Connor and Meg and loved on them so they don't feel afraid or sad while we are away. They have been spending the days with their second Mommy, Jaci and I'm so thankful for that. It gives me one less thing to worry about. At night Stacey (our SIL) has been coming to stay at our house so the kids can sleep in their own beds. I know being able to be home at night has been helpful fo them. Connor is confused about what is happening but is adjusting well. He asks lots of questions. Some that can be answered and some that just confuse him more. Bless his heart. He did talk to me this morning which made me so happy. The first night we were here he tried to talk to me and just cried and cried. That has been one of the hardest moments for me.

I will try and post another update as soon after her surgery as possible. I hope that this is all clear and that I have included the whole story (I probably included too much, but want to remember all of this one day). I've also been working on this here and there, through sleepy eyes, and I can't remember who knows what. If I've left anything out, or you have any questions, please ask in your comments and I'll answer!

Thank you again for all your love and prayers. We can feel it!

P.S. The spell check is not working here. Can you tell??!?! Grrrrr.

P.S.S. No pics yet. We forgot our cable to hook up our camera. bummer.

15 comments:

Wendi said...

Hugs!!!!!

Carin said...

We love you and are praying for you! Give Sirri a hug from the Decker family.

Rochelleht said...

Oh, wow! I'm just now getting the full story. I can't believe what a whirlwind!!! I am so so glad that you are feeling the Spirit so strongly and are comforted. That comes from living right. I totally felt the Sprit, myself, as I read through these posts. I so know what it is like to have that horrible life-changing news. Whatever that news may be. The only real way to deal with it is by staying close to your Father and relying on your Savior. I will pray for you that everything goes well. Bless you, Lisa-Marie!!

The Andrus Family said...

I just had a thought to check up on your blog and read all about your current happenings. Sirri, we hope you feel better soon!!! As soon as you're back at home and feeling better Aubrey would love to play with you! You'll be in our prayers sweet Sirri! love, jenny

♥Shally said...

I have been on vacation, and was shocked to read today about what your family is going through.

I am so sorry!!

Sirri will be in my prayers-- as will the rest of you.

Rozanne said...

Hey, Sarah Jane's aunt! One of Sarah Jane's other aunts, here. If there is anything you need in SLC please let me know! (Kim has my number)

aardy5 said...

Oh Lisa Marie!! I have been thinking about you and checking your blog every day hoping for an update, so I am glad you finally posted! I am so sorry for the stress you all must be going through. Our family has you in our prayers as well. You are so strong and amazing! I can't believe you are still able to blog with all that is going on!! I wish there was something I could say or do to help, but we will keep praying for your family!!

Danielle said...

Oh Lisa Marie!! I have been thinking about you and checking your blog every day hoping for an update, so I am glad you finally posted! I am so sorry for the stress you all must be going through. Our family has you in our prayers as well. You are so strong and amazing! I can't believe you are still able to blog with all that is going on!! I wish there was something I could say or do to help, but we will keep praying for your family!!

Bridget said...

Oh, Lisa-Marie! I am so sorry to hear about Sirri. I have been away from blogs for so long I am just now reading about this. I am so glad you have had good doctors/nurses and that she seems to be doing so well. I will be praying for you. Hang in there girlfriend! Lots of hugs coming your way.

Unknown said...

Woo Hoo!!! I'm reading this blog after hearing the results of Sirri's surgery and I am SOOOOOOOO HAPPY!! GREAT news Sirri, Lisa & Kenden! Miss Sirri, I know the next few days are going to be a bit tough for you while you recuperate from your surgery but I also know what a brave, sweet, loving, FUN patient you've been so I have a feeling those nurses there are going to be taking really good care of you!! We're soooo happy to hear your good news and want you to know we're praying for a really quick recovery so you can take another spin around the floor before you leave to go home and see Connor and Meg!! :) We've, and so many others have been praying for you all day and how 'bout that ... it WORKED!! We love you soooo much and wish you a speedy recover! :) Lots of hugs and kisses! Aunt Patty, Uncle Jeff, Taylor, Tanner, Grandma, Pappa & my good friend from New York, MJ.

Colleen said...

hugs to all of you. your guys are in my thoughts and prayers.

Christie said...

Prayers and thoughts and hugs going your way. Keep us posted!

Jo Ann Anderson said...

So sorry to hear about little Sirri. What a scary time! It sure makes me think of how quickly life can change! My prayers are with you and Sirri and the rest of your family!

Kim said...

happy doesn't cut it for me!!! i can't wait to see pictures and if sirri doesn't look spoiled enough you are all in trouble!!!!

sirri marie hang in there and know we send hugs and kisses. baby sarah misses you already!

Lauren in GA said...

We are praying for you :) I can just see little Sirri on the tricycle. She is so cute!

I know what you mean about the gluten...I would struggle to figure out a special diet like that, too.

Sorry, that sweet Connor was crying. I understand why it must make it harder.

We will continue to pray.