These past few days have certainly been a whirlwind experience, and all I can say is God is good. Although it is not the best circumstances I know that being admitted to the hospital was probably the best thing that could have happened. Nothing emergent has happened, still waiting to see what all the different teams have to say and who is going to be the first up to bat. But by being here in the hospital the ball can start rolling instead of waiting around for outpatient appointments.
At this point the brain tumor is the main focus since it has been the one giving me the most problems. My original MRI on the 20th showed some bleeding around the tumor, which for melanoma tumors is not uncommon but is some cause of concern. The CT scan that I had when I was admitted showed no change in the bleeding which is a good thing. But because it was there, I was admitted in case anything changed. The repeat MRI from last night showed that there is still the hemorrhage (where the bleed was) and that it may have increased a little bit. Fortunately the MRI showed that there is still only one tumor in the brain which is preferably for radiation treatment options. Unfortunately the tumor is large enough that it is approaching being too big for the focused radiation treatment. At this point Neurosurgery is recommending going in and surgically removing the tumor from my head before beginning outpatient radiation treatments. The tumor is in a good location with good margins. Recovery time is not too long and I would be able to start the radiation treatments and immunotherapy within a week or two after surgery. The soonest that they can schedule the surgery is for tomorrow (9/28) but the exact timing is still in the works.
Once the brain tumor is under control, we we begin treating this cancer on a systemic level. There are several options and combinations for treatment so as time goes on we will know more.
As always I will be keeping you all update with what is going on.
Dear Emily,
I am your grandpa's cousin. He put out your request for prayers. Please know that my Marian Servant community will be storming heaven for your healing. Coincidentally, I just received a book called, Chris Beat Cancer. He had surgery for his colon cancer, but refused chemo because he wanted children. It has been 14 years and he is cancer free with children today! He dove into all the natural remedies and has shared his protocol in his book. He is also a devout Christian who gives glory to God for guiding him through it step by step.
May our dear Lord bless you with His wisdom and peace,
Mary Ann
Dear Emily, We have not yet had the chance to meet. I am new to Messiah College Nursing. I wanted you to know that you have an army of prayer warriors here. We are committed to lifting you before the throne of grace. Your faith amidst this battle is an encouragement to us. We are praying for you and for all who care for you as decisions are made and battles are fought. You are loved! So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Emily, I'm a friend of your parents' from Messiah. I actually caught the bouquet at their wedding. Last night I saw pictures from that for the first time in years and was strongly prompted to pray for all of you. Now I know why.
I'm a recent survivor of triple negative breast cancer and understand the aggression behind some subtypes of cancer. I'm so sorry you are going through this and at such a young age. Your attitude is extraordinary along with your foundation of faith.
Thank you for giving us insight into your experience and ways we can pray for you. I am lifting your name up to our Father and will continue to do so.
Oh Emily my heart hurts reading this. You will be in my daily prayers for a miracle from God. Praying for your family too as they travel this journey with you. I know that even with faith and trust it will be a tough one.
Praying for you and your family Emily. This is a surprise to all of us, but not to Almighty God. I look forward to seeing him show his extraordinary love, strength, grace, and healing power on your behalf.