Joe's follow-up tough...wait and see

Joe had a routine CT scan this week and it revealed some disheartening news that is "not good but not bad" - only time will truly tell. A small "spot" was noticed on Joe's right lung, the same side he had his kidney and Wilms' tumor removed. At first glance his doctor does not seem to think it has the typical appearance of a tumor but there is absolutely no way to tell unless they have it in their hands and test it. Joe's surgeon was consulted and due to the small size of the "spot" he is not confident that it could be removed with 100 percent certainty at this time. Even though there are methods to mark the area, if missed or mistaken for a slightly different area there could be false hope given that the "spot" was removed only to find it appear in a following scan. To save Joe any unnecessary surgeries and procedures, our doctor felt the best course of action is to wait 6 weeks and then rescan. Kevin and I are also in agreement that we do not want to put Joe in a position for another surgery if we aren't certain the intended results could be met. If this "spot" does happen to be another tumor, it will most likely grow rapidly and a change will be noted on the next scan in 6 weeks. The doctor doesn't feel like we will lose any ground by waiting. There is a chance the spot could be a result of some type of infection or illness Joe had and, if so, the "spot" could possibly get smaller or stay the same on the next scan. Therefore, we have to "wait and see". Tough words to hear! Once again we find ourselves relying on our Lord and Savior for strength, patience, and favor for our sweet Joe. It has almost been a year to the day of his original diagnosis and this news is shocking for us. It is hard not to ask "why" but we still cling to God's promises. As I wrote nearly a year ago...

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for Joe," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper him and not to harm him, plans to give him hope and a future."

God has already used Joe in mighty ways. We will continue to pray as we "wait and see" and depend on Christ. Please keep Joe in your prayers for healing and that this "spot" will be gone in 6 weeks at the next scan. Please pray for our peace and patience during these next 6 weeks as we wait with anticipation.

Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Thank you for letting us share this news with you on our blog as we know there are so many faithful people out there who will read this and lift up Joe before the Lord. Please be aware that we will not be sharing this news with Joe or any of our other boys. For our friends who live near , we are asking that you please be sensitive in sharing this information with your children or others as we want to do our best to protect Joe and our other boys from hearing this from anyone else. By sharing this burden that is fresh on our hearts we know that our load becomes more bearable as friends and family come alongside us in prayer. Thank you.