I
t all started with a urinary tract infection. The urine analysis came back positive for bacteria, the doctor prescribed an antibiotic, and Becca’s follow-up appointment was scheduled for Tuesday, August 28. Tuesday I was planning on a quick in-and-out appointment with Dr. Raine. Come to find out that UTI’s are not so simple anymore. UTI’s can be a sign of vesicoureteral (VU) reflux…which usually doesn’t show up until later but causes problems in adulthood. So to be safe rather than sorry, Dr. Raine sent Becca to Radiology the next morning to have a kidney ultrasound and a cystourethrogram. Dr. Raine said he’s “old fashion” and likes to check everything out. Sounds like a lot of doctors only order the tests if the child has reoccurring UTI’s.
Wednesday morning (August 29) I took Becca in for a ultrasound of her kidneys and the other terrible test where they inserted a catheter and filled her bladder up with fluid and then took x-rays while she urinated. She did pretty well until the end and then she was screaming “GET ME OUT OF THIS PLACE!” You can see from the picture on the right that she was not very happy after that test. The picture on the left show how unhappy she was when we started our drive to the test — since she had to fast. Fortunately, she forgot about that part as soon as we started driving and was a very happy girl until the testing started.
I noticed during the ultrasound that the tech took a lot of pictures of her right kidney…it seemed strange. Then it seemed really strange when he only took a few of her left kidney and went back and took more of her right kidney. When we got home I told Josh that I thought something was wrong. About 30 minutes after Becca and I got home from the tests, our doctor’s office called and asked for one of us to come in right away talk with the doctor. Josh went. You know it’s not good news when the doctor’s office calls right after testing and asks to see you. Josh came home and told me that they had found a mass and that it could be cancer – shock! I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on Josh’s face when he came home and told me the news.
Thursday morning (August 30) I took Becca to Cook Children’s hospital for an MRI. They put her to sleep, which was nice for her. It’s a terrible thing to walk away and leave your child in a room where she’s just “fallen to sleep” and you know they’re going to do an MRI. She had a rough time waking up – pretty grumpy — but after that did great.
They told us we would hear the results in 2 days, which with the holiday weekend could mean Tuesday. I was looking forward to a day without a medical appointment and decided it would be nice to have a few days before we heard the results. However, that night the oncologist’s office called and set up a Friday morning appointment with us. Becca’s pediatrician also personally called Thursday evening to tell us that the tumor is probably cancer . . . but that things were looking good. Shock.
Friday morning we met with the oncologist. She confirmed that the tumor is almost certainly a type of cancer called neuroblastoma; her assessment was based on how the mass appears in the images (and it turns out she’s a specialist in neuroblastoma!). She strongly suspects that the cancer hasn’t spread, and it doesn’t show the characteristics of the more aggressive types of neuroblastoma. If this is the case, after the surgery to remove the tumor, there will be no need for further treatment — just observation. She then made an appointment for us to see the surgeon that afternoon.
At 3:30 we met with the pediatric surgeon who will remove the tumor. He said that it has a clean profile, does not appear to have gone into the kidney, and will likely come out easily. He will attempt to remove it with laparoscopic surgery. If he can’t do that, he’ll simply make a larger incision and complete the surgery that way. The surgery is scheduled for next Friday, September 14th. If the surgery is done laparoscopically, Becca will only need a night or two in the hospital for recovery. If a larger incision is required, recovery might take an extra couple days. After surgery the tumor will be sent for analysis; a major part of this will be genetic analysis of the neuroblastoma (to confirm that it doesn’t fall into a subtype that is particularly hard to cure — but presently there is not indication that it is this type).
Today Becca goes in for a shot to prepare her for additional testing tomorrow. Tomorrow (Friday, Sept 7th) Becca goes in for a CT scan and an mIBG scan. She will be asleep for both.
It’s all gone so fast. Monday was a normal day…and now we’re dealing with this. How fast things can change. It doesn’t seem real…I keep telling myself “my daughter has a tumor and they’re calling it cancer. How can this be? Look at her – she’s the picture of health and high energy!!”
We’re so thankful for many things…the UTI (which had nothing to do with the tumor!)…our careful doctor…the location of the children’s hospital – about a 20-minute drive…the team of doctors…the speed in which this has all taken place. God is good and we continue to trust Him. I’m also extremely thankful that the night before this all happened Isaiah began sleeping through the night and has done so since then. He also moved to a 4-hour feeding schedule, which has been a great help with getting to Becca’s appointments. We’re thankful for the many people who have been so kind to us. We’re thankful for the many people who are praying for our little girl. We’re thankful for the church we’ve just started attending and for their kindness to us.
There is much more I could say, but time does not permit me to. Thank you for all your prayers for our family. God has given us His grace and peace during this time and we praise Him for all He is doing. We praise Him that He revealed the tumor early before major damage took place. We have a great and sovereign God and we know that He will do His best for us.
Thanks for continuing to share the details as you go through this trial. We are praying lots for all of you and wish we lived closer to be able to help with the little details. Love you all!!!!
Praising God for the doctors He has placed in your life. We continue to pray for all of you. Love and miss you very much.
We continue to pray for Becca and all of you. Thank you for sharing.
This account is encouraging to me–we will be in prayer for Becca and for you guys. Thank you so much for sharing the details and letting us know how to pray!
Praying for you daily! We love you all!
Praying and concerned for you, but encouraged by your spirit and the good outlook. Imagining what it would be like to try to comfort my Zacharie through something like this has given me a great deal of empathy for the difficult moments both you and Becca have been facing. And then you have Isaiah to think about as well! Praying that God would continue to give you all peace and confidence in Him, and that He would keep Becca safe and return her to health.
You know we’re praying. 🙂 Sending lots of love!
Praying for you all to continue to experience the grace and peace that only our God can provide. Praising Him with you for all the ways He’s working through this for your good and His glory.
Hugs to sweet Becca.
Isaiah 26:3-4
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
We will be praying for you and your little girl! May the Lord give you and the doctors wisdom. So thankful for all the ways the Lord has led so far.
James and I will certainly be praying! God is still in control!!
You both are doing a wonderful job and we know that the Lord is helping you. Once again we see God doing something really amazing in Becca’s life! Lots of people are praying, and you’re getting the best care, and you have a wonderful support family, wish we lived closer!! Love you!
Hi Amy, we will be praying for you and Josh and for Becca. She’s a real trouper! I’ll be praying that you will experience Psalm 46:1 in a special way: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Sam has done such a terrific job keeping Facebook friends updated and I have been sharing with all my friends to pray. Becca and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will keep reading for updates. She is adorable-your pictures of Becca are just precious!
Donna Heindel
(& Don and boys)
Our family is praying for you.
Thank you for taking time to let us all know exactly what is happening and when. It is true that we never know what a day will bring but we have a great and loving God who does know and has promised to see us through every day even days of great trial. Becca is so adorable in the pictures! Love you and praying for you.
We love you all and will continue to pray for each of you! Thanks for keeping us informed!
Thank you so much for the detailed account of the last week and taking the time to share. Our love, concern and prayers continue to be with you. Thankfully, Becca will be put to sleep during some of these painful tests. Good to hear Isaiah is sleeping all night now – you need all the rest you can get. May our loving Lord continue to sustain you all. We love you very much.
Been reading all your updates and praying often for you all. Praise the Lord for His ever present grace and strength. Precious pictures. Thanks for taking the time to tell the story.
Thank you so very much for all the info and updates! It is absolutely amazing how prayer is being answered! Becca has built a strong prayer support team from birth! You are amazing parents! God bless, love, Grandma B
Our family is praying for your family. God bless.
We meet at the DTS Seminary Wives Retreat last year. Michelle Johnson asked us all to pray for you. Please know we will be lifting you up.
Krysta O’Brien
I will definitely be praying for you all and especially for Becca.
We are so sorry to hear about all this…..we just want you to know we are hear if you want to bounce off questions to us. Although, our Isaiah’s neuroblastoma, was further advanced, I am sure you will be going through some of the same protocols. WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU.
I will be praying for your family. I can’t even comprehend the hardships, but I also can’t comprehend the all encompassing goodness and power of our God!
Dear friends,
We have learned of your need of prayer through our friends the Bixbys. Our daughter-in-law’s niece Claire was also diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 2, and she is a healthy, beautiful, cancer-free child now at the age of 5. Nadjia and Seth are missionary appointees headed to Spain with Word of Life. They live near Atlanta, GA. Feel free to contact her if you would like to talk, ask questions, etc. They have been an inspiration to many through this journey the Lord has allowed in their lives. Thank you for your manifest trust in the Lord. We are praying for little Becca and all of you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Glenda and Paul Stetson
Metz, France
Most assuredly, Becca the tiny precious jewel is in the Hands of the omnipotent God, in whose presence she is being safely kept, faithfully upheld in countless prayers. May the Lord’s people continue to fulfill the Law of Christ bearing one another’s burdens in prayer & substance. As someone has already said, “Josh & Amy, you are amazing parents!” May God mightily encourage you & give you peace as His healing hand continues to be richly upon Becca. G. Grandpa R.
praying for Becca and your family
Words can’t express what you must be feeling at this time, but know that God is a God of great comfort and he has your little girl in the palm of his hand and will get you through this trial with a testimony to be shared with many. My family will be praying for Becca and for God to give the doctors wisdom and you great strength.
In Christ,
Kim Profaci
DHEC
I’m Gina from Spain (Yani’s sister), my husband, my daugther and me are praying for Becca. I don’t know what to say but, I would like to give you a big hug. I’m sure the Lord is your strength.
With love,
Gina and family
Spain
So sorry, Amy! I’ll be praying for you, Josh, Isaiah, and especially for Becca. God is already being glorified through your humble hearts and response to this trial. Thank you for showing what it means to trust in the Lord during all times.