Sunday, March 02, 2008

Here's What We Know

We met with the surgeon, Dr. Kevin Kadesky, earlier tonight.

He said that Eva's tumor is approx 13.5 cm or the size of a baseball. He said that they were "pushing the limit" on whether or not they could remove it at all or have to send her to chemo to shrink it before removing it.

To do the surgery, they will do what is called a thorocotomy, which is an incision on the right side of her lower chest. Eva's surgery is very complicated because 1) the size of the tumor and 2) the location. Her ribs are the main problem. His quote "on the complicated scale to 10, this is a 6." He said that the surgery will be from 4-6 hours depending on how long it takes to get it out.

He went through the different things that they might have to do to remove it, cut it in half, take it out whole, cut it away from whatever it is attached to, etc.

Bottom line is that they will do the best they can to get as much of it out tomorrow as possible. He said that they will know right away if they cannot remove it and they will get a biopsy, put in a port for chemo, and close her up.

Either way, Eva will have a port put in for her expected chemotherapy. Now, as you know, we do not have an accurate diagnosis yet and won't for several days up to a week. They will do a frozen section biopsy to get a preliminary diagnosis while they are in the OR. There is a VERY small chance that Eva will not have to have chemo but they want to put in the port anyway so they don't have to go in again. Fine by me.

They have told us that Eva will probably be in the PICU tomorrow night and back in her room the next day if all goes well.

Jon and I are here by ourselves tonight. Our bed is set up in the room but I doubt either of us will get any sleep. Honestly, we are both so scared.

You probably will not hear from me tomorrow, as the day goes. If I can get to a computer, I will be sure to post something. If not, I'll try to have one of my family members post.

19 comments:

Kelli Russell Agodon - Book of Kells said...

Eva is in my thoughts and prayers as well as you and your family. I wish the very best outcome for her.

Be well and again, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Kelli

Anonymous said...

Joanne sent me the link to your blog... I'm so sorry to hear what you all are going through. Please let me know if you need anything at all. You are all in my prayers.

Kirsten (from down the street)

January said...

As you know, Ella had a thorocotomy. She has two scars that you hardly even notice. And as you know from my Ella, kids are resilient. Stronger that we think. Stronger than us sometimes.


Love to you, Jon, Jack, and Eva.

Amy Jo said...

We are thinking of you all today. Eva is in our prayers. Everyone in our family is praying.

The Luminous Goat Photography said...

Kristi and Jon, We wish that we were there with you. We are praying. God has Eva in His loving hands. We love you.
Karen

Anonymous said...

Kristi,

I set up a page this morning on my website asking for prayers for Eva.

http://www.catholicchurchgeek.com/prayers_for_eva

I am especially asking for the prayers of St. Ann, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus. Many miracles of healing have come about because of prayers to her, as evidenced by the great Shrine of St. Anne-de-Beau-Pre' outside of Quebec where several hundreds of crutches line the walls - placed there by grateful people who have been healed after visiting the shrine.

http://www.ssadb.qc.ca/en/index.htm

http://www.fisheaters.com/crutchesofsteannedebeaupre2.jpg

Karen, the kids and I are taking off of work today to make a pilgrimage to St. Ann's shrine in Sturbridge, Mass. Wish we could be there in Dallas with you.

Love,

Gordie

Anonymous said...

We've been thinking about you and your family non-stop. You all are in our prayers.

Joanne, Paul, and Sam

Lisa Cohen said...

Sent here via PoetMom. As a mom, I understand the terrible vulnerability we face when our children are sick. My heart goes out to you and your family. Wishing for only good news.

Anonymous said...

*hugs*

Kimberly said...

My prayers are with your family, and especially with Eva today. Hugs to everyone Kristi.

Lorraine said...

We are all praying for Eva. She is a strong, beautiful girl. You are all in my thoughts.

Lorraine

rebecca said...

I am so sorry you are going through this with your child. Know that I will keep all of you in my prayers....

Sending you and your family many blessings,

Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Directed here from Poet Mom. Praying for you and your family from New York.

Anonymous said...

Jon and Kristi,

John and I are thinking about all of you and sending positive thoughts your way. Please let us know if you need anything at all.

Melanie (and John Brown)

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

Came by way of January O'Neill. Bless Eva, and your family. {{Hugs}} and prayers, too.

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

PS Writer Anne Lamott says the only prayers there really are, are "Please, please, please," and "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Having said my "please's," I am so looking forward to saying "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Minette said...

Hi Kristi,

We are all keeping you and your family in our prayers today. Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated.

Much love and best wishes,
Minette

Anonymous said...

I came in via January's blog. I can't imagine what you're going through right now but I wish you the best and I want you to know you and your daughter will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I'd give anything to be there now giving you support. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family....

Gina, Brian, Steph & Chris