E-mail update

Haley, grandma Debbie & I met with the oncologist from Mary Bridge today.  Haley liked him better than the oncologist at Childrens.  (I think that is primarily because she heard the diagnosis from the Seattle oncologist first.)  Never the less Mary Bridge is a MUCH smaller hospital so Haley would have more consistent interaction with the dr there.  Instead of the rotating shifts of residence at Childrens.   There are certainly pros and cons to both locations.  We are heavily leaning toward Mary Bridge at this moment.  The treatments are the same at both locations.  Haley's surgery (at 10-12 weeks in) will have to be at Childrens.  They don't do that at Mary Bridge. 

The oncologist is pushing HARD to get her started on treatment early next week.  Haley has an appointment Monday with an ND at the Tahoma Clinic.  He wants to get some tests done before she starts treatment to get an idea of why she got cancer in the first place.  This information will help him to know how to support her during this chemo time and after.  He strongly believes that if the reason she got cancer isn't dealt with it will come back.  If that happens, it comes back even meaner and uglier than before.  Cancer is just a symptom of a body that is not functioning properly.  Simply killing the cancer is not enough.  Please pray with me that God would allow enough time for the ND to get all the tests he needs done before they force us to start chemo.  I say force because there are other clinics (in other states) that offer other treatments.  That would be our first choice.  But my friends, in this state, parents do not have the right to make such decisions for their children.  Both hospitals have made it very clear that if we pursued other treatments they would be "obligated" to call CPS on us for medical neglect.  This is nothing short of medical tyranny.  But God is good and He has prepared us for this battle.  And He is fighting for us.  He is our Rock.  Our hope. Our salvation.  And we praise Him.

Undoubtedly, Haley will have started chemo by this time next week.  Thankfully, my hormones have evened out and I am able to be strong (in the Lord) once again and fight this battle with out constant tears.  In fact, I started feeling that strength only a few hours after I sent out the last e-mail.  God is answering your prayers mighty warriors!  Thank you (doesn't seem adequate) for holding my arms up!

Hugs ~ Nicole                

P.S.  A friend gave Haley $10 to buy herself a gift for being so brave at her apt on Monday.  (it was quite traumatic for her)  She said she wanted to buy a baby chick.  (Our local feed stores are advertising that "chicks are in")  Well don't you know...We have two chicks, in a tote, in our living room getting LOTS of love!  This will be a weekend affair.  Monday we will take them to one of my friends that has chickens and donate them to her flock.  What a weekend thrill for Haley.  ...oh the things we do for our little ones!