Well...we got the call we were waiting for today. Apparently we are more special than we thought we were. Kim received a call from her oncologist Dr. Liao. He had a conversation with the pathologist reviewing the case, Dr. Allen Gown from PhenoPaths in Seattle. He is apparently internationally recognized for his work in the cancer field. His quote to Dr. Liao was something like "This is the most difficult case I've ever worked with". Great.
He is fairly certain that the tumor in Kim's chest (the before mentioned third boob) is a malignant tumor, most likely Thymoma or Germ Cell. Good news is both have high cure rates. Bad news is they still aren't certain. So...we go back to Tacoma General on Friday for another biopsy, this one more evasive to gather a bigger sample of the tumor. This will again be a day procedure, but will cause more discomfort than before. Hopefully we'll know more details next week and will be able to plan a course of action. What we know is that typically thymoma is locally aggressive and requires surgery. With the placement of the tumor this of course means cracking her sternum and doing a procedure akin to open heart surgery. With germ cell it has a similar high cure rate to thymoma, in the 80's, with treatment that begins with chemo and possibly includes surgery at the end.
For now, we are digesting this new information and trying to stay strong and faithful. Even though we've known this is a possibility, it still feels like a kick in the gut today. As always, when I know more...you'll know more.
Take good care, of yourself and those you love.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. I'm pulling for which ever is the best case now that goiter is out of the running :0)
ReplyDeleteWhenever you hold Noah, remember that you have known miracles. I feel that though this will be unbelievably difficult for you, you will come through it. You are so loved and cared for. I am keeping a prayer in my heart for you always.
ReplyDeleteOk, so it's not the "third boob" or the goiter! Now, we pray that you can get all the rest of the information you need in order to kick this thing all the way to the moon. It's all in God's hands and remember that he is right there beside you through this journey. I love you all!! Aunt Maureen
ReplyDelete"Uncertainty" is hope in my book, and I'm hanging onto that hope with you and your family, Steve.
ReplyDeleteYour will and determination in the last weeks is a true inspiration, I mean it. Every prayer, good thought, mojo, karma, all of it, is going out to you and yours.
Dan
..it will. get better...I know it will...
ReplyDeleteI love you guys and I know God is listenng. We are all with you.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Just learned of your current challenge. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Even though we are separated by many miles-now living in South Dakota - we will always remember all of our Washougal friends - Lyle & Patty Grau
ReplyDeleteI hope you are finding your blog postings therapeutic, because I am! I feel selfish that you are helping me gain perspective whenever I read about what you guys are going through. God is watching over you and He will take care of Kim. In the mean time, I'm praying for peace, comfort, and healing.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim and Steve. I have been following along and have been praying fervently for your family. To see your strength and faith is amazing. I love you both and can't wait to see you guys. This thing can be whipped and with great odds and the shear force of God's will how can it not get better. :)
ReplyDeletePulling for you guys...you have a strong and loving family and will definitely come out of this fighting. Kim, you are strong and will the utlimate fighter! Love you guys and God Bless!
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ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the postings. It sounds like you have a wonderful work of medical professionals working with you. That in itself is a blessing. I am sure you have plenty of help but please know our family would love to help in anyway we can. Thoughts and prayers from the Hymans and Buswells.
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