Monday afternoon we were told that we would get a phone call within 48 hours with our next appointment date. This next appointment would be to see a Pediatric eye surgeon. Late last night I turned my phone on vibrate thinking that I want to sleep in until the kids wake up. I was done with talking about it for a few hours. So I woke up at 8:30 from my mom banging on my door saying “Heather said you got in and they want you to be at Mac at 10:30.” So after flying around the house and Adrian flying home from work we were on our way.
After all of the same general tests were done and same words were said, we got down to it. I asked Dr. Sabri not what his profession opinion was, but what he personally thought. He said he believes its retinoblastoma. Now we have heard this from three doctors. We are no longer hoping Charlie does not have cancer. We are praying for the cancer to be contained. Three doctors have told us to not try and save his eye, and we are peace with that. So, we did not really learn anything new today. It was just the next step through the system.
We committed right away that we were not going to start googling and looking up information like crazy. We only read what doctors put in my hands and learn from what they tell us. We never have even heard of Retinoblastoma so if you are interested in what it is, here are a few facts from what doctors have told us so far.
- It is a cancer of the eye that only affects children.
- It originates from the retina.
- If untreated, it is almost always fatal.
- It is hard to detect as children to not complain about vision. The most common way of detection is the presentation of a white pupil which you can see in certain lighting. (What we noticed with Charlie)
- It seems to be a lot more serious when both eyes are affected. (Charlie’s other eye looks to be perfect and the vision 20/20 from what we are told)
-This is a very treatable form of cancer. Right now we are just waiting to see the extent of the growth.
- It is not possible for this type of tumor to be benign.
We are clearly seeing Gods hand in how fast things are going. How can you not?
Dr. Bouma saw us after hours. He texted Dr. Calotti who agreed to see us during lunch on Monday. Dr. Colotti’s receptionist is Heather Dehaan who knew how to reach my mom when no one could get ahold of me this morning. Dr. Sabri (pediatric surgeon) agreed to see us this morning even though I heard a nurse tell someone else the office was booked up for months. Dr. Sabri trained under a (according to him) famous Doctor at Toronto sick kids. He said he would personally call her today to try to get us in to see her as soon as possible. We were promised a phone call either way today by four letting us know what is going on. We have seen three doctors in a little over three days!! We are so thankful. But in all honestly, this also scares me. We are being pushed through the system so fast, it makes it seem so much more serious and real.
After all of the same general tests were done and same words were said, we got down to it. I asked Dr. Sabri not what his profession opinion was, but what he personally thought. He said he believes its retinoblastoma. Now we have heard this from three doctors. We are no longer hoping Charlie does not have cancer. We are praying for the cancer to be contained. Three doctors have told us to not try and save his eye, and we are peace with that. So, we did not really learn anything new today. It was just the next step through the system.
We committed right away that we were not going to start googling and looking up information like crazy. We only read what doctors put in my hands and learn from what they tell us. We never have even heard of Retinoblastoma so if you are interested in what it is, here are a few facts from what doctors have told us so far.
- It is a cancer of the eye that only affects children.
- It originates from the retina.
- If untreated, it is almost always fatal.
- It is hard to detect as children to not complain about vision. The most common way of detection is the presentation of a white pupil which you can see in certain lighting. (What we noticed with Charlie)
- It seems to be a lot more serious when both eyes are affected. (Charlie’s other eye looks to be perfect and the vision 20/20 from what we are told)
-This is a very treatable form of cancer. Right now we are just waiting to see the extent of the growth.
- It is not possible for this type of tumor to be benign.
We are clearly seeing Gods hand in how fast things are going. How can you not?
Dr. Bouma saw us after hours. He texted Dr. Calotti who agreed to see us during lunch on Monday. Dr. Colotti’s receptionist is Heather Dehaan who knew how to reach my mom when no one could get ahold of me this morning. Dr. Sabri (pediatric surgeon) agreed to see us this morning even though I heard a nurse tell someone else the office was booked up for months. Dr. Sabri trained under a (according to him) famous Doctor at Toronto sick kids. He said he would personally call her today to try to get us in to see her as soon as possible. We were promised a phone call either way today by four letting us know what is going on. We have seen three doctors in a little over three days!! We are so thankful. But in all honestly, this also scares me. We are being pushed through the system so fast, it makes it seem so much more serious and real.
Right now we are praising God for how things are moving fast and also pleading for “good” news about the extent of the cancer. Thankyou again for your notes, calls, meals and most of all prayers. I will let you know when we know. :)
Kate
Kate
You are all in our prayers! I am Jete's second cousin. Be strong in the Lord! and be brave sweet little boy:)
ReplyDeleteDear Pennings Family,
ReplyDeleteWe will keep praying for your son and family. So thankful to read your witness of how God is helping you through this difficult time and providing in marvelous ways beyond human comprehension.
Philippians 4:6&7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
In Christian love,
Henrietta and John Van Woerden
Chilliwack, B.C.
Dear Katie & Adrian. We want to remind you of your wedding text: "The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27). God's promises are true as you are already finding out. Love and prayers, Uncle Neil and Aunt Ricky.
ReplyDelete