Test Results

I stalked Eli's MyChart all night and before I said goodnight to him he asked me if I would let him know as soon as I found anything out. It's tricky when results populate into a chart that haven't been read by your medical team yet. It can either be good or potentially really bad. I went to sleep not knowing what we would find out in the morning. We had an appointment scheduled at 10:30 am with the orthopedic surgeon. Not long after I woke up I got an email that the results were ready. The best words to read were "no evidence of metastatic disease". That was the best possible result. Eli had a cold last week that I was hoping was just an upper respiratory infection, but the fact that he was coughing was unnerving to me. His cough is now gone and he is feeling much better.

Eli told me that he was really nervous to meet with the doctor. We headed there and spoke with the orthopedic surgeon. The next step is to get a bone biopsy, which will confirm the osteosarcoma, as to which of the several types of osteosarcoma we are battling and the stage and grade. We got to see the MRI images, which were just ugly, but medically fascinating at the same time with what modern technology is capable of. Eli's bone biopsy surgery is scheduled for Thursday. The ortho surgeon let us know that osteosarcoma is rare and St. Luke's gets maybe 1 case annually. His best guess is that this has been growing for about a year. We have a PET scan scheduled for 10/17 that will check Eli's metabolic activity. He will then begin chemo treatments for a few months before surgery to remove the tumor and bone and rebuild/replace the bone/knee and then follow with additional treatments for approximately 6 months.

Today was good and bad. Good that we didn't get any worse news, but the reality set in regarding the length of treatment, surgery and knowing that he won't be able to play ball. One of my greatest joys has always been watching my kids do what they love. There is nothing Eli loves more than baseball. He has been obsessed with the game since he was a little boy. It doesn't matter how early the game or practice. I never have to remind him. It's the one thing he has always prioritized and he gets to do it with all of his best friends. He has met his bestest buddies through baseball and we have met our bestest friends. 

This is going to be a long road and I was waiting until after we met with the doctor to share with everyone we know about what is going on so today has really been emotionally draining. 

The good: We are surrounded by love. People have stepped up in amazing ways to offer countless efforts to support our family. Our kids have the best people in their lives. I am blessed to be able to work remotely from home and can take my work anywhere. I am lucky to have an understanding company that puts people first. We are grateful to exist in a time where modern technology can provide answers and treatments.

The bad: The unknown is scary and dark, but we are fortunate. Humans are resilient. It's amazing what the human spirit is capable of when tested. 

I love my kids more than anything on earth. My greatest accomplishment and badge of honor are these beings that I was entrusted to raise. They are better than me. They are the best parts of us. My only goal is their health and happiness and I will go to the ends of the earth to make sure that they are okay. Always.