We met with Dr Hammack this morning to see the results of the scan. It is very bad news. The tumor is growing in the spinal fluid on the back and sides of my spine. It's not inside the spinal cord yet which is good. It is inside the vertebrae, causing pressure against the cord. It more or less runs from the very top down to the middle of my back. I'm waiting now to get a CT scan of my chest, pelvis, and abdomen. Then tonight I have another MRI, this time of my head and lower back. She suspects it may also be present lower down my back.
Late afternoon we meet with Dr Link, the neurosurgeon. They would like to get a sample they can biopsy so we would know what type of tumor it is for sure. We don't know when this will be yet but she thought soon.
The extent of the tumor is such that surgery will not be able to get rid of it, with the exception of maybe taking pressure off the worst areas. The most probable plan would be radiation followed by chemo.
I'm on a narcotic pain killer now which thankfully allowed me to sleep some last night.
She called this a serious setback. It seems hard to really believe what we are hearing. But once again it's both amazing and encouraging to feel everyone's prayers today. We know you will continue to pray for us and appreciate it so much.
Our children are in Eureka with the Stollers, and Mom Sauder came up with us. Dad Sauder is on his way. We are so loved and surrounded by care and prayers. Thanks be to God.
Derek & Leann
When there are no words to utter, I must remember that God hears and understands even our worst groanings.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Christy
Praying hard for you and your family. May God give you peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteDear Derek and Leann and family-
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you! What else can we say?
May the Lord stand by you and give you hope.
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."
1 Corinthians 15:19
We love you very much!
Brent and Naomi
Derek & Leann,
ReplyDeleteWe just simply want to say that we are praying for you.
With love through Him,
Phil & Sarah Wagenbach
Leann, it's been a long time since we've seen each other, and I just found your family's blog today. I just wanted to let you know that Dave and I will be in prayer for you and Derek and your sweet little kiddos. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Praying for comfort and healing for Derek and for the Lord to overwhelm you all with His love, His grace, and His peace.
ReplyDeleteLove, Heather (and Dave) Steinbeck
prayhard@mtco.com
Derek & Leann,
ReplyDeleteWe surely are praying.
Love,
John, Misty, Willow, Echo, Talon, Meadow, Arrow, Halo, Anchor, Indigo, and Shepherd
Our prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Paul & Betsy Hany
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God provide for all of your needs.
ReplyDeleteKevin and Cheryl Ryan
You'll be in our thoughts and prayers as God leads you in this journey for the Glory of Him.
ReplyDeleteAndy & Erin Ott
Derek & Leann-
ReplyDeleteI want you to both know you are in our thoughts and prayers! Only God can help you through this time and He will! He will help both of you with your every need because He knows what tomorrow holds. Trust in Him to take care of EVERYTHING-He will!
Hugs to both of you!
Brent & Trudy Blunier
Dear Derek and Leann,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying so much for all of you. We are praying for wisdom for the doctors and for God to wrap his loving arms around you. May you feel his presence with you every moment of each day. He will never leave you. Praying for Lexi, Wesley and Whitley... And your entire family.
Much love and many prayers, Jill, Abby, Andrew and Allie
Praying for each of you!!!
ReplyDeletelove, Kevin and Laura Gutwein
Dear ones,
ReplyDeleteDon't know what to say really.
Am praying for you (through my tears).
Love,
Carrie and Akihiro
Derek and Leann,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you and all your family.
Brett and Laura Herrmann
Derek & Leann,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this news. We are praying for you all. May our Great God grant you grace, mercy, and peace.
Love, Dan & Julie
Our hearts are breaking into a million little pieces right now. You are all so special to us and we ask the Lord to provide you with the strength that is needed and when it is needed. Please know that you are loved and we are PRAYING hard for everybody.
ReplyDeleteLove, Eric,Keeta,&Abbi
Derek & Leann,
ReplyDeleteYou and your family are heavy on our hearts today. We pray for the Lord's nearness to you, and all four of your precious children. Love Kevin & Rachel
Thinking and praying for you and your family during this very difficult time in your life. Continue to put your trust and confidence in Him- His ways are perfect! May you feel the love over the many miles!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Michael & Joy
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe continue to lift you and your family up to the One who knows the end from the beginning, that He can touch you and make you whole...
ReplyDeleteJeff & Jill Steiner
praying that your faith will stand in the promises that our God is bigger than any earthly giant that tries to assault us. We will continue to hold you up in fervent intercessory
ReplyDeleteprayer as you walk thru this dark valley. Love in our Saviour, Lynn, Ron and Sara
Dear Derek and Leann and families, You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God provide you all comfort and strength for each new day. Tom and Edie Stoller.
ReplyDeleteDear Derek, Leann and family,
ReplyDeleteYou are surely in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Dean, Karen and Katy Beutel
Dear Derek and Leann and family,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you all!
Love in Christ
Kevin and Grace Herrmann and family