Psalm 103: 1-5
1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
We are the McCoy Family; Eric, Margo, Isabel and Preston. We have been married since 2003 and have two wonderful children. Isabel is 7 and Preston is 4. We moved from Portland, OR to Kansas City in 2014. That in itself was a God thing and a huge step of faith. It has been an amazing time living in the Midwest and the tremendous people we have met. Recently life as we know it changed significantly. This is Preston's story.
On Sunday, September 16th, 2018, Preston McCoy was swinging in our backyard. He inexplicably reached out and grabbed the post of the swing set. This caused him to do a flip off the swing, landing on the left side of his head. A bump immediately appeared where he fell on his head. We called our doctor to ensure nothing was an issue, at the time there were no additional symptoms. After a couple weeks the bump was still present, we took him in to our Pediatrician's office. Still nothing abnormal showed and the recommendation was to wait and watch.
Preston's four year check-up was scheduled for Monday, November 5th and there was a plan for a second look, as the bump had not gotten better. We had to reschedule our appointment, but there was still a need to evaluate the bump on Preston's head. We were able to get him in the next day. Since it had been so long that the bump had remained our doctor felt it was best to get an X-ray. The results of the X-ray provided no results, then came the CT scan. One of our most difficult moments in life to date occurred in a radiology room with two doctors, they had found a tumor.
The location of the tumor was on the outside orbital of the left eye and outer layer of the brain (not touching the brain though). Due to the location of the tumor Preston was admitted to Children's Mercy Hospital in downtown Kansas City to ensure he was a priority for testing, biopsy, and MRI. For the next several agonizing days we went through a roller coaster of emotion, unsure of how the next minutes in life might unfold. A blessing for Preston, he only had to be away from home for two long and tiring nights. But the days of uncertainty remained.
It got a bit clearer on Tuesday, November 13th, we got confirmation what we were dealing with. The biopsy concluded Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH). This was different then what we expected but not necessarily better. With where the tumor is located Preston is considered high risk. The PET scan was scheduled for the next day that would determine the severity. Here is more information on LCH:
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare cancer that begins in LCH cells. LCH cells are a type of dendritic cell which fights infection. Sometimes there are mutations (changes) in LCH cells as they form. About 1 in 200,000 children are diagnosed with LCH. The prognosis is a survival rate about 85% in low risk cases. Survival rate can decrease depending on location of LCH especially if multi-system (multiple organs). The common symptoms and side effects is lesions. This form of cancer has a history of reoccurring.
Best site to visit for information:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/langerhans/patient/langerhans-treatment-pdq#link/_1Wednesday, November 14th was a long, tiring day for the PET scan. Had to be up by 5:30am to eat, then not eating again till 1:30pm is tough for a four year old growing boy. It was complicated further by his increasing dislike for IVs - which most share his disdain. For a young boy he is very strong and has enormous lungs, but we made it through. With future treatments, a port will be placed in his upper chest, so we don't have to endure the torture of an IV every time. Yet with the PET scan done there was still more waiting. Probably the hardest, since this would determine the prognosis. Already considered high risk, if found in other organs would be devastating.
Fortunately our wait wasn't days, we got the call on November 15th. The results from the PET Scan were good, it was only found in one other place - the 7th vertebrae. Though it is in another location its considered a single system because its bone related. The place it was first found in his head, was determined to be from the skull meaning it originated from the bone. THIS IS A HUGE PRAISE! And a big relief!
Monday, November 19th, met with the medical team. They felt very encouraged and confident about Preston and his treatment. We have two doctors, a nurse practitioner, and someone with child life services (to help with Preston and some of the scary procedures). The prognosis is good. They anticipate the treatment will do what it suppose to do with little side affects. This is there expectations but they have communicated its possible it won't go as they anticipate. LCH is very rare with not a lot of data as already mentioned. The first six weeks are critical and will dictate prognosis.
A port was put in Preston's upper chest on Tuesday, November 27th, to make it easier for him when getting treatment and having blood drawn. That same day the first treatment was administered. So far Preston is responding well to everything including all medicine - PRAISE GOD! Treatment will be every Monday starting December 3rd. If Preston's body responds well to the first six weeks of treatment and the scan shows it having an effect on the tumors then treatment will be moved to every three weeks. Full treatment goes for twelve months, even if it goes into remission. This type of cancer has a propensity to reoccur even several times. We fully anticipate God to work many miracles and show up as He does best.
THIS IS A MIRACLE...
Our biggest hope for anyone visiting this page is that they know the miracle that has already happened. Preston grabbing the post and falling off the swing. Then landing exactly on his head where the tumor was located. Causing the tumor to be exposed so we would get it checked out. This was no accident. God is in control and His grace has given us peace no matter the outcome.
How you can help:
Pray, pray, pray!!!
Pray for healing - God can do anything and already has done a lot
Pray that Preston's body responds well to the treatment especially in the first six weeks
Pray that the side effects are limited and there is no infection from treatment and the port in his chest
Pray that the tumors do not spread but digress
Pray for peace and strength for Preston that he won't be afraid of the procedures
Pray for Isabel, that her tender heart is comforted during this time and her needs are met
Pray for strength for our family and that we get the rest needed
Pray that we don't allow our fears to overcome us and God's peace will surpass them
Pray that the financial aspects will work themselves out - we have applied for financial assistance please pray it is approved
God has trusted us immensely with this situation and we believe He will give us the strength and peace to endure . We are incredibly thankful for the army of prayer warriors God has surrounded us with. The love and support from our family and friends has been a beautiful picture of Gods love. We look forward to what God has in-store for our family and know he is with us every step . Thank you for your love and support!
In His Love,
The McCoy Family; Preston, Isabel, Margo, and Eric
Due to financial circumstances we've had to set-up a GoFundMe account, if you felt led to help in this way:
https://www.gofundme.com/manage/3yy3z-the-mccoy-familyIf you you would like to get notification of updates please register with Caring Bridge. We will be updating this often...
