Journal entry by Liz Wilkens —
5 weeks ago I started this post......February 26, 2020 that beast of a tumor was removed. It was sent to every top oncology hospital in the United States. No one could agree on its origin or pathology. They did all agree surgery was the only way to get it out, and the longer it stayed away the better. Today (actually 5 weeks ago) we confirmed that it is still gone! Praise the Lord. It has been gone for over a year now, and we all understand the significance of that. The anxiety leading up to the scan dates does not lessen with time. We try hard to celebrate its arrival, knowing it will provide confirmation of continued remission, but we are human, and the pain is real.
We celebrated for about 12 hours and then blood tests the next morning sent us back to Oakland. Her anemia had returned and her darn kidney was flaring up and we needed to get it flushed out quickly. Mission accomplished(sort of), but there is always more. A few red flags came up, I thought they were kidney related, her nephrologist thought they were kidney related, her oncologist wasn’t so sure. The pain and fear return. 28 days later. 4 scans of different sorts, 6 nights in the hospital and 2 biopsies, we are once again celebrating. The kidney situation has been handed over to the Mayo Clinic and we are all hoping for some amazing recommendations. I am obviously simplifying all of this for a degree of privacy, but know we are feeling extreme gratitude right now. While in the hospital we got a call from my very best friend in the world, Kailey’s Godmother, that she was diagnosed with breast cancer, then shortly after getting home a close family member had a very serious medical emergency. Please continue to keep Kailey, Sara, and our family in your prayers. Like I said earlier, it has been quite a month.
We did have some highlights.....Gianna moved home! Kailey turned 16 and was able to celebrate with some friends! Gianna turned 15! Gianna is enjoying being back in person at school and is making new friends. 3 of us have been vaccinated for quite some time now, and it looks like Gianna will be very soon. Nate was able to do a 24 road trip with a dear friend. The 4 of us had dinner with another family for the first time in a year, and it was wonderful. We got to do an overnight with two of my precious nieces. We are LEAVING TOWN to soak up some Vitamin D, because Monday, after 16 months of being at home, Kailey is returning to campus! For all of these blessings we are so very thankful!
Thank you Jesus, and thank all of you for joining us on this wild ride.
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