Welcome to the Caring Bridge site for Kendra Littlejohn. The Littlejohn family has been blown away by the number of texts, phone calls, and drop-ins that they have experienced. They know they have an army-and it is BIG! But as you can imagine, trying to keep up with responding and resharing news and updates is hard and has them a bit overwhelmed. Setting up one site to share news and updates will take that heavy weight from Katherine and Jeff and allow them to focus on Kendra. Additionally, you’ll be able to make comments and share encouragement that they can read and share with Kendra. They have asked us to share that for the time being, they would like this site to be the main form of communication. When they are ready to receive texts and phone calls they will let you know. Until then, please leave comments and notes of encouragement here. Visitors are also being restricted at this point in order to keep Kendra healthy, so while they’d love to see you they are asking that you don’t just drop by.
Many people have asked what they can do to help, while it’s awesome to know your community is ready to jump in and help, it’s also overwhelming to the Littleton's at the moment. So, we will also use this site to coordinate and share needs as they arise.
The Littlejohn’s faith in God is strong and they are fully relying and dependent on Him as they process and prepare to walk a potentially difficult journey. The following prayer is a reminder that God is BIG and always present!
God, when it seems like our world is falling apart - You are there. When we have no strength to take another step - You are there, holding out your hand. When everything feels heavy and hard - You are there (1 Peter 5:7) When we are desperate to understand and just don’t - You are there (Isaiah 55:9) When we are out of words- You are there When we just can’t- You are there. You are our Helper, Sustainer, Provider and Savior. You, Jesus are ever present, holding us closely. When we’ve got nothing left-Jesus, your name is enough. For when we are weak, You are strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Medial Update: Kendra’s journey began last week. She was experiencing heavy fatigue that was noticed at home, school, and wrestling practice. She went to the doctor for a check-up and a blood work-up. It was through that process that it was discovered her hemoglobin count was extremely low, at which point Katherine took Kendra to Children’s Mercy. Kendra went through several tests that revealed a large mass in the area of her ovaries and uterus making it hard to tell from the scans what they were dealing with. On Saturday morning exploratory surgery was performed. While there were several scenarios we knew could happen, it went to an outcome that was not preferred. They stopped surgery, leaving everything intact, but taking multiple samples.
The preliminary diagnosis is stage 3 cancer, more than likely ovarian. However, pathology reports are coming next week. We are waiting to get all the information before determining a treatment plan.
Kendra is recovering well and doing everything they ask. We hope to be released late this week and wait for further information at home.
They are now awaiting the results of the biopsies to determine the further course of action. Kendra remains in Children’s Mercy while they await results and treatment.
Current Needs: Due to dietary restrictions, a meal train isn’t the best way to support their needs at the moment. However, what would be helpful is some gift cards for grabbing meals on the go and/or having it delivered.
-Panera, Jimmy Johns, Starbucks, Chipotle, The Mixx and Door Dash are a few suggestions. -Gift cards for groceries would also be helpful: Aldi, Price Chopper, Sams and Target are preferred. -Quick Trip cards for gas and multiple trips to and from Children’s Mercy. -Visa gift cards are also a great option.
If you’d like to donate any of the above please contact the following people: -PVBC - Lori Meeks, Dawn Summers, Marla Crisman -Liberty Oaks - Shannon Thompkins & Lana Mason -Lewis & Clark - kayla.decker@lps53.org -Any others contact Lori Meeks at 816-786-6132 or Dawn Summers at 816-716-739
Prayer requests: -That fear of the unknown and scary words would be held at bay. -Like mindedness and clarity as treatment plans and options are discussed. -That God would provide the entire family with the peace and rest they need.
Isaiah 43:1-7 Now this is what the Lord says— the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior. I have given Egypt as a ransom for you, Cush and Seba in your place. Because you are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you, I will give people in exchange for you and nations instead of your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who bears my name and is created for my glory. I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.”
Hello!! It’s been a few months since I’ve sent out any updates. Today we had our 3 month labs and CT scan and everything still looks normal. Dr. Fulbright and the nurses had a celebration party for her to celebrate being cancer free! Life is still full of joy and unexpected changes but I sure am grateful to have them.
We celebrated in a unique way this summer. Jeff and Kendra love fishing and we’re finally able to go on their fishing trip that had been canceled a few times. Joe and I decided to hike the Smokies! Now hopefully enjoying the sun and a different pace. Hope your summer is filled with everything you’ve been hoping for as well
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