Leo’s Story

Site created on June 7, 2023

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. I will share the background leading us to this day. 
At my last two annual medical check-ups, i had some abnormal blood tests - last year, it was not serious, and I was asked to repeat the test. This April, we repeated the test, and the abnormal results continued. My doctor sent me to a Hematologist for consultation and further evaluation.  After a few weeks of blood tests, more results were showing peculiarities, so i was given a CT scan in late-May. My Hematologist called me within an hour of the scan and asked me to return to him for the next available appointment.   After a long Memorial Day weekend, we met the doctor, and he informed me that there was good news and bad. The good news; he felt confident that the original reason for the testing was resolved. He also determined that i have a blood disorder that is a precursor to a form of cancer, but we will take a "watch and wait" approach. 
Unfortunately, he was surprised at the revelation from the CT scan -  a sizable mass on my kidney. i was sent immediately to consult with a Urologist for the next step. Two days later, we received the news that I indeed have a sizable tumor on my right kidney that must be surgically removed, along with my right kidney. That is what brings us to today.  
Because we have lived in several locations across the US, we have several circles of friends and family who are a part of our prayer network.  We launched the page to streamline the updating process, so that we can get the word out to all who support the family.  I will send updates regarding upcoming procedures, and Tanya will update during the surgery and hospital stay. 
We appreciate your prayers - the news appears bad, but there is good news within. The hematologist and urologist both believe there is a good chance the tumor is benign. The upcoming procedures and the biopsy of the tumor and kidney after removal will hopefully confirm this. So at the present time, we ask for prayers for:
1) Healing - if it is God's plan, we know He can do the miraculous! We pray for His healing Hand. 
2) Medical Staff: wisdom, discernment, skill of hand for the surgery and follow up. 
3) That if God does not choose miraculous healing, that the tumor will be benign. 
4) That God will continue to reveal His presence as we continue through this journey. I am blessed beyond measure at the different ways God has revealed His presence through scriptures that just "happen" to appear in my daily reading or other circumstances. Each moment that the path ahead appears dark, He has met me with His Word, and spoken ask clearly as could be - He is in control, He has a plan, and He is walking each step with me. We serve a Faithful God!
Thank you for your prayers! We will update as we learn more!

Newest Update

6 month Checkup - December 30, 2023

Journal entry by Leo Sayles —

I completed my 6 month post-surgery test, scans, and exams. I am happy to say the CT scan result was "NED," which means "No Evidence of (metastatic) Disease." Great news!  So we are still in the clear after the nephrectomy, and will schedule the next scan for June. 
My hematologist is monitoring my blood work - there were no significant changes, although there is a slight uptick in some of the abnormalities. However, we are still maintaining a "watch and wait" mode. 
The CT scan also did not reveal anything new regarding my Thyroid gland, which is good news. I'll talk to my GP about results in the spring. For now, testing is done, and will have follow-up appointments in Feb, March, and April with my doctors. 
Thanks to all who continue to keep us in prayers. This is good news as we head into 2024! 
Happy New Year to all!
Blessings,
Leo
Read More of the journal titled "6 month Checkup - December 30, 2023"
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