Knowing in part

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
-- 1 Corinthians 13:12

Chris here. We met with Dr. Keefer today. He was a very kind man – he spent almost an hour talking with Kelsey about her journey to this point and discussing potential treatment options. He was at the tumor board where Dr. Smith presented today, so he said, “I feel like I already know you.” They looked over the results and the big question mark is whether or not there is some sort of a tumor in her C7 vertebrae. The bone scan results were much as we had prayed – they did not lead to a conclusive answer about the spot in her vertebrae being a tumor. However, treatment alternatives really hinge upon whether or not the cancer has spread. Dr. Keefer shared some of the alternatives and also said he was glad to hear we had begun the process of getting in to MD Anderson. His thought was the more people who can look at what is going on, the better.

So, while we left from the appointment still feeling very much like we “know in part,” God also provided in some neat ways:
-- Dr. Keefer did not believe the bone scan showed it is a cancerous mass.
-- Dr. Keefer knows the head of the Sarcoma Department at MD Anderson and emailed him tonight to refer Kelsey to their treatment center and give some background. He believes we may be able to get in next week.
-- Dr. Keefer wanted to schedule a chest scan to make sure her lungs are clean. Kelsey was the last patient in his office, but the staff got her scan approved and scheduled for tomorrow at 1:15 (which is perfect since we will be at Mercy for her appointment with Dr. Smith).
-- Even walking out, Dr. Keefer’s nurse was very willing to help with all of the necessary protocol in getting information to MD Anderson – we have been very impressed with the doctors and staff we have worked with at Mercy.

We would appreciate prayers for:
-- A clean chest scan tomorrow.
-- Clear direction and wisdom for both Dr. Smith and us at tomorrow’s appointment.
-- Wisdom in how to determine if the spot on Kelsey’s vertebrae is a tumor or not. We are praying God will remove it, or it is not cancer.
-- Kelsey is dealing with lower back pain and pain from the surgeries. Pray for quick healing and peace in her thoughts. No overanalyzing pain and thinking it is cancer – be it pain in her chest, throat, or lower back.
-- Health protection. Alexa has been sick, pray Kelsey will stay well as health is such an important factor with surgery and treatments looming.
-- Alexa is still having a hard time wrapping her mind around so much adjustment and Mommy being gone a lot. Continue praying for her peace and security.
-- Trusting the Lord with all of the unknowns. All of the doctors have reiterated how rare this tumor is. There is no well-defined treatment path. Pray we would place our hope and trust in the Great Physician.

As we have said many times before, we are so thankful for your prayers. We are thankful the One who fully knows Kelsey is in complete control.