Pittsburgh

Well that's quite the jump from the last post. After a series of answered prayers we are here in Pittsburgh where Jared will have the Chordoma removed. The reason we have selected The Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh is because of the doctors approach. We were referred to this facility from our contact in Boston who has a lot of experience with Chordomas. Previously it was thought that Jareds entire lower jaw and tongue would have to be split to even get to the tumor, but now we are excited to know that here in Pittsburgh the surgeons perform what is called an endonasal approach or in other words they suck the tumor through the nose. Sounds kind of Egyptian, but they have performed more than a thousand of these surgeries on various skull base tumors and have had great results. Obviously the trauma to the patient is much less of an issue due to the fact that there are really no cosmetic disruptions. Also the healing time is mucher shorter and hopefully lends to the fact that we would like to get him into radiation treatment as soon as possible.

We are really excited for this approach and are really excited that Jared has qualified. As many of you know, there have been many prayers combined with fasting on Jareds behalf. I want you all to know that prayers are answered as I sit here this morning in a hotel in Pittsburgh. This has all pieced together quite miraculously and we are so excited to be here so soon. It is really strange to use the word excited, but we are and we could not be more grateful to the Lord for watching out for our boy.

Jared will be admitted into the hospital this afternoon for imaging and blood work prior to his surgery on Friday. Times of each of the events are a bit hazy as we have to be admitted prior to getting exact times. Despite the great progress we have made there always seems to be a large elephant in the room. That elephant right now is the insurance company. We are on the edge of our seats waiting to hear their side of the story, but are excited for the prospects of having Jared relieved from this discomfort.

I really can't thank everyone adequately, but I do want to express my sincere gratitude for the love that all of you have displayed for our family at this time. I am not exactly sure how the quote goes, but "the lord does hear and answer prayers, but it is usually through another person that he meets our needs". I now know this to be true more than I ever have. We have been truly blessed by the Lord and thank you all for your continued faith on Jared's behalf.

I look forward to having this done as I'm sure most of you do, but there is a lot to learn and the Lord has great power to perform whatever miracle may lie ahead. Life is a miracle and is easily taken for granted if not kept in perspective. I hope to be able to maintain that perspective more and more each day.