Finally .... an update!!

Whew!! Life is busy. Ryan did great with the sedation and getting his mask made, etc. They gave him some gas and let him go to sleep before doing the IV, so definitely better for him. The radiologist seemed very pleased with how the "markings" went and said they were able to get exactly what they needed ... not sure what all that means, but it sounded good that things went well. The next step will be getting his port-a-cath. It is a catheter that will be put into a major vein sort of below his collar bone. It will remain there for the next year so that they can administer drugs and draw blood without having to stick a needle in him each time. That will happen this Monday, we have to be there at 6AM, the procedure will be at 7AM ... takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Please cover Ryan with your prayers again during this time ... he will be sedated for this also. We will then start radiation on Thursday Nov. 9th at 8:30AM. He will have radiation Monday -Friday for the next 5- 6 weeks. He will have to be sedated for this also, as he has to be completely still and will be in a very dark room all by himself. I hate that he will have to be sedated so much, but am thankful that it will hopefully take away the scariness of it all. Ryan will have to have whole brain radiation and radiation to his spine. The thought of radiation is very scary for us, but the thought of the cancer cells floating around in his body or the tumor coming back is even worse. Rob's immediate response to Ryan having to have radition was "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego !" (Dan.3) We are asking and believing that if God can protect them in a fiery furnace that He would protect our precious boy from the horrible side effects of radiation. And just as Jesus was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ... He will be with Ryan ... holding Him and protecting Him. As Rob says, it does feel like you are playing Russian roulette with your child ... the very thing that can bring healing for Ryan, can also cause so much harm. I hope I don't turn any of you away as I am going to list the side effects ... trust me I don't even like to look at them, much less sit here and type them. My hope is that this will better equip you all as to what to pray AGAINST over the next several weeks. Short term side effects are irritation to skin and scalp, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, headaches, extreme fatigue, altered taste and smell, lowering of blood counts which will put Ryan at increased risk of infection and bleeding. Obviously they will be checking his counts often and giving him blood products as needed. Long term side effects are permanent hair loss, persistent fatigue, brain damage causing decrease in IQ and his ability to learn, loss of short term memory, spinal cord or nerve damage, damage to the eyes or optic nerve causing loss of vision, hearing loss, bone damage to spine and head causing abnormal growth. Also, there is a risk for second cancers developing in the irradiated area. As the doctor discussed each of these with us, I just kept reminding myself .... God is in control of all of this. It is still so very hard to hear! We just keep wishing we could take Ryan's place. As I was sharing with God how I hate the word "radiation" and that I needed something positive to associate, He brought to mind the word radiate .... that through this we shall radiate His Glory ... "Those who look to Him are radiant" ...Psalm34:5. My prayer is that when Ryan is an old man, he will radiate the love of His Savior and tell of his deliverance. We are reminded over and over again of what a Good God we serve. We are so humbled and grateful for the wonderful meals that continue to be delivered, the gift cards and money that continue to show up in the mail, the cards and packages for Addie and Ryan (they love it!) ... just such an amazing outpouring of love upon our family ... we can never say thank you enough!!! We love you all and are so very thankful that God has placed you in our lives for such a time as this.

The oncologist is Dr.Kuttesch and the radiologist is Dr.Tanenholz. Pray for these men that God will use their skills and abilities to heal Ryan. I don't know if they are believers but I know God's going to use them for His glory whether they realize it or not.

My sweet and precious friend, Susan Moffit is organizing a prayer time so that Ryan will always be covered with prayer while he is actually having his radiation treatments: If you would be willing to do this, please contact her at hearuslaugh@aol.com She will give you your assigned time and day. This can be individuals, bible study groups, prayer groups, etc.