After talking with Jase and me about what Shayla knows and what she (Dr. Chang) is thinking at this point, she had Shayla return to the room we were in and told Shayla that we still don't know what kind of tumor she has, but she is fairly certain that we are dealing with a cancerous tumor. After saying that, she asked Shayla about any questions she has.
"What kind of cancer?" was her question. Dr. Chang said she doesn't know yet. She would much rather have the experts take their time to be certain of a diagnosis than to rush to guesses. However, if the situation were different and Shayla was very ill, she would have to go on 'best guess' and proceed with treatment.
There is some good news: 1) upon examination, no lymph nodes seem to be involved (did you know we have lymph nodes in our elbow?!!!). This is a very good thing. 2) Shayla does not feel ill in any way, and 3) Dr. Chang is very confident that Shayla's tumor is highly treatable and curable. What kind of numbers we are looking at are not defined until we know what it is, but the positive hope of cure is great!
So how are we all holding up today?
Shayla is playing volleyball with her team, Jase is in attendance. Carmen holds down the fort at home and all seems to be quite normal and at peace here. We told the rest of the kids what Dr. Chang told us so they can be prepared for the 'ride', too, since this will definitely affect us all. But, the important thing to know is that we are doing well, even with the 'not knowing.' It is a comfort to know we have the Priesthood to bless us and the Holy Ghost to comfort us. We are not 'freaking out', yet. I think once we get a name to what it is we are dealing with, and a game plan to beat it, then it will all sink in and we will get to work!
Thanks for your prayers! We can certainly feel of our Heavenly Father's love. It helps tremendously to know so many out there are praying for Shayla and our family.
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