Medical Mystery

Dear friends and family,

Two weeks ago when we first received Marisa's diagnosis we began to notify friends and family on the fly in order to ask for prayer immediately.  Now, we are trying to get more organized with communication as we focus on treatment.  As we post updates, would you join us in prayer?  Thank you to everyone who has already been in this with us in so many ways.  Below you will find the first two email messages plus a new post from today.

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Apr 26, 2018

Dear friends and family,

Marisa and I are asking for your prayers.  Just a few days ago we received a call from Marisa's doctor that a recent CT scan and biopsy results show a cancerous nodule on her thyroid and metastases in several lymph nodes throughout her neck.  We met with a surgeon at Johns Hopkins this week.  Given the complexities of Marisa's case, we are in the process of being transferred to the Director of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery to perform Marisa's operation.  After some research, we believe we will have "the best" surgeon on the case.  Praise God!

Details:

• The cancer has been growing undetected for a considerable period of time.
• To remove the thyroid and all cancerous lymph nodes, the surgeon will likely perform a "full neck dissection": left side, lower central neck/upper chest, and possibly the right side.
• Complexities include working around two major nerves, the carotid arteries, and the jugular veins.  Some of the affected nodes are located between these structures.
• Usually this type of surgery has a low incidence of trauma caused by the surgery; however, we were informed that Marisa is at an increased risk of nerve and parathyroid damage.
• Following surgery, there will be further testing to see if cancer is detected anywhere else in her body.
• With metastases in her lymph nodes, Marisa is at a higher than normal risk of recurrence after surgery; therefore, her surgeon and endocrinologist will keep her under tight surveillance for the rest of her life.  
• Marisa also has a pre-existing blood clotting disorder that developed during her first pregnancy.  Since her pregnancies, this disorder has been a non-factor, so we are hopeful that this will remain the same; however, it is something we need to be conscious of during surgery and recovery.
• Fortunately, Marisa's age and the type of cancer they believe it to be is in our favor in regard to treatment.  

Next steps include further testing for Marisa and a meeting with the new surgeon.  We are expecting a call back today to schedule these appointments ASAP.

Yesterday Marisa said, "I'm not going to pretend that I'm not scared, but I believe in God's promises, His presence, and His love."  Marisa is not one to sit around and say, "Why me?"  We are grateful for your prayers and support!  We know that the Lord is near us and for us.

Gratefully,

Matt

We decided to snap a picture after each doctor's appointment. 
Here is appointment #1 at Johns Hopkins.

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May 1, 2018

Thank you for all of your encouraging responses!  Marisa and I have read all of them but have not been able to keep up with replying back.  Please know we are grateful for your support and prayers.

We meet with the new surgeon this morning!  Marisa will likely have an ultrasound-guided biopsy (2nd biopsy) on Friday to examine the right side of her neck.  We will continue to keep you updated.

Gratefully,

Matt & Marisa

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May 8, 2018

(Journal entry from May 1st)

After our appointment today Marisa and I are confident that we have the right surgeon on the case.  He is one of the most experienced surgeons in the U.S. for this type of operation and he has global influence in this field.  Praise God!  Further biopsies are happening on Friday and possibly a surgery date set by the end of the week.

We were told that Marisa will most likely have some sort of nerve damage which will limit the range of motion of her upper body extremities and cause numbness in the face on whichever side(s) of the neck the doctor needs to operate.  This will most likely be temporary with the use of physical therapy but there is a chance this could be permanent.

We are in the process of lining up pre-op appointments:

• Further biopsies to more precisely target the cancer during surgery;
• Hematologist to discuss Marisa's blood clotting disorder in relation to the surgery and recovery;
• Endocrinologist (gland function and metabolism as relates to the thyroid)
• General pre-op check-up

Marisa is tired and reality has begun to set in but she continues to move forward with strength.  I'm really admiring her resolve.

The kids are at peace and we are grateful for that.

There is still much unknown about treatment and recovery but we are grateful for how the Lord has been present and providing.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair...

~ 2 Cor. 4:7-8

Appointment #2 at Johns Hopkins - new surgeon.

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(Journal entry from May 4th)
Marisa had 11 biopsies today.  These were in addition to the original 6 biopsies used for the initial diagnosis.  We received wonderful news about the right side of Marisa's neck!  After the "closer look" of ultrasound, the doctors did not see anything suspicious on the right side to even make a biopsy necessary there.

Following this second round of biopsies, Marisa's neck is bruised and sore (again) but she is doing well.  She has been a right-side hugger to avoid her sore left side :) 

Surgery will be about 7 hours in length.  It will likely be held on May 23rd or 24th.  The back-up date is June 21st.  Scheduling has been tricky as they are trying to "squeeze-in" Marisa to expedite her procedure.  We are waiting for final confirmation from the surgical team.  We should know in the next day or so.

Appointment #3 at Johns Hopkins - biopsies.  

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Graciously, many of you have asked what we need during this time.  We will let you know as needs pop up.  We are grateful for the help we have already received with childcare, meals, projects around the house, and in other ways.  This has helped us maintain consistency with our kids' schedules and at home when Marisa and I have had to run back and forth to Johns Hopkins.

Thank you for the individuals, small groups, and teams who have been praying for Marisa and our family.  The messages of encouragement to Marisa have been wonderful too!  Please know we read, listen to, and cherish every message, but we have not been able to keep up with replying to each one.  We love you!  Thank you for being in this with us!  

Sincerely,
Matt & Marisa