On Friday, June 11 we got news that we had been waiting a long time for, but wasn't quite prepared for. Andrew's knee has had a bad pain in it since the spring of 2009. We have been to many doctors and we were told for a while it was just a damaged nerve. He went through physical therapy, but not much changed. We finally got his neurologist to schedule an MRI. When we got the results that Friday we were glad they had found something, but scared...Our pediatrician delivered the MRI results to us and seemed to act as if it was alright. They had found a "neo based neuroplasm" in Andrew's knee. He said they would probably want to remove it, so they called and got us in with the ortho doctor that same day. They acted like they didn't know what this was and sent us on our way. I headed to the park with the kids and Andy went home to get ready for work. He called me while we were at the park to let me know that everything he could find on neoplasms referred to cancer. My heart sank and I literally had to get off the phone with him so I could chase the kids around the park. My mind raced and raced and I just wanted to leave, but knew I couldn't explain that to the kids. I got home that afternoon and the kids went down for a nap and Andy and I had some time to process things. From this afternoon on life turned a bit crazy. We had doctors appointments almost daily and I felt like I spent hours on the phone. We battled over what type of doctor would even take care of him. I drove to Shriners and UC Davis with Andrew just so I could go in and speak to someone face to face, but the only thing I would get was "maybe you could get in sometime in July." No one seemed like this was an urgent matter, but we felt it was. The following Thursday our friend Chris got us in with a neurosurgeon who explained it all to us and was willing to do the surgery the next Friday. He also told us that the "nerve tumor" would most likely be benign. This was a huge weight off our shoulders. At the same time our neurologist was telling us how serious this surgery was going to be and he was ready to sent us across the country to get it done...insurance was just a slight problem. Two days before the scheduled surgery we got a call that insurance wouldn't cover the doctor doing the surgery and they were rerouting Andrew to orthopedic doctors (who we already knew couldn't help). We were driving home from a camping trip and I made Andy stop at the insurance office so I could talk to them face to face. Thankfully I was able to explain everything and it was apparent to them that we had tried so many things. The lady got us connected with a UC Davis doctor. We were so thankful for Dr. Circillio (who was initially going to do the surgery) because he gave us the key information we needed to fight for what we knew Andrew needed. Finally on June 30 we met with the head of neurosurgery at UC Davis. He discussed everything with Andrew and I and we agreed to do surgery. July 16th will be the big day. We are praying that there is minimal pain and that the tumor is not entangled, which means they would have to cut the nerve and could possibly cause more pain. We are thankful that this "jellybean" (as Andrew and I called it) will be removed and Andrew will not have to deal with the pain it causes him.
It has been quite the journey with this little 6 year old knee...our boy has been a trooper. He asks almost every morning if he has to go to the doctors today. We have been able to go on our little camping trips, but when we are home I feel like we are in doctor mode. I feel like Andrew has missed out a bit on summer vacation because we have spent hours in different doctor's offices. I let him pick a favorite drink to get everytime he has to go to the doctor. He chose a Vanilla Bean Frappacino, which I will gladly buy him for being such a brave and patient boy.
Andy and I have remained hopeful during it as well. We both have felt a good peace even though we did have many moments of frustration. We have felt so blessed by our families and friends. Our life group immediately started bringing us meals and took the kids and I out to lunch. So many people offered to watch the kids and most importantly we would receive email after email about people who were praying for Andrew. I have told Andy over and over again how I don't think it would be so easy if it weren't for the network of people who we are surrounded with. We felt so BLESSED each day.
Although we aren't done yet, I feel a big relief that a surgery date in on the calendar. I'm sure there will be more to this story as the weeks go by. For now I will continue carrying around the large envelope of MRI films and a manila folder with at least 20 doctor's names and numbers on it and medical terms I've never heard until now. These have become my new attachment this summer and I never leave home without them.
Our prayer for our Andrew is that he will have strength and courage through all this. He is very nervous about having surgery. We keep talking about how wonderful life will be when he won't have to worry about bumping his knee anymore!!
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