We received some good news regarding our 16 month old son, Caelan, who is going through cancer treatment. Soon after his surgery to remove his tumor in April, a pocket of fluid began to develop in the surgery site. The doctors have been watching it very closely, expecting it to go away, but it has not. They have done ultrasounds and CT scans on it, but have not been able to figure out exactly what it is. They finally became concerned enough to do a biopsy. We were pretty nervous, but they assured us that they thought everything would be alright. Well, the results came back from the biopsy, and whatever it is, it is benign. I told Erika that it could be a Big Mac for all I cared, as long as it is benign.
Even though we have worked through a lot of the emotions and we are taking most of this in stride, when I got the call yesterday from the surgeon's office, I froze. A million fears ran through my head all at once. When they told me the good news, I was happy, but it was the kind of happy that you feel after you have ALMOST been in a car wreck. You're relieved, but you are still kind of in shock that you're getting calls from surgeons at Children's Hospital to tell you that the fluid in the place where they removed the tumor from your son is benign. I truly do praise God and am very thankful. But, the emotions that hit you during this whole thing are pretty intense. Thank you all for continuing to pray for us. We still have a long way to go, but God has been so gracious.
On a much more insignificant note (I just wanted to add this in here to speak about something completely frivolous on the heels of a pretty heavy topic), it looks pretty certain that my #5 ranked, 10-2 LSU Tigers are going to the Rose Bowl to play either Michigan or USC! Geaux Tigers! It will be the first time a team from the SEC has played in the Rose Bowl since Alabama did it in the 1940's. I'm pretty excited. I hope they represent well!
Alan,
Great to hear the good news. I will continue to pray.
Posted by: Kevin Bussey | November 30, 2006 at 11:12 PM
Alan,
We continue to keep Caelan on our prayer list and we pray for him and you.
I look forward to seeing you next week.
Art
Posted by: Art Rogers | December 01, 2006 at 12:10 AM
That is so wonderful, Alan. We really think you guys are special. Thanks for letting Alex come over yesterday, too. He had a blast.
Posted by: Nathan Bradfield | December 01, 2006 at 12:40 AM
Alan:
Terrific! I'm happy for the whole family.
See you in Arlington.
Posted by: Bob Cleveland | December 01, 2006 at 06:15 AM
I praise God for this news! I am so thankful that it is benign. hmmm..Go Tigers too, I guess.
Posted by: Laura | December 01, 2006 at 09:32 AM
Does that mean you rooted for LSU against God's team, the Razorbacks? :)
I'm glad things went well for Caelan and for your family. It is almost like a post-traumatic stress in your life. But what a wonderful reminder to lean fully on God.
Posted by: Bryan Riley | December 01, 2006 at 01:51 PM
Alan,
Someone said "good news shared with a friend is doubled." if that is true...you have just compounded that good news exponentially. We are all grateful.
Paul B.
Posted by: Paul Burleson | December 01, 2006 at 07:29 PM
Alan: I'm always so blessed when I hear news like this. Thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Debbie Kaufman | December 02, 2006 at 01:37 AM
Praise God for this latest news about Caelan.
Posted by: Tim Sweatman | December 03, 2006 at 01:01 AM
Of course I'm happy about the kid. Definitely. But no Rose Bowl. Good trade off, though.
Posted by: Joe Kennedy | December 03, 2006 at 12:56 PM
Yeah, it looks like a negative on the Rose Bowl after all. Oh well. Maybe the Sugar? Orange? We'll see tonight, I guess.
Posted by: Alan Cross | December 03, 2006 at 02:26 PM