Caelan's Cancer Has Possibly Returned

Many of my readers have been praying for my son Caelan. Almost two years ago, he was diagnosed with cancer as an eight month old. He is now two and a half.

We went to Children's Hospital in Birmingham yesterday for Caelan's 3 month scans. He has been out of treatment for cancer since last April and all of the scans have gone well - up until yesterday. The oncologist came in and told us that they found an enlarged lymph node behind his heart. If he had not had a history of cancer they would just watch it and it still might just be an infection, but they are very concerned about the enlargement.  The doctors have scheduled a futher test for next week and a biopsy. The biopsy will be quite invasive as they have to go in through the side of his chest to get to the lymph node. Please pray that they are able to go straight to it, because if there are any problems with a small incision and scope, then they will have to open him up right then.

We had thought things were going well, our little boy was growing, and we were basically out of the woods. Yesterday, all that came crashing down. During Caelan's treatment we were told that if this type of cancer ever came back, he would not have a very good chance of making it. Our oncologist confirmed that yesterday.  We are fervently praying that this is just an infection, but the doctors seem to think otherwise - or, at least they are not very confident that this is anything other than another expression of the cancer. The doctors are so confident that they are pushing for a very risky surgery to get at this.  We have a lot of decisions to make - we desperately need God's guidance, wisdom, comfort, and healing power.

Erika and I are devastated. My emotions feel like they are spinning around in a washing machine. All we can do is cry out to God and ask Him to have mercy.  If there was ever a case where we needed a miracle, this is it.

Caelan is such a beautiful boy. I am grieving like I never have in my life.   

Comments

[Kevin]

I am hurting with you and praying for you.

[Bob Cleveland]

This hurts Peg and I both, Alan. Know our prayers are with you, brother.

[David Rogers]

Heavenly Father,

As brothers and sisters in the same spiritual family, who are called to walk together through the trials and victories of life in this world, we lift up our hearts together with Alan & Erika during this time. We call on You, the God of mercy and of love, to shower that mercy and love upon our brother and sister. In our human weakness and frailty, with our hearts broken, and a proclivity to fear and worry, we implore You, with the measure of faith that You Yourself provide, to take little Caelan in Your hands, and touch his body with Your healing power. Shield him from the schemes of the enemy. Show Yourself strong. Show Yourself faithful. Show Yourself sufficient. We wait on You. Our hope is in You and You alone.

In the name of Jesus we pray,

Amen

[Todd]

Alan,
We will be praying God's mercy as David has so wonderfully illustrated.

[Wayne Smith]

Alan, Erika and the Cross Family,

Know that Irene and I are praying for Caelan and that God will continue to use Your Family as a witness for who God is and God’s Plan for all our lives. Alan you have been and are a Blessing here on these Blogs for your Witness for Jesus Christ our Lord. May God Continue to Comfort You All and Wrap His Arms around Caelan.

In His Name
Wayne Smith

[Micah Fries]

Alan-

I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you. I'll be praying for you. Call me if you want to just blow off some steam.

[Art Rogers]

Alan & Erika,

I am also praying for you and your family - of course, for Caelan.

I am grateful for agressive Doctors. That means much when dealing with agressive cancer.

I'll put you all on our prayer chain. I wish I could say more. Just know that we are with you.

Art

[Bart Barber]

No, Father. Please, no.

[Gregory Teal]

I am praying hard.

[Micah Brake]

I love you. My heart's with you. And our God loves you. He's not surprised.

You have been upheld by Me from birth; from the time you were born I have been carrying you. Even until your old age, I will carry you—even when you get gray hairs! I have made you, and I will carry you, and I will deliver you. (Is. 46). I will not forget you. See: I have written your name on the palm of my hands! (Is. 49: 15-16).

If you need ANYTHING, let me know. I'm here.

[Robin Foster]

Alan

It was a blessing to talk with you tonight. We are getting the word out at SBC Today. Keep strong my friend, many around the world are praying for Caelan and your family.

Your brother

Robin

[Debbie Kaufman]

Alan: I am praying and grieving with you and Erika. Ever since I had the privilege of meeting you last year, you and your family have become even dearer to my husband and myself. We will be crying out to God along with you.

[Wes Kenney]

Alan,

I, my family, and my church will be praying for your family.

[Jack Maddox]

Alan

As the father of a 16 year old who is himself a cancer survivor, I understand the fear and the pain. Please know that Dorothy and I and our son MIchael are praying for you, your son, and your family.

[John Stickley]

As I sit here at my computer, reading this with tears in my eyes, I find myself almost at a complete loss for words.

I'm praying that God will work miracles in this situation, and that He will provide comfort to all of you in a very real and tangible way.

[Chris Johnson]

Alan,

Our church family will pray as well. May God grant Caelan and your family great and abiding peace during these days!

We will be in prayer,
Chris

[Jason Epps]

Alan,

I will refrain from calling as I can imagine that you and your family are receiving many calls at this hour. However, please know that my wife and I, and the congregation of Gospel Fellowship, will immediately make Caelan a top priority in our prayers. Please keep us updated via your blog.

Blessings,
Jason Epps

[Alan Cross]

Thank you all for your prayers. When I wrote this post, I was in pretty bad shape emotionally and spiritually. I was just exhausted from the grief and concern for my son - it was like nothing I had ever experienced. God lead me to some people to call on for prayer, and within an hour, we were in the lobby of another church in town being prayed for by several people - that's a story worth telling sometime regarding how that all transpired. Also, all of you guys and many others got word of this through the blog and began praying. People like Robin Foster and others called tonight and prayed for my family, believing God to do miracles. I don't know what God is up to, but I can say that I am experiencing peace and hope right now, and that was not the case before. Sometimes, no, all the time, we need each other and God works and moves through us as we minister to one another.

Thank you for your prayers and for getting the word out on other blogs. God is honoring the prayers of His saints. Please don't stop.

[Tim G]

Dear God, give wisdom, direction, peace and above all comfort. And yes dear God, we ask for a miracle for this young man and his family!

[wade burleson]

Alan and son Caelan,

This story - your fight for hope and trust in God during a difficult time - puts life in perspective for all of us.

My prayers are for you both and all in your lovely family.

In Him,

Wade Burleson

[Strider]

God be with you and your family. We are praying for you.

[Paul]

Alan,

It's 1 AM our time and I should already be in bed. I didn't see this until just now. My heart is breaking for you and your family. Our prayers are with you.

Blessings,
Paul

[A S Hodel]

Alan, I've not met you yet though we live fairly close to one another (I'm in Auburn). You've been an encouragement to me in your blogging. I will certainly be in prayer for your son and your family.

The X-files used to say, "We are not alone." They were right, but for the wrong reasons.

Yours,

Scotte

[Marty Duren]

Alan and Erika-
Guys, my heart is just laying in my gut right now. I was so hoping that this was over and done.

Many years ago, Sonya was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a situation for which we were completely unprepared. As young marrieds we had to walk as you are walking--moment by moment. I remember the sense of apprehension that preceded and followed every CAT scan once her treatment was over. "Well, there's something there; we think it is scar tissue." It was like one ongoing tooth extraction. Peace displaced fear and worry as we consciously acknowledged that the results were out of the Drs hands and in God's.

It is my prayer that God will give grace for healing for your son. You are in the valley of the shadow of death right now, but there is light at both ends. You are not forsaken and Caelen is not forgotten. You and he are loved by the One who loves best, loves most and loves eternally.

[Paul Burleson]

Alan,

Calean is a precious gift to you and your family. My prayer is that God will repair that special gift as only He can. "Father, I'm asking for him to get Your special healing touch so all who hear of it will know where that touch came from and that little gift will speak of his Lord to the salvation of many for years to come if Jesus tarries. This is my prayer in the strong Name of Your Son, who is our Lord. Amen."

Paul B.