Scan Results are Back - Surgery Is Next Wednesday

We got a call this morning from Caelan's oncologist. The PET Scan shows two lymph nodes that are registering a heightened level of glucose, which could be symptomatic of cancer, but could still also just be an infection.  This is not the news that we were hoping for. At any rate,  our surgeon and the oncologists are now in agreement that we have to biopsy. The CT Scans did not show any reduction in the lymph nodes. Apparently, there were two enlarged lymph nodes last week instead of the one as I previously communicated. We didn't remember that, but they have not grown and nothing has spread throughout his body, so that is good. They are going to biopsy in three places (previous tumor site, lymph node IN FRONT of his heart, and a part of his lung that is showing some fluid build up) and it will be major surgery. There is a chance that the surgery could be a less invasive rather than a more invasive surgery, but three biopsies at once is still a big deal - at least it seems that way to me.

We'll go to Birmingham next Tuesday for a consultation with the surgeon and then go back for the surgery on Wednesday. If they are able to get the biopsies from a scope, he will recover quickly. If it is cancer, we will start chemotherapy right away. The oncologist tried to be positive about the chemo saying that there were many available treatments that we have not yet tried for Caelan.  We're glad for that, but the prospect of going through that is not something that we are excited about. We are praying that God will spare him from this.

So, that is where we are. We appreciate your prayers and your support. I am so blown away by how many people have come to this site over the past week to just check and see how Caelan is doing and to pray.                                                          

      

            

            

         

                     

                

Right now, he is the picture of health and came up to me dressed up like a Lion and said, "Arrrgh!!!"  He's very ferocious! This isn't a current picture, but he is roaming around the house looking like this right now. I pray that the Lion of Judah would hold him tight and bring healing to his little body.

 

Comments

[Jason Epps]

Alan,

Thanks for the update. That great news that nothing has spread through his body. We'll continue to stand with you man, and I'll make sure we have some serious corporate prayer for you guys at our get-together in Dallas on Monday and Tuesday. We love you man, and please know that you guys haven't left the forefront of our minds and prayers since this began.

Blessings,
Jason and Roanne Epps

[Marty Duren]

Thanks, bro. Praying.

[Tammy Dickerson]

Alan, I know there is nothing anyone can do to make this better. I only hope our prayers will give yall some peace. My heart feels for yall and my prayers are with you every day. i hope the Lord heals Caelan. I am not good at writing and saying what I mean. I just really wanted you to know I am praying.

[Andrew Hicks]

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save

Alan and Erika, I am praying today that the Lord, who is mighty to save, will answer our prayers with mercy, and grace, and healing. We love you all.

[Mike and Cheryl]

Alan and Erika, We are praying and trusting that the God of miracles will heal Caelan and that the surgery will be minimal. We love you...Brake Family

[Kevin Bussey]

Alan,

You are being prayed. May God give you peace and I'm praying in agreement with you.

[Karen Golson]

We all desire to take your pain away. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that God has surrounded you with so many that will truly "walk" this with you. Our hearts are breaking with yours and still holding hope, always hope. I'm reminded of the song that says...."when you cannot see His hand, trust His heart."

[Karen Golson]

We all desire to take your pain away. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that God has surrounded you with so many that will truly "walk" this with you. Our hearts are breaking with yours and still holding hope, always hope. I'm reminded of the song that says...."when you cannot see His hand, trust His heart."

[Todd]

Continuing to pray.

[Lisa]

Alan and Erika,
We continue to pray for you and your family. You will find the energy and stamina to walk through this no matter what...you are not alone!
We love you,
the Roses

[Antje]

Regular visitor from the Netherlands praying too.

[Larry]

The seldom-sung third verse of Amazing Grace has been a shelter for us lately; may it be so to you and yours as well...

"The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures."

Blessings to you, brother. Thanks for taking the time to keep us all posted.

[Gary Snowden]

Alan,

I'm continuing to pray for you all in the midst of this. I add my prayers to those of others that the procedure will be as minimally invasive as possible and the results will come back with some encouraging news. We prayed for you all in our church staff meeting this week and I'll continue to keep folks updated on Caelan's situation as you share updates.

[LIndy]

Alan and Erika,

I'm praying for your precious child and your family. You heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help Psalm 31:22. We are beliving for a miracle because we know the Lord hears our prayers.
LIndy

[David Phillips]

Still Praying Alan!

[Micah Fries]

Alan-

Thank you for taking time to keep us updated. Our church and I will continue to pray.

Micah
Psalm 67

[Tammy Pate]

Hi Alan & Erika: You are being lifted up in prayer, I am sure you can feel it. You are doing the right thing at this point, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Let tomorrow (or next week) worry about itself.

With HOPE,
Tammy

[Joan]

Alan & Erika,

My heart hurts for you. Mother Teresa once said, "I am a pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Caelan's "letter" is literally going around the world as so many people lift up him and your entire family. I am praying Isa. 26:3 & 4 (perfect peace, steadfast hope & everlasting strength) for you all. Love you guys, Joan

[Bernard Shuford]

I am praying for you and for Caelan. I pray for a miracle. God bless you.

Bernard

[Laura]

Alan and Erika,
I am praying for God's healing for Caelan AND believing Him for this for without faith it is impossible to please him and faith is the evidence of things hoped for. I am hoping and believing. Amen!! Laura

[Brett & Shannon]

We continue to be in prayer for God to heal Caelan. We love you all.
The Morris Family

[The Collins Family]

Alan and Erika,
We love you guys and we are continually praying for healing in Caelan's body and for the Lord's unfailing love to rest on you all.

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:20-22)

[Rick Boyne]

We'll be praying...

[Les Puryear]

Lifting you all up to the throne of God.

[Craig Greene]

Alan, My family and I are praying continuously that Lord Jesus Christ will touch little Caelan and make his cancer disappear. We pray that you all will be strong and lifted up.
In His name.
Craig, Crystal and Kids