GREAT news!

I got a call from the surgeon yesterday about the results on the pathology on Braden's tumor. The main mass in Braden's abdomen came back as ganglia neuroma which is a benign tumor!! PRAISE GOD! He took ten lymph nodes out of Braden's neck, and 7 out of the 10 came back as ganglia neuroblastoma which means that some parts still have neuroblastoma which is malignant. The other 3 lymphnodes are normal! In the pelvis it also shows ganglia neuroblastoma which again has malignant components. He said that the tumor board would meet next week and get back to us. He said that the hope would still be to watch it and hope that the other places will turn to ganglia neuroma as well. This is what our prayer will be. That God will continue to heal Braden until this thing is gone! Thank you for your continued prayers.

Jessica's post this morning 10-12

This morning I wake up feeling like a new woman, my stress has disappeared and I am thankful for what God has done in our little boy.  Everything has worked out in His plan.  Yesterday would have been a much more stressful day if Braden had had the surgery that we originally came for.  After having the planned CT on Tuesday, the big surgery was still a go.  I signed the contract and we were set.  On Tuesday when we met with the doctors my mom asked me to ask them for a PET scan.  The doctors thought it would be some good information and I am so thankful we did.  If we had not done the PET scan then Braden would have had that horrible surgery yesterday.  A PET can only be done every three months and I know that God's timing for this was perfect!  If we had asked for the PET when we came for our consult last month, we may not have had the same results.  I know that through all of the prayer warriors God has heard our prayers and has been healing B so that he did not have to have the big surgery.  When the surgeon went in yesterday, he said that Braden's tumor looked white in color which indicates protein and maturity indicating that his tumor is turning more benign.  He said that neuroblastoma looks more grey in color and jelly-like and Braden's was more solid.  We are praying that with future scans his tumor turns completely to ganglianeuroma, which is a completely benign tumor.  The doc said that he could live with it without a problem.  At the end of surgery when we thanked the doctor, he pointed up and said, "He is the one you need to thank."  I know God was in the operating room and has been with us each and every step of the way.  He has guided our path and everything has happened in His timing!  Braden did ok last night.  He woke up 4-5 times screaming in pain, mostly when he tries to pee.  They said that this is normal after having a cath.  We are going to try to get him up and walking a little later.

PET scan results and a new plan!

This is the day that the Lord has made!! I will rejoice and be glad in it!!! We got some answered prayers today! The PET scan came back with significantly lower levels indicating that Braden's tumor is turning more ganglia neuroma ( more benign) so surgery options have changed ! They are going to remove the lymphnodes in the neck and then take a small biopsy of the tumor in the abdomen. They feel that we can just watch it and follow up with scans. They said that due to the morbility of the other surgery, this would be a better approach considering they have seen improvements. Praise God! We are on cloud nine right now and we give all the praise to Him! Thank you Lord!!!!!

CT results 10-9

Braden's CT scan showed a little improvement!! PRAISE GOD!! We return at 10 am in the morning for B to be prep for the PET scan. This will give them more information on the tumor. He will be put to sleep for this scan as well. We will return on Thursday at 6 am to be prepped for surgery . Wow the day is approaching fast!!! The doc said there is some risk of nerve damage in the legs, feet and growin, also there could be nerve damage in the eye and arm when they remove the lymphnodes in his neck. We are praying for no nerve damage and a successful surgery!

Jessica's Post, Tuesday 10-9

Braden is now awake and eating. We are now waiting to talk with the surgeon about the upcoming surgery. Thank u for all the prayers! We are definitely feeling them. I have been calm and collected today which is very unlike me on the days when Braden has been put to sleep. God is good!

They're in New York, ready to begin the week.

We will arrive at Sloan Kettering in the morning at 9:30am for Braden to start drinking contrast for his CT scan. He will be sedated and have his CT at 10:30am. He will then have his bone marrow biopsy at 1pm. They said this should only take 20 min and then when he wakes up we should be able to return to the Ronald McDonald house for one last night before being admited for the big surgery. Today we explored the city and tonight Braden has been running around like a crazy man, but we are letting him because we know tomorrow he will be very sore. Please continue to pray for our little one'

They're heading to NYC for Surgery!

Jessica's Facebook Post:

Braden has been scheduled to have surgery in NYC at Memorial Sloan Kettering on October 11th. This is a little sooner than we had originally thought. Dr. Laquaglia is a world renowned surgeon and we feel confident that with God's help, he will be able to remove Braden's tumor and our baby will be healed. We will head up to NYC the weekend of Oct. 6th. We will need to be at the hospital the Mon...

day and Tuesday before surgery for pre-op stuff and a bone Marrow biopsy which he will be put to sleep for. We will be admited on Wednesday before surgery and then he will have surgery on Thursday. I have been praying that God will be the hands of Braden's surgery team on that day. We are so blessed to have so many people praying for us. I ask that you continue to raise Braden up in Prayer. I knew that at some point we would have to jump a hurdle and things would get harder before getting easier. We have met that hurdle. I pray that Brandon and I and our entire family will have strength and peace about every decision that is being made. I feel God's prescence as I think about what lies ahead. I know he is here with me and will carry me along this journey. Braden is such a strong little boy and such an inspiration to me. I cannot wait for the story that he will have to share with others when he gets older. I know that he will be a testimate to God's unfailing love.