Tuesday, June 1, 2010

A Good Day and a Doohickey!

One thing we know is some days will be bad and some days will be good. Today was good. It was a day of waiting. We knew it was a day of waiting. We were not waiting to see or talk to any doctors and knew the next batch of information wasn't going to come until Tuesday.

We met with another oncologist today and there was a stark difference between his conservative approach and our open and detailed discussion with the surgeon yesterday. He reminded us that all of the info we have so far is just an educated guess and we won't know anything with confidence until after the biopsy pathology. Of course, we want them to do whatever they need to do in order to get the diagnosis right.

Will continues to have high blood pressure during the day, so his meds were changed today in an effort to keep it under control. This means we're here for the long haul, but are happy to be in a place where Will is getting such great care. They're still planning on a Tuesday or Wednesday biopsy, but haven't been given a time yet. Hopefully when everyone's back to work after the long (a boy has it felt long) weekend, things will move along more normally (and maybe they'll fix the internet).

Today was also a day of visits. The visits made William's day. First he was descended upon by his 4 boisterous brothers and his 5 awesome California cousins and 4 aunts and uncles. They "decorated" his windows with window markers and crayons. He wasn't particularly perky, but he commented after the tornado of little bodies left that he really liked seeing his family. He has thrown up a few times, probably due to pressure on his stomach from the tumor, but that's just a guess. He had thrown up early in the morning before the family arrived and turned to me to say, "I think it's because I'm homesick."

We gave him a bath and he asked if he could just sit and relax. We said yes. Duh!:) His baseball team coaches and 3 teammates and their families arrived, presenting him with his baseball trophy and hanging out with lots of laughter. William was thrilled and was the happiest he's been in a couple days, laughing loudly at all the 8 year old humor. He complained of a headache from laughing so much. We call that a good thing.

Some other dear friends whose son is a good buddy with William came to bring dinner and to hang out with William. He loved it and sat in bed and played games, smiled, and talked and talked and talked. For those who know William well, he talks. A lot! And that is something he has done very little of the past few days.

We have felt many tender mercies today from even small little things people have said and done for us. We have also felt increased strength today that we truly feel has come from the many prayers offered in our behalf.

We're ready for battle. William decided that tumor isn't a very fun word so he named his tumor "Doohickey" (thanks to the inspiration Jamil, Anna & Tariq) and declared:
"You're going down, Doohickey!"

16 comments:

  1. Julie, I'm so glad you're doing this blog so we can keep up to date on william. I had no idea this was going on and my prayers are with you and your family. We just got your Memorial Day card yesterday in the mail. You are such a wonderful person and mom. May the Lord bless you to be strong. I know you will be.

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  2. Ryan and Julie,
    My heart is so full for you today. I am sending you and your family my love and my prayers.

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  3. We will be praying for you! I met your sister at church on Sunday and have been thinking of you. Hope all goes well today and things move forward positively. We love your family! Take care!
    Jenn Karford

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  4. So glad to hear that he had a good day. We are praying for William and your family. Please let me know how I can help.
    Karyn Johnson

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  5. Glad he had a good day! I just heard about William this morning and will be thinking and praying you and the rest of the family. Please let me know if you need anything!
    Aubree Berry

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  6. Julie,

    You have such an amazing attitude already, though I'm not surprised because that's the kind of person you are. We are praying for William and your family. I would love to have your boys over to play or bring you dinner...anything you need.

    Melody Nartker

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  7. So glad he had a good day and lots of visitors to help buoy him up. He really looks good and I absolutely LOVE the first picture at the top (with the red pillow and his stuffed animal). He's so darling.

    I know I've said it before but I wish I could be there to help out. You're always in our thoughts and prayers.

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  8. We are inpired by your courage. Please let us know how we can help.

    Hodson Family

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  9. Thank you for sharing Julie. We're praying for William and all of you in every prayer. And we're so grateful you're willing to share what you know with us. We love you SO much!

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  10. Mary told us the news this weekend, you have been in our prayers. We wish the best for your family.

    -the East Coast cousins :)

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  11. Great pictures and thanks for letting us all bombard you yesterday! William is such a good sport. We love you, and please know you're in every prayer.

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  12. Julie, I just found out today about William and am sending tons of positive energy and love his way. Please give him a big hug from me! (and, of course, Clark too.) Please let me know if there is anything Will needs/wants to keep him occupied :-)
    Fondly,
    Mrs. Jones

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  13. We are praying for you all and appreciate your blog. Love, Jeannie Erickson

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  14. Simba! Will still loves Simba (and James). Good friends always bring a smile. There are more smiles ahead amid all the tests. That's what friends and family ( and favorite stuffed animals) are for!

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  15. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys at this time in your lives. Take a Break and have a Family Picture taken today!!! Family is what is sooo important now, as you rally around each other. Enjoy this journey even when it is hard. You will be so blessed as you are such a wonderful family! We love you and are praying for you all. Lots of Love, Terri and Guy Wentzel

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  16. You are such a wonderful, gifted writer! Thanks so much for "letting us in." We too have learned that beauty can be found on the most difficult journeys. You, Ryan, and especially William are in our hearts and prayers many times each day. We love you dearly! Doug & Kathy

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