Have You Heard?

I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT

Message from Madison:

Amazing News!!  

This news comes from Kate McRae's mom.   For those of you who are new followers, Kate was the August 2011 recipient of the I Feel the Love Project.

"Tuesday night we found out that Kate would not be able to have general anesthesia for the 2 1/2-3 hour MRI. The pneumonia clearly ruled it out. We decided to attempt the scan without sedation, Kate being quite determined to do so. Minutes before the scan began Wednesday morning however, her cough was thick and fierce. This caused many to comment that it would be unlikely that they would be able to perform the scan. Well, I should have known Kate's mind was clearly set on doing it, and so she did. 2 1/2 hours later climbing off the MRI table sweaty, cramped and slightly smirking. 

2 hours later we were reveling in the news that there was no evidence of cancer in her brain or spine. Yes, none! No evidence of recurrent tumor. This time Kate couldn't help but grinning from ear to ear. 

18 months ago we were told there was little to no chance she would survive this second fight with cancer. We had known from the beginning we had one chance to beat it. Then it returned. A deep grief seemed to accompany the fear that our days could be short. We were well aware that recurrent, metastatic cancer oftentimes doesn't respond to treatment. This form in particular is a deadly beast. 

Daily a deep grief seemed to inch its way through my soul. The emotional agony of anticipating the potential days ahead leaving me with an overwhelming longing for the days before this monster. It seemed death was coming and I could do nothing but watch and weep. 

So to sit on this side, a year and a half later and see smiles all around the room as the words "no evidence of recurrent tumor" flutter across the paper in front of me, is quite humbling. God in His mercy, not deserved, not earned, showing mercy for my sweet little girl. I wonder if my heart could ever be the same after a taste of that. I hope not. I hope not!

After the news we glided down the usual list of things that need to be followed for a small child having so much seemingly barbaric treatment. Seems few things are left without potential for harm. But I remind myself of what we just heard, life. When most everything medically had pointed to the contrary. We would take the side effects one day at a time. 

We learned that for the first time in over 3 years, we are extending the time between some of her scans. Her brain MRI's will continue to be every 3 months, landing the next one on February 6th. Kate will however, be able to go 6 months between MRI's of her spine. A first I pray of many steps in that direction. 

The next day the news continued. From previous testing we had been told that Kate had potentially lost a good deal of right sided peripheral vision in both eyes. The tumor, the surgery, the radiation, you can take your pick of culprits. She seemed to compensate fine despite it, but we had no idea if it would worsen or simply stay the same. Yesterday we found out that the damage was less than we had initially thought. Our wonderful Dr did a more specific test and determined that she had only lost the upper part of her right peripheral field. I grinned obnoxiously and Kate nodded satisfied. She had always said her eyes were fine. Her Dr then teased that there would be no professional basketball, sky diving or being a trapeze artist in her future, anything else was up to her. She debated the sky diving but slowly conceded. 

And today proved more good news. Her hearing remains normal after high doses of chemo that are very potentially damaging to her hearing. The drugs can damage her hearing for nearly 2 years after its given. We are slowly inching closer to that 2 year mark.

So a week full of God's mercy. Now back to therapy and in December we were given the green light to fully test for growth hormone deficiency related to the cancer, and to begin treatment if warranted. Kate is more than ready. 

We continue to have a lifetime of things to watch for, and war against. The recurrence of cancer being one of many. But we are in an unusual and unexpected place. A gift no doubt. We wanted you to know, as you have prayed alongside us, we now want you to rejoice with us as well! Thank you Jesus, for our most precious of blessings..."

I couldn't wait to share this news with you.  This information brought tears to my eyes.  Kate was just our third recipient and to read how far she has come in her battle with this horrible disease was so emotional for me.

If you haven't had the chance to become a part of this amazing team of crafters who give a card, wand, banner, or some type of handcrafted item to an individual in need please consider doing so this month.  You will be so glad that you did.  You can find all the information you need by clicking HERE.

We can't do this without you!  Thank you so much! I am humbled by your continuous support. 

~Madison